Primary Times in Hereford & Worcester OCTOBER HALF TERM 2017

e e fr

E UID G ON S ’ AT WH

for parents, teachers and children

in Hereford & Worcester October Half Term 2017

9th October - 27th November 2017

Plus

Making Autumn a Scream, Roundabout, Over Protective Parenting and much more!

Education

4

..........................................................................................

Bookstore 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 Amy Thomas Sales & PR Rachel Seabright - 01905 727900 rachel@pw-media.co.uk Primary Times is independently published and distributed free through Infant and Junior Schools throughout 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

6

October Reading ..........................................................................................

Roundabout

8

What’s On ..........................................................................................

Making Autumn a Scream

16

..........................................................................................

Pinboard 18 ..........................................................................................

Over Protective Parenting

20

..........................................................................................

How Do I Tackle Screen Time?

22

..........................................................................................

Theatre 24 Who’s Treading The Boards? ..........................................................................................

Family Marketplace

30

..........................................................................................

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

3

FRUITION FROM TUITION A new term can be quite a daunting proposition for many children. It might mean a new school, new friends, a new teacher, not to mention a whole world of new information to learn and understand. Whilst the summer holidays can be glorious, halcyon days without a care in the world, they can also cause a little brain drain, which can leave children feeling a bit out of their depth when they return to class. Naturally schools do their best to encourage and support their children, but some additional tuition can help to sharpen the mind and serve as a reminder for children and get them back up to speed.

Many children find it valuable to have some additional tuition during term time. Away

from the distractions of the classroom, focused learning and different approaches to difficult concepts can help comprehension and confidence and hopefully get a child to that “Eureka!” moment. One to one, and small group tuition can help with subjects that perhaps a child finds difficult, but it can also accelerate learning in areas that they find of particular interest and reduce stress if test and SATs are looming. If you are considering private tuition, it makes sense to concentrate on one or two subjects at most to ensure that the focus is on the subjects in most need of attention. If you’re considering language tuition, splitting the cost with a friend is a good idea, because whilst the individual focus is

somewhat lost, the chance to speak in small groups can be a real benefit.

Education needn’t come in the shape of tuition. Clubs and extra-curricular activities, whether in school or out of school are also a good way to learn social skills, make new friends, increase confidence and encourage teamworking. Of course, additional tuition and camps are not essential, simply encouraging your child to lose themselves in something they love to do, be it writing, drawing, photography, music, or building dens will help them to develop. Ultimately, finding a balance is important, because a love for learning needs to be nurtured and encouraged carefully. n

ANTI-BULLYING WEEK 2017 consultation with ABA’s many members. Young people said that they wanted to talk about tackling bullying that comes about because someone else sees them as different.

Why is Anti-Bullying Week important for primary school aged children?

Primary school is a great time to teach children to empathise and celebrate what makes them and others different. This is especially important when preparing children for secondary school.

Every child should understand that bullying is never acceptable and that they must speak to an adult they trust.

Anti-Bullying Week shines a spotlight on bullying and encourages all children and young people, teachers and parents to talk about and take action against bullying.

How can schools and parents get involved?

There are lots of ways to get involved in AntiBullying Week 2017:

Anti-Bullying Week is coordinated by the Anti-Bullying Alliance and it takes place from 13th - 17th November 2017 and, this year, is supported by SafeToNet (www.safetonet.com) ‘All Different, All Equal’ The organisers of Anti-Bullying Week want to empower children and young people to celebrate what makes them, and others, unique, and to understand how important it is that every child feels able to be themselves, without fear of bullying.

• Teachers can access free Anti-Bullying Week lesson and assembly ideas, cross curricular activities and other useful resources – see www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/antibullying-week/resources-schools • Share your school’s Anti-Bullying Week work on social media using #AntiBullyingWeek #AllDifferentAllEqual and tagging @ ABAonline in your posts.

• Raise funds for the work of the Anti-Bullying Alliance • Order Anti-Bullying Week merchandise

The theme is based on the views of almost 600 children and young people who completed an Anti-Bullying Alliance survey, as well as

Tips for parents on responding to bullying...

If your child is being bullied, don’t panic! Your

4

Primary Times October Half Term 2017

key role is listening, calming and providing reassurance that the situation can get better when action is taken.

• Listen and reassure them that coming to you was the right thing to do.

• Try and establish the facts. It can be helpful to keep a diary of events to share with the school.

• Don’t encourage retaliation to bullying - such as violent actions. It’s important for children to avoid hitting or punching an abusive peer. Reacting that way has negative and unpredictable results. Rather, suggest that they walk away and seek help.

• Find out what your child wants to happen next. Help to identify the choices open to them; the potential next steps to take; and the skills they may have to help solve the problems.

• Encourage your child to get involved in activities that build their confidence and selfesteem, and help them to form friendships outside of school, or wherever the bullying is taking place.

• Discuss the situation with your child’s teacher or Head teacher - or the lead adult wherever the bullying is taking place. Every child has a right to a safe environment in which to learn and play.

• Schools must have a behaviour policy which sets out the measures that will be taken to prevent all forms of bullying between pupils.

Ask to see it! n Read more about Anti-Bullying week at www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/anti-bullying-week

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

5

6

Primary Times October Half Term 2017

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

7

hat’s On an

n Rou

W

hen

d

Eastnor Pottery, Home Farm, Eastnor Ledbury HR8 1RD. Tuesday-Saturday, 10am4pm. Simply email admin@ eastnorpottery.co.uk or telephone 01531 633886 to book a session, turn up and choose from an exciting menu of pottery projects using real clay, including potter’s wheel. No minimum order of participants required and projects start at just £5. Excellent & creative indoor activity.

Monday 9th – Sunday 29th SPOOKY SPECTACULAR West Midland Safari & Leisure Park, Spring Grove, Bewdley, Worcestershire, DY12 1LF. Full of family fun, spooky shows and a scarecrow trail, it is the perfect way to celebrate October and brighten up the spookiest of seasons. Dino Quest – Can you and your family help our explorers find the missing dinosaur? But hurry – the mad scientist is also on the search, so make sure you find it first!

(Running from 6pm-9pm on weekends and during half term).

‘Chaos at Crocular Castle’ – Watch our new puppet show

8

fW

Throughout October FAMILY POTTERY FUN

o

OCTOBER

Yo ily Dia ry Fam

R

Wednesday 18th THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT

ur

d

ut o b a

and help some creepy critters save the princess! As part of our Spooky Spectacular event, on weekends and school holidays there will also be extended opening until 9pm with late night rides*, access to Discovery Trail and spooky encounters galore. There will even be a Halloween themed Sea Lion Show performed each evening from the Sea Lion Theatre. * Rides charged extra. See website for prices. www.wmsp.co.uk

Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th BIG APPLE WEEKEND Weston’s Cider, The Bounds, Much Marcle, Ledbury, Herefordshire, HR8 2NQ. Join us for breakfast or lunch at the Scrumpy House. Cider Mill tour and tastings will be available during the day. www.westons-cider.co.uk

Sunday 15th BEHIND THE SCENES TOURS Witley Court & Gardens, Great Witley, Nr. Worcester, WR6 6JT. 11.30am – 3.30pm. There will be 2 Cellar Tours at 11.30am & 3.30pm and 1 Stable Yard Tour at 2pm. Tours last approximately 1 hour. Tickets: £6. www.english-heritage.org.uk

Primary Times October Half Term 2017

Lower Smite Farm, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, Lower Smite Farm, Hindlip, Worcestershire, WR3 8SZ. 6pm – 7.30pm. Activities aimed at 5–11 year olds. All children must be accompanied. Tickets: £2 per child. www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk

Friday 20th HARVEST CELEBRATION Weston’s Cider, The Bounds, Much Marcle, Ledbury, Herefordshire, HR8 2NQ. 7pm.

Supper & Tour. Bring family and friends to celebrate the end of a good harvest. Enjoy an evening tour of the cider mill to see the apple being milled and then sit down to a delicious two course supper. Contact us today to purchase your tickets 01531 660108 limited tickets available at £23 per head. www.westons-cider.co.uk

Saturday 21st – Sunday 29th HALLOWEEN TRAIL Croome, Visitor Centre, Croome D’Abitot, Nr High Green, Worcestershire, WR8 9DW. 10am – 4pm. Follow clues round the park to find your prize. Cost: £2 including prize. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

HALLOWEEN AT WHITLENGE Whitlenge Gardens and Nursery, Whitlenge Lane, Hartlebury, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY10 4HD. 11am – 3pm. Spooky Garden Walk. Children’s Crafts, Monday till Friday 11.00 till 3.00 pm. Food purchased at the tea room can be enjoyed at our picnic site. Dogs are welcome at the nursery but NOT in the display gardens/ children’s play area.

HALLOWEEN AT ALL THINGS WILD All Things Wild, Station Road,

Honeybourne, Evesham, Worcestershire, WR11 7QZ. Have a spooktastic time with us this Halloween where we have lots of fun things planned. Tickets: From £8.99 www.allthingswild.co.uk

Monday 23rd Thursday 26th WOODLAND KIDS CLUB The Cart Shed, Devereux, Wootton Farm, Norton Canon, HR4 8QN. 9am – 4pm. The Cart Shed Woodland Kids Club gives kids various opportunities which include cooking on an open fire, games, free play and a range of woodland activities. Evidence shows that real and meaningful experiences in natural environments at an early age gives children a better start in life, greater emotional security, better concentration and an ability to empathise with the needs of others. The Cart Shed offers a wide range of courses and activities that are designed to encourage children to learn and play outdoors in ways that are fun, stimulating and at times challenging. October Half Term is divided into two with 23rd24th October catering for 5-8 year olds and 25th-26th October catering for 8-12 year olds.

Group sizes are kept to 20 to maintain safety, so book early!

To book call: 07900 081 160 or email: activities@thecartshed. co.uk. Tickets: £20 per day

Monday 23rd Friday 27th BATTY ABOUT BATS Witley Court & Gardens, Great Witley, Nr. Worcester, WR6 6JT. Open from 10am. Join us to discover the rare and wonderful world of bats at Witley Court. Find out what makes Witley the perfect place to call home, and get creative as you craft your own bat to take home. A great way for the whole family to celebrate Halloween this half term. Tickets: Adult£8.30, Child, 5-15 years £5.00, Concession £7.50, Family £21.60.

Bromsgrove 01527 868636 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.net

9

R HALLOWEEN FAMILY FUN Arley Arboretum, The Estate Office, Upper Arley, Nr. Bewdley, Worcestershire, DY12 1XG. 10am – 9pm. This Halloween we’ve got lots of spooky family fun planned... Your little one can explore the Arboretum, searching high and low for clues on our Ghoulish Graveyard Trail! The trail costs £2 and includes a prize. There will be face painting and glitter tattoos in our Halloween Activity Tent, where there will also be a colouring competition for kids to enjoy. We have lots of FREE children’s activities too…Join us for the Dinosaur, Fairy and Pre-school Woodland Animal Trails, conquer our maze to reach the castle and play in the adventure playground. Plus enjoy the extra challenge of our spooky night time maze! Our tea room will also be open in the evening for hot sandwiches and tasty treats. Plus, Forestry Adventure Clubs are back…Enjoy Bug Hunts, Campfire Stories & Songs, Cooking, Crafts and more!

Morning (10.30am-12.30pm) and Afternoon (1.30pm-3.30pm) sessions.

HARTLEBURY HALLOWEEN Worcestershire County Museum, Hartlebury Castle, Hartlebury, Nr. Kidderminster, DY11 7XZ. 10.30am – 4pm. Four fun family days of autumn and Halloween themed craft activities. You can also carve a pumpkin for your Halloween celebrations. An additional charge of £2 per child applies for the day’s activities, plus a small charge for your pumpkin. Tickets: Adults £5, Conc & Children £2.50, Family

10

ticket £13 & under fives free. www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk

Monday 23rd Saturday 28th SPOOKTACULAR MAIZE MAZE Churchfields Farm, Salwarpe, Droitwich, Worcestershire WR9 0AH. Monday-Saturday 11-5pm (last entry 4pm) Sunday 11 to 4:30 (last entry 3:30). Various activities throughout the week including face painting, jumping clay and paint that pot! Bring the kids in their best fancy dress etc... Tickets: £5 per person to include a treat for the children.

Family Ticket £16 to include 2 adults & 2 children.

Tuesday 24th HALF-TERM HISTORY TOURS George Marshall Medical Museum, Charles Hastings Education Centre, Charles Hastings Way, Worcester, Worcestershire, WR5 1DD. 11am - 11:45, 12:30 - 13:15. Be horrified by our death masks and the Victorian amputation and find out what our apothecary would have given you for tired eyes in 1900. Tour may be gory, but will be accessible for all. Please book your slot by telephoning 01905 760738. Free entry. www.medicalmuseum.org.uk

care of our Qualified Forestry School teacher if they wish.

Advanced booking is essential as spaces are limited for Forestry Adventure Club - Please book early to avoid disappointment… https://arleyarboretum. digitickets.co.uk/tickets

OCTOBER HALF-TERM ACTIVITIES Oaker Wood Leisure, Near Kingsland, Leominster HR6 9PT. 9am – 3.30pm. Looking for Activity ideas for your children this October Half Term? Oaker Wood Leisure near Leominster have 3 days of activities on offer.

Tuesday 24th & Thursday 25th October are Multi-Activity Days for children aged 7-12 years.

A great selection of Outdoor Activities on offer including climbing 20 metres to the top of the Douglas Fir Trees on the Monkey Climb, Zipping down 100m of Zip Wire or trying to hit the bullseye in the Target Shooting Range. Cost: £24.50 per child per day. For older children aged 11-16 years there is Half Day High Ropes Challenges and Half Day Paintball on Wednesday 25th October. Teens can book just a half day with one activity or a whole day with both High Ropes & Paintball. £15 half day, £25 full day. For more information call 01568 780111 or visit www.oakerwoodleisure. co.uk/holiday

Tuesday 24th Thursday 26th FORESTRY CLUBS

Tuesday 24th Tuesday 31st HALLOWEEN AT THE COMMANDERY

Arley Arboretum, The Estate Office, Upper Arley, Nr. Bewdley, Worcestershire, DY12 1XG. 5.30pm - 7.30pm. There will be evening Forestry Clubs where your little ones can enjoy Ghost stories, apple bobbing, cooking, crafts and more! Each session is £5 per child and £4.50 per additional siblings. Adults must stay with children Under 5 during all Forestry sessions. Adults are welcome to leave Over 5s in the

The Commandery, Sidbury, Worcester, WR1 2HU. 10am- 5pm. Terrifying Tours Wednesday 25th, Friday 27th, Sunday 29th and Tuesday 31st October 11am and 2pm (Sunday2pm and 3.15pm). Uncover stories of creepy characters that have been spotted in this 1000 year old building, which has a bloody past, while exploring its many nooks and crannies.

Suitable for adults and ages 11+

Primary Times October Half Term 2017

(children must be accompanied by an adult). Victorian Ghost Hunt -Tuesday 24th, Thursday 26th & Saturday 28th October, 11am and 2pm. Join the Victorian Ghost hunters Florence and Ethel and help them discover who The Commandery spirits are through a series of clues and challenges. Suitable for ages 5-10 (children must be accompanied by an adult). £2 per child. To book a place call 01905 361821. Spooky Family Fun -Tuesday 24th – Sunday 29th October, & Tuesday 31st October. Spooky scavenger hunt.

Collect your clue sheet from the shop. (Suitable for the under 5s) Normal Admission applies.

Tickets: £5.95, Concession: £4.95, Child: Free. www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk

Wednesday 25th AUTUMN ADVENTURES Lower Smite Farm, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, Lower Smite Farm, Hindlip, Worcestershire, WR3 8SZ. 2pm-4pm. Aimed at ages 5–12.

Booking essential. There will be a pop-up cafe from 1.30pm before and until 4.30pm after the event.

Tickets: £3.50 per child. www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk

HALLOWEEN TERM ACADEMY Worcester Racecourse, Pitchcroft, Worcester, Worcestershire, WR1 3EJ. See the summer jumps season come to an end and find out who is going to be crowned Worcester’s Champion Owner, Trainer and Jockey for the 2017 season. www.worcester-racecourse.co.uk

THE ENORMOUS TURNIP! Eastnor Pottery, Home Farm, Eastnor, Ledbury HR8 1RD. Children’s Pottery Sessions at Eastnor Pottery in half term.

‘The Enormous Turnip!’ Make a clay trug on the potter’s wheel and fill it with hand modelled autumnal fayre. Includes a go on the potter’s wheel. Places cost

Take a LOOK at our

WEBSITE!

Release their potential and yours See your family get fitter, have fun and learn self defence from our friendly, professional instructors.

Our Taekwon-Do & Kickboxing classes are the perfect family activity and really are for everyone. Mums, Dads and kids of all ages can benefit from our classes. For the competitive one in the family, membership with our school can give access to national and international competitions!

www.worcestershiremartialarts.co.uk

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

11

R £15 per child. Telephone or email booking essential.

01531 633886 admin@eastnorpottery.co.uk

Wednesday 25th Thursday 26th FAMILY FRIENDLY TOURS Harvington Hall, Harvington, Nr. Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY10 4LR. 12.30-4.30pm. Visit Harvington Hall to discover its wonky floors and secret hiding places! Find out how the Tudors lived and why it was dangerous to be a Catholic in the late 1500s. www.harvingtonhall.com

Wednesday 25th Sunday 29th SPOOKY HALLOWEEN TRAIL Spetchley Park Gardens, Spetchley Park, Spetchley, Worcestershire, WR5 1RS. Follow the spooky trail around 30 acres of beautiful gardens, solve the puzzle, and collect your treat.

Usual adult admission charges apply, FREE entry for children, trail costs £1. www.spetchleygardens.co.uk

Saturday 28th LEDBURY HALLOWEEN FEST New Street, Ledbury, HR8 2DX. From 1pm. Ledbury is gettin’ spooky this Halloween with a free street festival. Exciting entertainment including an owl display and meet our wildlife; belly dancing witches, fire eating witch, live music, hog roast, vegan food, Halloween market, party and pumpkin lit

12

parade plus so much more! The festival will help raise cash for Herefordshire Wildlife Rescue.

Free event

Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th POTTER’S WHEEL WORKSHOPS Eastnor Pottery, Home Farm, Eastnor, Ledbury HR8 1RD. Spend the day or weekend relaxing and creating pots on the potter’s wheel. Cost: £130 day or £240 weekend. Includes materials, refreshments and lunch. Please telephone 01531 633886 or email admin@eastnorpottery. co.uk for more details.

Sunday 29th THE BIG SING: HALLOWEEN The Market Theatre, Market Street, Ledbury, HR8 2AQ. 12.15pm - 6pm. Considering Rocky Horror and Little Shop of Horrors are in the top 5 musicals ever (fact, not opinion), we’re going to go ahead and say this Halloween-themed sing along in Ledbury is guaranteed to be good fun. Hosted by Big Sing, a group who get people together to sing, it’s free to go along, there’s professional coaching, and you don’t need to audition.

“There are no auditions, and you will not be required to sing on your own. We will work towards an end of Workshop presentation which your family and friends are welcome to attend.” Free event. Book your place via the website www.ticketsource.co.uk

FAMILY FUN DAY Waterworks Museum Hereford Broomy Hill Hereford Herefordshire HR4 0LJ. 12noon – 4pm. This is one of the 20 days in 2017 when the Waterworks Museum will be open with all the Museum’s engines operating in steam offering a Family Fun Day. The Waterworks Museum has something for the whole

Primary Times October Half Term 2017

family. There are trails for the children and interactive devices across the Museum which visitors, and especially children, are encouraged to touch and use. This includes the Heritage Water Park (a children’s play ’n’ learn zone) in which there are nine life size devices for pumping, moving and filtering water. Inside the Visitor Centre there is a play area for younger children. The Museum is also the home to a permanent exhibition about Hereford in WW2 and is generally a time capsule of social history for Herefordshire, the Marches and parts of Wales.

And the museum has one of the widest range of working steam, oil, gas and hot air engines in the UK, many of which can be seen doing what they were intend for – pumping water.

Light refreshments and small souvenirs can be purchased in the cafe and visitor centre.

Picnics are permitted in the picturesque grounds. Dogs are permitted in the Museum grounds providing they are on a leash and do not disturb other visitors (but, except for assistance dogs, not in the Museum building or in the Heritage Water Park). Tickets: Adults £6.00, Seniors £5.00 and Children £2.00. www.waterworksmuseum.org.uk

Tuesday 31st SPOOKTACULAR at 360 PLAY 360Play, Silver Street, Redditch B97 4HJ. 6.30pm-8.30pm. 360 Play is the one stop family entertainment venue for creative, active, stimulating fun whatever the weather. Enjoy soft play on our huge play frames; giant wave slides, aerial gliders, interactive ball zone, assault race track, aerial swings, cargo nets and tunnels, roundabout and much, much more. Our Spooktacular Halloween Party is back again this year, plenty of activities for every little monster.

All you can eat buffet for adults

and children. Loads of fun and games: 360 Disco, Safe Trick or Treating in our Street; Dracula’s Cave for lucky dips and lots more fun. Prices are as follows: Children £10.50, Adults £5.50, Children under 1 are free. Email: redditch@360play.co.uk

NOVEMBER Saturday 4th WORCESTER ROUND TABLE BONFIRE & FIREWORKS Pitchcroft, Worcester WR1 3EJ. 6.15pm - Bonfire Lit, From 7.30pm – Fireworks. Worcester Round Table presents its annual bonfire and fireworks display this year on Saturday 4th November. As well as the fireworks displays, there will be other entertainment with a family-friendly theme. This is a fundraising event and all proceeds go to local good causes and charities. Over the years Worcester Round Table has distributed £40,000 to individuals (in cooperation with social services), New Hope, WMSAR, College for the Blind, St. Paul’s hostel and many more.

Tickets: £5 per adult, £2 per child, £12 family ticket (2+2) www.worcester.roundtable.co.uk

Wednesday 15th & Thursday 16th CHRISTMAS SHOPPING EXTRAVAGANZA Holloways, Lower Court Suckley Worcester Worcestershire WR6 5DE. 8.30am – 5pm.

Visit Holloways for two days of Christmas shopping. There will be boutique gift shops and artisan food producers in the Christmas marketplace and it will be brimming with brilliant ideas for gifts and bursting with delicious Christmas fare.

Holloways Gift Shop will be stacked high with imaginative and unique gifts for the whole family, from the luxurious to the

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

13

R affordable. Priority bookings now available call 01886 884665 to book your table for breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea. www.holloways.co.uk

Saturday 18th BROMYARD CHRISTMAS LIGHTS Bromyard Town Centre. 11am – 5pm. Bromyard is a very special place all year round but never more so than at Christmas when the main streets are festooned with strings of lights for the town’s fabled Christmas Illuminations as Bromyard Christmas Lights come to life and are reputed to be the best display in Herefordshire. The Big Switch-On of Bromyard Christmas Lights is accompanied as always by a busy day of Yuletide events and will happen at 5.00 pm prompt. This event brings around 2500 people to the town centre. Crowds can visit several local Christmas Fairs, enjoy the arrival of Father Christmas in his sleigh, and visit him at home in his Grotto where children receive a Christmas gift.

Free event.

HEREFORD CHRISTMAS LIGHTS Hereford Town Centre. 3pm – 5.30pm. Hereford Christmas Lights switch on heralds the start of the Christmas season with a weekend of treats and lighting up the city. The Old Market and Maylord Orchards Shopping Centres will switch the lights on simultaneously at 5:30pm.

During the day there will be live performers including The Starlet Scarlet’s at The Old Market from

14

3pm and Santa will be meeting children and handing out treats.

Free event.

DURUFLE REQUIEM Worcester Cathedral, Chapter Office, Worcester WR1 2LA. A rare performance of Duruflé’s much-loved choral Requiem with both orchestral and organ accompaniment is to take place at Worcester Cathedral. The work - being performed by the 150 voices of Worcester Festival Choral Society together with the Worcester Cathedral Girl Choristers and the Meridian Sinfonia - is usually heard with organ only, but the Society’s concert is a chance to hear the Requiem with the full splendour of the French composer’s combined orchestral and organ scoring. The Meridian Sinfonia will be performing as a 51-piece orchestra for the concert. Worcester Cathedral’s Director of Music, Dr Peter Nardone, conducts. Tickets: £10 - £25 (some concessions available) from the Worcester Live Box Office, Huntingdon Hall, Worcester or www. worcesterfestivalchoralsociety. org.uk

Saturday 18th November – Sunday 17th December CHRISTMAS AT CROFT CASTLE Croft Castle, Yarpole, Nr Leominster HR6 9PW. 11am – 4pm. Weekends only. Step back in time to the 1950’s this Christmas at Croft and evoke the spirit of post-war Britain through the rooms of the castle. Share your memories and Christmas traditions, see colourful decorations, sing along to carols and discover how the Croft family worked with the National Trust to save the castle and its parkland for the nation in 1957. Experience 1950’s Christmas cheer with hand-made decorations, festive trails, storytelling and Christmas carols in the castle.

Primary Times October Half Term 2017

On weekends between Saturday 18th November and Sunday 17th December, you can relive the spirit and gusto of post-war Britain. Don’t forget to tuck into a mince pie and a cup of tea in the Carpenter’s tea-room and pick up a lovely gift in the Stables shop. The parkland is also open all year round, from dawn to dusk, so pop on your walking boots and bring your four-legged friend for a frosty winter walk this Christmas. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Friday 23rd Sunday 26th HAY FESTIVAL WINTER WEEKEND Various venues around Hayon-Wye. Hay Festival’s little brother – the Winter Weekend – rolls in to the border town every November, turning the book town in to a seasonal celebration of ideas and authors.

Reminiscent of early Hay Festival’s because it takes place in the town and talks are often smaller and more intimate, this year’s Winter Weekend takes place from November 23rd to 26th. It will coincide with the Christmas lights switch on and Hay’s Winter Food Festival. See website for more detail. www.hayfestival.com

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!

It’s Spooktacular at 360 Play 360 Play is the one stop family entertainment venue for creative, active, stimulating fun whatever the weather.

Enjoy soft play on our huge play frames; giant wave slides, aerial gliders, interactive ball zone, assault race track, aerial swings, cargo nets and tunnels, roundabout and much, much more.

Our Spooktacular Halloween Party is back again this year, plenty of activities for every little monster.

Tuesday 31st October 2017 from 6.30pm - 8.30pm.

All you can eat buffet for adults and children. Loads of fun and games: 360 Disco, Safe Trick or Treating in our Street; Dracula’s

Cave for lucky dips and lots lots more fun.

Prices are as follows: Children £10.50, Adults £5.50, Children under 1 are free.

Our 360 café prides itself in providing fresh food, from a snack to a full meal. Order at the counter then sit back and we will deliver your freshly prepared food to your table.

We serve fresh food – not fast food.

360 Play is great for birthday parties. We understand the work involved when you want to organise that special family event and want everything to be just right.

360 Play, unlimited play, unlimited fun. Visit us at 360play.co.uk

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

15

16

Primary Times October Half Term 2017

www.thinksaferroads.org.uk

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

17

Spine-tingling fun at Old Market hereford Bring your little monsters to our free Halloween event at Old Market on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th October. You’ll have a fa-BOO-lous time!

Pick up a map at the event check-in and then follow the pumpkin trail round the stores. Expect squeals of excitement as your little horrors reveal the magic word to receive frightfully delicious treats.

Oh, and there will be fangtastic face painting to make your kids look even more horrible too.

It’s all free. So come along on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th October from 11am to 4pm and have a terrifyingly awesome time! n

WHAT’s BETTER THAN New Toy Shop at

A DAY OF SPORT? the Hop Pocket A week of sport, that’s what! Sport Relief is back from 17-23 March.

As well as The Mile, there’s a week of activities to choose from. It’s the ultimate ‘feel good, do good’ event for any school. It’s the perfect opportunity to have fun, bring the whole school community together, and teach your pupils about the real difference they can make to people’s lives. Put the date in the school calendar now and make sure your pupils don’t miss out.

Shopping Village

To get you off to a flying start, Primary Times has worked with Sport Relief to put together a free fundraising pack, full of ideas, posters, balloons and stickers. The pack also contains curriculum-linked resources to make sure that your Sport Relief event is also a time for your pupils to learn about the difference between their lives and the lives of others. Save the date and order your free primary fundraising pack at www.sportrelief.com/ primarytimes.

Accompanying the vast selection of toys, we have a fantastic range of children’s books and arts and craft ideas to keep kids entertained over the holidays.

Last year thousands of schools and nurseries across the country got involved with anything from running a sponsored-mile to taking part in a 24 hour badminton tournament. Everyone had a great time and raised a staggering £6 million in the process. Michelle Golan, from Childs Hill Primary School in North London, sees Sport Relief as a great way for her pupils to learn about the wider world. She told Primary Times, “Our school believes it is extremely important to support Sport Relief. Our pupils always have lots of fun and work together to help improve the lives of those less fortunate than us. The materials produced by Sport Relief are really useful and inspiring, and help our pupils to see how their contributions can help change the lives of others forever.”

Money raised by schools and nurseries for Sport Relief will help people living unimaginably tough lives on your doorstep in the UK and across the world’s poorest countries. So put the week 17-23 March, in the diary and order your free Fundraising Event Pack today at: www.sportrelief.com/primarytimes

18

Primary Times October Half Term 2017

The Hop Pocket has opened a new toy department upstairs in the shopping village. Along with traditional and pocket money, there are educational toys, board games and popular lines such as Sylvanian Families, Jelly Cats, Big Jigs and more.

From tots to teens, there’s something for everyone!

Opening at the end of October, we are adding an upstairs coffee shop and play area.

Adults can enjoy a freshly prepared tea or coffee and a slice of homemade cake whilst children are entertained.

There’s plenty of free parking plus an onsite restaurant serving freshly prepared hot and cold meals and snacks.

Why not shop under one roof and enjoy a browse around our independent retailers, selling anything and everything from clothing and footwear, gifts and home interiors to local wines and spirits?

It’s the perfect opportunity to stock up on Christmas presents and stocking fillers!

You can even order your Christmas turkey here!

So, don’t “toy” with the idea, come pay us a visit! n

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

19

20

Primary Times October Half Term 2017

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

21

22

Primary Times October Half Term 2017

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

23

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

Hairy Maclary & Friends Thursday 26th October, 2pm. Out of the gate and off for a walk, went Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy.

Anyone with young children will recognise these immortal words instantly as the opening lines of the book Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy by Lynley Dodd. Featuring many of the characters from the books like Hercules Morse, as big as a Horse - Bottomley Potts, covered in spots – Schnitzel von Krumm, with the very low tum and Scarface Claw – the toughest tomcat in town. With music, singing and several of your favourite Hairy Maclary stories, this show is a must for the whole family. For ages 2-8 and all the family. Tickets: £12, £10 - under 16s, £40 Family Ticket 2+2 or 1+3

THE CHRIS & PUI SHOW Saturday 28th October, 11am & 2pm. CBeebies’ favourite double act is coming

24

to town! See Chris & Pui from ‘Show Me Show Me’ in their very own stage show with the toys & characters from their hit TV programme. Incy Wincy, Twinkle, Old MacDonald, Humpty, Granny Humpty and many more of your favourite Chris & Pui characters will be dropping in along with the toys – Tom, Momo, Teddington, Stuffy and Miss Mouse. Bring your character toy along too but please look after it! Catch the ‘Gingerbread Man’, marvel at the ‘Ugly Duckling’ becoming a beautiful swan and oooh and aaah as Miss Mouse attempts to zoom zoom zoom to the cheesy moon in her rocket.

With songs, comedy sketches, a dash of magic and heaps of joining in, this is a family show for children aged two to a hundred and two. Tickets: £12. Conc £10, £40 Family Ticket 2+2 or 1+3

The courtyard

10.30am). There once was a remarkable tin soldier who fell in love with a beautiful paper dancer and then tumbled out of a window so beginning a perilous journey into the unknown…This playful retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s poetic story uses light, projected animations and simple materials that are skilfully transformed through puppetry to create a theatrical experience that will engage and touch young hearts and minds. Free pre-show activity from 10.30am: Create your own puppet.

Tickets: £7.50

ABOUT FACE THEATRE Wednesday 25th October, 2pm – 6pm. This new collection of five theatrefor-one plays, inspired by historical stories from around Herefordshire, is beautifully presented by the actors and puppets in a magical space created for you. Drop in performances, suitable for all ages.

Tel: 01432 340555

THE STEADFAST TIN SOLDIER

JACK AND THE BEAN’S TALK

Monday 23rd October, 11am, (free pre-activity at

Saturday 11th November Time: 11am (free pre-

Primary Times October Half Term 2017

activity at 10.30am). Jack lives on a small farm with his mum and very little to eat.

He likes to talk to the birds, his cow and anyone who will listen. Imagine his surprise when he swaps his cow for some magic beans and starts to hear a whispering in the breeze and a giant rumble in the sky … Charming and inventive with plenty of interaction, an enormous beanstalk, bags of gold and a smelly old giant.

Jack and the Beans Talk is a cautionary tale about what might happen if you throw things out of the window! Free pre-show activity from 10.30am: Plant kidney beans!

Tickets: £7.50

The conquest Tel: 01885 488575

THE BOOK OF DARKNESS & LIGHT Wednesday 25th October, 7.30pm. Three chilling tales.

Two ghostly performers. One thrilling night. Legend has it that many years ago a book of terrifying tales was found. Now, you are invited to discover the secrets of The Book of Darkness

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

25

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

& Light… If you dare! Join The Storyteller and The Musician for an evening of spine-tingling tales and haunting live music.

Three ghost stories to delight and horrify, accompanied by the beautiful sounds of the violin. Be thrilled, chilled and thoroughly entertained by this charming storytelling experience. But, be warned, once the pages of the book are opened, anything could happen.

Tickets: £10

BROMYARD FRIGHT NIGHT: RUN OF TERROR Saturday 28th October, 6pm - 10.30pm. PLEASE NOTE: THIS EVENT IS NOT AT THE THEATRE! Kempson Players are fundraising for the Playing Field in Old Road. You can book tickets via the Conquest for the ‘Run of Terror’, but do not turn up at the theatre this isn’t included in the run!

A Hallowe’en Spectacular to Petrify the Brave! Not for the faint-hearted! You and your group will encounter terrifying monsters, meet challenges and help solve problems as you make your way around the dark alleyways of the

26

town. Help the military and the supernaturalists to make it back to base without being contaminated, eaten or lost to the other side...Food and drink available in debriefing tent.

Running shoes required. Start point Kempson Players Entry Gate Loden Avenue. Booking information: Groups of 6 can book slots every 15 minutes from 6pm until 10.30pm.

Tickets: £7 per person groups of 6 only

evesham arts Tel: 01386 446944

ENCHANTMENT Friday 27th – Sunday 29th October. Friday & Saturday 7.30pm, Saturday & Sunday 2.30pm. “Under a magic spell” - Inspired by the Story of La Sylphide. James Ruben is a dreamer, on the eve of his wedding to the lovely Effie, he imagines another world. He is enchanted away to an unreal place of magical beauty by a young Forest Sylph - strong drama follows.

Young dancers from the school perform this charming story with passion and enjoyment.

Primary Times October Half Term 2017

With a variety of dance styles beautifully choreographed, a performance to take you on a journey of imagination and intrigue, with colourful costumes and lyrical music: a joy to watch for all the family.

Tickets: £12, conc. £9

making workshop. Would you make a ghost or Frankenstein?

Or maybe a wizard or the witch’s cat? Once you have finished your creations, come along to our Halloween film screening - Hotel Transylvania!

Tickets: £3

ludlowassemblyrooms

malvern theatre

Tel: 01584 873229

Tel: 0845 287 2146

STORY READING

DINOSAUR WORLD

Sunday, October 22nd, 12:30pm & 2:00pm. If you fancy a trip down memory lane come along with your children and grandchildren to enjoy a selection of eight classic children’s stories, read at half hourly intervals. Led by Karen Argent - Director of The Letterpress Project - a not for profit initiative campaigning for everyone to have access to good quality books.

This event is FREE

Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd October, Saturday at 12pm & 2.30pm, Sunday at 11.30am & 2.30pm. Looking for fun days out with the kids?

Dare to experience the dangers and delights of Dinosaur World in this interactive new show for all the family (ages 3+). Grab your compass and join our intrepid explorer across unchartered territories to discover a pre-historic world of astonishing (and remarkably life-like) dinosaurs.

Meet a host of impressive creatures, including every child’s favourite flesh-eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex, a Triceratops, Giraffatitan and Segnosaurus, to name a few!

Tickets: £14.56

HALLOWEEN WORKSHOP Tuesday 31st October, 12:30pm - 2:00pm. Get into the Halloween spirit with your best scary face in this mask

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

27

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

MONKEYS IN MOTION Thursday 26th October, 10am -1pm. Oh I just can’t wait to be… A STAR! A morning of creative fun led by Sophie-Jo Lusted of Monkeys in Motion.

Come and join Simba`s adventure where you will explore the music and dance of The Lion King as well as making your own masks to take away! Suitable for 4-8 years.

Tickets: £15 or £25 for 2

STICK MAN Monday 6th & Tuesday 7th November. Monday 1.30pm & 4.30pm or Tuesday 10.30am & 4.30pm. What starts off as a morning jog becomes quite the misadventure for Stick Man: a dog wants to play fetch with him, a swan builds a nest with him, and he even ends up on a fire! How will Stick Man ever get back to the family tree? This award-winning production, from the teams behind Tiddler and other Terrific Tales and The Scarecrows’ Wedding, features a trio of top actors and is packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves. Most suitable for all aged 3+ but all ages welcome.

Tickets: £14.56

28

Number 8 Tel: 01386 555488

MONSTERSAURUS Saturday 28th October, 1.30pm. This brand new show is MONSTER-OUSLY good! Follow the young inventor Monty as he creates a whole world of whacky inventions and incredible monsters! But now he has made them all, how is he going to get rid of them? From the creators of Aliens Love Underpants this energetic show is full of thrills, spills, magic and mayhem and will delight the whole family.

There’s original music and plenty of opportunities for everyone to get involved! Suitable for age 3+ Tickets: £9, 16 & under £7

norbury theatre Tel: 01905 770154

ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND Monday 23rd October, 7.15pm. Live opera streamed from The Royal Opera House, London At a garden party on a sunny afternoon, Alice is surprised to see her parents’ friend Lewis Carroll transform

Primary Times October Half Term 2017

into a white rabbit. When she follows him down a rabbit hole events become curiouser and curiouser… As Alice journeys through Wonderland, she encounters countless strange creatures. She’s swept off her feet by the charming Knave of Hearts, who’s on the run for stealing the tarts. Confusion piles upon confusion. Then Alice wakes with a start. Alice encounters a cast of extraordinary and instantly recognizable characters, from the highly strung Queen of Hearts – who performs a hilarious send-up of The Sleeping Beauty’s famous Rose Adage – to a playing-card corps de ballet, a sinuous caterpillar and a tapdancing Mad Hatter. But the

ballet does not avoid the darker undercurrents of Lewis Carroll’s story: a nightmarish kitchen, an eerily disembodied Cheshire Cat and the unhinged tea party are all here in vivid detail. The delicious result shows The Royal Ballet at its best, bringing together worldclass dance with enchanting family entertainment. Tickets £15, Conc. £13

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!

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.net

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

29

FAMILY MARKETPLACE CHILDCARE

DANCE & DRAMA

Wyeside Day Nursery & Out of School Care Ltd

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

“Where children enjoy their learning adventure” Tel: 01432 358070

www.wyesidedaynursery.co.uk

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

26 Eign Road, Hereford, HR1 2RY

www.balletmalvern.co.uk

RECRUITMENT

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

Educational Psychologist (Chartered by the BPS)

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

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

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

Registered in England and Wales

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.net

TUITION

30

Primary Times October Half Term 2017