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Hereford & Worcester
Issue 47 September/October 2017
familiesonline.co.uk
Editor’s Letter Dear readers Autumn is here and its back to school. Where did the Summer holidays go? The change in routine is a big shock after the long summer break - for us parents as well as for the kids !– and this leads to tiredness and the occasional tantrum, particularly among younger children. So you may find our feature in this issue on dealing with tantrums useful. Children move up a class in September and this brings with it the difficulty of working to new and more challenging levels. We report on how you can help improve you children’s performance by working with them at home. And we have a handy guide for those of you worried about the etiquette of Halloween Trick-or-Treating, a key part of the Autumn calendar. I love Autumn, for it brings with it those lovely changes in colour. Enjoy the season! Diane Clifford. Editor, Families Hereford & Worcester
Sports and leisure operator, Everyone Active, is now working in partnership with Bromsgrove District Council to manage its leisure facilities across the district. Together, Bromsgrove District Council and Everyone Active aim to increase the health and wellbeing of the local community through physical activity by extending the current leisure provision.
01684 770566 editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk
In this issue 02 News & Views 04 Succeed At Secondary 06 Ed’s Reading Room 09 Tantrums 10 Halloween 12 Clubs and Classes
Next issue: November/December Christmas Issue Booking deadline: Friday 13 October
Everyone Active are managing Dolphin Centre, and will manage the brand new Bromsgrove Sports and Leisure Centre when it opens to the public later this year. The new site will include a six lane 25m pool, a learner pool, a state-of-the-art gym, three studios, spa, sauna and steam room.
14 What’s On
For more information on Everyone Active, please visit: www.everyoneactive.com.
Families Hereford & Worcester is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Hereford & Worcester are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Hereford & Worcester. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.
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PART-TIME DISTRIBUTOR WANTED (Worcester and Kidderminster Areas) We are looking for a responsible person with a cheerful polite manner to deliver Families Hereford & Worcester to distribution points in Worcester. This job would suit a parent with school age children or an active older person. You will need to be available for a few days in the week during school term time once every other month. A car is essential and a garage or other storage space is helpful. To find out more call 01684 770566 or email editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine
Brand new Santa service brings more magic than ever to the SVR this Christmas Tickets for the SVR’s much-anticipated Christmas 2017 services have now been launched, with an all-new addition adding extra sparkle to this year’s repertoire.
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Everyone Active Set To Open In Bromsgrove
The Santa Sleigh Express, from December 19 - 22, promises to give visitors a truly magical, premium experience to make their festive season one to remember. Passengers will board the waiting steam train at Kidderminster Station for an evening journey to Highley and back, full of festive treats and the company of a very special guest. Once seated at their very own comfy table or cosy private compartment, passengers can enjoy a hot or cold drink and gingerbread treat as their train travels through the starlit Severn Valley. Back by popular demand, the sell-out Santa Steam Specials return to kick-start the SVR’s festive schedule running every weekend from 2 -24 December Tickets for the festive services are now available to book at www.svr.co.uk or by calling 01562 757900.
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News & Views
Award Winning Tuition: Explore Learning are offering all readers a free trial of their workshops at their centre in Redditch. To book a free trial call 030 3003 4006 and quote Families Hereford & Worcester magazine. www. explorelearning.co.uk
mac Scoops Award For Most Visited Free Attraction Kids Having Too Much Salt Thanks to great support from visitors and a varied programme of theatre, music, film and courses, alongside free events and exhibitions, mac retains its position as the most visited free attraction in the West Midlands for 2016, with 1.1 million visits – a 10% increase. In addition mac has moved up the national rankings, placed 11th, a three point improvement on its ranking of 14th in 2015, while also being the only West Midlands attraction within the top 20. mac’s improved national ranking places the arts venue behind the British Museum (1st), the Science Museum (7th) and the British Library (10th), and ahead of Tate Britain (13th) and the Imperial War Museum (14th), illustrating a local community that continues to support and engage with its varied offer for all ages and communities. Regionally, mac is joined by several arts organisations, including Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (2nd), New Art Gallery Walsall (6th) and Borough Museum and Art Gallery, Staffordshire (11th).
Official guidelines have advised that children aged between 1 and 3 should have no more than 2g of salt per day. According to new research by Kiddyum (of 2,000 parents of children aged 1-4), a staggering 84% of parents are not aware of how much salt their child should be having. Meanwhile, 64% of parents also said that they trust food that’s marketed for children to be low in salt, but unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be the case. The research therefore highlighted the following shocking revelations: A portion of spaghetti hoops with two slices of toast can be 117% of a child’s daily amount of salt! While out of six prepared savoury meals for children, half of them contained one third of a child’s daily allowance of salt, while one contained 99% of the maximum serving of salt.
Register for Wear A Hat Day 2018 and start planning your event! Wear A Hat Day is the UK’s premier brain tumour research fundraising event. It takes place on Thursday 29 March 2018. March is also UK Brain Tumour Awareness Month. Schools and families across the country get involved to help raise funds for research into brain tumors’. Brain tumors kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer… yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease. Families are being left devastated by this dreadful disease. Taking part can be as simple as putting on a hat and donating on the day, but most families like to create entertaining fundraising events. Many schools for example have inventive hat competitions, parades and fashion shows and raise hundreds if not thousands of pounds. Register now on www.wearahatday.org and start planning your hattastic fundraising event. Your fundraising pack will be sent out in early 2018. familiesonline.co.uk
To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk
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Education
Succeed In Secondary School
September brings with it a new class or even a move to a different school for your child. For some, this is a very exciting time; at Explore Learning we hear our students chatting away about moving to ‘big school’ and planning trips to buy new uniforms and stationery. For others, you can see they are a little more anxious. It’s important to talk to children about what they are excited about as well as what they are concerned about. Let them know that it is ok to be worried about change, but it’s also good to take on a new challenges.
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Their new teacher will have had information about your child from their previous teacher, however if there is something you feel is important that the teacher knows about your child, do ask for a quick chat.
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Moving schools or class can result in your child missing their friends. Ask them questions about new people they have met to encourage them to make new friends. Arrange to meet up with their old class mates outside of school so they can still see them.
At Explore Learning, we offer a course tailored to children in Year 6 to Year 9 called Succeed in Secondary which is specifically designed to help your family with the transition. We support children with the skills they need to excel in secondary school including debating, essay writing, delivering presentations, persuasive language, analysing and many more. Students get to grips with these skills though a whole range of topics including real life skills like budgeting and writing CVs. It’s the perfect course to help your child to fearlessly take on the challenge of secondary school.
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It’s really important to remember that if you don’t get your first choice of school, you can find out about your options. Keep an open mind - and try not to show any concerns you have about a school to your child.
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Talk to families who already go there and arrange a visit to the school if you’ve not already been. You may find the school is the perfect place for your child. You can put your child’s name on the waiting list for the school you want to go to. This is no guarantee, but not everyone takes up the place they have been offered so you may get a place through the waiting list.
Explore Learning’s secondary top tips! •
Keep them organized! Get your child to check their timetable each night and pack everything they need for the next day - one less thing for them to worry about.
Book your FREE trial at your local centre in Redditch today. Call 030 3003 4006 or online www.explorelearning.co.uk
We’re giving them the confidence to tackle the new school year fearlessly!
EducationInvestor
Awards 2016
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Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine
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Education
Family Of Schools Offers Exceptional Journey For Your Child’s Education RGS Worcester is proud of its family of schools and the ability to offer of an educational journey for children from 2 to 18 years of age. We celebrate what our pupils achieve and are confident in what we do, delivering a first-class education and preparation for life. The pupils are happy and successful and are at the heart of the school community.
Independent Day School Boys and Girls aged 2 -18 years
Open Mornings for our Prep Schools
RGS Springfield is the first of the two Prep schools, educating children age 2 to 11years, to hold an Open Morning this term and we invite you to come along and visit on Saturday 30 September between 9.00am and 12.30pm. Located in Britannia Square in the centre of Worcester with two acres of green playing fields, before moving on to the Senior School. This Prep School has a family feel to it, with small class sizes and individual attention is given to every child. Children are encouraged to develop skills not only academically but also in music, art and sport, which leads to developing confidence and enthusiasm. Come and see the 'Secret in the Square' for yourself and we look forward to welcoming you. On Saturday 7 October RGS The Grange is holding an Open Morning for those wishing to visit. Located in Fernhill Heath, Worcester in 50 acres, we believe this is a Prep School with so much to offer. The philosophy is that happy children will succeed and we certainly ensure this is possible by offering a varied and broad curriculum along with an extensive co-curricular programme including sports, music, drama and a variety of after school clubs. Again, small classes and excellent teaching give the children inspiration, enabling them to be enthusiastic, confident and happy. The wrap around care facility available from 7.45am until 6.00pm is also a great consideration for parents. Following education at the Prep Schools our pupils move to RGS Worcester, where recent A Level and GCSE results demonstrate the excellence of the education provision. Pupils are fully engaged in their learning and have an extensive range of opportunities in both their studies and co-curricular activities. The Open Morning is Saturday 14 October and we invite parents and children to come along and meet with staff and current pupils. For more information: www.rgsw.org.uk
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RGS Springfield 30 September 2017 9.00am - 12.30pm 01905 24999 RGS The Grange 7 October 2017 9.00am - 12.30pm 01905 451205 Limited Places Available for Reception, Nursery and Toddler Groups
www.rgsw.org.uk
To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk
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Education School Open Days
Ed’s Reading Room
Hi book lovers everywhere! I’m Ed and
ABBERLEY HALL SCHOOL Co-ed 2-13
here is my Autumn book selection for you
Saturday 30 September 10.15 am Open Morning
to enjoy. Have fun reading! www.EdontheWeb.com
01299 896275 or email victoria.beswick@abberleyhall.co.uk www.abberleyhall.co.uk
FOR AGES 5-7 YEARS
The Night Box by Louise Greig
BREDON SCHOOL Co-ed 2-13 Tuesday 30 September 10.00 am – 1.00 pm 01684 293156 www.bredonschool.org BROMSGROVE PRE-PREPARATORY AND PRE-SCHOOL Co-ed 3-7 Saturday 23 September Open Morning BROMSGROVE SCHOOL Co-ed 7-13 Saturday 30 September Open Morning (ages 7 -11) Saturday 14 October Open Morning (13+ Entry) BROMSGROVE SCHOOL Sixth Form Saturday 11 November Senior School Open Morning (Sixth Form) 01527 579679 or email admissions@bromsgrove-school.co.uk www.bromsgrove-school.co.uk BOWBROOK HOUSE SCHOOL Saturday 23 September 9.30 am – 12.00 noon 01905 841242 enquiries@bowbrookhouseschool.co.uk HEREFORD CATHEDRAL SCHOOL Co-ed 3-11, 11-16, 16-18 years Check website for dates 01432 363506 or email admissions@herefordcs.com www.herefordcs.com KING’S HAWFORD Co-ed 2-11 Saturday 4 November Open Morning 01905 721700 www.ksw.org.uk
(Egmont £6.99) ED SAYS: “When Max turns the key in the Night Box, darkness swoops out and spills into the world. Thousands of stars begin to sparkle. Birds and animals that prefer the night come out to play. Meanwhile Max is tucked up in his soft, warm bed with his bear. Then when it is the turn of night to fall asleep, Max opens the box and out comes Day. It is time for a new song to begin. ”
The No 1 Car Spotter Fights the Factory by Atinuke (Walker £5.99) ED SAYS: “No 1 gets his name from
being the No 1 car spotter in his village or even in the whole of Africa. Although his village might not look very special, it is his family’s home and where they grow and catch their food. Good news comes that his father will be back from working in the city as a new factory is giving work to the locals. And the owner of the factory, to No 1’s delight, owns a Bugatti! But all is not what it seems. When problems start to arise, will No 1 be able to use his ingenuity to put things right?”
KING’S ST ALBAN’S Co-ed 4-11
FOR AGES 7 YEARS PLUS
Saturday 11 November Open Morning
Spy Toys: Out of Control by Mark Powers (Bloomsbury £5.99) ED SAYS:
Tel: 01905 354906 www.ksw.org.uk KING’S WORCESTER Co-ed 11-18 Saturday 7 October 9.30 am General Open Morning Tel: 01905 721700 www.ksw.org.uk MALVERN COLLEGE Co-ed 13-18 Saturday 7 October 10.15 am – 1.45 pm 01684 581515 or email registrar@malverncollege.org.uk www.malverncollege.org.uk MALVERN ST JAMES Girls 4-11, 11-16, 16-18 Saturday 30 September Open Morning 10.00 am – 1.30 pm 01684 584624 or email admissions@malvernstjames.co.uk www.malvernstjames.co.uk RGS SPRINGFIELD Co-ed 21/2-11 Saturday 30 September 9.00 am - 12.30 pm 01905 24999 or email: springfield@rgsw.org.uk RGS THE GRANGE Co-ed 21/2-11 Saturday 7 October 9.00 am -12.30 pm 01905 451205 www.rgs.co.uk RGS WORCESTER Co-ed 11-18 Saturday 14 October 9.00 am - 12 noon 01905 613391 www.rgs.co.uk THE DOWNS, MALVERN COLLEGE PREP Co-ed 3-13 Friday 13 October Whole School Open Day 2.00 am – 4.30 pm Saturday 14 October Whole School Open Morning 9.30 am – 12.30 pm 01684 544108 or email registrar@thedowns.malcol.org www.thedownmalvern.org.uk WINTERFOLD HOUSE Co-ed 6wks-3yrs, 3-7, 7-13 Check website for dates 01562 777234 or email: linda@winterfoldhouse.co.uk www.winterfoldhouse.co.uk
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Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine
“The Spy Toys are ready for their next mission. The secret code that controls all the Snaztacular Ultrafun toys has been stolen and toys everywhere are no longer playing nicely with the children who own them. It’s up to Dan, Arabella and Flax – also known as the Spy Toys – to get the code back and restore fair play in homes across the world. Who stole the top-secret information? And will the Spy Toys have the necessary courage to track down the evil mastermind in time?”
Moonlocket by Peter Bunzl (Usborne
£6.99) ED SAYS: “Darkness gathers in the lives of Lily and Robert when they find themselves part of the search for criminal mastermind Jack Door. Jack is an infamous escapologist and he has recently escaped from Pentonville Prison. He is determined to find the missing treasure known as the Moonlocket. Could something in Robert’s past hold the secret to the Moonlocket? Can Lily, Robert and their friend Malkin stay one step ahead of Jack? These are dangerous times for the young friends..” Ed’s Reading Room is part of www.edontheweb.com, a DTI awardwinning website. It was created by Maggie Humphreys, a teacher of more than 25 years, and Les Snowdon, who together are authors of several books on fitness walking and healthy eating. You can contact Maggie on 01753 730019 or by email at maggiehumphreys@aol.com. See Maggie’s latest ebooks at www.WalkWalk.co.uk.
To advertise call: 01684 770566
familiesonline.co.uk
IA SCHOLA
R EG
Independent day school for boys and girls aged 2 to 18
ORNIENSIS VIG
See Three Thriving Schools At King’s
Education
There is no better way to experience life at The King’s School, Worcester than to see the school for yourself. Please come along with your family to one of our Open Mornings to see our first class facilities, talk to our staff and pupils and get a real sense of the ethos of our schools.
Senior School Open Morning
7th October 2017
What happens at an Open Morning? •
A current pupil will be delighted to act as your tour guide and show you round the school.
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The Headmaster, Senior Management Team and members of teaching staff will be on hand to answer any questions that you may have during the open morning.
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You will have an opportunity to see the colour, energy and vitality of our pupils’ work in classrooms throughout the school and meet with the Headmaster.
If the open morning dates are not convenient, please do not hesitate to book a visit to the school on a normal working day. For more information visit www.ksw.org.uk
King’s Hawford Open Morning
King’s St Alban’s Open Morning
4th November 2017
11th November 2017
Confidence in a changing world www.ksw.org.uk
Success Flows At Abberley Hall Abberley Hall is a happy and vibrant co-educational boarding and day school for children aged 2-13 years. We prepare pupils for all major public schools, providing the academic, sporting and social grounding which is the foundation for sustained success. There is a 100% success rate at Common Entrance, and the pupils have an excellent scholarship record.
Where learning goes hand in hand with discovery
High-class academic education is delivered by dedicated, supportive staff. A wealth of opportunities allows pupils to explore the full range of their talents, however, the most important thing that we give the children at Abberley is their childhood. Admission can take place at any point in the term. We warmly invite you to visit us to get a feel for life at Abberley Hall.
Worcester, WR6 6DD T: 01299 896275 abberleyhall.co.uk
Co-education Boarding & Day Prep School for 2-13 year olds, based in 90 acres of Worcestershire countryside. Two hours from London, an hour from the Cotswolds and Birmingham Airport.
We hold three Open Mornings a year, our next Open Morning is on Saturday 30 September at 10.15am. To book your place at the open day please email victoria.beswick@abberleyhall.co.uk or visit www.abberleyhall.co.uk for more information.
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Open Morning Saturday 30 September
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Education
High Performance For All By Wendy Berliner With the children back to school you could be forgiven for thinking you are handing them over to the professionals and your job is just to make sure they get enough good food, rest and enjoyment so that they flourish in class. Perhaps you think your teaching job is limited to hearing the little ones read while you make sure the bigger ones do their homework. But it’s more than that. What parents do at home educationally can make the difference between whether their children succeed at school or not. The latest research from education and neuroscience proves how malleable the brain is, how learning potential can grow, how IQ isn’t fixed – it can go up if you invest in it, and it can probably go down if you don’t. The truth is that with the right support at home, the vast majority of children could deliver performance at school more commonly associated with the gifted and talented. In our new book Great Minds and How to Grow Them, Professor Deborah Eyre, a lifetime specialist in advanced learning, and myself, an education journalist who has taken a special interest in why some children from similar backgrounds do badly at school whilst others don’t, have looked at the research in detail and come up with guidance any parent can use at home, fitting it seamlessly and easily into normal daily life. Cultivate confidence and resilience If a child thinks they can, they keep trying. It’s the ones that think they can’t who fall behind – the ones who say ‘I’m rubbish at this’. Don’t sort everything out for them – and that includes tying their shoelaces as much as it does doing their homework. And model the behaviour, don’t give up too easily in your life. Key words: How could you do this? Have you done anything similar before? What did you do then? ‘I know you can. I know it’s hard to do now but I know you can do this if you work at it. Develop critical or logical thinking The ability to deduct, hypothesise, reason and seek evidence is probably the charac¬teristic most associated with success. 8
Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine
Keywords: ‘Why do you think. . . (bread goes mouldy, babies cry, leaves fall when autumn comes, people disagree about climate change?)’ ‘I wonder if that happened because of this?’ ‘How could I find out the truth about that?’ Encourage them to monitor their progress Very important to the high performer is knowing how they are doing, knowing they are on track with their homework for example, knowing they need to put more effort into improving certain things. Key words: ‘What do you need to be able to do this? How can you check you’re on track? How can you tell whether you are doing it right? Encourage open mindedness Being open to new ideas is the hallmark of an advanced learner. Start with being open minded yourself so you model what it’s like to be receptive of ideas that differ from your own. Keywords: ‘That’s different to us, isn’t that interesting?’ ‘I never thought of it like that, but that is such a good approach.’ Practice It’s the only way to get good at something. Make sure it is regular and planned, working towards achievable incremental goals and practise what you can’t do until you can do it well. Key words: ‘You are really good at that now, what’s the next step up from (playing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star on your recorder, writing a story of 100 words/ swimming a width of the pool?)’.
Great Minds and How to Grow Them by Wendy Berliner and Deborah Eyre. For a 20% discount and free delivery of the book use webcode: GMGT230 on www.routledge.com. Reader offer open until 31 December 2017.
To advertise call: 01684 770566
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Family Issues
How To Cope With Tantrums When your child is in the middle of a tantrum, it can be very hard to stop yourself from joining in! But do not fear! There is a solution to the tantrum episodes.
your child is having a meltdown at home, create a quiet corner such as the bottom step of the stairs, or the corner of the hallway. Whilst they are there, don't give them a lot of attention.
Ignorance is bliss You should respond to a tantrum, but not react. When a child is in a full blown screaming tantrum, they have exploded with emotions. Ride the tantrum wave. Nothing you say will help - if anything, it will make the situation worse.
Do not give into ‘I want it all' One of the most common tantrums in the book. If your toddler is having a strop because you’re not allowing them to steal a toy off another toddler, or because of the chocolate you refused to give them... do not give in! If you do, they catch on very quickly that this means they get their way.
Keep calm and breathe Even though you may want to lay next to your child and kick and scream alongside them, if you bite your tongue and remain authoritative rather than stressed, then your child will be more likely to calm quicker. Patience is needed. Distraction A brilliant weapon in the parenting toolbox! Try and distract them before they descend into utter madness. Use humour to distract tricky situations, such as silly songs or even tickles. Recognise the signs The good ole saying "prevention is better than cure" is apparent here. Although we can't always predict what will cause a tantrum, we can try and avoid it a second time around, or be prepared for heightened emotions such as hunger and tiredness that can lead to a tantrum. Why not make a note of the cause of the tantrum and hopefully try and avoid it next time? The "calm corner" Admittedly you may want to sit in this corner yourself when you think it's too much to handle, but it's for the little ones! If
The limited words tantrum There's a lot of frustration with trying to communicate but only having a word bank of around 100 words. Help your toddler explain and understand their feelings. Try to guess what they're experiencing and ask them "are you sleepy?" or "are you sad because that's not your toy?" This gives them a chance to think about their feelings. Compromise Tantrums are often caused by a feeling of "no control". Your toddler is desperate for a little control over their life, so try and keep the balance. Instead of saying "you need to hold my hand when crossing roads", say, "would you like to hold mummy/daddy's hand or the pram when crossing the road?” That way they think they're getting a choice, but you're still getting the desired outcome. Praise the good Reinforce and praise good behaviour. Try making a star chart, and if they hit a target of stars in the week, give a reward. This helps your child realise there is a certain type of behaviour that leads to great results
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Halloween spirit Getting into the
Have some creative fun this half term with some simple activities
Trick or Treat Etiquette By Justina Gapper
Custard monsters Layer broken-up chocolate brownie and custard into a short glass. Once filled to the top, use 2 mini marshmallows and chocolate buttons to create eyes.
If you and your children are going trick or treating for the first time, here are a few guidelines.
Floating ice hands All you need to make these creepy floating drink coolers are clean rubber gloves, water and a freezer! Secure the wrist of the glove tightly with an elastic band while the water freezes.
What age can children start? There’s no minimum age! Many parents enjoy dressing up and venturing out with their toddlers, whilst others take babies along in prams with older siblings.
What are the rules? Only approach homes that have a visible “invitation” – whether it’s a pumpkin, lantern or other Halloween decorations displayed. Don’t knock if the lights are off and don’t knock more than once. Alternatively, you may decide to knock only on doors of friends and neighbours that you have pre-warned of the visit!
What if my children don’t like the treat?
Muddy worm puddings Make up a batch of chocolate Angel delight, and poke jelly worms out of the top as though they're coming out of the ground. Then sprinkle with grated chocolate to look like dirt!
Toilet roll characters! Create these mummies and friendly bats out of toilet rolls, black paint and some bandage or toilet paper. Add googly eyes to finish the look!
Make sure your children are briefed to say “please” and “thank you” in addition to “trick or treat,” plus they should try to be appreciative of any treat they are given.
What’s the trick all about? The word "trick" refers to the "threat" to perform mischief on the homeowners or their property if no treat is given. These days it is uncommon to have raw egg splattered over your driveway by pranksters, but it’s safest not to answer the door to raucous groups of older teenagers, or if you suspect your visitors are not well-intentioned.
If you are asked for a “trick,” what should you do? One harmless but fun idea is to get the homeowner to close their eyes and put their hand in a witch’s hat or toy cauldron filled with a gooey mess or plastic spiders, rubbery worms and insects. 10 10 | Families Sussex Coast Magazine
Hand print spiders Cut out your handprints (cutting off the thumbs), overlap the lefts on top of the rights to create these spiders and hang them around the house with string. Make it a family activity to create spiders of all different sizes! Get loads of cool craft ideas at mollymoocrafts.com familiesonline.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk
Clubs and Classes
Activities To Keep Them Happy Clubs and classes are a great way to continue your child's development, as well as allow them to have fun, get exercise, socialise with others, and take part in activities they might not have the chance to do at home. There are a huge range of different clubs and classes on offer, and while they may be better suited for some children than others, all of them are designed to be fun and useful for developing vital skills for your children. Here are just a few of the clubs and classes on offer, and some of the benefits they can bring. Take a look at the list to find out which ones are best suited for your little one. Rugby Rugby isn't just for boys - it's for girls too. Rugby is a great way for children to have fun and get exercise while learning to work and function as part of a team. Your children can learn a wide variety of skills from the sport, including respect, winning and losing, and working together. All of these come together to make a great, enjoyable experience. Drama Drama is always hugely popular with children and really helps younger people release their creative thoughts and let their imagination run wild. Always fun and engaging, it's also a great way to help children develop their own sense of self, confidence and self-esteem - even shy children love taking part. It can also be a great way to develop an interest in other forms of art. Sports for ADHD ADHD can make it difficult for some children to engage in organised activities and team sports. Not all sports are well suited to children with ADHD traits, and not all coaches and supervisors are understanding about the difficulties associated with the condition. There are programs specifically designed for children with ADHD, using sports that are well suited to the different challenges posed by those with the condition. They help them to participate in team sports, making it a fun experience and a great opportunity for exercise, learning, and development. Brownies and Cubs Joining the Brownies or Cubs is a great way to get your child to experience the outdoors and engage and socialise with others. Studies have shown that scouting organisations help children with their mental health in later life, and with the huge range of activities on offer you'll be sure to get your children off to a good start.
talents by exploring how to create music and learning an instrument. As well as the joys of music, it's also a great way to learn other related abilities - like patience, discipline, and social and physical skills.
Baby and Toddler Physical Sensory Classes Great for very young children, this class allows you to explore a multi-sensory environment with your child, with organised activities in place for you to enjoy as well as the freedom to Trampolining explore. In the play area, your child can benefit from physical Trampolining is always popular among children, but it's also a activity, learn to make friends with others, and have plenty of great fun way to get exercise. Under supervision, and learning fun while doing so. different moves on the trampoline, it can be the perfect way to get into gymnastics and other athletics too - as well as being Martial arts healthy and fun in its own right. Martial arts are a great way to help develop confidence in children, as well as learning values like discipline and patience. Music Teaching responsible self-defence helps to benefit children Music classes will help your child to develop their artistic enormously, and it's a great and fun way to get exercise too. familiesonline.co.uk
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Clubs & Classes
Action Packed Childcare Throughout October Half-Term
A Round-Up Of Some Of The Local Clubs And Classes
KO Sport is Worcestershire’s premier
sports and dance coaching company. We have vast experience of working with children, young people, and adults, to help them learn, grow and have fun through the media of sport, dance and fitness.
Aspire Active Camps provide Ofsted registered sports and activity childcare during every school holiday throughout the year for children between 4-14 years old. Our number one aim is to ensure your child has fun. However, safety is paramount and as an Ofsted registered provider, we go that extra mile giving you peace of mind in knowing that your child is cared for in the best environment possible. All our child protection policies are in place and our coaches are suitably qualified in first aid and safeguarding to ensure your child’s safety at all times. To provide the greatest affordability, we provide fantastic early booking offers for those booking in advance. We also offer discounts and a loyalty scheme to our valued customers. As we are Ofsted registered you are also able to pay via childcare vouchers. Visit www.aspire-sports.co.uk for more information on our Active Camps.
All our staff are highly experienced and skilled, and all have DBS checks, public liability insurance, and all activities are subject to thorough risk assessments - all the things you would expect to ensure that safety is paramount. We hold monthly roller discos so why not bring your children along. Struggling for inspiration for a Kids Birthday Party, why not use us for a Sport, Dance or Roller Disco party. Or, if you fancy getting fit, why not try one of our fun packed fitness classes. Tel: 01905 840 396 www.kosport.co.uk
Happy Steps Happy Steps was
created in 2006 by Debbie Harding with a handful of children. Several years later and classes run all over Worcester, Malvern, Pershore and Evesham. The classes start with pre-school children and also offer after school classes with the main emphasis on dancing for fun. Classes run in ballet, movement, jazz, tap, musical theatre and contemporary. Plus there are also adult dance classes too. Tel: 01905 345237 email: debbieharding1@me.com www.happystepsdance.co.uk 12
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Clubs & Classes Beat Breakerz
All Sort of Performing Arts
Worcester’s Community Theatre School has an action packed new term ahead with lots of exciting classes, holiday workshops and amazing performance opportunities. New classes at Dines Green and Warndon with the first class free. Plus Mini Allsorts classes for 3-6 year olds. Classes include musical theatre, drama, singing, creative theatre, pop and street dance and cheerleading.
Beat Breakerz is a street dance school step up to provide professional training to people across Worcester and Droitwich of all ages (from three onwards) and abilities. We hold 3 classes per evening five days a week, Monday-Thursday and Saturday mornings. The styles focus on street, hip hop, breakdance and freestyle dance alongside jazz, contemporary, disco and street cheer. Our services include school workshops, dance birthday party packages, adult classes, private lessons, competition groups and much more. Our classes are designed to improve your confidence, fitness and ability in all street dance areas covered. We believe that dance classes are a fun and encouraging way for children to express themselves. Tel: 07715 638711 Amie@BeatBreakerzSchoolOfDance.co.uk www.BeatBreakerzSchoolofDance.co.uk
October Half Term Friday. 27th October. 10am-3.00pm. Various exciting fun packed performing arts day. Students will learn and perform four pieces ranging from cheerdance, musical theatre, drama, singing, music and street dance. There will also be lots of art craft Dancefest making towards the performance pieces. runs weekly Parents are invited to watch the end of classes for all day short showcase. ages from 18 Tel: 01905 726 727 months upwards email: info@allsortsofpa.co.uk across www.allsortsofpa.co.uk Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Its Autumn term starts on 13 September. New classes this term Kombat Kids Kingsland and Bromyard Dancefest Clubs Professional quality karate tuition for (6-11), Worcester Dancefest Fit (18+), all ages and ability. Affiliated to the Adult Ballet Barre – Beginners (18+), English Karate Federation (EKF), the Droitwich Gentle Chance to Dance British Karate Federation (BKF) and (75+) and Gifted and Talented (7-10) The World Karate Federation (WKF). Tel: 01905 611199 This means we have to offer a high email: info@dancefest.co.uk standard of tuition, safety, and www.dancefest.co.uk opportunity for all abilities. Students are taught the traditional art of karate in a modern progressive way. A minimum of five free lessons for all FootieBugs is more beginners, definitely no pressure on than just football – we parents. coach children from the www.kombatkids.com age of 3 and introduce them to football basics through well known stories. For the older children 5-9 years we Cecilia Hall Dance Centre offer fun and professional coaching where Pupils of all ages take part in shows. we focus on skill development and match Some pupils have taken R.A.D. Ballet practice. Classes in Worcester, Bromsgrove examinations and I.S.T.D Tap and Modern and surrounding areas. Parties and Holiday examinations. Professional shows at Camps also available. FREE taster session! Malvern Theatres includ dancers from Tel: 0845 863 0698 Cecilia Hall. email: worcestershire@footiebugs.com Tel: 01684 573663 / 07525057492 www.footiebugs.com/worcester email: ceciliahalldance@live.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk
Established 1992 Fully Qualified Instructors Specialised Classes 4 – 16 years Beginners, Intermediate & Advanced
Train with Sensei Jags Shoker, 3rd Dan
Monday: St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Droitwich Spa 5.00 – 6.00pm Wed & Fri: The Parish Centre, Barnt Green 5.30 – 6.30pm Friday: Parkside Middle School, Bromsgrove 3.40 – 4.40pm Saturday: St Peters RC First School, Bromsgrove 9.15–10.15 am Special offer 5 FREE www.kombatkids.com lessons
01543 473408 / 07730 899722 register@kombatkids.com
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What’s On
Please check with the venue in case details have changed and also please note that with some venues it is cheaper to pay in advance on-line.
THEATRE Artrix, Slideslow Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 1PQ 01527 577330, www.artrix.co.uk Sleeping Beauty – Vienna Festival Ballet A classic fairytale set to Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score, stunning choreography, beautiful costumes all combine to portray the struggle between good and evil. Sunday 1 October 5.00 pm £19.50, £18.50, £14.50 under 16s. £64.00 family ticket Halloween Baby Rave Jessie DJ will play a selection of CBeebies and 90s dance with a sprinkling of spooky tunes. Sound and light levels will be suitable for young children and families can relax in the chill out area available in the Studio. 29 October 2.00pm and 4.00pm. £6.00, £4.00 6months-12 years Evesham Arts Centre Theatre, Victoria Avenue, Evesham, Worcs, WR11 4QH 01386 446944, www.eveshamartscentre.co.uk Enchantment “Under a magic spell” - Inspired by the Story of La Sylphide. James Ruben is a dreamer. On the eve of his wedding to the lovely Effie, he imagines another world. He is enchanted away to an unreal place of magical beauty by a young Forest Sylph - strong drama follows. Young dancers from the school perform this charming story with passion and enjoyment. 26 – 29 October 7.30 pm with an additional 2.30 pm showing on Saturday and Sunday £12.00 (£9). Malvern Theatres, Grange Road, Malvern, Worcs, WR14 3HB 01684 892277, www.malvern-theatres.co.uk The Hunting Of The Snark All aboard! The ship is departing! All children, animals and silly people welcome! The impossible voyage of an improbable crew to hunt an imaginary creature is brought magically to life in this sparkling musical comedy adventure for 4 to 94 year olds. Enter the imaginative world of Alice in Wonderland creator, Lewis Carroll, in this brand new, highly original, ultra-modern adaptation inspired by his much loved classic poem. 10 October 1.00 pm and 4.30pm £9.00.
The Swan Theatre, The Moors, Worcester, WR1 3ED 01905 611427, www.worcesterlive.co.uk A Mouse Called Cheddar Gorge Join in the fun, songs and audience participation in popular plays for two-to-nine-year-olds. Cheddar Gorge’s liking for chocolate biscuits brings him into conflict with Mrs Moppit and Mr Sloppit’s Quicker Cleaning Company the morning after Busy lizzie’s party.7 October 10.30 and 11.45 am £2.50 The Courtyard, Edgar Street, Hereford, HR4 9JR 01432 340555, www.courtyard.org.uk Sid’s Show: Deep Sea Discovery Sid is setting out on a heroic quest to find out where in the world his favourite socks and shoes have disappeared off to. Share in the adventure at the bottom of the sea, deep in the jungle or floating in outer space where you will meet funny characters like an alien and Fuzzy the dog along the way. Free pre-show activity from 10.30am: Create an aquarium! 23 September 11.00 £13.00 (£11.00). Dinosaur Detectives The Dinosaur Detectives is a fascinating journey of discovery, fun and conflict surrounding the first fossil finds of Mary Anning, William Buckland and Gideon Mantell. Their finds changed the face of history when they discovered the bones of creatures that became known as Dinosaurs.Rod puppetry combined with projection and shadow theatre re-create their fascinating world. Free pre activity from 10.30am: Treasure hunt to find the bones! 7 October 11.00am £7.50 MUSEUMS
EVENTS
mac Birmingham, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham B12 9QH 0121 446 3232 Monstersaurus This brand new show is MONSTERmacbirmingham.co.uk OUSLY good! Follow the young inventor Monty as he creates a whole world of whacky inventions and October Half-Ter,m Worshops 23 -28 October. incredible monsters! But now he has made them all, See website for details. how is he going to get rid of them? Suitable for 3 Haunted Hallowe’en Hotel Check into the plus years. Haunted Hotel and create your own 28 October 1.30pm £9.00, £7.00 under 16s. spooktacular retreat for all the ghoulish Hallowe’en guests… witches, werewolves and Palace Theatre, Alcester Street, Redditch, Worcs, our goblin regulars! Trick the concierge with B98 8AE 01527 65203, creaking footsteps in the night then treat yourself www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk at the snack bar. 25 October. 10.30am-3.00pm. Teddy Bears Picnic Big Bear is inviting you to the £22.00 6-11years. best picnic in town! Bring your favourite Teddy Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings, Stoke friend down to the Teddy Bear’s Forest and join Heath, Bromsgrove, Worcs, B60 4JR 01527 in the fun. Little Bear is a bit worried about 831363, www.avoncroft.org.uk making new friends but you can help him on his
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Black Country Living Museum, Tipton Road, Dudley, West Midlands DY1 4SQ 0121 557 9643 www.bclm.co.uk Foul Foods Become a Victorian food detective this half-term and help us separate foul foods from tasty treats. Discover the delights of playtime in the last century, banish boredom with traditional street games including hopscotch and skipping. Take up the challenge to see how long you can keep the hoop rolling in the hoop and stick game and test your skill with a cup and ball and the whip and top. 21-29 October Hartlebury Castle, Hartlebury, Nr Kidderminster, Worcs, DY11 7XZ 01299 250416, www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk Hartlebury Halloween Four fun family days of Autumn craft activities including owl masks, skeleton Jack’s, autumn scrapbooks and more. You can also carve a pumpkin for your Halloween celebration 24 - 27 October 10.30 am - 4.00 pm. An additional charge of £2 per child applies for the day’s activities, plus a small charge for your pumpkinR Eastnor Castle, Ledbury, Herefordshire, HR8 1RL 01531 633160, www.eastnorcastle.com Family Autmun Antics Apple pressing, leaf art, making elf homes, bush craft plus lots of other activities in association with Herefordshire Wildlife Trust 24 September £7.00 adult, £5.00 child, £20.00 family Hampton Court Castle and Gardens, Hopeunder-Dinmore, Leominster, HR6 0PN 01568 797676, www.hamptoncourt.org.uk
Number 8 Community Arts Centre, 8 High Street, Pershore, Worcs, WR10 1BG 01386 555488, www.number8.org
journey as he learns when to be wary, when to be scary and when to be bear-y! With singalong songs, join-in dances and funny stories; this enchanting interactive musical adventure will leave pre-schoolers singing with glee and laughing until they are tired little teddy bears! Don’t forget to bring your favourite Teddy! 21 October 1.00pm £10.50.
challenge each other in a mounted joust for a fair lady’s favour. Join us for a medieval spectacle straight out of the history books! 23-24 September
A night at the museum – Camping Bring your tent, pack your sleeping bag and join us for a night under canvas at the Museum. There will be camping adventures as the sun sets, before settling down with storytelling around the campfire. 16 September A knight’s tale Thundering hooves and the clash of lances on steel! Watch in awe as the knights To advertise call: 01684 770566
Family Spooky Fun in the Cellars These eight days are the only time in the year when our cellars are open to the public. Do you have the nerve to go past the ‘Beware of the Bats’ sign and down the steps to see what lies beneath our MediEvil Castle where scary cobwebs and screaming ghouls await you? It’s creepy, it’s crawly, it’s cool but it’s fun. Owls and Creepy Crawlies to add to the spooky atmosphere, Trevor Hill will be here with his owls and a collection of creepy crawlies which the brave among you will get the chance to handle. 24 - 31 October Severn Valley Railway, Kidderminster Station, Comberton Hill, Kidderminster, DY10 1QX 01299 403816, www.svr.co.uk Autumn Steam Gala The return of our flagship steam gala in 2017, with its famed all-night running, array of visiting locomotives and intensive timetable. 21-24 September Take a ride on the Ghost Train Dare to take a thrilling ride in the dark! Our Ghost Trains are a ‘sell-out’ every year and early booking is strongly advised. Arrive early at our station at Kidderminster where our Spooky DJ will be there to entertain you before your Ghost Train departs out into the night and, hopefully, back! 26-28 October Brightstripe- Cultural Health CIC, College Road Campus, College Road, Hereford, HR1 1EB 01432 358232 www.h-art.org.uk H.Art Herefordshire Art Week 9-day art trail following bright pink signs across the whole of familiesonline.co.uk
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Herefordshire. Meet artists in the intimacy of their homes and studios. 101 venues across the county. 9-17 September H Weston & Sons Ltd The Bounds Much Marcle, Ledbury Herefordshire HR8 2NQ Tel: 01531 660233 www.westons-cider.co.uk Harvest Celebration Celebrate the end of harvest time with Westons Cider Harvest Celebration. Come along with family and friends and enjoy an evening tour of the Cider Mill to see apples being milled and then sit down to delicious two course supper in the beautiful Scrumpy House Restaurant 20 October 7.00pm Queenswood Country Park, Hope Under Dinmore, Herefordshire, HR6 0PY www.herefordshirewt.org/node/3355 Adventure Club: Autumn Antics! Join Herefordshire Wildlife Trust’s WildPlay team for Autumn themed activities: whittling, games, campfire treats and seasonal tea too during Autumn half term at Queenswood.24 October 9.00am - 4.00pm Booking essential WildPlay: Get crafty & play A drop-in WildPlay session with seasonal crafts and nature themed activities. Suitable for children aged 2 to 14 years Children must be accompanied by an adult No booking required - just pop along and pay in the Visitor Centre on the day 25 October 1:30pm - 3:30pm Three Counties Showground, Malvern, WR13 6NW www.threecounties.co.uk/malvernautumn/ Malvern Autumn Show Malvern Autumn Show, in partnership with Westons Cider Visitors Centre returns with a celebration of food, the countryside, gardening & nostalgia. 23-24 September 9.00am - 6.00pm
Berrington Hall, nr Leominster, HR6 0DW Tel: 01568 615721 Apple weekend Once again, it’s harvest time at Berrington and the garden team have been gathering vintage apples from the orchard. Join us for a weekend of apples, cider and local food. 7-8 October 10.00 am – 5.00 pm.. Gruesome Georgian trail Are you brave enough to follow our gruesome Georgian trail and find out all you can about the gory truths of the Georgian era? 22 October - 5 November 10.00 am - 4.00 pm
What’s On
from Croome’s own orchard picked by our volunteers. But don’t forget to bring a container for it to go in! Worcestershire Orchard Workers will help you juice the fruit. 14-16 October 11.00 am – 3.00 pm Scary Hallowe’en half-term trail Clover the chief witch of Croome’s coven has a terrible memory. She can’t take part in the annual celebration until she has the magic number - can you help her. Follow clues round the park to find your prize. 21 - 29 October 10.00 am – 4.00 pm Hanbury Hall, School Road, Hanbury, Droitwich, WR9 7EA Tel: 01527 821214
Brockhampton Estate, Greenfields, Bringsty, Herefordshire, WR6 5TB Tel: 01885 482077
Apple Weekend Purchase delicious home-grown apples from Hanbury’s orchards and talk to the experts. 7-8 October 10.00 am – 4.00 pm
Apple Harvest Wander through the orchards and choose some freshly picked apples to take home. Support our habitat diversity by enjoying our apple harvest. 7October - 26 October 11.00am – 4.00pm
October Half-Term: Hallowe’en A week full of frightening fancy dress, ghostly trails and spooktacular activities this half-term. 21-29 October 10.00 am – 5.00 pm
Young Ranger Days Let your wild side out and learn the tricks of the trade of being a ranger. 24-25 October 10.30 am – 3.00 pm Croft Castle, Yarpole, nr Leominster, HR6 9PW Tel: 01568 780246 Dungeons and Dragons trail Glendower the dragon returns to his lair at Croft this October half-term. 21 October - 5 November 10.00 am – 4.00 pm Hallowe’en Spooktacular Don your scariest fancy dress and dust off your broomstick for a weekend of ghosts and ghouls. Ghost stories, face painting, pumpkin carving, broom stick racing and more family fun. 28-29 October 10.00am – 4.00 pm Croome Park, Croome D’Abitot, WR8 9DW Tel: 01905 371006 Paws@Croome Fun Dog Walk Supporting National Guide Dog Week Two walks are available 3km and 1.5km, suitable for all ages and abilities, starting from the church. 7 October 11.00am – 2.00pm Entry is £10 if you register online, closes at 5pm on 6 October. £12 cash or cheque only on the day.. Apple Pressing Day Bring along your own apples and pears to get them juiced, or purchase apples
Snowshill Manor and Garden, Snowshill, near Broadway, WR12 7JU Tel: 01386 852410 Wolfs Cove: Rebuilding a model village An opportunity to learn about the little world that Charles Wade created within the Garden and how the Snowshill team are rebuilding it. Talks throughout the afternoon. 24 September. Various times throughout the day
FARM PARKS All Things Wild Nature Centre, Station Road, Honeybourne, Nr Evesham, WR11 7QZ 01386 833083, www.allthingswild.co.uk Wild Explorers Holiday Club Let the kids go wild and get back to nature on our fantastic Wild Explorers Holiday Club. Our fun packed holiday club includes lunch, drinks and snacks, exclusive hour before the doors open to the public, animal and reptile encounters, messy play, nature walks and lots more. £25 per child, per day. £18 for siblings and annual members. Book for any combination of days or all 5, the choice is yours! Booking and pre-payment required. 23-27 October
Based on the book by Raymond Briggs | Adapted by Pins and Needles | Published by Puffin Books | © Raymond Briggs
Make Christmas Magical at MAC
Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas Thu 30 Nov - Sat 30 Dec / 3+
LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE: ME... Wed 15 Nov - Thu 30 Nov / 2+
macbirmingham.co.uk Registered Company no. 718349 | Registered Charity no. 528979
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Bromsgrove Sports and Leisure Centre
01527 916434
Everyone Active works in partnership with Bromsgrove District Council *Offer valid until 31/10/2017. UK bank holders only, 16+. Direct debit membership. Must pay 1 month in advance, this will be used to cover your final month. Participating centres only. Must cancel by 20th of month in order for the DD payment to stop on the 1st of the following month. A joining fee of £1 applies. See www.everyoneactive.com/NowHere for full terms.
joinonline.everyoneactive.com 9512_Bromsgrove Families Hertfordshire and Worcester HP.indd 1
Action-packed childcare this
08/08/2017 08:46
Ofsted registered
October Half Term
23rd - 27th October Open from 8am - 6pm Choice of venues
Hagley
Hagley High School
Worcester
We accept childcare vouchers
Nunnery Wood High School
Alvechurch
Alvechurch Middle School and Crown Meadow First School
Fantastic early bird offer
5FOR £75 DAYS
*8am-4pm consecutive days only. Terms and conditions apply
£5 entry per person for grandparents and grandchildren when visiting together.
Book before 6th October and take advantage of our
Early bird offers!
Lots of activities and sports to choose from
All Things Wild Nature Centre Station Road, Honeybourne, Near Evesham, Worcestershire. WR11 7QZ
For more info visit aspire-sports.co.uk or call 0121 663 1979 16
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