Primary Times Hereford & Worcester - February Half Term 2016

e e fr

E UID G ON S ’ AT WH

for parents, teachers and children

in Hereford & Worcester February Half Term 2016

1st February - 14th March 2016

A Week At The Oscars! at Museum of Carpet in Kidderminster see page 21 for more information

Plus

Roundabout, Bookstore, There’s a Louse Loose About The House! and much more!

Education

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School News ..........................................................................................

In Hereford & Worcester

Second Floor, Richardson House, 21/24 New St, Worcester. WR1 2DP. Tel: 01905 723011 Fax: 01905 780103

Bookstore Half Term Reading

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Publishing Editor: Dawn Pardoe - 01905 727909

Roundabout

Design and Production: Paul Blyth and Amy Thomas

What’s On

Events Listings: Amy Thomas - amy@pw-media.co.uk Sales & PR Rachel Seabright - 01905 727900 rachel@pw-media.co.uk Primary Times is independently published and distributed free through Infant and Junior Schools throughout Surrey. It is also available by subscription at £10 per year. Its aims are to inform families and children of 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 which we run. 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. Primary Times would like to thank all the schools for their assistance in distributing the magazine and for their contributions to its contents. We would also like to thank all the advertisers who have supported this publication and therefore made it possible. Please support their endeavours when and where you can. The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by our studio remains with Primary Times or the relevant contributor. Primary Times is currently publishing over 1,900,000 copies per issue throughout the counties of: Avon, Beds & Luton, Berkshire, Black Country, Bucks & Milton Keynes, Cambridge, Cardiff and S E Wales, Cornwall, Derbyshire, Devon, Dorset, Edinburgh, Essex, Fife, Tayside and Central Scotland, Glasgow & Central Scotland, Gloucester, Hampshire, Hereford and Worcester, Hertfordshire, Ireland (Kildare, Meath, Wicklow, South Dublin, Cork & Waterford), Kent, Leicester, Lincolnshire, East, West, South & North London, Newcastle & North Tyneside, Norfolk, Northampton, Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Staffordshire, Surrey, Sussex, Tees Valley, West Midlands, Wiltshire, South & West Yorkshire. For further details contact The Primary Times Team on 01905 723011

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It’s Party Time!

16

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Theatre 18 Who’s Treading The Boards? ..........................................................................................

A Week At The Oscars

21

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There’s a Louse Loose About The House

22

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Family Marketplace

30

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For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.net

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How effective is

Play Therapy? – Parents

and Referrers Observations The latest review of play therapy delivered to Play Therapy UK’s standards compares parents’ observations to those of the referrer, who is often the child’s teacher.

play therapy is effective in enabling children to cope in many situations.

Parents observed that 80% of the children referred with a borderline or abnormal condition, show a positive change. This result is based on 10130 cases.

The results have been obtained where play therapy has been delivered by therapists trained to Play Therapy UK standards. This uses an Integrative Holistic Model that integrates:

Referrers observed that 77% of the children referred with a borderline or abnormal condition, show a positive change. This result is based on 10840 cases.

The similarity of outcomes suggests that

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Primary Times February Half Term 2016

There is an important caveat.

• Working with unconscious and conscious processes; • the use of a wide range of creative arts media – drawing/painting; sandtray; clay; music; puppets; masks; movement;

creative visualisation; therapeutic storytelling; • the use of both non-directive & directive methods; • practice and research

Training to PTUK standards gives admission to the Register of Play and Creative Arts Therapists which is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.

Find your local Play Therapists: www.playtherapyregister.org.uk Further information about training to PTUK standards: http://www.playtherapy.org.uk/ trainingcoursescontent.html n

For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.net

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St RICHARD’S Senior schools welcome boys and girls who are energetic, resilient and enthusiastic team players, who take their lives at school seriously but enjoy them too. At St Richard’s the tally of scholarships and awards continues to grow, with already three won this year in art and drama. The huge activities timetable: orchestra, choir, (nine different music groups), yoga, drama, art, ballet, county cricket coaches, cards, Lego, woodwork, Mandarin and riding to name a few, means children can develop their strengths in many areas.

The children have the freedom to be outside, whether making dens in the woods or enjoying our new outdoor classroom.

There is sport every day to complement a full academic programme taught be specialist teachers in small classes. The result? In 2013 over 60% of our pupils won a scholarship or head teacher’s award to their first choice of school and this has grown since to over 80% last year.

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Come and see how we do it – there are daily buses to and from Hereford, Worcester, Eardisley, Weobley and Leominster. The size, scale and family atmosphere of the school mean that children can explore, test their strengths and address their weaknesses in a safe, non-threatening environment. They work and play together, looking out for each other, making lifelong friendships in the process. For some this starts in Year 1 (the pre-prep) but for others it is later. This is why the school is offering a series of sporting scholarships to children who would otherwise be unable to come, each of which comes with a generous (means-tested) bursary. To enrol on one of these assessment ‘taster days’ (taking place on Saturday 6th February and Saturday 23rd April) - please contact the office for more details. n

Primary Times February Half Term 2016

Fred de Falbe Headmaster

LOCAL BUSINESSWOMAN

CELEBRATES 5TH SUCCESSFUL YEAR IN

WORCESTERSHIRE Local businesswoman, Kate Attwood from Worcester is celebrating her 5th successful year in business as the owner of baby and child swimming company, Puddle Ducks Worcestershire. The Worcestershire franchise started teaching in January 2011, it now teaches at eleven pools, bringing its fun and effective swimming classes to parents and children across the area.

Kate says: “It’s wonderfully rewarding to have reached this milestone, both from a personal and a business perspective.

Parents in Worcestershire have been really supportive since our launch, and our customers are extremely loyal, which I believe is simply down to the quality of the teaching programme.”

“We also keep our class sizes limited to ten children so my teachers can really give everyone the best

Your child has the potential Your child has the potential 10%

off first term fees *T&Cs apply

Your child has the potential Your child has the potential 10% 10%

attention. And, because we’re trained to recognise and work with different ability levels within the same group, children are given an individually tailored swim programme that lets them learn at their own pace.”

Puddle Ducks welcomes older children, up to the age of ten, at its Swim Academy classes.

Parents should never think their child is too old to learn to swim, lessons carefully nuture your child’s confidence, developing an effortless swimming style and gaining life-saving skills. Baby and pre-school classes have no minimum age requirement and take on babies from birth or as soon as Mum (or Dad!) is ready to go in the water.

For class timetables and availability, visit www.puddleducks.com/ worcestershire or call 01905 888346. n

SS

Swim Academy age 4-10

S

Swim Academy age 4-10

off off first first term term fees fees *T&Cs *T&Csapply apply

10%

We have the expertise worcestershire@puddleducks.com

off tel: 888346 tel: 01905 01905first 888346 term fees visit:puddleducks.com/worcestershire visit:puddleducks.com/worcestershire *T&Cs apply

worcestershire@puddleducks.com

Academy! Our expert teachers carefully nurture your child’s tel: 01905 888346 tel: 01905 888346 visit:puddleducks.com/worcestershire visit:puddleducks.com/worcestershire swimming style and gaining worcestershire@puddleducks.comworcestershire@puddleducks.com life-saving skills, all while having fun! off first

10%

term fees *T&Cs apply

tel: 01905 888346 visit:puddleducks.com/worcestershire

worcestershire@puddleducks.com

We have the expertise

We have the experti expert

Academy!

Academy!Our Ourexpert expertte te carefully carefullynurture nurtureyour yourc

We have the expert swimming style swimming styleand andga ga

life-saving life-savingskills, skills,all allwhile whileha h Academy! Our expert te carefully nurture your

swimming style and ga life-saving skills, all while h

Academy! Our expert teachers carefully nurture your child’s swimming style and gaining life-saving skills, all while having fun!

For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.net

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Primary Times February Half Term 2016

For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.net

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HEREFORD CATHEDRAL CHOIR

start at just £5. A brilliant indoor

Do you know of a boy, aged

activity for individuals, families and

6–8 years of age, who might

friends. Opening hours Tues – Sat

be interested in joining the

10am – 4pm. Email admin@

internationally-renowned Hereford Cathedral Choir? As well as singing in the cathedral, the choir regularly tours abroad, broadcasts on TV & radio, annual perform in London (Guards’ Chapel) and takes part in the world-famous Three Choirs Festival. It may be your son, or equally it may be a grandson, nephew or the son of friends – sometimes a gentle nudge of the parents might be needed! If a parent or guardian would like an informal discussion about the opportunities, Geraint Bowen, the director of music, would be delighted to hear from you.

Call: 01432 374238 Email: organist@ herefordcathedral.org or visit www. herefordcathedral.org All choristers receive generous scholarships to the Cathedral School and, in some cases, fully-funded places can be made available.

FEBRUARY Throughout February FAMILY POTTERY SESSIONS at Eastnor Pottery Eastnor Pottery, Home Farm, Eastnor,

eastnorpottery.co.uk or call 01531 633886 to book a session.

Saturday 6th TAP DANCING WORKSHOP The Courtyard, Edgar Street, Hereford HR4 9JR. A fun, lively tap dancing workshop for families to enjoy together at 10.30am. This year, The Courtyard will be hosting family events every Saturday from 10.30am with a range of activities from workshops, films, shows, to lots of fun and games! Find out more at www.courtyard.org.uk or

WR1 2ND. Learn about industrial

need your little ones help to search

espionage in the 18th century, the

amongst the trees and follow the

secret recipe for making porcelain and

clues so we can return the crowns to

the lengths the factory owners went

all the Princesses! Along with our 2

to ensure no others knew of their

special trails for half-term, we have

invention; we guarantee the exhibits

lots of free children’s activities too!

will delight and surprise you! Time:

Join us for the dinosaur, fairy and new

10:00 to 16:00. Phone: 0190521247

pre-school Woodland Animal Trail,

Free with normal entry. www.

conquer our maze to reach the castle

museumofroyalworcester.org

and play in the adventure playground.

Saturday 13th Saturday 20th

There will be a small £2 cost per child for the Pirate Trail and Princess Trail, which both include a prize.

WYRE FOREST DANCE FESTIVAL

www.arleyarboretum.co.uk

Stourport Civic Theatre Hall,

WIND IN THE WILLOWS TRAIL

Stourport –on – Severn,

Croft Castle and Parkland, Yarpole,

Worcestershire DY13 8UJ. Wyre

Near Leominster HR6 9PW. ‘Wind

Forest District Council in association

in the Willows’ was a popular book

with Wyre Forest Dance Festival

read by children before and during

Committee are planning for the

the First World War. See if you

2016 Dance Festival. The Festival

can take yourself back in time and

is as popular as ever and has been

find the characters of the book in

extended by a day due to more

the gardens at Croft and collect a

dancers wishing to compete from

prize at the end. Normal admission

the existing schools. With increased

applies plus £2 per trail. www.

support from volunteers we are able

nationaltrust.org.uk

to accommodate the extra demand.

We have young people from the ages

FIND THE FEATURE TRAIL

of 4- 25 taking part who perform a

Berrington Hall, Near Leominster HR6

range of different dance disciplines

0DW. Help us celebrate Capability

and some go on to forge successful

Brown’s final landscape at Berrington.

careers in the professional ranks

This year is the 300th anniversary of

or continue to perform locally.

the garden and landscape architect’s

The festival takes place from 9am-

birth. Follow our family trail around

8.30pm. www.wyreforestdc.

the gardens to see if you can find

gov.uk/events

what Brown designed and collected a prize at the end. Trail £2. Normal

call 01432 340555.

Saturday 13th Sunday 21st

Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th

KIDS GO FREE – FEBRUARY HALF-TERM

MYSTERY TRAIL

A WEEKEND OF LIVING HISTORY

Arley Arboretum & Gardens, Upper

The Elgar Birthplace Museum,

Arley, Near Bewdley Worcestershire

Crown East Lane, Lower Broadheath,

The Commandery, Sidbury,

DY12 1SQ. Batten down the hatches &

Worcester WR2 6RH. Pick up a free

Worcester WR1 2HU. Demonstrating

dust off your tiaras because KIDS GO

Mystery trail from our Front Desk

2,000 years of history from ancient

FREE* all half-term week and we’ve

and solve the code to find Elgar’s

Greeks to WWII, with a special

got 2 special trails for you... Every

lost batons!

English Civil War focus for the Year

day during half-term your little ones

www.elgarmuseum.org

of Liberty & Democracy. Time:

can choose to try either our Pirate or

10am – 5pm. Normal admission

Princess Trails. They can even bring

applies plus £2 per person. www.

their eye patches and tiaras to get

SIGNS OF SPRING FAMILY TRAIL

museumsworcestershire.

into character! Over the winter Pirates

Brockhampton Estate, Greenfields,

org.uk

took over the Arboretum and hid their

Bringsty, Bromyard WR6 5TB. Nature

treasure within the grounds. During

is waking up from its winter sleep.

your visit, your little pirates can

Buds ready to burst, sap starting

follow the clues to locate the missing

to rise, new shoots poking through

admission fees apply. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Simply turn up and choose from an

Saturday 13th Friday 19th

exciting menu of pottery projects

SPYING and SECRECY

treasure! Meanwhile, while running

the ground and wild birds hunting

using real clay. No minimum number

Royal Worcester Museum, Severn

from the pirates, the Princesses

for food. Join us in the search for

of participants required and projects

Street Worcester Worcestershire

of Arley, lost all their crowns! We

the signs that spring is coming. If

Ledbury, Herefordshire HR8 1RD.

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Primary Times February Half Term 2016

Staines Advert.qxp_Layout 1 25/02/2015 15:40 Page 1

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Staines Advert.qxp_Layout 1 25/02/2015 15:40 Page 1

Enrolling now! Call your local school for details

Staines Advert.qxp_Layout 1 25/02/2015 15:40 Page 1 Staines Advert.qxp_Layout 1 25/02/2015 15:40 Page 1

Enrolling now! Call your local school for details

Enrolling now! Call your local school for details

Bromsgrove 01926 651159 | bromsgrove@stagecoach.co.uk

Believing in the potential Believing of everyinchild

Cwmbran & Monmouth 01633 662283 | cwmbran@stagecoach.co.uk Kidderminster 01562 66194 | kidderminster@stagecoach.co.uk Ledbury & Malvern 01452 332253 | malvern@stagecoach.co.uk

the potential of every child

Age 4 18 Age 4 confidence 18 Fun, building, educational Fun, confidence educational classes in acting, singing and dance.

Believing in building,

classes in acting, singing and dance. the potential

of every child

QUALITY TRAINING QUALITY

ESTABLISHED 1988 TRAINING

6001988 SCHOOLS NATIONWIDE ESTABLISHED 600 SCHOOLS NATIONWIDE

For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.net

11

R you look closely at nature you will see she never sleeps. Complete the signs of spring trail and win a prize.

Trail costs £2 plus normal admission. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

CROOME – THE RIDDLE OF CROOME TRAIL Croome, near High Green, Worcester, Worcestershire WR8 9DW. Follow the clues round the park and decipher the riddle of Croome. Booking not needed. A National Trust Event - Start 10:00. End 16:00. £1.50 per trail with prizes for each one completed plus normal admission applies. For more details please phone: 01905 370005 - Becky Wilks - Events Officer. www. nationaltrust.org.uk/events

FIND FRUITS, FLOWERS and FOSSILS Worcester Cathedral, Chapter Office 8 College Yard Worcester Worcestershire WR1 2LA. Free family trails to follow including a safari back pack to borrow to help you in your research. Time: 9am – 5pm Phone: 01905 732900 Free entry www. worcestercathedral.co.uk

Saturday 13th February - Tuesday 12th April EDWARD LEAR: TRAVELS and NONSENSE Ashmolean Museum, Tudor House, High Street, Broadway, Worcestershire WR12 7DP. From 13 February 2016, the Ashmolean Museum Broadway will host an exhibition focusing on the extensive travels of Edward Lear (1812-1888).

Lear was one of the most versatile and prolific artists of the nineteenth century. As an illustrator of natural history, he was supreme; as a traveller and recorder in pictures and

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prose of landscapes in the eastern

apply and there is a £3 additional

inspired, in part by the wet winter

Mediterranean and India, he was

charge for activities in New Guesten

and the popular English phrase.

unrivalled; as the author of nonsense

Hall. Please book your place

Sessions designed for two age

verses and stories, his popularity

in advance on 01527 831363.

groups although younger and

has never been eclipsed. He began

www.avoncroft.org.uk

older siblings will never be turned

his career as a supremely gifted

away: 11.30am-1pm 4-8 years and

illustrator of natural history. From

Tuesday 16th February

1837, he travelled more extensively

MATTERS of the BRAIN

£15 per child with a 10% discount

than any other artist, recording the

University of Worcester City Campus

for 3 or more places booked.

landscape in a vast series of sketches

Worcester WR1 3AS. A look at the

Telephone or email -booking

which he worked up into finished

body and what happens when we are

essential. 01531 633886 admin@

watercolours and oil paintings in

said to ‘fall in love’. Visitors will learn

eastnorpottery.co.uk

his studio. Time: 10am to 5pm.

about the influence the brain has on

Phone: 01386 859047 www.

the activity, what reactions happen,

ashmoleanbroadway.org

how and why. Guided tours of the

2-3.30pm 9-12 years. Places cost

Wednesday 17th Friday 19th

Activities 10am to 2pm. Phone:

HALF TERM FORESTRY ADVENTURE CLUB

ELGAR’S ENIGMAS

01905 542372. Free entry. www.

The Estate Office, Arley Arboretum &

The Elgar Birthplace Museum,

medicalmuseum.org.uk

Gardens, Upper Arley, Nr. Bewdley,

Monday 15th Crown East Lane, Lower Broadheath,

building at 11am, 12noon and 1pm.

Worcestershire DY12 1XG. During

Edward Elgar was a code maker and

Tuesday 16th Friday 19th

breaker? Create your own detective

FANTASTIC FEBRUARY FUN

for children to learn so much more

outfit and a personalised code maker

Worcestershire County Museum,

than just what’s in the classroom

so you can be a code breaker too!

Hartlebury Castle, Worcestershire

with our qualified forestry school

www.elgarmuseum.org

DY11 7XZ. Join us for four, fun-filled

teacher! From Bug hunts to Story

family craft activity days and explore

Telling, campfire songs and cooking,

1000 years of history through a

the Forestry Adventure Club has

free museum trail. An additional

it all! What will they get up to?

LOVE WORCESTER: IN A TRANCE

charge of £2 per child applies for

At Forestry Adventure Club your

the day’s activities. Adults £5, Child

children will be involved in many

Charles Hastings Education

& Conc. £2.50 under-fives free

activities including: Mud Kitchen,

Centre, Charles Hastings Way,

and family ticket £13. Opening

Campfires, Crafts, Bug Hunts,

Worcester WR5 1DD. Discover

times 10.30am-4pm. www.

Identifying Trees, Forestry Fire

the fascinating mystery world of

museumsworcestershire.

Lighting Songs and Story Telling.

anaesthetics, including what was

org.uk

Plus Clay Art Tools and Wood Work

Worcester WR2 6RH. Did you know

Monday 15th Friday 19th

used before anaesthetics to induce

each school holiday we will be running the Forestry Adventure Club

skills, Camp Fire Cooking e.g damper

unconsciousness. Would you prefer

Wednesday 17th

a punch in the face or a big bottle

Sessions: 10:00 to 12:00 or 13:00 to

of brandy? Take a #selfie of yourself

CLENT HILLS – WINTER WELLY WALKS

with your choice and post it to our

Nimmings Wood Car Park, Clent

additional sibling per session.

Twitter/Facebook pages.

Hills, Worcestershire. Squelch and

www.arleyarboretum.co.uk

Time: 9am to 5pm. Free entry.

splash your way around the Hills

Phone: 01905 760 738

on a wintery adventure walk. Finish

Thursday 18th

off toasting marshmallows around the campfire. No need to book, just

ZUMBA WORKSHOP FOR KIDS

turn up before 2pm. A National

The Courtyard, Edgar Street,

HALF TERM: TREASURE ISLAND

Trust Event - Start 11:00. End 15:00.

Hereford HR4 9JR. A high energy

We meet at Nimmings Wood car

and fun Zumba workshop with kid-

Avoncroft Museum, Stoke Heath,

park. For more details please

friendly routines. An opportunity to

Bromsgrove, Worcestershire B60 4JR.

phone: 01562 712 822 - Visitor

have a great dance style workout

All aboard, me hearties, for some

Experience Manager. www.

to popular music whilst also having

pirate fun at Avoncroft Museum!

nationaltrust.org.uk/events

loads of fun. Wear comfortable

Monday 15th Sunday 21st

term week. Dig for your very own

CHILDREN’S POTTERY SESSIONS – ‘Raining cats & dogs’

treasure and it’s all hands on deck for

Eastnor Pottery, Home Farm, Eastnor,

some crafty fun. Time: 11am – 4pm.

Ledbury, Herefordshire HR8 1RD

Normal Museum admission charges

Come and make clay cats & canines

Treasure Island for February half

Primary Times February Half Term 2016

15:00. £5 for first child, £4.50 per

clothing and bring a drink and a

The New Guesten Hall will be transformed into your very own

bread and marshmallows Available

snack. Time: 10am and 1pm. Cost: £10. www.courtyard.org.uk or call 01432 340555.

Thursday 18th – Saturday 20th

Children’s Half Term Pottery Sessions

‘Raining Cats & Dogs’ 17th Feb 2016

Book your space now!

For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.net

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R BABES IN THE WOOD Whitecross School, Three Elms Road, Hereford. Babes in the Wood, performed at Whitecross School, tells the story of everyday panto folk - Hansel and Gretel are sent deep into the dark forest to find a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow for their greedy mother. They meet all of the things you would expect in a forest… talking trees, a candy cottage owned by three witches, fairies and a champion chicken called Chirpy. A dotty dame, a lovey-dovey principal boy and girl, brilliant choreography, crowd-pleasing songs, colourful costumes and scenery will make this a great evening’s entertainment. The run will also be raising money for charity. Performances: 7.30pm daily, with a 2.30pm matinee on February 20th. Tickets: £7, concessions £5, family ticket £20. www.noda.org.uk

Friday 19th & Saturday 20th PANDEMONIUM IN PANTOLAND Areley Kings Village Hall, Areley Common, Stourport-on-Severn, Worcestershire DY13 0NB. Cinderella needs to escape her step-sisters, Red Riding Hood has some cake to deliver, Jack has a cow to sell, It’s a pantomime so it cannot be as simple as that! February: Fri 19th 7.30, Sat 20th 2.30 and 7.30, Fri 26th Feb 7.30, and, Sat 27th 2.30 and 7.30 For more details phone: 012999 871804 or tickets@akplayers. co.uk

Saturday 20th CHILDREN’S THEATRE Norbury Theatre, Friar Street, Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire WR9 8ED. Short mini Panto’s, with lots of audience participation, performed

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by adults especially for children aged

you are not a music ‘buff’ there will

3 years plus. Great for children to

be questions for everyone! Book a

look forward to on a regular basis

table early to avoid disappointment:

and they make a fun birthday treat!

Teams of 4, or buddy-up on the night.

Sunday 6th

Time: 14:30 to 15:10 Phone: 01905

Families welcome. Ticket includes the

MOTHER’S DAY CARD MAKING

770154 All Tickets: £1.50 www.

hot supper. You are not obliged to dress

Brockhampton Estate, Greenfields,

norburytheatre.co.uk

up, although it is fun to enter into the

Bringsty, Bromyard WR6 5TB. Craft

spirit of the event and come as your

activity, card making for Mother’s Day.

favourite musical hero or anti-hero. It’s

Be inspired by Brockhampton and craft

THE MIGHTY PRINCE and OTHER FABULOUS FABLES

worth bearing in mind that Extra Points

a card for mums. Why not treat her with

may well be awarded at the discretion

a whole day out in the rural tranquillity

Kingsland Coronation Hall, Kingsland,

of the judges if you do impress with

of Brockhampton, with delicious one

Nr Leominster, Herefordshire HR6

your inventive attire. Tickets are £8.

pot meals and snacks available from

9QS. Two performers, five stories

Email: LVH@LintonVillage.com

the Granary, miles of walking routes to

and a host of bugs, birds, animals

for more information or call

discover and 600 years of family life to

and magical creatures! Open

07585 663 138.

explore in the moated manor house?

Sunday 21st

MARCH

Normal admission applies. www.

Sky Productions bring to life two thousand year old stories using a

SINGALONGA FROZEN

happy mix of rhyme, movement,

Swan Theatre, The Moors, Worcester

live music, song and puppetry. And

WR1 3ED. A full screening of Disney’s

Thursday 10th

it’s funny too. Monkey tries to wind

Frozen with lyrics on screen to

CHORAL SCHOLAR EUCHARIST

up Buffalo. Pigeon saves Ant from

help you sing along during the film.

Hereford Cathedral, 5 College

disaster. Tortoise’s big mouth leads to

Introduced by a live host who will

Cloisters, Hereford HR1 2NG. An

a smelly fate. Little Hare scares Deer,

guide you through this interactive

opportunity to hear the music

Ox, Tiger and Elephant until Lion

screening by showing you how to use

scholars sing a four-part mass

steps in. And the Prince is indeed

your free prop bag, warm up your

in the Lady Chapel of Hereford

mighty but is he mightier than the

singing voices and teach you some

Cathedral. All welcome 12 noon.

Giant? Based on stories for children

dance moves with the help of the

For details of the Lent

told by the Buddha, each fable has

Singalonga Princesses. Watch as we

Lunch following the service

a simple moral for young hearts and

bring the film to life and help you

contact 01432 374261. www.

minds. An enchanting family show

experience this movie in a whole new

herefordcathedral.org

for ages 3+ The Might Prince runs

light. So get your little ones dressed up

for 45 minutes without an interval.

as their favourite character and come

Saturday 12th

Time: 2pm. Tickets at £5 are

and see Sing-a-Long-a Frozen where

LUCTON FOOD FESTIVAL

available from Kingsland

YOU the audience are the stars. Age

Lucton School, Lucton, Leominster,

Post Office or T 01568 709579

recommendation 5+. Time: 2.30pm

Herefordshire HR6 9PN. In its second

or www.artsalive.co.uk

Phone: 01905611427 Tickets: £15 child

year, the Lucton Food Festival is

£10, 2 adults & 2 children £46 www.

already showing signs of growth and

worcesterlive.co.uk/events

will showcase the wonderful and

Monday 22nd February - Saturday 12th March

nationaltrust.org.uk

varied food & drink suppliers from this

SONG OF THE SEA

beautiful part of the world. Stall holders

FROM GARDEN TO GARMENT

Much Birch Community Hall, Much

will offer scope for tastings and there

Birch, HR2 8HT. Based on the Irish

will demonstrations and workshops

Berrington Hall, Near Leominster

legend of the Selkies, it tells the

throughout the day. The basic

HR6 0DW. As spring begins to take

story of Saoirse, the last seal-child

admission fee will cover FREE access to

hold, visit Berrington to enjoy

who goes on an epic journey with

all demonstrations. The event will run

the bulbs in the Capability Brown

her brother Ben to save the world

from 10am to 5pm. Cost: Adults £5,

parkland and learn about the links

of magic and discover the secrets

Children free. Check out the website:

between the flowers in the garden

of their past. Pursued by owl witch

www.luctonfoodfestival.com

and some of the garments in the

Macha and ancient, mythical

Charles Paget Wade collection, some

creatures, Saoirse and Ben race

of which is housed at Berrington.

against time to awaken Saoirse’s

Friday 18th Sunday 20th

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

powers and stop the spirit world

SPRING STEAM GALA

from disappearing forever. Song

Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley DY12

of the Sea is a wonder of magical

1BG. Opening our 2016 season, a great

MUSIC NIGHT QUIZ

storytelling and visual splendour and

line-up of visiting locomotives supported

Linton Village Hall, Linton Near Ross on

destined to become a classic. Part

by members of the Severn Valley Railway

Wye, Herefordshire HR9 7RX. Come

of Borderlines Film Festival. Time:

home fleet. See the website for prices

and enjoy a light-hearted Popular Music

2.30pm Tickets: £4.50 adults, £3.50

but pre-book this event and save money.

Quiz and Hot Supper. Don’t worry if

children. www.artsalive.co.uk

www.svr.co.uk

Saturday 27th

Primary Times February Half Term 2016

For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.net

15

Party Time!

For Ages 4-11 • Sporty Parties • Dodgeball • Football

• Dance

• Tag Rugby

• Multisports

Parties can be themed e.g.

Minions, Paddington, Minecraft, Adventure Time, Frozen

16

Primary Times February Half Term 2016 2015

Get Dressed Up! BBC Inflatables Is your child dressing up for this years’ world book day? Need to go to school in historical costumes, attending a costume party or just love dressing up?

If so The Ultimate Party Shop is a definite must offering the largest costume range in Worcestershire. It has a fantastic array of children’s costumes and accessories for you to create any outfit your child might need from favourite book characters like Fantastic Mr Fox or Little Red Riding hood to historical costumes from Romans to World War Evacuees as well as loveable

Disney Characters, Pirates, Animals and Superheroes!

Teachers and parents can also buy or hire full costumes or create their own with wigs, masks, make-up, weapons and accessories to get creative with.

For memorable birthdays, fete appearances and charity days children’s favourite ‘Mascot Characters’ are also available for weekend hire at reasonable prices! www.ultimatepartyshop.com Worcester: 01905 745140 Cheltenham: 01242 254480

Organizing a children’s party can be quite daunting and here at BBC Inflatables we are well aware of the importance of everything being just right. With that in mind we go the extra mile to ensure we can offer you the very best inflatables, soft play and entertainment equipment and service.

We never sit back on our laurels as Worcestershire’s premier inflatable hirer and are always adding new equipment to our already fabulous range.

Recent new additions include not one but two stunning superhero themed inflatables featuring lots of superheroes and villains.

In addition we have a beautiful new Princess and Fairies bouncer and proving extremely popular is our awesome Ice Princess Bounce and Slide and soft play system.

For toddlers and under 5’s we have increased our soft play section with Create and Play plus Building Block Soft Play as well as adding lots of new toys to include ride ons, Thomas roller coaster and super cute animal skittles.

We are also very excited about our new Toddler Farm Play Barn. This super inflatable has fabulous artwork, it includes a bounce area, a ball pool section and the added excitement of a slide.

Don’t just take our word for it, visit www.bbcinflatables. co.uk and prepare to be amazed.

Planning an adult, teen or older child’s party? Please remember we have a huge selection of suitable equipment to include Rodeo Bulls, Rodeo Footballs, Obstacle Courses, Bungee Runs, Duels and the latest must have Photo Booths.

For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.net

17

Theatre owS Family & Children’S Sh The Artrix Tel: 01527 577330 CHRIS & PUI SHOW Saturday 13th February. Chris & Pui are back with a brand new show! CBeebies’ favourite double act presents their new stage show with all the toys and characters from their hit TV programme ‘Show Me Show Me’. Catch the Gingerbread Man, marvel at the Ugly Duckling becoming a beautiful swan and oooh and aaaah as Miss Mouse attempts to zoom zoom ZOOM to the cheesy moon in her rocket. Incy Wincy, Twinkle, Old MacDonald, Humpty, Granny Humpty and many more of

masterpiece recreates a colourful cast of larger than life characters on stage. Presented in the style of Victorian music hall, with speciality acts and variety entertainments, Red Earth’s production brings Oliver’s story vividly to life for children and grown-ups. Seized by Fagin, saved by Brownlow, snatched back by Fagin and once again retrieved, this boy’s tale of suspense and dark deeds is

toys - Tom, Momo, Teddington, Stuffy and Miss Mouse. Bring your character toy along too but please look after it! With songs, comedy sketches, a dash of magic and heaps of joining in, this is a family show for children aged two to a hundred and two. Get a groovy move on and book today to see the freshest family show in town, ‘The Chris and Pui Show’.

Time: 11am and 2pm. Tickets: £12 adult. £10 - under 16s & over 60s. £40 - Family ticket 2+2 or 1+3 www.chrisandpui.com

THE REMARKABLE TALE OF OLIVER TWIST

Road, Macbeth at MIF) as Rosalind.

make you want to stick 50ps to your

With her father the Duke banished

shoes and join in! For everyone aged

and in exile, Rosalind and her cousin

3 to 133. Time: 11am. Tickets: £6

Celia leave their lives in the court

ZARAFA (PG)

humour. Give your children a special gift – introduce them to the amazing world of Charles Dickens and his remarkable tale of Oliver Twist.

Time: 2pm. Recommended 8+ years - Suitable 6+ years. Tickets: Adult

behind them and journey into the Forest of Arden. There, released from

Saturday 20th February. Set

convention, Rosalind experiences

in the 18th century this beautifully

the liberating rush of transformation.

animated tale is suitable for all ages.

Disguising herself as a boy, she

Escaping from a slave trader, Maki

embraces a different way of living and

befriends Zarafa, an orphan giraffe.

falls spectacularly in love. Time: 7pm.

When Zarafa is given to the King of

Tickets: £15 Conc. £13

France Maki is determined to rescue his best friend so they set out on a journey from Africa to Paris. They have

evesham arts

many exciting adventures on the way

Tel: 01386 446944

with hot-air balloons, nomads and encounters with Malaterre, the aviator,

THINK FLOYD

and the Pirate Queen Bouboulina.

Saturday 6th February. With

With its gorgeous hand-drawn

over 20 years’ experience recreating

animation this is an absolute delight!

the legendary sound of Pink Floyd

Time: 11am and 2.30pm. Tickets: £6

live on stage, Think Floyd embark on a sensational nationwide tour this

told with high spirits and great good

The conquest Tel: 01885 488575 PANTO – MAY THE FARCE BE WITH YOU

spring. The brand new production features The Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here - arguably two the most influential albums of all time. These masterpieces will be performed from start to finish, along

Friday 12th – Saturday 20th

with the whole range classic Pink

February. Conquest productions

Floyd from Syd Barrett through to

present a Panto based (very loosely!)

The Division Bell. Think Floyd take

on Jack and the Beanstalk, written by

enormous pride in recreating all the

Andrew Yates. The Lord of the Dark

atmosphere, visual magnitude and

Side plans Galactic Domination. To

musical excellence of Pink Floyd,

thwart his evil plans, heroic space-

live on stage and their production is

warrior Luke Warmwater sets off on

backed by a dedicated team of sound

Saturday 13th February. Gather

an inter-galactic mission to the other

and lighting engineers. The thrilling

round for the Moon’s magical,

side of the universe. Oh, yes he does!

concert atmosphere is enhanced

mystical story about a tippetty-

It’s panto, Jim, but not as you know

with an impressive laser light show,

top tap dancer who he has been

it. A delightful galaxy of characters,

together with the sheer energy of the

watching at night. Marina Skippett

including robots, Super Troopers, and

band, promises a first-class evening

creeps out of her house every

two (yes, two - count them!) love-

of pure Pink Floyd. It’s no wonder

night to shuffle and stomp on the

interest couples, float weightlessly

the band have long been regarded as

boardwalk to the sounds of the

through a madcap plot. Thrusting a

The Definitive Pink Floyd Experience!

sea. She can’t tap dance at home

flight-path via Planet Zog, a Giant’s

Time: 8pm. Tickets: £19.50

anymore since her evil, tractor-sized

house and the Dame’s garden, the

Aunty banned it, threatening to feed

cast defy gravity across a crowded

RAPUNZEL

Marina’s dinners to the dog! But

orbit of satellites and spaceships as

Saturday 27th February. From the Emmy Award-winning team behind

£7. Under 16’s £5

your favourite Chris & Pui characters will be dropping in, along with the

along to and tap dancing that will

The courtyard Tel: 01432 340555 THE TAP DANCING MERMAID

then, one moon-lit night, Marina

they rocket a trajectory through a jet-

Sunday 21st February. Based

meets a mysterious, watery boy

propelled show with a starry ending.

the mega-hit television series Friends

on the book by Charles Dickens

called Leo swimming in the sea and

It’s out of this world! Tickets: £10

comes Rapunzel, an exciting musical

a timeless adventure and a

her life is never the same again! The

under 16 £6

perfect for all the family! A familiar

mesmerizing story of childhood.

“truly amazing one woman power

Everyone has heard of the small

house” Tessa Bide is touring the UK

NT LIVE: AS YOU LIKE IT

boy who dares to ask for more, but

with her celebrated devised solo

Thursday 25th February.

minds that have been making the

do you know the original story of

production, called “just everything a

Shakespeare’s glorious comedy of love

world laugh non-stop for more than

Oliver Twist? Packed full of surprises

children’s theatre experience should

and change comes to the National

two decades. Following their visit

for a modern audience, Red Earth’s

be” (Childplays). There are stunning

Theatre for the first time in over 30

last Spring with Wind in the Willows,

adaptation of Charles Dickens’s

puppets, original live music to sing

years, with Rosalie Craig (London

Immersion Theatre are thrilled to

18

Primary Times February Half Term 2016

tale with a fantastic new spin, it has all the charm you’d expect from the

For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.net

19

return with the UK Premiere of this

of the Russian State Ballet. Every

the Alice Otley and Old Elizabethans

witty, tongue-in-cheek retelling of

child’s favourite fairy tale, this

Association. Open Monday to

a perennial favourite. Featuring a

is the classic story of love and

Saturday, 10.00am – 4.00pm.

possessive mother who happens to be

innocence, mystery and magic set

Admission Free

a witch, a tentative young man who

to Tchaikovsky’s sublime score.

happens to be a prince and a strong-

Stunning choreography, sumptuous

OLIVER!

willed but naive young girl with the

costumes and wonderful sets form

Friday 19th & Saturday 20th

longest hair you’re ever likely to come

the fantasy world in which the

February. Pershore Operatic and

across! Alone with nothing but her hair

Lilac Fairy struggles against the evil

Dramatic Youth Section bring you

and her witch (literally) of a mother,

Caraboss. Time: 7.30pm Tickets:

Lionel Bart’s musical version of this

Rapunzel dreams of seeing the outside

£11.50 - £36.50

Dickens’s classic. Oliver leaves the

world - when a young prince and his

workhouse to find his Grandfather

before the Rapunzel & her Prince can

CHANDOS: FAMILY FUN CONCERT

have their happy-ever-after, they’re

Sunday 13th March. With a

and Nancy and an assortment of

going to have to face the witch’s wrath

young upcoming conductor and

low life characters from Victorian

and some hilarious obstacles in this

a BBC presenter this concert is

England. With its delightfully drawn

unique fairy tale! It certainly isn’t going

serious FUN! Chandos takes little

Dickensian characters and catchy

to be fairy-tale business as usual - so

listeners on a musical exploration

tunes, such as Food Glorious Food,

get TANGLED in this glittering gem

of some of the most exciting

Consider Yourself, Oom Pah Pah,

of theatrical goodness! Time: 16:30

orchestral music we could lay our

Where is Love? Oliver!, is a real feast

Tickets: £10.00 Full price and

hands on. A great selection of the

of entertainment. A perfect choice

£8.00 Conc

BBC 10 pieces and blockbustin’ film

for this very talented and award

music. There’s starry, scary, spooky,

winning youth group. “Please sir can

piratical, astronomical & downright

I have some more?” Time: Friday

phantasmagorical. What’s not to

19 February - 7.00pm; Saturday

like? Children – please come dressed

20 February - 1.30pm & 7.00pm.

as your favourite character from any

Tickets: £11 Matinee £9

trusty valet come across her tower. But

ludlowassemblyrooms Tel: 01584 873229 DINO SCRUNCH!

and is befriended by Dodger and meets Fagin and his gang, Bill

of the pieces of music. Mussorgsky

Tuesday 16th February. Get

Night on a Bald Mountain - John

creative with local artist Purvin

Adams Short Ride in a Fast Machine

norbury theatre

to help build a giant dinosaur

- Bernstein Symphonic Dances, West

sculpture made entirely of rolled

Side Story - Bach-Stokowski Toccata

Tel: 08444 771000

up newspaper. a chance for all of

& Fugue in D minor - Holst Mars &

the family to get stuck in, and the

Jupiter, The Planets Suite -Badelt

final construction will be put out on display! Time: 11am. Cost: £5

AN EVENING WITH DON MACLEAN Saturday 27th February. Don is a much admired Entertainer, and makes his first visit to the Norbury with his unique brand of humour.

Don has generously offered to appear in this special show to support Mission Morogoro. Mission Morogoro is a locally based charity working to alleviate poverty in rural Tanzania. One of the best known comedians on TV and radio who claims to have left school with ‘7 ‘0’ levels, 2 spirit levels and a girl’s bike.’ Don has appeared in six Royal Command Shows, his recent 30th anniversary in show business was marked with an award from the Variety Club, and he was made an MBE in the 2001 New Year’s honours list. TV and radio have both played a major part in Don’s career from Crackerjack through Celebrity Squares to his current Radio 2 show Good Morning Sunday which he is still presenting after 15 years on the air. Time: 7:30pm Tickets £15

worcester live Tel: 01905 611427

Pirates of the Caribbean -John

NO REGRETS – THE LIFE STORY & SONGS OF EDITH PIAF

CHILDREN’S THEATRE ‘GRANNY’S ATTIC’

Williams Star Wars: The Phantom

Saturday 13th February. A

Menace. Bring all the family, no

celebration of the life story and songs

acted by adults provide fun, songs

matter what age, for a Chandos

of the iconic French chanteuse Edith

Friday 19th February. Sally Tonge

afternoon to remember. Time:

Piaf, who rose from the backstreets

is a trader in twaddle, a word wrangler

3pm Tickets: £12.32-£16.80,

of Paris to become the most highly

and a storymonger. She shares

children half price.

paid female entertainer of her time!

PLAYING WITH WORDS

songs, tales and taratiddles to delight

Not a typical tribute show, this

audiences of all ages and is a popular

stunning piece of theatre contains a

Number 8

Shropshire based storyteller. Come and

“beautifully crafted narration,” telling

Tel: 01386 555488

the fascinating story of the “Little charisma has inspired performers

there... and the places in between.

RGS Worcester GCSE Pupils – ‘Wet Paint II’

Time: 10.30am. Cost: £5

Thursday 11th February -

perfect blend of wonderful stories,

Wednesday 2nd March. This

fascinating facts, charming humour,

exhibition reflects the very diverse

moving moments and passionately

interests of the RGS students.

performed Piaf classics such as La Vie

Painting in oils these GCSE artists

En Rose, Milord, Mon Dieu and Non Je

use the medium of choice employed

Ne Regrette Rien (No Regrets)! Linder

by professional artists with its

Productions present internationally

Tuesday 9th February.

enhanced capabilities for colour,

acclaimed musical theatre actress Sally

Performed by The Russian State

mixing and application. The work has

Jones (Chicago, Evita, Les Miserables)

Ballet of Siberia and accompanied

been framed by the Bevere Gallery

in this critically acclaimed production.

by a live orchestra, The Orchestra

thanks to a generous donation by

Time: 7:30pm Tickets £12/£10

hear some arns, diffles with a riddle and giggle with songs as Sal shares oral bric a brac gathered from here and

malvern theatre Tel: 0845 287 2146 SLEEPING BEAUTY

20

Primary Times February Half Term 2016

Sparrow” who’s inimitable style and all over the world! The show is a

Saturday 6th February. Plays and audience participation for two-to-nine-year-olds. Dolly runs a fancy dress and properties shop.

She may need your help to deal with three very difficult customers: Mr Willoughby and Mr and Mrs Garret.

Time: 10.30am & 11.45 Tickets: £2.50 (Groups of 10 or more £2.25 per ticket, Under 2s free)

CHILDREN’S THEATRE ‘SPRING IS SPRUNG’ Saturday 5th March. Plays acted by adults provide fun, songs and audience participation for two-to-nineyear-olds. Can the Springtime Fairy and the Lollipop Lady stop Hector the Collector adding more butterflies to his collection and teach him to respect the life of the countryside? Time: 10.30 & 11.45am Tickets: £2.50 (Groups of 10 or more £2.25 per ticket, Under 2s free)

A Week at The Oscars!

The paparazzi will be swarming around Kidderminster when the Museum of Carpet hosts its Week at the Oscars for half term! Visitors can expect star treatment when they step onto the red carpet as a fun-filled programme has been devised for the most demanding of stars!

Running between Tuesday 16 February and Saturday 20 February, there will be two different craft activities taking place each day.

These will include: ‘Make a Flip Book’ and ‘Create Your Own Movie Award’. Painting skills will be tested with the amazing workshop ‘Silhouette Paparazzi Painting’ where visitors will get the chance to create a colourful image of themselves. And that’s not all, they could even nominate themselves for a prize in the activity ‘Create your own Movie Award’.

There’s also plenty of hands-on activities, such as ‘Make a Red Carpet Scene’, which will feature real red carpet. And for those who aren’t as crafty, there’s the chance to have a go at the movie themed trail that will wind its way all around the Museum.

Each of these sessions costs just £3.00 and includes a tour of the Museum as well.

But if you think you’re a star in the making, then why not come along on the special Red Letter Day taking place on Friday 19 February. Here visitors will get the chance to dress up and strut their stuff on the red carpet and pose for a photo. Don’t worry this is not just available to little stars, it’s also open to mums and dads as well!

Activities on this jampacked fun day include ‘Create your own Walk of Fame star’ and everyone will be given the chance to make a film strip.

But the fun doesn’t end there as in the morning, everyone can settle in with popcorn and a drink and enjoy an Oscar nominated children’s movie.

Tickets for this star studded day are £6.50 which includes

entry to the Museum. Activities will run from 10.30am – 3.30pm and the movie starts at 11.30am and lasts for approx. 95mins.

Located in an old mill building, staff want to show visitors that a day at the Museum of Carpet is a star studded occasion worthy of an Oscar.

Visitors get the chance to watch a demonstration using the Jacquard Wilton and the Axminster Spool looms whilst volunteers operate hand looms showing people the earliest routes of carpet making. In other galleries, life-sized figures share the master’s and spinner’s stories; revealing what life was really like for those who worked in the carpet mills.

A computer generated game allows visitors to design their own patterns as this miraculously appears on the museum floor before their very eyes.

So, with a host of have-a-go exhibits and hands-on activities, the Museum of Carpet is packed with things to see and do. n

For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.net

21

22

Primary Times February Half Term 2016

FAMILY MARKETPLACE ASSESSMENTS

CHILDCARE

DANCE & DRAMA

Crescents Ballet School

Principal: Ms Jane Chance L.R.A.D., A.I.S.T.D. (M.D.)

Ballet, Modern, Tap and Acrobatic Dance for all ages at:

Crescents Dance Studios, Sherriff Street, Worcester, WR4 9AB Classes also in Droitwich Methodist Church Hall For more information call

07971 902 952 or 01905 724614

www.crescentsballetschool.co.uk

DAYS OUT

TUITION BSc (Hons), PGCE, MEd (Ed Psych)

Educational Psychologist (Chartered by the BPS)

Independent assessment and advice for all special needs including dyslexia, dyspraxia, autism and attention problems.

16 seat minibuses to 78 seat double deckers including our new 63 seat coaches, all ranging from standards to executives.

Contact: 01905 820 201 or info@astons-coaches.co.uk www.astons-coaches.co.uk

Tel: 07853 248311 www.toniapeterspsychologist-herefordshire.co.uk

Grafton Psychology Associates Limited trading as Tonia Peters. Company Registration Number: 7853233.

Registered in England and Wales

DANCE & DRAMA