Primary Times in Hereford & Worcester CHRISTMAS 2016

e e fr

E UID G ON S ’ T A WH

for parents, teachers and children

in Hereford & Worcester

Christmas 2016

28th November 2016 - 30th January 2017

Plus

Mobile Phones & Children, Roundabout, Bookstore, Theatre and much more!

Education

4

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

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

Bookstore

6

Festive Reading ..........................................................................................

Design and Production: Paul Blyth and Amy Thomas Sales & PR Rachel Seabright - 01905 727900 rachel@pw-media.co.uk Primary Times is independently published and distributed free through Infant and Junior Schools throughout Hereford & Worcester. It is also available by subscription at £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

Roundabout

8

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

Theatre 18 Who’s Treading The Boards? ..........................................................................................

Family Marketplace

22

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

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

3

Mobile Phones and kids

With Christmas coming many children will have the latest mobile phone on their wish list. But should they get one? Many parents think that giving their child a phone is a safety precaution. If they miss the bus, or feel scared, or threatened, then they can call home for help. Well, yes, in theory. And perhaps if you give your child a phone which is just a phone (yes, you can still get them) it will enhance their safety. For younger children and Tweens (8-12 year olds approximately) basic old-style mobile phones are probably the best idea.

However, what most children want is a smart phone. The problem with giving your child a smart phone is that you are giving them access to the internet and social media.

While many mobile phone carriers will put in place settings that limit access to various sites, free Wi-Fi, which is widely available, will override those settings.

With a smart phone your child will never be more than a few clicks away from content that is not age appropriate.

It is essential that you discuss this with your child before giving them access to the internet. And it is essential that it is an ongoing conversation.

Most social media don’t allow children to sign up but this does not stop them. There are several aspects of social media that can be troubling for both children and parents.

First, if all of your child’s friends are on a particular social media site there is a certain degree of peer pressure for

4

Primary Times Christmas 2016

them to also join. Once part of social media peer pressure can become even more potent. We’ve all heard stories of ‘Cyber bullying’ and quite a lot of that occurs via social media. As a parent you need to know what sites your child is on and you need to be able to access their accounts to see what is being discussed or said.

Many Tweens and teens (and indeed many adults) live their lives on and through social media. Parents need to discuss the disconnect with what people are posting and what is, in fact, real. A lot of distress can come from children thinking that their lives are boring or insignificant compared to the grandiose boasts and pictures posted by their pals. And for any parent who has read the ‘reader comment’ section in a daily newspaper, you know just how quickly things can turn when people post online.

Sexting has also been in the news a lot as it can lead directly to cyber bullying. Before you let your child loose with access to the internet you must impress upon them one thing above all others. Once they hit the send button – be it a text, a social media post, a picture, an email, once it enters the cyber sphere, they have lost all control over it. Once something enters the cyber world although it may subsequently be deleted – there will always be traces and they’re there for good. Ask your children do they really want naked pictures of themselves floating

around the internet for their teachers, friends, neighbours and Grannies to see? It’s the same with offensive comments and language. Things that are done ‘in fun’ can come back with serious repercussions.

For everyone, parents and children, there are two things that need to be remembered before posting anything.

One, once it’s online it’s ‘out there’ FOREVER. Second, do not post something that you would not say or do in public.

Another consequence of your child being on social media is what is generally now referred to as ‘FOMO’ (Fear of Missing Out, something that affects adults as much as children). A recent survey by DAUK (Digital Awareness UK) revealed that youngsters as young as 9 checked their mobile phones up to ten times a night. In the same survey half of 11 – 18 year olds admitted to checking social media on their phone when they were supposed to be asleep. Obviously if your child is losing sleep checking social media there is a knock-on effect the following day and 68% of participants said that subsequent tiredness affected their school work.

Another thing parents about to equip their child with a mobile phone need to think seriously about is cost as usually they will be the ones paying the bill. n

Anne Marie Scanlon

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

5

St James’ Church of England Primary School At St James’ our children enjoy a range of activities including sports, forest school, the arts as well as all curriculum subjects. They have some fantastic opportunities.

Christmas Fair Saturday 3rd December 12noon - 3.00pm. Join us and Santa for festive family fun!

Please contact the school office to arrange a visit.

St James’ CE Primary School Vicarage Road, Hereford, HR1 2QN Tel: 01432 273961 admin@st-james.hereford.sch.uk www.stjamesceschool.org Headteacher: Mrs Kathy Weston

6

Primary Times Christmas 2016

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

7

o

fW

hat’s On an

n Rou

W

hen

d

NOVEMBER

ily Dia ry Fam

R

Yo ur

d

ut o b a

a charge to see Father Christmas and

Valley’s outdoor skate rink! Please

IN ADVANCE by calling 01299 861368

note that children age 12 and under

or email info@arleyarboretum.co.uk

must be supervised by an adult. We

as spaces are limited.

have penguins available free of charge

www.arleyarboretum.co.uk

to aid stability for small children. No online booking available.

DECeMBER Thursday 1st

HAMPTON COURT 8TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS FAIR Hampton Court Estate, Hope-underDinmore, Leominster HR6 0PN. Time: 10.30am – 5pm. See Hampton Court Castle near Leominster beautifully

YOUNG AT ART: CHRISTMAS TREE DECORATIONS

decorated for Christmas. Once again

The Hive, Sawmill Walk, The

wide range of gifts, local crafts and

Butts, Worcester WR1 3PB. Time:

produce. Enjoy Liz’s famous mince

10.30am – 12 noon. Young at Art is

pies with a glass of mulled wine or

a partnership with Worcestershire

lunch in the Orangery Restaurant.

Libraries and sessions are tailored

Cost: £3.50 adult, £1.50 child.

for the under 5s and will cover

www.hamptoncourt.org.uk

exploring, listening & making.

they will have stalls exhibiting a

Young children, parents and carers

Saturday 3rd

welcome. www.guestlink.co.uk

ANNUAL KINGTON FESTIVE FOOD FAIR

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS AND GIFTS WORKSHOP

Kington Town Centre, Herefordshire.

Avoncroft Museum, Stoke Heath,

Festive Food Fair offers festive

Bromsgrove, B60 4JR. Time: 10am

food and drinks from the borders.

– 12.30 pm. All materials are

Gastronomic inspiration from over

provided along with seasonal light

70 specialty producers, plus live

refreshments. Visit our award-

entertainment. A great event for

winning Tea Room for refreshments

Christmas shopping and foodies. Free

and cakes served on pretty vintage

event. For more information

china. Cost: £15 (£10 members)

contact mppeek@btinternet.

www.avoncroft.org.uk/

com or telephone 01544 231202

Friday 2nd

CHRISTMAS WEEKEND

FORESTRY HOME EDUCATION GROUP (2-12 YEARS)

Weir Gardens, Swainshill, Hereford,

this Christmas season. The Polar

Arley Arboretum, The Estate

10.30am – 4pm. Stroll in the gardens

Express Experience takes you on a

Office, Upper Arley, Nr. Bewdley,

for the very first time ever during

magical journey to the North Pole.

Worcestershire DY12 1XG. Time:

a winter month. Come along and

The fantastic characters from the hit

9.30am – 11.30am. Also taking

join in the festivities here at the

film will come to life in front of your

place on Friday 16th December. Our

Weir Garden. We will be getting in

very eyes! Each child will receive

Forestry Home Education Group is

the festive spirit with a few local

a digital photograph and a special

designed for home educated children

craft stalls, our reindeer trail for the

gift from Santa Claus. The bell still

and their parents/carers to spend

children and mince pies and non-

rings for all who truly believe. Prices:

time outdoors learning & exploring!

alcoholic mulled wine to hand. Take

1 Child & 1 Adult Ticket - £5.00.

During term time sessions a typical

a stroll in the gardens and enjoy the

1 Additional Adult Ticket - £1.00

day may involve making dens, mud

winter views. email: theweir@

Christmas on the home front at Croft.

www.santasmagicalgrotto.

pies in our mud kitchen, whittling

nationaltrust.org.uk

See the castle beautifully decorated

uk/book-tickets

sticks, exploring and identifying the

Throughout November WINTER POTTERY SESSIONS Eastnor Pottery, Home Farm, Eastnor, Ledbury HR8 3RD. Family pottery fun through-out the Autumn. Pottery open Tues-Sat 10am-4pm. Simply email admin@eastnorpottery. co.uk or tel 01531 633886 to book a session, turn up and choose from an exciting menu of pottery projects using real clay and the potter’s wheel.

No minimum order of participants required and projects start at just £5.

Excellent & creative indoor activity.

Telephone or email booking essential. 01531 633886, admin@ eastnorpottery.co.uk

Monday 28th November – Sunday 18th December CHRISTMAS ON THE CROFT HOME FRONT Croft Castle, Yarpole, Nr Leominster, Herefordshire HR9 9PW. Time: 10am – 4pm. Experience the camaraderie of a

bookings are essential. Call 01568 780246 or go through the website www.nationaltrust. org.uk/croftcastle

Monday 28th November – Friday 23rd December SANTA’S MAGICAL GROTTO Maylord Street, Hereford HR1 2DT. Make this Christmas special with a visit to see Santa Claus. Join us on the most magical journey of all time! Santa’s Magical Grotto is proud to present an exciting magical experience like no other, The Polar Express Experience is coming to Maylord Shopping Centre - Hereford

Time: 9.30am – 2.30pm. Kington

Herefordshire, HR4 7QF. Time:

mini beasts around the Arboretum,

SANTA’S GROTTO

singing or reading a story around

Eastnor Estate, Eastnor, near Ledbury.

the campfire while toasting

It’s every child’s dream to meet Father

marshmallows or cooking popcorn.

Christmas and there’s something

Children will have the opportunity

of the child in us all. So young and

Father Christmas in his workshop

ICE SKATING at EVESHAM COUNTRY PARK

to use various tools and learn many

old alike will love this chance to

for an early gift for the first three

Evesham County Park, Off the A46,

skills which aren’t available in the

take a drive through the Eastnor

weekends in December. Normal

Evesham, Worcestershire WR11 4TP.

classroom or at home. Cost: £5.00

Estate, overcoming the challenges

admission charges apply. There will be

Get into the Christmas spirit with The

per session per child. PLEASE BOOK

of terrain and obstacles to meet

for a wartime Christmas and relive the spirit and gusto of the families back home. Enjoy live music, carols, memorabilia and early twentieth century traditions this Christmas. Find

8

Primary Times Christmas 2016

Monday 28th November – Tuesday 27th December

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

9

R Father Christmas in person. Enjoy a welcome drink, followed by instructor introduction and an overview of the Land Rover Brand. Whilst behind the wheel navigate inclines, descents, water, low traction surfaces, rock crawls and wheel articulation sections.

This enchanting one-hour drive for 1 driver and up to three guests, showcases the off road capability of our vehicles whilst entertaining the younger passengers with the thrill of meeting Father Christmas in his grotto and receiving a small gift.

Cost: Price per vehicle: £150. www. experience.landrover.com/ experience-drives/santasgrotto-at-eastnor

10

Primary Times Christmas 2016

POTTER’S WHEEL WORKSHOPS

14:00 to 15:00. Our special guest

Needle Mill Lane, Riverside, Redditch,

storyteller will be welcoming boys

Worcestershire B98 8HY. Time:

Eastnor Pottery, Home Farm,

and girls upstairs in the Granary to

11am – 4pm. Come and join us

Eastnor, Ledbury HR8 1RD. Spend

hear festive stories and exciting tales.

to celebrate a special Christmas.

the day or weekend relaxing and

Experience the cosy atmosphere of

Victorian entertainment will provide

creating pots on the potter’s wheel.

the Granary decorated for Christmas.

the festive atmosphere whilst you

Includes materials, refreshments

Standard admission charges apply.

browse amongst a variety of food

and lunch. Cost: £130 day £240

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/

and craft stalls to choose unique

weekend. Please call: 01531

brockhampton

Christmas gifts. Over 20 different craft

633886 or email admin@

stalls, Victorian Palace of Curiosities,

THE WORLD OUTSIDE: CHRISTMAS CRAFTS

Traditional Christmas Carols, Mulled

Bodenham Arboretum, Wolverley,

traditional Christmas event for all

KIDS RUN FREE RACES

Kidderminster, Worcestershire DY11

ages! Cost: Adults £1, Children free.

KGV Community Centre, Ash Avenue,

5TB. Time: 10:00am to 11:00am or

www.forgemill.org.uk

Brickfields Park, Worcester WR4 9TL.

11:30am to 12:30am. Come and

Time: 8.45am start. Running races

create various Christmas gifts including

CHRISTMAS CRAFTS

for children. All ages welcome. No

Wool Fairies, your own Name Tags &

Visitor Centre, Croome D’Abitot, Nr

running experience required, simply

Wrapping paper, Christmas Wreaths or

High Green, Worcestershire WR8

turn up and have fun, it’s FREE to

Star and the Forest School Reindeer at

9DW. Time: 10am – 3.45pm. Make

take part.

the arboretum. Cost: £6 per session.

something festive to take home

www.the-worldoutside.

with you. Cost: £1 per craft - Normal

co.uk/christmas-crafts

Admission Charges apply.

eastnorpottery.co.uk for more details.

Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th STORYTELLING AT BROCKHAMPTON ESTATE

Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th

wine and roasted chestnuts. A truly

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Greenfields, Bringsty, Worcestershire

CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR

Saturday 3rd – Friday 23rd

WR6 5TB. Time: 11:30 to 12:30

Forge Mill & Bordesley Abbey,

SANTA SPECIALS AT EVESHAM

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

11

R VALE LIGHT RAILWAY Evesham Country Park, Twyford, Evesham, Worcestershire WR11 4TP. Time: 10.30am – 4pm. The booking line for the Santa Specials is now open, Join the Evesham Vale Light Railway for a magical steam train ride to meet Santa and the Elves in his new Festive Log Cabin.

Saturday 3rd – Saturday 24th SANTA STEAM SPECIALS AT SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY Number One Comberton Place, Kidderminster DY10 1QR. Time: From 9am. Take a magical steam train ride from Kidderminster to see Santa in his grotto. See website for prices. www.svr.co.uk

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AT ST. PETER’S GARDEN CENTRE Pear Tree Farm, Broomhall, Worcester WR5 2NY. Time: 8.30am. Price includes a children’s cooked breakfast (Sausage, Bacon, Hash Brown, Beans) gift and a visit from Santa in the restaurant. Cost: £9.99 per child. www.stpetersgardencentre.co.uk

Saturday 3rd December – Thursday 5th January FESTIVAL OF CHRISTMAS TREES Worcester Cathedral, Chapter Office, 8 College Yard, Worcester WR1 2LA. Time: 9am – 6pm. A glittering display of Christmas Trees in the Cloisters of Worcester Cathedral. Free admission, donations appreciated. www.worcestercathedral.co.uk

Sunday 4th CHRISTMAS FAMILY EVENT MESC, Stoney Street, Madley, Herefordshire HR2 9NH. Time: 2pm – 4pm. Join us to make decorations and gifts, take a wonderland woodland

12

Primary Times Christmas 2016

walk and visit to Santa Claus. Please

entertaining the younger passengers

BODENHAM ARBORETUM

book on line using contact@mesc.org.

with the thrill of meeting Father

Wolverley, Kidderminster,

uk or by telephone 01981251616 as

Christmas in his grotto and receiving a

Worcestershire DY11 5TB. Time:

places are limited. Prices: Children £7

small gift. Cost: Price per vehicle: £150.

10:00am to 11:00am or 11:30am to

Adults £4 includes refreshments and

www.experience.landrover.

12:30am. Come and create various

children gift from Santa.

com/experience-drives/santas-

Christmas gifts including Wool Fairies,

www.mesc.org.uk

grotto-at-eastnor

your own Name Tags & Wrapping

Wednesday 7th

CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

TOURS BY CANDLELIGHT AT HARVINGTON HALL

Bishop’s Bluecoat School, Hereford, HR1 1UU. Time: 2pm – 5pm.

www.the-worldoutside.co.uk/

Harvington, Nr. Kidderminster,

Christmas Festival -Get into the

christmas-crafts

Worcestershire DY10 4LR. Discover

Christmas spirit and support your

the manor by moonlight as the story

local Hospice. Enter a winter

of turbulent times at the Hall unfolds!

wonderland packed with stalls

Saturday 10th – Friday 23rd

Come and join Humphrey Packington

selling everything you need to help

FATHER CHRISTMAS

his family and friends in a Hall filled

your Christmas shopping, from gifts

Hanbury Hall, School Road, Droitwich

with candlelight, and hear about what

and decorations, to mince pies and

Spa, Worcestershire WR9 7EA. Father

dangers lie ahead for them. Mulled

Christmas cake. And best of all, little

Christmas will be dropping by with sacks

wine and mince pies included. Cost:

ones can meet Santa. SANTA RUN

full of presents. Visit him in Thomas

£14.50. Booking essential.

- Dust the snow off your running

Vernon’s study and don’t forget to bring

www.harvingtonhall.com

shoes and get in the festive mood

your Christmas list! Visits to see Father

by joining hundreds of others in our

Christmas are by timed ticket which

2016 Santa Run. You can take in the

LEOMINSTER VICTORIAN MARKET

you can pick up on the day of your visit.

Christmas sights of Hereford’s High

Tickets are £5 per child.

Town during an 8K dash, or tackle

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

1 Corn Square, Leominster,

the marshalled family-friendly 5k

Herefordshire HR6 8LR. Time: 10am

route through Hampton Dene. The

Sunday 11th

– 2pm. A great way to get your family

runs are manually timed, meaning

CHRISTMAS VILLAGE QUIRE

into the festive spirit. Around 100

you can attempt a personal best,

The Globe, Newport Street, Hay

traders line the streets in Leominster

or just embrace the festive spirit

on Wye, Hereford HR3 5BG. Time:

offering a wide range of crafts and

while joining an avalanche of Santa’s

4pm. The Village Quire and actor

gifts plus local and seasonal produce.

raising money for their Hospice.

Phil Smith are here for a matinee

Locals are dressed in traditional

RUDOLPH’S REINDEER TRAIL -This

performance of songs and stories to

Victorian dress, and there is plenty of

festive 2.5K frolic is fun for all the

melt your heart. Come and join us in

street entertainment to entertain all

family. Children will be able to meet

supporting this local group and get in

the family. Free entry.

Santa and receive a free Christmas

the festive spirit while we enjoy their

www.leominstertourism.co.uk

gift. They can take part in an Elves

new show - We Know by The Stars. A

workshop and then join the Elves

SANTA’S GROTTO

real Christmas treat! Cost: £8.

in helping find Santa’s reindeer.

www.globeathay.org

Eastnor Estate, Eastnor, near Ledbury.

The whole family can sit together

Also taking place on Saturday 17th

in Santa’s sleigh for a free family

Wednesday 14th

December. It’s every child’s dream to

portrait, which our photographer

TOURS BY CANDLELIGHT

meet Father Christmas and there’s

will post on Facebook. We can even

Harvington Hall, Nr. Kidderminster,

something of the child in us all. So

guarantee you a Christmassy feel

Worcestershire DY10 4LR. Discover

young and old alike will love this

thanks to snow cannons and a free

the manor by moonlight as the story

chance to take a drive through the

glass of non-alcoholic mulled wine.

of turbulent times at the Hall unfolds!

Saturday 10th

Eastnor Estate, overcoming the

paper, Christmas Wreaths or Star and the Forest School Reindeer at the arboretum. Cost: £6 per session.

Come and join Humphrey Packington

challenges of terrain and obstacles

CRAFT SHOW & SALE

to meet Father Christmas in person.

Maylord Shopping Centre, Maylord

with candlelight, and hear about what

Enjoy a welcome drink, followed

Street, Hereford, HR1 2DT. Time:

dangers lie ahead for them. Mulled

by instructor introduction and an

9:00am to 5:00am. Looking for a

wine and mince pies included. Cost:

overview of the Land Rover Brand.

different gift to buy this Christmas,

£14.50. Booking essential.

Whilst behind the wheel navigate

then come to Craft - Herefords craft

www.harvingtonhall.com

inclines, descents, water, low traction

show at Maylord. Cost: Free entry

surfaces, rock crawls and wheel articulation sections. This enchanting one-hour drive for 1 driver and up to three guests, showcases the off road capability of our vehicles whilst

Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th THE WORLD OUTSIDE: CHRISTMAS CRAFTS AT

his family and friends in a Hall filled

Friday 16th CHRISTMAS ON THE BRUM The Brum Play Area, Fernhill Heath, WR3 7XA. Time: 5pm - 7pm From the team who presented Bunny &

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

13

R Fun on the Brum comes ‘Christmas on the Brum’. This is a family event with an opportunity to meet Father Christmas, listen to the choirs sing and taste locally produced mulled wine and food. There will also be a selection of craft and gift stalls. Come and join us to start the countdown to Christmas. The proceeds of the Prize Draw Raffle will go to St Richards Hospice.

Friday 16th & Saturday 17th FREE WHEELING Eastnor Pottery, Home Farm, Eastnor, Ledbury HR8 1RD. Come and make a complimentary pot on the

potter’s wheel. Booking essential.

4-11. There will be a strong chance

already have a Truffle card please

Please call: 01531 633886 or

of mince pies! Children aged 0-3

sign up at www.truffleherefordshire.

emailadmin@eastnorpottery.

will be able to enjoy our soft play

co.uk and we’ll pop one in the post.

co.uk for more details

area and the café will be open from

We’ll also have our own stand in High

11am. Why not join us afterwards at

Town on the 20th so you can sign up

2pm for a festive screening of Happy

for a card on the day. Free event.

CAROLS IN THE GREAT HALL

Feet - the tale of the penguin born

www.truffleherefordshire.co.uk

Brockhampton Estate, Greenfields,

to dance! Cost: £2 per child - paid on

Bringsty, Worcestershire WR6 5TB.

the day.

Sunday 18th

Time: 2pm – 4pm. Traditional festive

Tuesday 20th

house decorated for Christmas and

TRUFFLE CHRISTMAS MARKET

Smite Farm, Hindlip, Worcestershire

get a taste of the simple festive joy

1 King Street, Hereford HR4 9BW.

WR3 8SZ. Time: 2pm – 4pm.

of a traditional Christmas. With

Time: 9am – 4pm. There will be

Christmas is almost here but there’s

mulled wine and mince pies available

some fantastic offers and treats for

still time to get creative and make

from the farmhouse kitchen.

cardholders and it’s a great chance

some beautiful decorations for your

Standard admission charges apply.

to get those last minute Christmas

home. Aimed at ages 5 – 12. Booking

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/

gifts. We’re expecting stalls selling,

essential please. Cost: £3.50 www.

brockhampton-estate

clothing, gifts, chocolates, cider,

worcswildlifetrust.co.uk

Monday 19th

businesses. Truffle is a local loyalty

Wednesday 21st & Thursday 22nd

The Artrix, Slideslow Drive,

card scheme supporting independent

SANTA’S GROTTO

Bromsgrove B60 1GN. Time:

Herefordshire businesses and the

Eastnor Estate, Eastnor, near

10.30am – 2pm. Drop-in festive craft

Truffle market is a great opportunity

Ledbury. It’s every child’s dream to

for 4-11 year olds. Join us in Artrix

to meet some of the businesses

meet Father Christmas and there’s

café for fabulous glittery make and

you wouldn’t normally get the

something of the child in us all. So

take craft activities suitable for ages

opportunity to meet. If you don’t

young and old alike will love this

www.meyc.co.uk

MALVERN’S PREMIER PRE-SCHOOL Winner of “Best Nursery in the UK” award

SIX ‘OUTSTANDING’ OFSTEDS Top quality care - baby care to 5 years

OPEN MORNING Saturday 4th March 2017 10am - 12 noon

Aiming for Excellence Transforming Children’s Lives Everyone Welcome Primary Times Christmas 2016

beer and more - so come along

Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, Lower

FESTIVE CRAFT DROP-IN

Nr Malvern, Worcestershire WR13 5AA

14

CREATIVE CHRISTMAS

carols in the great hall. Explore the

Madresfield Early Years Centre Tel: 01684 574378

Wednesday 21st

and support these great local

Bromsgrove 01926 651159 bromsgrove@stagecoach.co.uk

Kidderminster 01562 66194 kidderminster@stagecoach.co.uk

Cwmbran & Monmouth 01633 662283 cwmbran@stagecoach.co.uk

Ledbury & Malvern 01684 439452 malvern@stagecoach.co.uk

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

15

R chance to take a drive through the Eastnor Estate, overcoming the challenges of terrain and obstacles to meet Father Christmas in person.

Enjoy a welcome drink, followed by instructor introduction and an overview of the Land Rover Brand.

Whilst behind the wheel navigate inclines, descents, water, low traction surfaces, rock crawls and wheel articulation sections. This enchanting one-hour drive for 1 driver and up to three guests, showcases the off road capability of our vehicles whilst entertaining the younger passengers with the thrill of meeting Father Christmas in his grotto and receiving a small gift. Cost: Price per

vehicle: £150. www.experience. landrover.com/experiencedrives/santas-grotto-ateastnor

JANUARY Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th POTTER’S WHEEL WORKSHOPS Eastnor Pottery, Home Farm, Eastnor, Ledbury HR8 1RD. Spend the day or weekend relaxing and creating pots on the potter’s wheel. Includes materials, refreshments and lunch.

Cost: £130 day £240 weekend.

Also taking place on Saturday 14th January and Friday 27th - Sunday 29th January. Please call: 01531 633886 or email admin@ eastnorpottery.co.uk for more details.

Starting Monday 9th

Friday 13th

Dancefest Spring Term Dancefest’s spring term of

HEREFORDSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST WASSAIL

weekly classes for all ages across

Lower House Farm Orchard, Ledbury

Herefordshire and Worcestershire

Road, Tupsley, Hereford HR1 1UT.

starts on Monday 9 January.

Time: 5pm – 8pm. Now becoming

Dancefest nurtures children from

a regular fixture in Herefordshire

their first dance steps at Parents

Wildlife Trust’s annual calendar, the

and Wobblers, through to Dance

animal charity is inviting volunteers,

Clubs and Dancemakers, developing

members and Joe Public to its

expressive and strong dancers, and

third wassail. What is a wassail?

supports young people studying

If you don’t already know (shame

dance at secondary school and

on you), it’s an ancient ceremonial

college with weekly technique and

celebration and annual blessing of

creative classes.Dancefest wants

the fruit trees. Come and help the

everyone to enjoy dancing as way of

Trust awaken the cider apple trees

getting fitter, meeting new people

in its orchard and scare away the

and having fun, and they aim to

evil spirits to ensure a good harvest

make their classes accessible and

of fruit in the autumn. There will

welcoming. You can find out

also be a chance to join our merry

more on their website at

band of musicians and sing some

dancefest.co.uk or by ringing

wassailing songs with them around

01905 611199 – or why not go

the fire. Rocket Cafe will once again

along and try a class for

serve up some warming winter food

yourself?

to beat the cold. Also sample some of Orchard Origins’ mulled cider and apple juice. Event is free. Book by calling HWT on 01432 356872.

Christmas Present Ideas for your Mum and Dad

Clay Pigeon or Archery or Rifle Shooting Experiences

Call Us Today on 01527 575141 or email: mark@marksmanleisure.co.uk

www.shooting4fun.co.uk 16

Primary Times Christmas 2016

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

17

Theatre owS Family & Children’S Sh The Artrix Tel: 01527 577330 ONCE UPON A TIME – THE STAR PROJECT

stand in the way of him and the throne of England, so he orders the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham to have them kidnapped and disposed of….Permanently! The Sheriff in turn hires two hapless baddies, Bashem

Tuesday 6th December, 7pm.

and Thumpem to carry out the deed

All is well in the Enchanted Kingdom

and comic ineptitude ensues. The

and our story starts after your

‘Babes’ are eventually kidnapped

famous Disney characters have had

by the baddies but they can’t go

their happily ever after! Snow White

through with killing the ‘Babes’ and

and Prince Charming are holding

instead abandon them in the woods.

their annual ball for their array of

However in true Pantomime style

friends including Belle and Prince

help is at hand in the form of our

Adam, Cinderella and Charming,

dashing hero, Robin Hood and his

Ariel and Eric, Aurora and Philip

Merry band of helpers assisted by

and many more familiar faces with

Hayrick, Nursie and her faithful dog,

The Genie of The Lamp as host! All

Tyson. This is a fantastic, traditional,

is going well until....The Evil Queen

fun filled panto, with great set

bursts through the doors and

pieces, corny gags, song, dance and

promises to “Destroy their happiness

plenty of audience participation plus

if it’s the last thing I does!” Sick and

a few surprises on the way!

tired of The Heroes always getting

Tickets from £14

their happy ending The Evil Queen enlists the help of cunning Jafar, who together summon the greatest villains of all time, together placing

The courtyard Tel: 01432 340555

participation aplenty! Make tickets to

Bagheera the panther and Kaa

Aladdin one of your three wishes this

the python all help to outwit his

year. Tickets from £10

enemies and help him learn the law

PENGUIN! ELEPHANT!

of the jungle. Mixing it with madcap monkeys, escaping the crazy Cobra

Saturday 26th November. With

and seeing off the terrifying Tiger

original songs, hilarious physical

Shere Kahn! A fantastic, empowering

comedy and dance, Penguin!

story for all ages that will warm your

Elephant! is a magical new show

heart and lift your spirits. Music,

about celebrating differences for

muppetry, laughter and excitement

anyone who’s ever waddled like a

all mixed-up to make a memorable

Penguin or stomped like an Elephant.

experience for the whole tribe.

The show includes a rap about Fish

Tickets: £14

Fingers, some food based-mess and a magical balloon ride that will have children ages 3+ jumping for joy.

Courtyard Family Saturdays include a free and fun pre-activity from

evesham arts Tel: 01386 446944

10.30am: Making a large hand print

SNOW WHITE

collage of a penguin and elephant!

Saturday 10th December,

Cost: Tickets £6

3pm. Join Vienna Festival Ballet

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

on a magical journey with their unmissable Snow White. World class

Thursday 21st & Friday

choreography propels this timeless

22nd December, 8pm. A

fairy-tale and answers the question;

Christmas Carol was the first public

who is the fairest one of all? Based

performance Charles Dickens gave

on the traditional Grimm brothers

of his own work. He enacted it

story, this ballet incorporates all the

over 150 times and the effect on

important elements a beautiful girl,

the public was phenomenal. ‘The

an enchanted mirror, a poisoned

success was most wonderful and

apple. Hip-hopping dwarves

prodigious – perfectly overwhelming

help Snow White find her Prince

and astounding altogether!’ he said

Charming. This spellbinding ballet

after the first night. This Christmas,

promises to entertain and dazzle

you can experience what it must

the whole family. Tickets: £19.00

have been like to be in the audience!

(Adult) £13.00 (Child) £18.00

European Arts Company is faithfully

(Con).

recreating Dickens’s famous

the land! We see Ursula, Maleficent,

ALADDIN

most heart-warming story. Come and

SNOW WHITE: THE PANTO

Queen of Hearts, Gaston, The Ugly

Saturday 26th November

enjoy a seasonal treat in the spirit of

Wednesday 18th – Sunday

2016 – Saturday 7th January

Christmas past, present and future.

22nd January 2017, 7:30pm,

with The Evil Queen and Jafar. You

2017, times vary. The Courtyard

Tickets: £13

weekend matinees 2:30pm.

see the heroes forget who they are,

brings you an Aladdin’s cave of

who they are married to and have no

sparkling festive entertainment.

recollection of their previous lives...

The audience will be transported

The conquest

with the help of the Genie will our

far-away to meet the larger than

Tel: 01885 488575

Heroes remember who they are and

life Widow Twankey, and sons: the

be able to reverse the curse? You’ll

brave Aladdin and hapless Wishy

THE JUNGLE BOOK

have to come and watch to find out!

Washy. Help Aladdin steal the heart

Wednesday 30th November,

than ever before! A dazzling fairy-

Tickets: £12 or £10 - over 60s,

of the beautiful princess whilst

7:30pm. Calling Wolf-cubs

tale guaranteed to melt everyone’s

students & under 16s.

fending off the evil Abanazer. And

everywhere, Rudyard Kipling’s The

hearts; watch as the beautiful Snow

let’s not forget the incredible Genie!

Jungle Book is getting the Oddsocks

White and her seven little friends

Aladdin is guaranteed to delight

treatment! Enjoy the comical

attempt to defeat the Wicked Queen.

the whole family with its stunning

adventures of Mowgli the man cub

Will Snow White meet her handsome

sets, glittering costumes, wonderful

as he battles to survive and become

Prince and save the day? Spectacular

December, times vary. The

songs and dazzling dancing that

the leader of the pack. Based on

sets, sparkling costumes, side

wicked and greedy Prince John is

audiences have come to expect from

stories from “The Jungle Book” with

splitting comedy and lots and lots

desperate to become King, however

The Courtyard pantomime – topped

a big helping of Oddsocks humour,

of fun for the whole family to enjoy.

his brother King Richard’s children

off with laughter and audience

Mowgli’s mates, Baloo the bear,

Tickets: £12

The Curse of Unhappy Endings upon

Sisters, Captain Hook all join forces

ROBIN HOOD and the BABES IN THE WOOD Friday 16th - Friday 23rd

18

Primary Times Christmas 2016

performance of his best-loved and

Phoenix Theatre Group returns to The Evesham Arts Centre with the highlight of the years calendar presenting Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the Pantomime, and it promises to be bigger and better

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

19

Theatre owS Family & Children’S Sh

the help of the villagers he finds

the Kirsty Purvis School of Dance.

himself the mastermind behind the

Come and join us for the magical

most incredible and exciting plot

tale of Cinderella! Big on laughs,

ever attempted against the horrible

with loads of originality, audience

landowner. David Wood’s play

participation and slapstick routines,

captures the spirit or Roald Dahl’s

this imaginative new version,

much loved story in a heart-warming,

comes complete with all the fun

uplifting, funny and fast moving way.

of the panto! Strong traditional

Tickets: £16, £12 Over 60’s and

character parts, including a delightful

Unwaged, £10 Children

Cinderella, a particularly endearing Buttons, a rather handsome Prince

ludlowassemblyrooms

malvern theatre

Tel: 01584 873229

Tel: 0845 287 2146

ROBIN HOOD: THE PANTO Wednesday 14th – Sunday 18th December, 2pm & 7pm.

Trouble is brewing as the nasty Sheriff of Nottingham is out to catch Robin Hood, whilst making plans to wed the fair Maid Marion - but Marion wants nothing to do with him. Meanwhile, deep in Sherwood Forest, our hero and his band of Merry Men are hard at work helping the poor, unaware of the plans the Sheriff has to catch them. With heroes and villains plus a larger than life panto dame in the shape of Nanny Nora Tittle Tattle, this year’s panto promises laughter, spectacle and sing-a-long songs for all the family to enjoy. Tickets: From £10 adult & £7 child.

WHO KILLED SANTA CLAUS? Tuesday 29th November – Saturday 3rd December 2016, 7:30pm, Wednesday & Saturday matinees at 2:30pm.

A Seasonal Thriller by Terence Feely.

Barbara Love is a famous TV star who, just before her Christmas party, is threatened by a chilling voice on her answering machine and then receives a macabre present boxed in a miniature coffin. Terence Feely’s mystery thriller is not so much a ‘whodunnit’ as a ‘who’s going to do it’: along troop the staff of Barbara’s television show for the Christmas buffet, each one of them with a motive to murder her. The tension

& Tuesday 3rd January 2017, 2pm. Storks deliver babies…or at

laughter ensues when two comic

Monday 5th – Saturday 10th

builders, Bodget and Leggett arrive

December 2016. 7:30pm,

to re-develop Hardship Hall and not

Saturday matinees at 2:30pm.

forgetting, of course, a wonderful

PODS invite you and the whole family

Fairy Godmother! Tickets:

to the most perfect pantomime

£12/£1O

of all – Cinderella. Bring together two ugly sisters, an evil Baroness, the brotherly Buttons, a Prince and his cockney manservant, a fairy godmother, the stroke of midnight, the glass slipper, the carriage, and

palace theatre Tel: 01527 65203

history. PODS are delighted to be

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST PANTO

joined by some of the children from

Monday 5th December -

PODS youth section to bring you a

Thursday 8th, Saturday 10th

show-stopping pantomime, full of

- Thursday 15th, Saturday 17th

fun and laughter, fabulous music,

- Tuesday 20th, Thursday 22nd

huge production numbers and even

- Saturday 24th, Monday 26th -

some tap dancing! Don’t miss this

Saturday 31st December, times

sparkling start to your Christmas

vary. This magical pantomime

season. Tickets: £11 - £15

based on the children’s classic

the rest, as they say is fairy tale

tale will delight audiences of all

thriller twists and turns towards

ages and is brought to you by Paul

the final spine-tingling revelation.

Holman Associates. A vain Prince is

12% booking fee)

Friday 23rd & Friday 30th December 2016/Monday 2nd

Sisters! Yet more mayhem and

mounts as this cunningly plotted

Tickets: £14-£25.20 (including

STORKS (U)

NUMBER 8 CINDERELLA

and outrageously funny Ugly

DANNY, CHAMPION OF THE WORLD by Roald Dahl

norbury theatre Tel: 01905 770154 THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR

transformed into a frightening Beast by an evil enchantress. The only way he can escape the spell, is to learn to love another and earn her love in return before the last petals of a magical rose fall, otherwise his

Saturday 3rd December 2016,

life will be forfeit. Join Professor

Monday 12th December 2016 –

2pm. A revue presented by ENCORE

Crackpot, Belle and her nursemaid

Sunday 1st January 2017. 7pm

THEATRE ACADEMY. A celebration

Madame Cherie Trifle on their

stork, is about to be promoted when

and matinees at 2:30pm. Danny

of the festive season told through

adventures as they try and thwart

he accidentally activates the Baby

lives happily in a gypsy caravan with

dance, drama and song. Tickets £6

Gaston’s marriage plans, tame a

Making Machine, producing an

his devoted father and works part

adorable but wholly unauthorised

time in the village garage. However,

baby girl. Desperate to deliver this

his life is turned upside down when

CINDERELLA

bundle of trouble before the boss

he learns about his father’s secret

Friday 13th - Sunday 15th,

assured that our emphasis will

gets wise, Junior and his friend Tulip,

passion for pheasant poaching on

Thursday 19th - Sunday 22nd

continue to be on the story, modern

the only human on Stork Mountain,

the estate of nasty, greedy Victor

& Thursday 26th - Saturday

music and exciting presentation.

are in a race against time – a wild

Hazell, the landowner. Following

28th January, 7:30pm,

Not to mention a superb cast, lavish

and revealing journey that might just

his father’s failure to return from

Saturday matinees 2:30pm.

scenery and costumes, up to date

restore the storks’ true mission in

one of his poaching expeditions

Sunday 2:30pm only. An

song and dance routines, special

the world.

Danny sets out on a courageous

amateur production presented by

effects and plenty of audience

journey to rescue him. Enlisting

THE NORBURY PLAYERS. Featuring

participation. It will make sure your

least they used to. Now they deliver packages for a global internet retail giant. Junior (Samberg), a delivery

20

Primary Times Christmas 2016

Beast and help him find true love’s kiss and undo the evil enchantments of Witch Guillotine. You can be

festive season goes with a swing!

Man on the Flying Trapeze, Waiting

Tickets: £14 - £22

at the Church are mixed in with all time favourites such as Silent Night, and Jingle Bells. Performed

worcester live Tel: 01905 611427 Cinderella!

At the Swan Theatre, Monday 5th December 2016 - Sunday 8th January 2017. See website for show times. Banished to the kitchen, life is just chores, chores and more chores for poor Cinderella, but things are about to change. With the help of her Fairy Godmother Cinderella will go to the ball, and one day she might even find her happy ever after. Dazzling costumes, stunning sets and the

in Victorian costume this this concert will appeal to those who associate Christmas with, carols, singing, dancing and the joy of being together as a family and a community. Like a good cup of mulled wine, this evening is full of warm cosy moments. This event will appeal to everyone young and old with the joy of being together as a family and a community. The evening is light-hearted, humorous and fun. We’re confident that everyone will be singing along from the first number until the very end. Tickets: £12.50

most spectacular song and dance numbers in the fairy-tale kingdom; Cinderella is the perfect Christmas treat for the whole family. With all of the characters that you know and love, plus plenty of surprises along the way, don’t miss this sparkling re-telling of one of the most magical of fairy tales – you’re guaranteed to have a ball! Tickets: £13.50 £17.95

Kays Theatre Group presents Mother Goose At the Swan Theatre. Thursday 26th January - Sunday 5th February. See website for show times. The familiar tale of Priscilla

Celebrating

Christmas There is no more traditional way to remind us that Christmas is on its way than Christmas trees and a nativity scene. Each year in December five extra-large Christmas trees decorate the cathedral and a crib is displayed in the South Transept. This year the crib will include Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus, along with an angel, shepherds, sheep, a very life-like black labrador and three kings resplendent in vivid colours.

King Melchior, bringing his gift of gold to the Christ child, will carry ornamental gold coins which, from time to time and during some services, will be replaced by gold-wrapped chocolate

money. The wooden figures are two-thirds life size, big enough to be significant in the vast spaces of the cathedral, but small enough for children to engage with.

They are carved by local wood carver Paul Caton.

At Christmas time the cathedral is a ‘must visit’ place for all families and all ages. Grandparents, parents and children alike are warmly invited to the Crib Dedication service on Saturday 10th December at 10.30 am, with music provided by the Hereford Junior Singing Club, and to the Christingle Nativity service on Saturday 24th December at 3pm. n

and her golden eggs bringing fortune and downfall to Mother Goose is brought to life by the Kays panto cast and chorus. Great all round family

A Victorian Music Hall Christmas Celebration

entertainment with dancers from

At Huntingdon Hall. Thurday

available from the Kays Dedicated

15th December, 8pm. Swan &

Box Office on 01905 425299 or

Dyer’s Winter Warmer is a fun-filled

08453 883783. For further details

festive evening of well-known sing

visit www.kaystheatregroup.co.uk.

along Christmas carols interspersed

Tickets: £11

with famous Music Hall numbers.

Numbers such as Daisy, Daisy, The

Harlequin Stage School will dispel any January blues. Tickets are only

Tower Tours

The cathedral tower will be open for tours during the Christmas holidays. Please check www.herefordcathedral.org for details.

Friday 16th December, 3.30pm - 7pm Saturday 17th December, 9.30am - 4pm

Christmas Fair

Over 40 stalls of seasonal gifts, food, local crafts and tasty treats.

Coffee, mince pies and mulled wine. Carols for shoppers on Saturday at 1pm.

Friday 23 December, 10am - 12.30pm

Christingle Nativity Workshop

Enjoy a family workshop to make Christingles, share light refreshments and listen to a Christmas story. Booking is essential: please contact education@herefordcathedral.org or 01432 374256 Christmas Eve, 3pm

Christingle Nativity Service A celebration of Christmas light for children and families, with the telling of the Christmas story and the distribution of Christingles.

Choral Evensong with Blessing of the Crib at 5.30pm

Christmas at the

Cathedral

Cathedral office, 5 College Cloisters, Cathedral Close, Hereford, HR1 2NG

Email: office@herefordcathedral.org Tel: 01432 374200 or for group enquires: 01432 374202 For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.net

21

FAMILY MARKETPLACE ASSESSMENTS

CHILDCARE

Hunters Moon, Bransford www.littlegrowbagsnursery.co.uk Nurturing your child through play to reach their full potential From 3 months to 5 years OFSTED registered for 37 places Open 7.45am to 6.00pm Monday to Friday • Small holiday club • Home cooked food • Woodland Garden • • Friendly, caring and flexible • Safe dropping off and parking •

Helping your child to care Phone us on 01886 833379

DANCE & DRAMA

What’s on in your area?

From Theatre shows and attractions to classes and family days out - you’ll find even more on our website!

Weekly dance classes for all ages

dancefest.co.uk 01905 611199 TUITION BSc (Hons), PGCE, MEd (Ed Psych)

Educational Psychologist (Chartered by the BPS)

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

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

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

Registered in England and Wales

22

Primary Times Christmas 2016

Primary Times Hereford & Worcester would like to wish all of our readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!