Families Warwickshire Mar-Apr 2015 Issue 22

FREE!

March/April 2015 Issue 22

Take me home!

速

warwickshire

The really useful magazine for parents

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01926 335004

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk

1

How can our school or group get involved?

How c

How ca group group g

To get involved, all you have to do is raise £300 for Guide Dogs. Once you’ve reached your target you’ll start your amazing journey with your very own class of 3 pups - sharing every step of their adventure as they grow from tiny puppiesEvery into responsible guide dogs. life-changing

a class of lesson plans,Sponsor activity sheets, wall chart and a poster. puppies and take your

a class of

Guide the

puppy

Place your Pupdate in puppy pictures this box

Sponsor a class of puppies!

– 3. Starting school we’ve started it’s hard training school; of fun work but lots

Place your Pupdate in puppy pictures this box

your Pupdate Place Place your in pictures puppy stage 2 puppy box in this pictures

2

3

this box

1

1. Settling

having lots partial we’re sight mask fun settling into

of These masks simulate what it’s like if our new home you can’t see very well, but are not our meeting totally blind and new family

y Sponsor a Pupp @ school

ring We’re sponso guide dog puppies! py.org.uk

www.sponsorapup

(SC038979) and in Scotland Wales (209617) in England and Registered charity SAPSCH_Poster_01/12

training – we’re 4. Advanced learning advanced training lots of new things

– 6. Graduation Hurrah! We’ve qualified as guide dogs!

5. Partnership soon training – we’ll know our be getting to we can new owner so work together

Making your mask goes to a Guide do it? to the puppy learnapproximately a guide dog to Cut a stripold, of strong tracing paper 210mm x 75mm, i.e. one months 12 dog trainer How does line in the At around quarter a guide straight an A4walk sheet careful with in –abe to scissors or ask an adult to help training! works with of and the how to It’s all in the School. Here, it your a large pin and you.

Carefully prick holes thestairs middle of the tracing paperPlace with learns doors in Pupdate 6 The puppy crossings, Dogs Training kerbs,sharp or similar point. Be careful to keep your fingers away from the point to puppy pictures a guide dog. to stop at box become avoid injury.works.

The dotted line in the diagram above shows thein this approximate and road the pavement, bins centre of like wheelie area in which to make the holes. Position the tracing paper mask in front of avoid obstacles your eyes so that you can see a little through the pinholes and hold it in place by tying the elastic behind your head.

Registered

charity in

England

and Wales

(209617)

SAPSCH_AS3_01/12

and in Scotland

in

Place your Pupdate in puppy pictures this box

Place your Pupdate in puppy pictures this box

(SC038979)

4

5

Registered charity in England and Wales (209617) and in Scotland (SC038979) SAPSCH_AS4_01/12

py.org.uk

www.sponsorapup

(SC038979) and in Scotland Wales (209617) in England and Registered charity

our class of 3 guide school dog or group on a or never loss. Aroun The guide dog your hel life changing journey. puppies in training.

It’s fun and rewarding -Your school blind or pa service receives

andwill a have poster. or group the unique Erica Kemp Julie sponsored puppies online at Stanley

opportunity to sponsor01926 a class of 355861 01926 355863 www.sponsorapuppy.org.uk ’ journeys... three real guide julie.stanley@alsterskelley.com dog puppies, Our puppies getting erica.kemp@alsterskelley.com ‘Pupdates’ on their progress and usphotos onone 0870 240 oryou e-mail ofto each pup so can see FreeCall initial one6993 appointments. us schools@guidedogs.org.uk to sponsor how much they’ve grown.

With each ring nso spo re your class of 3We’ today e dog guidpuppies Pupdate you’ll receive teaching ! puppies www.alsterskelley.com and class activity sheets Followresources us on Facebook covering a01926 range 356000 of topics: from how and Twitter. guide dogs train to what it’s like to be LOCAL LAWYERS YOUR LEGAL NEEDS visually impaired, alongFOR with a sticker Guide Dogs is a working name of The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. Registered Office: Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, Berkshire RG7 3YG. A company limited collection for each child.

You can also view photos of your

Contact name.............................................................................................................................

School or group name................................................................................................................

Address.........................................................................................................................................

Contact number........................................... Email address......................................................

Number of children sponsoring the puppies.......................

guide d

England

and Wales

(209617)

and in Scotland

(SC038979)

Registered charity in England and Wales (209617) and in Scotland (SC038979) SAPSCH_AS4_01/12

py.org.uk

www.sponsorapup

Registered charity

in England and

SAPSCH_Wallchart_01/12

Wales (209617)

and in Scotland

(SC038979)

For staff use only: Product code: SAP@School Branch name: banked:

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

cash 

4

Guide Dogs is a working name of The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. Registered Office: Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, Berkshire RG7 3YG. A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (291646) and a charity registered in England and Wales (209617) and Scotland (SC038979).

Tel: 0870 240 6993. Email: info@guidedogs.org.uk

Our puppies’

journeys...

– 2. New discoveries out we’re going lots of and about having different adventures

Place your Pupdate in puppy pictures this box

Our puppies’

way Finding your maze. out of the in – Make your own Guide the

way Finding your maze. out of the in – Make your own Guide the

puppy

We’re sponsoring guide dog puppies! uk

rapuppy.org.

www.sponso

in England and Registered charity SAPSCH_Poster_01/12

Wales (209617)

and in Scotland

(SC038979)

Place your Pupdate in puppy pictures this box

2

in training – we’re 4. Advanced learning advanced training lots of new things

– 6. Graduation Hurrah! We’ve qualified as guide dogs!

Registered

charity in

SAPSCH_AS3_01/12

England

and Wales

(209617)

and in Scotland

5. Partnership soon training – we’ll know our be getting to we can new owner so work together

Place your Pupdate in puppy pictures this box

Registered charity in England and Wales (209617) and in Scotland (SC038979) SAPSCH_AS4_01/12

www.sponso

Registered charity

in England and

Wales (209617)

and in Scotland

SAPSCH_Wallchart_01/12

(SC038979)

5

.uk

rapuppy.org

Place your Pupdate in puppy pictures this box

Place your Pupdate in puppy pictures this box

– 3. Starting school we’ve started it’s hard training school; of fun work but lots

your Pupdate Place Place your in pictures puppy stage 2 puppy box in this pictures

2

of These masks simulate what it’s like if our new home you can’t see very well, but are not our meeting totally blind and new family

Sponsor a Puppy @ school

We’re sponsoring guide dog puppies! uk

rapuppy.org.

www.sponso

in England and Registered charity SAPSCH_Poster_01/12

Wales (209617)

and in Scotland

in training – we’re 4. Advanced learning advanced training lots of new things

– 6. Graduation Hurrah! We’ve qualified as guide dogs!

5. Partnership soon training – we’ll know our be getting to we can new owner so work together

Making your mask goes to a Guide do it? to the puppy learnapproximately a guide dog to Cut a stripold, of strong tracing paper 210mm x 75mm, i.e. one months 12 dog trainer How does line in the At around quarter a guide straight an A4walk sheet careful with in –abe to scissors or ask an adult to help training! works with of and the how toprick It’s all in the School. Here, it your a large pin and you.

Carefully holes thestairs middle of the tracing paperPlace with learns doors in Pupdate 6 The puppy crossings, Dogs Training kerbs,sharp or similar point. Be careful to keep your fingers away from the point to puppy pictures a guide dog. to stop at box become injury.works.

The dotted line in the diagram above shows thein this approximate and road the pavement, binsavoid centre of like wheelie area in which to make the holes. Position the tracing paper mask in front of avoid obstacles your eyes so that you can see a little through the pinholes and hold it in place by tying the elastic behind your head.

(SC038979)

Registered

charity in

SAPSCH_AS3_01/12

England

and Wales

(209617)

and in Scotland

Place your Pupdate in puppy pictures this box

Place your Pupdate in puppy pictures this box

(SC038979)

4

5

Registered charity in England and Wales (209617) and in Scotland (SC038979) SAPSCH_AS4_01/12

.uk

rapuppy.org

www.sponso

Registered charity

in England and

Wales (209617)

and

in Scotland (SC038979)

SAPSCH_Wallchart_01/12

You can also view photos of your sponsored puppies online at www.sponsorapuppy.org.uk

Place your Pupdate in puppy pictures this box

4

schools@

Call us on 0870 240 6993 or e-mail us schools@guidedogs.org.uk toyour sponsor clas your class of 3 puppies today Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Call us on 0

schools@gu

Available to: Call us on 0870 240 6993 or e-mail Schools or groups, Scouts, Guides your class o us schools@guidedogs.org.uk to sponsor andtoday other youth groups. your class of 3 puppies

Payment type:

Maths & English tuition centre SAPSCHdl 7385 07/14

For 5 to 14 year olds of all abilities • Courses mapped to the National Curriculum.

• Adapts to the individual needs of your child.

• Convenient for families - Open 7 days a week.

• Award-winning tuition - voted Education Investor Supplementary Education Provider of the Year.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Guide Dogs is a working name of The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. Registered Office: Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, Berkshire RG7 3YG. A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (291646) and a charity registered in England and Wales (209617) and Scotland (SC038979).

Tel: 0870 240 6993. Email: info@guidedogs.org.uk

SAPSCHdl 7385 07/14

Guide Dogs is a working name of The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. Registered Office: Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, Berkshire RG7 3YG. A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (291646) and a charity registered in England and Wales (209617) and Scotland (SC038979).

Tel: 0870 240 6993. Email: info@guidedogs.org.uk

SAPSCHdl 7385 07/14

Available to: Schools or groups, Scouts, Guid and other youth groups.

“Explore Learning members’ improvement in maths was 30% higher than that of the comparison group after controlling for gender, age, year group and special educational needs.”

Independent Efficacy Study by the Institute of Education at Reading University (2013). See www.explorelearning.co.uk/efficacy.

are s c ild her ! h C uc pted Vo acce

2

3

this box

1

1. Settling

having lots partial we’re sight mask fun settling into

this box

1

partial sight mask

(SC038979)

puppy

3 your Pupdate Place Place your in pictures puppy stage 2 puppy box in this pictures

1. Settling lots we’re having into of fun settling These masks simulate what it’s like if our new home you can’t see very well, but are not our meeting totally blind and new family

Making your mask goes to a Guide do it? to the puppy learnapproximately a guide dog to Cut a stripold, of strong tracing paper 210mm x 75mm, i.e. one months 12 dog trainer How does line in the At around quarter a guide straight an A4walk sheet careful with in –abe to scissors or ask an adult to help training! works with of and the how toprick It’s all in the School. Here, it your a large pin and you.

Carefully holes thestairs middle of the tracing paperPlace with learns doors in Pupdate 6 The puppy crossings, Dogs Training kerbs,sharp or similar point. Be careful to keep your fingers away from the point to puppy pictures a guide dog. to stop at box become injury.works.

The dotted line in the diagram above shows thein this approximate and road the pavement, binsavoid centre of like wheelie area in which to make the holes. Position the tracing paper mask in front of avoid obstacles your eyes so that you can see a little through the pinholes and hold it in place by tying the elastic behind your head.

journeys...

– 2. New discoveries out we’re going lots of and about having different adventures

– 3. Starting school we’ve started it’s hard training school; of fun work but lots

Puppy 3 Sponsor a sheetSponsor a Puppy - Activity @ school @ school - Activity sheet 4

Sponsor a Puppy @ school

Sponsor a class of puppies!

Puppy 3 Sponsor a sheetSponsor a Puppy - Activity @ school @ school - Activity sheet 4

Registered charity in England and Wales (209617) and in Scotland (SC038979) 7385 07/14

charity in

SAPSCH_AS3_01/12

Place your Pupdate in puppy pictures this box

5

Branch source code:

Registered

Place your Pupdate in puppy pictures this box

cheque 

Registered SAPSCH_Poster_01/12

Making your mask goes to a Guide do it? to the puppy learnapproximately a guide dog to Cut a stripold, of strong tracing paper 210mm x 75mm, i.e. one months 12 dog trainer How does line in the At around quarter a guide straight an A4walk sheet careful with in –abe to scissors or ask an adult to help training! works with of and the how toprick It’s all in the School. Here, it your a large pin and you.

Carefully holes thestairs middle of the tracing paperPlace with learns doors in Pupdate 6 The puppy crossings, Dogs Training kerbs,sharp or similar point. Be careful to keep your fingers away from the point to puppy pictures a guide dog. to stop at box become injury.works.

The dotted line in the diagram above shows thein this approximate and road the pavement, binsavoid centre of like wheelie area in which to make the holes. Position the tracing paper mask in front of avoid obstacles your eyes so that you can see a little through the pinholes and hold it in place by tying the elastic behind your head.

in training – we’re 4. Advanced learning advanced training lots of new things

work together

cash 

(SC038979)

3

this box

For staff use only: Product code: SAP@School Branch name: banked:

and in Scotland

your Pupdate Place Place your in pictures puppy stage 2 puppy box in this pictures

Payment type:

Wales (209617)

2

Registered charity in England and Wales (209617) and in Scotland (SC038979) 7385 07/14

and charity in England

– 3. Starting school we’ve started it’s hard training school; of fun work but lots

Place your Pupdate in puppy pictures this box

5. Partnership soon training – we’ll know our be getting to we can new owner so

cheque 

py.org.uk

www.sponsorapup

– 6. Graduation Hurrah! We’ve qualified as guide dogs!

– 2. New discoveries out we’re going lots of and about having different adventures

Date

1

Branch source code:

Place your Pupdate in puppy pictures this box

of These masks simulate what it’s like if our new home you can’t see very well, but are not our meeting totally blind and new family

y

Sponsor a Pupp @ school

Yes we’d like to sponsor a class of pups!

Registered charity in England and Wales (209617) and in Scotland (SC038979) 7385 07/14

way Finding your of the maze. in – Make your own puppy out 1. Settling Guide the having lots partial we’re sight mask fun settling into

Amount donated £..............................

Contact name.............................................................................................................................

School or group name................................................................................................................

Address.........................................................................................................................................

Contact number........................................... Email address......................................................

Number of children sponsoring the puppies.......................

or group will have the unique or never le no government Sponsor a class of what you get: opportunity to sponsor aHere’s class of The guid your help funding. puppies andrewarding takeguide yourdog It’s fun three and -Your school Along with certificate, regular real puppies, getting service guide By “Pupdates”, sticker card and stickers fordog orsponsoring group willahave the unique school or group onon a their ‘Pupdates’ progress andyou will also receive photos, no gove every child class of 3 guide dog and take your school oryou group opportunity to sponsor a class ofcan The guide life changing journey. photos of each pup so see funding. lesson plans, activity sheets, wall chart puppies your school and a poster. three real guide dog puppies, getting service rec on a life changing journey. how much they’ve grown. With each By spon or group can help Here’s what you get: ‘Pupdates’ on their progress and no govern Pupdate you’ll receive teaching class of us to continue to Along with certificate, regular resources and class activity puppies photos of each pup so you can sheets see funding. provide and thestickers “Pupdates”, stickergrow card and for covering ato: range of topics: from how group how much they’ve grown.

With each By or sponso Available every child you will also receive photos, guide dog service. by guarantee registered in England and Wales (291646) and a charity registered in guide dogs train toteaching what it’s likeGuides to be us to lesson plans, activity sheets, wall chart Pupdate you’ll receive class of co 3g Schools or groups, Scouts, England and Wales (209617) and Scotland (SC038979). sponsored puppies online at and a poster.

Tel: 0870 240 6993. Email: info@guidedogs.org.uk visually impaired, along with a sticker provide resources and class activity sheets puppies yo and other youth groups.

SAPSCHdl 7385 07/14 www.sponsorapuppy.org.uk child. guide dc Call us oncollection 0870 240 for 6993 or e-mail us how 0845 372 7344 covering a range ofeach topics: from or group guide dogs train to what like to be us to cont Call us on 0870 240 6993 or e-mail schools@guidedogs.org.uk to it’s sponsor Coventry.MobilityTeam@guidedogs.org.uk toview sponsor You can also photos of your visually impaired, along with a sticker provide sponsored puppies online at us schools@guidedogs.org.uk to sponsoryour class of 3 puppies today Call us an o Julie Stanley Kemp collection for each child. www.sponsorapuppy.org.uk guide dog your class ofErica 3 puppies today Puppy 3 Sponsor a sheetSponsor a Puppy - Activity @ school @ school - Activity sheet 4

Yes we’d like to sponsor a class of pups!

Branch source code:

SAPSCH_Wallchart_01/12

Supporter Care

way Finding your maze. out of the in – Make your own

To get inv

Date

– 2. New discoveries out we’re going lots of and about having different adventures

Puppy 3 Sponsor a sheetSponsor a Puppy - Activity @ school @ school - Activity sheet 4

Amount donated £..............................

Date

puppies Every life-changing raise £300 To get invo Ease the Pain of Relationship Breakdown .. ys. school or group on a reached rne jou ’ puppies ppies Our pu guide dog starts off as a tiny, raise £300 f amazing We understand howlife difficult it can be to imagine a better changing journey. reached playful puppy and now your class ofyo 3 future when you are going through amazing jo their adv guide dog starts off as a tiny, a relationship breakdown.

Every life-changing school or group canget: follow Your school or group can help us class of 3 pi Here’s what you puppies transform the livespuppy of peopleand with sight playful now your their We are passionate working you to find practical adven our about class of 3with guide dog guide dog starts off as a tiny, solutions to the issueswith thatcertificate, concern you regular and loss. Around 180,000 people who are Along puppies int school or group can follow Your sch your family most. puppies in training. blind or partially sighted in thenow UK rarely puppy and your “Pupdates”, sticker card and stickers for playful transform leave home. need dog our class ofSo3we guide every you will also receive photos, or never Talk to one of ourchild specialist lawyers Sponsor loss.

Aro school or group can followa class of Your scho your help to create more life-changing lesson plans, activity sheets, wall chart to see how we can help you.

It’s fun and rewarding -Your school puppies in training. puppies and take your blind or You can also view photos of your transform guide dog partnerships.

For staff use only: Product code: SAP@School Branch name: banked:

Payment type:

banked:

cash  Registered cheque Amount donated £.............................. and Wales (209617) charity in England and in Scotland (SC038979) 7385 07/14

Contact number........................................... Email address......................................................

Branch Branch source code: Number of children sponsoring the name: puppies.......................

Sponsor aSponsor class of Sponsor puppies! a class of

Sponsor Here’s what you get: class of regular Alonga with certificate, Hamilton House 20-22 stickers Hamilton Terrace “Pupdates”, sticker card and for Leamington Spa everypuppies child you will also receive photos, CV32 4LY

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01926 335004

News

Issue 22 | March/April 2015 | Families Warwickshire

In this issue

3 News 6 Education w Clubs and Classes e Easter Camps t What’s on?

Come and have fun at our Free Junior Tennis Open Morning

t

Saturday 28th March 10am - 1pm

BOOKING ADVISABLE

Just drop in at any time or come to one of the following sessions 4 - 7 years 10am-11am, 8 - 11 years 11am-12noon 12 - 16 years 12noon-1pm (Children must be accompanied by an adult)

Parking in St Nicholas Park

Any questions?

Holiday club now available for 3-5 year olds After 15 years of running popular holiday activities for children from the age of 5, Warwick School is delighted to offer Early Years holiday activities for boys and girls aged 3-5 years. These new holiday courses will be held at Warwick Preparatory School in their stunning early years setting, which has excellent, secure outdoor play facilities. The holiday activity courses are open to everyone.

Activities will include arts and crafts, dance and gymnastics, martial arts, swimming from age 5, cookery, fun French and Spanish sessions, mini tennis, multi sports, a bouncy castle and lots more indoor and outdoor play opportunities.

Easter Action for 3-5 year olds runs from Tuesday 31 March to Friday 10 April (except Bank Holiday Monday 6 April). For more information contact Eileen Braham on 01926 735473 or email e.braham@warwickschool.org www.warwickschool.org/holiday-activities

Contact Gavin Henderson on 07787 568642 on email tennis.manager@warwickboatclub.co.uk

33, Mill Street, Warwick, CV34 4HB

www.warwickboatclub.co.uk ning en Mor nnis Op 0 am - 1 pm e T r io n 1 Ju rch Free The 8th Ma 2Challenge Work with NCS this summer aturday idelines S

p gu 11 am Age grou 10 am 12 am s nt re pa 11 am s+ 4 - 7 year 1 pm nts 12 am Salary – Up to £1,540 per 3reweek programme e! ars + pa welcom 8 - 11 ye s rent you - all pa its + su s ar at n e th Location: West Midlands so tim 12-16 ye er y d an en at e along Gavin H or...com 642 or email

Youth Mentors and Leaders Length of role: short term, flexible contracts 568from - ring 07787 To book ) lub.co.uk anagerJune 3 days up to 14 weeks(Tbetween kboatcSeptember icand rw ennis M a w @ ger

is.mana

nn Paid positions available tefor people at every level of experience including 18+ college students & graduates wanting to work arwick with young people through to experienced Project Managers. et, W Mill Stre k

To Car Par

K

LAS PAR

ST NICHO

k To Warwic

Banbury

5 Road A42

WARWICK BOAT

Riv er

Av on

CLUB 33 B The Challenge is a fast-growing social enterprise programme that CV34 4H rk icholas Pa N St in brings together young people from different backgrounds, builds Warwick Parking Castle co.uk oatclub.to make a difference in their their confidence, and challenges wickbthem www.war

Contact details

Call: Claire Jones on 01926 335004 E: editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Cover by Linda Scannell www.lindascannell.com All content © 2015 Families Warwickshire Families Warwickshire is a bi-monthly magazine for parents, covering Stratfordon-Avon and Warwick Districts with 21,500 copies. Towns covered include Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick, Leamington Spa and Kenilworth, plus Studley, Alcester, Bidford, Henley-in-Arden, Wellesbourne, Welford-on-Avon, Shipstonon-Stour, Southam and lots of the smaller villages in between.

Advertise with us and reach 40,000+ local parents and carers from just £30 a month!

Next issue: May/June 2015 Features: Parties, Spring, Half Term Deadline: Thursday 2 April Families Warwickshire 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.

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01926 335004

local community. A single programme lasts three weeks and includes outdoor activities, skill development and community service.

Applications Now Open To apply online simply visit www.ncsthechallenge.org/jobs

Twitter: @familieswarks

www.facebook.com/ familieswarwickshire

Advertise in our May/June issue ®

warwickshire

T: 01926 335004

E: editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk

3

News Apply now: Summer job vacancies with NCS The Challenge

Meet the puppies!

Guide dogs provide life changing mobility and there are currently over 4,700 working guide dog partnerships in the UK. Each year up to 1,500 puppies are bred at the state of the art National Breeding Centre near Bishops Tachbrook, just south of Leamington and Warwick. There are around 300 breeding mums and 90 dads, all of whom enjoy life with families in volunteers’ homes. The centre – the largest of its kind in the world - also provides opportunities for people to visit and learn more about the fantastic work at Guide Dogs. You can book on to a free scheduled tour, combine meeting room hire with a brief tour, or visit as part of a team building event. For younger audiences, there are schools’ tours where children can take part in blindfold activities, learn how to read and write braille, go through the sensory tunnel, and view puppies through special viewing windows.

For those who want to get even closer to the pups, the centre offers a ‘Puppy Helper Experience’ where visitors young or old can meet and socialise with puppies and experience a blindfold walk around a small obstacle course. The puppy helper experience lasts for 3 hours and costs up to £85 per person.

Guide Dogs receive no government funding and all monies raised go towards providing mobility to change the lives of more blind and partially sighted people. For information about visiting please contact nbcvisitors@guidedogs.org.uk or call 0845 3727432. For information on volunteering opportunities please contact john.garrett@ guidedogs.org.uk www.guidedogs.org.uk/aboutus/nationalbreeding-centre

NCS The Challenge, one of the largest providers of The National Citizens Service, are recruiting for 900 paid positions to lead and mentor young people aged 15–17 in the West Midlands. The seasonal job opportunities available are suitable for anybody with youth work experience - although this is not essential for all roles.

NCS are especially looking for candidates with staff management experience for Programme Leader roles, or students and graduates over 18 years of age who want to gain further experience of working with and mentoring young people.

The Challenge is a 3-week programme of communitybased and residential activities which brings together young people from diverse backgrounds, building their skills and confidence while connecting them with their communities. Young people taking part in the Summer Programme will stay away from home on a residential basis and experience challenges designed to remove them from their comfort zones like white water rafting and overnight hiking. They will spend a week living in university halls, learning skills that help them with their transition into adulthood such as cooking for themselves and living in their own flats. During their time on the programme they will design and implement a community project which they will pitch to some ‘dragons’ to secure funding. Those graduating from the programme will get follow-up support including help with university applications and interview skills. NCS is recognised by UCAS. Katie Matthews from NCS The Challenge says, “We are looking for high-calibre, experienced applicants for our Programme Leader positions, while anybody with previous young person experience either paid or voluntary with the right attitude and passion will also be considered for our other roles.” Some positions will involve residential stays while others are community based with regular hours. The roles can last from 3 days to 14 weeks from June through to September. Available jobs include programme and assistant programme leaders; senior and residential mentors; community facilitator, senior community facilitator, practitioner and support worker roles. Applications are now open. Find out more and apply online. www.ncsthechallenge.org/jobs E-mail: seasonalroles@the-challenge.org Tel: 0121 771 3884

Stand Out for Autism!

A whole week of activities for you to get involved in to stand out for autism! From Onesie Wednesday™ to pink and purple bake-offs, there’s something for everyone. Have some fun and, at the same time, raise funds to support people with autism to live the lives they choose. The money you raise will make a huge difference and can help The National Autistic Society deliver vital services to support over 700,000 people with autism and their families across the UK. www.autism.org.uk/waaw

Family festival fun Stratford Literary Festival runs from Saturday 25 April to Sunday 3 May. There are a number of morning events for pre-schoolers at Stratford ArtsHouse in Rother Street, where little ones can enjoy storytelling, colouring and other activities.

The Festival finishes with its annual fun-packed Children’s Day on Sunday 3 May. This popular event includes award winning authors and illustrators, including Percy The Park Keeper creator, Nick Butterworth, an enchanting puppet show written

by Michael Rosen, as well as workshops and lantern making. A fantastic day of events for children from 3 to 11 years - book now! www.stratfordliteraryfestival.co.uk

4

Real Nappy Week 2015

Real Nappy Week takes place 20-26 April this year and is the real nappy community’s opportunity to celebrate everything fabulous about using cloth nappies. Up and down the country retailers, manufacturers, cloth nappy libraries, local councils (and of course real nappy fans) will hold giveaways and events aiming to spread the word about why we love real nappies. They are a great way to save money, avoid waste to landfill and reduce your impact on global warming, plus you can save upwards of £500 by using real nappies on one baby, and even more when siblings come along. For nationwide events, local competitions, opportunities to meet people and get advice and a whole lot more visit: www.goreal.org.uk/real-nappy-week

Mothering Sunday

It’s Mother’s Day on 15 March, so why not put your thinking cap on and come up with something special for your mum? Or you could drop hints for your partner and children to treat you! A day out with the people dearest to you can hit the spot perfectly, so why not check out the many museums, stately homes, farm parks and National Trust properties in Warwickshire that are running special Mother’s Day events. At many of them mums go free, so it’s worth doing your research. Top that off with a lie-in and breakfast in bed, and you’ll have the perfect day!

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01926 335004

Let your child’s imagination run wild in Jungle Town.

Jungle Town is an inspiring play centre for children opening this March at the Stratford Garden Centre just outside Stratfordupon-Avon. Roary the Lion is the Mayor of this child-sized town, running the shops and services with the help of his zany friends. Children will love exploring the make believe town, serving pretend drinks at Charlie the Monkey’s Café, building a wall at Bella the Elephant’s Building Site, doing the shopping at Gloria the Giraffe’s Grocery Store, saving the day in Eddie the Tiger’s Emergency Corner, and more! By focussing on children’s love of role play, Jungle Town combines fun with education. Role play helps children develop their communication and language skills, expand their social awareness and build confidence.

Jungle Town will be running 4 play sessions a day (3 on Sundays) of 90 minutes each, allowing staff to return the town to its original presentation between sessions. Numbers are limited to 30 children per session and you can book online to reserve your place. All children who love role play are welcome at Jungle Town but it is especially suitable for under 7 year olds.

The play centre will also be running dedicated sessions for children with special needs. If you know a cheeky monkey with a birthday coming up, Jungle Town’s sessions can also be hired out exclusively for parties. www.jungletown.co.uk

Sensory area Fully inclusive fees Graduate level early years practitioners Meals prepared on-site from fresh ingredients Bespoke on-site forest school Touchscreen ICT for all ages Excellent security with fingerprint entry

OPEN DAY Saturday 21st March Timothy’s Bridge Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 9NR

footstepsnurseries.co.uk

New!

MEET US AT KINWARTON ROAD, ALCESTER, B49 6PX

Forest School in Kenilworth

Forest School in Kenilworth

Tommies Childcare is offering a new Forest School service at the nursery on Clinton Lane, Kenilworth.

Adapted from the Scandinavian approach to teaching, where being outdoors and close to nature is embedded in practice, Forest School offers stimulating and engaging learning opportunities for young children.

All of the activities on offer link directly to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Some of the activities that take place include: - Exploring - Building Fires - Cooking

- Building Dens - Mud Kitchen - Climbing

Get in touch for more information about session times and fees: T: 01926 851 888 E: info@tommieschildcare.co.uk

Explore Construct Discover

- Minibeast Hunts - Making Animal Homes - Using Tools Tommies Day Nursery 182 Clinton Lane Kenilworth CV8 1BB

“An inspirational process that offers children regular opportunities to achieve, develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a local woodland environment.” - Forest School (England) Network, 2002

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01926 335004

YEARS+ 2 R O NG F FREE FUNDI childcare We know how daunting it is placing your child in the care of others, which is why we strive to create a real home -from-home feel with the support of our dedicated team.

Please call Charlotte now to arrange a visit and secure a free place for 2 year olds and 3 year olds. We offer outstanding childcare for your little person so why not visit us and see why children love the fun world of polkadot.

07815 803 787

charlotte@polkadotworld.com

polkadotworld.com 5

Education

Parents’ guide to independent schools (4-13 years)

By Hannah Hunter

We all want to give our children the best start in their educational life. If you can afford it, the independent sector provides an alternative to the state system, which can often operate like a postcode lottery. An increasing number of parents are looking at the independent sector– a report from the Association of Teachers and Lecturers shows numbers rising at their fastest rate since 2008.

A variety of independent schools

An independent school is a school that is free to operate outside of many of the rules and regulations of the state system (there are, of course, statutory education, health and safety standards). Independent schools are also fee-paying, and governed by an elected board. Within the umbrella term of ‘independent’, you will find an array of different types of schools. Pre-prep is the name sometimes given to schools which cater for infant aged children (4-7), that usually are feeder schools for a prep (preparatory) school (for 8-13 year-olds, and sometimes younger). The preparatory school takes its name from its original function of preparing pupils for entrance to senior schools. This might be a ‘public’ school – the older private schools whose name derives from the fact that they are open to the public, providing they can pay the fees of course! You will also find different kinds of independent schools that will cater for infant and junior aged children. These include schools with different learning styles, such as Montessori schools (often for younger children) and Steiner schools.

How to find a school

Your first port of call should be the government’s database of all UK schools, which allows you to search by area and type (private or state funded).

Expect an interview, even for Early Years places – this is likely to involve some sort of assessment of basic speech, interaction and social skills. By age 7 or 8, you might expect a test of Maths and English ability, with possibly an IQ test. This could be accompanied by a school visit, to assess how your child will be placed at the school.

As with any school, you should make appointments to visit the school and check their inspection reports (these may be delivered by the Independent Schools Inspectorate or Ofsted).

Royal Leamington Spa

Why choose an independent school?

Independent schools can offer smaller class sizes, meaning more time for one-to-one attention. Teachers have time to challenge more able children - prep schools often have specific gifted programmes.

Their better working conditions, with more resources and higher salaries, mean that independent schools can attract the best teachers. There is also a higher staff to pupil ratio, on average about 1:10 (it’s around 1:20 at state primaries), giving staff and pupils more time to get to know one another.

If you’re looking at an independent secondary school, a prep will ensure that your child gets the best out of their common entrance exam (necessary in getting a scholarship or bursary). In grammar schools areas, these schools may also offer preparation for the 11+. Children won’t only benefit academically from what a prep school offers. Sport is taken very seriously, with schools offering a wide range from rugby to badminton.

They also cater for other interests, such as dance, drama and music, which children might not be able to access quite the same in the state system.

6

C

elebrating our 130th academic year educating girls from the ages of 3 to 18 in Royal Leamington Spa and environs.

From Prep to Senior to Sixth Form To arrange a tour or for more information please contact School Registrar Carole Watson on 01926 421368 or email carolewatson@kingsleyschool.co.uk

www.thekingsleyschool.com

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01926 335004 families warwickshire_85x87mm.indd 1

04/02/2015 14:14:48

Education

WarwickSchool 87 by 130 July OD 2015 Mnla_Layout 1 04/02/2015 09:44 P

People tell us about the ‘invisible magic’ they feel when they come to Crackley Hall, which sets us apart from other schools. We believe this stems from our Christian ethos and strong sense of community, combined with fantastic learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom.

And with our nursery, Little Crackers, carefully structured for two-year olds, three-year olds and pre-school we are the perfect choice for your child’s first steps into education.

Come along and see us; we hope you’ll be spellbound too!

Open Evening

Saturday 7 March 10.30am to 12.30pm Tuesday 28 April 5.00pm to 7.30pm

Friday 3 July 2015

Junior and Senior Schools, 7.00 - 9.00 pm

Warwick School

The Princethorpe Foundation

Independent boys’ school (7-18 years)

Scholarships and bursaries available For details and a prospectus please contact: The Admissions Registrar T: 01926 776400 E: admissions@warwickschool.org www.warwickschool.org

For more information please call 01926 514444 or visit www.crackleyhall.co.uk

Education in the Catholic tradition

Boys and Girls 2 to 11

The Junior School to Princethorpe College

Registered Charity Number 1087124

OPEN excellence DAY Academic in a family setting...

Montessori Nursery and Main School

All visitors welcome2013 Monday 11th February 10.00am-2.00pm Open Morning & 6.00pm-8.00pm Saturday 7 March 2015 10am-12.30pm We look forward to meeting you.

Church House, Old Town, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire CV376BG

Tel: 01789 297993 Fax: 01789 263993 Email: secretary@stratfordprep.co.uk www.stratfordprep.co.uk

Useful links

Government school search www.gov.uk/find-school-in-england Independent Schools Inspectorate www.isi.net Ofsted www.ofsted.gov.uk Independent Schools Council www.isc.co.uk Independent Association of prep schools https://iaps.uk Good Schools Guide www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk Advice on choosing a prep school www.telegraph.co.uk/education/9264856/How-to-choosethe-perfect-prep-school-for-your-child.html

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01926 335004

7

Education

What the Heads say...

We asked some of our independent school heads “What makes your school special?”

“

“

Arnold Lodge School has provided an outstanding education to the children for over 150 years. Delivering a bespoke education for pupils aged 3 to 18 years, the school prides itself on its caring, family culture. The commitment to small class sizes allows us to build personal relationships with each of our pupils to really bring out the best in them.

Achievement for everyone: Staff unlock the individual talents of each child taking the time to measure and understand their core strengths so they achieve their true potential in all aspects - education, sport, music and the arts. Each child is unique. Therefore, each education should be too. This bespoke approach, combined with the school’s family feel and small class sizes, ensures that its children leave equipped with the self-belief, resourcefulness and resilience to succeed.

Creativity: Creative and inspirational teaching is the key to instilling a life-long love of learning. The school encourages pupils to take an imaginative approach to problem solving – to have original ideas with real value.

Resilience: The ability to bounce back from life’s challenges stronger and wiser is a vital skill that we teach. Resilient children cope better in life and school and they are able to successfully navigate their way through adulthood.

Respectfulness: Pupils are taught to be the best they can be, not only academically, but also as people. Respect underpins everything the school does. Showing compassion and regard for others is a core value at the school.

We describe ourselves as a family, because we strive to understand and encourage each other.

Transformative: The school goes above and beyond to create the perfect environment for turning your child’s potential into possibility. By exploring each pupil’s talents, the school transforms their self-confidence and communication skills. This, in turn, helps them in all aspects of their life.

Mrs Nicola Craig, Headteacher of Arnold Lodge School, Royal Leamington Spa

8

The Kingsley School gives girls an all-round education with good manners and being “Kingsley kind” given as high a priority as achieving excellent examination results. Pastoral care, extracurricular success and academic attainment are equally valued and were all judged “excellent” at our recent inspection. Kingsley provides a continuous education for girls from the age of 3 to 18 and accepts boys in Preparatory School from 3 to 7 years old. What sets Kingsley apart from other schools is its distinctive family ethos and friendly atmosphere. We are immensely proud of the fact that everyone who visits us remarks on the happy staff student relationships and the sense of community this fosters. At Kingsley, girls have a positive and purposeful approach to learning. The atmosphere is unique; enthusiastic and approachable teachers inspire girls to learn; behaviour is excellent and girls are challenged and supported according to individual need.

Where practical, we aim to personalise the curriculum so that girls can reach their potential whatever their gifts and talents.

In the Preparatory School, Kingsley girls (and boys) progress in a warm, safe environment in small classes to develop socially and achieve their very best academically. The children use Senior School specialist facilities and are taught by senior staff for some specialist areas, such as maths and Mandarin.

Most of the girls continue into Senior School and later, become sixth form students, thus maximising the benefits of a through school. Academically, girls are encouraged to have high aspirations. They develop a strong sense of belonging as they are expected to contribute to school life and participate in a wide range of enrichment opportunities. Girls leave Kingsley as confident, well-mannered, well-rounded and well-qualified young women ready to face the challenges of the adult world. We are immensely proud that in our 130th year, most girls continue the tradition of taking up places at top universities.

Ms Heather Owens, Headteacher of The Kingsley School, Royal Leamington Spa

“

Stratford Preparatory School has its roots in traditional values brought forward into a contemporary learning environment. We make no apologies for the fact that our school is small enough to care but big enough to get the very best results. In the Sunday Times academic tables, our school is the highest ranking in Warwickshire and during the last inspection in 2011, received “outstanding in all areas”.

Stratford Preparatory School is a protective and nurturing environment for children. It prepares them for the challenges the world will bring over a lifetime, not just during childhood. It helps them to grow and develop as individuals who can succeed and prosper.

The School Inspection team commented that “The provision for pupils’ personal development is a strength of the school”.

The school’s ethos is academic rigor as well as a focus on the respect, social skills and manners we all want our children to possess.

At Stratford Preparatory School the children remain children, they are allowed to enjoy their childhood. The staff team works very much together with parents and families to help their children achieve a strong educational foundation for the future. We listen to our children and our parents, there is dialogue between us. We work together to understand how to ensure each individual child’s success. The world is increasingly competitive and stressful for children.

We offer a caring, structured learning programme that gets spectacular results and allows the children to flourish. We are open and in constant pursuit of motivating and inspiring the next generation.

Mr Neil Musk, Headmaster of Stratford Preparatory School, Stratford-upon-Avon

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01926 335004

Education

“

The choice of school for your son is among the most important you will ever make. It will determine his academic prospects and achievements and thus his future career. It will develop his interests outside the classroom, bringing experiences that will make him fully rounded and fully engaged; and above all it will help to mould his character so that he leaves school a confident, resilient, compassionate and good man, equipped with the skills and qualities needed to thrive in the fast changing world of the 21st century. At Warwick School we seek to develop the talents of each and every pupil, inside and beyond the classroom, always guided by the school motto, Altiora Peto, ‘aim for higher things’, firm in the belief that every pupil can achieve great things within a happy, secure and caring environment. The boys make Warwick School special. They are down-to-earth, hard-working, modest and decent.

My colleagues and I are very proud of them and they make working here incredibly fun and rewarding.

“

Parents often ask me what is special about Crackley Hall and what sets it apart from other schools. I could suggest my answer through the words of one our pupils, ‘It is the next best place to home!’ Our pupils are genuinely happy and I firmly believe that a happy child will be a successful child. Underpinned by our Catholic ethos, every pupil is valued as an individual, but also part of a family. It is my belief that every boy and girl has unique talents and it is our responsibility to help discover and develop these talents. In support of this, our parents’ involvement in the education of their child is essential, and we do our utmost to foster this role. The school has grown in recent years, but the family feel where each child is known as an individual remains. At Crackley we encourage all the children to be kind to each other and to show respect for their peers and teachers, this combined with the highest standards of teaching across a broad and engaging curriculum, creates an environment where they are free to try their best and achieve.

Mr Gus Lock, Headmaster of Warwick School

Mr Rob Duigan, Headmaster of Crackley Hall School, Kenilworth

r able 50 e t s il 8 0 Ta Ava1926 77 ys ay on 0 a D d l

l to

Ca

Arnold Lodge, the only school that selects on potential and not on attainment

Make Arnold Lodge your 1st choice for private co-education in 2015.

An Exceptional Education for Boys and Girls from 3 to 18 years in the heart of Royal Leamington Spa Arnold Lodge School | 15 – 17 Kenilworth Road | Leamington Spa | CV32 5TW Telephone 01926 778 050 | www.arnoldlodge.com | .

Arnold Lodge 180mm x 130mm Advert.indd www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel:101926 335004

16/10/2014 14:40

9

Education

Independent Schools Information and Open Days Arnold Lodge Leamington Spa CV32 5TW T: 01926 778050 E: info@arnoldlodge.com www.arnoldlodge.com

Tues 10 Mar: Reception/Year 3 Taster Day (for entry Sept 2015) Tues 17 Mar: Year 3 Scholarship (for entry Sept 2015)

Bablake Pre Prep Coventry CV1 2LH T: 024 7622 1677 E: bablakepreprep@bablakejs.co.uk

Stratford Preparatory School Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6BG T: 01789 297993 E: secretary@stratfordprep.co.uk www.stratfordprep.co.uk Sat 7 Mar, 10am-12.30pm: Open Morning Sat 9 May, 10am-12.30pm: Open Morning

Bablake Junior School Coventry CV1 4AU T: 024 7627 1260 E: jhmsec@bablakejs.co.uk www.bablakejuniorschool.co.uk

Personal one-to-one boxing training for adults in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Plus Women Only group Call Andy Clifford on 07977 214609

Warwick School Warwick CV34 6PP T: 01926 776400 E: enquiries@warwickschool.org www.warwickschool.org Thurs 7 May, 1.30am-3.15pm: Junior School at work

The Croft Preparatory School Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 7RL T: 01789 293795 E: office@croftschool.co.uk www.croftschool.co.uk Sat 21 Mar, 10am-12pm: Open Morning (Early Years and Key Stage 1) Weds 29 Apr, 10am-12pm: Open Morning (Whole School)

Calypso Kids Pre-school Music Classes for children aged 6 months - 4 years

Classes on Wednesday and Friday mornings at Townsend Hall, Sheep Street, Shipston-on-Stour CV36 4AE

Senior Schools Bablake Senior School Coventry CV1 4AU T: 024 7627 1200 E: info@bablake.coventry.sch.uk www.bablake.com

Henley Montessori Primary and Merrydays Montessori Nursery Henley-in-Arden B95 5JP T: 01564 792427 E: helen.everley@henleymontessori.co.uk www.henleymontessori.co.uk

The Kingsley School Leamington Spa CV32 5RD T: 01926 421368 E: carolewatson@kingsleyschool.co.uk (Registrar) www.thekingsleyschool.com Sat 7 Mar: Taster Morning for Year 7 (for entry Sept 2016)

Contact Natalie on 0845 017 0825 or email: sparkleperformers@gmail.com to book a free trial session.

Warwick Preparatory School Warwick CV34 6PL T: 01926 491545 E: admissions@warwickprep.com www.warwickprep.com

Crackley Hall School and Little Crackers Nursery Kenilworth CV8 2FT T: 01926 514444 E: post@crackleyhall.co.uk www.crackleyhall.co.uk Sat 7 Mar, 10.30am-12.30pm: Open Morning Tues 28 Apr, 5pm-7.30pm: Open Evening

King Henry VIII Prep School Coventry CV3 6PT T: 024 7627 1307 E: headmaster@khps.co.uk www.khps.co.uk

l Sparkle Tots from 2 years Boyz Only Street Dance from 4 years l Musical Theatre, Ballet and Street from 4 years l

Discounts are available for siblings.

Book a FREE Taster Class Tel: 07890 399162 www.calypsokids.co.uk

King Henry VIII Senior School Coventry CV3 6AQ T: 024 7627 1111 E: info@khviii.net www.kinghenrys.co.uk

Ballet,tap, modern & street dance classes

King’s High Warwick CV34 4HJ T: 01926 494485 E: enquiries@kingshighwarwick.co.uk www.kingshighwarwick.co.uk

Classes available from 21/2 years Free trial & sibling discounts IDTA & RAD exams taken annually Biannual show Classes in Claverdon & Wootten Wawen Call 07791 852891

Princethorpe College Rugby CV23 9PX T: 01926 634201 E: elainewarwick@princethorpe.co.uk www.princethorpe.co.uk

www.krystlejaynedanceacademy.co.uk

Rugby School Rugby CV22 5EH T: 01788 556274 E: admissions@rugbyschool.net www.rugbyschool.net

Free maths and English activities on 31 March and 14 April

Bilingual singing, music and movement classes for babies & young children

Classes across Coventry & Warwickshire. FREE Taster Sessions available

Call Mel today on 07815 149877 mel@bilinguasing.com www.bilinguasing.com

Explore Learning centres provide maths and English tuition to 5-14 year olds of all abilities. Explore fits easily around family life; the centres are open 7 days a week, with children able to attend up to twice a week on a drop-in basis.

On 31 March and 14 April, your local Explore Learning centre (at Sainsbury’s in Leamington Shopping Park) will be hosting a day of free workshops for children aged 5-14.

Spaces are limited so call your local centre to reserve your place.

To book a free trial, call 01926 422800 or visit www.explorelearning.co.uk.

10

The Drama Club

!

After School Drama Club for! !

7-11 yrs and 12-16 yrs! ! !

Fun filled, Action Packed Drama Workshops! in!

Alcester! &!

Stratford-upon-Avon!

To find out more :-!

07804 848674!

thedramaclub@yahoo.co.uk!

www.thedramaclub.org.uk

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01926 335004

Clubs and classes Play Tennis!

FOR ALL AGES AND LEVELS Friday evening tennis for juniors 6pm-7.30pm (April to July) Saturday morning coaching for juniors (All Year)

Tennis fun for everyone!

Tennis is a fantastic sport for children of all ages.

As well as its countless physical benefits, it can help young people develop many social and mental skills that they can use in other areas of life. The junior tennis section at Warwick Boat Club welcomes children as soon as they are able to hold a racquet and, with membership costing just £25 per year for under eights, it’s a really affordable way for children to learn the sport, be part of a club and make friends along the way. The emphasis is on fun at Warwick Boat Club and there is a full range of courses available for all levels and ages, starting with mini tennis. There is a team of 5 coaches who support young players with ambitions to play competitively as well as those who just want to have fun.

The club runs weekly junior tennis coaching sessions on a Saturday morning all year round for all ages and all levels. In addition, from April to July, a members and non-members junior tennis session takes place every Friday from 6pm until 7.30pm. Parents are also welcome to join in. It costs just £2 for non-members and for members it is free. Warwick Boat Club is well worth joining as the value-for-money junior tennis membership gives children access to regular coaching, arranged games, club matches, competitions and tournaments. The club is an active member of the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and talented players are supported as they climb the ladder to

Try out a Friday evening or Saturday morning session FREE

Contact Gavin Henderson on 07787 568642 or email tennis.manager@warwickboatclub.co.uk

and quote ‘Families Warwickshire offer’ www.warwickboatclub.co.uk

national and international play. There are discounts for family membership and regular sessions for children and adults to play together, making it a fun activity for all the family.

With its stunning setting right next to Warwick Castle, on the banks of the river Avon, Warwick Boat Club has arguably the best outdoor facilities in Warwickshire. There are 11 artificial grass courts, many of which are floodlit, so all year round play is guaranteed.

You’re never too old, never too bad, never too late and never too sick to start from scratch once again.

Warwick Boat Club is keen to introduce more young people and families to tennis, and is offering potential new members a Free Friday Junior Night and a Free Saturday Morning Coaching session.

To take advantage of this special offer, simply call Gavin Henderson on 07787 568642 or email gavinhenderson@hotmail.co.uk and mention that you spotted this offer in ‘Families Warwickshire’!

Finally, membership of Warwick Boat Club entitles you to discount on direct debit membership at Warwick District Council Leisure facilities, including access to swimming, classes and gyms – more great family value!

Tel: 01926 495312

www.bikramyogawarwickshire.co.uk

Don’t miss the Free Junior Open Day on Saturday 28 March from 10am to 1pm – see advert on page 3. www.warwickboatclub.co.uk/tennis

FAMILY TREE Members Club

Box your way fit!

Boxing is a great sport for keeping fit. Not only does it provide a great workout, it is also helps to relieve stress. Andy Clifford, a qualified boxing coach and personal trainer, is starting a Women Only training group in Stratford-upon-Avon on Thursday mornings at 9.30am, fitting in perfectly after the school run. The classes are open to everyone, whatever your fitness level, giving you the opportunity to learn valuable self-defence skills and footwork techniques and, at the same time, keeping fit in a safe and fun way.

Andy is a qualified boxing coach who used to take part in the sport competitively, and has been coaching adults and children for 20 years. He runs a regular group for men on Wednesdays at 6.30pm and is now offering early morning one-to-one training sessions for adults from 7am to 9am. The classes take place at the Scout Hut in Lower Broad Street in Stratford’s Old Town.

A sporting all-rounder, Andy is a familiar face at St Gregory’s Catholic Primary School where he has been a swimming teacher for 14 years. He also teaches swimming on week days from 3.30pm. These classes are open to all children from the age of 5 and there are just 6 in a group. If it’s private swimming lessons you’re after, he can offer these at The Holiday Inn.

“

p A to sositivesuper pen pla timde famicle y coffee house

”

me A hroom f me ho

“ ”

‘Effortlessly connecting our wow room family, our craft room friends & t. 01926 312 820 children under e: info@family-tree-club.co.uk one roof’ www.family-tree-club.co.uk

To find out more about the boxing and swimming classes, call Andy on 07977 214609

®

warwickshire

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01926 335004

Our Playroom

Advertise in our May/June issue.

T: 01926 335004 E: editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk 11

Easter

Easter Holiday Clubs, Camps and Workshops 2015 Create Build Learn

Leek Wootton Village Hall Warwick CV35 7RB Thurs 2 Apr, 9am-12.30pm Lego workshop – our main theme for Easter is Minecraft! Build your own worlds, caves, creepers, houses, pools, even roller coasters! The possibilities are endless! For all Lego-loving boys and girls aged 4+. We supply the huge amount of Lego so all your children will need are labelled snacks, drinks and their fantastic imaginations! www.create-build-learn.co.uk

Fit For Sports

Stratford Leisure Centre Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6YY Mon 30 Mar-Fri 10 Apr Keep your kids active this Easter at a Fit For Sport Activity Camp! All our activities are full of energy and our qualified and experienced team will have plenty of sports and games each day for children aged 3-12.

T: 0845 456 3233 www.fitforsport.co.uk/venues/ stratford-leisure-centre

Super Camps

The Croft Preparatory School Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 7RL Mon 30 Mar-Fri 10 Apr, 8am-6pm Multi Activity: An exciting new programme for 2015 featuring more than 40 sports, arts and crafts for children aged 4-14. The fun-packed schedule of six daily activities ensures variety and enjoyment, with a good mix of outdoor sports to get hearts pumping, and indoor activities such as clay modelling and face painting to concentrate minds and encourage dexterity. No two days are the same and the price includes all activities. Book daily or weekly for this fantastic chance to join the fun.

T: 01235 467300 www.supercamps.co.uk

Easter Action

Warwick School Warwick CV34 6PP Tues 31 Mar-Thurs 16 Apr (excluding bank holidays) Multi-activities for all children aged 3-12. Warwick School provides an ever expanding range of holiday activities. Open to everyone, these courses provide a fun way to experience new or favourite activities. New for 2015: Special multi-activities programme for 3-5 year olds.

Superchoice Programme including Skateboarding, Cartooning, Powered Go Karts, Wall Climbing and Pool Kayaking for 6-12 year olds.

T: 01926 735473 www.warwickschool.org/easter-action

Aspire Active Camps

North Leamington School Leamington Spa CV32 6RD Mon 30 Mar- Thurs 2 Apr Weds 8-Fri 10 Apr Coundon Court Coventry CV6 2AJ Tues 7-Fri 10 Apr Action-packed, fun and flexible childcare for 4-14 year olds. During every Multi Sports Academy children are split into small groups according to age and ability and are led by qualified and enthusiastic coaches. Activities run from 10am-4pm, with the added option of extra time.

T: 0121 663 1979 www.aspire-sports.co.uk

12

Kings Camps

Bablake School Coventry CV1 4AU Mon 13-Fri 17 Apr Join us during the school holidays for exciting programmes of inspiring sports, games and activities. Suitable for 4-17 year olds, with flexible packages available.

T: 024 7714 0719 www.kingscamps.org

Activate Sport

Princethorpe College Princethorpe CV23 9PX Mon 30 Mar-Thurs 2 Apr Andrew Flintoff 4 day Cricket Academy for ages 5-16. Learn to play cricket the Freddie way! A fun filled week of cricket coaching, games and activities.

Weds 8-Fri 10 Apr International Netball Roadshow for girls aged 7-16. A 3-day netball experience that will cover all aspects of netball, ideal for any level of player.

T: 01785 711572 www.activatesport.co.uk

Onside Coaching

Aylesford School Warwick CV34 6XR Mon 30 Mar-Thurs 2 Apr Tues 7-Fri 10 Apr Multi-sports, football and dance.

Support Sport

Kenilworth MiniGames Kenilworth School CV8 2DA Mon 30 Mar-Thurs 2 Apr, 10am-3pm (wrap around available) Tues 7-Fri 10 Apr, 10am-3pm (wrap around available) Multi-sports, football and dance activities. £9 per child, per day. £3 for early or late club, £5 for both. For ages 4-11.

Leamington MiniGames Kingsway Community Primary School CV31 3HB Multi-sports and football.

Mon 30 Mar-Thurs 2 Apr, 10am-3pm (wrap around available) Tues 7-Fri 10 Apr, 10am-3pm (wrap around available) £9 per child, per day. £3 for early or late club, £5 for both. For ages 4-11.

Shipston MiniGames Shipston High School CV36 4DY Multi-sports and football.

Mon 30 Mar-Thurs 2 Apr, 10am-3pm (wrap around available) Tues 7-Fri 10 Apr, 10am-3pm (wrap around available) £6 per child, per day. For ages 4-11.

T: 07730 080926 http://supportsportprojects.blogspot.co.uk/

Easter Camp

Belgrade Theatre Coventry CV1 1GS Tues 7 & Weds 8 Apr, 10am-4.30pm Two days of action-packed drama, games and activities developing creativity, language and communication skills. Have fun exploring the world of theatre and make new friends. £50 per person.

For young people aged 8–11 and 11–16.

T: 024 7655 3055 www.belgrade.co.uk

Art Base Art Workshops

The Armouries Nr Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 0JA Mon 14-Thur 2 Apr, 9.30am-3.30pm Enjoy a variety of art activities. £30 per day to include play time in Henry’s Castle.

T: 01789 774705 www.art-base.co.uk

Stratford upon Avon School CV37 9DH Mon 30 Mar-Thurs 2 Apr Tues 7-Fri 10 Apr Multi-sports, football and dance.

T: 01926 496406 www.onsidecoaching.co.uk

Easter Action 2015_Layout 1 03/02/2015 16:43 Page 1

bu!Xbsxjdl!Tdippm

31 March to 16 April 2015

(exc. bank holidays)

Multi activities for all children from age 3-12 years Warwick School provides an ever expanding range of holiday activities.

Open to everyone, these courses provide a fun way to experience new or favourite activities.

3-5 Years, Multi Activities 6-12 Years, Superchoice Programme Including - Skateboarding, Cartooning, Powered Go Karts, Wall Climbing and Pool Kayaking

All enquiries to Eileen Braham: T 01926 735473 E e.braham@warwickschools.co.uk

See website for details of all activities and to make a booking

www.warwickschool.org/Easter-Action www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01926 335004

Easter

Holiday Camps

Easter Eggstravaganza!

Keep your kids active during the school holidays at a Fit For Sport activity camp, with plenty of fun sports, games and activities for kids aged 3 - 12.

Prices start from just £3 per hour.

Monday 30th March to Friday 10th April BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW: “a journey to an active life”

Playbox Theatre

Warwick CV34 6XR Mon 30 & Tues 31 Mar, 10am-4pm Pinocchio’s Circus Adventure A roller-coaster 2 day creative adventure which includes acting, trapeze, aerial silks, trampette, juggling, tightrope and stilt walking! Inspired by the wonderful tale of the little wooden puppet, children will create a circus theatre presentation for family and friends to come and enjoy. For ages 6-10. Playbox Member £65; Non Member £75 Weds 1 & Thurs 2 April, 10am-4pm Creating Worlds: Designing For Theatre Two days of intensive theatre design training. This is a superb opportunity to develop skills and explore interest in theatre design, with model-making, costume drawing, mood boards, installation, set building and script analysis. For ages 11-18. Playbox Member £65; Non Member £75

Weds 1 Apr, 10am-1pm The Treasure Quest Circus Adventure An interactive adventure where we’ll be using trapeze, tightrope, stilt walking, acting, storytelling, movement and song as we head off on a quest we’ll never forget! For ages 3-5. Playbox Member £15; Non Member £17.50 Thurs 2 Apr, 10am-1pm The Greatest, Smallest Show On Earth!

Roll up, roll up the circus is in town!

Storytelling, role play, music, make up and circus skills galore in this actionpacked theatre and circus workshop.

For ages 3-5. Playbox Member £15; Non Member £17.50 Tues 7 & Weds 8 Apr, 10am-4pm Wild & Wonderful World Of Walliams This 2 day theatre course takes the wonderfully imaginative and popular books of David Walliam’s as inspiration for an exciting theatre journey. You’ll be exploring mime, movement, role play, voice, storytelling, improvisation, directing and design. For ages 8+.

Playbox Member £65; Non Member £75 All events take place at The Dream Factory, Warwick and include lunch and refreshments T: 01926 419555 www.playboxtheatre.com

Warwick International School of Riding Warwick CV34 5YD Tues 31 Mar and Tues 8 Apr, 10am-3pm Easter Holiday Fun Days All day riding Fun Day. You have lots of fun riding in the morning and win a rosette in the gymkhana events in the afternoon. Ideal for adults and children – why not come as a family! £65 for the whole day or book both Easter Holiday Fun Days for just £55 each! Bring a packed lunch.

Mon 6 Apr At 10am - One hour Children’s Easter Egg Hunt on horseback! Spot the eggs in the menage - if you find one you can eat it! £30 per child.

At 11.30am - Do Your Own Thing Ride which means an hour and a half riding reduced to £35! You can do your own thing and put into practice what you have been taught. You can go around our grounds - down the bottom, around the gallops and pop over one or two jumps if you wish! Book early to save disappointment!

WWW.FITFORSPORT.CO.UK

0845 456 3233

UK’s no.1 for childcare during the school holidays

Where the action never stops Monday-Friday • 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Activities for boys and girls ages 4-14 Rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in 2014

01235 467300 www.supercamps.co.uk

T: 01926 494313 www.warwickriding.com

Wild Creature Features

Tues 31 Mar, Tues 7 & Thurs 9 Apr Animal Fun Days A day of fun, friends and animals.

Looking for something different for your children to do over the holidays?

Book them in for an amazing animal encounters day. Meet Mahlia the Royal Python, Odin the Crested Gecko, Bobbie the Bearded Dragon, Slither the Corn Snake, Westley the African Pygmy Hedgehog and many more... Safe animal handling, pet care, animal focused games and craft activities run by a teacher. For ages 5-10 years (siblings can be catered for too). £35 per day.

T: Jeanette 07815 176137 www.wildcreaturefeatures.co.uk

Felt Making

The Craft Studio Hill Top Farm CV33 9EL Weds 1 Apr, 10.30am-12.30pm Children can enjoy making an Easter or spring themed felted picture. £20 – all materials included. Children must be accompanied by an adult. www.ursulawestwood.com

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01926 335004

13

What’s on?

Places to go and things to do this Easter including trails and egg hunts

Family Shows this March and April

The Shakespeare Houses

WAGS

Royal Spa Centre Leamington Spa CV32 4HN Tues 10-Sat 14 March Warwickshire Scouts and Guides perform a vibrant show full of music, dance and comedy - there will be something for all the family. WAGS is recognised as one of the best Gang Shows in the country and the 150 young people in this year’s show are working hard to maintain that position.

An evening not to be missed.

Box Office: 01926 334418 www.royalspacentreandtownhall.co.uk

Dinosaur Zoo

Crazy Creatures

Royal Spa Centre Leamington Spa CV32 4HN Sun 15 March The 11 musicians of Ensemble 360 and narrator Polly Ives bring to life the two brilliant children’s stories The Duck With No Luck and A Cat Called Scratch. With hugely engaging image projections from the book and lots of audience participation, this concert is an ideal way for engaging young audiences in top quality music-making alongside professional musicians. Before the concert, download your audience participation packs and YouTube video introducing you to the songs and actions from www.musicintheround.co.uk For ages 3+ Box Office: 01926 334418 www.royalspacentreandtownhall.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire Schools Dance Festival

The Belgrade Theatre Coventry CV1 1GS Thurs 19 March A fun and colourful festival of dance. Come and lend your support to primary and secondary school children from across these two great counties as they showcase their original dance work. This year’s theme of ‘Heroes and Villains’ is too good to miss – so join us for a really great time.

Box Office: 024 7655 3055 www.belgrade.co.uk

Fiery Feet: Disney vs Dreamworks Dance

Royal Spa Centre Leamington Spa CV32 4HN Fri 27 & Sat 28 March The 11th Annual Show is a celebration of some of the wonderful music from favourite Disney and Dreamworks films. From timeless classics to modern melodies, Fiery Feet students will bring the magic of the music to the stage.

Box Office: 01926 334418 www.royalspacentreandtownhall.co.uk

Shackelton’s Cat

Warwick Arts Centre Coventry CV4 7AL Sat 25 April New one-act opera for 7-11 year olds and families celebrating the centenary of the voyage of The Endurance to the Antarctic. The opera includes moments of participation, science and participatory songs.

Box Office: 024 7652 4524 www.warwickartscentre.co.uk

14

Warwick Arts Centre Coventry CV4 7AL Fri 3-Sun 5 April They’re back! Watch out for those teeth!

Following a “dinosaursome” visit to Warwick Arts Centre in 2013, Dinosaur Zoo returns for Easter 2015, bringing these awesome prehistoric creatures to the stage as you’ve never seen them before! From cute baby dinos to teeth-gnashing giants, observe and interact with extraordinary life-like dinosaurs in this imaginative and hilarious live show. But watch out. Not all of these ravenous reptiles are as tame as they seem!

Join us after the show in the foyer for a “meet & greet” with the dinosaurs!

For ages 3+ Box Office: 024 7652 4524 www.warwickartscentre.co.uk

Showstoppers: The Fantastical Story Factory

Royal Spa Centre Leamington Spa CV32 4HN Thurs 9 April A musical adventure which will have you exploring magical kingdoms, meeting wonderful characters and singing along by the end. YOU decide where the story is set, what happens next and who the characters are. You can even join in if you want to!

An improvised musical adventure for kids of all ages - and adults who act like kids!

Everything is made up on the spot entirely from audience suggestions. For ages 5-10.

Box Office: 01926 334418 www.royalspacentreandtownhall.co.uk

The Amazing Bubble Man

The Belgrade Theatre Coventry CV1 1GS Fri 10 & Sat 11 April The international hit show with bubble art, magic, science and LOTS of fun. Louis Pearl is the world’s leading Bubbleologist and has been delighting family audiences with his unique show for nearly 30 years. Fabulously entertaining, he explores the breath-taking dynamics of bubbles, combines comedy and artistry with audience participation and enough spellbinding bubble tricks to keep everyone mesmerized.

Box Office: 024 7655 3055 www.belgrade.co.uk

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

The Belgrade Theatre Coventry CV1 1GS Tues 21-Sun 25 April Having enjoyed sensational reviews, Bill Kenwright’s “Amazing”, “Superb”, “Wonderful” and “Brilliant” production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sparkling family musical continues to enjoy huge success across the country with standing ovations at every performance.

Retelling the Biblical story of Joseph, his eleven brothers and the coat of many colours, this magical musical is full of unforgettable songs including Those Canaan Days, Any Dream Will Do and Close Every Door To Me. Box Office: 024 7655 3055 www.belgrade.co.uk

Mary Arden’s Farm Wilmcote CV37 9UN Sat 28 Mar-Sun 12 Apr, 11am-3pm Easter Egg decorating ‘Superstitious Eggs’ Decorate your egg to look like a character from Shakespeare’s plays –Titania, Oberon, Witches from Macbeth Sat 4 & Sun 5 Apr, 11am-3pm Easter Weekend See the Easter feast being prepared (Saturday) and eaten (Sunday). Join in with Easter-themed games, e.g. egg and spoon race.

T: 01789 293455

Anne Hathaway’s Cottage Shottery CV37 9HH Weekends, Bank Holidays and all Schools Holidays Family Activity Tent Enjoy games, nature quests, crafts, and hands-on family activities.

T: 01789 292100 Hall’s Croft Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6BG Sat 28 Mar-Sun 12 Apr, 11am-3pm Pricks like a Thorn: Make a Tudor First Aid Kit With the arrival of spring comes the likelihood of stuffy noses, scrapes and bruises! Find out how John Hall would have prevented his family from these pesky symptoms and make your own Tudor first aid kit to help you along this spring!

T: 01789 292107 Harvard House Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6AU Sat 28 Mar-Sun 12 Apr, 11am-3pm Have a smashing time at Easter Bring back your Jack-o-Lent puppets, or use some of our own in our bowling alley.

Sat 28 Mar-Sun 12 Apr, 11am-3pm Shakespeare’s Easter Find out about Easter in Shakespeare’s time.

A talk on how Shakespeare and his fellow men of Stratford would have celebrated.

T: 01789 204507 www.shakespeare.org.uk

Cadbury Easter Egg Trails at The National Trust

Baddesley Clinton Baddesley Clinton B93 0DQ Fri 3-Mon 6 Apr, 11am-4pm Join in with our family Easter trail, with chocolate egg and crafts in the activity tent. £3 per trail.

T: 01564 783294 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/baddesleyclinton Packwood House Lapworth B94 6AT Fri 3-Mon 6 Apr, 11am-4pm Join in with our family Easter trail, with chocolate egg and take home activities. £3 per trail.

T: 01564 782024 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/packwood

Coughton Court Alcester B49 5JA Sat 4-Mon 6 Apr, 11am-4pm Family Easter trail, with chocolate egg, outdoor games and take-home crafts, and see if you can find all the ducks hidden around the gardens. £3 per trail.

T: 01789 400777 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/coughton-court

Hill Close Gardens

Warwick CV34 6HF Sat 4-Mon 6 Apr Victorian Easter Weekend Victorian-style tea rooms and Easter displays. On the Sunday there will be an Easter egg hunt and, at 4pm, an Easter bonnet parade.

T: 01926 493339 www.hillclosegardens.com

Heritage Motor Centre

Gaydon CV34 0BJ Sat 28 Mar-Sun 12 Apr Easter Holidays with Shaun the Sheep To celebrate the release of Shaun the Sheep the Movie earlier this year, join ‘Shaun and the Flock’ in their automotive adventures.

Get interactive with our Shaun the Sheep inspired workshops and follow the Shaun the Sheep The Movie ‘flock on the block’ Easter trail around the museum. There are lots of activities suitable for all ages to keep the whole family entertained.

Mon 30 Mar, 10am-3pm Mini Movers – Under 5’s Activity Day Become our little lambs for the day and join in with our Shaun the Sheep activities designed for 5 year olds and under 5’s. Drop in and get interactive with your little one.

Activities include: Interactive Story Telling Tours, Mini Movers get auto motive with Duplo, Toy car gathering and Sheep collage.

Tues 31 Mar & Tues 7 Apr, 10am-3pm Lego Technic Tuesdays Tuesday is Lego Technic day, where you can get ‘hands on’ and design, build and test your own Lego Technic machines. The fastest time of the day will win a prize.

Weds 1 & 8 Apr, 10am-3pm Wheelie Lego Wednesday Up for a challenge? Can you engineer a Lego car to come down a ramp and travel as far as possible? Become an HMC engineering apprentice for the day and see what you can design.

Thurs 2 & 9 Apr, 10.30am-3pm Easter Family Crafts Drop in and make some Shaun the Sheep inspired crafts. Learn the basics of animation by making model Shaun the Sheep and his Land Rover. Plus we have lots of creative activities for the 5’s and under.

T: 01926 645120 www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk

Compton Verney

CV35 9HZ Sun 29 & Tues 31 Mar, Tues 7 & Sun 12 Apr, 11am-4pm Forest School Drop in to our Forest School and explore springtime in our grounds with a range of nature and craft activities.

Fri 3-Mon 6 Apr, 11am-4pm Chinese Clay Vessels Be inspired by our Chinese collection and use air drying clay to make your own pot in the shape of an ancient Chinese pot.

Tues 31 Mar-Fri 10 Apr, 2pm Family Collection Tour Let your imagination be captured and the collections brought alive through music and song by our family friendly tour.

T: 01926 645500 www.comptonverney.org.uk

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01926 335004

Kenilworth Castle

Kenilworth CV8 1NE Fri 3-Mon 6 Apr, 11am-5pm Easter Adventure Quest Adventurers wanted this Easter weekend!

You’ll meet a courtly character from the past with stories of times gone by. This lively figure will be happy to help you on your quest as you explore Kenilworth and crack the clues. Rise to the challenge and win your chocolate reward. It’s time to get hands-on with history. T: 01926 852078 www.english-heritage.org.uk/kenilworthcastle

Glasshouse in Jephson Gardens

Leamington Spa CV32 4AA Tues 31 Mar, 10am-12.30pm Jephson’s Jungle Club Pot a tomato plant to take home and do a craft activity. Turn up and join in at any time during the session. Activity takes around 15 minutes and is suitable for 4-10 year olds. Children must be accompanied by an adult. FREE. Tues 7 Apr, 10am-12.30pm Jephson’s Jungle Club Plant a sunflower seed to take home and do a craft activity. Turn up and join in at any time during the session. Activity takes around 15 minutes and is suitable for 4-10 year olds. Children must be accompanied by an adult. FREE. E: ranger@action21.co.uk T: 01926 887429

Herbert Art Gallery

Coventry CV1 5QP Tues 7-Fri 10 & Mon 13-Fri 17 Apr Museum Detectives Join us in a series of fun investigations as you become a super sleuth museum detective! Investigate new ways of working with art materials, examine clues in archaeological finds, and help to solve a crime that has taken place in one of our galleries in a ‘whodun- it’ spectacular! Drop in. Suitable for 5+ but all are welcome.

Individual workshop charges may apply.

For full daily details see the website.

T: 024 7623 7521 www.theherbert.org

What’s on?

Thurs 2 Apr, 2-4pm Holiday Art Club Create a wonderful windmill and/or decorate your own peg dolls. Drop in and join in. Ages 6-12. FREE. Fri 3-Mon 6 Apr, 11am-4pm Easter Weekend Lots of Easter animals have got lost around the gallery and museum! Can you help us find them by following our Easter Egg Hunt? Find the clues and take part in an Easter craft activity to claim your prize. You can even have your face painted as one of the animals you meet during the day! Drop in and join in. FREE. T: 01926 742700 www.warwickdc.gov.uk/wdc/ royalpumprooms

Ryton Pools Country Park

A SPECIAL KIND OF ADVENTURE

Bubbenhall CV8 3BH Sat 28 Mar-Sun 12 Apr Egg-citing Easter Fun Trail Follow the clues around the park to crack the code and collect your prize. Fun for all the family. Collect your trail sheet from the Visitor Centre. £2 per trail sheet.

Easter Eggstravaganza

Mon 30 Mar, 10.30am-12pm The Great Ryton Egg Hunt Collect your mystery egg sheet from the Visitor Centre and follow the trail, collecting clues as you go. Complete the password to enter the egg hunt and claim your prize from the Easter Bunny in her den. A family event. Drop in. £2.50 per child.

T: 024 7630 5592 http://countryparks.warwickshire.gov.uk

28th March - 12th April 2015

NEW Laser Combat NEW Code Cracker Challenge NEW Tractor Safari Ride Zoobee’s Daily Easter Shows Easter Egg Hunts

Also in April Jigsaw Festival

Coughton Court, Alcester B49 5JA Weds 22–Sun 26 Apr Hundreds of second-hand jigsaws for sale.

All the money raised goes towards vital conservation work at Coughton. If you have any jigsaws to donate please call the property on 01789 400777 www.coughtoncourt.co.uk

and our usual undercover activities Hatton’s Grand National, Scales and Tails, Farmyard Favourites and Superslide Mania.

Shakespeare’s Birthday Celebration Parade

Hatton Adventure World

Nr Warwick CV35 8XA Sat 28 Mar-Sun 12 Apr Easter Eggstravaganza Easter 2015 sees the launch of a brand new feature at Hatton Adventure World, Laser Tag. Over 8’s can enjoy this exciting outdoor activity as well as all the usual Easter fun for the whole family, from Easter Bunny Hunts to our Easter Garden where children can search for eggs to exchange for chocolate treats. Our full programme will be operating including tractor rides, bouncy castles, panning for gold as well as all the usual animals plus indoor and outdoor adventure play. T: 01926 843411 www.hattonworld.com/farmvillage

Sat 25 Apr, 10.30am With more than 100 colourful flags and banners lining the town centre route, the parade includes Shakespeare’s ginormous 3 metre wide horse-drawn birthday cake, marching bands, period costumes, balloons and traditional ceremonies. Following the parade, there will be street theatre, workshops, music, dancing, readings and family activities organised by the Shakespeare Birthplace trust and Royal Shakespeare Company. A full day out for all the family. www.shakespearescelebrations.com

Adult goes FREE* with another 2 Full Paying Visitors

* when booking online at hattonworld.com 5 days in advance Terms and Conditions apply - see website for details

Leamington Spa CV32 4AA Tues 31 Mar & Tues 7 April, 2-3pm Young Curators Club Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes in the museum? Now is your chance to find out! Explore the collections, learn how to handle objects and find out some fascinating facts. Book your free place by calling 01926 742700 or email Penelope.thomas@warwickdc.gov.uk. For ages 8 years and above. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult or given written permission on arrival.

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01926 335004

17621A 2/15

Leamington Art Gallery and Museum

15

rs f ree ve ewri tyh epvae

03/02/2015 16:07

We are passionate about providing the very highest standards of client service and never lose sight of the fact that although practical issues need to be resolved, feelings and emotions are just as important.

We can help with a wide variety of family law problems.

Please contact Carline for free initial advice 01926 491181 carlineg@moore-tibbits.co.uk

QualitySolicitors Moore and Tibbits www.qualitysolicitors.com/moore-tibbits 34 High Street, Warwick CV34 4BE Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority No.563197

A GREAT BRITISH MOTOR MUSEUM

EASTER HOLIDAYS WITH SHAUN THE SHEEP 28 MARCH - 12 APRIL Join ‘Shaun and the Flock’ in their automotive adventures this Easter.

• Daily Easter Trail • Mini Movers under 5’s event Monday 30 March • Lego Technic Tuesdays • Wheelie Lego Wednesdays • Thursday Easter Crafts

© 2014 Aardman Animations Ltd and Studiocanal S.A.

heritage-motor-centre.co.uk/schoolholidays Junction 12 M40, Gaydon, Warwickshire, CV35 0BJ *SEE WEBSITE FOR TERMS & CONDITIONS

BUY 1 DAY GET

FAMILY £34*

But we try to make it easier.

ys p

hs

ass

A

– Hall’s Croft – Harvard House

es n

EASY

16

FAM PASSIELY S

Fixed fees available

DIVORCE IS NEVER

hpi

aldsr

MM9640_Families Warwickshire_130x180_01.indd 1

uepvteo r4yc

GRE V A L UA T E

h ni t 1 2 mwo

– Shakespeare’s Birthplace – Mary Arden’s Farm – Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and Gardens

hs i ti t wdm

Registered Charity Number 209302

Take part in fun filled activities for all the family at Shakespeare’s homes, farm and gardens in Stratford-upon-Avon.

12 MONTHS

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01926 335004