Education News
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The latest from local schools
In Hereford & Worcester
Lower House, Whyle Lane, Pudleston, Nr Leominster Herefordshire, HR6 0RQ Tel: 01905 723011 Publishing Editor: Dawn Pardoe - 01905 727909 Design and Production: Paul Blyth 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 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
This magazine is audited by BPA, 30,431 copies, 2019.
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Roundabout
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What’s on ..........................................................................................
Pinboard
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News from your area ..........................................................................................
Theatre 20 Who’s treading the boards? ..........................................................................................
WHAT’S ON IN YOUR AREA?
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Primary Times October Half Term 2021
Wyeside Day Nursery & Out of School Care Ltd
“Where children enjoy their learning adventure” Tel: 01432 358070 26 Eign Road, Hereford, HR1 2RY
www.wyesidedaynursery.co.uk
WHAT’S ON IN YOUR AREA? From Theatre shows and attractions to classes and family days out you’ll find even more at: www.primarytimes.co.uk
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ACQUIRING LIFE SKILLS AND LEARNING IS CHILD’S PLAY AT THE DOWNS MALVERN and Toddler Group”, a new weekly parent and toddler group held on Tuesdays throughout term times between 9.30 and 11.00am. Children are given the opportunity to make the very most of the school’s indoor and outdoor resources and facilities, and receive inspiring sessions delivered by the school’s teachers. “There’s no cost to attend,” says Mr Cook, “although any donations made go to a local charity. It has proved so popular that anyone coming for the first time will need to call in advance to make sure there is space.” Autumn term has certainly proved a “hoot” for the children in the Nursery and Reception classes (EYFS) at The Downs Malvern in Colwall. “As ever at this age, the emphasis is on making learning fun, fun, fun,” says Mr Alastair Cook, Headmaster, “giving young minds and bodies the chance to explore and experience new activities and acquire new skills along the way. “With the school’s fabulous resources at their disposal, our younger children enjoy a rich mix of free play-based learning and adult-led input activities which help develop their social skills, learning, self-assurance and resilience. What’s more, anyone sending their young child to Nursery qualifies for up to 30 hours government funded childcare.” One of this term’s innovations has already proved a huge success: the school’s “Hoot Parent
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Primary Times October Half Term 2021
Another new venture this term is “Skills to Thrive” – a series of cross-curricular themes in lessons for children of all ages. These provide a firm foundation for the years ahead. Resilience is one those seven skills, along with Reflection, Motivation, Communication, Creativity, Collaboration and Curiosity and, as Mr Cook points out, “Resilience is what can help children overcome the many challenges throughout their life and reach their full potential.” The skills are brought into each child’s education and tailored to their educational stage: for Pre-Prep (Nursery—Year 2), for instance, each skill is accompanied by an animal and a story ensuring the children can clearly picture what each “Skill” is about. This also continues during their French lessons via their specialist language teacher.
In Computing, the children have been learning to set basic programming codes on the “Beebots”, using iPads regularly and acquiring the online skills that today’s “digital natives” will need going forward. There are also lots of ways for younger children in Nursery and Reception to burn off excess energy and gain confidence in their physical skills. Ready and safe access within the school grounds to the woods means they can build dens, climb trees and splash in the stream during Outdoor Adventures. A variety of sports are enjoyed in the large modern Sports Hall for PE and weekly swimming lessons for Reception and Years 1 and 2 take place in the splendid pool at Malvern College. In the words of the school’s Head of EYFS, Louise Hannis: “This is where the learning begins but the fun never ends! We pride ourselves on providing an engaging, enjoyable and enabling environment full of opportunities to think critically, problem solve and learn.” If you’d like to visit The Downs Malvern’s Nursery or Pre-Prep facilities, contact the Registrar Mrs Katherine Cox on +44 (0) 1684 544108 or email her at registrar@thedownsmalvern.org.uk.
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CHRIST COLLEGE RESTRUCTURES TIMETABLE TO FOCUS ON OUTDOOR EDUCATION AND CHARACTERBUILDING POST-PANDEMIC
Following 18 months of upheaval for the education sector, independent school Christ College Brecon has reshuffled its weekly timetable to include more extra-curricular activity to help with pupils’ physical, spiritual, social and moral development. Christ College Brecon already ensures each year group experiences ‘Adventure Days’ in the nearby Brecon Beacons National Park during the year, but as of the new academic year, the school has been offering its 370 pupils a mix of outdoor adrenaline activities such as mountaineering, climbing, paddle sports and trail running, as well as creative arts including our senior musical production, masterchef, action photography, robotics and video game development. The additional options have created a ‘second curriculum Saturday’ leaving weekdays with the positive blend of academic lessons, music, including ensembles, the orchestra and individual tuition, academic clubs, academic support groups, hockey, rugby, netball and badminton fixtures and adventures in our Cadet Force. During the pandemic, Ofsted found that some children have regressed in their reading and writing and many have lost physical fitness. A recent Active Lives Children and Young People Survey found the number of children meeting the government’s guidance of an hour of activity a day dropped by more than 100,000 in the summer of 2020, compared to the same period in 2019 and nearly a third of young people do less than 30 minutes of exercise each day. Christ College Brecon Deputy
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Head (Pastoral), Simon Hill, said: “The past year has not been easy for many school-aged children, but we believe that combining academic lessons and a rich extracurricular programme with plenty of opportunities to experience the outdoors or try a new hobby or skill is a great way to help develop a young person and give them the best start in life. “The new Saturday programme has started really well. We have received really positive feedback from pupils about how much they are enjoying participating in adventurous activities in the Brecon Beacons, playing sport, trying new hobbies and clubs, playing musical instruments and rehearsing for the Senior Musical Production. Parents have also praised the timetable change and the freedom it gives children to try wonderful activities on the weekends and focus on their schoolwork during the week.” The Saturday programme, which has already been introduced to sixth form pupils as part of the school’s Curriculum for Life programme, joins the college’s Spirit Days which invites the whole community, including parents, to watch and enjoy the school teams, matches and performances on selected Saturdays during the year. Christ College is one of the oldest schools in Wales and utilises the surrounding Brecon Beacons to deliver its extracurricular activities as well as its 40 acre site, including an onsite fitness suite, hockey astro-turf pitch, new multi-use games area and a swimming pool. For more information about Christ College Brecon visit www.christcollegebrecon.com
Primary Times October Half Term 2021
LIFE AT HOLY TRINITY SCHOOL AND SIXTH FORM CENTRE A through school, students undertake their school journey under one roof, joining from Reception or any other year group, they are assured of a warm welcome into the Holy Trinity family. A broad curriculum, the school values the world of academia, but equally the creative arts and PE, as the skills and attributes developed in these subjects help students to become well-rounded individuals. With a swimming pool on site, all students learn to swim as part of the curriculum provision, and in doing so, develop an essential life skill. Adept at teaching across both the primary and secondary phase, supports an effective transition from Year 6 through to Year 7. Within the primary phase, students receive specialist teaching from senior staff in PE, music, French and art, as well as some subject
specialism within each year group in Key stage 2. Sixth Form students benefit from small tuition groups, with many opportunities to develop leadership skills within the main school, as well as receiving individual support with their UCAS applications. Admission deadlines for September 2022 entry: Year 7 31st October 2021 6th Form 30th November 2021 Reception 15th January 2022 All applications to be made via Worcestershire County Council and for further information please call the Head’s PA Mrs Roth on 01562 822929 or email: karen.roth@holytrinity.co.uk
ADMISSIONS SEPTEMBER 2022 Reception / Year 7 / Year 12 For all admission enquiries please email: karen.roth@holytrinity.co.uk
Holy Trinity School and Sixth Form Centre
Birmingham Road, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY10 2BY Telephone 01562 822929 | Email: office@holytrinity.co.uk www.holytrinity.co.uk
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Primary Times October Half Term 2021
For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.co.uk
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VIRTUAL GREAT BRITISH DOG WALK The Great British Dog Walk is back! If you can’t attend one of our GBDW’s that are happening across the country, then try a the virtual Great British Dog Walk. In essence, here’s how the Virtual Great British Dog Walk works: Choose a walking route and distance that suits you pretty country lanes, autumnal woodland, wide open spaces, whatever you like. Pick a date between Saturday 28 August and Sunday 24 October (you can walk as many days as you like between those dates too) Entry is £10, which will help the charity to train more life-changing hearing dogs, and entrants will receive a stylish and exclusive Great British Dog Walk bandana for their dog, a downloadable certificate, a fun activity pack of things to do during their walk. www.hearingdogs.org.uk/vgbdw
Until Saturday 18th December JUNIOR ARCHERY COACHING PROGRAM 8th Worcester Scout Hut, Cornmeadow Lane, Worcester,. This is a series of 1/2 day coaching sessions for Worcestershire junior archers - roughly once every 4 weeks. at 09:00 am to 12:00 pm. An inclusive, instructive & enjoyable series of coaching sessions for
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chance to meet other local families and the staff from Starting Well Partnership. 10am - 11am.
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Worcestershire Juniors. Archers of all standards are welcome, from the novice to the expert. There is a program that runs across the whole series, and archers are encouraged to attend all sessions. This is not compulsory - archers are free to choose as many sessions as they wish. The program is designed to cover both technique and other allied skills that an accomplished archer needs. Following a refit this Summer, the hall now has a PC equipped with motionanalysis software, and practice mirrors, to give archers essential feedback on their technique. Although registration is free, we’re asking for £5 per session to help cover costs. We ask that U14s are accompanied by their parents. Older juniors can be left with the staff, subject to the CWAA safeguarding procedures. Archers will be expected to bring their shooting equipment (unless prior arrangement has been made).
Wednesday 13th FACE TO FACE GROUP FUN SESSIONS KGV Community Hub, Worcester. WR4 9TL. Fun face to face play sessions for parents & carers with 0-5 year olds. Face to face group fun sessions (6 weeks) - for parents & children aged 0-5 years old. Focusing on childrens physical activity & wellbeing. A six-week course, to be held at the KGV hub, for up to 8 families. Different themes will be covered throughout the weekly sessions. This is a
Primary Times October Half Term 2021
SUCKLEY HILLS WALK Enjoy the wonderful scenery of the Suckley Hills on this self-guided walk. Join us for an eight mile, selfled circular walk using the Trust’s walks booklet and audio guide (narrated by Brett Westwood) from The Knapp and Papermill through Blackhouse, Crews Hill and Ravenshill woods. Park and meet at The Knapp and Papermill nature reserve. Booking is essential. 10:00am - 3:00pm. The walk will comply with any Government guidelines. At the time of booking we’ll need your contact details to let you know if anything changes. Booking. Tel: 07702371953. Email suejenkins@doctors.org.uk. Suggested donation £5.00, Dogs on a lead.
Thursday 14th THE BIG WORCESTER SLEEP OUT The Big Worcester Sleep Out will return to Six Ways Stadium, raising money for three Worcester Charities; St Paul’s Hostel, Warriors Community Foundation, and Maggs Day Centre. Our mission is to raise awareness of the complex issues surrounding homelessness within our county, and the services our charities relentlessly push forward. We are aiming to raise £45,000 for 2021 with all of the funds raised will be split equally between our charities. Fundraising is being managed by Just Giving, and all you have to do to sign up to sleep out is our website and follow the sign-up link. Sign up today to help change lives!
Saturday 16th GREAT MALVERN FARMERS MARKET Church Street, Malvern, WR14 2AY. Local products from meat to fruit, vegetables to cheese, beer and cider, sweet treats and much more. Buskers will be there to entertain you whilst you enjoy your delights. Farmers Market – third Saturday of each month – Come along and show your support. From 9:00am, Great Malvern Priory Grounds.
From Sunday 17th ANNUAL HALLOWEEN EVENING EVENT
Ralph Court Gardens. 6pm - 8.30pm (Restaurant opens at 5pm). Thousands of lights, Lord and Lady Ralph’s haunted Manor, Witches coven, Joking ghosts and Graveyard with bespoke fitting service and our fabulous Halloween rectory, brought to life with the sounds of Thriller and Ghost Busters and lots more. Our restaurant will be offering an horrendous choice of food from our famous homemade Halloween cakes to ‘Eye Popping’ Hot Dog with Chips, relish and Mozzarella Eye Balls to Witches chicken with wild toadstools and deadly cream sauce. Fun for all the family Tickets available via www.ralphcourtgardens.co.uk
Sunday 17th COMMUNITY LITTERPICK Ronkswood Community Centre, WR5 1 Worcester. Litterpick on Newtown Green, Ronkswood field. Meet at the community centre at 11am. All equipment provided, all welcome.
Wednesday 20th FACE TO FACE GROUP FUN SESSIONS KGV Community Hub, Worcester. WR4 9TL. Fun face to face play sessions for parents & carers with 0-5 year olds. Face to face group fun sessions (6 weeks) - for parents & children aged 0-5 years old. Focusing on childrens physical activity & wellbeing. A six-week course, to be held at the KGV hub, for up to 8 families. Different themes will be covered throughout the weekly sessions. This is a chance to meet other local families and the staff from Starting Well Partnership. 10am - 11am.
Friday 22nd October – Sunday 5th December WEST MIDLANDS SAFARI PARK – AFTER DARK ILLUMINATIONS Discover our magical trail of lights at our brand-new event, running on selected dates from. We’re thrilled to be launching an afterdark illuminations experience like no other! Join us this autumn for an epic lantern trail, where you can enjoy mesmerising lighting displays, discover a ‘wild’ range of breath-taking lanterns and explore the walk–through areas of the Park like never before. Be transported to a wonderland of lanterns and interactive lighting displays. With
• aMazing Hedge Puzzle • Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo • Miniature Golf Visit butterflyzoo.co.uk For everyday value ticket prices and exclusive online offers!
Symonds Yat West HR9 6DA Open daily from 10am Safe secure metered parking
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R over forty light groupings, and up to 1000 individual lanterns, the event will have something for all ages, and make a fantastic family evening out. With magical lit-up landscapes, dinosaur lanterns, glowing animal installations, a giant interactive piano keyboard, rainbow tunnel and many other creations, the 3km trail has been designed to offer guests a safe and enjoyable evening, with plenty of fun all round! Please note, rides are only open from 22nd – 31st October, and 5th – 7th November. The Safari Drive-through and all other walk-through animal exhibits will also be closed during the evening event.
Friday 22nd - Sunday 31st HALLOWEEN AT WEST MIDLAND SAFARI PARK We will be brimming with Halloween decorations and hundreds of pumpkins in the Pumpkin Patch. Meet our brand new pumpkin scarecrow character, ‘Patch’, and join his spook-tastic activity trail! Full of Halloween fun for the whole family, it’s the perfect way to brighten up the spookiest of seasons! Open from 10.00am – 4.30pm, Rides open from 12.00pm – 4.30pm Last entry at 3.00pm Safari Drive-through gates close at 3.00pm. African Village closes at 4.00pm.
Saturday 23rd GINGEOWEEN CHILDREN’S PARTY Cheltenham Civil Service Football Club, Cheltenham Civil Sports Association, Tewkesbury Road, Uckington, GL51 9SL. Spooky fun for the children at 1pm-4pm. Games, fancy dress, lucky dip, Showtime Shane and much more! All proceeds go to Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice. Event suitable for children under 11. Under 3’s go free. Tickets from £5
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Monday 25th
Tuesday 26th
CHILDREN’S ECO WORKSHOP: HAPPY HERBS St Thomas’s Church Stourbridge. Children will learn about reducing our impact on the planet while we make a DIY animal inspired plant pot complete with herbs. 2 hour craft workshop where we will be using items that would usually be thrown out and giving them a new life. We will be creating animal inspired pots and planting herbs. All crafting materials provided, please make sure children have suitable clothing that could get messy! Adults absolutely welcome to stay at no extra cost but not needed to. Suggested age 4+ but more than happy to accommodate younger if you think they will enjoy it. Snacks and drinks provided. £10 per child. Limited numbers. Pre booking only. Please include when booking: Child name, age, emergency contact and any allergies.Please email me with any questions at contact@wildearthmovement.com
KIDS FIRST AID CLASS (3 - 6 YEARS) HEREFORD Would your 3-6 year old know what to do in an emergency? Help them learn with a Mini First Aid Early Years Class! This fun and interactive 30 minute story and play based session gently introduces children to First Aid including calling 999, shouting for help and treating minor injuries. £7.50 per child booking through website https://hereford. minifirstaid.co.uk/classes/ open/6839
Monday 25th - Sunday 31st BIG WILD WALK Get your boots on for beavers! It’s time to walk for wildlife and show you care about the nature and climate crisis with The Wildlife Trusts’ Big Wild Walk, The Wildlife Trusts are asking nature-lovers to fundraise to help raise vital money for their 30 by 30 mission that will restore at least 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030. The choice is yours to take on one of three challenges: Walk 30km over the Big Wild Walk week, Walk 30km in three days, Walk 30km in one day. If you’d prefer to create your own challenge, that’s okay! You could invite the family to join in, set up a remote relay with friends or take the challenge yourself. Indoors or outdoors, front room, park or wood, treadmill or track – the choice is yours. ALVECHURCH SCARECROW FESTIVAL 2021 9am-5pm. Back by popular demand! Alvechurch Scarecrow Festival 2021. Visit the village of Alvechurch to see a trail of fantastic scarecrows. Keep the kids busy during half term. Raise money for The Lounge, Alvechurch’s wonderful community cafe.
Primary Times October Half Term 2021
HALLOWEEN SHOWING OF HOCUS POCUS ON WORCESTER’S OUTDOOR CINEMA Worcester Racecourse, Worcester Racecourse, Grand Stand Road, Pitchcroft. Join us for this Halloween Cinema showing of Hocus Pocus. A socially distanced, covid safe outdoor cinema screening of hocus pocus where we have 2 screenings on this day, 2021 at 5pm - 10:30pm. There will also be catering unit onsite that will serve the hot drinks, you can of course bring your own snacks! Limited tickets available so make sure to book yours today! Tickets are £34 for a family ticket (2 adults, 2 kids) £14 for an adult - £9 per child - £4 deposit will be required via eventbrite, the rest is due on the door should the event go ahead. We do this because Halloween is a dodgy time with the weather, should there be any sign of high winds or heavy rain, the event will be cancelled and a full refund given. No seating provided. Go to www.openairfilmandchill. com/worcesteroutdoorcinema book your tickets.
Wednesday 27th ONCE UPON A TIME IN WORCESTER: DROP-IN FAMILY WORKSHOP Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum, Worcester. Join us in our lovely welcoming Activity Space to create your very own 3D street scene – we will use collage and printing techniques to create the backdrop - then you will make peg doll people, alley cats and stray dogs to fill your street how you want to! This is a drop in family workshop during the October half term. £4 per participant, no pre-booking required. www. museumsworcestershire.org.uk
YOGA FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN The Little Blue Elephant Play Café, Unit 3 Longmeadow Industrial Estate, Ewyas Harold, HR2 0UA. Yoga for children around 2 to 5 years and their parents. We’ll be going on an adventure with movement, songs and rhymes, ending with a relaxation. Why not book the 12.45 play session in the cafe for afterwards and stay for a play and lunch with us? Call Angela for more information 07758114844
Saturday 30th & Sunday 31st PUMPKIN AND SCARECROW TRAIL Cleobury Mortimer, Cleobury Mortimer, Kidderminster, Our annual scarecrow and pumpkin trail is back! It runs over 2 nights, Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st October. Decorating your house ? If you’d like to decorate your house and enter into the trail, it’s just £5. All entries will be eligible to be voted on by the people doing the trail. There are prizes for the top 5 houses. First prize is an amazing night away, thanks to Holly Waste Holiday Lets. All house entries will be placed on the trail map ready to be visited. Completing the trail? , the trail is just £2.50 per child. Each paying child will get a copy of the trail map, a vote for the best decorated house and a fantastic goody bag! Dressing up is definitely recommended. This year we are able to use the market hall as our base for you to get your goody bags. We will also be offering hot chocolate, cakes and biscuits and a few other special things to warm you up on the night www.facebook.com/ friendsofcmps/
NOVEMBER Friday 5th FIREWORKS @ SECRET GARDEN Secret Garden Hereford, Coldwells Rd, Hereford. Join us for Fireworks Night at Secret Garden! 5pm onwards, fireworks at 6.30pm, BBQ available to purchase, bar open, live Music from Phoenix Band. £8 per adult and kids go free! We have made the decision this year to halve our capacity to give everyone just a little bit more space and so tickets are on a
Worcestershire’s largest selection of Bouncy Castle and Soft Play Packages e
Sealif
Tractor
Dinosaurs Farmyard
Cars Princess n
Amazonia
Fairytale
Mr Sna
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Unic
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Circus
FREE PLASMA CARS WITH ALL INDOOR BOOKINGS
OTHER THEMES AVAILABLE
t: 01905 841902 m: 07765 000777
WHAT’S ON IN YOUR AREA?
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R first come first served basis - so once they’re gone they’re gone secretgardenhereford.co.uk
Sunday 7th THE FOLD MONTHLY OUTDOOR MARKET The Fold, Bransford, WR6 5JB, (A4103). Held on the First Sunday of every month from March – December. 10am – 2pm The monthly markets at The Fold are important as a way for You will find a wide variety of products on offer from organic vegetables, jams and beer to plastic free lifestyle goods, paintings, and jewellery with more stalls added every month! FREE ON-SITE PARKING The market itself is usually free entry (with the exception of the special festival markets: dates to be announced) and we also offer free on-site parking for up to 250 cars. The independent shops, farm shop and nature trail will be open on-site for you to explore. The Fold Cafe will also be open serving hot drinks and cake. Tel: 01886 833633
Sunday 7th - Sunday 28th FOOTBALL FUN - NOVEMBER (4 SESSIONS) Nunnery Wood Sport Complex, Spetchley Road, Worcester. Fun-filled football based, parent and child sessions. Football Fun Sessions take place at Nunnery Wood Sport Complex, every Sunday. The sessions consist of fun football themed play sessions, introducing children to the basic fundamental skills required to play sport in later life. Sessions consist of a mixture of parent and child and individual activities.
Friday 12th November – Sunday 9th January MALVERN WINTER GLOW Three Counties Showground, Malvern, WR13 6NW. Festive fun at Three Counties Showground
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brought to you by Malvern Winter Glow. Four amazing festive experiences in one central location. Immerse yourself in all things seasonal, with an impressive line-up of activities and excitement on offer in Malvern this winter. Choose from daytime entertainment and extra special experiences, through to night-time fun, with a newly themed winter light trail. Festive food quarter and free parking. Skate along on the one of the region’s largest real ice rinks and take a break with a steaming hot chocolate or grab a light lunch from the indoor Ice Cafe. Then head on out on the sparkling new light trail, as it winds across the showground, with giant illuminations under the stars. Thrill seekers can also soar upwards, to see the Malvern skyline like never before on the giant Observation Wheel! Families will enjoy a magical trip on our very own Arctic Express train, which will transport you from our main gate station for a traditional and personalised visit to see the big man himself. Meet Santa Claus in Father Christmas’s cosy cabin, surrounded by his friendly elves, who have been busy making presents and gifts for all the visiting children and don’t forget to taste one of Mrs Claus’ freshly baked cookies as you leave. Winter Glow is a festive celebration, which starts in mid-November with the opening of the Ice Rink, followed by the Illuminated Light Trail, alongside Malvern’s first giant Observation Wheel and finally personalised Santa Experiences running throughout December. With a magical mix of festive fun, the countdown to Christmas has begun! Tickets are strictly limited and advance booking is essential.
Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th FROST FAIR HEREFORD RACECOURSE 2021 Hereford Racecourse, Roman Road, Hereford. Christmas fair with original, unique and exciting presents for home and family along with fine foods direct from producers and festive entertaiment for all. Splendid gifts for family and home, original and wonderful crafts, fine foods direct from the producers, festive atmosphere and entertainment, morning Coffee, lunches and afternoon teas. Father
Primary Times October Half Term 2021
Christmas, Free Parking, Local Choirs. www.battenburgevents.co.uk
Sunday 14th REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY VINTAGE & CRAFT FAIR Hallmark Hotel Stourport Manor, 35 Hartlebury Road, Stourport, DY13 9JA. Free entry! Join us at the beautiful Stourport Manor Hotel on Remembrance Sunday for our Vintage & Craft Fair with live music, dancing & afternoon tea. There will be live music, dancing and vintage entertainment with our singers performing classics from the wartime era. Afternoon tea will be available to enjoy, plus a fantastic selection of vintage, retro, craft and gift stalls. Come along in your best vintage outfit and enter our vintage belle / vintage beau competition! Vintage Belle competition and the vintage raffle will both be drawn at 3.30pm. If the raffle winner is not in the room we will call you and you can collect your prize. One winner wins the whole raffle hamper. £1 a ticket. Free Parking. 1-4pm - Free Entry
Sunday 21st WYRE FOREST LOCAL GROUP - WALK Kingsford Forest Park (Blakeshall Lane), Junction of Gipsy Lane and Sandy Lane, Wolverley, Worcestershire, DY11 5XT. Join Roy Hall as he guides walkers along sandy tracks around this beautiful woodland with pockets of heathland. The walk is approximately four miles long with no stiles although there are some uphill stretches. Park and meet at Kingsford Forest Park (Blakeshall Lane) car park. Booking is essential, thank you. 10:00am - 12:00pm Booking phone number 01562 637556 Email glynandlinda@hotmail.com.Price Donations welcome, thank you.
Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th November LUDLOW MEDIEVAL CHRISTMAS FAYRE Jesters, entertainers, archery, historical re-enactments create a medieval atmosphere for your Christmas shopping! You can buy all sorts of goodies for your Christmas stocking Ludlow Castle Medieval Fayre from over eighty stalls presented by traders from across the UK as
well as popular Ludlow traders, all dressed in medieval costumes. A great treat for all the family, in the glorious setting of medieval Ludlow Castle. http://www. ludlowmedievalchristmas.co.uk. The Castle will be closed on the following days for the setup and take down of the festival and open for business again on Thursday 2nd December.
DECEMBER Sunday 5th THE FOLD MONTHLY OUTDOOR MARKET The Fold, Bransford, WR6 5JB, (A4103). Held on the First Sunday of every month from March – December. 10am – 2pm The monthly markets at The Fold are important as a way for You will find a wide variety of products on offer from organic vegetables, jams and beer to plastic free lifestyle goods, paintings, and jewellery with more stalls added every month! FREE ON-SITE PARKING The market itself is usually free entry (with the exception of the special festival markets: dates to be announced) and we also offer free on-site parking for up to 250 cars. The independent shops, farm shop and nature trail will be open on-site for you to explore. The Fold Cafe will also be open serving hot drinks and cake. Tel: 01886 833633 Email: reception@thefold.org.uk
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!
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OCTOBER HALF TERM AT OAKER WOOD NEAR LEOMINSTER There is also a full day of adventures for teenagers, High Ropes challenges in the morning followed by an afternoon of paintball. Book for half a day for one activity or stay all day for both activities.
Last chance to let off steam in the woods before the clocks go back. Oaker Wood Leisure activity Centre near Leominster has 3 full days of adventurous activities for children aged 7-12 years. Zip through the
Autumn leaves on the 100m zip wire, scramble up tunnels, swing across the Tarzan tyres and try and hit the bullseye in our target shooting range. A full day of adventure costs £30per child.
Oaker Wood also has plenty of activities for families looking to adventure together – Quad Trekking through the wood, High Ropes adventures, Laser Clays and the popular Woodland Krypton Trail. Pre booking essential for all activities. www.oakerwoodleisure.co.uk
WODYS IS LOOKING FOR NEW MEMBERS month (Sept 25) WODYS would still like more members and so are holding more auditions in November. At WODYS annual shows they raise money for charity, usually for children in Worcestershire, and over the years have raised more than £26,000. Many WODYS youngsters have gone on to professional theatre work, including parts in Mamma Mia! Blood Brothers and Royal Shakespeare Company productions while other members just find that WODYS gives them enjoyment, confidence and theatre skills while they are having fun. WODYS – Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society Youth Section – is seeking boys and girls aged 8 to 18 who have some experience of the theatre or who are interested in performing. The group, which over the years, has earned several awards for its performances at Worcester’s Swan Theatre has been unable to hold its annual auditions over the past two years because of the coronavirus pandemic. It is one of the leading musical theatre youth sections in the area with a normal membership of about 60 youngsters. WODYS producer and director, David Humphries, said: “We have performed some
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Primary Times October Half Term 2021
fantastic shows over the past 38 years – our Les Miserables (School Edition); Half a Sixpence; Seven Brides for Seven Brothers; Footloose and Back To The 80s all won NODA (National Operatic and Dramatic Association) awards. “Each year we play to full to capacity audiences at the Swan Theatre. We are hoping that Shrek The Musical will do the same next year, but we would like more members as many of the youngsters in the group or on the waiting list have now gone on to university or stage schools.”
Anyone who is interested in performing and wants to join in the fun should email wodysmembership@hotmail.co.uk by Saturday, October 23. There will be an audition workshop on Saturday, November 6 at the group’s rehearsal rooms, St. Mary’s Hall, Northfield St, Worcester WR1 1NS and auditions will be held there on Saturday, November 13. Everyone who becomes a member of WODYS will be cast in Shrek The Musical - on from Tuesday, 2nd to Saturday, 6th August 2022 - after further auditions for parts.
While several enthusiastic youngsters are auditioning to join the group later this
For more information on WODYS please visit - wodys.com or find us on Facebook
WHAT’S ON IN YOUR AREA?
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e r t a e Th S W O H S ’S N E R D L I H C & FAMILY
The civic Tel: 01299 823339 CRAFTY’S CREEPY CASTLE – HALF TERM SHOW 26th October. From the team behind Marty MacDonald’s Farm and The Santa Shows comes the spookiest Trick Or Treat show ever… Why has Crafty the Crow gone to live in a haunted castle? Can Sally the Scarecrow help with its ghostly goings-on? And why is Pirate Harry making things go bump in the night? Come in your scariest Hallowe’en costume and join the adventure to find the hidden treasure in… Crafty’s Creepy Castle …then meet Crafty afterwards and receive a special Trick Or Treat present! Songs include children’s favourites. Crafty’s Creepy Castle is a family show particularly suitable for 2-7 year olds and lasts for 45 minutes, followed by our popular meet, greet and treat with Crafty the Crow himself – including a free Trick Or Treat present for every child! Don’t forget to come in your scariest Hallowe’en costume too! 14.00 Tickets Adults: £ 10.50. Concessions: £ 9.50
The courtyard Tel: 01432 340555 CIRCUS SKILLS WITH JACKIE CLEMENTINES 23rd October. Learn how to throw,
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catch, balance, spin and roll a whole host of traditional circus props! Participants will be invited to learn juggling, diablo, flower sticks, poi, hula hoop and plate spinning to name but a few… there will be something in this workshop for EVERYONE regardless of age or ability. Jackie Clementines is a performance artist, workshop facilitator, fire choreographer, youth worker, writer, activist and clown. In his time off he is just a clown! He says “when I grow up I want to be an actor, playing a clown, impersonating a talented performance artiste! 11am - £6 per ticket
PEDLARS TALES 6th November. The Fetch Theatre is proud to present our latest show, Pedlar’s Tales! An intriguing, fun and interactive storyteller’s performance… featuring puppets, music and a mysterious traveller! The storyteller weaves a magical spell and draws you into a fantastical world bringing past local events bursting into life in this fabulous show with music, featuring a host of beautiful puppets. Bite-sized stories contained in a quirky cart have been inspired by fascinating historical documents and objects from Herefordshire Archives and the incredible Folk-Lore of Herefordshire gathered by Ella Mary Leather. The cart also contains a ‘magical’ box, to collect stories from you, the audience. This is an engaging performance for families suitable
PrimaryTimes TimesOctober OctoberHalf HalfTerm Term2021 2021 Primary
for indoor and outdoor venues, festivals and community events. The show can be performed episodically enabling audiences to dip in and out as the stories are performed throughout the day or, sit down, relax and enjoy all the stories performed together as ‘Silver Joan’s’ tales unfold. 11am – Tickets £7.50
THE SNOW QUEEN 4th - 31st December. Come on an epic adventure at The Courtyard this Christmas with an enchanting new version of Hans Christian Andersen’s timeless story, The Snow Queen. Best friends Gerda and Kay are inseparable, but when the Snow Queen steals Kay away and threatens to turn his heart into a lump of ice, Gerda sets off on an extraordinary adventure to save her best friend. On her way, she meets lots of magical and mysterious characters, who help her discover her true strength. Featuring original songs and interaction aplenty, this energetic and exciting show celebrates the things that make us different and the value of true friendship. Running time 55 mins Various times Tickets £7.50
malvern theatre Tel: 0845 287 2146 THE FAMILY SHOW AT THE MALVERN FESTIVAL OF INNNOVATION 9th October. Join us to hear first-
hand about the latest approaches to wildlife conservation and to explore the wonders of your human senses. Once again we have an exciting double bill, this year featuring Lucy Eckersley, the Punk Biologist, and Alina Ivan from Braintastic! A Talk on the Wild Side: Most of us have a favourite animal (or five), but many of our favourites; tigers, whales, pandas and pangolins, are endangered meaning there are not many of them left. Protecting animals in the wild is a big task, and one that biologists are working hard on using exciting new approaches, join us to hear about real world conservation strategies, see a ‘Day in the life of a conservationist’ working in Kenya’s Masai Mara, and consider the question; Which animals should we save? Come to your senses!: Ever wondered why food tastes funny when you have a cold? Or what happens when you get dizzy? Buckle up for a whirlwind tour through the senses you’re familiar with, and some you might never have heard of. Prepare to be amazed, confounded and confused in this demo-packed exploration of your brain as you find out how you to create, explore and interact with the world around you. You’ll discover that your senses aren’t as simple as they seem… and even uncover some senses you never knew you had! Ticket - £10.46 Commences at 10:30am (doors open at 10am)
WHAT’S ON IN YOUR AREA?
From Theatre shows and attractions to classes and family days out you’ll find even more at:
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Theatre OWS FAMILY & CHILDREN’S SH
THE PUMPKIN PATCH BALL 28th October. Hop, skip and jump into our Halloween Pumpkin Patch Ball, packed with spooky fun! With a little bit of bibbidi bobbidi boo magic, we will create some wonderful props and make them dance and twirl around like falling autumn leaves. 10.30am-12.30pm. Tickets £9
THE MUSICIAL STORYTELLERS 13th November, 11am. The Musical Storytellers bring wellknown classical music, and the story of that music, to young audiences. With inventive, innovative and humerous presentation, children (and adults) will be entranced and entertained as they listen to the music and stories. Both educational and fun, these programmes offer an enjoyable introduction to a range of music, and numerous cross-curricular opportunities for follow-ups – drawing and colouring, creative writing, poetry, music, dance and story-telling. Each show lasts about 30 minutes and the repertoire currently includes: Ferdinand the Bull, Peer Gynt, Carnival of the Animals, Pictures at an Exhibition, The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty and more. £8.96/Under 16s £4.48 Prices include 12% booking fee. Due to the limited size of The Coach House Theatre, customers will be asked to wear face coverings beyond 19th July.
PETER PAN 9th December 2021 - 2nd January 2022. Flying into Malvern for Christmas 2021 is the swashbuckling adventure, Peter Pan starring West End and Emmerdale star Tom Lister as Captain Hook, Malvern’s favourite funny man Mark James as Smee and Lloyd Warbey from Disney Junior’s Art Attack as Peter Pan.
Market Theatre tel: 07967 517125 FETCH THEATRE PRESENTS PEDLAR’S TALES 30th October. An intriguing, fun and interactive storyteller’s performance, featuring puppets, music and a mysterious traveller! Allow your imagination to soar as our storyteller, Silver Joan, draws you into a fantastical world bringing past events bursting into life in this fabulous show featuring a host of beautiful puppets, original music and a mysterious traveller! Bite-sized stories contained in a quirky cart are inspired by fascinating historical documents and the incredible folklore of Herefordshire. This funny, moving and inventive performance is a real family show engaging audiences of all ages from octogenarians to junior school pupils. Suitable for anyone who loves visual theatre and history. Tickets £7 – 2.30 showing.
norbury theatre Tel: 01905 770154 CHILDREN’S THEATRE” “HOW MUCH IS THAT DRAGON IN THE WINDOW” BY JOHN BIRCHLEY 16th October. A short play performed by adults for children aged three and over. The play makes a great birthday treat for children. 2.30 pm Tickets from £2
CHILDREN’S THEATRE” NOVEMBER PRODUCTION. 20th November. A short play performed by adults for children aged three and over. The play makes a great birthday treat for children. 2.30pm Tickets from £2.
SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS 7th - 22nd January 2022. Pantomime presented by the
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Primary Times October Half Term 2021
Norbury Players, by Alan P Frayn. Classic Pantomime for all the family. Tickets from £10 – various times
Number 8 Tel: 01386 555488 THE BUBBLE SHOW! 29th October. Join Mr Bubbles with his extraordinary soap bubbles in all shapes and sizes! Enjoy bouncy bubbles, bubbles inside bubbles, smoke bubbles, square bubbles, giant bubbles and even fire bubbles! The Bubble Show is a unique blend of magic, storytelling and bubble art! Actor, storyteller and Guinness World bubble record holder, Eran The Bubble Man is one of the top bubble artists in the world and brings you an interactive, fun, international award-winning bubble extravaganza! Suitable for ages 3-12. Tickets: £10, 16 & under £8 (plus 65p per ticket if booked online).
bright and colourful world as his beloved stories are transformed from page to stage using a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets and charming music. Featuring your favourite titles: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, The Very Lonely Firefly and of course, the star of the show, The Very Hungry Caterpillar which celebrated its 50th Birthday in 2019. Created by Jonathan Rockefeller, the critically acclaimed The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show is a vibrant celebration of Eric Carle’s adored classics and the perfect introduction to live theatre. 1.30 &4pm Tickets from £11
JACK & THE BEANSTALK 11th December 2021 - 2nd January 2022. FE FI FO FUM!! Redditch is in for some festive fun. From the team that brought you Cinderella comes Jack and the Beanstalk, a thrilling tale of adventure... magic beans... a mysterious land way up in the clouds
palace theatre
worcester live
Tel: 01527 65203
Tel: 01905 611427
HORRIBLE HISTORIES
BIG RED BATH
9th October. We all want to meet people from history! The trouble is everyone is dead! So it’s time to prepare for Horrible Histories live on stage with the acclaimed production of Gorgeous Georgians and Vile Victorians! Are you ready to swing with a Georgian king? Can you see eye to eye with Admiral Nelson? Does the Duke the Wellington get the boot? Dare you dance the Tyburn gig? Will you be saved by Florence Nightingale? Find out what a baby farmer did and move to the groove with party Queen Victoria! Don’t miss this horrible history of Britain with the nasty bits left in! Tickets from £13
Monday 25th October, 11am & 2pm. Swan Theatre. RubbaDubba-Giggle, Rubba-DubbaLaugh, there’s magic to be found in the Big Red Bath. It’s the end of a busy day and it is almost time for bed, and Ben and Bella are in the bath. Splish! Splosh! Splash! Bubbles burst and bubbles rise and a frothy feast of animals jump right in to join in the fun. Come with us on a bubbly, barmy bath time adventure around the world and home again celebrating all things bath time. Adapted from Julia Jarman and Adrian Reynolds’ popular children’s picture book, this quirky, vibrant, and humorous tale for 2-5 year-olds features music by Evergreen, an alternative indieelectro-pop trio who bring a blend of folk melodies, electro beats, and vocal harmonies. Big Red Bath is an exciting collaboration between Full House Theatre and Half Moon, that returns due to popular demand following hugely successful tours in 2013-2015, including a sell-out run at the Edinburgh Festival. This uplifting and playful production blends music, song, and humorous character-based performances in a unique take on this well-loved book. Price: £12.50
WELSH WRESTLING 24th October. Come and join us for an evening of glitz, glamour and bodyslam mayhem as the Welsh Wrestling roadshow invades The Palace Theatre for one night only! See the stars of the wrestling world collide in a night of super slamming action at this fun, crazy, family entertainment show. Tickets from £12
THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR 27th October. The timeless classic has made its way off the page and onto the stage. Dive into Eric Carle’s
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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 SIAM’s Inspection July 2018
Academic Excellence • Pastoral Care • Extra Curricular Opportunities • Community Spirit Open Evening Tuesday 19th October, 5pm-8pm
Headteacher’s Presentations will take place throughout the evening in the Main Hall.
Open Mornings Thursday 14th October Wednesday 20th October
Tours of the school at 9.15am and 11.15am. Please contact reception on 01432 347501 or email: openeveningbookings@bhbs.hereford.sch.uk to book your place
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
