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THE SMEDS AND THE SMOOS

THE SWAN THEATRE

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 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 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

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 - 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 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 - 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

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

Sealife

Dinosaurs

Cars Tractor

Blocks

Amazonian Farmyard

Fairytale Mr Snapper Unicorns

Circus

FREE PLASMA CARS

WITH ALL INDOOR BOOKINGS OTHER THEMES AVAILABLE t: 01905 841902 m: 07734 353114

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 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.