for parents, teachers and children
EASTER 2011 ISSUE
In The Midlands & Black Country
PARTY
WITH A DIFFERENCE AT PULSE WEDNESBURY
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Pulse Soccer & Fitness Wednesbury is the ideal venue for your child to celebrate a birthday with friends. We will help build the ultimate party package to ensure you enjoy the perfect celebration.
TO BOOK CALL TODAY!
www.pulsewednesbury.co.uk
0121 506 1100
Pulse Soccer & Fitness, Friar Park Road, Wednesbury, West Midlands WS10 0JS e: info@pulsewednesbury.co.uk
Welcome… Easter, May Day, Royal We ddings, it seems like the next two months are packed full of celebrations and excuses to have a goo d time and eat loads of chocolate, sweets and cak es. Which seems like a good idea to us! Just don’t overdo it. Of course, you’ll be making sure you get any homework done between partying, won’t you. And ma ybe tear yourself away from the games console to read a book or get out in the fresh air now that Spring seems to have put in an appearance.
in this issue Life On Mars. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Pinboard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Theatre. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Great Days Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Roundabout. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Movies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Books . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Food For Thought . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Competitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
There’s certainly plenty goi ng on around and about, what with Easter trails, cra ft activities and special events for the family. Check out the Roundabout, Great Days Out and Theatre pages for what to do, where to go and what to see ideas. This issue we turn the tele scope of the new Disney movie Mars Needs Mums and the Red Planet itself, there’s a look at new movie s, DVDs and books and competitions, recipes to hel p your brain power and competitions to win Garde ner’s World tickets, and Megamind and Narnia DVDs. Now, excuse us, there are Creme Mike and the Primary Times Tea
Eggs to be eaten
m
Don’t forget to check the website for more Primary Times news, lists and reviews at www.primarytimes.net/midlands_homepage
Primary Times in the Derbyshire West Midlands and the Black Country
Don’t Bin It, Recycle It!
Publisher: Publishing Ink, Fifth Floor, White House, 111 New Street, Birmingham B2 4EU T: 0121 631 6101 F: 0121 336 1936 Managing Director: Andrew Riley Primary Times Derbyshire independently and distributed free through primary schools in Derbyshire. It is also available by Editorial: MikeisDavies E: published mikedav@ic24.net subscription at £10 per year. It aims to inform families and children about current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses and attractions and to give teachers, pupils and parents the opportunity to participate in the magazine by adding to its contents or joining in the competitions.It is NOT our intention0121 to publish any 6101 racist, sexist or politically-based material whatsoever. We also undertake not to carry any Advertising Dept: 631 advertising which we would consider to be offensive to young families or harmful to the best interests of young children.The copyright on all Sales: E: Leah@publishingink.co.uk written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by our studio remains with Primary Times or the relevant contributor. We would also like to thank all the advertisers who have supported this publication and therefore made it possible.
Design: Goddard, Mark Sargent Primary Times isLeo currently publishing over 2 million copies per issue under franchise licences throughout Britain. Primary Times in Derbyshire is operated under franchise licence. Disclaimer: All reasonable efforts have been taken to give accurate information and any facts given are true to the best of our knowledge. However, you should rely wholly on your own enquiries and take advice where appropriate. Information is correct at time of going to press Primary Times West Midlands and The Black Country is independently published and distributed free through primary schools in The West Midlands and The Black Country. It is also available by subscription at £10 per year. It aims to inform families and children about current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses and attractions and to give teachers, pupils and parents the opportunity to participate in the magazine by adding to its contents or joining in the competitions.It is NOT our intention to publish any racist, sexist or politically-based material whatsoever. We also undertake not to carry any advertising which we would consider to be offensive to young families or harmful to the best interests of young children.The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by our studio remains with Primary Times or the relevant contributor. We would also like to thank all the advertisers who have supported this publication and therefore made it possible. Primary Times is currently publishing over 2 million copies per issue under franchise licences throughout Britain. Primary Times in The West Midlands and The Black Country is operated under franchise licence. Disclaimer: All reasonable efforts have been taken to give accurate information and any facts given are true to the best of our knowledge. However, you should rely wholly on your own enquiries and take advice where appropriate. Information is correct at time of going to press
3FOR THOUSANDS MORE IDEAS VISIT WWW.PRIMARYTIMES.NET
EASTER 2011 ISSUE
3
Photo courtesy NASA and The Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA)
a brand new Mars Needs Moms is
2D, 3D and Imax 3D animated adventure m from Walt Disney, in cinemas fro
April 8. Primary Times got out its space
E F I L ON
ore about telescope to discover m
both the film and the planet.
MARS
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EASTER 2011 ISSUE
FOR THOUSANDS MORE IDEAS VISIT WWW.PRIMARYTIMES.NET
DO PEOPLE REALLY THINK MARTIANS EXIST? • In the 1877 an Italian astronomer discovered a strange network of lines on Mars. He called them ‘canali’. In Italian that means channels, but it was translated as canals, which convinced lots of people that they had been built by an alien race. However, when photos were taken from space in 1965 by Mariner 4, these turned out to be optical illusions.
WHAT’S THE STORY? Milo is 9. He has comic books to read, zombie movies to watch and bed-jumping to do. He doesn’t have time to eat his vegetables and do chores, no matter what his mom says. She loves Milo more than anything, she just wishes he’d do as he’s told, like not feeding his vegetables to the cat. She only wants what’s best for Milo, and let’s face it, broccoli is very good for growing boys. Mom is sick of nagging, and Milo’s sick of Mom. But when he suggests that he’d be better off without her, things get a little hairy. His efforts to apologise are interrupted when Martians - yes Martians - arrive, steal his mom, return to their spaceship and rocket to Mars so she can look after their kids. What they don’t realize is that they have a 9-year-old stowaway who’s determined to rescue the mother he’d wished away just moments before. To Milo, the whole thing would be downright hilarious if he weren’t headed to another planet. Now, with the help of a tech-savvy, gadget-happy, ’80s-speaking underground Earthman named Gribble and a rebel Martian girl called Ki, Milo has to find a way to get mom back home. WHY DO THE MARTIANS NEED MOMS? Female Martians aren’t very good at being mothers. But they know Earth has moms who can control their kids, so every 25 years they send their raiders to capture one. “ WHOSE IDEA WAS IT? The oddly named Berkeley Breathed, author of such great children’s books as Flawed Dogs and Edwurd Fudwupper Fibbed Big, says he wrote the story in 2006 after an eventful dinner at home. When his then 5-year-old son, who actually is called Milo, threw his broccoli into the air and stormed from the table, saying something unpleasant about his mother as he left. As Milo left the room, dad shouted after him “You might think differently about your mom if she were kidnapped by Martians.” He wrote the book that night.
FUN FILM FACTS • Joan Cusack, who was the voice of Jessie The Cowgirl in Toy Story 2 and Toy Story 3, is the voice of Mom and has a son called Miles. Sometimes, when she was filming she would accidentally say Miles instead of Milo! • The film was made in the same way as The Polar Express, with the cast acting out their parts while wearing special black suits with sensors for the cameras to record their movements and black dots on their faces for their expressions. It is called Performance Capture. • Stephen Kearin got the job of creating the Martian language used in the film, He’d actually turned up to audition for one of the characters, but the filmmakers found out he’d helped come up with Simlish, the language spoken in the Sims games, and asked him to invent Martian. • Wendy Wells, who wrote the script with her husband Simon, the director, had a birthday while the film was being made. And everyone sang Happy Birthday To You...in Martian. It goes Boo-Pah Nah Dut Morlow. Boo-Pah means happy or happiness, Nah means hatchling or birth, Dut (pronounced Doot) is day and Morlow is To You. • Other useful Martian expressions in the film are Beel-ah-tee! Pucku-lo, lo? - You there! Where are you going? And Nee-lay-koka-poosha-tay! - Stop them! • The space rover in the film is modelled after Spirit and Opportunity, the two real NASA Martian rovers that currently roam the planet’s surface MARS THE FACTS • Mars was formed about 4.5 billion years ago and is about 4,000 miles wide. • Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun in the Solar System and can be seen from Earth with the naked eye. It is named after the Roman god of war and is often called the Red Planet because of rust on the surface give it a reddish appearance. The ancient Egyptians called the planet Her Descher meaning the red one and the Hebrews called it Ma’adim or ‘One who blushes’. Many ancient people believed the reddish colour came from actual blood on the planet. • Mars has the highest known mountain in the Solar System. It is called Olympus Mons and is 15 miles high. The size of three Mount Everests! 2,500 miles long and four miles deep, Valles Marineris is also the largest known canyon.
• In 1938, the famous actor Orson Welles presented an American radio drama based on the science fiction classic War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells. It was about a Martian invasion and was presented as a live news broadcast. Many people believed it was actually happening and there was a huge panic. • In 1900, a prize was offered to the first person to be contacted by an extra-terrestrial being. However, it was not allowed to come from Mars, because that would make the competition too easy!
• A day on Mars is 24 hours 37 minutes. Mars has seasons just like Earth. But it is much colder. During a Mars winter, almost 20% of the air freezes. But no other planet has so many similarities to Earth. The place on Earth that most resembles the conditions of Mars is the Antarctic deserts. • The month of March is named after Mars. • If you were driving 60 mph in a car, it would take 271 years and 221 days to get to Mars from Earth. • Because of the difference in gravity, you could jump three times higher on Mars than on Earth. • Only a third of all the spacecrafts sent to Mars have been successful. Some wonder if there’s a Great Galactic Ghoul that likes to eat them! • Mars was the first planet to be explored by a robot from Earth.
Websites: www.marsprogram.jpl.nasa.gov/participate - Mars activity games www.disney.go.com/disneypictures/marsneedsmoms
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EASTER 2011 ISSUE
5
. d r a o b n Pi
ARE YOU VERSED IN TEACHING POETRY
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Looking for inspiration for teaching poetry in the classroom? Retired teacher and children’s poet Josie Whitehead runs a website offering teachers ideas to make poetry fun and involving for children, using rhythm and metre and performance poetry to engage them in the sound of words, stretch their imaginations and enrich their understanding and use of English. As well as practical suggesti ons, the website features many of her poems and there are E books available for use in schools. See www.josiespoems.webeden.co.uk for more information.
The Windmill at Avoncr oft © Copyright Row17
MUM’S THE WORD
Every mother has a story to tell. And now they have somewhere to tell it. Set up by mother and daughter Pippa and Penny Best, www.StoryofMum. com is a brand new creative outlet aimed at mums from all generations and walks of life. Forget that health, advice and agony aunt stuff, StoryofMum. com encourages mums to take time out for themselves, to tell their individual stories, take photos, draw pictures, and reconnect with themselves and other mums. Mum’s can dip in and out, contributing the occasional photo or story, or there’s monthly assignments such as May’s Mother Nature task - enjoying a nature walk and recording how the natural world reflects motherhood - or June’s Memorable Moment of Mumness where they have to share a significant memory in your life when they felt proud of being a mum. StoryofMum.com is about empowering mums to believe in their creativity, celebrate the person they’ve become and be happier, stronger, more confident parents .
ESPRESSO BOOKS A leading provider of digital curriculum services to primary schools, Espresso Education has just launched a new range of books. Espresso Phonics features 12 titles with stories supporting the teaching of synthetic phonics as the starting point for reading. Espresso Story Time comprises eight fun short stories about the Espresso characters in a mix of everyday tales and fantastic fantasies while Espresso Ideas Box features six titles – Rainforest, Olympics, Chocolate, Light, Where I Live and Water - packed with information and ideas for exploring popular topics in a cross-curricular way.
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EASTER 2011 ISSUE
FREE ONLINE CHILDREN’S BOOKS
The Story Time For Me website has made available a library of free interactive multimedia storybooks for homes, schools, daycares and libraries to encourage young children to read. Geared to 2-8 year old, the storybooks are simply animated animal character stories with positive morals, uplifting storylines and socially relevant themes such as not bullying, sharing, helping your neighbour and looking after the environment. The website is American, so some spellings may be different, but each word is highlighted as they are read out by the storyteller to help relate the sound of the word to the way it looks. On April 22, Earth Day, they are also offering free personalised activity books aimed at 3-11yrs which can be read online and downloaded as a printed version with the child able to draw themselves into the story. For more info see www.StoryTimeForMe.com
GET DRAMATIC
Interested in acting and the performing arts? Having just completed the first term of its brand new Birmingham drama class, Dramatica are now enrolling students for the summer term at Blue Orange Theatre in the Jewellery Quarter. Classes are held on Monday evenings in two sessions, 6pm-7pm and 7.15pm-8.15pm, are open to 8-16 year olds and cost £5 per session, with the first session free. For more info see www.dramatica.org.uk
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2 ren go* ild ch ee fr
ily fé m ca Fa dly en fri
Schools out
so come and enjoy
• Playing outdoors • Free activity packs N FOR E W child 2011 playg ren’s ro u d
All activities included in admission price.
at Compton Verney Compton Verney Warwickshire CV35 9HZ
BOOK NOW www.comptonverney.org.uk T. 01926 645 500 Supported by
Registered charity no. 1032478
*Two
children go free at Compton Verney
"
• Family trails and tours • Arty workshops
Terms & conditions: Free entry valid with one full paying adult or concession per voucher. Present this ad at Ticket Desk when purchasing admission. Valid on admission only. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer or membership. No photocopies. Valid 26 March – 5 June 2011. PTWM
GREAT SHOWS AT THE GRAND! SAT 23 - SUN 24 APRIL
MON 2 MAY
FANTASTIC MR FOX
BY TOBIAS PICKER, BASED ON THE STORY BY ROALD DAHL DIRECTOR: TIM YEALLAND “THE PERFECT TALE FOR A MODERN CHILDREN’S OPERA. THIS WELL-KNOW STORY...HAS ALL THE RIGHT INGREDIENTS” DAILY TELEGRAPH
SUN 5 JUNE
SAT 18 - SUN 19 JUNE
The Tiger Who Came To Tea based on the picture book written and illustrated by Judith Kerr adapted for the stage with songs and lyrics by David Wood A stunning stage adaptation of this classic tale of teatime mayhem… expect to be surprised!
SUMMER PERFORMANCES Tue 31 May 1.30pm & 4.30pm Wed 1 Jun 10.30am & 1.30pm CHRISTMAS PERFORMANCES Wed 30 Nov – Sat 30 Dec For full details visit www.warwickartscentre.co.uk or call the Box Office on 024 7652 4524 Theatre £11.75, Under 16s £9.75 Ages: 3+
★★ Stars of The Bedtime Hour and Discover and Do, CHRIS AND PUI invite you to come and play as they take to the stage in a fabulous new roadshow!
★★
SUN 24 - TUES 26 JULY
All AboArd for the Adventure of A lifetime! SUN 31 JULY
“GO!GO!GO! IT’S GREAT!” THE SUN
Warwick Arts Centre
@warwickarts
www.gogogo.tv
01902 42 92 12
Box Office: Online: www.grandtheatre.co.uk
box office: 024 7652 4524 www.warwickartscentre.co.uk 40p per ticket booking fee applies
THEATRE S H O W S
FAMILY & CHILDRENS
IN THE MIDLANDS & BLACK COUNTRY
NOW SHOWING NOW SHOWING NOW SHOWING NOW SHOWING NOW SHOWING Mon May 9
Alexandra Theatre
Shaolin Warriors
Box Office: 0844 847 2291 Station St, B’ham www.alexandratheatre.org.uk
Sat May 7
Thu May 5
Uncaged Monkeys
Interested in science? Then join top boffins Brian Cox, Ben Goldacre, Simon Singh and Robin Ince to learn about everything from the Big Bang to black holes and Bonobo apes with amazing presentations and projections. 8pm. £26, kids £21.
Breathtaking theatrical Kung Fu feats of agility strength and skill with 22 Kungfu masters, music, lights and colourful costumes. Will feature fighting displays and weapons. 7.45pm. £20.50-£14.50
Growing, Growing, Gone
Krazy Kat tell The story of Jack and the Beanstalk with just two actors and a watering-can. Oh yes, plus some magic tricks, silly puppets and a rather cross giant! 11.30am/2pm. £7.50, kids £4.50.
Cannon Hill Park, Edgbaston, B’ham www.macarts.co.uk
Box Office: 0121 780 3333
Box Office: 0844 338 5000
Victoria Square www.thsh.co.uk
Hurst Street www.birminghamhippodrome. com
mac Box Office: 0121 446 3232
Birmingham Town Hall
Birmingham Hippodrome
put on their own plays about stories from the Bible. These new adaptations ask if they still have a message for today. Fri: Creation & Passion, Sat: Passion & Doomsday, Sun: The Trilogy. Fri/Sat 2pm, Sun 3pm. £11.50, kids £7.50
BelgradeTheatre Box Office: 024 7655 3055 Belgrade Sq, Coventry www.belgrade.co.uk
Thriller – Live
Goodnight Mr Tom
David Wood’s 30th Anniversary production of the classic heartwarming tale of the friendship between an elderly recluse and a lonely young boy evacuated to the English countryside during World War II. 7pm, mat Thu-Sat 2.30pm. Tue £9.25, kids £6, family £25. Wed-Fri £11.75, kids £8.25, family £32, Sat £13.25, kids £10.25, family £37. Wed Apr 20
High School Rocks
High energy song and dance show with music from Hannah Montana, Camp Rock and Glee. 2.30pm/7pm. £13.25/£11.75, kids £10.25/£8.25
Sun Apr 3
Mum and Sophie are about to have tea when the door bell rings. Oh no, it’s a hungry tea-guzzling tiger bringing mayhem, music and magic. Tue 1.30pm/3.30pm, Wed-Fri 11am/1.30pm. £10.50
What really happened to the wolf and those three little pigs? Why was Goldilocks doing walking in the woods, anyway! And just how did the Billy Goats Gruff deal with that troll? All is revealed with puppets, props, gypsy music and loads of fun. Free entry for pet trolls! 11am/2.30pm. £7
The Tiger Who Came To Tea
Mon 18 - Sat 30 Apr
Tue Apr 12-Sat Apr 16
Tue Apr 19-Fri Apr 22
A dazzling celebration of the life and music of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, with special effects, amazing dancing and two hours of top hits. 7.30pm. mat Mon (25), Wed, Sat 2.30pm. Mon-Fri + Sat mat £29.50-£15, Sat £32-£17.50, Mon/Wed mat £26-£13.50.
Birmingham Libary Theatre Box Office: 0121 236 4455 Paradise Place, B’ham
Sat May 7
Andy & Mike’s Big Box Of Bananas Cbeebies stars Andy & Mike find a mysterious box in their ‘fun pad’ and set off on an adventure involving confused pirates, musical sea life, silent movie types and all-singing all-dancing air stewards! 11am. £9.50
Dream Factory Box Office: 01926 419555 Shelley Avenue, Warwick www.playboxtheatre.com Fri Apr 22-Sun Apr 24
The Mysteries
At Easter 600 years ago, people in England’s towns and cities
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Three Billy Goats Gruff and Other Furry Tales
Newhampton Arts Centre Box Office: 01902 572090 Dunkley St, Wolverhampton www.newhamptonarts.co.uk Thu May 12/Fri May 13
Looking For Yoghurt
When Norang’s stray cat friend Yoghurt disappears into a dangerous building site, she decides to follow her into a forbidden world full of monsters and machines. Meeting two other children in the shadowy world behind the fence, they embark on fantastic adventure overcoming fears, digging
EASTER 2011 ISSUE
9
THEATRE S H O W S
FAMILY & CHILDRENS
IN THE MIDLANDS & BLACK COUNTRY
NOW SHOWING NOW SHOWING NOW SHOWING NOW SHOWING NOW SHOWING for Brazil and climbing above the moon. Performers from Japan, Korea and the UK come together for a funny, energetic play inspired by children’s imaginations, hopes and fears. For 7+ Thu 1.30pm/7.30pm, Fri 10.30am/1.30pm. £6, kids £4, family (4) £16
NIA
Rudyard Kipling’s classic
Thu Apr 21/Fri Apr 22
adventure as Baloo and Bagheera set out to return young Mowgli to the man village before he’s killed by Shere Khan, the tiger. Wed 1.30am/7pm, Thu 10am/1.30pm, Fri 10am/7pm, Sat 2pm/6.30pm. £17.50, £10.50 kids, family £52
Box Office: 0121 616 1519/ 0121 605 7000
Torvill & Dean’s Dancing On Ice
Thu Apr 21
Chris & Pui Roadshow
The Cbeebies favourites invite you to join in with the fun, music, songs and games. 11am/2pm. £12.
Tue Apr 5
The Olympic medal winners join a line-up of celebrity skaters that include singer Vanilla Ice, children’s TV presenter Laura Hamilton, EastEnders actor Sam Attwater, Victoria Cross winner Johnson Beharry and Dancing on Ice 2010 Champion Hayley Tamaddon. . Christopher Biggins will be among the judges and Andi Peters hosts. Vote each show for your favourite dancers. Fri/Sat, Mon 7.30pm, Sun 6.30pm, mat Sat 2.30pm, Sun 1.30pm. £42.50-£32.50, family (2+2) £31.25/£22.50 pp
The Henry VIII Show
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
When museum volunteer Ken tries on a hat that belonged to
Box Office; 01902 429212
King Henry’s Jester, the much
Lichfield St, Wolverhampton www.grandtheatre.co.uk
married monarch suddenly appears demanding drink as
Fri Apr 22
the ghosts of his queens and
Beauty & The Beast
courtiers come back to haunt him. A play with actor and puppets with six children invited to be one of the Tudors and one lucky person getting to be Anne Boleyn for the day. 2pm. £10
Royal Spa Centre
Old Rep Box Office: 0121 616 1519 0121 605 7000 Station Street, Birmingham www.oldreptheatre.org.uk
Solihull Arts Complex
Horner Rd, Solihull www.solihull.gov.uk/arts
Alcester Street, Redditch www.redditchpalacetheatre. co.uk
Fri Apr 15-Mon Apr 18
Spectacular science, dangerous demonstrations and extraordinary experiments in the Museum’s first live show. For 7+ Thu 7pm, Fri 2pm. £13, family £49
Box Office: 0121 704 6962
Palace Theatre Box Office: 01527 65203
King Edwards Road, Birmingham www.thenia.org.uk
Science Museum Live
trouble, and he’s not happy to find the bumbling brothers there. There’ll be ghosts, ghouls and gales of laughter. Sat 2.30pm/5.30pm, Sun 2pm/5pm. £14.50-£10.50, kids £11.50-£8.50
An all new production of the famous tale featuring Melissa Suffield from EastEnders and Danielle McCormack who played Mel in My Parents Are Aliens, packed with songs, dance and loads of laughs. 2pm/6pm. £17, kids £15.
Box Office: 01527 65203
Mon May 2
Fantastic Mr Fox
English Touring Opera’s European premiere of their new production, adapted from Roald Dahl’s funny story about the cunning fox and the farmer foes who try and destroy his home. 7pm. £16.50-£8.50 Tue May 10-Sat Mat 14
Oliver!
Amateur production of the classic musical based on Oliver Twist and including such songs as Consider Yourself and As Long As He Needs Me. 7.30pm, mat Wed/Sat 2.30pm. £19.50£8.50
Newbold Terrace, Leamington Spa www.royal-spa-centre.co.uk Sat Apr 18
Fireman Sam – Pontypandy Rocks
Sat Apr 23/Sun Apr 24
The Chuckle Brothers:
A secret star guest’s booked for the festival, but can Sam stop naughty Norman discovering
Wed Apr 6-Sat Apr 9
The Jungle Book
Birmingham Stage Company’s splendid musical version of
10
who it is and ruining the big surprise! 1pm/3.30pm. £14, kids £12, family £48
EASTER 2011 ISSUE
It’s the turn of Harry Potter to get the Chuckle treatment in The Ghostly Shadows as a Sat Nav error sends Barry Potter and his Full Blood Brother Paul to Pigsnorts School of Magic. The nasty Lord Fonterall is trying to take the place over to cause
Sun May 22
Shaolin Warriors
See Belgrade entry for details. 4pm. £22
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NEW ALEXANDRA THEATRE THURSDAY JUNE 2 1pm & 4pm
For tickets phone Ticketmaster 0844 871 3011 or visit www.newalexandratheatre.co.uk Booking fee may apply. www.wiggletime.com Š 2011 Wiggles Pty Ltd
As seen on Nick Jr.!
GREAT DAYS OUT
FOR THE FAMILY For the fourth year running, Cadburys are sponsoring the Easter Trails at National Trust properties around the region, including Moseley Old Hall and Wightwick Manor in Wolverhampton, Birmingham Back To Backs, and Packwood House near Solihull with Cadbury Easter eggs as prizes. There’s Egg hunts at other properties and places too, among them the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham, Charelcote Park, Coughton Court and Birmingham Botanical Gardens. One of the region’s most popular events is the Easter Family Fun Day at Walsall Leather Museum . Taking place this year on Easter Monday, there’ll be puppets, quizzes and entertainers to keep the children amused, and all for free.
With not one but two Bank Holidays, the second practically falling over the first, and the St George’s Day and Royal Wedding celebrations, there’s no excuse for not getting out and about for family fun this for Easter and May Day. The only question is ‘what do you choose?’
OPEN FOR LOADS OF FUN THIS EASTER Scallywags has 5 Stars for food hygiene and safety at every site and to celebrate this we are offering FREE ENTRY to PLAY this April, May and June at all of our sites! Monday to Friday in term time from 9.30 am to 2pm.
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EASTER 2011 ISSUE
Travel to Stratford-upon-Avon, and you can see how the Tudors celebrated Easter at Hall’s Croft and learn about the traditions of Lent and join in Tudor Easter games and dancing at Mary Arden’s Farm.
Bored? Why not learn to ride? Lessons Everyday 9-4 Camps Own a pony for a day.
THE MIDLANDS LEADING PLAY CENTRE
www.scallywagsindoorplay.com
If egg dancing sounds too strenuous, the Black Country Living Museum in Dudley is holding an egg rolling competition as well as an Easter Bonnet parade with children’s crafts and egg painting.
Sandwell Valley Riding Centre
SCALLYWAGS
(excluding school holidays, bank holidays and inset days)
For a taste of what Easter was like back in the old days, take a trip to Ironbridge Gorge and visit Blist’s Hill Victorian Town where they’ll be demonstrating the fine tradition of egg dancing as well as enacting scenes from the legend of St George & the Dragon.
Learn to look after a pony, groom, ride, feed, tack up. All you need to know!! Ring to book. Ask for Hannah or Toni. Tel: 0121 588 2103
Earn Extra Money Selling
AVON COSMETICS to friends/family/in your area
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FOR THOUSANDS MORE IDEAS VISIT WWW.PRIMARYTIMES.NET sandwell valley.indd 1
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St George himself who’ll be wandering round knighting folk as he goes. May Day is a traditional occasion for much merriment, and on Sunday you can marvel at the intricacies of maypole dancing on the green at Blist’s Hill Victorian Town while on both Sunday and Monday at Mary Arden’s House in Stratford there’ll be not only maypole dancing but a chance to make May Day garlands and celebrate the coronation of the King and Queen of May. If you fancy keeping the kids occupied with craft activities, there’s plenty going on throughout region during the Easter half term. These include nature themed activities on Mondays at Brueton Park, Solihull and a variety of creative opportunities at Bilston Craft Gallery, The Barber Institute and Coventry Transport Museum.
Take a trip into the past too by visiting one of the oldest buildings in Birmingham, Selly Manor, a beautiful Tudor manor nestling in a stunning period garden in the heart of historic Bournville village. Between Apr 18 and Apr 25, there’ll be Eggstreme Easter Eggtivities where you can make an Easter chick card, a bird feeder and brilliant bunny ears as well as join in such Easter games as the egg shy and giant egg splat. On May 7, there will also be a fair of handmade and locally produced crafts. If you like your history to be a bit noisier, over Easter Weekend you can relive the 1471 Battle of Barnet when the
Earl of Warwick led Lancastrian forces against the Yorkists under Edward IV or visit Kenilworth Castle for The Knight’s Tournament of Foote where armoured knights and their squires compete in archery and jousting. There’s even a medieval Jester and medieval jokes! On St George’s Day itself, Apr 23, Birmingham’s Victoria Square will be a hive of activity and festivities with music provided by the Sovereign Brass Band, folk dance group Suntrap, Beatles and Bowie tribute acts and the Central England Ensemble. Plus there’ll be street entertainers, shows for the kids, face painting and you might even get to meet
Eggstreme Easter Eggtivities
Easter Holidays, 18th – 25th April (open 18th to 22nd April 10am to 5pm 23rd to 25th 2pm-5pm) For a cracking good time come and make an Easter chick card, your own bird feeder and brilliant bunny ears. Join in with Easter games including the egg shy and giant egg splat game.
Selly Manor, Maple Road, Bournville, B’ham, B30 2AE
0121 472 0199
www.bvt.org.uk/sellymanor
Adults £3.50, Concessions £2.50, Children £2, Family (2Ad,3Ch) £10. No booking required.
Your ultimate Guide to what’s on & when
Thu Apr 7
Spring Fun Day
Join the Easter Egg Hunt, make an Easter Bonnet and take part in the parade, decorate Easter eggs, have your face painted and meet cuddly animals including a giant rabbit. 2pm-4pm. Free. Bilston Craft Gallery, Mount Pleasant, Bilston. 01902 552507
Sat Apr 9
City-wide Fun Day
Meet the people that provide things to do for families, explore the libraries, discover artworks and try your hand at something new. 11am3pm. Wolverhampton Art Gallery Lichfield St. 01902 552040
Sat Apr 9-Sat Apr 23
Easter Egg Hunt
Follow the clues round the museum to win a prize. 10.30am-4pm. (Not Sun 10/17, Mon 11/18 April) Free. Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, Vyse Street, Hockley, Birmingham 0121 554 3598
Headdresses & Kachinas (1pm3pm), make a colourful headdress and little Kachina dolls to represent spirit beings like the sun or stars. £4. Solihull Arts Complex, Homer Rd, Solihull. 0121 704 6962
Lapworth, Solihull. 01564 783294. Grounds only £4, kids £2. Both houses £6, kids £3
OAP £4.75 (under 5s free), family £22. B’ham Botanical Gardens, Edgbaston. 0121 454 1860
Mediaeval Battle Scene
Apr 29
Traditional Easter games, crafts and activities. Outdoor clothing required. 2pm-4pm. Free. Prebook. Cannon Hill Park, Edgbaston. 0121 464 8729
Relive the 1471 Battle of Barnet when the Earl of Warwick led Lancastrian forces against the Yorkists under Edward IV. 10am6pm. £18.60, kids (u11) £13.80, 60+ £11.50, family (2+2) £56.40; Warwick Castle. 01926 406600.
Tue Apr 19
Sat Apr 23
Sun Apr 17
Eggciting Antics
Easter Crafts
St George’s Day
Magic Hats, Wands & Spells (10amnoon), create a pointed hat and sparkly wand, make a book and fill it with d pictures of your favourite spells. £4. Magical T-shirts (1pm3pm, 8+). design a t-shirt inspired by the Magic Show or your favorite witch, wizard, monster or mythical creature. And decorate with fabric £4. Solihull Arts Complex, Homer Rd, Solihull. 0121 704 6962
The Royal Garden Party
Celebrate the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton with a strawberries and cream picnic and a live band. 10am-6pm. £18.60, kids (u11) £13.80, 60+ £11.50, family (2+2) £56.40. Warwick Castle. 01926 406600.
Sat May 7
Donkey Derby
Donkey races, stalls, family entertainment, children’s rides and side shows make this a great event for all the family. First race 1.30pm. £1.50, u10s free. 12.30pm-4.30pm. Shirley Park, Shirley, B’ham.
Sat May 21/Sun May 22
Middle Earth Weekend
Fri Apr 22
Easter Egg Hunt Music from Smethwick’s Sovereign Brass Band, folk band Suntrap, Beatles and Bowie tribute and Central England Ensemble plus children’s entertainment, face painting, and St George. 11am-5pm. Free Victoria Square, Birmingham. 0121 780 3333
Tue Apr 12/Thu Apr 14/Tue Apr 19/Thu Apr 21
Fun Family Crafts
Sun Apr 24
Easter Egg Hunt
Crack the clues and win a chocolate egg. Noon-4pm. £7.50, kids/
Stories, craft displays, exhibitions and people in strange costumes to celebrate The Hobbit and the works of Tolkien. 11am-5pm. Free. Sarehole Mill, Hall Green, B’ham
Sun May 22
Stafford Morris Men
Watch the traditional art of Morris dancing. 1pm-4pm. £6.27, kids £3.13, family £15.68. Moseley Old Hall, Fordhouses,Wolverhampton. 01902 782808
PLACES TO VISIT Fairytale themed activities. 12.30pm3.30pm, £1. Blakesley Hall, Yardley, Birmingham. 0121 464 2193
Wed Apr 13
Easter Crafts
Make an Easter basket, 1.30pm, 2pm, 2.30pm, 3pm. £1. Book on arrival. Aston Hall, Trinity Road, Aston. 0121 675 4722
Thu Apr 14
Easter Crafts
14
Fri Apr 22-Mon Apr 25
Easter Adventures
Haunted Houses (10am-noon) paint a cardboard house and turn it a spooky home for a witch, wizard, monster or ghost. Make a card character to hide inside. Hopi Indian
Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings
Find the clues, crack the code and win a chocolate egg! Entertainment, craft activity and children’s rides. 11am-3pm. £2 treasure hunt, Elmdon Park, Solihull. 0121 704 8000
Follow the trail to win an egg. Crafts + Sun/Mon face painting. 11am-4pm £2.50 (per trail). Baddesley Clinton, Chadwick End. 01564 783294. Grounds only £5.90, kids £2.95, family £14.75/ Packwood House,
EASTER 2011 ISSUE
Wed Apr 20/Thu Apr 21, Pirate Academy - discover how to sail the seven seas, where to find treasure and how to fire a pirate cannon. Sun Apr 24/Mon Apr 25, Children’s Weekend - fun activities include archery, Tudor games, Victorian Music workshops, combat displays. Sat Apr 30/Mon May 2, Tudor Spy Training - learn how to become one of Queen Elizabeth I’s trusted spies. Sat May 14/ Sun May 15, National Open Mills Weekend - see the windmill and
perry mill in action.2pm. Where: Stoke Heath, Nr Bromsgrove, 01527 831363/01527 831886 www. avoncroft.org.uk Open: Mar, Nov/ Dec Fri-Sun 10.30am-4pm; Apr-Jun, Sept/Oct Tue-Sun 10.30am-5pm; Jul/Aug 10.30-5pm. Admission: £7.70, kids £4, under 5s free, Family (2 + 3) £19.80
Barber Institute of Fine Arts
Craft Activities: Tue Apr 12, create an ancient creepy-crawly scarab beetle, like the ones that were discovered between the bandages of real
FOR THOUSANDS MORE IDEAS VISIT WWW.PRIMARYTIMES.NET
Your ultimate Guide to what’s on & when
Egyptian mummies. Wed Apr 13, make a priceless treasure lie those in the ancient tomb of Amenhotep. Tue Apr 19 create fantastical wild beasts and exotic animals. Wed Apr 20 , sculpt a superhero based on the Greek myths and legends. All 11am-1pm, 2pm-4pm. £8. Prebook. Where: Birmingham University, Edgbaston Park Rd, Edgbaston, B’ham. 0121 414 7333. www. barber.org.uk Open: MonSat 10am-5pm, Sun Noon-5pm. Admission: Free
10am-5pm; November to February Wed- Sun 10am- 4 pm. Admission: £13.60, kids £7.10, u5s free, family (2+3 ) £35.80, family (1+1) £18.50
Blists Hill Victorian Town
Bilston Craft Gallery
Easter Workshops. Tue Apr 12, make a mini model allotment for the windowsill, complete with vegetable seeds, shed and garden tools. Thu Apr 14, turn old cutlery, keys and metal bits and bobs into a wind chime and decorate with string, ribbon and recycled leather. Tue Apr 19, transform fluffy wool fibres into a felted picture. Thu Apr 21, decorate a Ceramic Pot for your pens or pencils. Tue 10.30amnoon,1.30pm-3pm. Prebook. Thu 10am-noon, or 1.30pm-3.30pm. Age 5-12. £2. Where: Mount Pleasant, Bilston. 01902 552507. www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk/ bilston Open: Tue/Thu 10am-4pm; Wed 10am-7pm, Fri 10am-1pm, Sat 11am-4pm. Admission: Free
Black Country Living Museum
Compton Verney Fri Apr 22-Mon Apr 25, Easter & St George’s Day - have a go at egg dancing, follow the Easter trail and watch scenes from the legend of St George & the Dragon. Sun May 1, traditional maypole dancing on The Green. Where: Ironbridge Gorge Museums, Ironbridge. 01952 884 391. www.ironbridge.org.uk. Open: 10am-4pm. Admission: £14.95, kids £9.95, OAP £11.95. Passport £22.50, kids £14.75, OAP £18.25, family £61.50
Broadfield House Glass Museum
Beside the Seaside - exhibition of contemporary crafts - glass, ceramics, jewellery and paintings on a seaside theme. Sat Apr 9-Thu Apr 21, search for the hidden seaside treasures and make your own seaside craft Where: Compton Drive, Kingswinford. 01384 812745. www.glassmuseum.org.uk Open: noon-4pm. Admission: Free
Brueton Park
Mon Apr 11, follow a trail and look for signs of life, then make a mammal mask (10.30am-noon. £4), Tue Apr 12, look for bugs in the undergrowth and make a bug mask (10.30amnoon. £4), Mon Apr 18, discover the creatures in Dragonfly Pond and make a craft item (10.30am-noon. £4), Mon Apr 25, make an Easter Animal mask (10.30am-1.30pm. £2). Where: Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park, Solihull. 0121 704 0768
Charlecote Park Sat Apr 9-Mon Apr 25, Easter Holiday Activities -Easter egg hunt, Easter bonnet parade, children’s crafts, egg painting and egg rolling competition. Where: Tipton Rd, Dudley. 0121 557 9643. www.bclm. co.uk Open: March to October
Fri Apr 22-Sun Apr 25, follow the Easter Trail top find an egg – chocolate or real! Trail £2: Where: Charlecote, nr Stratford-upon-Avon. 01789 470277. ww.nationaltrust.org. uk Open: House 11am-4.30pm. Admission: £8.63, kids £4.31, family £21.59. Garden & Grounds: £4.36, child £2.18), family £10.90.
FOR THOUSANDS MORE IDEAS VISIT WWW.PRIMARYTIMES.NET
Wool Work: A Sailor’s Art – exhibition exploring links between sailors, art and craft through the history of sailor’s wool works, remarkable personal tributes to both the ships which sailors worked on and their own maritime histories. Where: Compton Verney, Warwickshire. 01926 645500. www.comptonverney.org.uk Open: Tue-Sun + Bank Hols 11am-5pm. Admission: £10, kids £3.10, u5s free, family (2+4) £23.10. Collection & Grounds only £4, kids £1.60, u5s free, family (2+4) £9.60
1940s Weekend - find out what life was like during the war years. 10am3.30pm. Where: Millennium Place, Hales Street, Coventry. 024 7623 4270. www.transport-museum.com Open: 10am-5pm. Admission: Free
Drayton Manor Theme Park
Coughton Court
Sat Apr 23-Mon 25 Apr, Easter Eggstravaganza - family fun with trails, chocolate egg treats, face painting (Sun/Mon), crafts activities. Sun, duck race. Where: Nr Alcester. 01789 762435. www.coughtoncourt. co.uk Open: House 11am-5pm. Gardens 11.30am-5.30pm. Admission: £8.80, kids £4.45, family £22.25. Garden & grounds only £5.90, kids £2.95, family £14.75
Coventry Transport Museum
Mon Apr 11-Mon Apr 25, Easter Holiday Activities: Mon Apr 11/Tue Apr 19 - decorate a biff bat with a design of your choice (£2 per bat); Tue Apr 12/Mon Apr 18 - make an Easter mobile (£2 per mobile); Wed Apr 13/Thu Apr 14, decorate items with fabric paint, includes neon colours (£2/£3 per item); Fri Apr 15, make and decorate a butterfly or insect glider. (£2); Wed Apr 20, use toilet roll tubes to make beautiful flowers. ( £2); Thu Apr 21, decorate a polystyrene egg with sequins (£2); Fri Apr 22, decorate Easter characters with tissue paper (£2); Sat Apr 23/ Sun Apr 24, choose from any of the week’s activities (£2/£3); Mon Apr 25, paint a ceramic bowl, plate or mug and bake in your oven at home (£2.50). Sat Apr 30/Sun May 1,
Easter sees the opening of Europe’s first ever Ben 10 themed roller coaster, Ben 10 Ultimate Mission, the world’s first Junior Boomerang which launches riders forwards on their first tour of the track before travelling backwards along the same route. Part of the new Cartoon Network Street, the fun begins as you start queuing when you’re transported to Galvan Prime planet to meet Azmuth. But the Omnitirx is broken and he needs to fix it before Vilgax discovers that it’s on Galvan and tries to capture it for himself. Moving to the Alien Chamber, laser beam blasts and warning alerts can be heard, lights flash and the ground begins to shake. The lab is under attack! You must activate the laser cannon to stop Vilgax’s ship before it lands. Boarding the roller coaster, you’ll ride at full force to the blast cannon with Vilgax hot on your tail. Thomas Land is also bigger and better than ever with a brand new family-friendly ride. Where: near Tamworth, Staffordshire 0870 240 6950 www.draytonmanor.co.uk Open: Admission: £32, kids (4-11) £25, (2-3 £2.50), 65+ £19, family (5) £122.50, (4) £98, (3) £73.50.
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Ironbridge Ten Amazing Museums
11 FEBRUARY – 5 JUNE 2011
EASTER HOLIDAY Incredible Inventions in Ancient Egypt. Join us throughout the Easter holidays and discover some of the amazing ideas the Egyptians had. Activities run at the following times: 10.30am - 12.30pm & 1.30pm - 3.30pm
Travel back to the Victorian period at the fantastic Blists Hill Victorian Town. Be amazed by the spectacular 9 metre high film show, explore the shops and cottages including a traditional Fried Fish Dealers, Sweetshop and famous Victorian Pharmacy. Lots of fun Easter activities across all the museums. The IRONBRIDGE GORGE MUSEUMS email tic@ironbridge.org.uk visit www.ironbridge.org.uk or call
01952 433424
Floating boats FREE Tuesday 12 April Walk like an Egyptian FREE Wednesday 13 April Mighty Mummification FREE Thursday 14 April Sounds like Sistrum's! FREE Tuesday 19 April Water Transporters FREE Wednesday 20 April HThe Herbert is proud to be Precious Pendants FREE Thursday 21 April a family friendly venueH For more details please go to www.theherbert.org
Th
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la ng ID E AS E Y ce S E U RN HE JO G
H A E x ear WITLL TH pe t o E HO ri e f E UT FU N n TH O F EL T ON
OPENING 9TH APRIL 2011 10 -5PM SEVEN DAYS A WEEK AM
Daily events and shows throughout the year including easter Holidays
2 for
entry
TERMS & CONDITIONS 1. This voucher entitles the holder to one free admission to Warwick Castle when accompanied by one full paying adult. Admission rates vary throughout the year. 2. Voucher valid until 31 December 2011. 3. Voucher not valid in conjunction with any offer, discount, concession, inclusive travel offer or annual pass. Vouchers cannot be used when booking tickets in advance. 4. No cash alternative. Voucher worth 0.001p. Not for resale. 5. Standard terms of entry apply. 6. Voucher must be presented on day of visit. 7. This voucher does not include entrance to any second gate attractions including, but not exclusive to, The Castle Dungeon, for which an additional supplement will be payable. Voucher code is: V9751
Heart Park Meriden Road Fillongley Coventry CV7 8DX
Tel: 01676 540 333 Come and play at England’s most central beach! Just 10 minutes from the NEC and Birmingham Airport. See our website for full details
www.heartpark.co.uk
www.facebook.com/heartpark
Your ultimate Guide to what’s on & when
Dudley Museum & Art Gallery
Sat Apr 9-Thu Apr 21, play St George as you search the museum for hidden dragons. Tue Apr 19/Wed Apr 20, make funky Easter animals. 11am, noon, 1pm. £2.65. Where: St James’s Rd, Dudley. 01384 815575. www.dudley.gov.uk/leisure-andculture/museums--galleries/dudleymuseum--art-gallery Open: Mon-Sat 10am-4pm Admission: Free
Herbert Museum & Art Gallery
Mon Apr 11-Fri Apr 15, Mon Apr 18-Fri Apr 22, Incredible Inventions - discover some ancient Egyptian inventions still in use today. Visit the amazing Secret Egypt exhibition and investigate the truth behind the myths about ancient Egypt. Did aliens build the pyramids? What was the mummy’s curse? Were the Egyptians obsessed with death? Includes a giant statue of Rameses II and a rare sculpture of Queen Nefertiti. Where: Jordan Well, Coventry 02476 832386. www.theherbert.org Open: MonSat 10am-4pm, Sun Noon-4pm. Admission: Free
Heritage Motor Centre
Sci-Fi at the Movies – original artefacts, replica models and costumes from favourite Sci-Fi movies, including Star Wars, E.T. Harry Potter, and Predator. Where: Gaydon, Nr Warwick. 01926 641188. www.heritage-motorcentre.co.uk Open: 10am-5pm. Admission: £11 (concs £9), kids £9 (under 5s free), Family (2+3) £34
Kenilworth Castle
Sat Apr 16-Sat Apr 23, celebrate the launch of animated comedy Hop with the ultimate Easter egg hunt to win a real golden egg. Sun Apr 24/Mon Apr 25, The Knight’s Tournament of Foote- four armoured knights and their squires compete in archery and the Crest Melee, plus poleaxe combat displays and Living History Encampment with music and medieval Jester!’ Sun May 1/Tue May 2, For King And Parliament – relive life at the castle during the English Civil War, talk to the soldiers and see if you have what it takes to join Cromwell’s army! Where: Kenilworth. 01926 852078. www. english-heritage.org.uk Open: 1 10am-5pm. Admission: £8, kids £4.80, family £20.80; Bank Hol £10, kids £6, family £26
Moseley Old Hall
Sat Apr 23-Mon Apr 25, follow the children’s Easter trail to win a prize. Sat/Sun noon-4pm, Mon 11am-4pm. £2. Where: Fordhouses,Wolverhampton. 01902 782808.www.nationaltrust.org.uk Open: Wed, Sat/Sun Mar 5-Jul 3/ Sept 21-Oct 30, Mon-Wed, Sat/ Sun Jul 4-Sept 18; Noon-5pm; Sat/ Sun Nov 5-Dec 18 Noon-4pm. Admission: £6.27, kids £3.13, family £15.68
Red House Glass Cone
Wed Apr 20/Thu Apr 21, join the hopping treasure hunt and find which animal can jump the highest. Sat May 14/Sun May 15, children’s craft activities, glassmaking
demonstrations. Where: High Street, Wordsley, Stourbridge. 01384 812750. www.dudley.gov.uk Open: 10am-4pm. Admission: Free.
Shakespeare Houses
Thu Apr 14-Wed Apr 27, Spring Merriment – see the Birthplace dining room decorated for a traditional Easter feast, learn about Easter customs past and present at Hall’s Croft. Join with the Easter Egg Hunt (Sun 24) at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, and learn about the traditions of Lent, simnel cake and spiced buns and join in Tudors Easter games and dancing at Mary Arden’s Farm. Sun May 1/Mon May 2, King and Queen of May, traditional May Day activities at Mary Arden’s. Make May Day garlands and join the Maypole dancing. Where: Stratford-Upon-Avon. 01789 204016. www.shakespeare.org.uk Open: 9am-5pm. Admission: All 5 houses £19.50, kids £12, family £50; Birthplace £12.50, kids £8, family £33.50; Ann Hathaway’s £7.50, kids £4.50, family £19.50; Mary Arden’s £9.50, kids £5.50, family £22.50; Hall’s Croft/Nash’s/New Place £12.50, kids £8, family £33.50.
Shugborough Estate
Fri Apr 22-Mon Apr 25, a weekend of ‘egg-citing’ family fun activities. 11am-5pm. Mon May 2, May Day family activities Where: Milford, Near Stafford. 01889 881388. www. shugborough.org.uk Open: From Mar 18 11am-5pm. Admission: £15, kids £9, family (2+3) £37.50, (1+1) £19. Discount for advance booking. Gardens only £3.50
ThinkTank
Walsall Leather Museum
Mon Apr 25, Easter Family Fun Day (10.30am-3.30pm) great family entertainment including entertainers, puppets, quizzes and competitions. Where: Littleton Street West, Walsall. 01922 721153. www.walsall. gov.uk/leathermuseum Open: TueSat 10am-5pm + Bank Hol Mon. Admission: Free
Warwick Castle
Easter brings brand new attraction, Merlin: The Dragon Tower, inspired by the BBC series. Experience the magic of Arthurian legend first hand and find the magical mirror to interact with The Great Dragon. Where: Warwick. 01926 406600. www. warwick-castle.co.uk Open: 10am6pm. Admission: £18.60, kids (u11) £13.80, 60+ £11.50, family (2+2) £56.40; with Dungeon £22.80, kids £18, 60+ £18, family £80.40. Book online 20% off.
Wightwick Manor
Wed Apr 13/20, Thu Apr 14/21, Bug Hunt, find the creepy crawlies in the garden and pond (11.30am-1.30 pm, £1.50, kids £3). Fri Apr 22-Mon Apr 25, Easter Egg hunt, craft activities (£2) and free face painting. Mon May 2, decorate a hobby horse then take part in a race (11.30am1.30pm, £1.50, kids £3). Where: Wightwick Bank, Wolverhampton. 01902 761400. www.nationaltrust. org.uk Open: Feb 16-Jun 30/Sept 1-Oct 30 Wed-Sun, Jul 1-Aug 31 Mon-Sun, Nov 4-Dec 18 Fri-Sun 11am-5pm. Admission: £8.30, kids £4, family £20.10. Garden only £4, kids £2, family £12
Until Apr 30, the Big Bang Family Show features science demonstrations, animation workshops, invention sessions and Robot Rebuild storytelling. Weekends and Half Term only. From Apr 30, Dino Jaws – discover the diet and dining habits of dinosaurs with lifesized moving models featuring grinding teeth, horny beaks and bone-crunching jaws. Where: Millennium Point, Curzon St, Birmingham. 0121 202 2222. www.thinktank. ac Open: 10am-5pm. Admission: £12.25 concs/kids £8.40, family (2+2) £39.
FOR THOUSANDS MORE IDEAS VISIT WWW.PRIMARYTIMES.NET
EASTER 2011 ISSUE
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www.bclm.co.uk
✃
E a s t e r E gg s t r a
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9th - 25th April 2011 Experience Living History Open Everyday 10am to 5pm Tel: 0121 557 9643
Tipton Road, Dudley, West Midlands DY1 4SQ
One Young Person (ages 5-16) goes free when accompanied by one full paying adult or senior citizen, on presentation of this voucher.
A fantastic choc-o-bloc programme of Easter events for the holidays ● Easter Egg Hunt with free chocolate eggs
Terms & Conditions: Voucher expires 4 Septemember 2011. Vouchers cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Photocopies are not accepted. The Management reserves the right to refuse admission or withdraw this offer without prior notice. Not redeemable for booked parties or family tickets. Voucher not valid for online bookings, pre-book only events or Bank Holidays. This Voucher has no cash value.
● Bunny Hunt with chocolate prize
Bunnies & Chicks ● Hatton's Sheepstakes ● Fun Fair Rides ● Tractor Trek ● Falconry Displays ● Farmyard Favourites ● Guinea Pig Village ● Children's Shows ● Pig Palace ● Pan for Gold ● Agility Play Trail ● JCB Young Drivers Zone ● Tristan the Runaway Tractor ● Daft Duck Trials ● NEW Snorty’s Bouncing Barnyard ●
Hatton Country World, 3 miles outside Warwick off A4177 Warwick-Solihull Road
Tel: 01926 843411 www.hattonworld.com Programme subject to change.
15013a 02.11
Open 10am - 5.30pm
C O V E N T R Y
T R A N S P O R T
Easter Holiday Activities 2011 11th April - 2nd May • Cracking Easter Quiz Trail • Egg-cellent Easter Crafts • Spring Storytelling Sessions For a full timetable pick up a leaflet at reception or visit www.transport-museum.com Admission to the Museum is FREE some activities have a small charge. Coventry Transport Museum Millennium Place, Hales Street, Coventry CV1 1JD.
*Child Goes Free to Hatton Farm Village with one full paying adult day ticket with this voucher. Valid until 21/10/11. 1. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer, school/group bookings, birthday parties or Hatton Membership. 2. Not valid on 25th April 2011. 3. Only one child (up to 13 years old) admitted free with one full paying adult day ticket (aged 14+) per voucher. 4. No photocopies accepted or copies from electronic versions of publications. 5. This voucher can only be used once and must be given up at the time of use.
M U S E U M
EN FRE TR E Y
S E I V O M AT THE Ne Guide To The Best The Primary Times
w Family Films an
d DVDs
Legend of the Guardians (PG) From Apr 11
1.
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Leapfrog : Maths Adventure to
The Moon (U) From May 9
A fun film about maths! You have to be joking, right! No, this colourful simply animated adventure for younger children really is a great way to get them interested in maths and help understand how numbers work. Schoolfrogs Tad and Lily are struggling to find ten really cool items of some kind for a school assignment. Nothing seems right until they have the idea of collecting moon rocks, And where are they going to find them? On the moon of course. So, with the help of their firefly friend Edison, they take off in a magical rocket ship, learning about counting, patterns, and sorting on the journey. But, when they run into a space storm, they’re thrown off course and wind up on a strange planet inhabited by alien bugs. Can they help the bugs finish building their city before the storm arrives? The DVD also has a sorting game and four singalong songs from the film, including Maths Is Everywhere. (Lionsgate DVD)
Pirates of the Caribbean 4: On Stranger Tides 3D (PG) From May
18
Knightly, but Johnny Depp is back There’s no Orlando Bloom or Keira join as King George II forces him to as rogueish pirate Jack Sparrow elusive the find to t ques a in ossa Barb forces with government privateer it. ’re not the only ones looking for Fountain of Youth. However, they past and his from an wom a , elica Ang Accidentally crossing paths with this kbeard, Jack ’s not sure whether the daughter of the infamous Blac when But tain. Foun the find to him g is really love or whether she’s usin nge, r’s ship, the Queen Anne’s Reve she forces him aboard her fathe all as he after dent acci an been have it seems their meeting may not he dangerous journey, unsure who finds himself on an unexpected, father ’s Jack hter! daug rd’s kbea Blac should fear most – Blackbeard or Gibbs are back too in a film that and shipmate Captain Teague and and, er, mermaids? bies zom promises, thrills, spills, laughs,
Diary Of A Wimpy Kid 2: Rodri
ck Rules (PG) From May 27
After Diary of A Wimpy Kid was such a big hit last year, here comes the follow up as Greg Heffley, the kid who made being ‘wimpy ’ cool, returns to face more misadventures and problems. Last time, it was school but, as he enters another year, having rid himself of the Cheese Touch and best friends again with Rowley, it’s not the playground that’s the problem or the classroom causing concern . Well, maybe just a little with Patty. But no, the real headache is at home. You see, mom and dad, have decided it’s about time Greg and his older brother Rodrick stopped fighting each other and really bonded like siblings should. And they’re going away for the weekend to give them space to spend time together and really get to know each other. Maybe that’s not such a good idea!
BOOKWORM Here’s primar y times latest picks for your bookshelf
NOCK K RIDICULOUS K
NOCKS Chris Tait. Sterling
Anorak Press £3.99
Knock-Knock. Who’s there? Matthew. Matthew who? Matthew you need help with. Science you might be better at. Knock-Knock. Who’s there? Dumbbell. Dumbell who? Dumbbell doesn’t work, so I had to knock. Try out these and hundreds more and really annoy your parents and friends. The book’s American, so there’s words like ‘buck’ instead of ‘pound’ and many jokes depend on accents and pronunciation, but they’ll still make everyone groan.
? ARDEN GROW G Y M S E O D HOW
DK £9.99
Spring’s here, summer’s on the way and, packed with photos, this is perfect for budding gardeners wanting to do something more creative than just growing flowers and vegetables. Use sweetcorn to make leaf paper, create an ivy man figure, grow your own bath loofah, build a pond in a bucket, raise tiny tomatoes for your pizza, discover flowers you can eat and even grow the wheat to grind and make your own bread. It’s all easier than it sounds and this brilliant book has all the tips you need.
IT WOLF WON’T B
E! Emily Gravett. Macmillan £10.99
The three pigs have caught a wolf for their circus. They make him do humiliating tricks, dress him in embarrassing clothes and even shoot him through the air. But he won’t bite them. Will he? An amusingly illustrated picture book for young children with a message for everyone.
OLF THE BIG BAD W
AND ME!
Delphine Perret. Sterling £5.99
A young boy finds a sad wolf named Bernard who’s lost his confidence because he can’t scare people any more. He takes him home, hides him in his bedroom closet, calls him Zorro, feeds him choc chip cookies, plays games and tries to teach him how to be frightening again. Told with simple line drawings, it’s a lovely story about friendship you’ll want to treasure.
ZO
E IS BIN R E H W S N A E B E AND
KY BOO?
Chloe & Mick Inkpen. Macmillan £10.99
Zoe’s dog Beans has lost his favourite toy, so he’s taken her rag dolly Molly to play with. But he’s making Molly very stinky with his slobber. The only thing to do is hope he finds Binky Boo soon. A sweet, funny, illustrated picture book for young children.
CE EXPE N IE C S N E H C KIT
RIMENTS
Sudipta Barhan-Quallen. Sterling £9.99
Become mad scientists in your own kitchen with easy to follow illustrated experiments and learn how and why the science works. Find out why milk goes sour, inflate a balloon using yeast, turn an eggshell soft and see-through, run a light bulb on a lemon, discover all the bacteria that live in the kitchen and then grow your own mold garden. A fascinating, fun way to learn about the amazing world you live in.
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EASTER 2011 ISSUE
FOR THOUSANDS MORE IDEAS VISIT WWW.PRIMARYTIMES.NET
Preparatory School Open Day Pre-Prep and Prep departments
Are you Bringing Up the Child of a Relative or a Friend? Have you been bringing up the child of a relative or a friend (age 8-18) for at least 6 months, during which the child has been living with you full time?
Has your care of the child been arranged with little or no involvement of Children’s Services?
Tuesday 17th May 9:30am - 3:00pm
Senior School Open Event Senior School and Sixth Form
Thursday 30th June 4:30 - 7:00pm
11+ Academic & Music Scholarships 16+ Academic, Music, Arts & Sports Scholarships Means-tested bursaries
Would you and the child you are bringing up consider being interviewed about your experiences, and be paid a £20 voucher each for your time? If your answer to these questions is yes then you may be able to take part in an important new UK-wide University of Bristol study. Please contact us:
Telephone: 01179 546728 or 07580312526 Email: Paula.Vaisey@bristol.ac.uk
Westbourne Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 3TS admissions@edgbastonhigh.co.uk Tel: 0121 454 5831
Web: www.yourfamilyyourvoice.com
L IA EC ER SP OFF
Maths & English
tuition
2 weeks’ free tuition
For a great day out for all the family make tracks to Plantasia today!
When you join before 8 May 2011. See website for T&C’s
• UK’s largest collection of permanent mazes • Wild Walks • Tree Top Trail • Meet the Animals • Interactive Exhibition • Children’s Play Area • Gift Shop
Fantastic academic progress 5-14 year olds of all abilities Confidence boosting Entrance Exam courses
ADMITS 2 FOR THE PRICE OF 1*
Free Initial Consultation
*Offer valid when purchasing a full price adult ticket only. Only one voucher per transaction. Offer ends 30/06/11. Terms and conditions apply. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Excludes Bank Holidays.
Call your local centre today to find out more
To qualify for this discount, simply enter your details below:
Postcode:
Email: Please tick this box if you do not wish to receive information from us or Dobbies Garden Centres
PT SPG 11
at Dobbies Garden World, Nuneaton Road, Mancetter, Nr Atherstone, Warwickshire CV9 1RF Tel 01827 713 438
Name:
01926 422800 Inside Sainsbury’s, The Shires Retail Park, Leamington Spa
www.explorelearning.co.uk
SPRING IS IN THE AIR AT KENILWORTH CASTLE & ELIZABETHAN GARDEN… Discover Kenilworth Castle & Elizabethan Garden this spring, we have something for the whole family to enjoy from our authentically re-created Elizabethan Garden, exhibitions, a delightful castle tearoom and beautiful walks to our exciting events programme. Celebrate Easter and the launch of HOP, the latest animated film from Universal Studios in our Easter Family Fun Trail from Saturday 16th – Saturday 23rd April. Adults and children alike can get into the spirit of Easter and join our ultimate Easter egg hunt for a chance to win a real golden egg! Will you be able to crack our clues to complete this ‘egg-citing’ trail? The excitement continues into the Easter Bank Holiday with our Knight’s Tournament event (Sunday 24th & Monday 25th April). Marvel at our Medieval Knights as they take part in the Tournament of Foote. Watch these four brave armoured knights and their squires, representing the North, South, East and West as they compete in archery and the fantastic Crest Melee. In between the competitions enjoy a display of poleaxe combat, and browse the authentic Living History Encampment. Listen to
period music and laugh out loud at our own medieval Jester!’ May Day Bank Holiday sees our brand new ‘For King & Parliament! A Civil War’ event (Sunday 1st – Monday 2nd May). Experience life at Kenilworth Castle during the turbulent times of the English Civil War. Wander the living history encampments, talk to our weary soldiers and watch them practice their battle tactics. Younger visitors will also be put through their paces to see if they have what it takes to join Cromwell’s army! There is something for everyone to enjoy this spring at Kenilworth Castle and so come long and visit one of the most spectacular castle ruins in England for a fun day out for all the family. For further details call 01926 852078 or visit www.english-heritage. org.uk/kenilworth
Spring Fun AT KENILWORTH CASTLE Easter Family Fun Trail Sat 16 – Sat 23 Apr (11am – 5pm) The Knight’s Tournament Sun 24 – Mon 25 Apr (11am – 5pm) For King & Parliament! A Civil War Sun 1 – Mon 2 May (11am – 5pm) Kenilworth Castle & Elizabethan Garden, Warwickshire CV8 1NE
For more details call 01926 852078 or visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/kenilworth
Supported by
The Birmingham Stage Company presents
28 JUne – 2 JUlY 2011
TiCkeT PriCeS: £12.00 - £16.00 FaMilY FroM £40.00
BoX oFFiCe 0844 847 2294 www.newalexandraTheatre.co.uk
Based on the bestselling books published by SCholaSTiC ChildrenS BookS adapted by: Ciaran McConVille awful egyptians by: John-PaUl CherrinGTon directed by Phil Clark designed by JaCkie TroUSdale lighting by JaSon TaYlor 3d by amazing interactives Music by MaTTheW SCoTT
Horrible Histories books are published by Scholastic Ltd. Horrible Histories is a trademark of Scholastic Inc. and is used under authorisation. All rights reserved. Illustration copyright © Martin Brown
R O F D O O F
T H G U O H T The food you eat directly affects how your brain performs. When you feed your brain the right things, you’re able to improve concentration, think quicker and retain more information – which is all really important if you are refreshing existing skills or learning something new. To help fuel your learning, learndirect and top nutritionist Fiona Hunter present two healthy ‘brainfood’ recipe ideas to make with your parents. And you can practice maths at the same time too.
Mixed Bean Bake
Beans and pulses are rich in slow release carbohydrates which help keep blood sugar levels stable. When blood sugar levels dip it can affect concentration and energy levels. Pulses such as red kidney beans are also a good source of iron which helps keeps energy and concentration levels up.
METHOD
SERVES 4
400g can chopped tomatoes
COST: £4.18 (£1.05 per serving)
400ml chicken stock, made from a stock cube
INGREDIENTS
1 tbsp of dark soy sauce
2 tbsp vegetable oil 1 medium red onion, finely chopped 2 cloves of garlic, crushed or finely chopped
2 tsp Dijon mustard 2 400g cans of mixed beans, rinsed and drained 100g breadcrumbs
2 red peppers, de-seeded and diced
75g Cheddar cheese, grated
2 sticks of celery, finely chopped
3 tbsp chopped parsley, optional
olive oil or sunflower spray
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large non-stick saucepan, add the onion and cook over a low heat for 2 minutes. Add the garlic, pepper, and celery and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
4. Mix the breadcrumbs, cheese and parsley and sprinkle over the bean mixture. Spray the breadcrumb topping with the olive oil spray and place under a medium hot grill for 3-5 minutes or until golden brown.
2. Add the tomatoes, stock and soy sauce. Bring to the boil, then reduce to a fast simmer and cook for about 15 minutes or until the sauce begins to thicken.
The recipe requires two 400g cans of mixed beans.
3. Add the mustard and beans and continue to cook for a further 5 minutes. Transfer the mixture into a shallow ovenproof dish.
Oil-rich fish like salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids, which help your brain cells talk to each other. You should try to eat at least one portion of oil-rich fish a week, to help keep both your brain and your heart healthy SERVES: 2
Crispy Salmon fingers 24
EASTER 2011 ISSUE
COST: £4.17 (£2.08 per serving)
INGREDIENTS
1 large egg, beaten 2 skinless salmon fillets Olive oil or sunflower spray Broccoli and new potatoes to serve
1. Two 2. Three 3. Four 4. Five
METHOD 1. Set the oven at 200 C/190 C fan/Gas 6. Mix the herbs with the breadcrumbs and spread over a large plate. 2. Wash the salmon and dry with kitchen paper. Slice the fish into strips about 1.5cm thick. 3. Place the fish in the beaten egg and then toss in the breadcrumb mixture,
100g breadcrumbs 2tbsp chopped chives, parsley or basil
If you can only find 300g cans. How many do you need to buy for the recipe?
Tip – to make homemade breadcrumbs, remove the crust from 3 slices of white bread, place the bread in a food processor and whizz until you have crumbs.
making sure it is well coated with crumbs. 4. Transfer the fish to a non stick baking tray, or a tray lined with non-stick paper, spray with olive oil spray and place in the oven for 10 minutes or until the fish is cooked. 5. Serve with broccoli and new potatoes. The recipe requires 2tbsp of chopped chives, basil or parsley If you only have enough chives for 1 ¼ tablespoons, how much parsley should you add to make it up to 2tbsp of herbs? 1. ¾ tablespoon 2. 1 tablespoon 3. ½ tablespoon 4. ¼ tablespoon
FOR THOUSANDS MORE IDEAS VISIT WWW.PRIMARYTIMES.NET
Kumon has given me the confidence to n. work on my ow Germain, 13 udy Centre Walthamstow St
Boost your child’s confidence with Kumon Our maths and English study programmes work to give your child a foundation for learning both in and outside the classroom, building the self-confidence they need to succeed and grow.
Contact your local Instructor today Stourbridge 01384 443629 Blakenhall 01902 682 451 Great Barr 0121 378 2130 Coventry East 02476 413 374 Handsworth Wood 0121 240 1596
Wolverhampton West 01543 262 054 Walsall Daisy Bank 0121 353 9539 Bearwood 0121 558 9338 Halesowen 0121 550 5864 Monkspath, Shirley 0121 420 2005 0800 854 714
Fees vary. Please refer to your local study centre.
kumon.co.uk
Blue Ice solihull rink ❄ “The coolest place to be” Weekends & throughout school holidays – Skating sessions 11am until 4pm daily Skating lessons (5 week course) only £38.00 Parent & Toddler Classes (5 week course) only £25.00 Children’s Birthday Parties (inc skating & a meal) only £12.50 per child Make the most of your visit - on site shop selling all kinds of recreational & professional skates. Ice Breaker Café serving hot food & snacks. We also have function & meeting rooms for hire.
USE THIS VOUCHER TO CLAIM £5.00 OFF A FAMILY TICKET
To claim £5.00 off a family ticket (normal price up to £26.00) on any public session except Friday & Saturday evening disco sessions, please fill in this voucher and hand it to a member of box office upon your arrival. A family ticket is for 2 parents & 2 children or 1 parent & 3 children. Only one voucher can be used per transaction. This offer is non transferable & non refundable. It cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Voucher expires 30th June 2011
Your name .............................................................................................. Area where you live...................................................................... Tel No or email address......................................................................... (If you do not wish to be informed of future promotions please tick here ___ Information provided will not be passed to any third parties).
“We are a lot closer than you think…..just 5 minutes from junction 5 or 6 of the M42 and CAR PARKING IS FREE” For further information call the box office on 0121 742 5561 Or check out our website www.solihullicerink.co.uk Blue Ice Solihull Rink, Blue Ice Plaza, Hobs Moat Road, Solihull, West Midlands B92 8JN
Sandwell Leisure Trust
Easter
Holiday Camps 11th April - 21st April
Enjoy being Active during the Easter Break! *5-16 year olds can take part in a variety of activities, all day camps, swimming, multi sports, football & fun sessions. *Check for under 8 sessions. Sessions hourly to all day.
• Discounts with Leisure Pass • Half price concessions and 10% discounts available (Standard or Concessionary individual membership only where eligible)
Free selected activities with ASDA Sporting Chance
Call your local Leisure Centre for more information
www.slt-leisure.co.uk 0845 659 4815
11+ Mock Exam 21st May 2011 *Photo taken from February 2010 trial exam
Build confidence and prepare your child for the 11+ exam Covers Maths, English, Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning Benchmark your child and highlight their areas of weakness.
Limited places...book now to avoid disappointment
11+ Online Course for Year 4 and 5 children Award winning courses covering essential topics for the 11+ entrance exam
MAKE YOUR PARTY A PARTY THIS YEAR Bouncy Castles, Slides for all ages for outdoors & indoors Active & Explore Organised Parties 0-5 Years D.J DISCO Parties 0-100 years, plus school disco, christenings & special events
Daily online tests (Mon-Fri) Feedback and progress reports from your allocated tutor Inspiring rewards programme
Call us now
Or log on at
0121 244 8605
www.ksol.co.uk/pt
Tel: 07817 033292
See website for more details www.tickety-boo.uk.com
competitions WIN A MEGAMIND DVD An animated superhero send up from the makers of Kung Fu Panda, Megamind is the hilarious story of two alien babies who are sent to Earth and grow up to be sworn enemies, egotistical Metro Man (Brad Pitt) and blue-skinned, big-headed villain Megamind (Will Ferrell), battling each other to either protect or conquer Metro City. But when Megamind and sidekick Minion (a talking fish in the body of a robot gorilla) finally defeat Metro Man, he becomes bored and creates another hero, turning TV cameraman Hal into Tighten (Jonah Hill), to give him someone to fight. However, Tighten decides it’s more fun being the villain and, with help from TV reporter Roxanne (Tina Fey), Megamind finds himself having to become the good guy to save Metro City. Out now on Paramount Pictures Home Entertainment, it’s available on DVD and Double Play with bonus features that include deleted scenes, comic creator and animators’ corner, we have 3 copies to be won.
Just tell us, who is Megamind’s sidekick? Enter on line at www.primarytimes.net/competitions or send your entry to Megamind, Primary Times, Publishing Ink, Fifth Floor, White House, 111 New St, Birmingham B2 4EU by Apr 20
WIN A NOW YOU KNOW ABOUT DVDS Aimed at children aged 5 upwards, Now You Know About is a new series of DVDS designed to make learning fun. Using amusing narration and colourful fun illustrations, the three DVDs each contain short stories about famous people who have helped shape today’s world. Artists looks at Van Gogh, Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Goya and Gainsborough and the tales behind their famous paintings, Scientists tells the stories of Newton, Galileo, Darwin, Louis Pasteur and Marie Curie, and Explorers introduce you to the adventures and discoveries of Columbus, Vasco da Gama, Magellan, Captain Cook and daring Chinese admiral Zheng He. Educational, informative and great fun, they’re available together in a Go Entertain DVD multipack with a special colouring book and we have 5 to give away.
Just tell us: which of the artists painted the Mona Lisa? Enter on line at www.primarytimes.net/competitions or send your entry to You Know, Primary Times, Publishing Ink, Fifth Floor, White House, 111 New St, Birmingham B2 4EU by May 5
WIN A TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA MEET & GREET There’s a special treat at Birmingham Town Hall this Easter with the live musical stage adaptation of Judith Kerr’s much loved children’s picture book, The Tiger Who Came To Tea. The last thing Sophie and her mum expect to find at the door when the bell rings is a big, hungry tiger! Especially one that plays a trumpet. Will there be any tea left at all when dad comes home? The show is at the Town Hall from Tue Apr 19-Fri Apr 22 and we’re giving away a family ticket for four (at least one adult) to the 11am performance on Wed Apr 20. Plus the lucky winner will also get to meet the cast in their costumes after the show.
All you do is tell us: who wrote the book? Enter on line at www.primarytimes.net/competitions or send your entry to Tiger, Primary Times, Publishing Ink, Fifth Floor, White House, 111 New St, Birmingham B2 4EU by Mon Apr 18
FOR THOUSANDS MORE IDEAS VISIT WWW.PRIMARYTIMES.NET
EASTER 2011 ISSUE
27
competitions WIN A VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER DVD There’s a very special Easter Egg Hunt taking place at Ragley Hall, near Alcester on April 24 and Apr 25. Along with Easter themed craft activities, Easter Bunny visit, Punch & Judy shows and Spring Market, the hunts will be themed around the DVD release of Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader, the latest adventure which takes Edmund and Lucy back to Narnia along with their horrid spoiled cousin Eustace. Swallowed into a painting, they find themselves at sea with King Caspian and brave mouse Reepicheep heading for Aslan island in search of the Lost Lords of Narnia and their magic swords, a mission that will determine the land’s fate forever. Full of thrills, action and fabulous creatures, the DVD includes deleted scenes while the Blu-ray has loads of special features, including in depth looks at the secret islands, games and a whole new bonus story. Available on Bluray Triple Play from April 18 on Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, we’ve got 5 copies to be won.
Just tell us: what is the name of Edmund and Lucy’s cousin? Enter on line at www.primarytimes.net/competitions or send your entry to Narnia, Primary Times, Publishing Ink, Fifth Floor, White House, 111 New St, Birmingham B2 4EU by May 5.
WIN BBC GARDENERS’ WORLD LIVE TICKETS At the NEC from Wed Jun 15-Sun Jun 19, this year’s BBC Gardeners’ World Live has more to offer than ever with over 25 Show Gardens, 100 top nurseries and talks and advice from leading experts. Monty Don and Alan Titchmarsh will both be there along with such popular features as Gardeners’ World Magazine Theatre, Floristry Masterclasses, Ask the Experts Stage and the Countryfile Magazine Stage plus an appearance from top wildlife filmmaker Simon King. We’re giving away 2 family tickets for 5 people for Sunday April 19 that will also gain you entrance to the BBC Good Food Show Summer featuring celebrity chefs such as James Martin, John Torode and Gregg Wallace.
To enter, just tell us: which filmmaker will be at the show? Enter on line at www.primarytimes.net/competitions or send your entry to Gardeners, Primary Times, Publishing Ink, Fifth Floor, White House, 111 New St, Birmingham B2 4EU by May 13.
WIN RIO GOODIES In cinemas from April 8, Rio is a big, bright and hilarious new animated adventure from the director who gave you Ice Age. When Blu, a nerdy rare domestic Blue Macaw, is sent to Brazil to meet the equally rare Jewel, the last female of the species, the pair find themselves on an adventure that includes kidnapper poachers, a drooling bulldog and a wise toucan. If they are to escape and survive, Blu is going to have to learn one very important lesson. How to fly! We have 3 goodie bags to give away containing a Rio Pairs game, puffy stickers, character straws, pencil case, frisbee and kid’s t-shirt.
To enter, just tell us: where does Jewel live? Enter on line at www.primarytimes.net/competitions or send your entry to Rio, Primary Times, Publishing Ink, Fifth Floor, White House, 111 New St, Birmingham B2 4EU by Apr 22
28
EASTER 2011 ISSUE
FOR THOUSANDS MORE IDEAS VISIT WWW.PRIMARYTIMES.NET
Ragley Easter 2011 - Primary Times 135 x 90mm
Spring at Ragley
EASTER FUN WITH
There’s plenty of FREE entertainment to keep the children entertained this Easter Wednesday 20 April Tuesday 12 April
24th & 25th April 10am – 5pm
Join us at Ragley for a Narnia themed Easter Trail around the Gardens with lots of great prizes and giveaways including DVDs of the latest Narnia film – The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. (DVD released 18th April)
Ragley is open from 9th – 25th April for the Easter Holidays and we’re just 8 miles from Stratford!
Following the success of our Christmas Market and last year’s Spring Craft Fair we will be adding a Spring Market to our Easter weekend. The ground floor of the House will be filled with craft and gift stalls and Hooke’s Cafe will be open and serving light lunches.
*Includes access to all attractions and activities on day of visit unless otherwise stated.
tel 01789 762090
. ragleyhall.com
Wednesday 13 April
Monday 11 Saturday 23 April
Lots of fun, games and giveaways including an Easter Bonnet parade, egg hunt and face painting. Plus special appearances from Pawlette throughout the day 11am - 3pm, Fountain Square
Spring Market
Adult/Child - £6.50pp • Under 5’s Free • Family of 5 - £25
The Great Big Easter Egg Hunt Come dressed in your best Easter costume and join in the hunt with our Easter Bunny to track down the treats we have in store for you. Starts at Concierge on the lower mall near Ernest Jones.
Build-A-Bear Easter Party
The Easter Bunny will be here as well as Punch & Judy shows throughout the day.
Ragley Admission Prices* for 2011
Peppa Pig & George Meet & Greet Tickets available from 9am on the day of the show from Eat Central. Tickets are issued on a first come first served basis. whilst stocks last. Appearance times: 11am, 12noon, 1pm, 2pm & 3pm.
Thursday 14 April
Cookie Decorating Purchase a coffee to participate. 11.30am - 1.30pm at Eat Central
Friday 15 April
Rio Craft Workshops 11am - 4pm in Fountain Square
Kids get in to Scallywags for only £1 Pop down to Scallywags and just show this ad and entry is only £1 per child. Maximum four children per ad
Win a family ticket to see Peppa Pig and George on Tuesday 12 April
To be in with a chance of winning visit westfield.com/ merryhill, and answer this question: What colour dress is Peppa Pig wearing? Email your answer with your name to uk.merryhillreception@ westfield-uk.com. Closing date for entries is 23 April.
Sign up to Westfield Kids at Concierge on the lower mall near Ernest Jones and receive your FREE Easter Goodie. While stocks last.
westfield.com/merryhill
AK???? MHill Primary Times QtrPg.indd 1
27/03/2011 20:33
Help celebrate our 10th Birthday with RoboThespian, the humanoid robot! Invent things with Wallace and Gromit and join the Animation workshop! Discover science at its most explosive in the Big Bang Show!!
Coming
soon!
exhibition • An extraordinary family day out • Four floors with over 200 hands-on exhibits • Giant Screen • FREE* Spectacular Digital Planetarium
Call 0121 202 2222 or visit www.thinktank.ac * Free Planetarium show with every visit. Subject to availability.
29 April - 5 Sept ‘11
We urgently need individuals and families of all backgrounds to consider if they could give a child a fresh new start and a new home where they will belong - forever. Could you?
0121 303 7575 or text ADOPT 10 to 63333 *
*Texts charged at your service provider’s standard rate.
www.birmingham.gov.uk/adoptionandfostering
VOTED UK’S BEST CHILDRENS ATTRACTION FOR THE SECOND YEAR RUNNING (2009/2010)
SAVE UPTO
59% ON SCHOOLS BOOKINGS Call 0844 472 1960 for more information
www.draytonmanor.co.uk
100 sensational
over
rides & attractions UNIQUE FAMILY FUN, RIDES & ATTRACTIONS THOMAS LAND the first and only TM
attraction of it’s type in Europe
TM & © 2011 Cartoon Network