Families Hereford & Worcester issue 8 March/April 2011

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Issue No 8 March/April 2011

Picture courtesy of Jeanne Frith Photography

The really useful magazine for parents of children 0-12 years

Editor’s Letter

News & Views A very warm welcome to the latest issue of Families Hereford and Worcester.

We really hope that Spring is right round the corner with longer days and much more time to get out there and be active.

We have loads of great ideas on how to amuse your children over the Easter holidays (see pages 8-9). You’ll find lots more inspiration in our What’s On section too (pages 14-16) plus tried and tested holidays (page 12). As usual we have an extensive Education section to bring you the latest news and local information (pages 4-7).

Finally, we are constantly updating our website with lots of local news and information for you so please visit www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk and register.

Have a lovely Easter, try not to eat too many eggs (hard I know!) and we’ll see you again at the beginning of May.

Karen Craven Editor, Families Hereford and Worcester

Contact details: Families Hereford and Worcester, PO Box 843, Inkberrow, Worcestershire, WR7 4WG Tel: 0844 504 7224 Fax: 0844 504 7201 email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

In this issue 02 02 04 08 10 12 13 14

Next issue: Editor’s Letter May/June 2011, News & Views Editorial and booking deadline: Education Friday 8th April Time Together 2011 The cost of paid work Tried and Tested Holidays ys Focus on popular local class What’s On

Cover Photograph: Photo of Lucia by Jeanne Frith at www.jeannefrithphotography.co.uk, Tel: 07593 991960

All content C Copyright i h 2011 FFamilies ili H Hereford f d and dW Worcester Circulation: 18,000 copies of Families Hereford and Worcester are available through nurseries, pre-schools, 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.

Editorial: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk Advertising: advertising@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk Events, diary dates, out and about: events@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk Families Hereford and Worcester is part of the Families Group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. We take every care in preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of the advertisers nor for the accuracy of the content nor for any consequence.

Design: Natalie Schmidt www.matobodesign.com, Tel: 020 8676 2857 Print: The Manson Group, St Albans at www.manson-grp.co.uk, Tel: 01727 848440

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Borrowers Toy Library The Borrowers Toy Library provides a two hour Sensory Workshop particularly geared to those with additional needs and is age appropriate from 0 to 25 years. Available free of charge, the sensory suitcase is an effective and stimulating piece of kit, consisting of a selection of lighting effects; a UV light, fibre optics, projector, mirror ball, spotlight and a waterproof torch, which used in conjunction with props, enables children to connect with their five senses. You can hire this equipment if you have attended the free workshop. If you are an existing Toy Library member you only need to provide a deposit of £50.

They also offer Arts Workshops supplying tailor made sessions dealing with any theme and activity to suit the ability of the group. They can come and facilitate a class on your chosen subject and bring all equipment needed. These workshops are priced on request.

Tel: 01684 891081 or email outreach@thetoylibrary.net www.thetoylibrary.net

New childcare agency Able Hands Nanny and Childcare Agency Central Ltd is a new agency based in Suckley, Worcester that provides rapid childcare solutions both in and out of the home, whilst offering an impressive range of highly qualified and experienced childcare professionals at prices parents can afford.

Amanda Wilding, owner, said “many parents dismiss nanny and childcare agencies when they are looking for childcare solutions because it is assumed the costs are too expensive but that is not the case – we are more affordable than parents think. As well as a nanny and childcare agency we also provide a wealth of childcare information, payroll and employer help. We can also help parents save on their childcare costs.”

For more information contact Amanda Wilding on 01886 884885 or go to www.ablehandscentral.co.uk

March – April 2011

News & Views Labels4Kids has a successful 2010 and a massive boost to 2011 La La Labels4Kids had a very successful 2010 topping off the year winning Internet Retailer of the Year 2010 First F Prize. Labels4kids success is based on quality products and an ever changing and updating website w which is well laid out and easy to use.

Now in 2011 Labels4kids has continued its expansion with the addition of the Spanish website in full force and upgrading their website with better titles on their pages, an easier to use checkout and an updated more sleek looking wide-screen layout.

“Here at Labels4kids we like to think about the customer first and make their shopping experience an enjoyable one” says Ann-Maree Morriso one”, Morrison, Company Director and a devote fan of Families Magazines in the UK. “We hope our customers enjoy receiving our e-newsletters every now and then and will fully support our facebook, twitter and blog page including the parents forum. We are interested in any topics for discussion you would like to talk about and welcome ideas for discussion topics or new products”.

Labels4kids is not just about selling name labels and id products. We actively encourage a “labels4kids community” to help each other and talk about children related issues on our blog and forum. Make some noise… join us! http://www.labels4kids.com/blog/feed/ for an RSS feed of our blog updates http://www.labels4kids.com/blog for our blog http://www.labels4kids.com/blog/forum/ to take part in our forum http://www.facebook.com/pages/labels4kids#!/pages/Labels4Kids/190674871823 to join us on facebook and remember to click the LIKE button! www.twitter.com/labels4kids to take part in our twitter updates

Turn Your Support into our Support A lingerie company from Worcestershire are looking for ladies to donate their unwanted bras to support local charities.

2nd Skin Lingerie Ltd have formed The Bra Chain and are looking to collect 200,000 bras that will be linked up at Worcester Racecourse on 31st July to hopefully break a Guinness World Record for the longest bra chain. The bras are then sponsored to help raise funds for Worcestershire Breast Unit Campaign.

Your Birth and Babies Two local mums are offering women and their partners workshops to support them when choosing to birth their babies normally after a previous caesarean. Janine Rusby, a local yoga teacher and Helen Hunt, a local antenatal teacher are combining their skills to offer local parents a holistic approach in antenatal care and evidenced based research to enable parents to make informed decisions about their birth choices. Janine and Helen can be contacted on 01905 797104 or 01905 770346 respectively. www.yourbirthandbabies.co.uk

Karen Tomalin from 2nd Skin Lingerie said “Most women have bras they don’t wear anymore that could be donated to this special project.

Several other women’s charities will also benefit.”

Local Bra recycling bins are sponsored by local companies and can be found in local businesses, schools, colleges and hospitals.

If you have bras to donate or want to help raise funds, tel Karen on 07818 641205 or visit www.brachain.org.uk

Travelling this Easter?

A new website has been set up to address every conceivable need of parents when travelling with little ones. From travel cots with canopies to sunshades and travel backpacks, www.contentandcalm.com is packed full of products to help your little ones remain content and calm when on the move. Content and Calm was born when founder Solvej Biddle realised there were very few products on the market designed to make travelling easy and stress-free for her and her children. Now, with the help of some of the products on the site, you can make travelling a breeze and, if you are going on holiday this Easter, check out the site’s top tips for travelling with babies and for ensuring a restful night’s sleep – for all of you! I particularly like the award-winning TrayKit – an all-inone kid’s carry-on backpack and play-tray solution. The pack can strap to train and plane tray tables as well as hang from the seat in front in a car to provide an extendable play surface with raised sides to give kids their own play space. No more toys on the floor! Pack the bag with familiar toys, pop in a few new ones and it can make the perfect holiday travel accessory. The TrayKit is available in Pink Polka Dot or Blue Camouflage for £24.99. www.contentandcalm.com March – April 2011

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Education Unique tuition centre opens to inspire children The Inspired? in Redditch Small Grant Scheme Redditch has become the newest location for Explore Learning, which provides

This year will see organisations and communities across the UK organising Olympic inspired activities from mini Olympics to Community Games. From schools to workplaces – the inspiration of the Olympic Games has the potential to reach out to all sectors of society.

The Inspired? Small Grant Scheme is for amounts from £200 to £500 and is open to any voluntary or community association, statutory body or educational establishment in Worcestershire.

This Scheme has already helped a number of local organisations and, in order to qualify for an award, groups must demonstrate that their activity is inspired by the ‘Inspired?’ Toolkit see www.raisingourgame2012.org.uk and the activity can demonstrate a desire to increase participation in sport or physical activity.

For a copy of The Inspired?

Small Grant Scheme Guidelines and an Application Form please contact Peter Turvey – Worcestershire Opportunities Coordinator 2012 Games or email pturvey@worcestershire.gov.uk

If you would like to advertise in Families Hereford and Worcester please contact Karen on 0844 504 7224

Fancy a cup of tea?

inspiring, confidence-boosting tuition to 5-14 year olds of all abilities in a unique and lively environment.

“The hesitancy and lack of confidence that held her back is gone. Now she tries new things with relish. She counts the days until she can come back here!”

Explore Parent.

You may not normally expect children to be this enthusiastic about maths and English, but at Explore Learning in Redditch, a new style of tuition centre will be providing inspiration to 5-14 year olds of all abilities.

The Redditch centre is the latest addition to Explore Learning’s nationwide network of tuition centres. As members, children work with tutors who are great educational role models, enthusiastic about learning and fantastic motivators. Each child has an individualised learning programme tailored to meet their needs, and typically makes a gain of one academic year in just 6 months of membership. All Explore courses map to the National Curriculum and the individual focus allows children to work at their own pace – whether they are finding school tricky or top of the class.

The key to Explore’s success is combining expert individualised tuition with a club-style atmosphere that children want to be a part of. “We considered tutors for our three boys but were put off by the formality and school-like atmosphere. The children positively look forward to attending session, the tutors make learning fun and we struggle to get them to leave!” (Explore parents, Camberley) The company is growing rapidly, and currently has over 12,000 members nationwide. Like many Explore centres, the new Redditch Explore Learning is situated in a convenient location (within Sainsbury’s Redditch) – allowing busy families to fit tuition into their weekly routine. As Centre Director, Hannah Bodley explains: “Explore is open 7 days a week, and parents love the fact that we operate on a drop-in basis. It’s a really convenient way of providing long-term educational support for their children. In the same way that attending a gym can be a part of your lifestyle to exercise your body, coming to Explore helps children to exercise their minds.”

Explore Learning also opens up tuition to families who may not be able to afford the £25 per hour rates that many private tutors charge. All of its centres are registered with Ofsted and Explore membership qualifies for a number of government initiatives that can help save families money, such as Childcare Vouchers and Working Tax Credit.

More information • Explore Learning opened its first centre in 2001 • Over 12,000 children currently attend an Explore Learning centre every week • 29 of Explore’s centres are located within Sainsbury’s supermarkets • All Explore Learning centres work closely with their local communities, and run regular free workshops for schools, libraries and community groups.

• For more information, please visit www.explorelearning.co.uk

Sometimes these few words and a listening ear are all it takes to make a difference to a family.

If you have parenting experience, and you can spare a few hours a week to help a local family, find out more about becoming a home-visiting volunteer with Home-Start Worcester & Wychavon.

Call Lyn on 01905 29377, or email home-startworcs@btconnect.com.

Home-Start Worcester & Wychavon, Goodrich House, Sansome Place, Worcester. WR1 1UA

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March – April 2011

Education

Savings on your doorstep!

You might be surprised to learn that KiddiVouchers, a local family business based in Inkberrow, is helping parents to save around £1,000 a year each! The company administers a Government childcare voucher scheme designed to help working parents afford high quality childcare.

C Childcare vouchers are simply vouchers which pparents can use to pay for childcare, including nnurseries, nannies, childminders, after-school care aand holiday play-schemes. The vouchers are pprovided by employers and are usually received iinstead of part of your salary. Unlike your salary, yyou don’t have to pay any tax or National Insurance on childcare vouchers, leading to massive savings. o Withh childcare costs on the of parents are already taking advantage of the Wi hild h iincrease, thousands h tax-break which the scheme offers. KiddiVouchers provides over £60 million worth of childcare vouchers to parents each year, which it estimates saves parents a whopping £20 million!

If you are interested in joining a KiddiVouchers scheme and your employer does not already provide a childcare voucher scheme, there is nothing to stop you pointing them in the right direction. Employers are normally more than happy to sign up with KiddiVouchers as childcare voucher schemes offer major benefits for businesses too. By providing a salary sacrifice scheme, employers can save up to 12.8% of National Insurance Contributions, or £373 per employee per year. On top of the financial incentive, the vouchers also improve employee retention and staff morale. More good news is that the scheme is available to businesses of all sizes, large or small, and with KiddiVouchers offering a fully-managed service to all employers, the process couldn’t be easier.

At the moment, KiddiVouchers is urging parents to sign up to the scheme before April 2011 as the Government guidelines for the scheme are changing. Currently, parents can receive up to £55 a week (or £243 a month) of tax-free childcare vouchers from their employer; however, after April 2011 higher-rate taxpayers savings will be restricted for new joiners, and they will only be eligible to receive tax and National Insurance relief on up to £28 a week (£124 a month) of vouchers. This means if you are a higher-rate taxpayer and you are interested in joining the scheme, the clock is ticking! You need to sign up before April 2011 to ensure that you don’t miss out on higher savings!

What makes the scheme even better is that it’s not just parents and businesses that benefit. KiddiVouchers guarantee to donate 5% of profit to charities relating to children and childcare, so it also helps to support those that really need it.

Registration for the scheme is very simple; it only takes 10 minutes and there’s no complicated means-testing or claim forms. One important thing for parents to note, however, is that childcare vouchers can affect your eligibility for tax credits. If you are receiving more than £45 a month in tax credits, it’s recommended that you check with HMRC before joining the scheme.

If you’d like to find out more, call KiddiVouchers on 0800 612 4395 or visit www.KiddiVouchers.com. You could be just a few steps away from saving around £2,000 a year for your family!

A new Brain Exercise Programme Raviv Practice London with Integrated Brain have launched their new website to promote training for a new Brain (& body) Exercise programme called Bal-AVis-X which is coming to the UK this year.

Bal-A-Vis-X is a series of Balance / Auditory / Vision eXercises, of varied complexity, all of which are deeply rooted in rhythm. These exercises require full body co-ordination and focused attention. The program utilises sand-filled bags, racquet balls and balance boards.

Individual exercises vary from one hand tossing a single bag to both hands bouncing four balls in rhythmic sequence. Partner exercises may call for as many as six balls to be in simultaneous motion. The 300 exercises demand co-operation, promote self-challenge and foster extensive peer teaching. Bal-A-Vis-X is school friendly and just plain fun.

The training will be suited to teachers, parents with SEN children, and therapists.

For more information visit www.integratedbrain.co.uk March – April 2011

SCHOOLS’ OPEN DAYS BROMSGROVE PRE-PREPARATORY AND NURSERY SCHOOL Co-ed 3 – 7 Monday 7th March 3.00 – 5.00pm 01527 579679 ext 204/367 or email Preprep@bromsgrove-school.co.uk www.bromsgrove-school.co.uk Please contact Admissions for details.

KING’S HAWFORD Co-ed 2-11 Open Week for ages 2-11 Monday 14th – Friday 18th March 01905 451292 or email kha@ksw.org.uk KING’S ST ALBAN’S Co-ed 4-11 Taster Morning for ages 7-11 Saturday 5th March (booking essential) 01905 354906 www.ksw.org.uk MALVERN ST JAMES Girls 4-11, 11-16, 16-18 Saturday 12th March Open Morning 10.00 am – 1.30 pm 01684 584624 or email: registrar@malvernstjames.co.uk www.malvernstjames.co.uk ST MARY’S WORCESTER Co-ed 3mths – 5yrs, Girls 5-11, Girls 11-18 Saturday 5th March 10.00 am – 12.30 pm 01905 357786 or email: head@stmarys.org.uk www.stmarys.org.uk THE DOWNS, MALVERN COLLLEGE PREP Co-ed 3-13 Pre-Prep – Friday 4th March 2.00-5.00 pm Whole School – Saturday 5th March 9.30 am – 12.30 pm 01684 544108 or email registrar@ thedowns.malcol.org www.thedowns.malcol.org IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE INCLUDED IN THE SCHOOLS’ OPEN DAYS, PLEASE EMAIL events@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

Don’t forget to mention when you telephone that you saw these companies featured in Families Hereford and Worcester magazine

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Education Supercamps

Girls develop faster than boys

Multi-Activity Day Camps for children aged 4-14 including 40+ sports and arts & crafts will be held at Malvern St James, 15 Avenue Road, Great Malvern, WR14 3BA Tel: 01235 832222

We are all aware of this universal truth, but now figures published by the Department for Education show that more than 50% of fiveyear-old boys are making too little progress. The data is based on teachers’ observations of hundreds of thousands of five-year-olds, and come to the conclusion that more than half of all boys in England are not making good enough progress at school by the time they reach the age of five. The children were tested for 13 skills, covering their physical, intellectual, emotional and social development, with those that achieved at least six points for each skill as well as scoring well in the social and emotional development category said to be reaching “a good level of development”.

From Monday 11th – Thursday 21st April.

9.20am – 4.30pm with FREE extended hours (8am – 6pm).

The cost is £34 per day, £154 per week – discounts available for booking early. www.supercamps.co.uk

The data showed that 64.9% of girls achieved a good level of development in the tests in 2010, compared with only 46.8% of boys. A spokeswoman from the Department for Education said, “There are still too many children starting school without the solid foundation they need to succeed. In particular, we are concerned that boys continue to lag behind girls even before they start school, especially in writing.”

Forget Protesting – Start Saving With the recent student protests against increased tuition fees still rumbling around us, more and more parents are growing concerned about their children’s future education. As a result of the higher tuition fees, plus exploding living costs, students now face the prospect of finishing university with total debts of well over £30,000. Although the Government insists that students won’t have to begin repayments until they are earning a decent wage packet, and that poorer students will be better off than they were under the previous Government’s fee structure, it is still a terrifying figure to be faced with. With such huge sums of money looming in front of parents, many are deciding to start saving now. But the figures are jaw-dropping: if you want to provide your child with the money to leave university debt free, you need to save at least £200 per month from your child’s birth until their 18th birthday (assuming inflation of 2.5% pa and net investment returns of 5.5% pa). And if you don’t start at day one the figures are even worse – delaying the start until your child’s 5th birthday means that you would need to save a whopping £377 per month! Perhaps it’s time to open that Child Trust Fund…

Elgar School of Music The successful Monday Music Groups at the Elgar School of Music offer children from the age of 2+ to 7 years an informal but structured introduction to music.

Get your own copy of

They aim to develop listening skills and encourage creativity through singing, playing simple percussion instruments, musical movement and games.

Please send me the next 6 issues of Families Hereford and Worcester:

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Please send your completed form and cheque for £10 (made payable to K E Craven) to Families Hereford and Worcester, PO Box 843, Inkberrow, Worcestershire, WR7 4WG

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Delivered to your door for just £10 per year (six issues)

Call 01905 28613 for details. www.elgarschoolofmusic.co.uk

Tonia Peters

BSc (Hons), PGCE, MEd (Ed Psych)

Educational Psychologist (Chartered by the BPS)

Independent assessment and advice for all special needs including dyslexia, dyspraxia and attention problems

To advertise in future issues of Families Hereford and Worcester please call Karen on 0844 504 7224

Tel: 07853 248311 March – April 2011

Education

Top marks for primary school Worcestershire County Council’s Early Years Team has awarded an extraordinary 6.9 out of 7 to a Worcester nursery and primary school, which ranks it among the best in England and Wales.

A few benefits …

• Releases muscular tension in the body and helps with pain associated with pelvic girdle instability • Regulates blood pressure & stress hormones • Improved sleep • Improved circulation – better for baby’s nourishment & assists with removal of waste & swelling/oedema • Improves sluggish bowel movements • Enhances your connection with your baby

This almost perfect score was achieved by RGS Springfield, following a recent ECERS (Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scale) assessment made by the Council.

The scores can range from 1 to 7 (7 being rated as excellent). After observing all the teaching and learning opportunities taking place and examining the routines and procedures, the assessors awarded Springfield with 6.9 out of a possible 7, the national average being 4.3.

Headmistress Marion Lloyd (seen far left on the photo) said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have received such a high grading as it rubber stamps what we’re working for at Springfield.

This is an excellent report which is an accurate reflection of the high standard of early years education on offer every day within our nursery and school.”

RGS Chairman of the Governors, Dr Bob Ingles commented on the report: “I’m thrilled at the quite outstanding news from the ECERS assessment. This is a huge and deserved endorsement to Marion Lloyd and her staff at RGS Springfield, as well as being a great compliment to the ethos within the RGS schools. The key thing is that this is a totally objective, external audit by a leading body and therefore carries the greatest possible weight.”

Indeed Sam Salisbury (seen far right on the photo) has been asked by the Children Services Department of Worcester City Council to present the Springfield ‘model’ as a blueprint for good practice at their annual conference.

For more information contact Rod Trow on 01905 613391 or email rt@rgsw.org.uk – www.rgsw.org.uk

Don’t forget to mention when you telephone that you saw these companies advertised in Families Hereford and Worcester magazine – the really useful magazine for parents of children 0-12 years March – April 2011

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by Joanna Parry

Easter Family Event Mon 11th Apr – Sat 14th May 10am - 5pm Mon - Sat (Closed Sun)

Little Marcle Nr Ledbury HR8 2QG

• New Play Barn • Bottle feeding – Hands on & feeding • Tractor rides • Pony rides (£2) • Farm walk Adults £5, Children 2yrs+ £5, Concessions £4

www.newbridgeplaybarn.com / 01531 670780

Time Together Whether you’re a working parent looking to spend time with your brood over the Easter weekend, or a full-time mum desperate to fill a long school holiday, here are a few ideas to try out with your children. With a bit of planning and a few inspired ideas, you can avoid the tantrums and arguments and tear your darlings away from the TV and the Wii and enjoy the Easter break, rather than finding yourself counting down the days until school starts again!

for event times – 2011 opening days – group/party bookings

Then you need these… ▲ Ladies only outdoor circuits class ▲ New mums buggy fitness class ▲ 1-2-1 personal training For more information contact Sue: ▲ www.start2exercise.com ▲ 07968 292784 ▲ sue@start2exercise.com

Have your cake AND eat it!

Plan the day The holidays are a great time to bring back some of the old fashioned games and spend real time with your kids. It can be hard at first, throwing yourself into games and activities, but this is the stuff that childhood memories are made of. It is important to plan your day: write out a holiday timetable of activities such as painting and board games for the morning and playing in the garden and a small amount of TV in the afternoon. If you let them drift from one cartoon to the other they’ll get frustrated very soon!

Activities at home With a little thought, you can come up with dozens of fun things to do at home, from building castles out of rubbish to dens in the garden, but when you run out of ideas, here are a few more.

Are you worried about your weight?

If you are, then Cambridge Weight Plan could be the answer.

Cambridge Weight Plan is about choices, made by you to benefit you. With one to one support, together, we will work out a plan that suits your lifestyle – helping you achieve the best results at the rate you want.

If you would like to change your life and become the real you, give me a call to discuss your options with Cambridge Weight Plan, with no obligation.

Your Independent Cambridge Consultant Laura - 01905 458147 / 07894 330154 laura21028@yahoo.co.uk 8

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▼ let your hair down and release your inner-child. Roll around in the garden with your kids, make mud pies, dig for worms and make dens out of sheets and washing lines. ▼ invest in some Play-Doh, art supplies and face paints and get creative ▼ hardboil some eggs and paint with food colouring. When they are dry they are great for egg rolling - if you haven’t got a hill, a slide will do! ▼ water painting - paint with a clean paintbrush and a pot of water outside on walls, paving slabs, fences. It’s very effective and the sun removes the evidence! ▼ put a cloth on floor as a picnic rug and serve lunch on living room floor. Or in the garden. ▼ home camping – hang a tablecloth over furniture, add a torch and a sleeping bag and have some fun! ▼ decorate biscuits by mixing icing sugar and water in a bowl to make runny icing and decorate with sprinkles or smarties.

March – April 2011

Time Together ▼ pass the parcel. Why save it for parties? Your kids can do the wrapping too using old newspaper, with prizes as simple as a sticker or packet of raisins. ▼ make pasta jewellery ▼ roll a sheet of newspaper into a ball and play volleyball over a washing line. ▼ make salt dough with 3 cups of plain flour, 1 cup salt and 1 cup water. Model it like playdough and dry out finished models in a cool oven. Then paint and varnish. ▼ treasure hunt – hide toys or sweets around the home and give your kids clues to find them. Kids like setting the hunts too.

Alternatively, devise a nature trail where they have to find a series of items such as different coloured leaves. ▼ set up a home cinema in your living room: close the curtains, rearrange the furniture, make tickets and prepare snacks before putting on your favourite DVD. ▼ apple bobbing. Float an apple in a bowl of water and get your kids to try to bite it without using their hands. If you don’t mind mess you can repeat the game with a chocolate or grape in a bowl of flour! ▼ hit the park and get active. Borrow the nearest friendly dog and go for a walk, or set up an obstacle course in the garden with buckets, chairs, tables, gardens rakes… anything goes really! ▼ the holidays are the perfect time to clear out old toys or games and replace them with new finds from the charity shop or swap with friends. Take the chance to reintroduce some traditional board games and toys into the mix. ▼ encourage your kids to dig a vegetable patch of their own in your garden. If you don’t have any outside space, make a mini garden by filling a plant tray with earth and arranging small sprigs of leaves, daisies and grass over the soil. Try small pebbles for paths and foil for a pond.

Invite their friends over When you’ve run out of ideas, invite your children’s friends over to play. You may think double the children means double trouble, but it’s often easier for them to have playmates around to entertain each other. It also means they will get invited back, giving you a much-needed break!

Don’t interfere If you have more than one child and they are playing nicely together let them get on with it. You don’t have to be involved in everything they are doing!

Give them some jobs to do for pocket money Children like to earn their own money and to get a bit of responsibility – they will often jump at the chance to do a chore that you have been putting off for ages.

Give them a treat

Websites

Take them on a trip to a theme park, swimming pool or cinema as a special treat. Make full use of local resources to find out what’s going on in your area - there are always free activities and events going on during school holidays. Visit your local council’s website and or parenting sites for ideas. http://www.rspb.org.uk/youth/makeanddo/index.asp www.allfreecrafts.com http://familyfun.go.com/ http://www.kidsturncentral.com/links/esitelinks.htm For more ideas on things to do over the Easter holidays look on www.FamiliesOnline.co.uk

March – April 2011

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The cost of paid work Having a job when your children are young just got more expensive. Joanna Moorhead explains why.

We’re all in this together – we’ve all heard that, many times, from our politicians about our country’s financial problems.

But from April, if you’re a working parent you could be forgiven for thinking you were maybe taking more than your fair share of the hit.

Why so? Well, that’s when cuts to state-funded help with childcare announced in last year’s comprehensive spending review start to kick in: and what they’ll mean is a cut in income of up to £416 a year to approximately 44,650 families in the West Midlands, according to the Resolution Foundation.

Chancellor George Osborne announced last year that the percentage of childcare costs recoverable through the working tax credit system would be reduced from 80% to 70% this month. But, says the Resolution Foundation, many families are still unaware of the changes – and, says its chief executive Gavin Kelly, those on middle-to-low incomes are the ones likely to find the losses hardest to bear.

“Many parents find support with childcare costs absolutely essential to staying in work, and the big worry is that some will now find that work doesn’t pay,” he says. And he points out that, coming after recent rises in travel costs, the cuts come at a time when families are feeling the pinch very hard indeed.

After all, for working parents, childcare cuts don’t just represent a loss of income: they force parents to think about whether working when their children are young is actually worth the effort at all.

Given that the government is committed to helping parents to work if they want to, that doesn’t make much sense.

To be totally fair about it, of course, a two-parent family should view the costs of childcare as a proportion of their joint income.

But in practice, how it’s seen by most couples is as a proportion of the mother’s wage. And if the proportion of that income spent on travel, lunches and childcare becomes too high, then many mothers start to think: what’s the point of carrying on working?

After all, life is hard enough when you’ve got a small child or small children; if the money you’re bringing in is making a big material difference to your family, then it’s worth it. But when it ceases to do that, you might as well reduce the stress in your own life and increase the amount of time you spend with your child or children, and quit work.

The problem in the UK, as compared with many other countries in Europe, is that childcare costs already eat up a huge proportion of a family’s income – 33%, according to recent figures from the OECD, compared with 4% of a family’s income in Belgium, 11% of a family’s income in France, and even compared with 19% of a family’s income in the US. And many campaigners argue that failing to invest in childcare, and so reducing the proportion of a family’s income spent on childcare, is failing the long-term economic future of the country. After all, working mothers are extremely valuable to the economy: they’re paying into their pensions, they’re learning new skills, they’re keeping their confidence up, and even if they only tread water while their children are young, they’re keeping connected with the world of work in a way that will make it much easier to up a gear when their children are at school.

From the government’s point of view, of course, the changes to working tax credit are all part of a cuts package that has to affect everyone in the land. This month’s changes to the childcare element of the credit will save £270m next year, rising to £385m by 2014-15. The policy is one of several deficit reduction measures 10

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

March – April 2011

The cost of paid work which will hit families, including an end to the £250 child trust fund for new babies, and the cutting of child benefit from 2013 to families where one parent is a higher-rate taxpayer.

What’s especially unfair is that, if women leave the workplace when their children are tiny, they often find their working choices hugely reduced when they try to return to work three, or five, or even ten years down the line.

And given that we’re being encouraged to anticipate living longer, and working for longer, that makes no sense.

The cost of childcare: what mums say I’ve got two children aged two and three, and to be honest I reckon it costs me to work. Around 70% of my income goes on childcare, and the rest is eaten up in travel, lunches and clothes to wear for work. I keep telling myself that it’s a long-term investment in my capacity to work when the children are older and at full-time school, but there are days when that rings very hollow indeed. The truth is that it’s a real slog, working so hard when you’ve got small children...somewhere in your mind you know they’re happiest when they’re with you, and you know you’re happiest when you’re with them, and if you’re not even making money out of it, there comes a point when you think: why bother. (Julie, 37, works in marketing) I’ve worked out that unless I can earn at least £35,000 a year, it’s simply not worth going back – so, for the moment, I’ve decided to stay at home. What worries me is how I’ll get back into the job market – I feel that while I’m at home I’m not getting the kind of experience employers are interested in, and that my confidence will be much-diminished by the time I’m ready to put in job applications again. Like many working parents I’d rather work part-time than fulltime, but working part-time means an even lower salary, and you still have to get yourself into the office, buy lunches and so on, and that costs a huge amount. What I need is a system under which my children could get good, affordable childcare so that I could at least keep my toe in the water with my job, for the long-term.

(Suzy, 34, former curator)

More information Daycare Trust: http://www.daycaretrust.org.uk/ Working Families: http://www.workingfamilies.org.uk/ Childcare tax credits: http://www.direct.gov.uk/

Useful Contact Details Cicciona’s Nanny & Babysitting Service is a local agency based in Worcester. Sarah, a mum of 2, set up Cicciona’s in 2004 after working as a nanny herself for almost 10 years. She offers a tailor made service to suit both families and nannies. Sarah has also recently started offering wedding crèches so, if you are getting married, give her a call. Telephone Sarah on 01905 424795 or email sarah@ciccionas.com. www.ciccionas.com Able Hands Nanny and Childcare Agency Central Ltd is a new agency based in Suckley, Worcester that provides rapid childcare solutions both in and out of the home. Telephone Amanda on 01886 884885 www.ablehandscentral.co.uk .

Best Bear can help you find a nanny, au pair, baby sitter or a nursery safely – they have thoroughly vetted all of the nanny agencies on their site. Alternatively, you can advertise for childcare on their website and browse CVs from hundreds of childcarers looking for work, and then use the site’s Reference Checking Service.

This spring, Best Bear are offering a 10% discount to Families readers who would like to take advantage of their reference checking service.

Call 08707 201277 and quote ‘Families’ to ensure your discount or email info@bestbear.co.uk. www.bestbear.co.uk March – April 2011

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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By Helli Roberts

Tried and tested Holidays

Tried and tested places to stay with children A very Scandinavian experience We recently got back in touch with nature and stayed in a log cabin in the ancient Forest of Dean. There are miles of trails to explore through England’s largest oak woodland and along the banks of the river Wye. It is an outstandingly beautiful location. The children were persuaded to get active collecting haycorns as we ‘hunted’ for wild boar. Unsurprisingly ‘Piglet’ proved elusive but we returned muddy and happy to ease aching muscles in our outside hot tub. It was sheer bliss to lie in steaming water gazing up through the tree canopy whilst sipping a glass of wine. A very Scandinavian experience. The cabin was cosy and well equipped with children’s games and DVD player. If you need more entertainment you can enlist the help of the forest rangers to build a survival shelter, discover mini beasts and learn orienteering. Forest Holidays also have cabins in Cornwall, Yorkshire and Scotland – we shall definitely be returning.

Tel: 0845 1308223. www.forestholidays.co.uk

A very British experience The family-owned Runnymede Hotel has a wonderful location right on the Thames near Windsor and is the perfect place to stay if you want to extend a trip to nearby Legoland or Chessington – or just feel like escaping the city.

In the summer it is a joy to laze on vast bean bags on the river bank whilst the children play giant Jenga and swing in hammocks.

In the winter the spa’s pool provides entertainment along with the Wii and toys in the children’s games room. I managed to sneak in an indulgent massage!

Our well-designed family room had floor to ceiling windows perfect for lying in bed whilst watching boats navigating the lock. The hotel’s boat is available for hire if you too fancy messing about on the water.

Children are well catered for with early ‘ducklings dinners’, welcome activity packs and endless bags of bread to feed the ducks!

Tel: 01784 220960. www.runnymedehotel.com

And a family-friendly French experience in the Alps

By Karen Craven

Chilly Powder is a small family-run company owned by Francesca and Paul Eyre, parents of 3 children, who not only offer wonderful family-friendly ski-ing holidays in Morzine, France but also offer summer Mountain activity holidays. They have seen a massive boom in mountain biking holidays and a steady growth in family activity holidays. Whether you are sporty, moderately active or just want to relax in beautiful surroundings there really is something for everyone of all ages here in the Alps.

It can often prove a challenge, especially if you are holidaying with young children, to find a resort that delivers in-chalet childcare, easy access to activities and plenty of entertainment for the parents. Chilly Powder prides themselves on providing families with the perfect environment to enjoy a relaxing and fun filled experience which cannot be found anywhere else. The intimate nature of their chalets and friendly, ‘nothing is too much trouble’ attitude from their staff, has families coming back year on year.

Their fully-equipped in-house crèche is run by a team of qualified nannies taking children from any age. The crèche has a kitchenette, bathroom, bedroom and two play areas separating babies and toddlers. It is equipped with bottle warming and sterilizing equipment. There are plenty of toys, games and creative play kits. A lovely homemade children’s supper is served at 5.30pm with pureed food also available.

In fact, they surveyed regular guests for their children’s favourite dishes, which you will also find on the menu. They also have equipment for mums who wish to prepare their own food.

But what about the parents? After a day of activities, parents can come back to a sauna and massage before drinks in the bar or the outside jacuzzi. Foodies will be spoiled with the fine dining on offer – every evening the chalet chef cooks a delicious five-course dinner complete with canapés, coffee and chocolate. A choice of meat or vegetarian meals are offered each evening and they cater for special dietary requirements.

And Chilly Powder’s location is perfect: with a ‘back garden’ that stretches right to the Swiss border, the tranquil area of Les Prodains means children can play safely away from busy roads with acres of meadows and lawn play area right on the doorstep.

Find out more on their website www.chillypowder.com or call Francesca Eyre on 0033 450 747521.

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www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

March – April 2011

Focus on Popular Local Class Tracey Speakman Rhythm Time Tracey Rhythm Time Evesham and Worcester Telephone: 01527 401711 e-mail: traceys@rtfg.co.uk Families Hereford & Worcester magazine – the really useful magazine for parents of children 0-12 years. Please call Karen on 0844 504 7224 for more information.

Tell us a bit about yourself I am a married mum of two children Jazmin and George and have been running Rhythm Time in Worcester and Evesham for three years. I trained in drama and theatre studies and have always loved to sing. I also used to work as a Teaching Assistant at primary schools in Redditch.

What is Rhythm Time?

Rhythm Time offers quality, fun music courses specially written by a music teacher and created to enhance every child’s development.

The classes are age specific including babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers. The classes are an excellent preparation for school as we develop a child’s confidence, creativity, listening skills, language, numeracy and co-ordination.

How did you get started?

Originally I was a teacher for Rhythm Time in Redditch but had the opportunity to start my own franchise in Worcester and Evesham.

This brought new challenges in starting my own business because, as well as teaching classes, I also had to learn to market my classes.

What does the future hold for the business?

I originally started Rhythm Time with 4 classes and now currently run 18 classes throughout Alcester, Evesham, Pershore and Worcester.

March – April 2011

As popularity grows we plan to add additional classes and are looking to employ an additional class teacher.

What is the best bit about what you do?

I love meeting new parents/carers and their children and seeing them grow in confidence. To see their faces glow with achievement and their parents with pride is second to none.

Every day is just good fun.

Any bad bits?

I love running my classes but, as any small business owner will understand, the administration and book keeping can be a bit of a drag.

How do you fit work around family life?

Rhythm Time fits perfectly around my family as we work term time only and most of our classes are within school hours.

What advice would you give other mums looking to work for themselves?

It is really important to be well organized and to allocate work and family time.

Before you start make sure it is something you enjoy and believe in. The early years of a business can be very tough and you will need lots of commitment and support from your family and friends. With this you will soon see great results and be happy in your work. www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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What’s On Please check with the venue in case details have been changed and also please note that with some venues, it is cheaper to pay in advance on-line.

THEATRE Artrix, School Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 1AX 01527 577330, www.artrix.co.uk Live Events: DanceFest presents Jigsaw – Celebrations Special occasions, parties, birthdays, celebrations...

Children and young people from Worcestershire special schools and community groups invite you to come and see their performances at the end of a week celebrationthemed project with Dancefest.

Wed 30th March 1.00 pm see www.dancefest.co.uk for details.

Middle Schools Poetry Slam This live final is the culmination of a poetry slam project involving Middle Schools from Worcestershire, which has seen young people trying to find out “who has the X Factor” … but in a poetic kind of way.

Wed 30th March 7.00 pm £5.00 (£3.00) Youth Moves W’ire Youth Dance Company will perform with other West Midlands youth companies a diverse and dynamic programme of dance. W’ire was formed over seven years ago to provide an opportunity for talented young people from Worcestershire Local Authority schools to create work for performance and to develop their technique and choreography through their work with professional dance artists.

Fri 1st April 7.30 pm £9.00 (£6.00) I’ll Do Anything - Theatretrain Sat 2nd April 7.30pm £8.00 Little Howard and the magic pencil of life and death Following the huge success of their massively popular BBC TV show (Little Howard’s Big Question) Big Howard and the animated six year old Little Howard are packing their bags and heading for a tour of the UK with their hit live show.

Wed 13th April 2.30 pm £12.00 (£10.00), £38.00 family ticket Cinderella – Vienna Festival Ballet Sat 16th April 3.00 pm and 7.30 pm £17.00 (£13.00 under 16s) Easter Craft Workshop The Artrix’s popular drop-in craft workshop for children. There will be a seasonal theme and plenty of Easter creations to take home with you!

All ages 3+. Tues 19th April, 10.00 am - 12.00 pm, £1.00 per child 14

Evesham Arts Centre Theatre, Victoria Avenue, Evesham, Worcs, WR11 4QH 01386 48883, www.eveshamartscentre.co.uk The Crucible (PHHS) An adaptation of Arthur Miller’s play.

Thurs 3rd - Sat 5th March 7.15 pm £8.00 (£6.00 for school children) For tickets tel Prince Henry’s High School 01386 765588 A Little bit of Irish Following last year’s sell-out show – and an appearance at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London – these young dancers are back with traditional Irish dance & more contemporary “Riverdance” styles. Sat 9th April 7.30 pm £7.00 Company of Strangers (De Novo Dance and Winchcombe School) RockBallet makes a welcome return with the final part of the New World Trilogy. Dance styles include contemporary, modern, musical theatre, street dance & gymnasticstyles. A great night out for all the family – you don’t have to love dance to love this! For more info contact office@denovodance.co.uk www.denovodance.co.uk Tues 26th April 8.00 pm (time TBC) Cinderella (Vienna Festival Ballet) Wed 27th April 7.30 pm £18.50 (£12.50) Huntingdon Hall, Crown Gate, Worcester, WR1 3LD 01905 611427, www.worcesterlive.co.uk Mrs Blossom’s Magic Cakes How do magic hoppity cakes get on to the menu at Mrs Blossom’s cafe when she herself doesn’t really want to make her customers hop about like rabbits? Sat 5th March 10.30 am and 11.45 am £1.50 Malvern Theatres, Grange Road, Malvern, Worcs, WR14 3HB 01684 892277, www.malvern-theatres.co.uk Romeo and Juliet (Russian State Ballet Orchestra) Wed 2nd March 2.30 pm and 7.30 pm, Thurs 3rd March 7.30 pm The Nutcracker (Russian State Ballet Orchestra) Fri 4th March 7.30 pm, Sat 5th March 2.30 and 7.30 pm Tickets £30.00, £28.00, £26.00 Mats £24.50, £22.50 Science Museum Live on Tour A theatrical adventure into the wonderful world of science.

Thurs 10th March 7.00 pm £12.50 (Groups 10+ £9.00 each)

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

Fantastic Mr Fox at No 8 Goodnight Mister Tom A brand new stage adaptation based on the classic book and film set in the Second World War about an evacuee.

Tues 15th – Thurs 17th March 7.00 pm, Fri 18th – Sat 19th March 7.30 pm, Wed 16th – Thurs 17th 1.30 pm, Sat 19th March 2.30 pm. Tickets £22.50, £20.50, £18.50, £16.50, £14.50 Scarecrow A story of music, movement, puppetry and fun Sat 26th March 11.00 am and 2.00 pm £6.00 5 years + The Bug and the Butterfly A heart-warming story about love, friendship, reaching for the moon and dancing leaf to leaf.

Sat 16th April 11.00 and 2.00 pm £6.00 3 years + Norbury Theatre, Norbury House, Friar Street, Droitwich Spa, WR9 8ED 01905 770154, www.norburytheatre.freeserve.co.uk Droitwich Spa “Arts 4 All” 2011 This is an open day where local arts groups, organisations and individuals can meet, display information about their club/organisation, exhibit their work, and perform and run workshops in an informal way. Sat 5th March 12.00 – 4.00 pm FREE Children’s Theatre These productions are short, small cast plays specially written and presented by adults for children and suitable for ages 3 - 10. They take the form of mini pantomimes in that they contain songs, slapstickstyle humour, goodies, baddies, chases and the like.

Sat 19th March and Sat 16th April 2.30 pm £1.50

Big Wooden Horse & Theatre Royal Winchester present The Way Back Home By Oliver Jeffers One day a boy finds a plane in his cupboard. He flies his plane higher and higher until he runs out of petrol and lands on the moon. He is frightened, lost and alone until a passing Martian lands there too! Who is the strange alien?

Can they be friends? And how will they find their way back home?

Suitable for age 3+. Wed 20th April 2.30 pm £6.00 under 16 £5.00 Creative Courses – Easter Art Workshop Looking for something exciting and creative for the half term holidays? In this fun half day workshop children will participate in Easter themed activities including making cards and Easter baskets (perfect for collecting eggs!)

Suitable for 5-9 year olds.

Participants will need to bring a packed lunch. Mon 11th April 11.00 am – 2.00 pm £6.00 Palace Theatre, Alcester Street, Redditch, Worcs, B98 8AE 01527 65203, www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk Sing-along-a Abba This is a sing-along-a spectacular with a Dancing Queen competition, free Magic Moment goody bags, favourite lyrics & more on the Big Screen and the fantastic singers performing hit after hit. Sat 5th March 7.30 pm £18.00

Number 8 Community Arts Centre, 8 High Street, Pershore, Worcs, WR10 1BG 01386 555488, www.number8.org.uk

Coppelia (European Ballet) This is the story of the doll-maker Coppelius, whose greatest desire is to create a doll with a soul. He then falls in love with Coppelia, whom he thinks is alive. He finally recognises that she is just a doll and returns to Swanhilda, after which the sparkling grand divertissement sees everyone reconciled. Sat 2nd April 7.30 pm £17.50 and £15.50, £58.00 family ticket

Fantastic Mr Fox Farmers Boggis, Bunce and Bean are the meanest, nastiest crooks imaginable and they are fed up with Mr Fox stealing their chickens! Together they have concocted a cunning plan to get rid of Mr Fox once and for all. But Mr Fox is a ‘fantastic fox’ and it hasn’t occurred to them that their adversary might have a cunning plan of his own… Wed 6th April 1.30 pm and Thurs 7th April 7.00 pm £6.00 under 16 £3.00

The Henry VIII Show (On the Other Hand Puppet Theatre Company) Henry VIII is played by an actor and the court are played by puppets.

After the show there is a lively question and answer session about the life and times of Henry and his court. Six Children are invited to be one of the Tudors and for one lucky person, a chance to be Anne Boleyn for the day. Tues 5th April 2.00 pm £10.00, £3.00 (schools rate) Eve All seats £14.00 March – April 2011

Swan Theatre The, The Moors, Worcester, WR1 3ED 01905 611427, www.worcesterlive.co.uk Dance back through the decades (Happy Steps) Ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary dance and musical theatre depicting different eras.

Watch the excitement and love of dance as the children perform.

Proceeds will be donated to Acorns Childrens Hospice. Sat 12th, Sun 13th and Sat 19th, Sun 20th March 2.30 pm, £8.00 Tales from the Woo (Blue Roof Youth Theatre) A breathtaking journey back in time with a selection of colourful and inspiring tales from the city of Worcester “The Woo”.

This is a devised production by 8-16 year olds from Perdiswell Young Peoples Leisure Club.

Sun 27th March 7.00pm £2.00

MUSEUMS Almonry Heritage Centre, Abbey Gate, Evesham, Worcs, WR11 4BG 01386 446944, www.almonryevesham.org Open Mon to Sat 10.00am – 5.00pm, Sunday 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm Tickets: £3.00 adults, under 11s Free, concessions £2.00 Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, Worcs, B60 4JR 01527 831363, www.avoncroft.org.uk Sat and Sun 10.30 am – 4.00 pm, From April Tues – Sun 10.30 am – 5.00 pm Tickets: £5.50 adults, £2.50 child (under 5s free), Family ticket £14.30 (Price increases in April) Bewdley Museum, Load Street, Bewdley, DY12 1AT 01299 403573 www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/ museum Open 11.00 – 4.00 pm.

The Museum opens for the 2011 Season Friday 1st April 10.00 am - 4.30 pm FREE admission Kids Easter Craft Activities Sat 9th - Mon 25th April 12 noon - 3.00pm From £2.00 per activity Easter Egg Hunt Solve clues around the museum & gardens to claim your Easter Egg prize.

Sunday 24th April 11.00 am – 3.00 pm £2.50 per child The Commandery, 109 Sidbury, Worcester, WR1 2HU 01905 361821, www.worcestercitymuseums.org.uk

Vintage Easter Weekend A 1950’s inspired weekend of vintage glamour. On Easter Monday the Vintage Fair will once again take over the Great Hall with the stunning fashions of the 50s and 60s.

Saturday 23rd – Monday 25th April

Eggs with Everything – Holiday Activities Try your hand at Egg decorating, Eggsuberant hats, Eggsquisite cards and Eggsciting masks. There’s an Egg trail around the Museum too....

Tues 12th - Friday 15th and Tues 19th - Thurs 21st April

Mini Exhibition: Love Songs If music be the food of love, play on! From music in Shakespeare’s time to romance at Littlebury’s print works, enjoy the sounds of love in this mini exhibition.

Saturday 12 February – Sunday 3 July

Family Fun Day A chance to meet Humpty Dumpty and friends.

Bank Holiday Monday 25th April

Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum, Foregate Street, Worcester, WR1 1DT 01905 25371, www.worcestercitymuseums.org.uk Museum: Open Tues – Sat 10.30am – 4.30pm, Cost: FREE Cafe, Shop and Art Gallery also open on Mondays.

Family Easter Fun - Drop in Day Create your very own Easter bonnet or basket using an array of materials – fun for all the family! Thursday 21 April 11.00 am – 4.00 pm Cost: £1 per person for materials Easter Trail Why not bring the family along to take part in the Easter Trail – follow the clues around the building – mini Easter eggs for those with all the answers!

Easter Saturday 23 April, Cost: £1.00 per person Exhibitions: Roman Worcestershire This exhibition presents some of the most spectacular Roman archaeology that has been discovered across Worcestershire.

Drawing on archaeology collections of both the City and County museums it will explore the County’s experiences of conquest, life, work, religion and death during this fascinating period.

Saturday 29th January – Saturday 18th June Worcestershire County Museum, Hartlebury Castle, Hartlebury, Nr Kidderminster, Worcs, DY11 7XZ 01299 250416, www.worcestershire.gov.uk/ museum Open Tues – Fri 10.00 am – 5.00 pm, Weekends and Bank Holiday Mondays 11.00 am – 5.00 pm Cost: £4.50 adults, £2.25 concessions, £12.00 family ticket (2 adults and 2 children)

Open Mon – Sat 10am – 5pm, Sun 1.30pm – 5pm, Cost: £5.40 adults, £2.30 5-16 yrs, under 5’s FREE, £4.10 concessions, Family ticket £12.50

Hartlebury Helpers Club meets every other Saturday morning in term time – Museum Saturday Club for 7-11 year olds.

Contact Sue Pope on 01299 250416 for more information

Three Battles Festival A commemoration of three of the bloodiest battles in Worcestershire.

Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th March

Mother’s Day Free entry for all Mums on Mother’s Day plus a special menu in the Café and a chance to meet some historic characters. Sun 3rd April

March – April 2011

COUNTRY PARKS Arrow Valley Countryside Centre, Battens Drive, South Moons Moat, Redditch, Worcs, B98 0LJ 01527 464000, www.redditch.whub.org.uk go to Leisure and Culture and click on Arrow Valley Park Open Mon – Sun 10.00 am – 4.30 pm Easter Egg Trail Follow the clues on the trail and win an Easter egg as a prize Sun 24 – Mon 25 April 10.00 am – 4.00 pm £1.50 Broadway Tower, Broadway Tower, Fish Hill, Broadway, WR12 7LB Tel: 01386 852390, www.broadwaytower.co.uk Open weekends 10.30 am - 5.00 pm Cost: £4.50 adult, £2.50 child (4-14) and Family ticket £12.00, concession £4.00 Evesham Country Park, Norton and Lenchwick, Evesham, WR11 4TP Tel: 01386 761888 Garden Centre, Tel: 01386 443348 The Ark Animal Sanctuary, Tel: 01386 422282 Evesham Vale Light Railway. www.eveshamcountrypark.co.uk Open Mon - Sat 9.00 am - 6.00 pm, Sun 10.30 am – 4.30 pm Cost: FREE entry to Garden Centre, charges for Animal Sanctuary and Railway

What’s On ATTRACTIONS Cadbury World, Linden Road, Bournville, Birmingham, B30 2LU Tel: 0844 880 7667, www.cadburyworld.co.uk Opening hours – do telephone for opening hours and it is recommended that you book your tickets to guarantee entry. Cost: £14.30 adults, £10.40 children, under 4s free, family ticket £43.20 (2 adults, 2 children) or £50.00(2 adults, 3 children) Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens, Burford, Oxfordshire, OX18 4JP Tel: 01993 823006, www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk Open every day apart from Christmas Day from 10.00 am. Cost: £12.50 adults, £8.50 children, under 3s free Dick Whittington Farm Park, Little London, Longhope, Glos, GL17 0PH Tel: 01452 831000, www.dickwhittington.org Weekends and school holidays 10.00am – 5.00pm, Cost: £6.00 children over 3 and adults, active under threes £5.00, babies free, family ticket £22.00 School term 10.30 – 2.30 closed Tues(£4 concession price) Domestic Fowl Trust & Honeybourne Rare Breeds UK Centre, Station Road, Honeybourne, Nr Evesham, Worcs, WR11 7QZ Tel: 01386 833083 www.domesticfowltrust.co.uk Open 9.30am – 5pm except Christmas Day and Boxing Day Cost: £4.50 adults, £3.00 children (2 and under free), Family £13.50

The Commandery

Kingsford Forest Park, Wolverley, Kidderminster, Worcs, DY11 5SL 01562 710025, www.worcestershire.gov.uk Open daily 8.00 am – 5.00 pm FREE Lickey Hills Country Park and Sculpture Trail, Warren Lane, Rednal, Birmingham, B45 8ER 0121 447 7106, www.birmingham.gov.uk/lickeyhills Open 10.00 am-4.20 pm FREE Worcester Woods Country Park and Orchard Cafe, Spetchley Road, Worcester, WR5 2LG 01905 766493, www.worcestershire.gov.uk Open 9.00 am – 5.00 pm FREE Wyre Forest Visitor and Discovery Centre, Callow Hill, Bewdley, Worcs, DY14 9XQ 01299 266929, www.wyreforest.co.uk Open 10 am – 5.00 pm FREE

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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What’s On

Brockhampton Estate, Greenfields, Bringsty, Herefordshire, WR6 5TB Tel: 01885 488099

Hanbury Hall, School Road, Hanbury, Droitwich, WR9 7EA Tel: 01527 821214

WOODLAND WALK Take a walk with the Ranger and learn how to identify trees and discover hidden wildlife Fri 15 April 1.00 – 3.00 pm £3.00 adult, children FREE

THE GOLDEN YEAR – FAMILY TIME The year is 1880. Come and see the dining room table laid for tea and floral displays. There will also be a family trail. Sat 2 – Sun 3 April 1.00 – 4.30 pm Free event (normal admission applies)

EASTER TRAILS Follow the trails, chocolate prizes for all who complete the trail Fri 22 – Mon 25 April 11.00 am – 4.00 pm £2.00 per trail

Stormforce - Drayton Manor Theme Park Drayton Manor Theme Park, Tamworth, Staffs, B78 3TW Tel: 0844 472 1950 www.draytonmanor.co.uk Open 9.30 am – 5.00 pm Cost: £16.50 (4-64), £2.50 (2-3), under 2 free, £13.00 (Group of 4 or more) The opening of a brand new hotel and two new rides will be the highlights of Drayton Manor Theme Park’s 2011 season, which begins on Saturday 20th March.

Forge Mill Needle Museum and Bordesley Abbey, Needle Mill Lane, Riverside, Redditch, B98 8HY Tel: 01527 62509, www.forgemill.org.uk Tues – Fri 11.00 am – 4.00 pm, Sat and Sun 1.00 – 4.00 pm, Cost: £4.15 adults, £1.10 child, £8.50 family ticket Redditch at War Event Day Find out more about life during the Second World War with ‘Forever Forties’, World War II RAF group and South Midlands Military Vehicles Trust.

Sat 26th March 11.00 – 4.00 pm £3.00 adults, children £1.00, family £6.00

If you would like to feature in the What’s On Section, please email events@herefordandworcs.co.uk

Farm Fun Day Enjoy all the fun of the farm. An opportunity to meet some cuddly creatures and enjoy some other rural activities, including animals such as sheep, goats, a calf, rabbits, chickens, children’s craft activity, farmyard song and performance with Indigo Arts Heritage group. Mon 25th April 11.00 – 4.00 pm £2.00 adults, children £1.00, family £5.00

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National Sea Life Centre, The Water’s Edge, Brindley Place, Birmingham, B1 2HL Tel: 0871 423 2110, www.sealife.co.uk Open every day Mon – Fri 10.00 am – 5.00 pm and weekends 10.00 am – 6.00 pm Cost: It is cheaper to book on-line before you go

Small Breeds Farm Park & Owl Centre, Kingswood, Kington, Herefordshire, HR5 3HF Tel: 01544 231109, www.owlcentre.com Open every day apart from Christmas Day from 10.30 am – 5.30 pm Cost £8.00 adults, £5.00 children (Please note credit/debit cards are not accepted) Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum, Millenium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham, B4 7XG Tel: 0121 202 2222, www.thinktank.ac Weekdays 10.00 am – 4.00 pm, weekends 10.00am – 5.00pm apart from Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day Cost: £12.25 adults, £8.40 children (3-15), £39.00 family ticket Warwick Castle, Warwick, CV34 4QU Tel: 0870 4422371, www.warwick-castle.co.uk

Croft Castle, Yarpole, nr Leominster, HR6 9PW Tel: 01568 780246 BUNNY HUNT A bunny hunt looking for man size bunnies plus a tasty treat at the end. Sun 22 – Mon 25 April 10.00 – 4.00 pm £2.00 per child Croome Park, Croome D’Abitot, WR8 9DW Tel: 01905 371006 GEOCACHING – THE CROOME CACHE LAUNCH A technological treasure hunt for beginners or experienced (see geocaching.com) Sat 19 – Sun 20 March 10.00 – 4.45 pm Free event (normal admission applies) MARVELLOUS MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND Make and take home a craft for Mum Sat 2 – Sun 3 March 11.00 – 3.00 pm £1.50 per item CROOME’S EASTER EGGVENTURE Have fun with Easter trail and activities Sat 9 – Mon 25 April 10.00 – 4.00 pm £2.50 per item

FAMILY ACTIVITY DAYS – FABLES & TALES Enjoy a trail around the garden and ‘make and take’ activities Tues 12 and Thurs 14 April 11.00 – 4.30 pm 0.50 per item, £2.00 per trail FAMILY ACTIVITY DAYS – SPRING INTO ACTION Enjoy a trail around the garden and ‘make and take’ activities Tues 19 April 11.00 – 4.30 pm 0.50 per item, £2.00 per trail EASTER WEEKEND Easter themed weekends, hands-on activities and face painting Fri 22 – Mon 25 April 11.00 – 4.30 pm 0.50 per item, £2.00 per trail The Weir, Swainshill, Hereford, HR4 7QF Tel: 01981 590509 EASTER TRAIL An Easter trail around the magical Weir garden Sun 24 and Mon 25 April 11.00 am – 4.00 pm £2.00 per trail

SPECIAL EVENT Countrytastic is a super children’s event at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern. Thurs 21st April 10.00 am – 4.00 pm £5.00 (under 3s free) www.threecounties.co.uk

Open every day 10.00am – 5.00pm apart from Christmas Day Cost: Prices differ so the advice is book on-line before you go West Midland Safari Park, Spring Grove, Bewdley, DY12 1LF Tel: 01299 402114, www.wmsp.co.uk Open every day 10.00am – 5.00pm, Weekends 10.00am – 6.00 pm, Bank holidays 10.00 – 7.00 pm Cost: Prices differ so the advice is book on-line before you go

EVENTS NCT – National Childbirth Trust 0300 3300770 www.nct pregnancyandbabycare.com NEARLY NEW SALES: Redditch NCT Sat 26th March 1.00 – 3.00 pm at Studley Village Hall, High Street, Studley, B80 7HG. Tel: Esther on 0844 243 6248 or email: redditchnearlynewsale@gmail.com

National Trust

Severn Valley Railway, Kidderminster Town Station, Comberton Hill, Kidderminster DY10 1QX 01562 827232, www.svr.co.uk

Berrington Hall, nr Leominster, HR6 0DW Tel: 01568 615721

Open every weekend Cost: Prices differ so the advice is book on-line before you go

EASTER TRAIL Easter trail around the gardens Sun 24 and Mon 25 April 10.00 am – 4.00 pm £2.00 per trail

0844 800 1895 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

March – April 2011