Families Hereford & Worcester March - April 2017

Hereford & Worcester

Issue 44 March/April 2017 www.familiesonline.co.uk

Now Open In Redditch

Really useful information for parents of 0-12 year olds in Hereford & Worcester

News & Views

Editor’s Letter Dear readers Spring has sprung, the trees are blossoming and the flowers are coming into bloom. The days are getting longer and the weather is feeling warmer.

And with the Easter Hols just around the corner, now is the time to start thinking about unplugging your little darlings from whatever electronics they have become attached to and getting them out of the house for some fresh air and good old fashioned fun.

The benefits of being active outside for our physical health and mental well-being are well documented and it is especially important for young children.

Pregnancy and baby support website Emma’s Diary has published a list of names it thinks will be popular for babies born this year. Emma’s Diary thinks a number of new releases will influence parents in 2017. First on the list is Belle, inspired

by Beauty and the Beast. Moana, from last year’s Disney film, is likely to inspire a few parents herself, while Dusty Rhodes is the cowgirl from Cowgirl's Story. Martha is a character in the new Jumani adventure and with rumours circulating that Disney is planning a reboot of The Princess Diaries franchise for 2017, Mia could also be a popular. As far as boys’ names go, a new film about Winnie The Pooh author A.A. Milne and his son Christopher Robin is likely to bring Christopher back into vogue. For more information visit: www.emmasdiary.co.uk/baby-name-zone

Diane Clifford. Editor 01684 770566 editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

Next issue May/June. Booking Deadline 3 April

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In this issue 2 News & Views

9 Clubs And Classes

4 Education

12 Easter

6 Ed’s Reading Room

14 What’s On Like us on Facebook FamiliesHandW

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editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk Circulation: 22,000 copies of Families Hereford & Worcester are available through nurseries, preschools, schools, libraries, soft play centres, selected shops and other distribution points throughout the county. If you would like free copies for your organisation or if you would like to subscribe so you don’t miss an issue please contact us. Families Hereford & Worcester is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Temple House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Hereford & Worcester are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.’ Print: The Manson Group, Reynolds House, 8 Porters Wood, Valley Road Industrial Estate, St Albans. AL3 6PZ. Tel: 01727 848 440.

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Families Hereford & Worcester

If you have ever worried about the amount of time your children spend in front of smartphones, computers, consoles and TV, you are certainly not alone. A group of 40 leading authors, educationalists and child-development experts have called for official guidelines on screen use by children up to 12 to be drawn up by recognised authorities on child health and development.

A new species to arrive at Cotswold Wildlife Park is the mysterious Binturong, from the forests of South East Asia, where it spends most of its time in the trees. Otherwise known as the “Bear-Cat”, the Binturong is a strange creature in its habits and appearance. Despite its bulk and relatively slow nature, it is surprisingly agile in the trees and uses its prehensile tail for balance as it moves around looking for its favourite fruits. Should you ever be close enough, you will detect a faint aroma of popcorn emanating from the “Bear-Cat” as he moves about his exhibit near our Reptile House, from a scent gland at the base of his tail. For more information: www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk

In this issue we learn how some local schools are making outdoor learning a key part of education. We also present a few ideas on how you can make the most of the outside with your little ones too. So, go on! Get out there and enjoy the great outdoors.

Follow us on Twitter @FamiliesHW

Call For Official Screen Time Guidance

What’s Hot For Baby Names

Now in its 6th year the Chilli Festival returns to Eastnor Castle on Sunday 30 April – Monday 1 May. There will be all things chilli to try and buy! Live music, bars, hot food, children’s cookery school, Chilli Eating Competition and cooking demonstrations. (Pre-booking is highly recommended as tickets are limited). www.eastnorcastle.com

Playing Outside Could Reduce The Risk Of Short-Sighteness Spending time outdoors as a teenager could reduce the chances of becoming short-sighted as an adult, according to a new study.

The study, by researchers from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and Kings College London, looked at more than 3,000 people aged 65-plus. The researchers took blood samples, conducted eye examinations and interviewed participants to gauge their levels of exposure to sunlight since early adolescence.

The results found that those with the highest exposure to sunlight in their teenage and young adult years were up to 30% less likely to become myopic or short-sighted.

The paper’s senior author, Professor Astrid Fletcher, said: “We know spending time outdoors can protect against myopia but the reasons why are less clear. Our study showed that exposure to sunlight is likely to be the major factor due to stimulation of physiological factors associated with eye growth, rather than through its action on vitamin D production.”

To advertise call: 01684 770566

March-April 2017

It is Mother’s Day on Sunday 26 March, so put your thinking cap on and come up with something special. Check out the many attractions across Hereford & Worcestershire that are running special Mother’s Day events. At many of them mums go free!

Parents Believe Mandarin Is Most Useful Non-Europoean Language For Kids To Learn

In a letter to The Guardian the group, which includes author Philip Pullman, psychotherapist Susie Orbach, childcare expert Penelope Leach and the former archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, said it also wants to see the creation of a minister for children. This cabinet-level role would assess the impact of all government policies on children’s health and wellbeing.

The letter also called for a kindergartenstyle education for 3 to 7-year olds, which would emphasise emotional and social development and encourage outdoor play.

Now Open in Redditch

UK parents see Mandarin Chinese as the most important nonEuropean language for their children to learn.

French, Spanish and German were still the top languages of choice but a majority of parents saw value in learning Mandarin.

More than half (56%) of those questioned in a Populus survey commissioned by the Mandarin Excellence Programme (MEP) felt that the language would open their children’s minds to an “exciting and dynamic” culture. 51% also thought that learning Mandarin would boost their kids’ future career prospects.

Mark Herbert, of the British Council, which is backing the MEP along with the UCL Institute Of Education, said: “With the global economy becoming more interconnected and the drive to boost exports, language skills are increasingly vital for work and life.

“Mandarin Chinese is one of the languages that matter most to the UK’s future prosperity. If the UK is to remain competitive on the world stage, we need far more of our young people leaving school with a good grasp of Mandarin in order to successfully work abroad or for businesses here in the UK. Learning Mandarin is also a fascinating process that brings a valuable understanding of Chinese culture,” he added.

March-April 2017

To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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Education

Education Independent School Open Days Bredon School, Tewkesbury

Board and day co-ed ages 3 – 18 years Wednesday 15 March, 10.00am-12noon Contact 01684 293156 www.bredonschool.org The Downs, Malvern Board and day co-ed ages 2 – 13 years Monday 1 May, 9.30am-4.30pm Contact 01684 544 100 www.thedownsmalvern.org.uk

King’s St Albans, Worcester Day co-ed ages 4 – 11 years Saturday 11 March Activities Morning 10.00am-12noon Contact 01905 354906 www.ksw.org.uk Moffats, Bewdley Board and day co-ed ages 3 – 13 years Friday 17 March, 9.30am-12.30pm Contact 01299 841230 www.moffats.co.uk

Email your school open days to editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

RGS, Worcester Day co-ed ages 2 – 18 years Saturday 13 May (The Grange - ages 2-11) 9.30am-12.30pm Saturday 6 May (Springfield - ages 2-11) 9.00am-12.00pm Contact 01905 613391 www.rgsw.org.uk Hereford Cathedral School, Hereford Day co-ed ages 3 – 18 years Friday 10 March, 9.45am (Junior School) Contact 01432 363511 www.herefordcs.com

AWARD-WINNING

Take The Fear Out Of Exams We all know that the lead up to exam season can be a daunting time for child and parent. With phonics screening checks, teacher assessments, and SATs, you might often wonder how best to support your child.

The Magic Of Outdoor Learning One of the most important decisions a parent makes is where his/her young child will begin formal education. The Foundation Years of Nursery and Reception at The Downs Malvern provide a superb foundation for the years that follow, during which the children develop their learning techniques, both as individuals and as members of a class group, says Alex Sigley, Head of Pre-Prep.

every child is welcomed and where good manners, thoughtfulness and kindness, as well as self-discipline, motivation and independence are of equal importance. The teachers are supported by experienced, qualified and caring teaching assistants, and specialist Prep School teachers of sport, music,

The school is set in 55 acres of beautiful grounds on the western side of the Malvern Hills, providing the backdrop for a multitude of sporting activities, ‘Forest School’ and even our own fully operational 9 ½ inch gauge railway line.

Our Pre-Prep numbers have risen in recent years, allowing for an exciting programme of refurbishment and the provision of extra classrooms and facilities, to ensure that the learning environment from which our children benefit is spacious, attractive and well-equipped.

The small class sizes and excellent staff-to-pupil ratios allow our teachers to spend one-to-one time with each child, providing every opportunity for the children to flourish and gain in confidence.

art and languages spend time with even our youngest children, helping to ensure a smooth transition to the Prep department.

Why choose the Pre-Prep department at The Downs Malvern?

Our current parents have done so because they know that we offer a stimulating, happy, secure and inclusive community, where

Please do request a copy of our prospectus, but don’t just take our word for it – visit us and see for yourself! www.thedownsmalvern.org.uk

While there is no magic formula for exam success, there are many ways to help children feel prepared and confident about assessments.

Start early by planning ahead.

Revisiting a range of subject areas in manageable, weekly chunks can be much more beneficial to supporting memory, skills, and confidence than ‘cramming’.

Call 030 3003 4006 to book your free trial. explorelearning.co.uk

HAVE YOU BEEN

Whole School Open Day /QPFC[ UV /C[ CO s RO

At Explore Learning, we’re here to support the whole family from day one. We offer tailored maths and English tuition from expert staff, and exam preparation workshops and parent information evenings throughout the year so that everyone feels confident at home!

/explorelearning @exploretutors EducationInvestor

Awards 2016

Families Hereford & Worcester

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Be sure to remain positive and praise them when you see them accomplish something great: hearing “you’ve done a fantastic job today!� will undoubtedly build their self-belief.

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Everyone learns and revises in their own way. Some children like visual representations and sticky notes around the house whereas others will respond better to conversations and answering questions aloud. Find a learning style and timetable that works for your child and create a plan to suit this.

Come and see our Pre-Prep children in action!

For more advice and top tips, and to book your free trial session, visit our website: https://www.explorelearning.co.uk/blog/ exam-preparation-how-to-support-your-child/ To advertise call: 01684 770566

March-April 2017

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To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

5

Books Reviews

Education Ed’s Reading Room

Hi kids. I’m Ed and here is my Spring book selection for you to enjoy. Ed’s Reading Room is an exciting free book review website.

Buy the books online at www.EdontheWeb.com. Have fun reading!

FOR AGES 5-7 YEARS

Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam: The Spooky School by Tracey Corderoy (Nosy Crow £5.99)

ED SAYS: ‘Shifty and Sam aren’t just skilful bakers – they have a knack of solving mysteries too. Preparations are being made for a midnight feast at St Spectre’s School but Shifty and Sam must track down one very cheeky ghost. Next they have to find out what is going on with some extremely wacky weather. Then when they take the Bakemobile to the museum’s courtyard, they don’t just have to sell their treats, they must also work out what the raccoons have in their brown sacks.

‘With super illustrations, these three stories are sure to delight boys and girls alike, reading on their own or reading together.’

Who Stole the Hamster? by N Griffin (Walker £6.99) ED SAYS: ‘When the class in Room 11 discover their hamster has gone missing, chaos ensues. Did Patches escape or was he stolen? It is time for Smashie and her best friend Dontel to get their sleuthing hats on. However they realise that more than one crime has been committed. When Smashie and Dontel start their detective work will they be able to sort out the chaos?

FOR AGES 7 YEARS PLUS

Train with Sensei Jags Shoker, 3rd Dan Monday: St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Droitwich Spa 5.30 – 6.30 pm Tuesday: Woodrush High School, Worcester 5.30 – 6.30 pm Wed & Fri: The Parish Centre, Barnt Green 5.30 – 6.30 pm Friday: Parkside Middle School, Bromsgrove 3.40 – 4.40 pm Saturday: St Peters RC First School, Special Bromsgrove 9.15–10.15 am

offer 5 FREE lessons

www.kombatkids.com 01543 473408 / 07730 899722 register@kombatkids.com

Prom King: The Fincredible Diary of Fin Spencer by Ciaran Murtagh (Piccadilly Press £5.99)

ED SAYS: ‘When Blake Romney arrives from America and joins Fin’s class, Fin thinks everything about Blake is really cool. This is high praise from Fin who up to now thinks of himself as the best-looking and most charming kid in the school. When Blake suggests an end of year Prom, Fin goes into overdrive. He absolutely must be the Prom King and find a way of making Claudia his Prom Queen. But will he be able to make this happen? Even with the help of his magic diary.

‘This is another hilarious story from this super writer. The book is imaginatively presented and is very entertaining from start to finish.’

The Song From Somewhere Else by A F Harrold (Bloomsbury £12.99)

ED SAYS: ‘Frank isn’t sure how to react when Nick Underbridge, the least popular boy at school, helps her get away from some boys who have been bullying her. What would her friends say if they knew she had been to Nick’s house? And will he take it that she is now his friend? But there is something appealing about Nick’s house and particularly the music she hears there. Sometimes friendship can be found when it is least expected.

Call 01684 770566 if you are interested in advertising in the Hereford & Worcester issue 6

Families Hereford & Worcester

‘This is a beautifully written story that is at times funny, frightening and very moving. It is a real page-turner and is extremely thought-provoking.’

Ed’s Reading Room is part of www.edontheweb.com, a DTI award-winning website. It was created by Maggie Humphreys, a teacher of more than 25 years, and Les Snowdon, who together are authors of several books on fitness walking and healthy eating. You can contact Maggie on 01753 730019 or by email at maggiehumphreys@aol.com. See Maggie’s latest ebooks at www.WalkWalk.co.uk.

To advertise call: 01684 770566

King’s St Alban’s: “I am who I am today because of the choices I made yesterday”. Set in the heart of Worcester, King’s St Alban’s caters for children aged 4 to 11 with a purpose-built PrePreparatory Department combining bright, airy classrooms, a multi-purpose hall, library and a delightful outdoor garden.

At King’s St Alban’s we recognise that the early years of any child’s life are important as they form the basis that will contribute to the person that each child will become. We believe that happy children learn best, and work hard to ensure that the foundations laid in the Pre-Prep Department are based upon happiness, confidence and an eagerness to learn.

We aim to nurture the potential of every child in classes that are small enough to ensure consistent attention, yet large enough to allow friendships to blossom and competition to remain healthy. With wrap-around care from 8 am until 6pm each day included in the fees, the benefits of a King’s education go even further.

Please contact our Registrar, Mrs Louise Robins, on 01905 354906 or lrobins@ksw.org.uk for more information.

‘There is plenty of intrigue and fun in this school mystery in which clues abound for the reader to follow the trail to try and discover what exactly is going on.’

Established 1992 Fully Qualified Instructors Specialised Classes 4 – 16 years Beginners, Intermediate & Advanced

A Positive Choice

March-April 2017

Making A Mark In The Early Years All children have the right to be provided with the best possible start to their education and parents should expect their local nurseries to create a positive, welcoming Early Years environment that is both lively and stimulating says Penny Harman and Laura Birdseye.

From a young age children observe the adults around them reading and writing and want to copy them. One of the roles of an Early Years setting is to provide various activities which support children to develop the important skill of mark making. Mark making is the first scribbles and patterns of a crayon or pencil and represents the first step in the journey towards being able to write.

All children enjoy experimenting with making marks but it’s important that the emphasis is not placed on teaching a child how to hold a pencil correctly. Invariably a young child will not have developed the motor skills necessary to achieve the correct pencil grip. Instead, they need to be encouraged to undertake activities which will encourage the development of their gross and fine motor skills to the level required to begin to write competently. They will then develop the correct pencil grip naturally.

The more opportunity your child has to develop large and small movements in their arms, hands and fingers, the better.

March-April 2017

This will make it easier to make marks with a variety of tools.

It is important that Early Years settings constantly provide the following play activities which help develop the skills to support children with mark making: •

Throwing and catching balls of different sizes and using their hands to squeeze things. This encourages children to open and close their hands one at a time.

•

Fastening buttons and zips and tearing tissue paper and newspaper. This teaches children how to touch each finger with the thumb of the same hand.

•

Stirring with a large spoon and rolling out play dough.

This gets children used to rolling each wrist in turn.

•

Threading large beads, hanging up clothes with pegs, making towers with blocks, Duplo or Lego, doing simple jigsaw puzzles, playing with castanets and using finger puppets all familiarise children with the tripod grasp that they will need to use this to hold a pencil correctly.

Penny Harman and Laura Birdseye are qualified teachers and proprietors of Little Wrens Nursery School, Twickenham.

To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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Education

Clubs and Classes

Times Tables Made Easy Hands up who got their iPhone out the last time they had to add anything up? You’re not the only one. Relying on a calculator is easy and convenient but getting to grips with maths and, in particular, times tables, is vital for children if they are to succeed at school.

Start with the twos Adding two to a previous number is something most children will find achievable in primary school and this sets up a pattern for learning about the other times tables. The 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 pattern has an easy rhythm to help children remember it.

Helping your little ones at home and doing some extra work to ensure they feel confident in their learning can almost be as important as what they do in the classroom. It can, however, be tricky when you are not actually a teacher.

Apply it to real life If times tables is something your children can apply to daily life, they will show much more of an interest. Instead of testing what they know, be playful about it when you’re at the supermarket and they’re helping you with the shopping (it can happen sometimes!). If you’re buying loose fruit and veg, ask them if they know what the price would be if you bought three instead of two.

Find out what works best Like anything with children, once you discover what works best for them – stick to it. If your child learns best using visual aids then go down that route. If, on the other hand, listening and chanting helps them learn, then explore the different types of apps available on the iPad or computer and try downloading some of them. It may be a good idea to keep these activities supervised so that if your child does make a mistake and comes up with a wrong answer, you are on hand to explain.

The thing that can really turn children off learning their times tables is the practise it will take. Mixing up the way they spend their time practising is important for sparking their interest and holding their attention. Here are some top tips to help you.

What should they know?

How and what children learn in primary school sets them up for success in secondary school. If the foundations are in place for them to be able to work out an equation like 3x6=18 without using a calculator, then they will find it easier when it comes to tackling harder arithmetic. The education curriculum changes, but at the moment, children are required to know 12x12 by the age of nine.

How can you help them know it?

Buy posters of times tables or make your own; you can then stick them up throughout the house. On the wall opposite the loo, or under a magnet on the fridge, so that they are taking it in without even realising it. You can even tape it to the ceiling above their bed so that they have something to talk about with you when you are snuggling down, instead of a bed-time story.

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Families Hereford & Worcester

Pick out the patterns Come on, admit it; everyone has a favourite times table. It’s probably your favourite because you find it the easiest to remember or you like the pattern. Picking up on things like this will make it easier for your little ones to learn. The 9 times table has one of the easiest patterns to remember because, whilst the tens go up each time, the other number just goes down; 9, 18, 27, 36, 45, 54, 63, 72, 81 and 90.

Do not bring your own feelings into it Teaching methods have changed a lot since us parents were learning our times tables. Your children are probably learning in a different way now so chances are that you may have to brush up on your arithmetic too. Ordering yourself something like Maths for Mums and Dads could help. Discovering new ways of learning can make it fun for both of you.

Build their confidence There is more to maths than arithmetic and it is important that your little ones do not lose interest in maths as a subject because it feels too difficult or seems too time consuming.

Break down learning into bite-size chunks and make it as playful as possible. Encourage your children and praise them for trying when they do. Show them how far they have come since last week or last month and this should spur them on.

To advertise call: 01684 770566

March-April 2017

How to communicate with your child before she can talk The aim of baby signing is to help parents and babies communicate before they are technically able to speak.

Babies understand far more than they can express, and signing helps them communicate their needs and preferences during this time, preventing frustration and enhancing bonding.

“Remember that babies understand much more that they are able to say. From a purely developmental point of view, babies achieve the ability to construct language with their hands at least six to twelve months before they can do with their vocal apparatus,” says Marilyn Daniels from Dancing with Words, Signing for Hearing Children’s Literacy, 2001.

Baby sign language is not about us talking to our babies, but about us giving them a language to talk to us!

Being able to communicate is fundamentally important to our well-being and it is never too early to start. Through TinyTalk’s special mix of signing, singing and sensory activities, you can discover a fun way of communicating with your baby plus have an invaluable insight into your baby’s thoughts.

The great news about baby signing, as opposed to other baby activity classes, is that the benefits of early communication really do extend to the whole family. Baby signing is also a valuable skill for childcare professionals in nursery and childminding settings, whom we help through our Organisational Training programmes.

We already use gesture as a natural part of our language. By building on this and teaching some simple signs from British Sign Language (BSL), babies as young as 6-9 months are able to start expressing their wants and needs, or their excitement at seeing lots of ducks in the park!

Some parents worry that by using signs their child’s speech will be delayed. This is not true and is often the opposite. It is important to say the word whilst signing it so that the child then makes the link between the object, the spoken word and the sign.

TinyTalk baby signing can help bridge the gap between understanding and being able to communicate, thus providing the child with the opportunity for early communication skills and giving them the building blocks on which to structure their developing spoken language.

March-April 2017

To find out more about our classes: Worcester contact suzannem@tinytalk.co.uk, Droitwich & Evesham contact Molliep@tinytalk.co.uk Hereford & Leominster contact Hannahc@tinytalk.co.uk

Worcester suzannem@ tinytalk.co.uk

Evesham, Pershore & Droitwich Spa molliep@ tinytalk.co.uk

Herefordshire Hannahc@ tinytalk.co.uk

To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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Clubs and Classes

Clubs and Classes

British Summer Camps For Kids

which is great for CVs. Would-be rock stars can sign on to KZR!Music, where a 2-day music course costs £120.

Another day camp operator is Fire Tech. They are based throughout England for 9-14 year olds and cover such subjects as video game development and mobile app design. We may think of camps as featured in American movies with lots of strenuous sports, s’mores by the fire, and friendly competition, but these days the cerebral is celebrated, just as much as the physical.

Learning a new language is a popular camp choice, and some parents elect to fly their children overseas to brush up on their French, German or Spanish. It’s even possible to go to Shanghai or Beijing and learn Mandarin.

Of course, hanging from zip wires, pushing the boundaries of courage and competence and trying new things will always be top reasons to consider a summer camp, and companies like PGL, like to combine activities for their teens and tweens.

Creativity and adventure can go hand-in-hand on their seven day courses with mornings spent fencing and evenings doing photography.

Cost is obviously a consideration for most families, especially when they have more than one child to pay for. Many companies offer Childcare Vouchers and in addition, they give discounts for multiple or early bookings. Some even offer scholarships or reduced rates for special circumstances.

Although sport and adventure are heavily featured, not all camps cater to active miniathletes. For the less boisterous, there are art and academic options, technology and performing arts. If your child loves dancing, motorbiking, film-making or computing, there is bound to be a camp to suit and build their skills, and they vary in length from one-off days to several residential weeks.

The benefit of going off to camp for the average child is the phenomenal boost to their self-esteem and independence. It can be a little daunting for parents to let them go off on their own, knowing they will not be there to soothe and reassure should anything go wrong.

Finding one that suits you A good place to research all the activities on offer, from archery to zorbing, is the British Activities Providers Association, which lists and gives accreditation to over 100 summer camps in the UK and Europe.

Two well-known British providers are Outward Bound and the Youth Hostel Association.

under the stars in the Lake District, and coasteering, bush tracking, den-building and bonfires are all popular. If your 9 - 15 year old is an adrenalin junkie, they will relish the cliff jumping and sea swimming at the Isle of Man Venture Centre.

The Outward Bound Trust caters to 11-19 year olds in residential camps, and the YHA holds themed camps for 10-19 years with accommodation in their own hostels. Younger children are accepted by xkeys.co.uk from 6 years, and at ATE from 8 years. Fun might include scuba diving, football or quad biking. The so-called “Bear Grylls effect” has led to a lot of kids (and their parents) enjoying the idea of learning survival skills and coping with the great outdoors. Over-10s can bivouac

Day camps are great too

Not all kids are comfortable with the prospect of being away from home and this is where day camps are ideal. Camp Beaumont is the leader in this field with over 40 choices and they run all through the summer from 8.30am to 5.30pm. At The Academies, day camps for 3-17 year olds, offer such clubs as “Mad Scientists” or “Groovy Gardeners” and teens can brush up their UCAS applications or learn to coach the young ones,

Join our classes at Monkey Music Redditch And Worcester Did you know that at Monkey Music, where babies, toddlers and pre-school children learn music in a fun and creative way, you can join our classes at any point in the term? You don't have to wait for the start of term. If you have not been to a complimentary class at Monkey Music why not book yours today. Bethan Craner runs Monkey Music classes in Redditch, Worcester, Evesham, Bromsgrove, Droitwich and Pershore area.

Contact: Bethan Craner 01527 62378 www.monkeymusic.co.uk/area/Redditch-Worcester 10

Families Hereford & Worcester

To advertise call: 01684 770566

March-April 2017

However, this is just the character-building part of the experience which allows children to flourish and find their own confidence. Most camps will team younger children with an older “mentor” who will keep a special eye on them, and provide that all-important cuddle if necessary.

Tempting though it may be to call and check on them all the time, it really is better to restrict contact, and encourage your child to have a positive attitude to being away.

If considering a summer camp, involve your child in the selection process, so that they know what to expect, and have input into the choice. You can tailor this process to support your child’s personality, for example, a shy child may be happier in a smaller group, such as those of no more than 12, at Mill on the Brue in Somerset.

Ultimately, with the right preparation, a summer camp is the ideal way for your child to spend their time during that long summer holiday. Spend some time selecting, look at each camp’s suitability, and be excited for your child for one of the most lifeenriching experiences out there.

For more information about clubs and classes visit: www.familiesonline.co.uk March-April 2017

Monkey Music Redditch & Worcester E: redditch.worcester@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 01527 62378

Monkey Music classes are held at three venues near to you.

1. Arrow Valley Visitor Centre Batterns Drive, Redditch. B98 0LJ 2. Worcester Woods Countryside Centre Wildwood Drive, Worcester, WR5 2LG 3. Hampton Guide, Scout and Community Hall, Pershore Road, Evesham, WR11 2PQ

Teachers required. Full training provided. Call for

BE GOOD AT BEING YOURSELF EVESHAM AND REDDITCH 01386 429 429 stagecoach.co.uk/evesham stagecoach.co.uk/redditch BROMSGROVE 01926 651 159 bromsgrove@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/bromsgrove WORCESTER 01926 313660 worcester@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/worcester

Creative Courage For Life

To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

Stagecoach Performing Arts Schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals.

Stagecoach is a registered trademark of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Ltd.

A long-established tradition in the USA, summer camps are now readily available across the UK for all ages. British parents have found that packing their youngsters off for a few days or weeks of stimulation and entertainment is the perfect answer to the annual conundrum: “what will the kids do with their long summer break?” For working parents, the concept is a godsend. The great news is that the children love it too.

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Easter

Easter 2. Do some wildlife watching According to research by the Kaiser Family Foundation, children spend more than seven hours a day on electronic media. Luckily, the best antidote for gamer’s eye and texter’s thumb is a simple one: a different kind of mental and visual stimulation in the form of wildlife watching. Helping children to better appreciate the birds and beasts around them is a great way to engage their senses and educate them on the environment. If you want to make the day extra exciting, turn it into a photo safari and have them snap pictures of any animals they spot.

Little Chick Cookies

3. Turn detective for the day Woodland walks are one way to get your children moving, but to make sure that they don’t get bored and try to avoid going out again in the future, turn the day into a game. Compile a list of things to find in the forest, from certain types of flowers to feathers, leaves, and even animal droppings. Get them to tick these off their list as they locate them. The more they find, the more points they get, with a small prize at the end for the victor. Such games are guaranteed to not only be fun, but also to get all of their senses switched on and their attention focused on the task at hand.

The Great Outdoors Six super tips to get your child to go outdoors this spring

Spring is a beautiful time of year. The air is heavy with the scent of flowering currents and daffodils and snowdrops sway gently back and forth on every verge. The sky provides a crisp blue background and the fields are green with new growth.

It is the perfect time for children! With lambs frolicking in the fields and insects buzzing in the air, there is so much to see and do and it’s important to get them outside to experience it, for both their physical health and their psychological wellbeing.

Numerous studies have shown the benefits of fresh air and good, old-fashioned outdoor fun. Proven to increase children’s activity levels, alertness and general health, it’s also a great way to get their minds and their imaginations working.

The trick is not to make it feel forced, but rather fun. Although there may still be a bit of a nip in the air, here are six super tips to get your little ones scrambling for the nearest door and their next adventure…

1. Take them camping Studies have shown that the average child spends far too much time indoors using electronics and less and less time outside.

This can constrain their natural creativity and gives them an inability to cope without constant stimulation. One great way to turn this on its head is to grab a tent and take them camping.

Internet service should be naturally limited in more remote locations, but if it’s not, encourage your kids to leave their tablets and smartphones behind. Fill their days with hiking, campfires, and outdoor games and they’ll barely even notice the absence of 24/7 technology.

Easter Fun On The Farm

Newbridge Farm Park has lots to offer for Easter on the Farm! Children can complete a free Easter treasure hunt, bottle feed a lamb, and see lots of Spring baby animals at this family run visitor attraction. New for 2017, children will love our improved softplay in our indoor playbarn, whilst adults can sit close by enjoying light beverages. Visitors can also enjoy a free tractor ride, a hands on pet session, animal feeding and pony rides. Play facilities are suitable for all ages, including trampolines, zip wire, rope swing, hay bale tunnels, giant sandpits and more. www.newbridgefarmpark.com

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Families Hereford & Worcester

To advertise call: 01684 770566

4. Collect and craft Another idea for woodland walks is to get your children to collect items that they can later use to make crafts. Encourage them to search around for the most beautiful bits and bobs that they can find, whether these are flowers, feathers, or even pretty rocks. Once you’re at home, let them showcase their findings, and spend some time teaching them about the things they’ve discovered, such as which birds their feathers came from. Then, get out the glue and the glitter and get to work.

Their imaginations should soon be working overtime.

5. Take them pony trekking Horse riding can be an expensive hobby, but as a one-off treat, it’s a really pleasant experience for children. Helping to hone their hand-eye co-ordination, it's almost like enjoying a Great British safari. Most centres will take you out into the wilderness, with beautiful sights to be seen and enjoyed. Depending on where you trek, you could cross everything from woods to beaches to mountains, each of them offering a unique insight into the wonders of the great outdoors. Your little ones will probably love it so much that they’ll be talking about it for weeks to come, their minds filled with the fun and the excitement that being outdoors can bring.

6. Encourage them to cloud gaze As free as the air you breathe, cloud gazing has always been associated with daydreamers and there are worse things that your child could be. Encouraging them to pick out shapes in the sky will get their imaginations working overtime and is a truly fantastic catalyst for creativity. Afterwards, have them make stories from the images they imagined, or else paint their own cloudy pictures. As long as it gets them thinking, the day will have been a superb success.

How will you get your little ones out of the house and into the wilder world this spring?

For more fun things to see and do in the great outdoors visit: www.familiesonline.co.uk

March-April 2017

March-April 2017

Who can resist a cute Easter Chick? These tropical lime and coconut-covered biscuits look gorgeous and make a welcome break from all the chocolate eggs.

Ingredients 63g Butter 20g Coconut 28g Sugar Yellow Food Colouring 90g Plain Flour 50g Icing Sugar ½ Lime How do I make that?

1. Pre-heat the oven to 190 degrees celcius 2. Mix the butter and sugar together in a bowl until smooth 3. Fold in the flour 4. Grate half the lime and add the zest to the mixture 5. Roll out the mix and cut into ‘chick’ shapes using a cookie cutter 6. Place on a greased baking sheet and bake in the oven for 15 minutes – until golden around the edges 7. While the biscuits are cooking, mix together the icing sugar and lime juice in a bowl 8. In a separate bowl mix the coconut with a little yellow food colouring until you reach the desired colour 9. Once the biscuits are cooled, spread them with a layer of icing and stick the yellow coconut mix to the top making ‘fluffy’ feathers!

To join Fiona at her Cookery Doodle Doo children’s classes in Cheltenham and Gloucester please visit: www.cookerydoodledoo.com or phone 07475883019 for details.

To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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What’s On

What’s On FREE bag of animal food with this voucher!

Re-Opens 5th April

‘Easter at the Farm’ Lamb Bottle Feeding & Treasure Hunt.

NEW Soft Play, Pony Rides, Tractor Rides, Giant Sandpit, Play Barn, Friendly Animals, and much more!

www.NewbridgeFarmPark.com

Near Ledbury, HR8 2QG

01531 670780

THEATRE Artrix, School Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 1AX 01527 577330, www.artrix.co.uk Easter Bunny’s Eggs-ellent Adventure Join the hunt for the hidden chocolate factory in Easter Bunny’s Eggs-ellent Adventure and meet the Easter Bunny afterwards to receive a special Easter present!

17 April 2.00 pm £10.00 Ensonglopedia of Science Expect atoms, Big Bangs and cells. Expect X-rays, Y-chromosomes and plenty of zoology. Expect the unexpected. And expect it to rhyme. 22 April 1.00 pm £9.00, £7.00 under 16s Evesham Arts Centre Theatre, Victoria Avenue, Evesham, Worcs, WR11 4QH 01386 48883, www.eveshamartscentre.co.uk Cinderella Vienna Festival Ballet’s production is based on the traditional story - a ballet that will surely touch everyone’s heart with its combination of pure classical dancing and a touch of pantomime. 17 April 5.00pm £20.00 adult £13.00 child Number 8 Community Arts Centre, 8 High Street, Pershore, Worcs, WR10 1BG 01386 555488, www.number8.org Oliver in the Overworld Join Krazy Kat for this madcap musical adventure telling the tale of a little deaf boy who travels to The Overworld, The Land of Machinery, seeking the parts to mend the memory of his best friend, Oliver the Grandfather Clock.

20 April 2.30 pm £7.50, £6.00 under 16s Palace Theatre, Alcester Street, Redditch, Worcs, B98 8AE 01527 65203, www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk Robin Hood Robin Hood and his Merry Men battle to outwit the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham this Easter.

21-22 April 7.00 pm both days. 3.00pm Saturday only £16.50 adult, £56.00 family.

The Courtyard, Edgar Street, Hereford, HR4 9JR 01432 340555, www.courtyard.org.uk Courtyard Family festivals Following on from the very successful Herefordshire Family Festival, The Courtyard are hosting an event for all the family.

Activities include workshops, films, shows and supplementary activities for all the family to enjoy. Lots of family fun. Most Saturdays in March - April 10.30am £6.00 per ticket Lily And The Little Snow Bear Lily loves snow! So, she pops on her coat and sets off to explore. But when she discovers a trail of soft little footprints, she’s in for a very big SURPRISE! 25 March 11.00am £10.00.

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Families Hereford & Worcester

The Tiger Who Came To Tea A musical play adapted and directed by David Wood, based on the book by Judith Kerr. 28-29 April £13.50.

The Swan Theatre, The Moors, Worcester, WR1 3ED 01905 611427, www.worcesterlive.co.uk

Easter Trail and Craft Activities. activities and games exploring themes from the museum collections. 11-13 and 18-20 April 10.30am-4.00pm.

DAYS OUT

STAC presents The Magic Recipe Book (Amateur Hirer) Join in the fun, songs and audience participation in popular plays for two-to-nine-year-olds.

All Things Wild Nature Centre, Station Road, Honeybourne, Nr Evesham, Worcestershire WR11 7QZ 01386 833083 www.allthingswild.co.uk

When King Collywobbles’ cook, Mrs Flinders, has problems satisfying the royal taste buds, does Ambrosia, the absent-minded witch, have an answer?

1 April 10.30am and 11.45am £2.50

Daily Activities All weather family attraction with a zoo and nature centre. There are also children’s soft play areas, indoor beach, barefoot walk and the ’step through time’ Dinosaur Experience.10.00am - 6.00pm.

GARDEN CENTRES Wyevale Garden Centre Kings Acre Road, Hereford, HR4 0SE 01527 860000, www.wyevalegardencentres.co.uk Breakfast or Tea with the Easter Bunny Enjoy a delicious freshly prepared breakfast or tea. Meet the Easter Bunny and choose your very own cuddly toy, Decorate your own Easter cookie and munch on mini chocolate eggs 1 - 23 April £9.99 per child Webbs West Hagley, Kidderminster Road South, West Hagley, Stourbridge, DY9 0JB HR4 0SE 01527 860000, Roll up! Roll up! The circus returns to West Hagley this Easter! With an entirely human cast performing aerial acrobatics, juggling feats, balancing acts, some crazy clown capers and more. Join your ringmaster for a fun filled show. Children and adults will love it!

8-13 April 10.30am, 1pm and 3pm daily. £6.00 per person

MUSEUMS Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove B60 4JR 01527 831363, www.avoncroft.org.uk Medieval Weekend in the Town House Discover what it was like to live in medieval times with students from the Living History Group at King Edward’s School, Birmingham when they spend the weekend living and working in Avoncroft’s beautiful Town House.

18-19 March

Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens, Burford, Oxfordshire, OX18 4JP 01993 823006, www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk Daily Activities. Penguin feeding takes place every day at 11.00am and 3.00pm in the Walled Garden.

There are keepers on hand to answer questions.

The narrow-gauge railway runs during April to October (weather permitting) and takes you all around the Park: All fares £1.00, under 3’s free of charge.

Eastnor Castle, Ledbury, Herefordshire, HR8 1RL 01531 633160, www.eastnorcastle.com Easter Treasure Hunt around the castle and grounds.

Chocolate for everyone who takes part and a chance to win an enormous Easter Egg! 14 - 17 April.

Runaround Days Children’s quiz and activity checklist… let off some steam in the school holidays!

18 -20 April Chilli Festival All things Chilli to try and buy! Live music, bars, hot food, children’s cookery school, Chilli Eating Competition and cookery demonstrations.

30 April - 1 May Severn Valley Railway, Comberton Hill, Kidderminster, DY10 1QX 01562 757900, www.svr.co.uk

Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum, Foregate Street, Worcester, WR1 1DT 01905 25371, www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk

Pots of Easter Magic Roll beeswax candles, make Easter motifs and decorate a terracotta pot. Drop in event. 12 April 11.00am – 3.00pm £2.00 Steward’s Chemist Shop Open for Visitors Take a peek inside and hear the fascinating story of how it came from the High Street. 7 March and 4 April 11.00am – 3.00pm Free Worcestershire County Museum, Hartlebury Castle, Hartlebury DY11 7XZ, 01299 250416, www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk Museum Alive Meet a host of costumed characters including the Scullery Maid, WW1 Nurse, Farmer, and Nursery Maid, who will be bringing the museum rooms and collections to life! 17 April 11.00am - 4.00pm

To advertise call: 01684 770566

Science Night Its back! Meet the experts and have a go yourself: from fossils to food, coding to chemistry, rockets to rivers – science is at the heart of all our lives. A really hands-on, fun night for all the family. We promise you’ll learn something new! 16 March 5.00am - 7.30pm Fantastic Beasts Easter Trail Follow the trail for a Fantastic Beasts treat.

8-23 April Wild About Worcester Come and find out what’s wild in Worcester with Worcestershire Wildlife Trust. Treasure trail around the library, crafts and plenty of fun activities for all the family.

12 April 10.00am – 12.30pm Up, Up and Away Ever wanted to find out how planes fly? Come along and find out. The Mad Science team are back with their zany interactive science show – this time it’s all about air pressure. Never has science been so much fun! 16 March 5.15pm–5.45pm and 6–6.30pm Witley Court and Gardens, Worcester Road, Great Witley, WR6 6JT 01299 896636, www.english-heritage.org.uk Easter Adventure Quest Be a challenge champion this Easter weekend! You’ll be greeted by a courtly character from the past - who’ll be able to help you crack the clues as you explore Witley Court. There’s a reward for successful adventurers, so be sure to join in the fun. .

14-17 April 11.00am – 5.00pm National Trust 0844 800 1895 www.nationaltrust.org.uk Berrington Hall, nr Leominster, HR6 0DW Tel: 01568 615721

Mother’s Day Free Museum entry for Mums.

26 March

Young at Art Looking for a hands-on, stimulating and fun toddler session? Go and enjoy exploring, listening and making sessions for the Under 5s Every Thursday 10.30am – 12noon

The Hive, Sawmill Walk, The Butts, Worcester, WR1 3PD 01905 822866, www.thehiveworcester.org

Open House Weekend The return of our popular model railway exhibition, alongside opportunities for you to see what goes on behind closed doors! A special weekend for our supporters, volunteers and potential volunteers.

8-9 April Peppa Pig & George Visit Come along to see Peppa Pig & George who will appear at regular intervals throughout the day at The Engine House, our Visitor Centre at Highley.

6-7 May Three Counties Showground, Malvern, WR13 6NW 01684 584900, www.threecounties.co.uk Countrytastic Keep the children entertained all day long with free activities, entertainment, animals and much, more. Countrytastic has plenty of indoor and outdoor fun and action for all the family! 13 March Tickets only available in advance.

March-April 2017

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt The Cadbury Bunny has hidden precious choccy eggs. Now it’s up to you to find them! Take a map and follow the clues to find them, a delicious treat will be waiting for you at the end.

14-17 April 10.00am – 4.00pm. £2.00 per trail.

Knicknackanory trail Children from the eighteenth century didn’t have our modern day toys, they had to make their own fun with the toys from ‘Knack shops’. Try out this trail and see if you can discover Berrington’s own ‘Knack Shop’ that is sure to entertain.

8-23 April 10.00am – 4.00pm Brockhampton Estate, Greenfields, Bringsty, Herefordshire, WR6 5TB 01885 482077 Brockhampton Beast - Dirt run Get down and dirty with this challenging 5km/10km off-road run across the rolling landscape of Brockhampton estate. 2 April 9.00am – 12.00pm March-April 2017

Cadbury’s Egg Hunt Follow our family trail supported by Cadbury, to learn about the mischievous adventures of young Peter Rabbit, a much loved story written by Beatrix Potter and published in 1902. Complete the trail and win a Cadbury chocolate bunny at the end.

8-23 April 11.00 – 4.00 pm Clent Hills, Nimmings Wood car park, between Hagley and Stourbridge, B62 0NL 01562 712822 Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt Can you find your way to the Bunny’s woodland den and pick up your Cadbury chocolate prize? 16-21 April 11.00 am – 4.00 pm £3.00 per trail.

Croft Castle, Yarpole, nr Leominster, HR6 9PW 01568 780246 The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe trail Climb through the wardrobe and into the magical land of Croft on this mystical outdoor trail 8-23 April 10.00am – 4.00pm £2.00 Cadbury Egg Hunt Tracking down the clues as you go and collect your delicious chocolate treat at the end.

14-17 April 10.00am – 4.00pm £2.00

Visit Eastnor TREEmendous Easter Fri 14 to Mon 17 April Our legendary Easter Treasure Hunt.

Chocolate for all who take part & a chance to win an enormous Easter Egg! Buy fast-track

tickets online

Chilli Festival Now in its 6th year Sun 30 April & Mon 1 May

Stalls selling everything chilli – chutneys, chocolate, cakes, wine, plants… and much more! eastnorcastle.com

Spring has

/EastnorCastle

@EastnorCastle

sprung at...

Croome Park, Croome D’Abitot, WR8 9DW 01905 371006 Introduction to Archery with Really Rural An Archery GB qualified instructor will show you how to shoot a ‘Recurve Bow’. All bows, arrows and safety equipment are supplied. 19 April, 25 June and 23 July 10.00pm – 4.30 pm £7.00,minimum age 8 years.

Come and go wild this Easter holidays!

Croome’s Easter egg hunt trail Croome’s Cadbury Easter egg hunt trail is back! Follow the clues to help unravel the mystery of the lost eggs.

8-23 April 10.00am – 4.00pm. £3.00 per trail Hanbury Hall, School Road, Hanbury, Droitwich, WR9 7EA 01527 821214 Mother’s Day Treat your Mum to a delicious afternoon tea in our Chambers tearoom, with beautiful views of the formal gardens. 25-26 March 12.00pm – 3.00 pm £16.95 adult. £9.00 child Easter Egg Trail Bunny has been up to his old tricks again. He’s ransacked the kitchens and hidden all of the chocolate eggs! Can you solve the puzzles, track down the missing eggs and claim your chocolate prize? 14-17 April 10.00am – 4.00pm £3.00

CHARITY EVENTS Croome Court, High Green, Worcester, WR8 9DW Great British Dog Walk at Croome Court Hearing Dogs for Deaf People are bringing this event to Croome Park.

A family and dog friendly event 25 March adults £10, dogs and kids free. www.hearingdogs.org.uk

Please see our website for more details

All Things Wild Nature Centre Station Road, Honeybourne, Near Evesham, Worcestershire WR11 7QZ T: 01386 833083 E: info@allthingswild.co.uk

Call 01684 770566 if you are interested in advertising in the May/June Spring Half-Term and July/August Summer Issues

To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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Families Hereford & Worcester

Action-packed childcare this

Ofsted registered

Easter

Museum Alive

Bank Holiday Monday 17 April, 11am-4pm

Holiday

Meet a host of costumed characters including the School Ma’am, Butler, Nanny, Land Army Girl, Maid & Blacksmith, who will be bringing the museum to life!

Monday 10th - Friday 21st April

Tue 11-Thurs 13 & Tue 18-Thurs 20 April, 10.30-4.30

Open from 8am - 6pm

Hagley Hagley High School

8am - 4pm

Bromsgrove Meadows Parkside School

Alvechurch

Easter trail and craft activities exploring themes from the museum.

New Standard Hours

Choice of venues

Please mention you saw this event in Families Hereford & Worcester magazine

We accept childcare vouchers

Alvechurch Middle School and Crown Meadow First School

Book before 24th March and take advantage of our

Early bird offers!

55196 0910

4FOR £60 DAYS

Family entry ticket just £13 Lots of activities and sports to choose from

*Terms and conditions apply

For more info visit aspire-sports.co.uk or call 0121 663 1979

Please call 01299 250416 for further information County Museum, Hartlebury Castle, Nr. Kidderminster, DY11 7XZ

www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk

THE UK’s NO.1 FOREST ADVENTURE at Wyre Forest, nr. Kidderminster

Booorkcalla08t45g83o8a16p12e.cquoote.uFAMkWY7 †

*Offer valid until 31st December 2017, excludes Saturdays, Corporate Events and purchase of gift vouchers.

Discount code must be entered at time of booking. Only valid at Wyre Forest. †Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge - please see our website.

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Families Hereford & Worcester

To advertise call: 01684 770566

10

% O FF PER PERSON

*

March-April 2017