Primary Times Hereford & Worcester FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2018

e e fr

E UID G ON S ’ T A WH

for parents, teachers and children

in Hereford & Worcester February Half Term 2018

5th February - 12th March 2018

It’s Party Time!

New parties for 2018 at Imagination Street

www.imaginationstreet.co.uk See page three for more information

Plus

Roundabout, Exams Needn’t Be Testing, Theatre, Come On Your Dancer, Pinboard and much more!

Education

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In Hereford & Worcester

Second Floor, Richardson House, 21/24 New St, Worcester. WR1 2DP. Tel: 01905 723011 Fax: 01905 780103 Publishing Editor: Dawn Pardoe - 01905 727909 Design and Production: Paul Blyth and Bex Small

Bookstore

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February Reading ..........................................................................................

Roundabout

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What’s On

Sales & PR Rachel Seabright - 01905 727900 rachel@pw-media.co.uk

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Primary Times is independently published and distributed free through Infant and Junior Schools throughout Hereford & Worcester. It is also available by subscription at £50 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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Come On You Dancer

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Pinboard 22 ..........................................................................................

Theatre 26 Who’s Treading The Boards? ..........................................................................................

Family Marketplace

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For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.co.uk

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Calling all

budding writers!

WICKED, the award-winning West End musical that tells the incredible untold story of the witches of Oz, together with the National Literacy Trust, has announced the eighth year of the prestigious WICKED Young Writer Awards. The closing date is 12 March so enter as soon as you can! Details can be found at www.

WickedYoungWriterAwards.com. As in previous years, entrants can enter one of five different age categories; 5-7yrs, 8-10yrs, 11-14yrs, 15-17yrs and 18-25 yrs. Pieces of original writing can be

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Primary Times February Half Term 2018

submitted, either individually or as part of a school group, until 12 March.

The overall winners from each category will win a VIP family experience to the West End production of WICKED, including an exclusive backstage tour, £50 book/eBook tokens, the 5-7yrs, 8-11yrs and 11-14yrs categories will win £100 worth of books for their school library donated by Hachette Children’s Books. In addition the 5-7 age category winners will receive a creative writing workshop for their class. The three

schools with the highest number of entries will receive a bespoke writing workshop at their respective schools.

All finalists’ entries will be printed in the WICKED Young Writer Awards anthology.

The WICKED Young Writer Awards raises money for the National Literacy Trust, who campaign to improve public understanding of the vital importance of literacy. Exclusive teachers’ resources can be found online including tips for inspiring and encouraging writing in the classroom. n

For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.co.uk

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Primary Times February Half Term 2018

For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.co.uk

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Primary Times February Half Term 2018

For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.co.uk

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Primary Times February Half Term 2018

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Worcester

‘Following Jesus in all we do’

We offer a Catholic Primary Education for 4 – 11 year olds and seek to build an environment in which Christian values guide all children, giving a secure foundation to their future lives.

We have spaces available in Years 2, 3 and 5.

Please contact the school for further information.

Chedworth Drive, Warndon, Worcester WR4 9PG

Tel: 01905 452772 office@st-josephs-pri.worcs.sch.uk

www.stjosephsworcester.co.uk

For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.co.uk

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Rooted Forest School, The Barn, Harp Yard, Kington, Herefordshire HR5 3BJ Give your child a birthday experience they’ll never forget. We offer a range of Forest School themed birthday parties running from one of our sites in Herefordshire. The parties can be run for a morning or afternoon, including: Forest School party games, Activities based around one of our themes or designed with you to suit your child, Food cooked over the camp fire, Creative activities, including something to take home!

Storytelling with lots of Forest School memories. Our themes are: Den making and survival techniques, Bushcraft skills, Bow and Arrow making and other tool use, Craft and Nature activities, Cooking and fire craft or a tailor made birthday experience. Prices start from £120 depending on the number of children and duration of sessions.

Please contact us for more details.

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ROOTED WOODLAND BIRTHDAY PARTIES

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Throughout the year

ily Dia ry Fam

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Yo ur

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and jam, Grapes, Crisps, Carrot sticks, Cocktail sausage rolls and Juice. All the food is from the Harvest Shop and can be tailored to your requirements

WR1 3EZ. 10:30am - 12noon.

the 12th century to its destruction

Where: Meet at the Pump House

in 1538 by Henry VIII during the

Environment Centre every Friday.

dissolution. One of the most unique

Walk Length: Walks will vary each

museums in Worcestershire and the

week averaging 4.5 miles and taking

West Midlands, the museum also has

approx. 1 hour 30 minutes. Enjoy a

a superb Gift Shop selling souvenirs

walk through the city’s parks. If it’s

and a good selection of the finest

your first time on this walk please

quality needles, many of which are

arrive 5 or 10 minutes early to sign

locally produced. We also stock

in. Thanks! Please wear sturdy

unusual needles and offer a mail

footwear and outdoor clothes.

order service. See website for prices

Refreshments available at the Pump

and opening times.

House. To book a place call the

www.forgemill.org.uk

Customer Service Centre on 01905 722233. Free event. Supported by the Worcestershire Walking Network.

For information about other local health walk groups. www.walkingforhealth.org.uk

Tuesday 6th TABLETOP BATTLES in GAMES WORKSHOP UNIVERSES Ross Library, Cantilupe Road, Ross-

Saturday 3rd February – Sunday 11th November

on-Wye, HR4 7AN. 5:00pm - 7:00pm.

Join in with tabletop battles in Games Workshop’s Warhammer universes. Suitable for beginners aged 8-16. Cost: Free. For more

for adults as standard). Party bags can

WWI THE WAR TO END ALL WARS

be provided at a cost, please enquire

City Art gallery & Museum, Foregate

srjones@herefordshire.gov.uk

when booking. Parties can be held at

Street, Worcester WR1 1DT. From

11am – 1pm, or 2.30pm – 4.30pm and

industry to the military, fashion

access can be arranged before the party

to food, discover how the First

to decorate the marquee to make it

Wednesday 7th

World War changed the lives of

uniquely yours. Cost: £10 per person

Worcestershire people and shaped

Tuesday to Saturday, including the two

GO TOADS 2018 – INTRODUCTORY MEETING

the future of the 20th century.

activities. This price is for the party

Queenswood Country Park and

Free event.

guests plus both parents, please note

Arboretum, Dinmore Hill, Leominster,

www.ww1worcestershire.co.uk

Herefordshire, HR6 0PY. 7pm – 8.30pm.

(please note there is no food provided

siblings are welcome but the standard

The first meeting of 2018 for Go Toads

farm park entry price will apply unless eating when they will be counted as part of the party. www.topbarn.co.uk/ farm-park/birthday-parties/

Family pottery fun Eastnor Pottery, Home Farm, Eastnor, Ledbury HR8 1RD. Open Tues-Sat 10am-4pm. Simply email admin@ eastnorpottery.co.uk or tel 01531 633886 to book a session, turn up and choose from an exciting menu

www.rootedforestschool.co.uk

of pottery projects using real clay

BIRTHDAY PARTIES AT TOP BARN

order of participants required and

and the potter’s wheel. No minimum

information contact Steve Jones -

Monday 5th

patrollers. Organised by Herefordshire Wildlife Trust. This is a chance to find

SPRING SEASON AT THE MILL

out more about the project and how

Forge Mill Needle Museum &

to get involved this year. Bodenham

Bordesley Abbey Visitor Centre,

has the largest migratory pathway

Needle Mill Lane, Riverside, Redditch

for common toads in the county but

B98 8HY. Forge Mill Needle Museum

unfortunately this pathway crosses a

& Bordesley Abbey Visitor Centre

road. For the past two years, HWT have

is an unusual and fascinating place

conducted regular night patrols in early

to visit. This historic site illustrates

spring to assist toads crossing the road

the rich heritage of the needle and

safely. Free event.

fishing tackle industries. Models

www.herefordshirewt.org

and recreated scenes provide a vivid illustration of how needles were once made, and how Redditch

Saturday 10th

once produced 90% of the world’s

Pottery Workshops

needles. On the same site, just a

Eastnor Pottery, Home Farm, Eastnor,

Shop, Holt Heath, Worcester WR6 6NH.

very short walk from Forge Mill

Ledbury HR8 1RD. Something for

11am – 1pm, or 2.30pm – 4.30pm. The

Museum, are the ruins of Bordesley

the grown-ups! - Potter’s wheel

Abbey - a medieval Cistercian

workshops early Spring 2018. Spend

Abbey which has been extensively

the day or weekend relaxing and

excavated. Bordesley Abbey Visitor

creating pots on the potter’s wheel.

Centre, which is set in an original

£130 day £240 weekend. Includes

the chicks & bunnies. Our team will lay

HEALTHY WALKS AT GHELUVELT PARK

reconstructed 16th century barn,

materials, refreshments and lunch.

out the party tent with your party food

Pump House Environment Centre,

tells the extraordinary story of the

Please contact 01531 633886 or

including: Sandwiches: ham, cheese

Waterworks Road, Worcester

Abbey from its development in

email admin@eastnorpottery.co.uk.

Top Barn Farm Park, Top Barn Harvest

perfect outdoor party venue for 1 to 8 year olds. We’ll take you and your party guests on a tractor trailer tour around our farm and give you a chance to pet

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projects start at just £5. Excellent & creative indoor activity.

FEBRUARY Every Friday

Primary Times February Half Term 2018

Bromsgrove 01926 651159 bromsgrove@stagecoach.co.uk

Kidderminster 01562 66194 kidderminster@stagecoach.co.uk

Cwmbran & Monmouth 01633 662283 cwmbran@stagecoach.co.uk

Ledbury & Malvern 01684 439452 malvern@stagecoach.co.uk

For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.co.uk

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R REPAIR CAFÉ & KIDS CLOTHES SWAP Queenswood Country Park, Dinmore Hill, Leominster, HR6 0PY. 10am 1pm. Got something to fix? Then bring it along and our team of experts will try and mend it for you.

We will also be hosting a kids clothes swap so bring a bundle down and take a new bundle home! Bikes fixed from10 till 1pm. Free event.

KIDS NAIL AND ART WORKSHOP Studiocrafts, Ground Floor, 5A The Southend, Ledbury, HR8 2JH. Time: 2:30pm to 3:30pm. Kids nail and art workshop: Wind with love a nail and string wall hanging for Valentine’s day. Cost: £5. Tel: 01531634124 studiocraftsledbury@outlook.com

Wednesday 14th Children’s Pottery Sessions

Eastnor Pottery, Home Farm, Eastnor, Ledbury HR8 1RD. Come and make a pot of ceramic flowers which co-incidentally will be fired and glazed in time for mother’s day!.

Sessions designed for two age groups although younger and older siblings will never be turned away: 11.30am1pm 4-8YRS and 2-3.30pm 9-12YRS. Places cost £15 per child with a 10% discount for x3 or more places booked. Telephone or email booking essential. 01531 633886 admin@ eastnorpottery.co.uk

Thursday 15th

YOUNG AT ART: BIG CREATURES City Art gallery & Museum, Foregate Street, Worcester WR1 1DT. 10:30am - 12noon. Looking for a hands-on, stimulating and fun toddler session?

Come and enjoy exploring, listening and making sessions for the Under

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5s based at the Art Gallery and The Hive on a Thursday morning. Join us to make ‘Big Creatures’ at Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum.

Young at Art is a partnership with Worcestershire Libraries and sessions are tailored for the under 5s and will cover exploring, listening & making.

Young children, parents and carers welcome. Cost: £3.00 per child – payable on the day. No booking required.

Friday 16th – Sunday 18th

SPRING STEAM GALA Severn Valley Railway, Kidderminster DY10 1QR. Opening our 2018 season, a great line-up of visiting locomotives supported by members of the Severn Valley Railway home fleet.

A tantalising festival of locomotives large and small! A great event for all the family; come along and get up close to an array of exciting steam locomotives, and sample a fantastic selection of attractions up and down the line. Pay once then jump on board a comfy carriage for the whole day and prepare to venture back in time! See website for times and ticket prices. www.svr.co.uk

Saturday 17th – Sunday 25th

LIVING HISTORY AT THE COMMANDERY The Commandery, Sidbury, Worcester WR1 2HU. Experience 2000 years of history come to life with a weekend of living history encampments, military displays, vintage vehicles and more. Be recruited by Royalists for the pike and cannon drill, practise your Playford dancing in the Great Hall and join the 1950s Scout camp in The Commandery gardens. Indoor and outdoor entertainment throughout the weekend will include firing displays with arms through the ages, medieval and 17th century encampments, chilling historical treatments with the scary surgeon and a Victorian magic lantern show.

Organised in partnership with Worcester Re-enactors. Living History in Worcester is part of the Love Worcester Heritage Festival; a week of events in heritage venues across

Primary Times February Half Term 2018

the City from 17th - 25th February 2018. See website for times and prices. www.worcestershire.gov.uk/ museums/events

Saturday 17th

CHILDREN’S WILLOW WORKSHOP Queenswood Country Park and Arboretum, Dinmore Hill, Leominster, Herefordshire, HR6 0PY. Time: 10am – 12.30pm. Herefordshire Wildlife Trust have fantastic new programme of art and craft workshops at Queenswood Country Park & Arboretum for 2018. Create and take home a range of willow crafts. Choose from: bird feeders, dragonflies, fish, star wands and woven hearts. This workshop is for children aged 7 years and over and children can come accompanied by an adult or unaccompanied. www.herefordshirewt.org

BLEST BY THE SUNS OF HOME Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum, Foregate Street, Worcester, WR1 1DT. A fantastic new programme has been unveiled at Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum. Throughout 2018 the Gallery aims to bring the best of the nation’s art to Worcester, including outstanding artworks by Worcestershire’s greatest artist Benjamin Leader. BW became an international success with his paintings of the idyllic English landscape. During World War One, these images took on a new emotional appeal with connotations of a landscape worth fighting for.

The exhibition, which is part of the Worcestershire World War 100 project, includes artworks from the Worcester City collection as well as loans from private and public collections, including The River Llugwy near Bettws-y-Ceod generously lent by Her Majesty The Queen from the Royal Collection. See website for opening times.

School Road, Ludlow, SY7 9RS. 1:00pm to 2:30pm. Hogweed’s School of Magic Calling all young witches and wizards, your classes await ….

Divination, Potions, Disapparation.

Have your training wand pick you and release the magic. Just £4 per accompanied 4 - 11 year old.

Spaces limited so book now to avoid disappointment. Cost: £3.50. info@shropshirehillsdiscoverycentre.co.uk

Monday 19th

MAKE A MINI WORCESTER Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum, Foregate Street, Worcester, WR1 1DT. 11:00am - 3pm. Drop in and create your favourite part of our lovely City. Cost: £2 per person for materials

Tuesday 20th

ADVENTURE CLUB Queenswood Country Park and Arboretum, Dinmore Hill, Leominster, Herefordshire, HR6 0PY. Time: 10am – 2pm. Join us for wild winter activities including fire making and camp fire cooking, using tools, seasonal crafts, den making, wildlife spotting and team games. Adventure club is for children aged 7 to 14 years. This event must be booked in advance. Cost: £12 www.herefordshirewt.org

Tuesday 20th & Wednesday 21st

FEBRUARY HALF TERM Oaker Wood Leisure, Kingsland, Leominster, Herefordshire, HR6 9PT. 9am - 3.30pm. Two full days of Adventurous Activities for 7-12 year olds. We also have Teen Paintball for 12-16 year olds. The programme for our Multi-Activity Days for 7-12 year olds will be varied and include 3 or 4 activities taken from the wide selection we have on offer. Cost: £24.50 for 1 day or £44 for 2 days.

See website for more details www.oakerwoodleisure.co.uk

Monday 19th – Wednesday 21st

SPRING WORKSHOPS AT HEREFORD COLLEGE OF ARTS

Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre,

Hereford College of Arts, Folly Lane, Hereford HR1 1LT. Time: 9.30am – 3pm. Spring Half Term Workshops at

HOGWEED’S SCHOOL OF MAGIC

Take a LOOK at our

WEBSITE!

www.primarytimes.net

For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.co.uk

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R Hereford College of Arts are designed specifically for creative adventurers who are at secondary school, aged between 11 and 16. You can choose to attend one or two days and work alongside expert teaching staff with access to specialist resources.

Workshops include: Tuesday 20th February - Animate! Make a Film, Learn to Sew, Fantasy Make Up, Lights, Camera, Action! Drawing Character Creations.

Tuesday 20th – Friday 23rd

FANTASTIC FEBRUARY FUN! County Museum, Hartlebury Castle, Worcestershire DY11 7XZ. 10:30am - 4:00pm. Join us for fun-filled family craft activity days and follow an exciting I Spy Spring Trail around the museum. An additional charge of £2 per child applies for the day’s activities. Come and make a kite & decorate and plant your own Spring pot to take home. Cost: Adult-£5, Concess & Children-£2.50, Family Ticket-£13 & under fives are free.

Wednesday 21st CLENT HILLS – FAMILY ADVENTURE TREKS

Clent Hills, Worcestershire. Go on a family walk with a difference. Each trek is tailored to a specific age group and is packed full of activities and challenges to do whilst being led around by one of our rangers. 10am 11am: Under 5s trek 11.30am - 1pm: 5 - 8 year olds trek 1.30pm - 3pm: 9 12 year olds trek 2pm - 4pm: 13 - 16 year olds trek Each trek focusses on a specific age group but if your family crosses over two groups then please book on to the one that feels best for you. The walks are full of activities for all the family to enjoy together so please book adults and children on to the event. Booking Essential.

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Phone: 0344 249 1895. A National Trust Event - Start times vary.

Normal Admission Charges Apply.

We will meet outside the café at Nimmings Wood Car Park. Contact: 01562 712 822 - Visitor Experience Manager. Call to check latest times or cancellations

Make & CreatE Learn to be a Potter, Digital Studio Photography, Painting Fantasy Landscapes, 3D Workshop – Make & Create, DIY Printmaking. Cost: £20 per day. The deadline for enrolments is Friday 9th February 2018.

Download a booking form from: www.hca.ac.uk

GET CRAFTY! Queenswood Country Park & Arboretum, Nr. Leominster, Herefordshire HR6 0PY. Time: 1:30pm - 3:30pm. Seasonal crafts using natural materials for children aged 2 to 12 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please pay at the Visitor Centre on arrival. Cost: £2, under 2’s free. www.herefordshirewt.org

Children’s Pottery Sessions Eastnor Pottery, Home Farm, Eastnor, Ledbury HR8 1RD. Come and make a pot of ceramic flowers which co-incidentally will be fired and glazed in time for mother’s day!.

Sessions designed for two age groups although younger and older siblings will never be turned away: 11.30am1pm 4-8YRS and 2-3.30pm 9-12YRS. Places cost £15 per child with a 10% discount for x3 or more places booked. Telephone or email booking essential. 01531 633886 admin@ eastnorpottery.co.uk

Thursday 22nd

CHILDREN’S WILDLIFE CRAFTS Herefordshire Wildlife Trust Ledbury Shop, 4 The Homend, Ledbury, Herefordshire HR8 1BT. 1:00pm 3:30pm. Drop in to our afternoon of nature-themed crafts at our Ledbury Shop! All activities are free. Suitable for children aged 3 to 12 years - all children must be accompanied by an adult. Free event, donations appreciated. www.herefordshirewt.org

Primary Times February Half Term 2018

Friday 23rd

NEEDLE FELTED DORMICE Queenswood Country Park and Arboretum, Dinmore Hill, Leominster, Herefordshire, HR6 0PY. Time: 10am – 3pm. Needle felt your own dormouse to take home with textile artist Sophie Buckley. Prices vary for each workshop. Full details and booking forms can be found on their website www.herefordshirewt.org

MARCH Thursday 1st

WWI - A HAPPY CONVALESCENCE Hartlebury Castle Hartlebury Nr. Kidderminster Worcestershire DY11 7XZ. 10am - 5pm Tuesday Friday; 11am - 5pm Saturday, Sundays.

Discover the stories of fun, friendship and romance that offered a brief respite from the frontlines for injured soldiers sent to recover at Hartlebury Castle Hospital. Piece together the journeys of the ill and injured from the battlefield to Blighty and back again. Meet the determined Worcestershire women who nursed them back to health. Part of the Worcestershire World War One Hundred project, funded by Heritage Lottery Fund. Cost: Adults £5, Seniors £2.50, Children (aged 5-16) £2.50, Family Ticket £13 (admits 2 adults & 2 children)

include a drink and healthy snack for the children and end with a song round the camp-fire. All children need to be accompanied by a responsible adult. Although our site is fully equipped with a compost toilet, woodland shelter and outdoor kitchen, we will be playing outdoors whatever the weather so come prepared! Sessions are booked in advance as a six week block and start on Thursday 1st March 2018.

Sessions run from 10:00 - 12:00 OR 12:30 - 2:30 so please indicate which session you are booking when completing the form. The cost is £50 which is payable in advance.

Places will be offered on a first come, first served basis. For booking inquiries please contact bookings@ rootedforestschool.co.uk

OPEN MORNING FOR HWT MEMBERS Queenswood Country Park and Arboretum, Dinmore Hill, Leominster, Herefordshire, HR6 0PY. Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm. The morning will include a presentation on the Trust’s current projects and plans, a short guided walk and a chance to chat with staff and other members over coffee and cake! You are welcome to bring a friend or two along! This is a free event but please be aware that the car park is pay & display.

Please reserve a space by contacting Bev Bishop on 01432 356872 / b.bishop@herefordshirewt.co.uk

ROOTED WOODLAND TOTS Rooted Forest School, The Barn, Harp Yard, Kington, Herefordshire HR5 3BJ. We offer a weekly parent and toddler group at our beautiful site in rural Herefordshire. The 2018 sessions will be starting on 1st March! These sessions are designed to be a calm and relaxing place for children and their carers to re-connect with nature and take some time out from the stresses and strains of modern life. Every session will have a regular rhythm with an introduction round the log circle, a game and a reflection time at the end. Sessions are 2 hours long and we provide a range of activities for your child, including: Woodland games, Singing, Messy play, Mud kitchen, Climbing and balancing, Water play, Digging, Bug hunts, Engaging with nature plus stories around the fire. All sessions

Saturday 3rd

LUCTON FOOD FESTIVAL Friends of Lucton School, Lucton, Herefordshire HR6 9PN. 10am – 5pm. This is the fourth year, for the Lucton Food Festival and it promises to be the biggest yet! Showcasing the wonderful and varied food & drink suppliers from this beautiful part of the world. The venue, Lucton School, will provide a great location for an all-weather event. It is big enough to accommodate a large number of food and drink exhibitors. Stall holders will offer scope for tastings and there will demonstrations and workshops throughout the day.

For more information: call: 01568 782000. Free event www.luctonfoodfestival.com

What’s on in your area?

From Theatre shows and attractions to classes and family days out - you’ll find even more on our website!

www.primarytimes.co.uk

For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.co.uk

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R Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th

Pottery Workshops Eastnor Pottery, Home Farm, Eastnor, Ledbury HR8 1RD. Something for the grown-ups! - Potter’s wheel workshops early Spring 2018. Spend the day or weekend relaxing and creating pots on the potter’s wheel. £130 day £240 weekend. Includes materials, refreshments and lunch.

Please contact 01531 633886 or email admin@eastnorpottery.co.uk for more details.

Sunday 4th

WILDLIFE WATCH CLUB: REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS Bodenham Lake Nature Reserve, Nr. Leominster, Herefordshire HR1 3JT. 12:30pm - 2:30pm. Exploring reptiles and amphibians that live in and around Bodenham lake, learning about their life cycles, habitats and what we can do to help protect them. Wildlife Watch is our monthly club for young naturalists aged 7 to 14 years. It meets on the first Sunday of each month at either Queenswood Country Park & Arboretum or Bodenham Lake Nature Reserve. Advance booking essential, Cost: £2 per child. To book onto multiple Wildlife Watch Club Sessions please contact Kate Broad directly on 01432 530088 / k.broad@ herefordshirewt.co.uk

Thursday 8th

MOTHER’S DAY AFTERNOON TEA Chateau Impney, Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire WR9 0BN. 3.00pm 5.00pm. Treat the special lady in your life to a luxury afternoon tea, and a spot of pampering, in the beautiful surroundings of the Chateau Impney’s Grand Ballroom. Kindly sponsored by Knight Frank. Cost:

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£25 per person Price includes full afternoon tea and a mini-treatment of your choice. Tel: 01905 763963

YOUNG AT ART: SPRING BASKETS Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum, Foregate Street, Worcester, WR1 1DT. 10:30am - 12noon.

Looking for a hands-on, stimulating and fun toddler session? Come and enjoy exploring, listening and making sessions for the Under 5s based at the Art Gallery and The Hive on a Thursday morning. Join us to make Spring Baskets at Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum. Young children, parents and carers welcome. Cost: £3.00 per child – payable on the day.

No booking required.

Saturday 10th

Pottery Workshops Eastnor Pottery, Home Farm, Eastnor, Ledbury HR8 1RD. Something for the grown-ups! - Potter’s wheel workshops early Spring 2018. Spend the day or weekend relaxing and creating pots on the potter’s wheel. £130 day £240 weekend. Includes materials, refreshments and lunch.

Please contact 01531 633886 or email admin@eastnorpottery.co.uk for more details.

Sunday 11th

MOTHERING SUNDAY Brockencote Hall Hotel, Chaddesley Corbet, Kidderminster, Worcestershire DY10 4PY. A traditional four course family Sunday lunch with a special treat for those hard working mums. Cost: £35.00 per person. Contact telephone: 01562 777876

Wednesday 14th March – 29th April

poppies will appear at Hereford Cathedral from 14 March 2018 until 29 April 2018 as part of the final year of 14-18 NOW’s UK-wide tour of the iconic poppies. The Weeping Window poppy sculpture will be free and open to the public, while a series of special events will be hosted at the cathedral and other venues as part of the Herefordshire Homefront campaign. Hereford City will be the first location in 2018 to host this exhibit. The presentations by 14-18 NOW, the UK’s arts programme for the First World War centenary, give people across the UK the chance to experience the impact of the ceramic poppy sculptures in a range of places of particular First World War resonance. The men and women of Herefordshire made a huge contribution to the war effort, from the brave young men recruited into the Herefordshire Light Infantry – among them Allan Leonard Lewis who was awarded the Victoria Cross – to the Canary Girls who filled munition shells at the Rotherwas Munitions Factory, and the farmers who provided food for the country and the Front, as well as horses for the movement of soldiers and supplies. Free event. Visit the website for further information www.1418now.org.uk/commissions

Thursday 15th March Sunday 13th May WWI VOLUNTARY AID DETACHMENT HOSPITAL EXHIBITION

Hartlebury Castle Hartlebury Nr. Kidderminster Worcestershire DY11 7XZ. Objects and documents from the county museum, the archives and the George Marshall Medical Museum will be on display to tell the story of this remarkable convalescent home. One of the WWW100 trail events. Tel: 01299 250416

POPPIES: WEEPING WINDOW TOUR AT HEREFORD CATHEDRAL

Sunday 18th

Hereford Cathedral HR1 2NG. Time: From 12noon. Herefordshire Council and Hereford Cathedral are pleased to announce the arrival of Poppies: Weeping Window Tour at Hereford Cathedral by artist Paul Cummins and designer Tom Piper. The cascade of thousands of individual ceramic

Fownhope Recreation Ground, Hereford HR1 4PJ. 9am – 5pm. The St Michael’s Hospice Big Spring Walk 2018 will take place at Fownhope Recreation Ground. Whether you’re looking for a challenging woodland

Primary Times February Half Term 2018

ST MICHAEL’S HOSPICE BIG SPRING WALK 2018

walk or a more leisurely stroll beside the River Wye, there is a walk for you, your friends and family, and maybe even your dog. Choose between 2K, 5K, 11K and 16K routes starting and finishing at Fownhope Recreation Ground. All routes will be fully signposted, and our team of marshals will be positioned along the path ready to help you on your way.

Dogs on leads welcome for the 5K, 11K and 16K walks only. For further information or to register, please call the Events Team on 01432 851 000 or visit the website. Cost: £5 www.st-michaels-hospice.org.uk/ big-spring-walk

GREAT BRITISH DOG WALK Eastnor Castle, Eastnor, Ledbury HR8 1RL. From 10:15am. Join Hearing Dogs at Eastnor Castle for a picturesque dog walk. This will be a fab walk for dog lovers of all ages! Lots of fun activities for all the family; Stalls with lots of great gifts and chances to win Hearing Dogs prizes. Your chance to meet some of our life changing Hearing Dogs. By coming along, you’ll be helping us to raise vital funds and awareness so we can train more life-changing hearing dogs. Distance: 3km (Family Route) or 7km (Scenic Route).

Cost: Adults: £10, (£12 on the day) Children (under 16): Free. For more information and tickets please visit www.hearingdogs.org.uk/support/ events/gbdw-eastnor/

We take great care to ensure all this information is correct at the time of going to press. However, we would advise parents to phone and check details prior to making a long trip... or promise!

For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.co.uk

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Primary Times February Half Term 2018

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

Come and join the fun

With nearly 100 classes a week, for tots to adults, we’ve got you covered!

We offer ballet, tap, modern, commercial, street, lyrical, contemporary, acro and pointe work to name a few!

Multiple class and sibling discounts also offered.

Classes in Worcester & Droitwich

Enrol now and see where dancing stars are created...

For more information call 07971 902 952 or 01905 724614

www.crescentsballetschool.co.uk

What’s on in your area?

From Theatre shows and attractions to classes and family days out - you’ll find even more on our website!

www.primarytimes.co.uk For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.co.uk

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Hot Yoga in Worcester!

Hot Yoga is now on offer for the first time in Worcester, with the opening of a Hot Yoga, Yoga and Pilates centre in the heart of the city.

Guy and Cindy, both yoga teachers, had the inspiration to open the centre after returning from several years living in India. Their aim is to offer yoga classes to people of all levels, whether they have practiced yoga before or never set foot on a yoga mat.

The hot studio is proving very popular. Practiced in a specially

designed studio, hot yoga can increase strength and flexibility, improve breathing, promote weight loss, is a great detox and can help with a quieter, calmer mind.

Two further studios offer more traditional yoga styles such as Hatha and Vinyasa flow, quieter Yin and restorative yoga styles, Kundalini Yoga, Lyengar Yoga and Pilates. Pre and post natal yoga and pilates will also be on offer soon. All new students are offered a ÂŁ21 for 21 days of unlimited yoga

to try out the different styles and find a class they like.

With over 40 daytime and evening classes a week, the schedule is perfect for a class after the school run, or at evenings and weekends for those with daytime commitments.

For further details of the studio, including the class schedule, visit our website at www.thezenshed, or find us on Facebook at The Zen Shed UK. Book your space on a mat soon. n

WIN WITH 360 Play toddler soft play. With games and activities to join in with and plenty of obstacles to overcome and explore, this area will keep even the most boisterous of youngsters enthralled and entertained for hours.

Main play frame

Run off all that energy and get active in our huge indoor play areas. With giant wave sides, aerial gliders, race tracks, interactive ball zone, curly slides and tube slides, mirrors, biff bash bags, roller squeezers and lots more.

Carousel and Dodgems

Ride all day long on our 360 musical carousel or race mum and dad on the dodgems! Unlimited rides are included in your entry fee! Unlimited play, stay all day!

360 Play has been designed with the whole family in mind. The best thing is all of the play equipment and activities are for all to enjoy as we believe in parents participating in play as it means more fun all round. But if you want to sit back from time to time we have thought of that

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Primary Times February Half Term 2018

too, relax in our cafe! 360 Play operate secure safety doors on entry and exit enabling active, imaginary and creative play in a fantastic, safe environment

Toddler zone for under 4’s With little ones in mind we have great

COMPETITION TIME

Fancy winning a family day pass? All you need to do is name all six 360 Play centres in the UK and send your entry to competition@360play.co.uk, two winners will be picked at random every month throughout 2018! n

BBC

INFLATABLES Are you holding a party for mixed ages and cannot decide whether to have soft play or an inflatable to entertain the children? Now you don’t have to.

Here at BBC Inflatables we have been very busy putting together the most amazing Soft Play and Bouncer Packages.

With so many fabulous themes to choose from, you really will be spoilt for choice. Packages include Amazonian, Automobile, Blue Princess, Circus, Dinosaur, Enchanted, Fairytale, Farmyard, Jungle,

Pirate, Princess, Sea Life, Superhero and finally Unicorn.

We only ever supply the very best equipment which is always spotlessly clean, sterilized and beautifully presented. You will also receive the free use of Plasma Cars for all hall bookings.

To see our full range, please visit www.bbcinflatables.co.uk be prepared to be amazed.

We look forward to hearing from you soon. n

For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.co.uk

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Prams can be taken over sand thanks to

invention by local tennis coach

For the first time, mums and dads can take their babies and toddlers onto the beach in their pram, thanks to the Sandslider, a universal attachment which has been invented and bought to market by Lee Cowan, a professional tennis coach from Bromsgrove.

The idea for the product came when Lee was on holiday in Gran Canaria two years ago. “I saw all these families arrive at the beach and then attempt to get their prams over the sand.

Some pushed, some pulled, some gave up and some lifted the pram off the ground, but in all cases, it woke the baby up and made for a really frustrating start to the holiday.”

In between his tennis commitments, Lee started to dabble with different prototypes that could attach to a pram and allow it to be safely steered over the sand with the minimum of fuss. The result is the Sandslider, made from polypropylene in the UK. It attaches to the pram via

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two grips, with two adjustable webbing straps, meaning it can be used on all prams, buggies and strollers up to 50 cm in width.

Active Parties for Energetic Kids with

Everyone Active

The product also folds in half to fit in hand luggage, can be washed clean, is recyclable and fully safety compliant. It has also been tested on snow, over pebbles, pea gravel, muddy grass and any environment where a normal pram struggles to go.

Lee again: “Bromsgrove may be one of the furthest points in the country from the sea, but the reaction to the product has been nothing short of amazing.

Parents and grandparents all recognise the problem and the hassle caused by not being able to push your pram through sand. This is a completely new venture for me, and totally different from teaching topspin backhands, but seeing happy parents using it gives me a real sense of pride.” n www.sandsliders.com

Primary Times February Half Term 2018

Everyone Active offer a wide range of affordable and hasslefree parties which allow you and your child to focus on having as much fun as possible on their birthday.

We’ve got swimming parties with inflatables, multi-sports and football parties, soft play parties and even roller discos on offer. Packages and activities

vary by centre but all offer one hour of an ‘activity’ followed by thirty minutes in the party room.

In most cases you can bring your own catering or we can provide the food for you. What’s more, we will clear up all the mess!

For further details, contact your local Everyone Active centre or visit www.everyoneactive.com n

ULTIMATE PARTY SHOP

Are you looking for something a little different and exciting for this years ‘World Book Day’ on 1st March?

The Ultimate Party Shop in Angel Place Worcester have just announced that David Walliams exciting new exclusive range of book character costumes (with all accessories included) have now arrived in store!

They sit alongside Roald Dahl favourites like Fantastic Mr Fox, Willy Wonka and his Oompa Lumpas and more brand new costumes - Veruca Salt and Sophie from the BFG.

However, if your child is into more alternative characters from the gruesome Horrible Histories or adores popular fairy tales - fear not - they have it all, giving every child the ability to emulate the characters that they love, and join this celebration of stories that have been fascinating our children’s minds for generations!

Say ‘PRIMARY TIMES’ for 10% discount before 23.2.18. www.ultimatepartyshop.com Tel: 01905 745140 See Facebook for our book week competition too! n

The Ultimate Party Shop - Angel Place, Worcester 01905 745140 www.ultimatepartyshop.com

Make a

BIG SPLASH this half term!

This February half term, children of all ages are being encouraged to grab their wellies, get outside and join in the puddle jumping championship being held at Slimbridge Wetland Centre.

The competition will commence each day throughout the holiday at 2pm in Wellyboot Land, with the winners announced after each competition. With the help of Dusty Duck, children will be encouraged to make waves and create the biggest, craziest splash possible.

Children will compete against each other to see who can produce the biggest splash from their puddle jump. They

will also be judged on a range of other criteria including height of splash, enthusiasm, jumping style, creativity and drench levels.

Daily winners will be announced throughout the half term and some lucky ‘super-splashers’ will receive a fantastic prize!

Every contestant will receive a ‘splashtastic’ sticker to acknowledge their puddle jumping skills.

Time: Daily 9.30am to 5pm for practice puddles and 2pm - 3pm for the competition in Wellyboot Land.

Visit: wwt.org.uk/wetlandcentres/slimbridge/ n For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.co.uk

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e r t a e Th S w o h S ’S n e r d l i h C Family &

The Artrix Tel: 01527 577330

MONSTERSAURUS! Thursday 22nd February, 11am & 2pm. One day Monty found a book ‘Inventions Very Rare’ Create yourself a monster friend BUT ONLY IF YOU DARE! This brand new show from the creators of Aliens Love Underpants is monster-ously good! Follow the young inventor Monty as he creates a whole world of whacky inventions and incredible monsters, but he has a problem - now he has made them all, what is he going to do with them?! This energetic show full of thrills, spills, magic and mayhem will delight the whole family – with original music and plenty of audience participation!

Suitable for ages: 3+. Tickets £12, £10 - under 16s, £40 - Family Ticket. www. monstersauruslive.com

The conquest Tel: 01885 488575

RSC LIVE: TWELFTH NIGHT Wednesday 14th February, 7pm. Twelfth Night is a tale of unrequited love – hilarious and heart-breaking. Twins are separated in a shipwreck, and

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forced to fend for themselves in a strange land. The first twin, Viola, falls in love with Orsino, who dotes on OIivia, who falls for Viola but is idolised by Malvolio. Enter Sebastian, who is the spitting image of his twin sister...Christopher Luscombe, Director of the ‘glorious’ (Daily Telegraph) Love’s Labour’s Lost and Much Ado About Nothing (2014 and 2016), returns to tackle Shakespeare’s greatest comedy, a brilliantly bittersweet account of “the whirligig of time”, with Adrian Edmondson (Bottom, The Young Ones) in the role of Malvolio and Kara Tointon (ITV’s Mr Selfridge and Sound of Music Live!) in the role of Olivia.

Tickets £15 Conc. £13

CONQUEST PRODUCTIONS: ‘ALLO ‘ALLO! Thursday 15th, Friday 16th, Saturday 17th March, 7.30pm. Meet René, the most wanted man in Occupied France: Women want his body. The Resistance wants his brain. And the Nazis want his sausage! In a small café in occupied France the harassed proprietor, René, is fighting his own war. With the German Army in residence at the bar, René is risking his neck to aid the Resistance Stage adaptation of this popular TV show. Tickets £10. Conc. £9

Primary Times February Half Term 2018

The courtyard Tel: 01432 340555

THE PIXIE’S SCARF Saturday 17th February, 11am. Inspired by the powerfully evocative tale of The Pixies’ Scarf by Alison Uttely, Soap Soup Theatre present a brand new theatrical treat for children and their families, set in the wet, craggy lands of Dartmoor. With deliciously visual storytelling, Soap Soup combines beautiful puppetry, charmingly funny characters and magical music, offering audiences their most unforgettable adventure yet! Courtyard Family Saturdays – Free pre-activity from 10.30am: Make a Pixie Door.

Tickets £7.50

THE LITTLE MOCHI MAN Saturday 17th March, 11am. It’s almost New Year and Little Mochi Man, tired of being bullied because of his small size, decides to run away. Join him on his adventures as he travels from the snowy mountains of Hokkaido, to the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, meeting many wondrous creatures and characters along the way, including The Gingerbread Man and a very fast bullet train! What dangers lurk around the corner?

Will he make friends, and will he make it back home in time for the celebrations? Courtyard Family Saturdays – Free preactivity from 10.30am: Origami Crafts. Tickets £7.50

evesham arts Tel: 01386 446944

POPPETS Classes throughout 2018.

Poppets is our performing arts experience for 4 and 5-year-olds.

These 90-minute sessions are designed to encourage young children to develop performance and communication skills as they create and explore stories, songs, roles and situations through the use of acting, movement, music, voice, dance, and teamwork. Classes are usually centred on a fun theme that one of our experienced workshop leaders has devised.

Poppets also have the opportunity to enjoy taking part in Young Performers Certificates through Trinity College London, at no additional charge to you.

TPoppets2.jpghese are awards, not examinations and are designed to build confidence, group interaction skills and a sense of achievement with their child-centred introduction to performance. As well as enjoying one of the mini-performances

For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.co.uk

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Theatre owS Family & Children’S Sh

Poppets take part in, you’ll also receive a special report to update you on your child’s progress. Our Poppets teachers have bags of experience working with this age group and cram the sessions full of fun and laughter! PQA Poppets is proud to be a member of the Preschool Learning Alliance. See website for dates, times, location and prices. www. pqacademy.com

ludlowassemblyrooms Tel: 01584 873229

JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE (12A) Friday, February 9, 4:30pm.

Saturday 10th February, 11am. Four teenagers in detention discover an old video game console with a game left inside that they’ve never heard of before. When they begin to play they are thrown into the game’s jungle setting and take on the bodies of the adult avatars they have chosen. They soon discover you don’t play Jumanji, it plays you and they set out on the most dangerous adventure of their lives - beat the game or be trapped in it forever. Tickets from £5.50

COCO (U) Friday, February 16 – Thursday 22nd, times vary 12 year old Miguel (Anthony Gonzalez) dreams of becoming a musician like his idol Ernesto De La Cruz (Benjamin Bratt), but for centuries his family have banned music. After a series of mysterious events, he finds himself in the wonderfully colourful Land of the Dead where he meets a friendly trickster called Hector (Gael

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Garcia Bernal) who helps him on a journey to find out the mystery of his family’s history.

Tickets from £5.50

malvern theatre Tel: 0845 287 2146

MILKSHAKE! LIVE ‘THE MAGIC STORYBOOK’ Sunday 25th February, 12noon & 3.30pm. Starring Milkshake! favourites; Bob the Builder, Little Princess, Noddy, Fireman Sam, Shimmer & Shine, Pip from Pip Ahoy!, Winnie and Wilbur, Wissper, Milkshake’s very own Milkshake! Monkey and two Milkshake! presenters, this all singing, all dancing, musical masterpiece, will take audiences on a journey through the world’s favourite fairy tales. Set amongst Milkshake’s magical bookcase, this brand new live show is sure to amaze and delight! The Milkshake! cast will be singing songs and sharing stories that audience members, young and old, will know and love. Tickets £17.92, Children £16.24, Family of 4 £62.72

THERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHO SWALLOWED A FLY Saturday 10th March at 2pm.

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly. I don’t know why she swallowed a fly… But The People’s Theatre Company do! And now you can too as they bring one of the world’s best loved nursery rhymes to life just in time to celebrate the 45th anniversary of Pam Adams’ best-selling book!

This magical show has been written especially for grown-ups to enjoy with their children, so come

Primary Times February Half Term 2018

and relive the delights of this most charming of tales complete with a feast of sing along songs, colourful animal characters and heartwarming family fun. Age guide: 2+ Tickets £9.52

entertaining performance for all the family. Tickets: £12, 16 & under £10

norbury theatre Tel: 01905 770154

Number 8

CHILDREN’S THEATRE

Tel: 01386 555488

Saturday 17th February, 2.30pm. A short play performed by adults especially for children aged 3 years plus. They make a fun birthday treat! The Norbury Players present an amateur production. Tickets £1.50

NICK SHARRATT’S BIG DRAW ALONG Monday 19th February, 2.00pm. Join this much-loved children’s writer and illustrator in a family-friendly, fun filled drawalong for all ages. He’ll show you how to draw Tracy Beaker and Timothy Pope, kings and cats and all kinds of crazy creatures. Plus he’ll share some of his very best drawing tips. Bring pencils, paper and something to lean on and expect plenty of chances to join in! Nick has written many books and he’s also the proud recipient of a gold Blue Peter badge!

Tickets: £8, 16 & under £6

FERDINAND (U) Tuesday 20th February 11am; Wednesday 21st February, 1.30pm. Based on the Munro Leaf classic children’s book this animated comedy drama tells the story of a giant Spanish bull with an even bigger heart. After being mistaken for a dangerous beast, he is captured and torn from his home. Determined to return to his family, he rallies a misfit team on the ultimate adventure.

Tickets: £5.00

THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE Friday 23rd February - 7pm; Saturday 24th February 1.30pm & 7pm. This half term let Pershore Operatic and Dramatic Youth Section transport you back to the 1920s Jazz scene in New York City with this toe-tapping musical extravaganza. Will Millie, who has recently moved to the city, succeed in her thoroughly modern plan of marrying for money rather than love? And just what is the evil Mrs Meers up to? Join PODYS for their 10th Anniversary show, set to be another spectacular and

CURTAINS Wednesday 21st - Saturday 24th February, 7.30pm.

Curtains is a musical mystery comedy with a book by Rupert Holmes, lyrics by Fred Ebb, and music by John Kander. This last, fabulous musical from the creators of “Cabaret” & “Chicago” is a laugh-a-minute musical whodunnit with catchy songs, hilarious characters and dastardly plot twists. Set in 1959 Boston, Massachusetts the show is a sendup of backstage murder mystery plots and follows the fallout when Jessica Cranshaw, the supremely untalented star of Robbin’ Hood of the Old West is murdered during her opening night curtain call. It is up to Lt. Frank Cioffi, a police detective who moonlights as a musical theatre fan to solve the case, save the show, and maybe even find love before the show reopens, without getting killed himself. Tickets £12 (21st, 22nd); £14 (23rd, 24th)

worcester live Tel: 01905 611427 STAC presents CHILDREN’S THEATRE

BALLOONS FOR SALE

Swan Theatre. Saturday 3rd March, 10.30am & 11.45am.

Join in the fun, songs and audience participation in popular plays for two-to-nine-year-olds.

Mrs Rose’s and Puffing Billy’s attempts at blowing up balloons for the fair are thwarted by the Big Orange Balloon Eater. But why should the Man in the Moon come to the rescue? Price: £2.50

For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.co.uk

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FAMILY MARKETPLACE DANCE & DRAMA

TUITION

Dance • Acting • Musical Theatre Ballet, Contemporary, Tap, Jazz, Pointe

Classes from toddlers to adults e: balletmalvern@icloud.com t: 07793722319

www.balletmalvern.co.uk

What’s on in your area?

From Theatre shows and attractions to classes and family days out - you’ll find even more on our website! www.primarytimes.co.uk 30

Primary Times February Half Term 2018