Families Warwickshire March-April 2014 issue 16

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March/April 2014 Issue 16

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warwickshire www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk

Education Choosing the right prep school

Easter Places to go and things to do

The really useful magazine for parents

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01926 335004

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Contents

Issue 16 | March/April 2014 | Families Warwickshire

In This Issue

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News Mums in Business and Education News Education: Prep Schools Independent Schools Open Days Clubs and Classes Easter What’s On Classifieds and Competitions Twitter: @familieswarks www.facebook.com/ familieswarwickshire

Contact details

Call: Claire Jones on 01926 335004 E: editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Design by Caroline Smith www.carolinesmithdesign.co.uk Cover by Linda Scannell www.lindascannell.com All content © 2014 Families Warwickshire Families Warwickshire is a bi-monthly magazine for parents, covering Stratford-on-Avon and Warwick Districts with 22,000 copies.

Towns covered include Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick, Leamington Spa and Kenilworth, plus Studley, Alcester, Bidford, Henley-in-Arden, Wellesbourne, Welford-on-Avon, Shipston-onStour, 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 2014 Main features: Parties & Spring Outdoors Deadline: Monday 7 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.

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I’ve enjoyed a busy start to 2014 working on my first issue of Families Warwickshire, having taken over the reins from Gabrielle. I’m delighted to have accepted the baton she has passed to me and will do my best to look after this well recognised and highly regarded magazine. I will continue to promote community and look forward to letting readers know about the great things to see, do and visit in Warwickshire.

I’d love to hear your comments so please get in touch. My contact details are just to the left.

Best wishes

Claire

New Guide Dog shop in Leamington Spa The first ever permanent Guide Dog charity shop was officially opened in Leamington Spa on Saturday 1 March and double world Paralympic rowing champion James Roe MBE was there to show his support. Visit the shop at the Guide Dogs Training School at Edmonscote Manor, Warwick New Road on weekdays from 2pm til 5pm and on Saturday mornings from 10am til 1pm. Support the charity further by donating your unwanted gifts, clothing, toys and games, as well as books, jewellery, crockery and glassware - indeed anything of saleable quality! Guide Dogs are also looking for volunteers to help in the shop, so if you feel you could donate a few hours a week to support this new venture, please contact them. No previous experience is necessary and full training will be provided.

For shop donations email benn.lane@guidedogs.org.uk and for volunteer enquiries email penny.hefferan@guidedogs.org.uk Labels4Kids have expanded the range offered on their new website with the introduction of the snappy school pack. This multi-pack of labels contains snap on tags and vinyl labels giving you the advantage of vinyl waterproof labels for all your non-clothing items, two bag tags and snap on snappy tags etched with a name (and a phone number if you wish). Snappy tags have the added benefit of being removable and reusable. Other new lines include personalised luggage straps with security locks and sew-on labels with pre-sealed edges to stop fraying. Sign up online at www.labels4kids.com/fam to get regular updates and offers right to your inbox. You can also ‘like’ the Labels4Kids Facebook page for competitions and more offers.

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01926 335004

News Running for Ruby

Photo courtesy of the Leamington Observer

Warwickshire runner, Tony Sheridan, is preparing to tackle the toughest footrace on Earth, the six day, 156 mile Marathon des Sables in April. This gruelling race takes place in the Sahara desert under the scorching sun with nothing but rolling sand dunes for miles around. Tony is taking part in the race to raise money for a cause which is close to his heart. Ruby Tallis, the youngest daughter of one of Tony’s good friends, was taken seriously ill in 2012 and diagnosed with an incurable lung disorder, pulmonary hypertension. The condition causes raised blood pressure within the arteries that supply the lungs, making the heart less efficient, causing shortness of breath, chest pain and fainting. Ruby, who’s five and goes to Whitnash Primary School, has to have medication measured out daily and pumped into her heart from a device she carries on her Tony with Ruby and big sister Erin back. Tony is raising money for the Pulmonary Hypertension Association, a relatively small charity, which funds research and raises awareness of the condition. Tony is aware that the pain that runners are often faced with is nothing compared to what families like Ruby’s go through on daily basis.

To support Tony and make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/tony-sheridan1

A big birthday year!

This year sees the 450th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s birth. Stratford-upon Avon is hosting its traditional Birthday Celebrations on 26 and 27 April. Festivities include the 1,000 strong procession which parades through the town centre followed by a community parade where everyone can join in. There will be more events, activities and entertainment in and around the town. For more information visit www.shakespearesbirthday.org.uk It’s also a big year for Warwick as the town celebrates its 1,100th birthday! There will be a number of special events and celebrations for the family to enjoy including theatre, fun runs, concerts, festivals and parties.

Don’t miss the Easter weekend in April when Warwick will be transformed for St George’s Day. There will be a stage in the main square, St George on horseback leading a procession and lots more. www.warwickrocks.org This year marks 100 years since Brownies started. Back in 1914, younger girls saw the opportunities older girls were being offered in Guides and didn’t want to miss out! The Big Brownie Birthday began in January this year and Brownies, not only in Warwickshire, but across the country will be tackling lots of exciting challenges and taking part in special events to celebrate. www.girlguiding.org.uk

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01926 335004

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Mums in Business Debbie Nwangwa made her escape from a stressful job in the corporate world and now successfully earns a living with Forever Living, working part-time from home, fitting her work around her family. premium aloe vera products and aloe drinks in the world.

Its natural product range covers the industries of health, nutrition, sports, beauty, animal care and weight management.”

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When did you realise that you needed to make a change?

“I used to work in the corporate world and was stressed to the max. I had to leave my two boys in before and after school clubs and wasn’t there when they needed me. There was always more month than money however hard I worked.”

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Were you nervous when you made the decision to leave a job with a guaranteed income?

“Yes, absolutely, but the beauty of it was that I could work my Forever business around my other job until it exceeded my income. At that point, I handed in my notice.”

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What is Forever Living?

Forever Living is a 35 year old American company and the largest manufacturer of

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How do you fit the work around your family?

“I work whilst the boys are at school. When they are in bed, instead of watching TV, I go back to building my business online.”

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What benefits has working for yourself brought to you and your family?

Both of my boys are now in a top independent school. I am always there to support them at school events and can spend every day of the school holidays with them.

My family and I now have total financial security and freedom.”

See Debbie’s advert on page 3

Ostrakinda – a unique service for parents Ostrakinda Education and Parent Coaching offers a unique service to parents of preschool and primary school children, as well as home educating families.

Anastasia Pappa, founder of the company, designs and delivers bespoke workshops and 1 to 1 coaching sessions to empower parents to liaise effectively with their children’s school. She also provides a range of tools and strategies to support their child’s learning at home.

Case Study: We recently helped a parent of a year 1 girl, who was concerned about her daughter’s progress in maths.

Unfamiliar with the methods used in school, she felt unable to help at home. As part of the coaching package, Ostrakinda taught her how maths is taught in schools and designed some fun maths related activities for them to do together at home.

In February, Ostrakinda ran a “Raise confident and smart learners” workshop, looking at how parents can change their child’s attitude towards learning. The aim was to provide participants with ideas and strategies to use effectively at home. New workshops in spring include “How to learn maths” and “Raising confident girls”.

For more information about Ostrakinda visit www.ostrakinda.co.uk

Maths & English tuition centre 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.

“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.

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www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01926 335004

Education news Free maths and English activities – 15th April!

Explore Learning centres provide maths, English and 11+ 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 15th April Explore will be hosting a Community Open Day! There will be free interactive maths and literacy workshops for 5-14 year olds across all the Explore Learning centres. Spaces are limited so call your local centre to reserve your place.

Call your local centre to book a free trial, or visit www.explorelearning.co.uk.

Evidence–based parent workshops and 1 to 1 coaching Topics include: Maths learning, persistence, confidence, resilience Also working with home educating families

Contact Anastasia on 07532 442007 or email: anastasia@ostrakinda.co.uk

www.ostrakinda.co.uk

Booktrust launches new pack The Bookstart Star is the new book pack that national charity Booktrust has launched for children with additional needs. It will be given to children that have disabilities which impact on or delay the development of their fine motor skills. The pack includes books and resources to help families enjoy reading together every day. Accompanying the books is an array of tactile features such as a big red squashy ball, animal finger puppets and even an ice cream scented page. The new pack will complement the universal packs which are gifted to young children at key stages of their development, and will join the Bookshine packs, specially designed for deaf children and Booktouch packs for blind children. Parents and carers wishing to receive a pack should speak to their health visitor or early years professional. For more WarwickSchool 87 bythe 130charity July ODvisit 2014_Layout 1 31/01/2014 16:36 Page information about www.bookstart.org.uk

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I can already see an improvement in their confidence, ability and approach to their english work.

I only wish that I’d found you sooner!

Mrs Ward mother of 8 & 5 year olds (Leamington Spa)

Open Evening Friday 4 July 2014 Junior and Senior Schools 7.00 - 9.00 pm

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

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Education: Prep Schools We asked the heads of our local prep schools why they think parents should invest in a prep school education.

Prep schools: what are they and how to choose the right one?

By Ellen Arnison

Traditionally a preparatory school was where children went to ‘prepare’ to go to one of the major British public schools, such as Eton and Harrow, working up to them sitting the Common Entrance exam at 13. However, while that picture still exists in some cases, the situation now varies widely.

“A child’s early years are undeniably their most formative and rapid in terms of growth and development.

Investment in the right learning environment at this young age will reap dividends into adulthood and throughout their lives. At Crackley Hall we really do know and understand every one of our pupils as an individual, nurturing and supporting them as they discover their talents and giving each child every opportunity to shine, both inside and outside the classroom.

Besides kindness, we instil in them a determination and a positive work ethic. We see our pupils grow in confidence, independence and maturity alongside their classmates, preparing them to successfully embrace the opportunities of secondary school and society at large.”

Mr Rob Duigan, Head of Crackley Hall

“Prep Schools bring together likeminded families who share the same aspirations. Parents want their children to work hard and to achieve all that they can both academically and in all the other activities and sports that prep schools offer. Everyone within the prep school community helps children to do their best. Pupils receive individual attention within smaller classes and are taught by excellent teachers with high expectations. Academic achievement and effective co-operation, alongside the development of confidence, perseverance and compassion, are as fundamental at prep schools as they are essential in later life.”

Mr Neil Price, Head of Bablake Junior School

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Broadly, there are two kinds of prep school – one where the children leave at 11, perhaps after an 11+ exam, and one where the children sit the Common Entrance exam then leave at 13.

In some cases youngsters attend a prep school until they reach their 11+ exam and then transfer to a local (state) grammar school. The smaller classes and more focussed attention in a prep school can improve their chances. This is particularly appealing to parents who think their child won’t get what they require from the nearby state primaries.

Traditionally boys attended prep schools up to age 13, either to sit the Common Entrance exam (part of the admissions process for academically selective secondary schools) and then to move on elsewhere or to graduate to the attached senior school almost automatically. However, girls as well as boys now attend prep school on this basis as across the board the trend is to move from single-sex education to co-ed.

But it isn’t just about the exams, in both cases the prep schools can provide far more, including a wide range of sports and more specialised subjects, such as Latin, the pupils will need as they move through their education.

Julie Robinson, a former prep school head and Education and Training Director at the Independent Association of Prep Schools said: “They say the independent sector seems to bring a set of high expectations: a huge amount of time invested in pastoral support and personal development for the children, excellent facilities and a focus on learning.”

“Parents believe their investment in fees is an investment in their children’s future.”

However, the range of places to invest in and ways to ensure the best for your children is enormous. At first glance the decision about whether or not to use a prep school and, indeed, which one is best can seem bewildering.

There are more than 1,000 prep schools in the UK taking children to 11 and 13, traditionally they were boarding schools but nowadays many parents choose to send their children daily. Equally some prep schools will be part of ‘all-through’ schools catering for children from the age of three up to 18 and some will be attached to a senior school.

Some prep schools adhere to the National Curriculum but they are not bound to, which can give them freedom to offer a broader and more varied curriculum that isn’t burdened by tests.

OPEN DAY

Academic excellence Montessori Nursery and Main School in a family setting...

Monday 11th February All visitors welcome 2013 10.00am-2.00pm Open Morning & 6.00pm-8.00pm Saturday March 8th 2014 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

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There isn’t always an entrance exam for prep schools, in many cases the school will just want to interview you and your child, perhaps inviting him or her to spend a ‘taster’ session in class. This also allows teaching staff to observe how your child fits in.

The decision is easier when you look to the end destination – the senior school – and work backwards. Your decision will be narrowed by considering if there is a school attached to your preferred secondary and what kinds of criteria they use to select pupils.

Ask yourself the following questions:

ü

Does the school fit the basic requirements of you and your child in terms of gender, day and/or boarding, religious denomination, curriculum and location?

ü

Does it meet your educational objectives in terms of offering the exams your child will need to sit?

ü

Will your child be happy there? Do you get good feedback from other parents and children?

ü

Does the school get a good report?

How are the exam results, the general atmosphere and the teaching quality?

ü

Do you like the ethos of school? It’s usually very clear and follows strong leadership from the Head.

ü

What is the teaching and staff turnover like?

ü What is the curriculum? ü ü

How big are the classes?

ü

What did the most recent inspection report say?

What is the school’s approach to discipline and rules?

ü ü

What are the pastoral care facilities like?

ü

Is there a wide enough range of extracurricular activities?

ü

Does the school give value for money for what you want? Be careful to take extras into account.

Does the school offer the facilities you would like to see, such as for sport, music or drama?

An Independent Day School and Nursery for boys aged 3-7 and girls aged 3-11

Open Afternoon Thursday 27 March 2014 1.30 to 3.30pm Warwick Preparatory School, Bridge Field, Banbury Road,Warwick CV34 6PL For further information please visit www.warwickprep.com alternatively call 01926 491545 or email admissions@warwickprep.com Warwick Preparatory School is part of the Warwick Independent Schools Foundation, together with King’s High School and Warwick School, providing high quality education for boys and girls aged 3-18.

King Henry VIII Prep School www.khps.co.uk | T: 024 7627 1307 A wonderful, friendly school providing a first class foundation for life. Boys and girls welcomed from 3 years of age. Continuous education to 18 years of age through the Senior School.

King Henry VIII Preparatory School, Kenilworth Road, Coventry CV3 6PT

A leading co-educational day school, since 1545 www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01926 335004

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Education: Prep Schools More quotes from our Prep School Heads

Independent Schools – Information and Open Days Preps and Primaries Bablake Junior School Coventry CV1 4AU T: 024 7627 1260 E: jhmsec@bablakejs.co.uk www.bablakejuniorschool.co.uk

“Prep schools in this country have for generations provided children with an outstanding start in life.

Small classes and high expectations of behaviour and academic achievement help children to make excellent progress so they attain well above national averages. Prep schools have also traditionally had a broad curriculum which includes plenty of sport, art, drama and music.

This breadth of curriculum allows a child’s school day to be balanced between the academic, the creative and the physical. Beyond the basic school day, schools like King Henry’s provide a wealth of clubs and other extra-curricular activities. Children who attend our schools are busy, active individuals who love going to school. We help them to develop their talents, interests and abilities on a broad front. As a result of small classes and a family feel, children feel they are known and cared for. When they leave us they are hard-working, confident young people keen to do what is right and ready to embrace the opportunities of life.”

Crackley Hall School and Little Crackers Nursery Kenilworth CV8 2FT T: 01926 514444 E: post@crackleyhall.co.uk www.crackleyhall.co.uk Sat 15 March, 10.30am-12.30pm: Open Morning Weds 26 March, 7.00pm-8.00pm: Nursery and Reception Open Evening Weds 21 May, 5.00pm-7.30pm: Open Evening The Croft Preparatory School Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 7RL T: 01789 293795 E: office@croftschool.co.uk www.croftschool.co.uk Sat 22 March, 10.00am-12noon: Early Years Open Morning King Henry VIII Prep School Coventry CV3 6PT T: 024 7627 1307 E: headmaster@khps.co.uk www.khps.co.uk Visits and taster days by arrangement The Kingsley Preparatory School Leamington Spa CV32 5RD T: 01926 421368 E: carolewatson@kingsleyschool.co.uk (Registrar)

www.thekingsleyschool.com Sat 1 March, 9.45am-12.25pm: Taster Morning for Year 7 entry Sept 2015 Tues 4 March, 10.30am-3.00pm: Prep Open House Tues 11 March: Reception and Year 3 Taster Day Tues 6 May, 10.30am-3.00pm: Prep Open House Weds 2 July, 5.30pm-7.30pm: Senior School Open Evening Stratford Preparatory School Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6BG T: 01789 297993 E: secretary@stratfordprep.co.uk www.stratfordprep.co.uk Sat 8 March, 10.00am-12.30pm: Open Morning Sat 7 June, 10.00am-2.00pm & 6.00pm-8.00pm: Open Day Warwick Preparatory School Warwick CV34 6PL T: 01926 491545 E: admissions@warwickprep.com www.warwickprep.com Thurs 27 March, 1.30pm-3.30pm: Open Afternoon Warwick School Warwick CV34 6PP T: 01926 776400 E: enquiries@ warwickschool.org www.warwickschool.org Fri 4 July, 7.00pm-9.00pm: Junior and Senior School Open Evening

Senior Schools Alcester Grammar School Alcester B49 5ED

T: 01789 762494 E: office@alcestergs.com www.alcestergs.co.uk Bablake School Coventry CV1 4AU T: 024 7627 1200 E: info@bablake.coventry.sch.uk www.bablake.com King Edward VI School Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6HB T: 01789 293351 E: headspa@kes.net www.kes.net King Henry VIII Senior School Coventry CV3 6AQ T: 024 7627 1111 E: info@khviii.net www.kinghenrys.co.uk Visits and taster days by arrangement King’s High Warwick CV34 4HJ T: 01926 494485 E: enquiries@kingshighwarwick.co.uk www.kingshighwarwick.co.uk Princethorpe College Rugby CV23 9PX T: 01926 634201 E: elainewarwick@princethorpe.co.uk www.princethorpe.co.uk Weds 4 June, 6.30pm -8.30pm: Open Evening Rugby School Rugby CV22 5EH T: 01788 556274 E: admissions@rugbyschool.net www.rugbyschool.net

Mr Nicolas Lovell, Head of King Henry VIII Preparatory School

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“‘School days are the happiest days of your life’. Nowhere is this more true than at Warwick Prep. Our pupils have the most wonderful array of learning opportunities provided in outstanding facilities by the most dedicated and creative teachers able to devote time and attention to each individual. That makes for lots of happy children – and happy children learn well and grow in self-confidence.”

“A prep school education is the time when the foundations of lifelong learning are laid down. These are crucial, impressionable years of significant physical and intellectual development and it is the stage of the greatest personal and social growth, when character and personality are shaped and formed, attitudes are created and work habits established.

Having been enriched through sport, music, art, drama, languages and other extracurricular activities, prep school pupils will have acquired a set of values to better prepare them for the next stage of their future learning.”

Mr Mark Turner, Head of Warwick Preparatory School

Miss Anne Hornsby, Head of The Kingsley Preparatory School

“Our mission is to guide our children both academically and socially in a safe family orientated environment, where respect and courtesy thrive.”

Mr Neil Musk, Head of Stratford Preparatory School

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01926 335004

Small Classes Royal Leamington Spa

Preparatory School

Big Smiles

for girls aged 3 to 11 and boys aged 3 to 7 years old

Open House

4th March 2014

Taster Day

11th March 2014

Great Achievements

For more information please contact Registrar Carole Watson on 01926 421368 or email carolewatson@ kingsleyschool.co.uk

www.thekingsleyschool.com

Bablake

prep school_family warks 60x 180mm.indd 1

16/01/2014 11:23:58

junior & pre-prep

Bablake Junior School and Pre-Prep offers an outstanding academic and all-round education.

PLACES AVAILABLE FOR SEPTEMBER www.bablakejuniorschool.co.uk www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01926 335004

Junior School: 02476 271 260

Pre-Prep: 02476 221 677 9

Clubs & classes The Original British baby signing programme Communicate with your baby BEFORE speech by using simple gestures – reduce frustration for you and your baby!

Learn through music, rhymes and fun.

NEW: Babes Class from BIRTH to 6 months – builds the framework for communicating

Classes include playtime and refreshments Contact 01789 415591 or pippajenkins@singandsign.co.uk Find us online at www.singandsign.co.uk & www.facebook.com/singandsignsouthwarks

Creative felt making classes for the family Ursula Westwood is a felt artist, and will be teaching some exciting felt making workshops at a new craft space at Hatton Country World in the spring. Aimed at children aged 5 upwards, and their parents, the workshops will introduce the basic technique of felt making using soap and hot water, and how to make wonderful fluffy creations using soft Merino wool. Children will learn the hands-on technique of this ancient craft, and make a lovely felted spring picture or some colourful Easter decorations to take home.

Perfect for incorporating into projects at school, felt making is a highly engaging activity to get e hous es everyone active and have a lot of fun along the way! n o i t Mo h Class s An experienced arts and design teacher, Ursula also Y1o-1u9tyear oiqlduses and pfimtnes teaches felt making projects in schools. She recently n 5 1 tech 5-6.1 helped the pupils of Lady Katherine Leveson School New ays 4.4 d Tues in Temple Balsall to create a felted wall hanging on e s u o h n the theme of ‘Fantastic Mr Fox’. o i t

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Workshops are currently held at weekends and dates during the school holidays. As it proves popular, Ursula hopes to teach more. Children’s workshops are £15 for a two hour workshop, all materials included. Both parent and child felt making £30.

Extra child £10. Children must be age 5+ and be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Per year old -6.45p 0 8-13 days 5.3 s Thur

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For more details, see advert on page 13, listing on page 15 and visit www.ursulawestwood.com

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09:43 www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk 29/01/2014 Tel: 01926 335004

Clubs & classes New Caterpillar Corner Crafts classes

For the budding star in your family!

Sparkle tots performing arts and ballet classes, 2 years plus Boyz Only Street Dance class, 4 years plus Musical Theatre, Ballet Contact Natalie on 0845 017 0825 or and Street Dance classes, 4 years plus email: sparkleperformers@gmail.com

to book a free trial session.

Caterpillar Corner Crafts provides craft entertainment for children. As well as children’s parties, the team entertains children at weddings, christenings, fundraisers – in fact, any type of event you can think of!

Caterpillar Corner Crafts currently runs a pre-school session at the Open Door Café in Hampton Magna on the 1st Thursday of every month. Due to the success of these classes and the demand for more, new pre-school and junior classes are coming soon in Stratford-upon-Avon and Leamington Spa so register your interest now!

Email support@caterpillarcorner.co.uk www.caterpillarcornercrafts.co.uk See advert on page 3

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warwickshire “Families has one of the widest reaching target audiences. The adverts have been a good price and have proven to be a great investment over the last year.”

Families Warwickshire advertiser.

Fun and action packed sessions which develop physical skills and boost self-confidence! www.tumbletots.com/warwick 01926 856 313 Calypso Kids Pre-school Music Classes for children aged 6 months - 4 years Classes are held at Townsend Hall, Sheep Street, Shipston on Stour CV36 4AE Wednesdays at 9.20am, 10.15am & 11.00am Fridays at 10.00am & 11.00am What’s in the lilly pad today? £3.50 per class when paying for a half-term block in advance or £4.50 a class to pay-as-you-play.

Discounts are available for siblings.

Tumbletots business opportunity Fancy a chance at running your own business, working with some great people and having fun at the same time? Warwick Tumble Tots is up for sale. For further details please contact Laura at laura.gould@tumbletots.com

Book a FREE Taster Class.

Tel: 07890 399162 www.calypsokids.co.uk

DANCE CLASSES FOR BABIES AND TODDLERS Classes from 4 months and upwards

info@twirlingtoddlers.co.uk 07552 770774

Join our Family and advertise your club/class on this page. Call 01926 335004 or email editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk

New - Boyz Only dance class Sparkle Boyz Only is a new street dance class taught by Natalie Rogers, a fully qualified performing arts and early years teacher, who runs Sparkle School of Performing Arts. The class is aimed at primary school boys aged four plus who want to learn to dance with no girls allowed! Boys learn street dance combinations, floor work and show style routines. Class sizes are small and the new group will be working towards its first shows and exams. The new class is on Tuesdays from 4pm-4.30pm at Tiddington Community Centre near Stratford-upon-Avon. Classes are pay per week and there are no termly fees. Places are limited and booking is essential, so please contact Natalie by email: sparkleperformers@gmail.com or mobile 07702 923741.

Nurturing and developing young people’s potential through dance, drama and singing.

For 4-18 year olds, after school, at weekends and holiday workshops.

May Half Term Workshop Thursday 29 May 9.00am-3.30pm Trinity Catholic School, Leamington Spa for 6-18 year olds.

Stagecoach Leamington Spa and Kenilworth Call 07976 608574 to book your place now. leamingtonspa@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/leamingtonspa

Sparkle classes run in Stratford-upon-Avon for children and young people aged two to eighteen. There are Sparkle tots classes for younger pupils, ballet and musical theatre for ages four years plus, and ballet, musical theatre and street dance for ages seven years plus.

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01926 335004

11

Easter Make a Bee Garden

by Robin Dean, The Red Beehive Company

Of all the insects that visit our gardens, none are more iconic and important to us than bees, and they come in a surprising range of sizes, colours and shapes. Honey and bumble bees are instantly recognizable to most of us as they buzz around, but how many of us could identify some of the other species of bee?

Whether we can identify them or not, one thing is common to all species, and that is they all need our help. Most bees would just like a little nectar and pollen, and a lovely Easter holiday project would be to plant up a “Bee Garden”. There are a number of plants to choose from that are robust and require minimum care, beyond a drink of water now and again, and will do splendidly in a small window box, planter or large pot.

Snowdrops, crocus, primrose and bluebells (remember bluebells are protected, so don’t go digging them up from a local woodland area!) all make for a spectacular spring display. Rosemary, sage and lavender are also highly attractive to bees, and chives have flowers to tempt them - as well as making a tasty contribution to the kitchen! A catnip plant or two will keep your cat happy, as well as the having the local bees dropping in for a nectar and pollen snack.

Now you have given them some food, why not make a bee hotel as well. For those of you concerned about encouraging bees to live in the garden, don’t be. Bees that live in

bee hotels are solitary bees, and unlike the social bees (honey and bumble bees) don’t make honey so therefore don’t have anything to defend. This makes them really docile and perfectly safe to have around children and pets.

To construct your bee hotel: • You will need some bamboo (around 1.5cm in diameter), string or garden wire, and a small saw (to cut the bamboo).

• Cut the bamboo into 15cm lengths, cutting each piece just before a node to give you a hollow tube with a natural sealed end.

• Bind the bamboo pieces together with the string or garden wire, with the open ends all facing in the same direction.

• Take the bundle out into the garden and find a secure place to fasten your bee hotel to. The open ends should face anywhere between east and south to get the early morning sun, with a clear flight path into the hotel.

Holiday Academies for 5-16 year olds in your area.

Quote ASFM14 for 10% off! www.activatesport.co.uk

01785 711 572

Easter Act 2014 118 by 70mm_Layout 1 03/02/2014 09:00 Page 1

Wednesday 9(excluding to Friday 25 April 2014 bank holidays) bu!Xbsxjdl!Tdippm 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.

6-11 Years, Superchoice Programme 4-5 Years, Early Years Including NEW for 2014 - Skateboarding, Cartooning and Powered Go Karts

Bagel Noughts and Hot Crosses As Easter time approaches here is a fun idea for using a seasonal bread bun!

All you need is a slate tile with a noughts and crosses grid chalked on it and prepare home-made (or a couple of packs each of ) bagels and hot cross buns – bagels for noughts and hot cross buns for crosses! Play using CLEAN hands and finish the game by eating the playing pieces! Fun and Yum! Photo by Frances Quinn

Easter Days Out Easter Egg Hunt

The National Herb Centre, Nr Warmington OX17 1DF Mon 14-Sun 27 April Can you find the egg pictures hiding around the centre and work out the mystery word?

Free yummy treat.

www.herbcentre.co.uk

Cadbury’s Easter Trails

National Trust Properties There’s fun throughout the holidays with a special Cadbury trail over the Easter weekend. Small charge.

Fri 18–Sun 21 April, 11am–4pm Upton House Nr Banbury OX15 6HT T: 01295 670266 E: uptonhouse@nationaltrust.org.uk Charlecote Park Nr Wellesbourne CV35 9ER T: 01789 470277 E: charlecotepark@nationaltrust.org.uk Baddesley Clinton Baddlesley Clinton B93 0DQ T: 01564 783294 E: baddesleyclinton@nationaltrust.org.uk Packwood House Lapworth B94 6AT T: 01564 782024 E: packwood@nationaltrust.org.uk Coughton Court Alcester B49 5JA T: 01789 400777 E: coughtoncourt@nationaltrust.org.uk

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

www.warwickschool.org/Easter-Action T 01926 735473 E ebr@warwickschool.org

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www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01926 335004

Easter Hatton Country World Nr Warwick CV35 8XA Sat 12–Tues 29 April Take along your 2 for 1 voucher and enjoy Hatton’s choc-o-bloc programme of Easter fun.

www.hattonworld.com/ farmvillage

Easter Trail

Brandon Marsh Nature Centre Coventry CV3 3GW Runs for two weeks

www.warwickshirewildlifetrust. org.uk

Easter Egg Hunt

Leamington Art Gallery & Museum Leamington Spa CV32 4AA Sat 12-Sun 27 April Find all the eggs throughout the art gallery and museum and win a prize!

All Things Wild

Honeybourne, Nr Evesham WR11 7QZ Lots of indoor and outdoor fun. Meet the animals – large, small, furry, scaly and prehistoric!

www.warwickdc.gov.uk/wdc/ royalpumprooms

www.allthingswild.co.uk

The Great Shakespeare Egg Hunt

Horrible Histories - Invading Easter

The Royal Shakespeare Theatre Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6BB Sat 12-Sun 27 Apr Pick up a booklet from the leaflet racks in the theatre and follow the clues to find Shakespeare Egg Heads hidden around the building. Solve the puzzle and get an Easter Treat!

Warwick Castle, Warwick CV34 4QU From 5 April Be taken on a rotten journey of action packed games and adventure with nasty nuggets and foul facts aplenty!

www.warwick-castle.com

Victorian Easter Weekend

r1 fo r 2 offe

Easter Eggstravaganza

Hill Close Gardens, Warwick CV34 6HF Sat 19-Mon 21 April, 11am-5pm Including Egg Hunt and Bonnet Parade at 3.30pm, both on the Sunday.

www.rsc.org.uk

www.hillclosegardens.com

Easter Eggstravaganza 12th April to 29th April

A fantastic choc-o-bloc programme of Easter events ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Easter Egg Hunt with free chocolate eggs Bunny Hunt with chocolate prize Bunnies & Chicks Hatton's Grand National Fun Fair Rides Tractor Trek Falconry Centre Farmyard Favourites

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Guinea Pig Village Family Theatre The Great American Gold Rush Agility Play Trail JCB Track Daft Duck Trials Superslide Mania - Massive Indoor Play Centre

Heritage Motor Museum Gaydon CV35 0BJ Sat 12-Sun 27 April Shaun the Sheep Easter Trail Thurs 17 & 24 April Easter Family Crafts

www.heritage-motorcentre.co.uk

Fun Felt Making Workshops for children and parents at Hatton Country World

5 & 19 April 2-4pm, 15 April 1-3pm, 26 April 10am-12noon

Call 07802 901566

e: ursulawestwood@yahoo.co.uk

www.ursulawestwood.com r1 fo r 2 offe

ALL THINGS WILD AT THE DOMESTIC FOWL TRUST STATION ROAD, HONEYBOURNE, EVESHAM, WR11 7QZ TEL 01386833083 WEB WWW.ALLTHINGSWILD.CO.UK

This voucher admits two for the price of one Valid up to 16th May 2014

Adult’s Name Adult’s email 1. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer, school/group bookings, birthday parties or Hatton Membership. 2. One person admitted free with a full paying ticket. Cheapest ticket is free. 3. No photocopies accepted or copies from electronic versions of publications. 4. This voucher can only be used once and must be given up at the time of use. 5. One voucher required per free entry.

Hatton Country World,

3 miles outside Warwick off A4177 Warwick-Solihull Road

Tel: 01926 843411

Open 10am - 5.30pm 16161A 2/14

Programme subject to change.

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01926 335004

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What’s On Theatre

Festivals

Moscow State Circus

Coventry CV1 1GS www.belgrade.co.uk

Swan Lake

Thurs 13 & Fri 14 Mar Set to the stunning score of Tchaikovsky, the ultimate fairytale and most popular classical ballet, Swan Lake is brought to life by the worldrenowned Moscow Ballet – La Classique.

Annie The Musical

Tues 8-Sat 12 Apr Presented by Leamington and Warwick Musical Society This timeless tale of Little Orphan Annie is set in 1933 in New York City. “It’s the Hard-Knock Life”, “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile” and “Tomorrow” guarantee you will go home singing!

Postman Pat

Giselle

Thurs 13-Sat 15 Mar Considered as the ‘Hamlet’ of ballet, Giselle is evocative, moving and powerful as it shifts scenes between the fantastic ethereal and rustic worlds.

Tom’s Midnight Garden

Weds 16 Apr Everyone’s favourite postie!

Warwick Arts Centre Coventry CV4 7AL www.warwickartscentre.co.uk

In and around Warwick Mon 17-Sun 30 Mar A brand new annual festival of street performance, venue based events and shows featuring guest performers from across the UK. www.playboxtheatre.com

The Coventry Gang Show 2014

Weds 30 Apr-Sat 3 May Great comedy sketches, live bands, song and dance routines that everyone will remember.

Fantastic entertainment for all the family.

Bridge House Theatre Warwick CV34 6PP www.bridgehousetheatre.co.uk

Warwick School 2014 Gala Concert

Fri 14 Mar Featuring many of the instrumental and choral groups from across the Warwick Independent Schools Foundation. Along with Jerusalem and Nimrod, the programme includes a new commission by Julian Philips OW to celebrate this milestone in the school’s 1,100 year history.

The Little Mermaid

Sat 22 Mar Join Ballet Theatre UK on this dramatic re-telling of Hans Christian Andersen’s alltime favourite story of The Little Mermaid, who falls in love with a human Prince and gives up everything to win his love.

Royal Spa Centre

Jigsaw Festival

Grandpa’s Railway

Sat 8 Mar Featuring live music, a working model railway and a coachload of surprises.

Ragbones

Thu 27 Mar This is an interactive dance piece for children and families exploring the concept of a digital funhouse able to warp and shift the perceptions of reality.

Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6BB www.rsc.org.uk

Curious

Sun 13 Apr, 10.30am, 2pm and 3.30pm Mon 14 & Tues 15 Apr, 10.30am and 2pm Journey into a world where kitchen meets garden and where pots and pans get mischievously mixed up with planters and pails. A perfect giggle-making introductory experience to theatre that explores everyday objects in an interactive environment. The performance concludes by inviting the children to venture onto the stage to dig, delve and rummage in the soft, moist soil. Suitable for ages 0–3 years; running time: 45 minutes.

Concerts

Steve Hewlett

Warwickshire Music Gala Concert

Coughton Court, Alcester B49 5JA Mon 21–Sun 27 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

Shakespeare Birthday Celebrations

In and around Stratford-upon-Avon Sat 26-Sun 27 Apr A weekend of pageantry, drama and celebrations in the Bard’s home town, with parades and free family fun. www.shakespearesbirthday.org.uk

Stratford Literary Festival

Royal Shakespeare Theatre

Leamington Spa CV32 4HN www.royalspacentreandtownhall.co.uk Thurs 13 Mar Fresh from his stunning appearance on Britain’s Got Talent, Steve now embarks on a major theatre tour with his hilarious friends. A brand new, spectacular show on the road with huge family appeal.

Mon 17-Sun 23 Mar Shakespeare Week is a new national, annual celebration to bring Shakespeare to life vividly for millions of primary school children.Organised by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, it will be celebrated in schools, theatres, historic sites, museums, galleries, cinemas, and libraries all over the UK. Every child will be given the chance to be inspired by Shakespeare’s stories, language and heritage. www.shakespeareweek.org.uk www.shakespeare.org.uk

The Warwick Spring Festival

Tues 15-Sat 19 Apr The Birmingham Stage Company is proud to present this classic story. Don’t miss this fantastic family adventure. See competition on back page.

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National Shakespeare Week

Fri 21 & Sat 22 Mar The greatest & most famous circus on earth.

Belgrade Theatre

Birmingham Symphony Hall, Birmingham B1 2EA Sun 6 Apr See young musicians from Warwickshire perform at one of the finest concert halls in the world. www.warwickshiremusichub.org www.thsh.co.uk

Sat 26 Apr-Sun 4 May 2014 Celebrating its 7th year, this is one of the most significant literary festivals in the UK. Sunday 4 May is Children’s Book Day at The Croft School in Stratford-upon-Avon. A fantastic day of events for children from 3 to 11 years. www.stratfordliteraryfestival.co.uk

Stratford Cycle Fest

Stratford Race Course Sun 25 May Events for the whole family. A unique and exciting range of displays, demonstrations and challenging ride events for all the family. Amazing stunt cycling displays and children’s fun areas with bouncy castles and rides. Fantastic food, drink and refreshments all from local suppliers. www.cyclistsfc.org.uk/events/stratford-cyclefestival

Don’t forget Mother’s Day on Sunday 30th March

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01926 335004

Easter Holiday Activities Super Camps The Croft Preparatory School Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 7RL Mon 14-Thurs 17 Apr Multi Activity – up to 40 activities for ages 4-14 Raw Adventure – survival skills for ages 7-14 A Passion For – creative workshops including arts, invention and cooking for ages 6-16 T: 01235 467300 www.supercamps.co.uk

Activate Sport Princethorpe College Princethorpe CV23 9PX Mon 7-Weds 9 Apr International Netball Roadshow for ages 7-16 Mon 14-Thurs 17 Apr Andrew Flintoff Cricket Academy for ages 5-16 T: 01785 711572 www.activatesport.co.uk

Easter Action Warwick School, Warwick CV34 6PP Weds 9-Fri 25 Apr (ex bank holidays) Wide range of high-quality courses.

For ages 4-5 and 6-11.

New for 2014 – skateboarding, cartooning and powered go-carts.

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

Easter Camp Belgrade Theatre, Coventry CV1 1GS Mon 14 & Tues 15 Apr Drama activities developing creativity, language and communication skills. For young people aged 8–11 and 11–16.

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

Felt Making Workshops Hatton Country World, Nr Warwick CV35 8XA Run by felt artist, Ursula Westwood. For ages 5+ Sat 5 Apr Spring pictures 2-4pm Tue 15 Apr Mini beasts 1-3pm Sat 19 Apr Felted Easter eggs and decorations 2-4pm Sat 26 Apr Spring flowers 10am-12noon Booking essential. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

T: 07802 901566 www.ursulawestwood.co.uk

Art Base Art Workshops The Croft Preparatory School Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 7RL Mon 31 Mar-Fri 4 Apr & Mon 7-Fri 11 Apr, 9am-3pm The Armouries, Nr Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 0JA Mon 14-Thur 17 Apr, 9.30am-3.30pm T: 01789 774705 www.art-base.co.uk

Leamington Art Gallery and Museum Leamington Spa CV32 4AA Tues 15 & Tues 22 April Jephson’s Suitcase Find out about Dr Henry Jephson on a handling tour of items from the collection.

Learn about medicine from the 1800s to mid-1900s. Free, drop in and join in.

Thurs 17 & Thurs 24 Apr Easter Holiday Art Club Join us in the craft studio making Easter art projects. Free, drop in and join in.

T: 01926 742700 www.warwickdc.gov.uk/wdc/ royalpumprooms

Springtime Craft Activities Brandon Marsh Nature Centre Coventry CV3 3GW Mon 14 Apr Workshop: Easter bunnies and their friends (All ages) Tues 15 Apr Crafty Drop in: Easter bunny bags (All ages) 60 minute marvel: Den building (4 years+) Weds 16 Apr Crafty Drop in: Easter cards (All ages) 60 minute marvel: Mini-beast hunting (All ages) Thurs 17 Apr Workshop: Baby animals and their homes for tots (2-4 years) Tues 22 Apr Crafty Drop in: Twirling ladybirds (All Ages) 60 minute marvel: Den building (4 years+) Weds 23 Apr Crafty Drop in: Fancy hats and sparkling crowns (All ages) 60 minute marvel: Minibeast hunting (All ages) Thurs 24 Apr Workshop: Spring, flowers and buzzy bees for tots (2-4 years) Fri 25 Apr Workshop: Nifty newts crafty drop in (All ages) 60 minute marvel: Pond dipping (4 years+) T: 024 7630 2912 www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk

Really Wild Activities The National Herb Centre Nr Warmington OX17 1DF Tues15 & Tues 22 Apr Minibeast Roadshow Drop in sessions all day. Stroke a cockroach, handle a tarantula and find a stick insect.

Also meet our snakes, lizards and a giant frog! 11am-4pm Den Building Venture into the woods and build a secret shelter. 11.30am-12.30pm Pond Dipping / Bug Hunt Discover the hidden world of bugs in the grasslands and pond at the Herb Centre. 2.30pm-3.30pm Booking via Natural World Experiences essential.

T: 07811 403713 www.naturalworldexperience.com

Easter Holidays Forest Schools Compton Verney CV35 9HZ Fri 18-Mon 21 April Visit the Forest School and take part in lots of outdoor activities. 11am-4pm www.comptonverney.org.uk

Royal Shakespeare Company Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6BB All children must be accompanied by an adult at all events.

Weds 16 & Thurs 24 Apr Blood, Guts & Gore Join former RSC Head of Wigs and Make-up Brenda Leedham as she shows you the tricks to creating bruises, cuts and scars in this demonstration needing willing participants! Suitable for all ages. 11am-12noon Thurs 17 & Tues 22 Apr Story Garden Become an actor and tell the story of one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays. Everyone gets involved, so be prepared to make music, dress up and join in with the fun. Suitable for 4–8 year olds.

11am-11.45am Thurs 17 & Wed 23 Apr Crafty Drop-ins Swan Reading Room – Drop-in craft class perfect for 3-7 year olds.

We provide the instructions and materials for you and your little one to work with, you supply the creativity.

Thurs 17 Apr – Kings and Queens, Princes and Princesses Weds 23 Apr – Party crafts for Shakespeare’s Birthday Weds 23 Apr Speaking Shakespeare Want to have a go at speaking some of Shakespeare’s

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01926 335004

speeches? Come along to this fun and lively session that will have you quoting Shakespeare like a pro! 2.30pm-3.30pm Fri 25 Apr Introducing Shakespeare A practical, fun workshop for children and their families to introduce and explore some of Shakespeare’s characters. Suitable for ages 8+. 11am–12.30pm Fri 25 Apr Family Workshop Take part in a fun family workshop and work as an actor does, on your feet! No previous acting experience or knowledge of the play required, as you’ll be introduced to a Shakespeare story on the day. 2pm-3.30pm T: 0844 800 1110 www.rsc.org.uk

Herbert Art Gallery Coventry CV1 5QP Throughout the Easter holidays, the Herbert will be offering a host of hands on workshops using art and science to help us explore, be inspired and engage with the natural world around us.

Sat 12, Sun 13, Sat 26 & Sun 27 Apr Nature Prints Design and print your own work of art inspired by the beautiful patterns of our natural world. 10.30am12.30pm & 1.30pm-3.30pm Mon 14 Apr Beautiful Butterflies Make a beautiful butterfly with stained glass wings using coloured glues and films. 10.30am-12.30pm & 1.30pm-3pm The Hungry Caterpillar This lively and interactive reading of the hungry caterpillar story will explain to our younger visitors where our beautiful butterflies come from!

11am & 1pm Tues 15 Apr Hop It! Use craft materials to make a froggy family and a lily pad for them to live on.

10.30am-12.30pm & 1.30pm-3pm At the Bottom of the Pond… Join an expert from Coombe Abbey Country Park on a short talk on frogs and other fascinating wildlife found at the bottom of a pond. 1.30pm Weds 16 Apr Erupting Volcanoes Make a model volcano and take home the instructions on how to experiment and erupt your volcano!

10.30am-12.30pm & 1.30pm-3.30pm Thurs 17 Apr & Fri 25 Apr Fabulous Fossils Learn about the formation of fossils through object handling, casting and then painting your own fossil. Booking is required. £2.50 per child. Suitable for age 6+. Booking opens on the first day of the Easter activity programme. 10.30-11.30am An Uninvited Guest… Join us for a short talk with specimens from our collection about the bugs that we share our homes with. Eeuuuuhhh! 11am & 1pm Fri 18-Mon 21 Apr Drawing from Nature Explore amazing animals from our natural history collection, experiment with the range of drawing materials on offer and get drawing on your own terms in this self-led session.

10am-4pm Tues 22 Apr Beastly Bugs Use art straws, model making techniques and colourful materials to make a beastly bug of your own design. There will be bugs from our natural history collection on hand for inspiration. 10.30am-12.30pm & 1.30pm-3pm Weds 23 Apr X-rayed! A great chance to look at some of our animal skeletons and create your own x-ray work of art. 10.30am-12.30pm & 1.30pm-3pm

Thurs 24 Apr Beaking Mad Using junk modelling materials, make a hand puppet bird that can talk using a clever mechanism.

10.30am-12.30pm & 1.30pm-3pm Life in the Air… Meet an expert from Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve at this informal family talk. Learn lots of interesting facts about our beautiful British birds and how we can attract them to our garden.

1.30pm www.theherbert.org

Playbox Theatre Warwick CV34 6XR Jinks Days Themed days where the Jinks team bring The Dream Factory to life with a blend of theatre, movement, storytelling, craft, music, and finishing with a picnic of yummy treats. Fancy dress encouraged.

Ages 3-6 years.

Thurs 17 Apr Circus Adventure 10am-1pm Tues 22 Apr Jungle Adventure 10am-1pm Weds 23 Apr Space Adventure 10am-1pm Mon 14-Weds 16 Apr Little Mermaid & The Tales of Hans Christian Anderson An exhilarating mix of costume, music, and stage craft help Playbox to restage these classic tales in the studio with lighting, craft, set design and bubbles. Ages 6-12 years. 10am-4pm Thurs 17 Apr The Wonderful World of David Walliams An exciting new project exploring the wonderful, funny and sometimes weird world of David Walliams. An exciting day exploring the fantastic novel Gangster Granny, using acting, movement, set and costume design to create a play in two days!

Ages 7+. 10am-4pm Tues 22 & Weds 23 Apr Percy Jackson & The Lightening Thief Delve into the thrilling tales of Percy Jackson and other myths and legends with costume, set design and performance, creating a showcase for friends and family.

Ages 7+. 10am-4pm Thurs 24 & Fri 25 Apr Galaxy Adventure Spend 2 days as we transform our studio into the many worlds and lives of The Doctor in this marvellous event that will bring together movement, music, costume, set and performance. Ages 6-12 years. 10am-4pm T: 01926 419555 ext 2 www.playboxtheatre.com

Sharing Stories Day Royal Shakespeare Theatre Saturday 8 March

Drop in any time between 10am-3pm Share the stories, memories, letters, photographs and artefacts that link your family to the First World War. Meet the director and writer of the RSC winter 2014 production, The Christmas Truce, which draws on true stories of soldiers in the Warwickshire Regiment. www.rsc.org.uk

15

Classifieds

Advertise your business here for as little as £45 per issue

Liz Barnes AICB

LHA Accountancy & Admin Services Tel: 07791 393915 email: lizherranz@gmail.com

www.lhaaccountancy.co.uk

COMPETITIONS Win

Tickets to see Tom’s Midnight Garden at The Belgrade Theatre in Coventry on Tuesday 15 April This classic story follows the intrepid youngster Tom, who has always been told it’s impossible to travel back in time. But when the grandfather clock in the hallway chimes thirteen times, Tom is transported to a secret garden from the past. Here he meets Hatty and together these two new friends enjoy fantastic adventures in a magical wonderland. With each new journey through time, strange things begin to happen – and Tom must solve the mystery of the midnight garden.

We have three family tickets for the 7pm performance on Tuesday 15 April to give away.

40 SA % VE ON O V TIC ER KE TS

Enter now at www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk

With

Win An Annual Family Pass to Ragley Hall Become a member of the Ragley family by becoming a Ragley Park and Gardens Member and enjoy unlimited visits every day of their open season. Perfect for family get-togethers, birthday celebrations, some quality ‘me time’ or just a good fun day out in the great outdoors! The Annual Family Pass (for 2 adults and up to 3 children over 5 (under 5s free) is worth £95.

We have one Annual Family Pass to give away.

Enter now at www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk

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11/02/2014 www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 0192616:45 335004