Primary Times in Hereford & Worcester - FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2022

PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN FREE INSIDE: WHAT’S O N WHERE GUIDE Hereford 30,431 COPIES FOR FAMILIES OF

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FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2022 3RD FEBRUARY - 29TH MARCH

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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 2,672,883 copies per issue throughout the counties of: Avon, Bedfordshire & Luton, Berkshire, Birmingham & Black Country, Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes, Cambridgeshire, Cardiff & The Vale, South West Wales, Newport & Monmouthshire, Cheshire & The Wirral, Cornwall, Cumbria, Derbyshire, Devon, Dorset, Edinburgh & The Lothians, Fife, Tayside & Central Scotland, Glasgow & West of Scotland, Essex (North & Mid, South & West), Gloucestershire, Greater Manchester, Hampshire, Hereford & Worcester, Hertfordshire, Ireland (Dublin, Leinster, South and West), Kent (East, North & West), Lancashire, Leicestershire & Rutland, Lincolnshire, London (East, North, South East, South West, South, West), Merseyside, Newcastle, Gateshead and Northumberland, Newport & Monmouthshire, Norfolk, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Plymouth, Somerset, Staffordshire & Stoke on Trent, Sunderland & Durham, Surrey, Sussex (East & West), Tees Valley, Warwickshire and Solihull, Wiltshire, Yorkshire (North & East, South and West). For further details contact The Primary Times Team on 01905 723011

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Hereford & Worcester

EDUCATION ALL THE NEWS FROM YOUR LOCAL SCHOOLS

Malvern St James

W

e passionately believe Prep at Malvern St James Girls’ School provides the best possible start for your daughter. By building solid foundations to last a lifetime, we begin each child on their personalised learning journey. Our staff are incredibly committed, dedicating time and care to ensure your daughter feels safe, confident and happy from her very first day.

Pre-Prep at Malvern St James spans the three years from Reception to Year 2 and Prep spans the four years from Year 3 to Year 6. The building also houses the Senior School which enables the youngest girls to 4 FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2022

mindful of the years ahead of them beyond school and the need to prepare them for the wider world.

Our beautiful campus is in Malvern, Worcestershire, and School minibuses operate with multiple collection points around Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Wraparound care is also available.

benefit from all the outstanding learning facilities on offer. The excellent specialist subject teachers from the Senior

School also teach in Prep.

We believe in developing the life skills of the girls from their very first day with us; always

To find out more join us for our Prep virtual information event on Saturday 12 February, alternatively, join us for our Open Morning on Friday 11 March. To register for either event visit malvernstjames.co.uk/visit.

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Hereford & Worcester

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Hereford & Worcester

The Bishop Of Hereford’s Bluecoat School B

ishop’s is a school with high expectations and ambition to be the best in everything we do.

We are a school with a fantastic learning community which enables students to flourish academically and socially. In a recent Ofsted visit (July 2021) under the new more demanding inspection framework, Overall effectiveness was judged to be ‘Good’ in addition to every part of the framework judgements.

The inspection report describes that; “This school encourages pupils to be themselves. Pupils are confident to share their ideas and opinions. There is a culture of mutual respect. Relationships between staff and pupils are strong. Staff look after pupils well. The pastoral support given to them is highly effective. Pupils say they enjoy school and are happy”

person and delivering the highest possible personalised pastoral care with “exemplary pastoral care” being cited in our recent inspections.

Bishop’s school offers a huge range of activities, open to all. We have national, world and European champions in several sports. In Music our students have a wide range of fabulous opportunities to include Ceilidh band, chamber choir, guitar army, show choir, flute choir, sax choir and clarinet ensemble. Our school play this year is the musical The Wedding Singer. The huge range of extra- curricular activities is an enormous success of the school – these include an activities week, Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, an outdoor education trip, Model United Nations day,

Medical Mavericks, Battlefields, school productions, Ski trip, forensic science workshop, science club, film club, chess club, Art club, Drama club, computing club, cheerleading, and many more besides.

We always work collaboratively with our community to include both students and parents/carers to make decisions within school. We regularly host parent/carer forums to help shape our decision making.

Our student council have an active voice and we work with them to drive the school forwards.

For further information do please visit our website www.bhbs.hereford.sch.uk/ Prospectus or contact the school. We are always open to visitors.

Our central ethos of care, respect for the needs of others, courtesy and a warm community feel provides an atmosphere where our students can make the very best of their talents to achieve success and are inspired to chase their dreams.

Bishop’s school offers a wealth of opportunities for our students. Our focus is high quality teaching and learning with exciting and engaging lessons that enable all students to fulfil their potential.

Coupled with learning, we focus on the 6 FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2022

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Hereford & Worcester

The Bishop Of Hereford’s Bluecoat School Hampton Dene Road, Tupsley, Hereford HR1 1UU Telephone: 01432 347500 | Enquiries: head@bhbs.hereford.sch.uk Always faithful with Christ

Rated ‘Good’ in all areas Ofsted July 2021 Rated Good SIAM’s Inspection July 2018

Academic Excellence • Pastoral Care • Extra Curricular Opportunities • Community Spirit We believe you will find: • A discernable energy and thirst for learning built on clear Christian values where everyone matters; • A school where students are given every opportunity to succeed in the widest sense, achieving the best possible outcomes; • A wide range of extra-curricular opportunities; • The whole school community: governors and staff, partents/carers and young people all working together; using expertise, experience and innovation; and students making a positive contribution to the communities in which they live primarytimes.co.uk/hereford_worcester

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Hereford & Worcester

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W H ATi’ng for maryti

If you are look rim more ev ts w ww.p en UNTIL 27 FEBRUARY SUPERWORM TRAIL AT WYRE FOREST Wyre Forest Discovery Centre, Callow HiIl, Nr Bewdley, Worcestershire, DY14 9XQ. Hip, hip, hooray for SUPERWORM! Superworm returns to Wyre Forest with an exciting new family activity trail. From the creators of The Gruffalo, the hugely popular children’s picture book Superworm returns to Wyre Forest in January 2022 with a brand-new family activity trail. Launching on Monday 10 January, the new Superworm trail follows the premiere of the animated special from Magic Light Pictures, which aired on BBC One on Christmas Day. In the latest exciting partnership between Forestry England and Magic Light Pictures, the Superworm trail showcases the unsung heroes of the forest. Based on the children’s picture book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, the trail highlights the small but mighty creatures in the Superworm story, such as toad, beetle and Wizard Lizard, and shows their amazing abilities as they make their home in the forest.The Superworm activity trail at Wyre Forest will have lots of fun activities to complete and the new self-led trail will encourage children to become superheroes of the forest themselves.

Families will discover brightly illustrated panels, packed with amazing activities designed to get children thinking about these unsung heroes. Questions along the self-led trail will inspire children to think about the everyday heroic feats of the minibeasts of the woods and forests around them. The trail should keep the young ones entertained for around an hour leaving plenty of time to find more fun 8 FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2022

and explore the forest. Special Superworm trail packs are available to buy on site from The Forest Café or bike hire for £3.50 with additional activities, including stickers, a superhero mask, creature fact cards, at-home activity sheet, pencil and crayon. www.forestryengland.uk/wyre-forest/ superworm-trail-wyre-forest UNTIL 31 MARCH FAMILY LEARNING COURSES Parents and carers living in Worcestershire can attend any course below for FREE with the following eligibility: FREE if they are unemployed and on benefits or they earn less than £17,000 per year. FREE if their child receives a Free School Meal or is known to their school SENCo. FREE if any of these courses would improve their health and wellbeing. Professionals can also support parents in need by booking them directly onto the course on their behalf or parents can ring our team directly for support on 01905-728537. All Family Learning courses can be found at www.worcestershire.gov.uk/courses and parents need to book their places online 8 - 9 FEBRUARY THE SMEDS AND THE SMOOS Swan Theatre, The Moors, Worcester.

WR1 3ED. Tall Stories presents The Smeds and the Smoos based on the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler Soar into space with this exciting adaptation of the award-winning book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. On a far-off planet, Smeds and Smoos can’t be friends. So when a young Smed and Smoo fall in love and zoom off into space together, how

THE SMEDS AND THE SMOOS THE SWAN THEATRE

will their families get them back? Music, laughs and interplanetary adventures for everyone aged 3 and up, from Tall Stories – the company that brought you ‘The Gruffalo’ and ‘Room on the Broom’ live on stage. £13.50 children - £14.50 full price Running time - 60 minutes Tuesday 4.30pm & Wed 10.30am & 4:30pm 12 - 13 FEBRUARY LIVING HISTORY 2022 The Commandery Sidbury, Worcester WR1 2HU. Experience 2000 years of history come to life at Living History, The Commandery‘s most anticipated event of the year. Enjoy a weekend of living history encampments, medieval monks, Viking warriors, period drill displays, World War II military displays and more! One of our most exciting events, organised in partnership with The Worcester Re-enactors, at Living History you can immerse yourself in history, journeying from Vikings to Victorians. The site will be alive with around 150 reenactors throughout the building displaying and demonstrating weaponry, surgical tools, games, clothing and more. Experience living history camps in the garden. There will also be a full schedule of timed displays and drills throughout the day, musket firing etc. No need to pre-book, but normal admission charges apply.

13 FEBRUARY MALVERN FLEA AND COLLECTORS FAIR Three Counties Showground, Malvern.

Malvern Flea and Collectors Fair is the largest flea fair in the UK, held nine times a year at the Three Counties Showground,

Malvern. The hundreds of stalls across the halls and even more outside (number of outdoor stands weather-dependent) together create an incredibly eclectic shopping experience, with items on sale range from furniture, lighting and textiles to jewellery, clothing, teddies and toys.

This is the perfect event for the interior designer, crafter, up-cycler and thriftseeker. Entrance: 7.30am – 3.30pm at £5 (cash only) per person (accompanied children under 16 go free) Fair dates in 2022 13 February, 18 April, 29 May, 26 June, 24 July, 29 August, 18 September, 9 October, 4 December for more information, please follow the link to the B2B Events website. www.b2bevents.info 14 FEBRUARY - 24 APRIL LAMBING & KIDDING Cotswold Farm Park Guiting Power, Cheltenham GL54 5FL. Bring your little ones to meet Cotswold Farm Park’s little ones for the return of spring Lambing and Kidding! Spring is an exciting time to meet their new additions, with 600 rare breed and commercial sheep, as well as their goats, due to give birth in the Animal Barn. Take a seat next to their lambing pens, get up close to all the action and see the early bonds the flocks make with their newborns. There will also be daily lambing talks with the Farm Park experts in the Animal Barn, so you can learn about the flock and ask questions about our ewes.

Signs of new life don’t stop there as they’ll also be welcoming lots of new additions, including piglets and guinea pigs. Tickets available to book online in advance. Follow @cotswoldfarmpark for exclusive behind

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Hereford & Worcester

the scenes news from the ewes and to get your first look at the sheep you’ll be meeting. cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk 18 FEBRUARY - 5 MARCH SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS Norbury Theatre, Norbury House, Friar Street, Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire, WR9 8ED. This amateur production of ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ is presented by arrangement with Stage Right Creative Ltd. Mirror Mirror on the wall who is the fairest of them all Will Snow White manage to escape from the evil Queen Avarice and her henchman Slurp and marry our hero the handsome Prince Ferdinand of Farawaia? Maybe with the help of Chuckles the Jester, Edna Bucket and her seven new friends will win over evil. Add to this the incompetent due Justice Quill and Scribbles and Fairy Good Fortune to help Snow White win the day, as well as a wonderful chorus of villagers.

The newly revised script based on the original Grimm Brother’s tale includes all the well-loved ingredients of traditional family pantomime. Featuring ENTW9 Dance School. www.norburytheatre.co.uk

19 - 27 FEBRUARY FEBRUARY HALF TERM AT THE BUTTERFLY FARM Swan’s Nest Lane, Stratford-uponAvon, Warwickshire, CV37 7LS. This February half term the whole family can enjoy the relaxing pleasure of walking amongst some of the world’s most stunning and colourful butterflies in a tropical rainforest setting, complete with fish-filled pools, splashing waterfalls and beautiful blooms. Find out about the amazing life-cycle of a butterfly and take a look inside the Emerging Case to see row upon row of butterfly chrysalis. Discover Stratford Butterfly Farm’s fascinating link the rainforests of Belize and the ancient Maya civilisation and watch leafcutter ants go about their daily business in the Flight Area. The giftshop has a wide range of nature inspired gifts and also serves soft drinks and ice-creams. To guarantee entrance during half term tickets should be purchased in advance from the online booking system. The Butterfly Farm recommends reading the ‘Information’ section of the website to help plan a visit.

For more information and to book tickets visit www.butterflyfarm.co.uk

19 - 26 FEBRUARY MEDIEVAL WEEK AT THE ALMONRY Almonry Museum, Abbey Gate, The Almonry, Evesham WR11 4BQ. We have got a fun filled week of events and activites for February half term!Stained glass activity and architecture trail £1 Medieval tile making workshop, make your own tile to take home, £5 per child.

Workshops will be held on Monday 21st, Wednesday 23rd and Friday 25th at 10.30, 12.30 and 2.30. There will be limited places, so booking is essential.

On Saturday 26th we welcome back Amicorum. Come and get a flavour of medieval life with cooking demonstrations, willow weaving and bone carving. Usual admission applies (adults £5, concession £3, 11 and under FREE) your admission gives each paying visitor a free return visit valid for 12 months. For enquiries or to book for the workshops please contact us on 01386 446944 or tic@almonry.ndo. co.uk. www.almonryevesham.org 19 - 27 FEBRUARY HALF TERM EXPLORER QUEST Goodrich Castle, Castle Lane, Goodrich, Ross on Wye, HR9 6HY. Get fit for history this half term with our outdoor explorer quest at Goodrich Castle. Track down the fun-filled challenges around the site and get active in the fresh air. Tickets from £6

19 - 27 FEBRUARY I SPY TRAIL AT BODENHAM ARBORETUM Bodenham Arborteum, Wolverley, Worcestershire, DY11 5TB. Bring you spy-glass, encage your creative brain, its the school holidays, and time for a Bodenham Trail again!Come and enjoy our ‘I Spy’ trail with a a difference! We have ‘hidden’ items around the farm / arboretum and you have to find them!

But no clues here – all we will say is expect the unexpected and a great deal of fun! Your booking gives you access to the Arboretum and Farmyard – you are then free to explore over 5 miles of wonderful woodland walks! Tickets £6.50 per adult, £3.50 per child (under 5s free / BOOKING NOT REQUIRED) Family Ticket – 2 Adults, 4 Children – £18.00 Annual Pass Holders – this event is free as part of your subscription / BOOKING NOT REQUIRED. 9am – 5pm. www.ticketsource.co.uk 22 - 23 FEBRUARY THE SMARTEST GIANT IN TOWN The Swan Theatre, The Moors, Worcester, WR1 3ED. George wishes he wasn’t the scruffiest giant in town. So when he sees a new shop selling giantsized clothes, he decides it’s time for a new look: smart trousers, smart shirt, stripy

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Worcestershire’s largest selection of Bouncy Castle and Soft Play Packages e

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Hereford & Worcester

tie, shiny shoes. Now he’s the smartest giant in town... until he bumps into some animals who desperately need his help – and his clothes! This heart-warming tale about friendship and helping those in need is brought to life in a musical, puppet-filled adventure, following on from Little Angel Theatre’s bestselling adaptations of Julia Donaldson’s picture books including The Singing Mermaid and The Everywhere Bear.

22 - 24 FEBRUARY OAKER WOOD HALF TERM ACTIVITIES Lugg Green Rd, Kingsland, Leominster HR6 9PT. February Half Term Childrens Activities at Oaker Wood. Extremely popular with families and groups, Oaker Wood Leisure is an exciting woodland activity site situated between Leominster and Ludlow. Therefore it’s the perfect place to head to this half term if your children are looking for an adventure and want to explore the great outdoors. There are Multi-Activity Days for children aged 7-12, days of fun and adventure running around in the woods and experiencing a wide range of Adventurous Activity days including – Zip Wires, Climbing, Rafting, Pistol Shooting and much more. There are also teenage activity sessions especially for teenagers aged 11-16. Holiday Clubs & Teen Activities run during Easter and Summer Holidays and February, May & October Half Terms. Places must be prebooked. Coming up this half term: Tuesday 22nd February: Zip Wire, Monkey Climb, Pistol Shooting, Low Ropes (7 – 11 yr olds) Wednesday 23rd February Teen Paintball (11- 16 yr olds) Thursday 24th February: Wild Camp, Den Building, Pizza Making (7 – 11 yr olds) £30 per day. 9am–3.30pm.

22 & 24 FEBRUARY HEREFORD CATHEDRAL HALF TERM FAMILY STORYTELLING Hereford Cathedral, Hereford HR1 2NG. Half Term Family Storytelling: Mappa, Minotaurs and Mysteries. Join the Hereford Cathedral team for stories about the Mappa Mundi, Minotaurs and other mysteries with colouring-in activities included. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. This event is free and can be pre-booked via the website or drop in on the day. 1:00PM to 2:15PM 22 FEBRUARY THEATRICAL FUN! WORKSHOP Malvern Theatres Malvern WR14 3HB. A two hour workshop for children aged 4-7 years introducing children to drama. Including drama games, role-play, storytelling.

10:30am. £8. www.malvern-theatres.co.uk

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23 - 24 FEBRUARY LIGHT NIGHT, ARCHES FESTIVAL 14 Pump Street, Worcester. Come out to play at Light Night 2022! The Arches Worcester Festivals are creating a playground in the streets of Worcester.

Immersive and interactive artworks alongside intriguing and playful performances, will bring light, joy and fun to the dark nights. From Neon Dogs on Cathedral Square to the immersive sensory experience of Submergence at The Old Palace and the merging of nature and technology of the gentle robotic sculpture: Luma at the Guildhall there will be plenty to spark imaginations and laughter. thearchesworcesterfestivals.co.uk 26 FEBRUARY JOULES SECONDS SALE 2022 RGS The Grange RGS, The Grange, Grange Lane, Claines, WR3 7RD. We are delighted to be holding a Joules Second Sale again. Careful measures have been taken to ensure it is a safe event for everyone. If you have been to one of our Joules Seconds Sales at The Grange before please be aware that it WILL BE RUN IN A DIFFERENT WAY. There will be pre-booked shopping slots during the event with a set number of tickets available for each one.

This is to manage the flow of people at the event. STOCK WILL BE REPLENISHED BEFORE EACH TIME SLOT. The Joules Seconds Team have operated this structure for the past 12 months and it has proved very successful.The pre-booked shopping slots are as follows: 12pm - 1pm 1:15pm - 2:15pm 2:30pm - 3:30pm 3:45pm 4:45pm. You will only be permitted to attend the pre-booked shopping slot stated on your ticket. YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ATTEND AT OTHER TIMES. www. eventbrite.co.uk/e/joules-seconds-sale2022-tickets-237640939447 03 MARCH - 07 APRIL WORCESTER FAMILY FUN & LEARN SESSIONS Saffron Centre School House, Stanley Rd, Worcester WR5 1BD. Saffron family hub face to face group. Fun learning sessions (6 weeks) for families with children aged 3 years and below. About this Event A six-week face to face course, held at the Saffron Family Hub, for our local families along with their children aged 3 years and under. This group will have different themes throughout the weekly sessions. The group is held each Thursday. Please try to come along most weeks if you can do, to gain the most benefit from the group. These fun learning together sessions are provided by the Starting Well Partnership and are

completely free of charge to all families living in Worcestershire. If you would like to find out more about this programme, please call Rachael on 01905 758411.

04 - 20 MARCH BORDERLINES FILM FESTIVAL Since 2003, Borderlines have brought you over 1,400 feature films from all over the globe. You’ve thrilled to stories that plunge you deep into the life, culture, and politics of remote, barely accessible parts of the world and gasped at dizzying, entertainment from some of the most cutting-edge filmmakers working today.

For this special 20th anniversary, expect more: a top-notch cinema experience that embraces watching brilliant films together on the big screen alongside the cut and thrust of differing views and opinions. Follow the website with lots of information on how to DO the Festival and plenty of tips on how to make it special. www.borderlinesfilmfestival.co.uk 12 & 26 MARCH ABSTRACT PAINTING ON CALICO Calver Hill House, Norton Canon, Hereford HR4 7BW. Join the Creative Granary in Norton Canon and create your own work of art. Abstract Painting on Calico allows you to express your inner self and let yourself go as you free your mind of everyday objects allowing the ink to find its own place on the fabric. Paint brushes are banned and the only tools available will be a teaspoon, a palette knife and your own hands. COST: £48 per person to include refreshments, and home made cake, mid-morning. Please advise of any dietary requirements or allergies when booking. All tools, gloves and materials will be provided.This course is for all those who are interested in creativity, and is suitable for families including children, groups, individuals, beginners and others alike.

The Creative Granary offers a range of workshops for half days and two days, for Dyeing Fabric with Plants, Relief Printing, Flora Printing, Abstract Painting and Shibori. These are run from a converted nineteenth century granary on the farm where owner and teacher Mary lives in Norton Canon, rural Herefordshire.

13 MARCH ST RICHARD’S HOSPICE BIKEATHON Norton Parish Hall, Littleworth, Worcester, WR5 2QB. Join us for a scenic cycle through the beautiful south Worcestershire countryside with the St Richard’s Hospice Family Bikeathon .About this Event Join us for a scenic cycle through the beautiful south Worcestershire

countryside with the St Richard’s Hospice NEW Family Bikeathon. There is a choice of 3 different routes: 5, 10 or 15 miles.

Each route starting and finishing at the Norton Parish Hall, Littleworth, Worcester, WR5 2QB. This is not a timed race. Each route will pass through predominately quiet country lanes or specific bike routes and all routes will be clearly sign posted beforehand. This event is supported by Pulse Events. Refreshments: Hot and cold drinks will be available to purchase from Norton Parish Hall and 10 & 15 mile routes go past Croome Court. Croome canteen is accessible FOC for all, should you wish to purchase refreshments.

National Trust members can access play area and grounds.£20 per family *Adults - £10 Children - £5 Under 3’s – Free *Family ticket = Family of up to 4 (Either 2 adults 2 children or 1 adult 3 children). All children16 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times. We ask each group/booking to achieve a minimum sponsorship of £40, it is the additional money raised through sponsorship and donations that makes a huge difference to the individuals and families we support and care for. Any money raised is greatly appreciated.

Children aged 4 and older need to be included in the family group or have an individual child ticket, regardless of if they are actually cycling or being towed or sitting on an additional seat on an adult bike. Please call the fundraising department on 01905 95 8174 or email aparkes@strichards.org.uk 27 MARCH MOTHERS DAY AT THE COMMANDERY The Commandery Sidbury, Worcester WR1 2HU. Mark Mothers Day at the Commandery. Make Mothers Day special with a trip to The Commandery. Free admission for all mums with a paying child (unless under 5) plus a chance for children to create something magical for mum. No need to pre-book, just turn up and enjoy the fun. 11am-3pm.

3 APRIL ALICE IN WONDERLAND The Regal, 49 Teme Street, Tenbury Wells WR15 8AE. As their second production, the fantastic students of the Regal School of Creative Arts (RSoCA) present ‘Alice in Wonderland’. Enjoy this lovely production live on the main stage at The Regal and help support the next generation of local talent. The Regal School of Creative Arts meets on Sundays mornings for rehearsals at The Regal and accepts students from year 1 to year 13. 3pm.

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FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2022 11

Hereford & Worcester

Worcester communities use green grants to pledge positive action for 2022 “Thanks to individual donations we have managed to replace a small number of the trees that were lost, but the environmental community grant will mean we can now not only replace all of the lost trees, but also build up the ground level around the new trees to better protect them against future flooding”.

Perry Wood Primary and Nursery School (www.perrywood-gst. org) was also one of the first to successfully apply for a grant to make bird boxes, bug hotels and hedgehog houses to be placed close to a pond in the school grounds.

Suzanne Beston, Head Teacher at the school said: “Perry Wood Primary, part of the Griffin Schools Trust, really values outdoor education and believes it supports children mental health and well-being.

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lanting more fruit trees and vegetables, improving recycling facilities and building bird, bat, insect and hedgehog houses are among the New Year actions pledged by the first Worcester organisations to successfully apply for the City Council’s new environmental community grant.

Worcester Community Garden (worcestercommunitygarden. org.uk), based at the old North Stables on the edge of Pitchcroft Race Course, successfully applied for funding to purchase and plant 22 fruit trees, along with top soil to help protect tree roots in the event of flooding.

Grants of between £500 and £1,000 are on offer to community groups, charities and voluntary organisations to help make neighbourhoods more environmentally friendly.

Steve Dent, Committee member for the Worcester Community Garden said: “Our beautiful orchard garden was devastated by the severe floods of the 2020/21 winter.

12 FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2022

“The pond area is continually being developed to ensure it is a safe space where children can investigate and learn about the importance of nature in our world today. Developing the area to include bug hotels, hedgehog houses and bird feeders will bring more wildlife in to our grounds and will have a positive impact on pupils’ education.”

The Worcester Environmental Group (www.theweg.org.uk/ ) will use funding to build a variety of bird boxes, bat boxes, bug hotels and hedgehog houses that we will distribute along a proposed 12-mile wildlife corridor, known as the Wild about Worcester route. QR codes along the route will allow visitors to find out more about native

species in the area, and work being done to protect them.

Worcester Theatres (worcestertheatres.co.uk) is using the grant to purchase portable recycling bins which can be used in the theatre and also at external events – ensuring that theatre goers, artists and staff recycle more.

“We’re excited to see the first Worcester groups coming forward with actions which will make a real difference to wildlife and the environment in their local community,” said Cllr Andy Stafford, Chair of Worcester City Council’s Environment Committee.

“The good news is that funding is still available so more Worcester groups and individuals can still benefit. The online application process is quick and straightforward – I would encourage anyone who wants to take steps, however small, to give nature a helping hand to apply now.”

Groups can apply for up to two grants for separate initiatives between now and the end of March 2022.

Applications are invited to support initiatives which will reduce carbon emissions, improve resilience to climate change, reduce waste, benefit the natural environment or raise awareness about environmental issues.

For full details and apply, go to www.worcester.gov. uk/community-centresdevelopment/environmentalcommunity-grant

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If You are Feeling Anxious You are not Alone!

A

t the Parenting with Anxiety Project at the University of Sussex, they want to help parents and children navigate the world with confidence. It is not always easy, but they believe it is possible!

They now want to find out if families will benefit from an 8-module online course. If you would describe yourself as high

in anxiety and with a child aged 2-11, they would love you to join them.

Half of the parents will do the course and the others will just

www.parentingwithanxiety.org.uk

Funtastic Countrytastic F

amilies are guaranteed a day packed full of interactive children’s activities this Easter at Three Counties Showground, Malvern. Aimed at families with children aged 3-11 years, tickets are available to book now for Countrytastic on 14 April 2022, for a full day out.

Children can ride their very own magical “unicorn” with the popular Pampered Ponies, expand their minds with Ask the Farmer, featuring everyone’s favourite farmer Adam Henson and discover all there is to know about sheep with the laugh-aminute “Sheep Show”. Budding

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answer questions. Everyone who takes part is playing an important role in helping children with anxiety.

creatives can unleash their arty side with plenty of children’s crafts activities and intrepid explorers can discover their inner wild thing in the Really Rural outdoor activity zone, with a funfilled programme of wild natural art, den building and much more.

Tickets are limited and can only be booked in advance to this sell-out show, which celebrates farming and the countryside by inviting young visitors and their families to learn about the world around them and have fun outdoors!

Book tickets now at www.countrytastic.co.uk

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Hereford & Worcester

BOXOFFICE

ALL THE VERY BEST THEATRE, ARTS AND FILM NEAR YOU The Civic

Showdown 2022 HCW Wrestling HCW International Wrestling and Ring Wrestling Stars present a huge night of family friendly entertainment with 7 matches confirmed on the line up.

Start Time: 19.00. Adults: £ 10.00 Concessions: £ 6.00

full of inclusive drama, dance and arts & crafts activities! All practitioners and staff are experienced in working with young people who may have special educational needs and/or disabilities.

Monday 21 – Friday 25 February, 10.30am – 3pm. £100 for the week (or £50 for half days). To book a place please contact Rebecca Cook on rebecca. cook@courtyard.org.uk or call 01432 346511. Supported by Children in Need.

23rd April

22nd February

The Wizard of Oz THIS EVENT WAS RESCHEDULED FROM APRIL 2020 AS A RESULT OF THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC. All tickets booked for the April 2020 date will be transferred to the new date. If the new date is not suitable you will, of course, be entitled to a full refund. KD Theatre Productions are delighted to be touring their critically acclaimed larger than life musical adaptation of The Wizard Of Oz for a 4th triumphant year. Featuring a professional cast of 7 Actors, high energy choreography and stunning sets and costumes. Come and meet Dorothy as she goes on a magical adventure to the Land of Oz. Follow Dorothy as she tries to find her way home.

Along the way she makes new friends with the Scarecrow who longs for a brain, the Tin Man who really wants a heart and the very cowardly Lion who is desperate to be brave and have some courage. It’s not going to be easy for Dorothy to find her way home with the Wicked Witch of the West keeping a close eye on her! Will the Great and Powerful Oz be able to help? Find out by joining us at Easter! Adults £14.50 Children/ Concessions £11.50 Group of four £46.50

Fireman Sam When all of his friends go away, Norman Price decides to find adventure in Pontypandy and become the star of a visiting circus. But with a tiger on the loose and faulty lights, the adventure soon turns to danger. Can Fireman Sam come to the rescue and save the circus?

Join Sam, Penny, Elvis, Station Officer Steele and Norman in an all singing, dancing, action-packed show. You can become a fire-fighter cadet and then watch the magic of the circus. Adult £17.50 under 16 £16.50

www.thecivicstourport.co.uk

12th February

The Courtyard

www.courtyard.org.uk

10th – 12th February Hereford Academy of Dance - Curtain Up! Marking the school’s full return to The Courtyard stage, “Curtain Up!” sees Hereford Academy of Dance celebrate the joys of live theatre with a dance tribute to stage musicals past and present.

Ballet, tap, modern, jazz, commercial… get ready for an explosion of joyous dance set to the music and show tunes you know and love. Adults £18.00 concessions £16.50 21st – 25th February Be a Star Week (ages 8-15) Get ready to BE A STAR! at The Courtyard’s inclusive workshops for ages 8 – 15. Come along to enjoy a week 14 FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2022

3rd March The Selfish Giant Sea Legs Puppet Theatre Presents Oscar Wilde’s The Selfish Giant (Adapted by Rob Ashman & Matt Hart)Since building a wall to keep the children out of his garden, the only visitors the Selfish Giant gets are Lady Snow and her friends. One morning he hears the most beautiful music coming from his bedroom window and is delighted with the sight that greets him.

Set in a magnificent steel sculpted garden, the story is told using Sea Legs’ beautifully crafted puppets, a brilliant musical soundtrack and superb storytelling.

Running time: 45 minutes + 15 minutes “Meet the Puppets”. Tickets £7.50

Malvern Theatre

www.malvern-theatres.co.uk

21st February Musicual Theatre Workshop with Ludwig Theatre Arts Join Artistic Director, Jack Ludwig from Ludwig Theatre Arts on a full day’s musical journey, celebrating the Best of Broadway! Filled with high energy dance and musical numbers and incorporating all aspects of Musical Theatre. This workshop will be a perfect taster into the world of musical theatre; learning performance techniques in Dance, Acting, Singing and the art of stagecraft whilst boosting your confidence and having fun.

If you love musical theatre and want to perform, this workshop is just for you.

Places are limited! 10.30am – 4pm Ages 8 – 12yrs £30 For more information, please contact: bridget@malverntheatres.co.uk (01684 580956) 22nd February Theatrical Fun! Workshop Come along and join a fun-filled twohour workshop introducing children to drama in a fun and playful way!

Developing creative techniques through drama games, role-play and storytelling, your child will make like-minded friends whilst encouraging their imaginations, self-expression and building confidence.

If your child has a passion for drama, then this enthusiastic and energetic workshop is not to be missed! 10:30am – 12:30pm Ages 4 – 7 years £8 For more information, please contact: bridget@ malvern-theatres.co.uk (01684 580956) 21st – 22nd March The Smeds and the Smoos A joyful tale of star-crossed aliens Soar into space with this exciting adaptation of the award-winning book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. On a far-off planet, Smeds and Smoos can’t be friends. So when a young Smed and Smoo fall in love and zoom off into space together, how will their families get them back? Music, laughs and interplanetary adventures for everyone aged 3 and up, from Tall Stories – the company that brought you The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom live on stage. Running Time: Approx. 55 mins (no interval) Tickets £13.44 School groups £11.20 (please call the box office for school bookings on 01684 892277).

Market Theatre

www.themarkettheatre.com

10th & 12th March Hereford County Drama Festival After too long an absence thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Hereford County Drama Festival is back for 2022.

Paul Fowler of the Guild of Drama Adjudicators will adjudicate, and the event will as usual be governed by the All England Theatre Festival’s rules. Look forward to performances of original or tried-and-tested one-act plays, or acts from longer dramas that make sense in their own right. They can be from 20 to 55 minutes long, ranging from laugh-outloud comedies and nail-biting thrillers to highly-emotional dramas. Each evening

will be an exciting experience for both the performers and the audience, as points out of 100 are awarded by the adjudicator for acting, production, stage presentation and dramatic achievement - and don’t forget that points can be deducted too...! Tickets £10

Norbury Theatre

www.norburytheatre.co.uk

18th February - 5th March Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Mirror Mirror on the wall who is the fairest of them all? Will Snow White manage to escape from the evil Queen Avarice and her henchman Slurp and marry our hero the handsome Prince Ferdinand of Farawaia? Maybe with the help of Chuckles the Jester, Edna Bucket and her seven new friends will win over evil. Add to this the incompetent due Justice Quill and Scribbles and Fairy Good Fortune to help Snow White win the day, as well as a wonderful chorus of villagers. The newly revised script based on the original Grimm Brother’s tale includes all the well-loved ingredients of traditional family pantomime. Tickets £12/£10

Number 8

www.number8.org

25th & 26th February PODYS: Matilda The Musical JR. Join us this February half-term, as PODYS finally returns to the stage and brings you Matilda The Musical JR. in a performance packed with high-energy dance numbers and catchy songs. PODYS promise an unforgettable performance that will entertain from the minute you enter the foyer of Number 8 through to the final curtain call. With well-known songs such as When I Grow Up, Naughty and of course, Revolting Children you are sure to be singing along and rooting for these children to teach the grown-ups a lesson! Children and adults alike, will be thrilled and delighted by this story of a special little girl with an extraordinary imagination. Tickets £12.

Palace Theatre

www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk

4th – 5th February Starlight School of Dance - Aladdin From the very first time that Aladdin was shown as a pantomime in 1788 in Covent Garden, audiences have been enthralled with the magical story of the evil Abanazar, the hero Aladdin who won the love of the beautiful princess, a

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Hereford & Worcester

magical lamp from out pops a powerful genie and not to mention the hilarious Window Twanky. Starlight hopes that you will enjoy our version of this classic with our cast of pupils aged from two and a half to adults. Lots of fun and dancing to be had! Oh yes, there is... TICKETS £16.00 £13.50 (disc) Box (max 4 people): £64.00 PLEASE NOTE BOX SEATS HAVE A RESTRICTED VIEW OF THE STAGE AGE: Suitable for all 23rd February The Wind in the Willows Pack your picnics and join Ratty, Mole, Badger, and the fantastically irrepressible Toad as they embark on the adventure of a lifetime culminating in a colourful battle to save Toad Hall from the mischievous weasels! Multi-award nominated Immersion Theatre proudly bring their trademark style and energy to the riverbank with heaps of interaction, stunning costumes, toe-tapping music, and larger-than-life characters, A TOADally terrific treat whether you’re 4 or 104 Tickets Full Price: £18.00 Conc: £14.00 Family £58.00 Box (max 4 people): £69.00 PLEASE NOTE BOX SEATS HAVE RESTRICTED VIEW OF THE STAGE 19th – 20th March Dancing Through the Decades Pupils from Emma Charlotte’s Dance academy are so excited to be back on the stage again! We have worked super hard and cannot wait to show you our talent! We will be performing different types of dance styles including ballet, tap, freestyle, street, contemporary, cheerleading and acro. Come and support us it’s a show not to be missed! TICKETS £14 £12 (disc) PLEASE NOTE BOX SEATS HAVE A RESTRICTED VIEW OF THE STAGE

Worcester Live

www.worcestertheatres.co.uk

8th & 9th February The Smeds and the Smoos Based on the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Soar into space with this exciting adaptation of the awardwinning book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. On a far-off planet, Smeds and Smoos can’t be friends. So when a young Smed and Smoo fall in love and zoom off into space together, how will their families get them back? Music, laughs and interplanetary adventures for everyone aged 3 and up, from Tall Stories – the company that brought you ‘The Gruffalo’ and ‘Room on the Broom’ live on stage. 10.30 & 4.30 Tickets £13.50 Children £14.50 full price.

12th February The Dancing Bear by Philip Monks When Slap-up’s two daughters rescue a dancing bear from a cruel Circus ring master, can they make sure it has a happier life in the future? What’s beekeeping got to do with it all, and is a female disguise really necessary? 10:30am & 11:45am £3 under 2s go free.

22nd – 23rd February The Smartest Giant in Town A Fierylight & Little Angel Theatre coproduction Based on the bestselling book

by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

George wishes he wasn’t the scruffiest giant in town. So when he sees a new shop selling giant-sized clothes, he decides it’s time for a new look: smart trousers, smart shirt, stripy tie, shiny shoes. Now he’s the smartest giant in town... until he bumps into some animals who desperately need his help – and his clothes! This heart-warming tale about friendship and helping those in need is brought to life in a musical, puppet-filled adventure, following on from Little Angel Theatre’s bestselling adaptations of Julia Donaldson’s picture books including The Singing Mermaid and The Everywhere Bear. The Smartest Giant in Town is aimed at ages 3-8. There is nothing scary in the show – the giant is big but very friendly.

Tue 22 February - 4:30pm & Wed 23 February - 10:30am & 4:30pm. £12 - £14 5th – 6th March Dinosaur Adventure Live 65 million years in the making... Are you ready for the adventure? Join our intrepid Dinosaur Adventurers as we journey to a world of living, breathing, life-like Dinosaurs. Walk with us through the Jurassic era on an unforgettable interactive experience as we introduce you to some of the most incredible species ever to have lived on Earth. Feel the excitement of meeting real life-like Dinosaurs face-to-face and hearing the tremendous roar of a T-Rex. Learn their history and even feed them but watch out – you could be on the menu. This awe-inspiring show captivates both young and young at heart, immersing audiences in an enthralling & realistic world of Dinosaurs. You won’t want to miss this adventure of a lifetime, so hold onto you hats as this show will blow you away! 2pm and 4pm. £15.

Singing, Acting and Musical Theatre Ballet, Contemporary, Tap, Jazz, Pointe Classes from Toddlers to Adults Email: balletmalvern@icloud.com | Tel: 07793722319

www.balletmalvern.co.uk

For more What’s On visit primarytimes.co.uk

12th March Spring is Sprung by Robin Russell 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?

10:30am & 11:45am £3 - under 2s go free 19th, 20th, 26th & 27th March Happy Steps Showcase As theatres around the country closed their doors Happy Steps’ performers have been eagerly waiting for their chance to step on stage, and now with the doors open again they’re ready to entertain!

Children from the age of two, students and adults alike are here to take their spot on the stage and perform a vast array of music from musicals, old and new. With something for everyone and tonnes of enthusiasm, their enjoyment is something not to be missed. Proceeds will go towards the NHS who work tirelessly to keep us safe. - 12:30pm & 6:30pm £12 - £14

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