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
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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
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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
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What’s On ..........................................................................................
Theatre 18 Who’s Treading The Boards? ..........................................................................................
Family Marketplace
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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
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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
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Primary Times Christmas 2016
For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.net
7
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fW
hat’s On an
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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
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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
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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
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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!