Primary Times Whitsun 2012

for parents, teachers and children

WHITSUN 2012 ISSUE

In The Mid lands & Black C ountry

WIN! DVDS, TICKETS, BOOKS AND MUCH MUCH MORE!

All illustrations copyright © Axel Scheffler 1999, published by Macmillan Children’s Books

THE HIT MUSICAL ADAPTATION OF THE AWARD WINNING PICTURE BOOK BY JULIA DONALDSON AND AXEL SCHEFFLER

S HO UM M FU LID ER N! AY

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TUE 31 JULY - SUN 5 AUGUST

Box Office: 0121 www.thsh.co.uk

345 0602

tallstories.org.uk

FIT FOR A

N E E QU As The Queen prepares to celebrate 60 years on the throne, we put together a bit of history about Her Majesty as well as a guide to how you can get involved in the Diamond Jubilee The Queen has been on the throne for 60 years, and to celebrate, we are throwing her the biggest party she could ever imagine … it’s called The Diamond Jubilee. Have you heard of it?

I thought so. Well, in this extra special edition of Primary Times, we have loads of information about The Queen, The Diamond Jubilee and loads of special events that are going on around our region.

The Queen came to the throne on February 6 1952 (that’s a long time ago) when her father, King George VI passed away. Queen Elizabeth II was just 25 years old. Can you imagine that, becoming Queen of England at just 25 years of age? Not only is she Queen of England and Head of the Church of England, but she is also Head of State for 15 Commonwealth realms. Now, The Queen

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WHITSUN 2012 ISSUE

is 86 years old and still has the same difficult job of ruling our country, although she now has four children, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Due to her father’s sudden passing, Princess Elizabeth had to abandon her trip to Kenya and fly back to England as Queen. Although she technically assumed the throne the day her father died, she did not have her official coronation until June 2 1953.

A lot has happened during The Queen’s reign.

The television, the computer, the microwave oven and the Frisbee have all been invented, man has walked on the moon, and we have danced to the Beatles, Bananarama and Justin Bieber. Queen Elizabeth has also seen 12 Prime Ministers, 16 Olympic Games and nine X Factor judges! She has certainly lived a full and complete life. Now it’s time for the next chapter.

Want to help The Queen celebrate her Diamond Jubilee? Here’s some ideas on how you can get involved …

Celebrations in Birmingham On Sunday June 3, Cannon Hill Park is holding a Spring Festival with arts, crafts, nature trails, arena activities and 1950s themed entertainment. On Monday June 4, Cannon Hill Diamond Decades Party and Community Games will be a great way to round off the celebrations as a 1952 bandstand tea dance and urban harvest tea garden pull in the crowds for one big party.

The Big Jubilee Lunch will take place on Sunday June 3. The Big Lunch is an Eden Project enterprise organised to encourage people from all across the UK to have lunch with their neighbours. Do you know your neighbours? Well, maybe this is the perfect time to get to know them. A Big Lunch doesn’t have to be big; it can take place in the street, garden, park or community centre – anywhere people can get together to share a spot of lunch. Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall has become the Patron of The Big Jubilee Lunch, which is very fitting as the original Big Lunch idea came from Cornwall. For more ideas on how to host your own Big Lunch, visit www.thebiglunch.com

DON’T FORGET The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will be travelling around the UK to mark the Diamond Jubilee. Her Majesty and His Royal Highness, supported by other members of the Royal Family will be visiting as many people as possible, and they are making a stop in the West Midlands from July 11-12. Are you excited? We certainly are!

Keep up to date with where they will be and when at www.primarytimes.net/midlands

www.primarytimes.net

The Jubilee Pageant is to be held on Sunday June 3 along the River Thames where more than a thousand boats will form a procession between 2pm and 6pm starting at Battersea Bridge and finishing at Tower Bridge.

Rowed boats, working boats and vessels of all shapes and sizes will be beautifully dressed with streamers and Union Jacks with crews turned out in their Sunday best. To read more about the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant, visit www.thamesdiamondjubileepageant.org. We are having our very own Jubilee Pageant in Birmingham on Monday June 4, where revelers will be dressed in 1950s vintage costumes or national dress from countries of the Commonwealth and will walk from the Bullring to Victoria Square.

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Children are be ing encouraged to get ‘bodies this summer as on’ with scien the brand new ce Science Garde Thinktank in Bi n opens at rmingham. With exciting and inv including an eig entive exhibits ht metre high clanging Term giant human ha inus machine mster wheel, th and a e Science Gar be a great day den looks set out for all the fa to mily. The Scien first project of ce Garden is th its type in the e UK and with th defying square e first ever logic-wheeled peop le wagon. The exploration sp interactive outd ace opens on oor Saturday June information, vis 2. To find out it www.thinkta more nk.ac or call 01 21 202 2222.

COME RAIN OR SHINE, NATIONAL TRUST IS WEATHERPROOF

With changeable weather set to continue well into the summer, the National Trust in Warwickshire has plenty of weatherproof ideas to tempt you and your family outside, whatever the weather. From the cosy, moated manor house of Baddesley Clinton to the stories of the Lucy family at Charlecote Park and the stunning weekend house of Lord and Lady Bearstead at Upton House. If you’re feeling brave, Packwood House has a fun welly walk for children who love splashing in puddles. For more ideas on where to go, have a look at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/midlands.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY!

be passing Don’t forget the Olympic Torch will June 30. rday Satu on nds Midla the through 12.com.

Keep up to date on www.london20

THE SHARK WITH A PREFERENCE FOR GREENS! Floren

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ce the six foot long trop ical nurse shark has am azed the Sea Life Centre keeper s in Birmingham by refu sing all offers of tasty fish in favour of lettuce! Florence made the headlines once before as she became the first shark anywhere in the world to survive a surgical procedure out of water and she is now in the news for bei ng the world’s first vegetarian shark. The Sea Life team has to hide pieces of fish inside sticks of celery and hol lowed out cucumbers to make sur e she gets all the protein she needs.

Florence’s mouth is filled with razor-s harp teeth designed for gnashin g fish and crustaceans, but she is continuing to turn her nose up at any thing meaty.

Pop down to see her at Sea Life Centre Birmingham – www.visits ealife.com.

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WHITSUN 2012 ISSUE

Watch world class athletics in Birmingham this summer.

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GOLD

The countdown has begun and the country is sure to be gripped

by Olympic and Paralympic fever over the next few months. If you truly want to embrace this sporting extravaganza with full gusto there’s plenty you can do in advance of the opening ceremony Follow the Flame - Olympic Torch Relay

THE SPORTS The London 2012 Olympic Games will feature 26 sports, which break down into 39 disciplines. We’ve taken a look at some favourites here...

Athletics Athletics will be one of the most popular sports at the London 2012 Olympic Games and it is also the biggest, starring 2,000 athletes. It will be held at the Olympic Stadium, Olympic Park from Friday August 3 to Sunday August 12. The UK is home to a huge network of athletics clubs and leagues – simply visit UK Athletics at www.uka.org.uk for more details about how to find your local track.

Cycling – Road and Track The masters of cycling will be seen on the roads of South West London and beyond and on the track at the specially created Velodrome vying for those lucrative gold medals. The road races start on day one of the Olympics on Saturday July 28 and continue until Wednesday August 1 after which all cycling enthusiasts will divert their eyes to the Velodrome for six action packed days of Track Cycling from Thursday August 2 to Tuesday August 7. British Cycling - www.britishcycling.org.uk has a Go-Ride programme that is aimed at encouraging clubs to help young cyclists enjoy their cycling in a safe, off-road environment.

Gymnastics Marvel at the amazing fluid mobility and strength of the world’s best gymnasts from Saturday July 28 to Tuesday August 7. For more on the sport go to www.british-gymnastics.org.

Rowing

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Explosive displays of strength and stamina are sure to be seen on the spectacular lake at Eton Dorney near Windsor. The rowing competition runs from Saturday July 28 to Saturday August 4 and includes 14 Olympic Rowing events. To get started in rowing go to www.britishrowing.org.

Swimming The pool events will take place at the specially created Aquatics Centre on the Olympic Park from Saturday July 28 to Saturday August 4. If your child is water bound take a look at the British Swimming website: www.swimming.org/britishswimming.

Kirsty Woodgate

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Lit in Greece, the Olympic Flame arrived in the UK on May 18, to start its 70-day journey meandering across the country before arriving at its final destination the Olympic Stadium on July 28. An interactive map that shows the full route can be found at www.london2012.com/olympic-torch-relay. The journey starts on Saturday May 19 in Land’s End and will hit the West Midlands on day 44 greeting the people of Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Dudley, West Bromwich, Oldbury and Smethwick with an evening celebration in Birmingham’s Cannon Hill Park on Saturday June 30.

Celebrate the Olympics in your community From arranging a village Olympics to sprucing up your flowerbeds for all to see when the Olympic flame speeds past your house; from hosting a ‘Brains for the Games’ sports quiz to lighting a lantern at a street parade, there are so many fun and exciting ways to get involved – for inspiration and ideas just look at www.london2012.com/get-involved. If you think you have what it takes to be a ‘Local Leader’ – someone who will be able to plan a celebration for the Games in their community, then you can sign up at www.london2012.com/get-involved/local-leaders.

The Get Set Education Programme Schools can fully embrace the Olympic spirit by using the Get Set Education Programme that is designed to take the magic and inspiration of the London 2012 Games out to classrooms across the UK. For more details go to www.getset.london2012.com.

Lloyds TSB National School Sport Week - June 25-29 2012 Registered schools to National Schools Sport Week will receive access to resources that will use the power and excitement of London 2012 to inspire children, parents and community to get involved. The resources provide ideas on how to stage your own Games, host a Torch Relay, plan an Opening and Closing Ceremony and how to engage young people in a wide range of sports.

Participating schools may also wish to celebrate London 2012 World Sport Day on Monday June 25. For more details go to www.2012.youthsporttrust.org or www.schoolsportsweek.org.

Cultural Olympiad To complement the Olympic and Paralympic Movements, the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad is a large celebration initiated to inspire creativity across all platforms of culture, through dance, music, theatre, the visual arts, film and digital innovation - to leave a lasting legacy for the arts in the UK. For information, inspiration or ideas look at www.london2012.com/cultural-olympiad.

Big Screens – Live Sites During the Games, big screens displaying the latest sporting action and event spaces will appear at a number of cities across the country delivering live information, video, news and community events. For the nearest Live Site to you go to www.london2012.com/live-sites.

Be at the heart of the action If you want to be at the heart of all the action, then the London 2012 Festival, the UK’s biggest free celebration of the London 2012 Games, will appeal. This allencompassing festival promises to give everyone a chance to embrace the spirit of the Olympics and runs from June 21 to September 9 2012.

For details go to www.festival.london2012.com.

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theatre

In the Midlands and Black Country July 2-7

Birmingham REP Box Office: 0121 236 4455 St. George’s Court, Albion Street www.birmingham-rep.co.uk

May 31 - June 2

Hip Hope Hero Hip Hope Hero is a seriously cool new play for children and families. The Hip Hope Hero holds the world’s biggest secret … that inside everyone lurks a hero. Come and meet the Hip Hope Hero and soon your very own unique and powerful inner hero will be released.

Packed full of dance, poetry, animation, music and puppets, this super cool play will be a thrilling experience for children and families.

Tickets are £7.50 for adults and £4.50 for children and concessions.

Symphony Hall Box Office: 0121 345 0600 Broad Street, Birmingham www.thsh.co.uk

June 9

Musical Picnic

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Tuck into a morning of musical entertainment for all the family while you watch, listen and join in with fun performances and activities. Daholl Kurdish Ensemble performs a lively blend of Kurdish and Middle Eastern music ranging from traditional to contemporary popular dance. Free event; just turn up at the Symphony Hall Café Bar at 10.30am.

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MFY National Festival The six-day Music For Youth national festival showcasing inspirational young musicians from across the UK is coming to Birmingham. Performances will take place at Symphony Hall, Town Hall and Birmingham Conservatoire’s Adrian Boult Hall and Recital Hall.

Performances will include jazz, orchestral, rock, folk, world, urban, wind, brass, pop, choral and chamber plus workshops, commissions and brand new collaborative projects.

Check the www.thsh.co.uk website for full information on performances and tickets.

Wistow Hall

NIA Birmingham

Box Office: 0116 231 8431 Off Kibworth Road, near Leicester www.wistow.com

Box Office: 0844 338 8000 King Edwards Road, Birmingham www.thenia.co.uk

The Crescent Theatre Box Office: 0121 236 4455 Sheepcote, Street, Birmingham www.crescent-theatre.co.uk

June 22-23

Happy Feet Get those toes tapping for a great family evening out.

Happy Feet is presented by Lynford School of Dancing as they showcase some of their best moves. Tickets are £9 for adults and £8 concessions.

June 9

July 7-8

Diamond Jubilee Music in the Park

2012 British Trampoline, Tumbling and DMT Championships

A special charity concert is being hosted by the Brooks family in the grounds of Wistow Hall in Leicestershire.

Bring your own picnic and enjoy a wonderful evening listening to music by Junction 21 – an 18-piece swing band, and the award-winning allfemale brass band Boobs & Brass. This will be followed by a fabulous firework display in front of Wistow Hall.

The concert is supporting LOROS (Hospice Care for Leicestershire & Rutland), Warning Zone (Leicestershire & Rutland Crimebeat Ltd.) and the Breast Cancer Campaign. Tickets are £12.50 for adults, £5 for 12-16 year olds and under 12s are free.

Gates open at 5.30pm, music starts at 7.30pm, finale and fireworks display starts at 10pm.

Want to see Britain’s best gymnasts as they descend on Birmingham’s NIA to battle it out for the coveted British titles? Well, now’s your chance. Non-stop action with high-flying somersaults and twists in the spectacular individual and synchronised trampoline events is mixed with mind-blowing fast-paced tumbling and the dynamic double-mini trampoline (DMT) giving the crowd a real feast of gymnastics to entertain and cheer on. Tickets are £13 for adults and £10 for children under ten.

Belgrade Theatre Box Office: 024 7684 6738 Belgrade Square, Coventry www.belgrade.co.uk

June 29-30

The Dance Show

July 25-29

Disney Live! presents Mickey’s Magic Show Everyone loves Disney magic and this summer you can see your heroes live on stage in Birmingham. Presented

by Mickey Mouse, the show will feature some of Disney’s favourite characters including Donald Duck, Goofy, Alice in Wonderland and the Mad Hatter, and Princesses Jasmine, Belle, Snow White and Cinderella. They will appear alongside world-class magicians to perform tricks from legendary Disney films.

Tickets are £19 for adults, £16.50 for children and family tickets are from £60.

Freeman Dance has become one of the largest and most successful dance schools in the UK and to celebrate its 30th birthday, all 300 students (from age 2 to 19) are putting on a spectacular show. From ballet to street, tap to acrobatics, The Dance Show has something for every member of the family to enjoy. Tickets are £12.75 for adults and £10.75 for children and concessions.

Town Hall Box Office: 0121 345 0600 Victoria Square, Birmingham www.thsh.co.uk

July 31 - August 5

The Gruffalo Everyone loves The Gruffalo and now is your chance to see him live.

Join Mouse on an adventurous

journey through the deep, dark wood in Tall Stories; magical, musical adaptation of the awardwinning picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

Voted the nation’s number one bedtime story, The Gruffalo has been performed to millions of people worldwide and has even been adapted for our TV screens with a star-studded cast. Tickets to see The Gruffalo at Birmingham Town Hall are £10.50. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Alexandra Theatre Box Office: 0121 230 9070 Station Street, Birmingham www.alexandratheatre.org.uk

August 14-16

Angelina Ballerina: The Mousical Everyone’s favourite dancing mouse, Angelina Ballerina is back on stage. Angelina is pirouetting her way onto the stage in a magical show packed full of singing, dancing, entertainment and mouse-tastic tunes. Tickets are from £13.50 to £17.50.

HOLIDAY FUN FOR FAMILIES The Railway Children

JUBILEE STREET PARTY FUN Tuesday 5th June - 11am-4pm

Family Fun in Library Square, Touchwood 10am

Craft workshop - Jubilee keyring 10.45am Touchwood parade (lasts approx 15 mins.)

11am Mayor officially opens Street Party Jazz band Tipitina start performing regular sets through until 4pm close.

11.30am Craft workshop - Union ‘Jack’ Badges 12pm Party entertainer & artist fun begins with giant ‘knitting nancy’ & T-towel.

12-1pm Stitch’n’knit - watch & learn for free!

1.30pm Craft workshop - ‘Keep Calm’ tag 3pm Craft workshop - Jubilee stamp Free quiz, hat, crown & costume competitions are judged throughout the day with spot prizes.

Craft workshops cost £4 each - book early!

SOLIHULL

Live outdoor drama show in Brueton Park, Warwick Rd, Solihull.

A timeless classic tale with music, the show is suitable for the whole family. Check availability and bring seats/blanket and a picnic to this fun, family show in a beautiful lakeside setting.

Tues 31st July at 7pm in Brueton Park Tickets £7 (£6 ch.) in advance, £8 (£7) on the gate

Summer Arts Course@the Arts Den

Stig of the Dump

Course in the Studio at Solihull Arts Complex

2-day dance, art & drama course based on ‘Stig’ story.

Great fun, artistic and energetic this unusual course ends with a show of the arty creations & a mini-play.

Mon 13 & Tues 14 August (2 day arts course) Course fee £30 2 days, incl. materials - ages 7-14 (or going into Y3)

Mr Honk & his Sad Trombone Live Theatre performance

This end of summer hols show combines live music with hilarious physical comedy.

Mr Honk is a cheery bandleader whose trombone suddenly develops ‘the blues’! Show lasts 60 mins - suitable for ages 5+.

Two shows in Theatre at 12.30pm & 3.30pm on Friday 31st August - Tickets £6 each

Book online at www.solihullartscomplex.co.uk Box Office: 0121 704 6962

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ON SALE NOW

Christmas 2012

Ages: 3+

“A fun-filled frolic.” “A perfect mini-adventure…”

The Daily Mail @warwickarts

Learn to look after a pony, groom, ride, feed, tack up.

All you need to know!!

For more information see our website

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box office: 024 7652 4524 / www.warwickartscentre.co.uk 50p per ticket booking fee applies

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Lessons Everyday 9-4 Camps Own a pony for a day.

Piano/keyboard/woodwind/ guitar/vocal coaching Lessons held in newly renovated music rooms in Stourbridge Quality music lessons taught in a fun, supportive environment by experienced teachers

Thu 29 Nov - Sun 30 Dec

Warwick Arts Centre

Sandwell Valley Riding Centre

All ages and abilities

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Warwick Arts Centre, The University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL

Ring to book.

Ask for Hannah or Toni.

Tel: 0121 588 2103

or to discuss your requirements call 07565 208171 or email us

csharpmusicschool@btinternet.com

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COVENTRY TRANSPORT MUSEUM

A day out the whole family will...

EN FRE TR E Y

23/3/09 16:56:01

AT

Whats On Daily until Sun 10 June Royalty On The Road An exhibition of vehicles used by Royalty.

Sat 2 to Sun 10 June Royal Half Term Activities Crown Jewels activity trails plus a different craft activity each day.

Monday 4 June Royal Family Day Celebrate the Jubilee with a range of Royal activities at his special event.

Various dates throughout June Coventry Cycling Festival Talks, cycle rides and two-wheeled family fun 22 June to 14 October Pedals To Medals A new exhibition celebrating the history and heroes of cycling, with lots of interactive family activities

www.transport-museum.com Tel: 024 7623 4270 *Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Last admission 4.30pm

LOCAL STORES AT STRATFORD LEAMINGTON SPA & WARWICK AND THROUGHOUT THE UK

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08/05/2012 13:40

t o n o b d ru a u Turtle Fest 2012

Help Sea Life Centre Birmingham celebrate the opening of a brand new turtle rescue centre in Greece that has been funded by visitors to the Sea Life Centre. Find out more about the amazing animals in Turtle Talks, learn about their conservation status and what we can do to help protect them and their environment. Turtle related activities will be on hand to provide fun and entertainment including family activity packs and quiz trails. You can also have your picture taken with a smiling turtle and watch a 4D film about Sammy the Sea Turtle in the 4D Cinema. Open from 10am to 5pm weekdays, 10am to 6pm weekends. Adults £18, children £14.40, family £56.40. www.visitsealife.com for detailed price discounts, offers and events.

June 2-9

Half term at The Public

July 21 - January 6

Dinosaurs Uncovered at

Herbert Featuring amazing life-size dinosaurs, real and replica fossils and holographic video presentations by wildlife expert Chris Packham, Dinosaurs Uncovered is the latest thrilling exhibition brought to you by the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum. Starting in the Triassic period when dinosaurs first appeared, the exhibition follows their growth and success through the Jurassic period to their ultimate extinction at the end of the Cretaceous period, around 65 million years ago. This is a truly interactive experience that will get the whole family involved.

Tickets go on sale on June 1 for Dinosaurs Uncovered: adults £5.95, children £4.95, family £18. See www.theherbert.org for all the information on the exhibition and how to buy tickets.

This Whitsun half term, there is lots going on at The Public in West Bromwich. Cool interactive workshops, uplifting children’s theatre and free exhibitions will keep the whole family entertained. Highlights include Lovely Jub-i-lee, a flower making workshop inspired by the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, and Draw Botz: Next Generation, the fuse of fun, science and digital photography takes the famous drawing robots to the next level.

Open from 10am to 5pm. Admission free. See www.thepublic.com for more information.

June 2-10

Jubilee fun at Cadbury World Cadbury World is getting into the spirit of London 2012 and will be hosting a variety of games and activities for visitors. Britain’s Got Talent finalists Strike will be entertaining visitors with martial arts and street dance shows alongside a football freestyler who will be showing off his tricks and skills.

There will also be the opportunity for all visitors to take part in the Cadbury World Sports Day which will include the Creme Egg and Spoon race, the Space Hopper bounce-along and the Sugar sack race. Open from 9.30am to 4pm. Usual entry prices apply: adults £14.75, children £10.75, seniors £11.10, family (2+2) £45, family (2+3) £53. For all the information on special events at Cadbury World, visit www.cadburyworld.co.uk or call 0844 880 7667.

June 3-5 and July 11-12

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations

The whole city is joining forces to help the Queen celebrate her 60-y ear milestone on the throne. Sunday June 3 sees the Big Lunch where Birmingham residents are being encouraged to host street parties.

For more information on hosting a Big Lunch, contact Birmingham City Council through www.birmingham. gov.uk/diamond-jubilee. Also on Sunday June 3, Cannon Hill Park is holding a Spring Festival with arts, crafts, nature trails, arena activities and 1950s themed entertainmen t. On Monday June 4 there will be a Jubi lee Pageant going from the Bullring to Victoria Square seeing revelers dressed in 1950s vintage costume s or national dress from countries of the Commonwealth. Cannon Hill Diam ond Decades Party and Community Games will be a great way to round off the celebrations as a 1952 bandstan d tea dance and urban harvest tea gard en pull in the crowds for one big part y.

To complete the festivities, the Que en and Duke of Edinburgh will be in the Midlands on the weekend of July 11-12, visiting Hereford, Worceste r, Birmingham and Shropshire. Look out for more details of when they’re in your area.

June 2-10

Wonderful Whitsun A special Jubilee themed event with the amazing Dog Agility Show is taking place during Whitsun at Hatton Farm Village in Warwickshire. Children can take part in the Royal Quest competition with prizes for all child ren who take part. There is also a grea t programme of fun events including Goat and Sheep racing. Visit www . hattonworld.com for more informati on on events, times and prices.

www.primarytimes.net

May - June 1

Hatton Farm

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roundabout June 3

Big Lunch at Blakesley Hall

Celebrate the Diamond Jubilee at Blakesley Hall. Bring a picnic and enjoy the attractive gardens. Follow the Diamond ring trail, play garden games and have a look around the beautiful Tudor house.

Open from 12-4pm.

Free entry. www.bmag.org.uk.

Black Country Living Museum

June 2-10 Outdoor activities for girls and boys aged 6 – 13 years

Access to the forest based at the heart of the Lickey Hills

Open 8am to 5.30pm daily throughout the school holidays

For more information, visit our website

www.littlebigforest.co.uk or call us on 0 7 8 1 0 1 0 0 4 1 4

Half term activities at BCLM

June 3-4

Diamond Jubilee Extravaganza at BMAG

Join in with the official Birmingham City Council Diamond Jubilee celebrations The Black Country Living Museum with two fantastic events is making the most of Whitsun over two fun-packed family half term with loads of family fun days. Bringing together some activities for all to enjoy. Discover of the best vintage fashions, the in time the delights of play g accessories, collectables, curios last century and teach the youn with dom bore sh and crafts, this event is a treat bani to ones how traditional street games including for all the family. Take a trip hopscotch and skipping. Test down memory lane and bop your skill with a cup and ball whilst you shop to the fantastic and the whip and top. Take up Rockettes retro girl band. Prizes the challenge to see how long for the best vintage stalls and you can keep the hoop rolling traders, free family activities in the hoop and stick game and with chances to win a giant retro attempt to knock over all nine n Space Hopper. Open from 11am pins in a game of skittles. Ope 95, £14. ts to 4pm on Sunday and 11am Adul .

5pm to from 10am ren to 5pm on Monday. Adults £1, concessions £11.95, child . .bclm www 95. £39. ly fami under 12 free. www.bmag.org.uk 5, £7.9 co.uk for more events. for more information.

June 2-10

Wonderful Whitsun at Warwick Castle

www.primarytimes.net 14

25th – 29th July 2012

0844 3388000

WHITSUN 2012 ISSUE

Jousting returns to Warwick Castle for some extra special tournaments for Whitsun half term. Take your seats to witness the Royal Joust for the Jubilee.

Also, celebrate the Queen’s 60 years on the throne with the characters from history.

Open from 10am to 6pm. Usual admission applies: adults £30.60, seniors £27, children £25.80, family (2+2) £107.40, family (2+3) £132, online discounts available. Visit www.warwick-castle.com for all event information.

June 3-5

Go Royal at Kenilworth See if you have what it takes to join the ranks of royalty in the special royal themed Time Travellers Go Royal event at Kenilworth Castle. Enjoy games and crafts fit for a king and queen and meet some royal characters from times gone by. Open from 11am to 5pm.

Usual admission prices apply, adults £8.20, children £4.90, concessions £7.40, family £21.30. Have a look at www.english-heritage.org.uk for all the information.

Family Fun AT KenilwoRTh cASTle Time Travellers Go… Royal Sun 3 – Tue 5 Jun Knight School for Dads Sun 17 Jun Events take place 11am – 5pm Kenilworth Castle & Elizabethan Garden, Warwickshire CV8 1NE www.english-heritage.org.uk/kenilworth or call 01926 852078

Opens June 2012

With giant, whizzy, clanging interactives powered by the sun, wind, water and YOU, play at Thinktank’s brand new Science Garden is like nothing else in the UK! Get bodies on with human-sized science experiments it’s scientastic outdoor fun for the whole family!

thinktank.ac/sciencegarden Tel: 0121 202 2222 Thinktank, Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham, B4 7XG

Made possible by:

and a range of other charitable trusts and supporters

FREE to Thinktank ticket holders

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An individual approach to education

St George’s School Edgbaston Give your child the best start in life with an education at St George’s School, in Edgbaston.

June 4-8

Whitsun Whizz Kids at Ackers

A fully co-educational independent day school, offering a caring and friendly community for children from age 3 to18 years.

Small classes with a fun learning ethos for younger pupils Outstanding dyslexia support 11+ tuition and excellent exam results After school care until 5.50pm Extra-curricular and enrichment activities

OPEN DAY 26TH JUNE, 3PM - 5PM Places still available for Kindergarten and Reception, September 2012 entry

Tel: 0121 625 0398 31, Calthorpe Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 1RX www.sgse.co.uk Email: admissions@sgse.co.uk Birmingham Repertory Theatre and Moving Hands present

Ackers Adventure is running their usual school holiday activity sessions throughout the half term Whitsun break. Whizz Kids is specially designed for 8-16 year olds and gives children the opportunity to try skiing, archery, canoeing or climbing for just £8 per session. www.ackers-adventure.co.uk for all event information.

June 4-5

children over five. Open from 1-3pm. £2.50 per child. Booking is essential, call 0121 554 3598 or visit www.bmag.org.uk for more information.

The Book Bash is a highlight of the Young Readers Festival and this year will be the biggest and best yet. Visit Aston Hall and Park for two fantastic days of events with an exciting line up of top children’s authors, poets and storytellers, plus fun activities, entertainment and magic. Activities run from 11am to 4pm on both days. For more information visit www.bmag. org.uk.

June 12,13,14,21

Young Readers’ Birmingham Book Bash

June 6

@ The Old Rep Theatre

31 May to 2 June followed by a national tour 5+

www.primarytimes.net

Adults £7.50, children £4.50 with family tickets available

Funky Fleur-delis in Jewellery Quarter

Box Office

0121 236 4455

Book Online birmingham-rep.co.uk

WHITSUN 2012 ISSUE

As part of the Children’s Lives exhibition at Birmingham Museum, classic children’s television programmes are being shown. The screening will feature classic episodes of Bagpuss, The Clangers, The Wombles, Button Moon and Mr Benn. This is one for parents, really, but the children are sure to enjoy the retro feel of these timeless shows. Screenings last approximately 60 minutes.

Drop in and out as you wish.

Screenings start at 12pm in the AV Room in the Gas Hall.

Free entry with Children’s Lives exhibition tickets, available from the Gas Hall reception desk.

June 6

Birmingham Repertory Theatre is a registered charity, number 223660

16

Classic Children’s TV at Birmingham Museum

Join designer, maker and artist Adrienne Craddock to make a brooch or pendant inspired by the fleur-de-lis motifs of the gothic revival. Suitable for

Barnardo’s Big Toddle at Dudley Zoo The Barnardo’s Big Toddle is the biggest and brightest fundraising event for children under five. It’s a short sponsored walk held at various venues throughout the UK and Dudley Zoo’s Castle Courtyard is one of them. All the money raised goes to locally-based Barnardo’s projects for children under five in the UK. Toddlers are free to enter, adults are £5 each. Check the websites for more information: www.dudleyzoo.org.uk and www.bigtoddle.co.uk or call 0845 270 9900.

June 16-17

Father’s Day weekend at Cadbury World Wondering where to take your Dad for Father’s Day? Take a pit-stop at Cadbury World for a weekend that your Dad will love.

With all the things that will make this a weekend your Dad will never forget including a giant Scalextric track where he can go up against other Dads to win prizes for the fastest drivers.

Open from 10am to 4pm. Usual entry prices apply: adults £14.75, children £10.75, seniors £11.10, family (2+2) £45, family (2+3) £53. For all the information on special events at Cadbury World, visit www.cadburyworld.co.uk or call 0844 880 7667.

dabout in front of a watchful master tutor. Open from 11am to 5pm.

Usual admission prices apply, adults £8.20, children £4.90, concessions £7.40, family Warwickshire Wildlife Trust has £21.30. Have a look at put on a selection of great family www.english-heritage.org.uk for activities including wildflower all the information. identification courses, centenary film showings and bug hunting June 23-24 at Brandon Marsh – 11am to 3pm on Saturday June 16.

Walks around Warwickshire’s finest hay meadow at Draycote The Severn Valley Railway Meadows – 2pm on Sunday is turning back the clocks to June 17. Wildplay sessions and the 1940s with a light-hearted bug hunting at Kingsbury Park journey back to wartime Britain.

– 2pm to 4pm on Sunday June Attractions include costumed 17. Visit www.warwickshirereenactors, a 1940s wedding, wildlife-trust.org.uk for all the replica RAF operations room, details. flypast by aircraft from the

June 16-17

Meadow wildlife with WWT

How will you celebrate

the Jubilee?

Come and enjoy Jubilee parties and family events at Baddesley Clinton, Charlecote Park, Packwood House, Upton House & Gardens and Wightwick Manor & Gardens.

Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/midlandsjubilee to find a great day out on your doorstep.

Step back to the 1940s with SVR

June 17

Knight school for Dads at Kenilworth There’s loads of fun for Dads to get involved with at Kenilworth Castle for Father’s Day. Dads and kids can become knights for the day and hone their skills for the medieval battlefield

Battle of Britain memorial flight and visits from Prime Minister Winston Churchill and King George VI. One day ‘freedom of the line’ ticket: adults £22.50, seniors £20, children £14, family £60. Two day ‘freedom of the line’ ticket: adults £33.50, seniors £29, children £20, family £90. Discounts available for prebooking. Visit www.svr.co.uk for all the details.

Registered Charity No. 205846. © National Trust Images

Saint Martin's June Open Eve 2012 v4_Layout 2 14/05/2012 10:46 Page 1

Saint Martin’s School Solihull

June 13-17

These two shows are once again coming to the NEC in Birmingham.

The shows are the perfect opportunity to educate children about plants, encourage them to appreciate nature, teach them about the environment, see how vegetables grow and where their food comes from, taste new and exciting food and enjoy a great day out with all the family. Tickets are £19.75 for adults, £17.75 for seniors and children. Tickets allow entry into both shows. On Saturday and Sunday, any paying adult can bring up to two children under 16 to the show absolutely free. Visit www.bbcgoodfoodshowsummer.com and www.gardenersworldlive.com for all the details.

Where girls succeed

Year 5 Taster Day

For Girls interested in Senior School Entry in 2013 Wednesday 13 June 8.45 am - 2.45 pm

Open Evening Nursery to Sixth Form

Friday 22 June 2012 4.30 - 6.30 pm Nursery vouchers accepted Means-tested assisted places available from Year 3 Non means-tested Academic, Music and Sports Scholarships offered at Year 7 and Sixth Form Independent Girls’ Day School Saint Martin’s, Malvern Hall, Brueton Avenue, Solihull B91 3EN Tel. 0121 705 1265 mail@saintmartins-school.com www.saintmartins-school.com Registered Charity No. 528967

WHITSUN 2012 ISSUE

www.primarytimes.net

BBC Good Food and BBC Gardeners’ World

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OCTONAUTS™ Meomi Design Inc. OCTONAUTS © 2012 Vampire Squid Productions Ltd.

s e p i c e r

From June 13-17, thousands of people will flock to the NEC in Birmingham to see the BBC Good Food Show Summer. We asked BBC

Gooey chocolate cherry cookies

Good Food Show to teach us some tasty summery puddings for us to make. Try them yourself – they’re scrummy!

- makes 20 large cookies

Method: Heat oven to 190C/fan 170C/gas 5. Beat the butter, sugars and egg until smooth then mix

in the flour, chocolates and cherry pieces and ½ tsp salt. Spoon onto non-stick baking sheets in large rough blobs - you’ll get 20 out of this mix. Make sure they are well spaced as the cookies grow substantially as they bake. The raw dough can be frozen.

Bake for 12-14 mins until just golden, but still quite pale and soft in the middle. If baking from frozen, give them a few minutes more.

Cool on the sheets for five minutes then lift onto racks with a fish slice and leave to cool.

Recipe by Jane Hornby

- makes 2 or 4

for the filling 12 small strawberries, halved 150ml double cream 200g white chocolate, chopped Method: Put the flour, sugar and hazelnuts in the food processor with a pinch of salt. Add the butter and process to fine breadcrumbs.

With the processor running, add the egg and whizz until the dough forms a ball. You may need to add a splash of cold water if it doesn’t come together

Strawberry cheesecake Ingredients: 1 vanilla pod 250g digestive biscuits 100g butter, melted 600g soft cheese 100g icing sugar 284ml double cream 400g strawberries, halved, for the top 25g icing sugar, for the top

Hazelnut tarts with white chocolate and strawberries Ingredients: for the tart 1 egg 1 tbsp hazelnuts, chopped 180g plain flour 60g icing sugar 90g butter, chilled and diced pinch of salt

RE GE ME MB AN T H E AD ELP R T O U F CO LT RO OK WH M IN EN G

quickly. Roll the dough out thinly on a floured work surface. Use a pastry cutter to cut 24 small circles about 8cm across. Press each into a mini muffin tin and put in the freezer for 20 minutes.

Heat the oven to 180C/fan 160C/ gas 4. Bake the tart cases for 15 minutes.

Heat the double cream in a glass bowl set over simmering water.

Add the chopped chocolate and whisk constantly until incorporated. Spoon into the cooled pastries. Chill for an hour and then top with a strawberry half.

Recipe from www.bbcgoodfood.com

Method: Make the base: Butter and line a 23cm loose-bottomed tin with baking parchment.

Put the biscuits in a plastic food bag and crush to crumbs using a rolling pin. Transfer the crumbs to a bowl then pour over the melted butter. Mix thoroughly until the crumbs are completely coated. Tip them into the prepared tin and press firmly down into the base to create an even layer. Chill in the fridge for 1 hour to set firmly.

While the base is setting, slice the vanilla pod in half lengthways, leaving the tip intact, so that the two halves are still joined. Holding onto the tip of the pod, scrape out the seeds using the back of a kitchen knife.

Make the filling: Place the soft cheese, icing sugar and vanilla seeds in a bowl, then beat with an electric mixer until smooth.

Tip in the cream and continue beating until the mixture is completely combined. Now spoon the cream mixture onto the biscuit base, working from the edges inwards and making sure that there are no air bubbles. Smooth the top of the cheesecake down with the back of a dessert spoon or spatula. Leave to set in the fridge overnight.

When you’re ready to eat, bring the cheesecake to room temperature, about 30 minutes before serving. Purée half the strawberries in a blender or food processor with 25g icing sugar and 1 tsp water, then sieve. Pile the remaining strawberries onto the cake then pour over purée.

Recipe from www.bbcgoodfood.com

WHITSUN 2012 ISSUE

www.primarytimes.net

Ingredients: 1 egg ½ tsp salt 225g self-raising flour 200g unsalted butter, at room temperature 85g light muscovado sugar 85g golden caster sugar 50g plain chocolate, 50-70% cocoa, roughly chopped 50g white chocolate, roughly chopped 85g natural colour glacé cherries, roughly chopped

19

r m k w o boo Our pick

must-haves of the latest

I am not a Loser (7+)

kshelf

for your boo

Jim Smith, Egmont, £5.99

Barry Loser has a tough time at school – with a name like Barry Loser, you can imagine the insults. His name never bothered him before, but there is a new boy at school called Darren Darrenofski who makes it his mission to tease Barry Loser. Barry and his best friend Bunky dress up and make their own television shows in the playground at school, that is until Darren comes in and ruins everything. I am not a Loser is a great book with funny illustrations, quips and anecdotes as well as the all-important morals.

l Curse (9+) il h e n o B e h T

Jon Mayhew, Bloomsbury, £6.99

Necessity Bonehill has unknowingly unleashed an evil djinn. Djinns are mythical creatures similar to a genie. She has just seven days to get him back in the bottle, but the djinn has a very different plan. The djinn wants revenge after having spent three thousand years trapped in the bottle and if that means turning Victorian London into a zombie filled disaster zone, then so be it. For Necessity and her best friend Azuli, this story follows their race against time to stop the djinn from carrying out his deadly last wish.

This book is great for boys and girls alike.

Stitch Head: The Pirate’s Eye (7+) Guy Bass, Stripes Publishing, £4.99

d a Robot How to buil ad) (5+) D r u o y h it (w

ra Books, £12.99 Aubrey Smith, O’Ma Otto the robot and his Dad, Zippy have written a book (with a bit of help from human Aubrey Smith) to teach you how to build your very own robot. In the book you will find 25 easy to build robots (most of which are made out of things you will find around your house), illustrated step-by-step instructions on how to make your robots and information about Otto’s favourite robots. This is the perfect gift for dads this Father’s Day (June 17, as if he hasn’t been reminding you since Christmas!).

iew!

Reader rev www.primarytimes.net 20

This issue’s reader review comes from Katie in Wolverhampton …

“My favourite book is Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K.Rowling. I love this book because it is the first of the Harry Potter books and introduces Harry and Hogwarts. I really like the magic and I think Ron Weasley is really funny. I love this book because it made me want to read the other Harry Potter books.”

WHITSUN 2012 ISSUE

Stitch Head is a jigsaw of bits, pieces and spare parts. His round head is covered in stitches – hence his name, and his eyes are different colours. One day in yesteryear, in a hidden corner of Castle Grotteskew, Stitch Head discovers a really old book with stories of the adventures of a swashbuckling pirate called Dash Flashpowder. Stitch Head becomes convinced that he is in possession of Flashpowder’s missing eye and sets out on a makeshift ship to find the previous owner of his eye. Stitch Head’s mission changes rapidly as he attempts to rescue his master from the clutches of a mysterious enemy. A gripping tale of monsters, pirates and the scary sea.

about We want to hear rite to us W s! ok bo your favourite ishing Ink, bl Pu , es m Ti at Primary se Hou , 111 New Fifth Floor, White am, B2 4EU gh Street, Birmin or email us at ngink.co.uk and jennifer@publishi vourite books fa tell us about your ve them. and why you lo e your name here You might even se issue! in the next

E D G B A S TO N HIGH SCHOOL for GIRLS

An independent school for girls aged 2½-18 years Forthcoming Open Events: Senior School ursday 28th June 2012 4:30-7:00pm ursday 27th September 2012 4:30-7:00pm Preparatory School Saturday 29th September 2012 9:30am-12:00noon Scholarships at 11+ and 16+ Means tested bursaries We st b o u r n e Ro a d , Ed g b a sto n , B i r m i n g h a m B 1 5 3 TS Te l . 0 1 2 1 4 5 4 5 8 3 1 a d m i s s i o n s @ e d g b a sto n h i g h . co . u k w w w. e d g b a sto n h i g h . co . u k

Open Day Kumon’s maths and English study programmes work to build your child’s confidence and inspire a passion for learning.

To unlock your child’s potential, contact your local Instructor for a Free Assessment: Shirley Study Centre Sajjad Hussain 0121 366 8206 OPEN DAY Saturday 16 June 2012 2.00pm - 6.30pm at The Shirley Centre, 274 Stratford Road, Shirley, Solihull B90 3AD

kumon.co.uk

Re g i ste red C h a r i t y n o : 5 0 4 0 1 1 L i m i ted C o m p a ny reg i ste re d i n L o n d o n n o 1 0 6 3 1

Free Assessments for Grammar School 11+ All children in Year 3 and Year 4 should apply

0121 709 1200 www.advantage11plus.com email: info@advantage11plus.com

The UKs Largest Tropical Butterfly Paradise 2nd - 10th June 2012

Fun for the Family!!

Juggling workshops • Face painting Glitter tattoos • Story Time Jungle Explorers Trail • Meet the Minibeasts See our website for full details

Swans Nest Lane, Stratford upon-Avon, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 7LS

01789 299288 88 www.butterflyfarm.co.uk m k

e s i v o m

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America. However, to start a new life in nd gla En l, rld is at oo erp set sail from Liv rnabus finds the wo ung son Barnabus, decades on and Ba yo o ir fate Tw a the ily. to h s fam wit bu ir s, rna llin the i Co who dooms Ba d been placed on d Joshua and Naom of 1972. e Bouchard, a witch rious curse that ha rld liqu ste ge wo my t An It’s the year 1752 an en the of fer pe art dif ca he ry es ve tomb into a til he breaks the was enough to he emerges from his rful and loveable, un not even an ocean rejoin Barnabus as king him very powe we ma s er he lat s ric rie his ntu h ce wit his feet a vampire. Two she turns him into Johnny Lee Miller. worse than death: chelle Pfeiffer and Mi n, ee Gr a Ev , pp De ny hn Jo Starring

June 1

are back on cat and his chums The loveable cool time round, is Th . t: The Movie the block in Top Ca a new Police regime laid down by they face a forceful yways of alle y’s cit on ridding the Chief who’s intent t, Dibble is ea ir easy life under thr the felines. With the s coming live e nin t’s . Are Top Ca forced to get tough s of Raul ice vo pe not. Starring the rtido. to an end? Let’s ho Pa da ne sta Ca and Mario Anaya, Jorge Arvizu

Snow White and the 1 Huntsman (12A) from June Snow White is the only person in the land fairer than the evil Queen. Unable to tolerate the insults to her vanity any more, the evil Queen decides that Snow White must die. The Queen sends a huntsman to kill the fair Snow White, however, the huntsman finds himself unable to murder the innocent young woman and instead ends up training her to become a warrior capable of threatening the Queen’s reign. Starring Kristen Stewart, Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron and Ray Winstone.

Men in Black III (PG) from May 25

It has happened – Men in Black is finally a trilogy.

The first two films (MIB and MIB II) are now 15 and 10 years old, respectively, and they are still well loved by children today. Now, the eagerly anticipated third film release is upon us and you can enjoy it first hand. An alien criminal kills the young agent K in 1969, altering the whole timeline of events, changing the Agency and placing the Earth in danger. Agent J travels back in time to 1969 to work with the young K and try to save him, the agency, the Earth and the human race.

No pressure, J. Starring Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin and Emma Thompson. There are also guest appearances from Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga and Nicole Scherzinger.

WHITSUN 2012 ISSUE

www.primarytimes.net

(PG) from Top Cat 3D

23

Goals and Glory Euro 2012 Footy fever is sure to strike from June 8 as UEFA Euro 2012 kicks off for three weeks of high drama until the final whistle blows on July 1.

Football loving youngsters will relish the sporting antics that are to be played in eight stadiums in the host nations of Poland and Ukraine and will join the scores of fans watching via a cameralens positioned on the side-lines of each pitch. TV audience numbers are certain to soar considerably with 150 million viewers expected to watch each match live.

Contested every four years, the UEFA European Championship has been showcasing the continent’s top talent since its inception as the UEFA European Nations Cup in 1960. Euro 2012 will involve 31 matches played by 16 participating national teams, one of whom will be crowned champions of Europe and lift the trophy that is currently in the hands of Spain. Incidentally, this will be the last time the tournament will involve 16 teams as it is set to expand to include 24 competing nations in 2016. Take a look at www.uefa. com/uefaeuro for a full run down of the tournament and the latest information.

UEFA Grassroots Day

Grassroots Football

UEFA recently hosted a Grassroots Day on May 16 that was designed to highlight the importance of grassroots football across Europe. Two key messages were emphasised: to promote football as a game that is accessible to everyone and to demonstrate that healthy ‘grassroots’ can help the elite levels of the game flourish. To mark Grassroots Day, UEFA produced a football-themed card game for children using Top Trumps. The game allows children to learn basic facts and football-themed trivia in a fun way. An online version is exclusively available on the UEFA Grassroots Day website -www. uefa.com/trainingground/grassroots

Millions of children play grassroots football on a local level and it’s this heightened demand that can account for the huge volume of soccer schools that are now open across the country. Many soccer schools are affiliated to the local football club or to school holiday clubs and often use qualified and experienced coaches who create structured courses that include full tuition of basic skills and techniques that help to enhance agility, co-ordination and speed.

Some football clubs offer Mini-Soccer, which is a variation of the main game using similar principles and rules to Association Football and is aimed at children aged 6 to 10.

UEFA European Championship in Mini-Soccer provides Poland and Ukraine a perfect introduction Semi Finals to the sport Group stages Quarter-finals as pitches are 21 June - Warsaw 27 June - Donetsk Group A smaller and Winner of Group A Winner of quarterPoland there are fewer final 1 vs Greece members to vs Runner-up of Russia each team, Winner of quarterGroup B Czech Republic which gives final 3 each player a 23 June - Donetsk Group B better chance Winner of Group C 28th June Netherlands to touch Warsaw vs Denmark the ball in a Winner of QuarterRunner-up of Germany game. This Final 2 Group D Portugal often results vs in increased 22 June - Gdansk Winner of QuarterGroup C participation, Winner of Group B Final 4 Spain interest and vs Italy enjoyment.

Republic of Ireland Runner-up of With more Final Group A Croatia individual 1stJuly - Kiev success 24 June - Kiev Winner SemiGroup D children are Winner of Group D Final 1 Ukraine more likely to vs vs Sweden sustain their

France England

Runner-up of Group C

interest in football as they grow older. All soccer schools strive to improve a child’s performance on the pitch, encourage fair play, help to build friendships and promote healthy competition in the sport – in a fun way!

Making way for Merchandise As the anticipation builds and before the flurry of football festivities really takes a grip, the shelves of the sport shops, outlet stores and supermarkets are sure to be piled high with an ample assortment of football merchandise. Of course the aim is to entice young soccer-loving fans to part with their well-saved pocket money in exchange for the latest t-shirt, bag, cap, toy, pin badge or other souvenir - some may even be able to afford the latest away football kit. Once June 8 has arrived, Euro 2012 stationery will be plumping out the pencil cases, wall planners will stretch across bedroom walls and many houses will be peppered with flags. The shops will be vying hard for your custom to sell you this merchandise, so remember to shop prudently and search around to find the best price, although most official products usually have a set retail price. By the July 1, it will be time to pack everything away – unless we win of course!

Kirsty Woodgate

Winner SemiFinal 2

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25

r e m m u S r a t s r e p Su ack doing nce again b o re a m a ’s done d cricket te g us how it in The Englan w o h s t, s oing be what they d Wondering what to do this half term? Well, Edgbaston Stadium has just the thing. The Investec Test Match between England and the West Indies looks set to be a great day out for all the family. It is the England team’s first visit to Edgbaston since going to the top of the Test Match World ranking last summer and they intend to make it a match to remember. We are thrilled to welcome back the superstars of cricket.

Edgbaston Stadium is celebrating some of the biggest international matches coming to town this year including hosting England in the NatWest Series One Day International against Australia on Wednesday July 4 and in the Floodlit NatWest t20 International against South Africa on Wednesday September 12.

After the excitement of the Test Match, Edgbaston will prepare to host Warwickshire Bears Friends Life t20 matches in June and July.

T20 (also known as Twenty20) is the fastest form of the game involving two teams, each with just a single inning, batting for a maximum of 20 overs. The average t20 game is completed in around two and a half hours compared to Test cricket which can last up to five days.

Cricket is a really family friendly sport. A cricket match is not just a quick game that you know will be over within an hour - it’s a whole day out and a fantastic experience.

Tickets for under 16s are just £1 on the first day of the Test Match, Thursday June 7, available at www.edgbaston.com/tickets or by calling 0844 847 1902.

Season passes for all Friends Life t20 matches at Edgbaston are available for £35 for adults and £10 for under 16s.

t Club Warwickshire County Cricke und Gro nty The Cou Edgbaston, B5 7QU 0844 847 1902 www.edgbaston.com

Summer 2012 fixtures Warwickshire Bears

v Worcestershire Royals - Friday June 15, 5.10pm start v Northamptonshire Steelbacks - Tuesday June 19, 7pm start v Somerset - Thursday June 21, 7pm start v Gloucestershire Gladiators - Friday July 6, 7pm start v Welsh Dragons - Sunday July 8, 2.40pm

The England Squad Andrew Strauss, Captain James Anderson Jonny Bairstow Ian Bell Tim Bresnan Stuart Broad Alastair Cook Steven Finn Graham Onions Kevin Pietersen Matt Prior Graeme Swann Jonathan Trott

GET READY BIRMINGHAM...

ENGLAND JUNE 7-11

TEST MATCH SUMMER HALF-TERM

W’INDIES KIDS FOR QUIDS ON DAY1 V

ENGLAND V

S’AFRICA

SEPT 12 6:30pm T20 INTERNATIONAL KIDS FOR QUIDS!

SECURE YOUR SEATS TO SEE THE WORLD’S FINEST AT EDGBASTON

WWW.EDGBASTON.COM 0844 847 1902

s o n t i i p t e com WIN TICKETS TO

WIN DVDS WITH

THOMAS AND FRIENDS! Fizzling fireboxes! Join fire engine Flynn and his locomotive friends as they go full steam ahead on railway adventures in the brand new Thomas and Friends DVD Rescue on the Rails. It’s all aboard for some heroic adventures as the Sodor Search and Rescue

Team race to the rescue of their friends as Bertie gets stuck on Shake Shake Bridge, Gordon gets derailed and Thomas is on fire. Let’s hope everything gets sorted out.

We have teamed up with the promoters of Thomas and Friends: Rescue on the Rails to give Primary Times readers the chance to win a copy of the brand new DVD. For your chance to win, just answer this question: Where does Bertie get stuck?

Closing date: July 20

WIN A COPY OF

MICKEY’S MAGIC SHOW! This summer, Disney fans will get to see their heroes live on stage at the NIA Birmingham as part of a special magic show.

Disney Live! presents Mickey’s Magic Show.

See Mickey, Minnie and a whole host of their friends perform stunning magic tricks that will wow audiences.

We have teamed up with NIA Birmingham to give Primary Times readers the chance to win a family ticket to experience some true Disney magic on opening night, July 25. You will be in for a real treat as some of Disney’s biggest stars take to the stage including Donald Duck, Goofy,

Alice in Wonderland and the Mad Hatter as well as Princesses Jasmine, Belle, Snow White and Cinderella.

For your chance to win, just answer this question: What type of animal is Disney’s Donald?

Closing date: July 13

WIN A COPY OF

I’M NOT A LOSER! HOW TO BUILD

www.primarytimes.net 28

Barry Loser is not really a loser.

He was actually rather popular at school until new boy Darren Darrenofski started making fun of him. Barry and his best friend Bunky try their hardest to stay popular with their school friends but Darren is also trying his hardest to make sure they don’t. We loved this book, and we think you will, too.

We have teamed up with Egmont Publishers to give Primary Times readers the chance to win one of five copies of I’m not a Loser.

For your chance to win, just answer this question: Who is Barry’s best friend?

Closing date: July 27

WHITSUN 2012 ISSUE

A ROBOT!

Otto the robot and his Dad, Zippy have written this book to give you all the information on how to build your very own robot. Do you want to learn how to make a robot who can help you tidy your room or launch a rocket or even deliver presents at Christmas? Well, now you can with the help of this extra special book.

We have teamed up with O’Mara Books to give Primary Times readers the chance to win a copy of How to build a Robot.

For your chance to win, just answer this question: Who is Otto’s Dad? Closing date: July 25

WIN TICKETS TO

BBC GOOD FOOD SHOW AND BBC GARDENERS’ WORLD LIVE! This summer sees the return of BBC Gardeners’ World Live and the BBC Good Food Show Summer to the NEC in Birmingham from June 13-17. BBC Gardeners’ World Live has an impressive offering for outdoors people with experts including Monty Don, Alan Titchmarsh, Carol Klein, Adam Pasco and Joe Swift appearing in the BBC Gardeners’ World Theatre. There will also be the fantastic RHS Show Gardens, top tips on the Grow Your Own stage and Garden Walks, as well as a collection of students’ work with Birmingham Borders, a display of Edible Patches and a fantastic family weekend. The

BBC Good Food Show sees top foodie faces including James Martin, the Hairy Bikers, Theo Randall, John Torode, Gregg Wallace and Glynn Purnell take to the stage in the Summer Kitchen.

In addition, there will also be key features like the MasterChef Experience, the Producers’ Village and the Food Lovers Approved Area. There will also be hundreds of exhibitors offering the latest foodie produce and gadgets. We have teamed up with the NEC to give you the chance to win one of five family tickets to the shows.

For you chance to win, just answer this question: In which kitchen is the stage for BBC Good Food Show?

Closing date: June 8

WIN TICKETS TO SEE ANGELINA BALLERINA!

STITCH HEAD!

Stitch Head is a jigsaw boy made up of bits, pieces and spare parts.

His eyes are different colours. Did they come from different places?

Stitch Head finds a really old book about an old pirate called Dash Flashpowder and he begins to believe that one of his eyes used to belong to the pirate and sets sail to find him. All does not go to plan. We really enjoyed this book, and we hope that you will, too.

We have teamed up with Stripes Publishing to give Primary Times readers the chance to win one of five copies of Stitch Head: The Pirate’s Eye. For your chance to win, just answer this question: What is the name of the pirate?

Closing date: July 27

two family tickets to see the show on Tuesday August 14.

For your chance to win, just answer this question: What type of animal is Angelina Ballerina?

Closing date: August 3.

To enter all our competitions, go to www.primarytimes.net/competitions or send your entry on a postcard addressed to ‘Competition title’, Primary Times, Publishing Ink, Fifth Floor, White House, 111 New Street, Birmingham, B2 4EU by the closing date stated.

Go straight to these competitions on our website by scanning this code!

WHITSUN 2012 ISSUE

www.primarytimes.net

WIN A COPY OF

Everyone’s favourite little mouse, Angelina Ballerina pirouettes onto the stage in her brand new musical - a magical show packed full of singing and dancing. Angelina and her friends think their dreams have come true when Camembert Academy wins the opportunity to appear in their favourite television programme Dancing With Mice!

But when the girls and boys have very different ideas for the show and just can’t seem to agree on anything, it’s up to Angelina as Dance Captain to ensure that the show goes ahead. So put on your ballet shoes and join Angelina, Alice, Gracie, Viki, AJ and Marco for the most stupendous Mousical of the year. We have teamed up with New Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham to give Primary Times readers the chance to win one of

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