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E UID G ON S ’ AT WH
for parents, teachers and children
in Hereford & Worcester
Christmas 2015
23rd November 2015 - 1st February 2016
Wishing Well Nurseries and Kids Clubs
Flexible Care for Children from birth to 11 years old all year round! See page three for more information
Plus
Childhood Chores, Roundabout, Pinboard, Planning a Break Away and much more!
Education
4
Bookstore
6
Roundabout
8
School News ..........................................................................................
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 Events Listings: Amy Thomas - amy@pw-media.co.uk Sales & PR Rachel Seabright - 01905 727900 rachel@pw-media.co.uk Diane Stinton - 01905 727903 diane@pw-media.co.uk Primary Times is independently published and distributed free through Infant and Junior Schools throughout Surrey. It is also available by subscription at £10 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
Winter Reading .......................................................................................... What’s On ..........................................................................................
Christmas Presents
14
Childhood Chores
16
The Benefits of The Performing Arts
18
Turn on the TV
20
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Planning For a Break Away
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Pinboard 24 News From Your Area ..........................................................................................
Theatre 26 Who’s Treading The Boards? ..........................................................................................
Family Marketplace
30
Wishing Well Kids Clubs! Breakfast, Afterschool and Holiday Clubs for 4 -11 year olds
Various Locations across Worcester Offering School Drop Offs and Pick Ups for Local Schools Holiday Club open 8am – 5.45pm through all school holidays
Opening Soon - Wishing Well Nursery - Rainbow Hill Offering care for children from 6 months – 4 year olds all year round. Open from 7.30am – 6pm Monday to Friday. We accept Nursery Education Funding and 2 Year Old Funding. Contact us to book your place! Part of Wishing Well Nurseries Ltd – operating since 1994.
Telephone: 01905 745 168 info@wishingwellnurseries.co.uk
www.wishingwellnurseries.co.uk For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.net
3
Free Sport Relief Pack for Schools Thousands of teachers are getting ready to make themselves proud by taking part in Sport Relief on Friday 18 March in their schools. Sport Relief’s free School Fundraising Event Pack contains everything a school needs to make the day a huge success – it is available to order today at www.sportrelief.com/schooleventpack The free packs include top fundraising tips, learning resources, posters, balloons and stickers, to ensure that the whole school community has a great time for Sport Relief. Last Sport Relief, millions of pupils
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Primary Times Christmas 2015
around the country got involved. Sporty or not, everyone was a winner, because not only did pupils feel good, they did good too. A staggering £6.5 million was raised by schools, changing the lives of disadvantaged people at home in the UK and across the world.
Tom Reid, PE teacher at The West Bridgford School told Primary Times that he sees the free Fundraising Event Pack as a great way to get everyone on board. “I love getting the free pack because it sparks off loads of ideas for how Sport Relief can get the
whole school involved. The balloons and stickers are always a hit with the pupils!” Sport Relief is taking place in schools on Friday 18 March 2016. Don’t miss out – order your free pack today at www. sportrelief.com/schooleventpack. n
UpDate
fashionable school libraries
We design, manufacture and fit fashionable furniture for schools and libraries. For colourful, imaginative children’s furniture, to the functionality of a classic library display, we provide specialised designed products to make learning and play spaces inviting, interactive and built to last. 01905 412514 0777 234 30 44 updatefittings@gmail.com
www.up-date.xyz
For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.net
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Primary Times Christmas 2015
For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.net
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W
Hampton Court Castle & gardens,
Trust federation, Iolo’s passion
Hope-under-Dinmore, Herefordshire
and energy is infectious. This talk
HR6 0PN. 10.30am – 5pm. See
will be a fantastic opportunity to
Hampton Court Castle beautifully
learn first-hand his experience of
decorated for Christmas. Once again
wildlife, plus an opportunity to pose
we will have stalls exhibiting a wide
questions to Iolo and colleagues
range of gifts, local crafts & produce.
from Herefordshire Wildlife Trust
Cost: Adults £3.50 Children £1.50
following the presentation. Doors
www.hamptoncourt.org.uk
open at 6.45pm. Orchard Origins
Saturday 5th
serving local ciders and apple juice,
Kington Festive Food/ Drink festival
with all profits invested in wildlife
Kington Town Centre, Kington HR5.
conservation and the sustainable
9.30am – 3pm A free event in the
management of traditional orchards
centre of Kington. 70 good class
in Herefordshire. Cost: £10 Booking is
stands. Music etc. free parking. A
essential. Book online at www.
Chamber not trade event to start the
Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th
herefordshirewt.org or call
beginning of Christmas in Kington.
01432 356872
www.kingtonfestival.co.uk
Christmas with Sylvesta the Jester
Thursday 3rd Sunday 6th
Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th
hat’s On an
hen
Christmas Fair
A strong voice in the Wildlife
the evening, from 6.45pm onwards,
fW
d
Monday 23rd November – Thursday 24th December
of the UK’s foremost naturalists.
will be running a bar throughout
o
NOVEMBER
ily Dia ry Fam
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Yo ur
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ut o b a
Brockhampton Estate, Greenfields, Bringsty, Near Bromyard WR6 5TB
Christmas Grotto
The Christmas Shopping Show
Christmas merriment and music to
Three Counties Showground,
Webbs of Wychbold, Worcester
get you in the festive mood, with
Croome, National Trust, Visitor
Malvern, Worcestershire WR13
Road, Wychbold, Droitwich
everyone’s favourite jester. Let
Centre, Croome D’Abitot, Nr High
6NW. Join us for four fabulous
Spa, Worcs WR9 0DG. Children
Sylvesta entertain and bring some
Green, Worcester, WR8 9DW. 10am –
shopping days. With loads to see,
will wander through the winter
festive warmth to you. Normal
4pm Browse the stalls of local crafts
taste & buy and a whole host of fun
wonderland grotto before meeting
admission applies. Contact:
and produce for that last minute
& entertainment too, The Christmas
Father Christmas. They will then
01885 482077 brockhampton@
Christmas gift. Cost: Free. Contact:
Shopping Show is a great day out for
enter the spectacular toy warehouse
nationaltrust.org.uk
Becky Wilks, 01905 370005
all the family. For more information,
and choose their own gift worth at least £5. Photographs of the grotto
Sunday 29th
experience will be available to
Christmas Bazaar
purchase on the day. Cost: £7.50 per
Westons Cider Mill, The Bounds,
child. Go online to book a time slot.
Much Marcle, Ledbury, Herefordshire
www.info.webbsdirect.co.uk
HR8 2NQ. Get in the Christmas spirit
Monday 23rd November 2015 – Sunday 3rd January 2016
at Westons. Come and meet the reindeers, stroll around the produce
please contact Kate and Mikki
Croome’s Christmas Market
by phone 07445 738429 www.
Father Christmas’ Grotto
thechristmasshoppingshow.
Croome, National Trust, Visitor
co.uk
Centre, Croome D’Abitot, Nr High
Friday 4th & Saturday 5th
– 3pm Details Meet Father Christmas
Scrooge - The Musical
Green, Worcester, WR8 9DW. 12pm in his cosy grotto and receive a small gift with craft activities whilst
and gift stalls and sing Christmas
Worcestershire County Museum,
carols around the tree, with local
you wait. Cost: £3.50 per child. No
Christmas Ice Rink
Hartlebury Castle, Hartlebury, Nr
choir. Enjoy a hot mulled cider and a
booking needed. Normal admission
Kidderminster, Worcestershire DY11
Webbs of Wychbold, Worcester
complimentary mince pie. Cost: Free
applies. Contact: Becky Wilks,
7XZ. 7.30pm start (doors open
Road, Wychbold, Droitwich Spa,
www.westons-cider.co.uk
01905 370005
6.45pm). Join us in the Great Hall
Worcs WR9 0DG. Each session is
for a truly magical start to your
45 minutes long and the ticket
Santa Steam Specials
Christmas season and be transported
Severn Valley Railway, Number One,
back to Victorian England at
Comberton Place, Kidderminster,
Christmas time. Tickets are £12.50
DY10 1QR. Take a magical steam
and include a glass of mulled wine
train ride to see ‘Santa’ in his grotto.
and a light supper. Please call
Join one of our Santa Steam Specials
01299 250416 to book. Note: the
at Kidderminster for your journey
performance is not suitable for very
to Arley. At Arley the children, and
young children.
the grown-ups, will have the thrill
price includes skate hire. This year the biggest ever rink has a clear
DECEMBER
roof so you can skate whatever
Thursday 3rd
the weather but still enjoy the
the Christmas Café to make the
Iolo Williams: The Wildlife of Wales and the Marches - successes and challengeS
experience complete. Cost: Adult
Shire Hall, St Peters Square,
£10, Child £7.50. Book in advance at
Hereford HR1 2HX. 7.30pm Talk
www.info.webbsdirect.co.uk
by Iolo Williams, regular presenter
outdoors experience. Refreshments will be available rink side from
on SpringWatch and S4C and one
8
Primary Times Christmas 2015
Friday 4th Sunday 6th 7th Annual Magical
of meeting Father Christmas in his grotto. A present for fare-paying children completes the experience before your steam train arrives to
Staines Advert.qxp_Layout 1 25/02/2015 15:40 Page 1
Enrolling now! Call your local school for details
Staines Advert.qxp_Layout 1 25/02/2015 15:40 Page 1
Enrolling now! Call your local school for details
Staines Advert.qxp_Layout 1 25/02/2015 15:40 Page 1 Staines Advert.qxp_Layout 1 25/02/2015 15:40 Page 1
Enrolling now! Call your local school for details
Enrolling now! Call your local school for details
Bromsgrove 01926 651159 | bromsgrove@stagecoach.co.uk
Believing in the potential Believing of everyinchild
Cwmbran & Monmouth 01633 662283 | cwmbran@stagecoach.co.uk Kidderminster 01562 66194 | kidderminster@stagecoach.co.uk Ledbury & Malvern 01452 332253 | malvern@stagecoach.co.uk
the potential of every child
Age 4 18 Age 4 confidence 18 Fun, building, educational Fun, confidence educational classes in acting, singing and dance. Believing in building,
classes in acting, singing and dance. the potential
of every child
QUALITY TRAINING QUALITY
ESTABLISHED 1988 TRAINING
6001988 SCHOOLS NATIONWIDE ESTABLISHED 600 SCHOOLS NATIONWIDE
For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.net
9
R take you back to Kidderminster. See website for times and prices. www. svr.co.uk
Orchard Elves Trail Brockhampton Estate, Greenfields, Bringsty, Near Bromyard WR6 5TB. The elves have hunkered down for the winter, search the orchard for their homes. Complete the trail and win a prize. The magical creatures of Brockhampton are hiding away for the winter. Step out into the frost filled winter landscape and search the orchards at Lower Brockhampton for signs of elvish activity. Why not warm up after your wild wintery adventure with hot chocolate and yummy snacks from the Granary shop or gather round the fire in the manor house lounge to toast your toes. Normal admission plus £2 per trail. Contact: 01885 482077 brockhampton@ nationaltrust.org.uk
Georgian Christmas weekends Berrington Hall, Near Leominster Herefordshire HR6 0DW. 11am – 4pm This December see a different kind of Christmas at Berrington hall as the house is dressed ready for a Georgian masked ball. From the end of November, Berrington will be ready for a Georgian Christmas. See the interiors decorated ready for a fabulous masked ball and discover festive Georgian traditions and entertainment. The house will be bought to life with music and costumed interpretation. Free event but normal admission applies. Contact: 01568 615721 berrington@nationaltrust. org.uk
Children’s crafts Croome, National Trust, Visitor
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Primary Times Christmas 2015
Centre, Croome D’Abitot, Nr High Green, Worcester, WR8 9DW. 11am3pm. Enjoy some free Christmas crafts to keep the family entertained. Free but normal admission applies. Contact: Becky Wilks, 01905 370005
Saturday 5th Tenbury Wells Mistletoe and Music Tenbury Wells Town Centre, various venues. The pretty town of Tenbury Wells in Worcestershire will play host to the annual Mistletoe Festival; with a diverse range of activities, celebrations, seasonal fayres and entertainment. Dressed in cloak and glitter, the writer, raconteur and spoken word artist Chloë of the Midnight Story Tellers, will head up the ‘activity zone’ in Tenbury Library on Teme Street presenting the Mistletoe Tales and an enchanting collection of Family Festive Fables. At the heart of the festival a ‘Royal Entourage’, including the Mistletoe Queen, her Holly Prince, Royal Attendants and their loyal subjects, will parade through the town at 3.30pm to celebrate the importance of mistletoe locally, nationally and worldwide. On the day, the Mistletoe Festival will feature the traditional crowning of Tenbury’s Mistletoe Queen. www. tenburymistletoe.org
Festive Food Saturday – Beef Top Barn, Holt Heath, Worcester WR6 6NH. 10am – 2pm Top Barn Herefordshire beef is now hanging in time for Christmas – come and find out why it is so delicious! Christmas Trees - Come and find the perfect tree for your home this Christmas. A huge choice of modern firs and traditional spruces. For all of December we sell our wide range of Christmas trees at the Harvest Shop. Whether you are wanting green or blue, traditional or non-drop we have them all growing on our farm ready to cut fresh for your special Christmas. Handmade fir wreaths and mantle swags on sale or made to order. For orders or enquiries contact: 01905 621012 or 07740 368689 www.topbarn.co.uk
Saturday 5th December – Sunday 3rd January Christmas parkland trail Croome, National Trust, Visitor Centre, Croome D’Abitot, Nr High Green, Worcester, WR8 9DW. 10am – 3pm Get the family out and about following the festive clues around Croome’s parkland. Cost: £1.50 per trail with a prize. Normal admission applies. Contact Becky Wilks,
All welcome: free entry. www. herefordcathedral.org
Festive Food Saturday – Cheese Top Barn, Holt Heath, Worcester WR6 6NH. 10am – 2pm Joanna Harper is on hand with some recommended cheeses to help you put together the perfect cheeseboard! Visit the farm Park and see all the animals and enjoy
01905 370005
the activities too. See website for
Wednesday 9th
topbarn.co.uk
Schools Donkey Nativity Hereford Cathedral, College Cloisters, Cathedral Close, Hereford, HR1 2NG. 11am A nativity carol service for schools, telling the story of Christmas with the help of KS2 children, donkeys and other animals. Booking is essential with the Education Department on 01432 374256 or email education@
opening times and prices. www.
Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th Father Christmas’ Grotto Croome, National Trust, Visitor Centre, Croome D’Abitot, Nr High Green, Worcester, WR8 9DW. 12pm – 3pm Details Meet Father Christmas in his cosy grotto and receive a small gift with craft activities whilst
herefordcathedral.org.
you wait. Cost: £3.50 per child. No
Friday 11th
applies. Contact: Becky Wilks,
Christmas Craft and Food Fair Hereford Cathedral, College Cloisters, Cathedral Close, Hereford, HR1 2NG. 3.30-8 pm Join us for the launch of over 30 stalls of local crafts, food and drink, seasonal produce and gifts, with mince pies, hot coffee, mulled wine and entertainment. All
booking needed. Normal admission 01905 370005
Santa Steam Specials Severn Valley Railway, Number One, Comberton Place, Kidderminster, DY10 1QR. Take a magical steam train ride to see ‘Santa’ in his grotto. Join one of our Santa Steam Specials at Kidderminster for your journey to Arley. At Arley the
welcome: free entry.
children, and the grown-ups, will have
Wild about Winter
in his grotto. A present for fare-paying
The Knapp and Papermill Nature Reserve, Worcester WR6 5HR. 10:00am - 12:00pm A guided walk around The Knapp and Papermill to discover some winter wildlife treasures. Booking essential. Price £7.50 including mulled wine and a mince pie. www.
the thrill of meeting Father Christmas children completes the experience before your steam train arrives to take you back to Kidderminster. See website for times and prices. www. svr.co.uk
Christmas at the Castle Worcestershire County Museum,
worcswildlifetrust.co.uk
Hartlebury Castle, Hartlebury, Nr
Saturday 12th
7XZ. 11am-5pm Join us for a traditional
Christmas Craft and Food Fair with Carols for Shoppers.
Christmas in a winter wonderland
Hereford Cathedral, College Cloisters, Cathedral Close, Hereford, HR1 2NG. 9.30 am – 4 pm The fair continues with morning entertainments and Carols for Shoppers from 12 noon.
Kidderminster, Worcestershire DY11 Christmas celebration including Father grotto, carriage rides, seasonal gifts & craft stalls, fun children’s activities and performances by local choirs & musical groups. www. museumsworcestershire.org. uk
Have you had a
DECOPATCH Party?
Great fun whether you are 3 or 103!
For ideas and inspiration visit our website
www.crocodilecreations.co.uk enquiries@crocodilecreations.co.uk Tel: 07825 135329
Festive Family Pottery Sessions
Book your space now!
facebook.com/crocodilecreationsactivities
For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.net
11
R
normal admission applies. Contact:
posing for photographs. Don’t forget
Becky Wilks, 01905 370005
to bring your camera! Cost: £15
Sunday 20th Carols at the moated manor house
www.svr.co.uk
Wednesday 23rd
JANUARY Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd
Christingle Nativity Workshop
DOG DAY WEEKEND
Brockhampton Estate, Greenfields, Bringsty, Near Bromyard WR6
Hereford Cathedral, College Cloisters,
Bromsgrove B60 4JR. 10.30am –
5TBTraditional festive carols in
Cathedral Close, Hereford, HR1 2NG.
4pm Friendly dogs on leads are very
the great hall. Explore the house
10.30 am – 12 noon Enjoy a family
welcome at Avoncroft Museum.
decorated for Christmas and get a
workshop to make Christingles
Walk off some of the festive fare and
taste of the simple festive joy of a
and listen to a Christmas story,
blow away the winter cobwebs with
Family pottery sessions
traditional Christmas. With mulled
in preparation for the service
a stroll around the 19 acre grounds
Eastnor Pottery in the Christmas
wine and mince pies available from
on Christmas Eve. College Hall.
with your favourite four-legged
holidays and New Year. Eastnor
the farmhouse kitchen. Free event.
Information from education@
friend. There is a free treat for every
Pottery, Home Farm, Eastnor,
Normal admission applies Contact:
herefordcathedral.org or 01432
dog accompanied by a human!
Ledbury, Herefordshire HR8 1RD.
01885 482077 brockhampton@
374256. Followed by: Christmas
www.avoncroft.org.uk
Simply email admin@eastnorpottery.
nationaltrust.org.uk
Eve Christingle Nativity Service. A celebration of Christmas light
co.uk or tel 01531 633886 to book
Avoncroft Museum, Stoke Heath,
Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th
a session, turn up and choose from
Father Christmas’ Grotto
for children and families, with the
an exciting menu of pottery projects
Croome, National Trust, Visitor Centre,
telling of the Christmas story and the
using real clay. No minimum number
Croome D’Abitot, Nr High Green,
distribution of Christingles at 3pm.
of participants required and projects
Worcester, WR8 9DW. 12pm – 3pm
start at just £5. A brilliant indoor
Details Meet Father Christmas in his
Thursday 24th
activity for individuals, families
cosy grotto and receive a small gift with
Santa Steam Specials
the weekend relaxing and creating pots
and friends. Pottery usually closed
craft activities whilst you wait. Cost:
Severn Valley Railway, Number One,
on the potter’s wheel. £215 includes
Sunday & Monday, but please check
£3.50 per child. No booking needed.
Comberton Place, Kidderminster, DY10
all materials, refreshments and lunch.
the website for Christmas opening
Normal admission applies. Contact:
1QR. Take a magical steam train ride to
Please call: 01531 633886 or
hrs. www.eastorpottery.co.uk
Becky Wilks, 01905 370005
see ‘Santa’ in his grotto. Join one of our
email admin@eastnorpottery.
Santa Steam Specials at Kidderminster
co.uk for more details.
Potter’s Wheel Weekend Workshop Eastnor Pottery, Home Farm, Eastnor, Ledbury, Herefordshire HR8 1RD. Spend
Wednesday 16th
Santa Steam Specials
for your journey to Arley. At Arley the
Club WOW Christmas Party
Severn Valley Railway, Number One,
children, and the grown-ups, will have
Saturday 30th
Comberton Place, Kidderminster, DY10
the thrill of meeting Father Christmas
Greener Living Show
Lower Smite Farm, Worcester &
1QR. Take a magical steam train ride to
in his grotto. A present for fare-paying
Kidderminster Town Hall, Vicar Street,
Droitwich, Worcestershire WR3 8SZ.
see ‘Santa’ in his grotto. Join one of our
children completes the experience
Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY10
6:00pm - 7:30pm Christmas crafts and
Santa Steam Specials at Kidderminster
before your steam train arrives to
1DB. Make a date to get creative this
party time at Lower Smite Farm. www.
for your journey to Arley. At Arley the
take you back to Kidderminster. See
January – and find out how you can
worcswildlifetrust.co.uk
children, and the grown-ups, will have
website for times and prices. www.
help save the environment too! There
the thrill of meeting Father Christmas
svr.co.uk
will be loads of free and fun activities
Saturday 19th
in his grotto. A present for fare-paying
for 3-12 year olds at this year’s
Family drop-in Activities & Christmas Delights
children completes the experience
Worcester City Art Gallery &
take you back to Kidderminster. See
Saturday 26th December - Sunday January 3rd 2016
Museum, Foregate Street, Worcester
website for times and prices. www.
Festive Season Service
range of arts and crafts using recycled
WR1 1DT. 11.00am - 3.00pm
svr.co.uk
Severn Valley Railway, Number One,
materials, or take part in a nature
Comberton Place, Kidderminster,
quiz with our council rangers and
DY10 1QR. With the Christmas
even learn how to make your own
festivities over, why not blow the
bird box. You can also pick up a free
Join us to make angels, stars and
before your steam train arrives to
Greener Living Show which takes place at Kidderminster Town Hall. Come along and learn how to make a
Cost £2 for materials. www.
Monday 21st Wednesday 23rd
museumsworcestershire.
Santa Heralds
cobwebs clean away with a leisurely
RSPB Garden Bird watch pack to get
org.uk
Severn Valley Railway, Number One,
steam train journey along the Severn
your bird-watching started. Bring your
Comberton Place, Kidderminster,
Valley? Trains operate daily over the
parents along and while you’re having
DY10 1QR. Times: 10.30am & 1.30pm.
full length of the line from Boxing
fun they can find out about a host of
Travel in the company of Father
Day until January 3rd 2016. The
things, from renewable technology to
Storytelling
Christmas, on our Santa Herald
Engine House, our Visitor Centre at
building an eco and sustainable home,
Croome, National Trust, Visitor
service to Highley. Join the train
Highley, is also open throughout this
small scale gardening to conservation
Centre, Croome D’Abitot, Nr High
at Kidderminster Station for your
period. Why not stop off for a visit
and wildlife - even handy hints
baubles for your Christmas tree.
Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th
Green, Worcester, WR8 9DW. 1pm
journey with Father Christmas to
and enjoy a bite to eat at the Flag &
on how to creatively upcycle old
& 2pm. Huddle round in the Long
Highley. Father Christmas will visit
Whistle Restaurant? Cost: Adult £19,
furniture. www.wyreforestdc.
Gallery of the house and listen to
every child on the train, giving out
Conc. £17, Child £12.50. See website
gov.uk/greenerliving
some festive tales. Free event, but
gifts to each fare-paying child and
for times. www.svr.co.uk
12
Primary Times Christmas 2015
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Primary Times Christmas 2015
For For great great days days out out listings, listings, visit visit www.primarytimes.net www.primarytimes.net
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Primary Times Christmas 2015
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Primary Times Christmas 2015
Family Fun
Guaranteed
at Museum of Carpet! Activity Back Packs Craft Activities Dressing Up Clothes
Puzzles, Quizzes and Trails!
For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.net
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Primary Times Christmas 2015
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Primary Times Christmas 2015
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23
A POSTCARD FROM TITAN places this dainty bird has visited! Why is Titan so important to us? Turtle Doves are the UK’s only migrant dove and they herald the arrival of summer with their distinctive ‘turr-turr’ call. But this sound is becoming scarce. The Turtle Dove population is halving every six years and if the decline keeps going at this rate we risk losing the Turtle Dove as a breeding species in the UK. Operation Turtle Dove is a partnership project involving the RSPB, Conservation Grade, Pensthorpe Conservation Trust and Natural England. The project is looking into the causes of the population declines with the aim of reversing the trend and ensuring future generations can hear their soothing call.
They want to get children involved in helping to save these birds, so are asking you to think about the sort of messages that Titan would put on a postcard back to England if he could write. Perhaps he’d write something like, “Nice weather here in Spain. Think I may stop with friends for a few days before tackling the Sahara. Titan”.
Photo credit: John Mallord/RSPB.
Titan the Turtle Dove is a very special bird. He is the fi rst Turtle Dove to be successfully tracked from his breeding grounds in England to his winter home in sub- Saharan Africa. In the summer of 2014 Titan was fitted with a specially designed satellite tag, weighing just 4.9 grams. He then spent the summer near his breeding grounds, before starting his migration at the end of September. Researchers at the RSPB were able to track him as he flew through France and Spain,
24
Primary Times Christmas 2015
stopping off for a few days in North Africa before settling in Mali in late October. Titan’s return to England started on 19 May this year when he left Mali and began the 5,600km journey back. Having crossed the 2,000km of Sahara desert, he spent a couple of weeks refuelling in Morocco, then another couple of weeks making his way through Spain and France, before fi nally settling near to where he had been tagged. This year Titan has once again successfully undertaken this mammoth journey to Mali. What a lot of
The postcards will be displayed at Pensthorpe Natural Park, and there are prizes for the best three postcards. Postcards can be downloaded from the Operation Turtle Dove website (www. operationturtledove.org), along with instructions and Terms & Conditions. The competition closes on Friday 8 January. n For full details visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/midsautumnglow. Closing date: 9 November 2015
ST RICHARD’S Soon after I arrived at St Richard’s 18 months ago I was greeted warmly by a range of teachers from local primary schools, whose children were competing in our annual cross country competition. This gruelling event, which this season takes place on Monday 7th March in 2016, has led us to winning national competitions and sporting scholarships. But in fact we welcome visitors at any time of the year, most recently a Waterloo Day (re-enacting the battle in serried ranks, with Years 1 and 2 acting as charging cavalry!), the St Michael’s Hospice Vintage Party and in September the North Herefordshire Hunt Pony Club Tetrathlon.
The children from St Richard’s School get involved in every type of outdoor activity and frequently win scholarships and awards to their senior schools – not just academic, but sport, music drama, art and riding. The journey beings at 8+ or 11+ and so the school is offering a series of sporting scholarships to children who would otherwise be unable to come, and these would come with generous (means-tested) bursaries. To enrol on one of these assessment ‘taster days’ (taking place on Saturday 6th February and Saturday 23rd April) please contact the office for more details. n
Fred de Falbe Headmaster
St Richard’s A traditional rural preparatory school for 3 to 13 year olds
‘HELP AND HAPPINESS’ FulfIl your potential at this small family school and join the impressive tally of childREN who win awards and school scholarships to uk senior schools Bredenbury Court, Bromyard, Herefordshire HR7 4TD Email: schooloffice@st-richards.org.uk Tel: 01885 482491
www.st-richards.org.uk
RSPCA Cooking Contest for Kids Love cooking? Love winning prizes? Then enter Junior Compassionate Cook, the annual junior cookery video competition for six to twelve year olds. Backed by BBC One’s Celebrity Masterchef finalists - Andi Peters and Liz McClarnon - Junior Compassionate Cook has been launched in a bid to help children make the connection between the food they eat and the animals that produce it, in a fun and engaging way. It hopes to get kids thinking about the importance of choosing ethical products like RSPCA Assured and Fairtrade.
to www.rspcaassured.org.uk/cook. There are two categories: People’s Choice - voted for by viewers online - and the Judges’ Choice. The judges are looking for charismatic children with a talent for creating simple dishes.
cookware for themselves and their school. What will you make? n RSPCA Assured - previously Freedom Food - is the
RSPCA’s food label which can be found on eggs, meat and salmon products. RSPCA Assured means the product
The two lucky winners will each receive a Hamleys toy hamper worth £300 and four runners up will each receive a RSPCA Cooking Contest for Kids hamper worth £50. In addition they will all receive a trophy and a range of
has come from a farm inspected to strict RSPCA welfare standards. The label covers different types of farms including free-range, organic and indoor as long as the RSPCA’s standards can be met. For more information on RSPCA Assured visit www.rspcaassured.org.uk.
Andi Peters, one of the competition judges told Primary Times, “I’m passionate about food and showing kids how much fun it is to cook is a great way of giving them important skills for life. So judging this year’s Junior Compassionate Cook is an absolute pleasure for me. The competition will get kids thinking about where their food comes from, how it was produced and the importance of choosing ethical products like RSPCA Assured and Fairtrade, which is a very good thing indeed.” Entering is easy. Contestants just need to film themselves making their favourite recipe using RSPCA Assured ingredients and upload them For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.net
25
when her father hears of a chance
Theatre owS Family & Children’S Sh The Artrix Tel: 01527 577330 THE NUTCRACKER
Captain Bilgewater. However Dick is discovered on board and the ship is eventually wrecked in a storm brought about by King Rat, who has snuck aboard with his ratlings. But
Saturday 28th November 2015.
the good Fairy Bowbelle ensures
A very creative take on the classic
that everyone lands safely on the
Christmas tale. Our Out Of The Box
shores of Morocco... Then the battle
youth theatre have been devising
between good and evil really starts!
their own interpretations of the
Performances 7pm with 2pm
story, bringing some of it up to date
matinees. Tickets: £13 - £15.
and adding their own original work.
See website.
Who knows where they will travel to in this exciting festive dreamjourney! Performance 5pm. Tickets: £8 Conc. £6
THE GOLDEN VOYAGE OF SINBAD! Tuesday 29th December
DICK WHITTINGTON
2015. Join Sinbad the Sailor, and his twit of a brother Binbag as they
Sunday 13th - Sunday 20th
set sail for what will be their most
December 2015. Dick Whittington
dangerous and thrilling journey
is a fantastic traditional family
ever. Someone is out to ruin their
pantomime with lots of fun, laughter
quest for the Golden Amulet. Could
and audience participation. All &
it be the sinister vizier Alicante?
Sundry presents Dick Whittington
Maybe it’s the beautiful slave girl
a traditional family pantomime.
who holds a secret? Or could it be
Directed by Alison Berrisford
the ship¹s cook... who’s just plain
featuring the Stage Door Dance
odd? Their adventure takes them
Academy. The dastardly King Rat
across the globe, hitching a ride on
plans to use his hoards of rats
a giant eagle, coming face to face
in order to bring London to its
with a mystical dragon and being
knees and take it over. But he
bound up by tribal warriors. All is
reckons without our brave hero
surely lost... but with the bravest
Dick Whittington, who arrives in
man on the whole ocean on hand,
London penniless with his trusty
all will be saved and the girl must be
cat Tommy by his side. Dick finds
won! Performance at 2.30pm.
work at Alderman Fitzwarren’s shop,
Tickets: £9
which is in imminent danger of going bust, Fitzwarren entrusts Dick with guarding his safe containing the money to pay for his trip to Morocco
The courtyard
but King Rat steals the money and
Tel: 01432 340555
frames Dick, much to the dismay of the Alderman’s beautiful daughter
BEAUTY & THE BEAST
Alice who has fallen in love with our
Friday 27th November 2015 –
hero. Dick is forced to leave London
Friday 9th January 2016
and the action moves on board The
The Courtyard’s pantomime is back
Golden Duck, bound for Morocco
with a ‘Beast’ of a show! Beauty’s
and captained by the totally inept
family has fallen on hard times and
26
Primary Times Christmas 2015
to regain some of his fortune, he
The conquest
sets off on a long journey. On his
Tel: 01885 488575
way home, empty-handed and gets lost in the forest and takes
THE LEGEND OF KING ARTHUR
refuge in a mysterious castle. As he
Wednesday 2nd December
is leaving in the morning, he sees
2015. Oddsocks are bringing to life
a beautiful rose and picks it to take
The Legend of King Arthur. Prepare
home. Little does he know that the
for magic, music and mirth as the
master of the house, a fearsome
“boy who would be king” pulls the
Beast, has decreed the penalty for
sword from the stone. Cheer for
picking the roses is death? The Beast
your favourite jousting knight of
promises to spare the father’s life if
the round table, admire the gutsy
his beautiful daughter comes to live
Lady Guinevere as she reveals her
with him at the castle. But what will
strength and skills, gasp at the magic
happen to Beauty and will she ever
Merlin as he controls the twists and
find true love? See website for
turns of this classic English legend.
prices and performance times.
An exciting, interactive and action
www.courtyard.org.uk
packed winter treat for all the family!
without the gifts he promised, he
Time: 7.30pm. Tickets: £14.
HANSEL & GRETEL December 2015. This funny,
Live from the NY Met: THE MAGIC FLUTE
energetic show will get you into the
Saturday 12th December
festive mood as it revisits the classic
2015, 5.55pm. The Met’s annual
tale of mystery, intrigue and magic
holiday presentation offers an ideal
this Christmas. Can this brother
opportunity for audiences of all
and sister duo fight off the Wicked
ages to celebrate the season. Julie
Witch? Will the Gingerbread Man get
Taymor’s breath-taking and popular
lost in the house made of sugar, spice
production of Mozart’s masterpiece,
and all things nice? Join us at The
The Magic Flute, takes the stage
Courtyard and see the story unfold
in its abridged, English-language
with some stunning interactive
version, with Nathan Gunn as the
puppetry. See website for times.
irrepressible bird-catcher Papageno.
Tickets: £8 Conc. £7. A fantastic show
This show is the perfect way for the
for children and families, written
entire family to experience the Met.
by Nick Lane and directed by David
Tickets: £16.50 Conc. £14
Thursday 10th - Thursday 31st
Durant. This performance is aimed at children in school years Reception to Year 2. www.courtyard.org.uk
evesham arts Tel: 01386 446944
JOURNEY OF THE TURTLE
JACK and the BEANSTALK
Friday 23rd January 2016,
Book early to climb into the best
11am. An imaginative, evolutionary
seats for the Phoenix Theatre
journey of this most fascinating and
Group’s 2016 pantomime. Following
ancient creature. In the beginning
the huge success of last year’s
turtle was shiny and fast, always
production, Cinderella, we are
impatient, always in a hurry, but then
delighted to bring you Jack and the
one day he had a terrible accident…
Beanstalk - the family pantomime
A beautiful story about following
you’ve beanwaiting for! With giant
your dream, told with shadows,
laughs, spectacular sets, sparkling
table-top puppets and traditional
comedy and lots of audience
storytelling. Tickets: £6.
participation this magical family
www.courtyard.org.uk
show will be everything you would expect from Evesham’s biggest and
www.pallisers.co.uk 01432 890 300
For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.net
27
best pantomime. Performance
music. The People’s Orchestra invite
at 7.30pm Matinees 2.30pm.
you to join in and sing-along as they
Number 8
Tickets: £12
play pieces from animation classics
Tel: 01386 555488
such as Frozen, Little Mermaid and
16th December 2015, 7.15pm; Sunday 20th December 2015, 2.00pm. Christmas simply wouldn’t be Christmas without The Royal
Tangled. Conducted by Dan Watson
SANTA’S LITTLE HELPER
this concert is a perfect way to
Thursday 3rd December 2015,
Nutcracker. Loosely based on a story
start the holidays. Performance:
1.00pm. Young Albert Tuttle is
by E.T.A. Hoffmann, it opens with
4.30pm. Tickets: Adults £15,
nearly 7 years old, far too old to
the Christmas festivities of little
Children £9, Family of 4 £40
believe in Santa! But, as he sleeps
Clara and her family and progresses
(including 12% booking fee)
on Christmas Eve, a big fat man
through a sequence of dreams and
Wednesday 25th November
wearing bright red pyjamas tumbles
enchantments that take Clara on
The night of the Snow Dragon
down his chimney like a roly-poly
her magical journey to the Land
pudding. It’s Santa and he’s come
of Snow and the Kingdom of the
malvern theatre Tel: 0845 287 2146 THE SNOW DRAGON
Ballet’s classic production of The
approaches…Billy has everything a
PETER PAN
young goat could need – and more
Thursday 10th December
for Albert’s help! This delightful
Sweets. Peter Wright’s enchanting
besides. On New Year’s Eve, Billy’s
2015 – Sunday 3rd January
new show comes to life with an
production with its wondrously
parents tell him about the legendary
2016. The pantomime returns to
irresistible blend of music, puppetry
growing Christmas tree and a rousing
Snow Dragon, who will bring him
Malvern in 2015 with PETER PAN,
and high energy storytelling. Ideal for
battle between the villainous Mouse
even more goodies during the night.
a magical show for all the family.
little people aged 3-7 but fun for big
King and an army of toy soldiers,
But when Billy bumps into some
Starring Mark Moraghan, Andrew
people too. Tickets: £8.50 (16 &
mines the colour of Tchaikovsky’s
wolves in the woods, New Year’s
Agnew and Hannah Jane Fox! This
under £7)
score, retaining exquisite surviving
Day seems a long way off. Find out
spectacular production, adapted
how Billy escapes – and whether
from the original story by JM Barrie,
the Snow Dragon will bring him a
stars Mark Moraghan as love-able
present. Has Billy been naughty
baddie Captain Hook. Jessica Punch
THE LION, THE WITCH and THE WARDROBE
or nice? Storytelling, comedy and
will take the title role and Hook’s
Monday 7th - Friday 11th
Number 8 live via satellite. Suitable
songs create a magical, mysterious
pirate crew will include the hilarious
December 2015, 7.30pm;
for children 5+. Tickets: £16 (16 &
world for everyone aged 3 and up.
comedy acrobats The Nitwits.
Saturday 12th December,
under £10)
Performances 11am & 1.30pm.
Tickets: £10.34 - £26.88. See
2.30pm & 7.30pm. Join Pershore
Tickets: £7.84.
website for performance dates
Operatic & Dramatic Society as they
and times.
take you through the wardrobe into
fragments of the original Ivanov
the magical world of Narnia in this
choreography, including the beautiful pas de deux for the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. Beamed into
norbury theatre
MR POPPER’S PENGUINS
THE TWITS
Monday 30th November –
Monday 14th December 2015
The story revolves around four siblings
Tuesday 1st December 2015.
– Sunday 3rd January 2016.
evacuated to an eccentric Professor’s
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
Painter and decorator by day, Mr
Adapted by David Wood from the
country house during the blitz. Here
Friday 8th - Sunday 10th
Popper spends his time dreaming
book by Roald Dahl, The Twits are a
they discover an old wardrobe that
January 2016, Thursday 14th
of Antarctic adventures. He is
revolting couple. Mr Twit is a foul,
leads them into the magical world of
- Sunday 17th January 2016,
astounded when one day a packing
smelly old man and Mrs Twit is a
Narnia, which has been cast under
Thursday 21st - Saturday 23rd
crate arrives on his doorstep, out
mean, one-eyed old woman. They
the spell of the beguiling White Witch
January 2016. The traditional
of which waddles a penguin! With
love to annoy one another with silly
making it always winter and never
tale of Beauty and the Beast with
songs, puppets and a family of
jokes and dirty tricks. However, their
Christmas. Their adventures in this
all the fun opportunities for the
performing penguins, this delightful
worst habit is being cruel to animals.
fantasyland and encounters with
audience to get involved. A brave
musical adaptation of Richard and
So one day, the Muggle-Wump
many mythical creatures along the
and loving heroine, two stupid
Florence Atwater’s popular book is
monkeys and the Roly-Poly Bird team
way, including the great Lion, Aslan
sisters and a young prince who
55 minutes of family fun for ages
up and turn the hateful world of
and the beloved faun, Mr Tumnus,
learns that love can truly change
3 plus. Performances: 30th
the Twits completely upside down!
lead them to break the Winter spell
him. A good fairy, a cruel countess,
November at 1.30pm & 1st
David Wood’s faithful dramatization
and defeat the Witch to become the
a very clever horse and a spooky
December at 10.30am and
of Roald Dahl’s story is a marvellous
rightful Kings and Queens of Narnia.
suit of armour all add to the fun.
1.30pm. Tickets: £12.88
mix of singing, dancing, comedy,
The atmosphere and magic of the land
Come and spend time with Belle
slapstick and audience participation.
beyond the wardrobe are captured
and her family in the village of Petit
Tickets: £16, £14 Over 60’s and
through enchanting music and quirky
Pois. Once again we are pleased
unwaged, £10 Children. See
characterisations. Suitable for families
to include the Kirsty Purvis School
website for performance dates
and anyone who recalls the captivating
of Dance in our production. A
and times
tales of the Chronicles of Narnia.
NORBURY YOUTH THEATRE amateur
Tickets: £11 - £14
production. Tickets: £10 Conc.
THE PEOPLE’S ORCHESTRA: SOMETHING MAGICAL Sunday 6th December 2015. An afternoon of Christmas Fun for all the
atmospheric production based on the RSC’s musical adaptation of the classic.
Tel: 08444 771000
£8. Performances 7.30pm.
family. Watch film clips from some
THE NUTCRACKER
of the all-time favourite animated
Live from the Royal Opera
2.30pm, Sunday 10th & 17th at
children’s films accompanied by live
House, London. Wednesday
2:30pm only.
28
Primary Times Christmas 2015
Matinees on 9th, 16th & 23rd -
For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.net
29
FAMILY MARKETPLACE ACTIVITIES
ASSESSMENTS
CHILDCARE
DANCE & DRAMA
DAYS OUT
16 seat minibuses to 78 seat double deckers including our new 63 seat coaches, all ranging from standards to executives.
DAYS OUT
SHOPPING
CASH IN YOUR GOLD!
OLD JEWELLERY, SOVEREIGNS, DAMAGED & SCRAP ITEMS, CHAINS, BRACELETS, INGOTS, RINGS, WEDDING BANDS, bangles, odd earrings & cufflinks, watches, watch chains, cigarette cases, etc.
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
Established in Worcester for 100 years
30
Primary Times Christmas 2015
Grafton Psychology Associates Limited trading as Tonia Peters. Company Registration Number: 7853233. Registered in England and Wales