Hereford & Worcester Issue No 41 September/October 2016 www.familiesonline.co.uk

Education

Clubs and Classes

What’s On

Earn Extra Cash! Distributors Wanted See Page 3

Really useful information for parents of 0-12 year olds in Hereford & Worcester Editor’s Letter Dear readers Humphrey’s Pyjama As the summer holidays fade into memory, we must all get used to the return of the mad morning Week Helps Raise Funds school rush... Humphrey’s Pyjama Week returns from 3-7 October – with a chance for nurseries, playgroups, primary schools and mother This issue we include tips to help and toddler groups to get their PJs on and raise money for The ease the transition for those start- Children’s Trust. ing in reception. We give advice on the best way to approach school open evenings. For a voluntary donation of £2, youngsters, staff and parents can wear their favourite pyjamas for one day during the week and If you are looking for a school for your child, then you may be organise themed events, such as best dressed competitions and interested in the various open days at some of the leading inde- slumber party games. Money raised will go towards research, pendent schools in the area. rehabilitation, care and support for children with brain injuries and their families. Next time: Christmas! Next issue: Nov/Dec Booking Participants who register at thechildrenstrust.org.uk/humphrey will Diane Clifford. deadline: Friday receive an event pack which includes Humphrey stickers, Editor, 7 October posters, a certificate for each child and a story booklet. Families Families Hereford & Worcester has had a bit of a sneak preview of the pack, and it is full of Tel: 01684 770566 activities such as Hide an Seek quizzes, maze games and Email: [email protected] colouring activities – perfect for entertaining little ones

Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook Register now to get a fundraising pack and start planning a week of @FamiliesHW FamiliesHandW pyjama fun! thechildrenstrust.org.uk/humphrey or email: [email protected] www.familiesonline.co.uk

Circulation: 22,000 copies of Families Hereford & Worcester are available through nurseries, pre-schools, schools, libraries, soft Star Cast For Palace Theatre play centres, selected shops and other distribution points throughout the county. If Reach 44,000 local The Redditch, Palace you would like free copies for your Theatre’s traditional organisation or if you would like to subscribe readers. so you don’t miss an issue please contact us. pantomime this year is Families Hereford & Worcester is part of Beauty And The Beast, Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. Contact Diane on All franchised magazines in the group are 01684 770566 running from 5 - 31 independently owned and operated under December. It stars Sam licence. Families® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Temple House, Regatta if you are Attwater (Eastenders and Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 Dancing On Ice champion) 5TD. The contents of Families Hereford & interested in Worcester are fully protected by copyright who will bring a touch of and none of the editorial or photographic swagger and cut a dashing matter may be reproduced in any form advertising in without prior consent of the publisher. We figure in the role of take every care preparing this magazine but Families Gaston, the local lothario the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers Hereford & Worcester and wooer of our heroine nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for Belle. any consequence.’ Print: The Manson Group, Reynolds House, 8 Porters Wood, Valley Road Magazine www.redditchpalacetheatre. Industrial Estate, St Albans. AL3 6PZ. Tel: co.uk 01727 848 440. New Hope For Math Studies A new system for teaching maths will sweep the nation, says the Department for Education. The Department has pledged £41 million for over 8,000 schools (50% of all UK schools) to start to introduce Asian style maths tuition. Shanghai, Singapore and Hong Kong lead the world in maths performance, using a system called maths mastery. Those using the scheme have been shown to perform better than their peers. The system means that teachers spend a lot of time on one topic to make sure that children understand it fully. Children also discover how problems relate to their everyday life, so they are given context. The system was created by educational psychologists and specialists.

2 Families Hereford & Worcester To advertise call: 01684 770566 September - October 2016 News & Views Ghostly Goings On At Arley Station Finger Licking Is Good For You

It may drive parents mad but it has been suggested that children who regularly suck their thumbs or bite their nails are less prone to developing allergies. The results of a study published in the New Zealand journal Pediatrics suggest that being exposed to germs at an early age can help boost the child’s immune system. Daring visitors will find themselves whisked away on a thrilling journey, packed with spooky spectres and ghastly ghouls as the Severn Valley Railway’s Ghost Trains The study followed 1,000 people and return this October. A whole host of ghosts, ghouls, witches and wizards will be assessed them between the ages of five descending on the Railway for some fiendish fun, from 27 – 29 October, when and 32. It found that suckers and biters passengers can brave an exhilarating night-time ride through the Severn Valley had fewer allergies to things like house countryside. For more information: www.svr.co.uk. dust mites and pet dander at the age of 13. However, the habits seemed to have little or no effect on the incidence of Earn Extra Cash! developing hay-fever or asthma. A spokesperson from Allergy UK, said: Families Hereford & Worcester magazine is looking for “research that has been carried out in distributors in the Droitwich, Malvern and Hereford other countries also adds weight to this areas. Email for details to Diane at: theory of the role the environment and gut microbiota play in shaping an individual’s potential to develop a food FAMILY AD_Layout [email protected] 1 27/05/2016 12:49 Page 1 allergy.” BIG BRANDS • LOW PRICES

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September - October 2016 To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] 3 Ed’s Reading Room Hi kids, parents, grandparents, teachers – and book lovers everywhere! I’m Ed and here is my Autumn book selection. Ed’s Reading Room is an exciting free book review website www.EdontheWeb.com.

FOR AGES 5-7 YEARS FOR AGES 7 YEARS PLUS Sophie’s Squeaky Surprise by Holly Fizzlebert Stump and the Great Webb (Scholastic £4.99) Supermarket Showdown by A F ED SAYS: ‘Sophie isn’t happy about moving Harrold (Bloomsbury £5.99) away from home especially to a new country ED SAYS: ‘Poor old Fizz! The circus has been and a new school where the children aren’t sold and the new owner wants everyone to very nice to her. But when she meets work in his supermarket. When all you know is flying around on Josephine, a friendly and very furry guinea pig, a trapeze or spinning plates it is a great shock to have to spend she learns to stand up to the mean children at school. With her your day stacking shelves and carrying heavy bags for old super new friend and with all the delights that living in Paris people. Is this curtains for Fizz or will he be able to find a way brings, will Sophie be able to settle into her exciting new life?’ to save the circus and the life he loves?’ Claude Going for Gold Binny Bewitched by Hilary McKay by Alex T Smith (Hodder £8.99) (Hodder £12.99) ED SAYS: ‘It is a few years ED SAYS: ‘Claude and his best friend Sir since Binny’s family moved to Cornwall but Bobblysock are off on their latest adventure. they are still unpacking boxes. They were very They discover a special competition at the lucky to be left their house by Binny’s aunt local sports centre and are tremendously but nevertheless money – or rather lack of it excited, even more so when they are asked – remains a huge problem. So when Binny to take part but this might not be as simple comes across a large sum of money will it as they first thought. When some thieves try to steal the Gold be the answer to their problems? Another Cup, can Claude run fast enough to catch them?’ thing troubling Binny is their strange new neighbour – so strange that Binny suspects her of being a witch.’

Ed’s Reading Room is part of www.edontheweb.com, a DTI award-winning website. It was created by Maggie Humphreys, a teacher of more than 25 years, and Les Snowdon, who together are authors of several books on fitness walking and healthy eating. You can contact Maggie on 01753 730019 or by email at [email protected]. See Maggie’s latest ebooks at www.WalkWalk.co.uk.

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4 Families Hereford & Worcester To advertise call: 01684 770566 September - October 2016 Education A Prep School For Everyone at RGS The RGS family of schools offers a choice of two ‘Excellent’ and ‘Outstanding’ Prep Schools: (ISI Inspection report 2015). RGS Springfield in the heart of the City of Worcester with beautiful grounds and RGS The Grange set in 50 acres of grounds three miles to the North of the City, near Fernhill Heath. Whichever leading Prep School you choose for your child, an outstanding academic education awaits children from 2 to 11 years of age, plus an enormous range of co-curricular opportunities, and 8am until 6pm wrap-around care.

RGS Springfield is passionate about developing each individual child by ensuring that teaching enables all pupils to attain their full potential. Small class sizes and a nurturing ethos means that the school excels at delivering a challenging, individualised and exciting curriculum. Children are encouraged to question and take risks in their learning, and thus to become independent and creative learners. Tucked away in the beautiful grounds of Britannia Square, with over two acres of playing fields, the school feels like a village primary school with the convenience of city facilities.

RGS The Grange is full of happy, confident and successful children who are inspired by a dedicated team of staff sharing a wonderful sense of community. Children receive an outstanding education within the beautiful 50-acre site. A full programme of sporting and co-curricular activities and senior school standard facilities are on offer for all.

The school’s philosophy states that ‘happy children succeed’. This success is seen in the classroom, on the sports field, in the music department and during varied enrichment opportunities. The variety of experiences that children enjoy helps them to mature into confident, polite, successful and happy individuals. For more information: www.rgsw.org.uk

Open Days Friday 30 September 2.00pm - 7.00pm Saturday 1 October 10.00am - 1.00pm

01299 851 256 [email protected] www.cutnallgreenschool.co.uk Rural school. Small class sizes. Extensive grounds. Awarded an Outstanding from SIAMs. 3+ years Early Years unit. Wraparound care. Cutnall Green First School, School Lane, Cutnall Green WR9 0PH

September - October 2016 To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] 5 Education

A new adventure: starting school is an exciting step for your child Tips For Starting School A child’s first few years of school are vital in nurturing your independently, washing hands, changing – putting on their coat, child, starting them on an adventure of educational discovery shoes and PE kit by themselves. Also, don’t forget to get them and laying foundations for their life ahead – so starting full- into a good routine a few days before school starts – for time school in the Reception class is an important and example they might need an earlier bedtime and waking up exciting step. Here are some top tips to make sure that you time! Other skills such as recognising and writing their name are fully prepared and ready to enjoy this new experience. are also useful.

By Dr Carolyn Shelley 6. Help your child make a holiday diary or something to take into school on the first day – sticking in pictures, tickets and 1. Talk about starting school with your child and create positive photos from your favourite holiday activities. They will love to feelings about their next step. You can get some wonderful rush into school to show these to their new teacher! books from the library which describe many of the exciting activities they will experience but also address concerns or 7. If possible meet up with other children in the summer prompt your child to ask any questions they may have been holidays who will be starting at the same school. It is always thinking or worrying about – however small these may seem to good if your child is greeted by a friend on the first day and this us, it is important to talk them through. will help them settle in quickly.

2. You will probably have visited your child’s school, have met 8. Finally, on the morning itself, have everything ready to make the teacher, and hopefully your child will also have had a settling it an easy start to the day – and when you arrive at school, in visit. As it is likely to feel a long time since this visit to your keep your goodbye sweet but short, reminding them to have a child, remind them of all the activities they enjoyed doing most good time and that you will be back to pick them up later. so that they can look forward to doing them again. Stringing it out for too long can end in tears which otherwise wouldn’t happen! Although this can be an emotional time for 3. If you can, talk to other parents with children at the same you, try not to let them see it so that they can go into the class school to gain top tips in preparation for the big day – it will happy, confident and ready for action! also help to discuss any worries or questions you may have. Starting School is a very exciting time, especially the first few 4. Involve your child in the exciting preparations for school - days and you will be excited to hear all about their experiences. for example choosing their school uniform and having fun trying Make talking regularly about school a good habit - being it on. You can also buy a new pencil case, school bag and involved in your child’s education from the start will help them lunchbox – all these are very exciting and help your child feel develop confidence as they share their learning journey with positive about their next step. you. Have a wonderful start to school!

5. Get school ready by praising and practising their Dr Carolyn Shelley is headmistress of Dean Close Pre-Preparatory independence in important areas – going to the loo School, Cheltenham.

6 Families Hereford & Worcester To advertise call: 01684 770566 September - October 2016 Education Find Out About The King’s Experience King’s Worcester has one of Sport and Music both play the finest settings of any city important roles in school school in the country. It life. borders the River Severn in the heart of Worcester and Sporting facilities are looks across to the Malvern excellent and include our Hills. Located adjacent to own swimming pool, boat the Cathedral in an oasis of house and recently opened calm, away from the sound new sports and performing and sight of traffic, and yet arts centre complemented two minutes walk from the with an extensive range of pedestrianised city centre playing fields. and within easy walking distance of train and bus The school boasts three stations. orchestras, three choirs, a wind band and other The senior school aims to ensemble groups. This, in provide an exceptional addition to our connection educational experience looking after both the educational with the Cathedral, ensures that musical pupils of all abilities and pastoral needs of each individual child, aiming to help all have ample opportunities to exhibit their talents. pupils to achieve their best academically and instilling confidence in a changing world. A newly launched website will give an insight in to the ‘King’s Tips For Starting School Experience,’ however, it is best to visit on one of our open Excellent exam successes have once again placed King’s at mornings to gain an understanding of what King’s can offer the top of the local league tables, with an A Level pass rate your child. of 100% and 98% of GCSEs achieved in grades from A* to C. For more information: www.ksw.org.uk

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KING’S HAWFORD (2 to 11) KING’S ST ALBAN’S (4 to 11) KING’S WORCESTER (11 to 18) Tel: 01905 451292 Tel: 01905 354906 Tel: 01905 721742

IMPORTANT DATES FOR YOUR DIARY ‘Baby and Toddler Swim and Play’ Saturday 12 November Saturday 15 October Starts Friday 9 September King’s St Alban’s Open Morning Senior School Open Morning

Saturday 1 October Saturday 10 December Saturday 19 November King’s Hawford Open Morning King’s St Alban’s Taster Morning Sixth Form Open Morning Confidence in a changing world www.ksw.org.uk

September - October 2016 To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] 7 Education A Happy Vibrant School ’s results are impressive, but Bromsgrove is much more than a place to get good grades, it prides itself on being a happy school where children of all ages can thrive both academically and outside of the classroom. A recent parental survey supported this with over 97% saying their child was happy or very happy at School. The 2016 ISI inspection rated Bromsgrove as excellent in every category. Catering for 1600 pupils aged 3 -18 on three sites, the School is a small global community – a place to live, work and make friends for life.

Bromsgrove has a vibrant arts scene with numerous opportunities for pupils to perform both large and small projects. A group of Sixth Form pupils performed their adaptation of King Lear at the Edinburgh fringe in 2015 and more recently a large cast performed Sweeney Todd at the local Artrix Theatre to great acclaim and Year 9 and 10 pupils performed Patrick Marber’s The Musicians at Birmingham’s REP theatre. A new performing arts centre with a concert hall and multiple rehearsal areas is currently under construction, to be completed by September 2017.

There is considerable strength, too, in sports and a large number of representatives at county, regional and national level. The School’s U18 rugby team were winners of the NatWest School’s trophy in 2015 and 2016. The school runs an extensive activity programme with optional Saturday activities when pupils may select from a diverse range of recreational and academic activities. www.bromsgrove-school.co.uk

FLAIR • DISCIPLINE • ACADEMIC RIGOUR

R E G I BROMSGROVE SCHOOL FOUNDED 1553 considering Bromsgrove? come and see the School at work For entry to Prep and Senior Schools in 2017, we will be holding small group open school events on Wednesday mornings - booking is essential. Please contact Admissions for information, or book your place via the website: www.bromsgrove-school.co.uk

ISI Inspection 2016 - Excellent in every category Oustanding results at IB and A level Academic excellence coupled with a wealth of sporting and extra-curricular opportunities. Co-educational, Day & Boarding.

930 pupils aged 13 - 18, 500 pupils aged 7 - 13, 500 boarders

Tel: 01527 579679 Email: [email protected] www.bromsgrove-school.co.uk

8 Families Hereford & Worcester To advertise call: 01684 770566 September - October 2016 Education

BScTonia (Hons), PGCE, Peters MEd (Ed Psych) A Happy Vibrant School A First Class Education Educational Psychologist (Chartered by the BPS) The Downs Malvern is an outstanding day, weekly, flexi- and full-boarding Prep Independent assessment and advice School for girls and boys from 3 – 13 years. It is set within its own impressive for all special needs including autism, 55-acre campus on the western edge of the Malvern Hills and is associated with learning difficulties, dyslexia, dyspraxia and attention problems . Children benefit from excellent teaching alongside superb extra- Tel: 07853 248311 curricular, boarding and sports facilities, including a multi-million pound sports hall, Grafton Psychology Associates Ltd Trading as Tonia Peters art studio, IT suite and all-weather sports pitch. Company Registration Number: 7853233. Registered in and Wales.

A first-class education is delivered in a secure, caring and extremely well-resourced

environment and all children are encouraged to do their very best academically, Established 1992 creatively, physically, socially and spiritually so that they may achieve beyond their Fully Qualified Instructors Specialised Classes 4 – 16 years greatest expectations. Beginners, Intermediate & Advanced Train with Sensei Jags Shoker, 3rd Dan To support the academic programme, there are many extra-curricular activities. Monday: St Joseph’s Catholic Breadth and diversity are crucial to the philosophy of The Downs Malvern and Primary School, Droitwich Spa 5.30 – 6.30 pm therefore all children take part in the school’s Hobbies programme on Saturday Tuesday: , mornings. They are given the opportunity to diversify their interests and Worcester 6.00 – 7.00 pm experiences in activities such as cookery, drama, pottery, photography, gardening, Wed & Fri: The Parish Centre, Barnt Green 5.30 – 6.30 pm fitness training, computer club, chess, rambling and a range of sports. Friday: Parkside Middle School, Bromsgrove 3.40 – 4.40 pm Furthermore, ‘Forest School’ for the Pre-Prep at The Downs Malvern, enables Saturday: St Peters RC First School, Special Bromsgrove 9.15–10.15 am children to lead their own learning, which arises through curiosity and exploration, offer 5 FREE with many opportunities using multi-sensory approaches. It offers an abundance of lessons www.kombatkids.com 01543 473408 / 07730 899722 opportunities to develop emotional and social skills alongside cognitive [email protected] development. Forest school teaches the children to be resilient and also enables learners to develop a holistic understanding of their setting and wider world. For more information: www.thedownsmalvern.org.uk Call 01684 770566 if you are interested in advertising

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September - October 2016 To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] 9 Education A Magical Setting Hall School School is a happy and vibrant co-educational Nursery, Pre-Prep & Prep Boarding & Day School for 2-13 years school for children aged 2-13. Children attend our Pre-Prep and Nursery up to the age of 7, and from 8 years old they join the boarding and day Prep School.

Set in the heart of the countryside, Abberley's school grounds extend across 90 acres and allow our children a real sense of freedom. Whether it is in Forest School, our Outdoor Learning area, playing sport or participating in after school activities, Abberley pupils spend a great deal of their childhood outdoors. Let the adventure begin… Small class sizes, high quality classroom teaching and committed pastoral care ensure that at Abberley the teachers really know and understand the children as individuals. We believe that learning should be an exciting experience and we strive to be truly innovative whilst maintaining a strong academic ethos. Mr Will Lockett, Headmaster e. [email protected] t. 01299 896275 Abberley enables children to build life-long friendships and Abberley Hall, Worcestershire WR6 6DD prepares them for success in a global and changing world. It www.abberleyhall.co.uk is a special place with a certain magic that we think can be

best summed up as ‘Gumboots and Greek’; that is to say, making the most of a fantastic setting, but with academic rigour. We would love you to come and experience the warmth and politeness of the children at our Open Morning Abberley Hall Open Morning on Saturday 15 October at 10.30am. www.abberleyhall.co.uk. Saturday 15 October 10.30am The Heart Of Winterfold At the heart of Winterfold's ethos lies a very genuine concern for the happiness and success of every child. We aim to provide outstanding education at all levels so that every pupil's academic potential is achieved. We place great emphasis upon discovering and nurturing the special talents of each child and provide a huge range of extra-curricular activities and sports which allow every boy and girl to find THE COME AND SEE US some area in which he or she can shine.

WINTERFOLD AT WORK AND Winterfold is a non-selective prep school for children up to the age of 13, taking babies into the Woodhouse nursery WAY AT PLAY from the age of 3 months. Despite being non-selective, individual visits welcome Winterfold is proud that all its Year 8 leavers go on to top Independent Day School local independent schools including Bromsgrove, Kings’ Worcester, RGS Worcester, Malvern College, Shrewsbury, for boys and girls 01562 777234 and many more. This year all the leavers aged 0 - 13 gained places at their first choice schools with many winning www.winterfoldhouse.co.uk scholarships and exhibitions.

We welcome individual visits – please contact the School office on 01562 777234 to make an appointment. Winterfold House School, Chaddesley Corbett, Worcestershire DY10 4PW For more information: www.winterfold.co.uk

10 Families Hereford & Worcester To advertise call: 01684 770566 September - October 2016 Education Working Together With Schools or chances of Oxbridge. They simply won’t know.

Don’t get sidetracked Parents’ evenings usually run to tight schedules and most teachers will stick strictly to the time limits (it’s not unheard of for them to use an egg timer), not least to avoid making subsequent appointments run annoyingly late for other mums and dads. So save the general chit-chat for another day or you risk half your time being wasted talking about the weather.

Be open-minded Most of us head into parents’ evening wanting to hear fabulous things about our children but the reality is you might receive negative feedback, albeit this Making the most of parent’s evening: talk about school work, your child’s progress and any support they need. should be constructive. It can be hard to take this on board if you don’t agree but Parents’ evening is your opportunity to Don’t just focus on academic matters stay calm and at least hear the teacher get feedback on how your child is doing Behaviour, friendships and how your child out respectfully before asking further at school, so how can you get the most has settled into the class are all just as questions or making your points back. out of your time in there? important as reading, writing and maths. Don’t be surprised By Liat Hughes-Joshi Be realistic about teacher feedback Don’t be shocked if some of the The style of feedback teachers give has descriptions of your son or daughter Plan and prioritise changed since most of us were kids – it aren’t so familiar. Sometimes children Maximise what you get out of the tends to be less blunt and less about behave or perform differently at school meeting by working out priorities in direct comparisons with classmates. So if compared to at home – your child might advance. What do you need to know the you go in expecting to know your child’s be extremely chatty with you but very most and what do you want to position in the class versus other quiet in the classroom for example. communicate to the teacher? Have a chat children, or whether they’re on a higher with your child to see if they have any reading level than specific classmates, Need more information? worries or issues and find out more you’ll be disappointed. At best you might If any issues were left unresolved or you about what they do and don’t enjoy at be told they are ‘in the top quarter’ or have concerns once you’ve digested the school. Then write a list and put it in ‘middle group’. Equally, if your little one is feedback, it’s normally fine to request a order of importance. Take a pen/ pencil only in reception, it’s pointless grilling the follow-up meeting with the teacher. and paper to write notes. teacher about their future job prospects Parents’ evening question ideas: Do ask: Has my child settled well into school life/ in the class this year? What Confident, fearless Learners are his/ her strengths and weaknesses? Explore Learning has a passion to help How is he/ she doing compared to students achieve their potential and be expectations for this age and stage? Is the best they can be. They get to know there anything we can be doing to help each child as an individual and help them support his/ her learning or behaviour at to fall in love with learning. Their goal is home?…About friendships and behaviour, to build confident, fearless learners who not just academic matters. are hungry for knowledge. Explore Do not ask: About other children’s Learning have delivered award-winning academic performance– this is maths and English tuition to over confidential. You shouldn’t be given class 175,000 children across the UK.They rankings in primary schools. have a proven record of supporting children both academically and Liat Hughes-Joshi is a parenting journalist attitudinally. www.explorelearning.co.uk and the author of four books.

September - October 2016 To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] 11 Clubs and Classes

Run a mile: Fill your kids with energy, concentration and better behaviour Natural Runners Find out why running could be the best sport for your kids… include: Walk at a brisk pace– three to five minutes. Jog slowly, speed up gradually, and then walk and shake out your legs. Skip, By Sally J. Hall do high steps and skip sideways.

In 2012, a school in Stirling started an amazing project; At the end of a run it is also important to cool down, so walk instigated by Head Teacher Elaine Wyllie, the pupils ran a mile at for a while to encourage blood to return to resting flow. Follow the beginning of school every day. The benefits were seen with some gentle stretches to prevent cramps. almost immediately, with them becoming more energised in lessons, improved concentration and better behavior all round. Fringe benefits But could running be the sport of choice for your child? Running, can also help with other sports such as football, rounders, baseball and rugby. Your child will begin to find the Why is running great for kids? running part easy, which allows them to concentrate on skills Running comes naturally to children. Just take a look at a and technique. playground full of kids and you’ll soon notice that groups of them are running around. Running also forms a number of Supporting their body games – playing “It”, running races, etc. Running takes a lot out of you, so it is important to make sure your child eats well and is well hydrated. A small, carb-heavy Entry level snack before a run is good and a balanced diet with plenty of You really do not need much equipment to get little ones protein, fruit and vegetables will help them progress. Make sure running – as long as children have comfortable clothing, they they have water frequently and avoid sugary energy drinks. can get started. The only thing to be careful of is their feet. Make sure you invest in a really good pair of running shoes and Things to be aware of have them fitted by an expert in a specialist running shop. Your Nobody should run with an injury - that includes kids. child’s feet are still developing, so restricting them and having Try to keep it fun and ignore high pressured racing. Don’t time inadequate support can lead to injury and long-term problems. them. Make sure your child gets plenty of rest. Build up gradually to longer distances. Encourage them to slow to a How to get started walking pace when tired There are a number of running apps and websites around now that help anyone, of any ability, to get started. So whether you Local running clubs choose Couch to 5K or Athletics 365 or something similar, you Worcester Athletic Club, Worcester and your kids can start off with a short run and gradually begin www.worcester-ac.co.uk to work up to longer distances. A programme that follows a Hereford ParkRun walk-run-walk routine works well. Kids can join in with ParkRun www.parkrun.org.uk/hereford/ activities; some offer a Junior two kilometer version. Sally is a writer and editor who has written for all the main parenting Warm up and warm down titles as well as The Independent and The Mail. She is author of Eco Running without warming up is a recipe for disaster, as you run Baby and contributing author to Watch My Baby Grow (Dorling the risk of injury. Start with a warm-up session which should Kindersley).

12 Families Hereford & Worcester To advertise call: 01684 770566 September - October 2016 Clubs and Classes Looking For A Club That Ticks All The Boxes?

Swim age 4-10 Your child has the potential

How do you choose between an activity that encourages a healthy lifestyle and one that promotes artistic development? 10% off first We have One that will train a child’s motor skills or one that inspires term fees *T&Cs apply the expertise musicality? In fact, there is something that encompasses all Kids of all abilities love Swim Academy! Our expert teachers of these things. Dancing! tel: 01905 888346 carefully nurture your child’s visit:puddleducks.com/worcestershire confidence, developing an effortless swimming style and gaining [email protected] By Helena Mitchell, life-saving skills, all while having fun!

Start healthy, stay healthy: With a range of movements for the whole body, dance is a fun way to keep fit. Plus the benefit is long lasting – because active children are more likely to stay in the habit of exercising as adults.

Body and brain: Dance helps to develop your child’s gross motor skills - including balance, co-ordination, strength and spatial awareness. Learning and repeating movement combinations can also improve memory.

Get creative! Children love having an input into their dancing by adding their own endings, improvising to music or discussing themes. Dance classes provide an encouraging environment to express ideas.

Musicality: Not only do children learn about rhythm and keeping to the beat – but through different dance styles, they TIME TO discover music genres ranging from jazz and classical to pop, urban and world music. ENTER A NEW WORLD ‘Friends who dance together, stay together.’ By working Acting, singing and dance classes for 4 to 18 year olds. together to make up and practice dances, children form close Find out more and start your child’s journey today bonds with like-minded friends. For children who are shy at Evesham Redditch school, dance class is often the place they can be themselves! 01386 429 429 01386 429 429 And best of all, it’s great fun! [email protected] [email protected] Bromsgrove Worcester Helena Mitchell is principal of JUMP Dance Academy in 01926 651159 01926 313660 [email protected] [email protected] Worcestershire which has a range of styles for pre- school children to teenagers. Classes take place in Abbots Morton, plus BRAND NEW classes starting in Inkberrow from September. To register your child call 07572 042164 or email [email protected].

September - October 2016 To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] 13 Please check with the venue in case details have changed and also please What’s On note that with some venues it is cheaper to pay in advance on-line.

THEATRE 15 October 11.00 £6.00. a must and there will be prize for our favourite outfit. Stick Man Touching, funny and utterly original, this 28 -29 October 5.30pm - 7.00pm. £5.00. Booking in Artrix, Slideslow Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 1PQ award-winning production features a trio of top actors advance is essential. 01527 577330, www.artrix.co.uk and is packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and Hartlebury Castle, Hartlebury, Nr Snow White – Vienna Festival Ballet World funky moves. 16 - 17 October £13.00, £10.00 Kidderminster, Worcs, premiere choreography propels this timeless fairytale Ministry of Science Live! WARNING! WARNING! DY11 7XZ 01299 250416, www. and answers the question: who is the fairest one of 100% Educational. 200% Entertaining. 300% museumsworcestershire.org.uk all? Sunday 16 October 2.00 and 5.00 pm £19.00, Explosive. 400% Fun. 26 October 2.30 pm £17.50, £14.50 under 16s. £64.00 family ticket £13.50, £11.50 Heritage Open Day Weekend A free family event at the County Museum – explore 1000 years of history, Shark In The Park From the creative team behind meet the Castle’s Scullery Maid and get hands-on with Hairy Maclary & Friends - see all 3 of Nick Sharratt’s our collections. 10-11 September 11.00am to 4.00pm. ‘Shark in the Park’ books live on stage! Aimed at 2 - 7 year olds. 25 October 2.00pm and 4.00pm. £11.50, Hartlebury Halloween Four fun family days of £9.50 under 16s, £35.00 family ticket Autumn craft activities including owl masks, skeleton Jack’s, autumn scrapbooks and more. You can also Evesham Arts Centre Theatre, Victoria carve a pumpkin for your Halloween celebrationn Avenue, Evesham, Worcs, WR11 4QH 01386 25 - 28 October 10.30 am - 4.00 pm. An additional 446944, www.eveshamartscentre.co.uk charge of £2 per child applies for the day’s activities, The Wizard of Oz Join Dorothy, Tin Man, Scarecrow plus a small charge for your pumpkinR and Lion as they transport you back in time with this Eastnor Castle, Ledbury, Herefordshire, HR8 classic tale - featuring all the best songs. 1RL 01531 633160, www.eastnorcastle.com 6 – 8 October 7.30 pm with an additional 2.30 pm Circus Skills Clown around, learn to stilt walk, juggle showing on Saturday £12.00. and more…11 September 11.00am to 5.30pm £6.50 Malvern Theatres, Grange Road, Malvern, adult, £4.50 child, £17.50 family ticket Worcs, WR14 3HB 01684 892277, Family Autmun Antics Apple pressing, leaf art, www.malvern-theatres.co.uk making elf homes, bush craft plus lots of other Elephant in the Garden The new adaptation by activities. 25 September £6.50 adult, £4.50 child, Simon Reade from Michael Morpurgo’s best-selling MUSEUMS £17.50 family children’s novel. Lizzie, her mother and an elephant Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings, Hampton Court Castle and Gardens, Hope- from the zoo, flee the Allied fire-bombing in the end- Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, Worcs, B60 4JR under-Dinmore, Leominster, HR6 0PN game of the Second World War. 6 October 1.30 pm 01527 831363, www.avoncroft.org.uk 01568 797676, www.hamptoncourt.org.uk and 7.00pm £17.92, £15.68 child Identify that tree! A guided tour around the Family Spooky Fun in the Cellars These eight days Number 8 Community Arts Centre, 8 High Museum to introduce you to ways of identifying the are the only time in the year when our cellars are open Street, Pershore, Worcs, WR10 1BG 01386 trees that can be found around the Museum grounds. to the public. Do you have the nerve to go past the 555488, www.number8.org Avoncroft is set in countryside on the outskirts of ‘Beware of the Bats’ sign and down the steps to see The Sorcerer’s Apprentice Hubble is a little boy with a Bromsgrove and has a wide variety of trees. This event what lies beneath our MediEvil Castle where scary very big dream, he wants to be a world-class magician. He is suitable for beginners with an interest in nature. cobwebs and screaming ghouls await you? It’s creepy, saves up his pocket money to buy a spellbook and then 17 September 11.00am - 1.00pm. £10.00. it’s crawly, it’s cool but it’s fun. 22 - 31 October sets off to Mr Zacoor’s Toy Shop to buy it. But Mr Zacoor is Joust! Thundering hooves and the clash of lances Severn Valley Railway, Kidderminster no ordinary shopkeeper, he’s a real life Sorcerer! And he against shields! Knights in armour and fair ladies with Station, Comberton Hill, Kidderminster, DY10 has a very special job for Charlie. 29 October 2.30 pm favours. An awesome spectacle for all the family! 1QX 01299 403816, www.svr.co.uk £8.50, £7.00 under 16s. 24-25 September Paddington Visit Ride out into the countryside on Black Country Living Museum, Tipton Road, one of our steam trains to meet a well-known Palace Theatre, Alcester Street, Redditch, Dudley, West Midlands DY1 4SQ 0121 557 character from TV or film. 11 September Worcs, B98 8AE 01527 65203, 9643 www.bclm.co.uk Take a ride on the Ghost Train Dare to take a www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk Halloween Nights Prepare for a spooktacular evening thrilling ride in the dark! Our Ghost Trains are a ‘sell- A Frozen Fiesta Listen to the Ice Queen’s stories in of street performers, fire-jugglers, magicians and treats. out’ every year and early booking is strongly advised. The Room Upstairs at the Palace Theatre. Join with her Bring along your treat bag for a sweet surprise in the Arrive early at our station at Kidderminster where our singing and dancing and enjoy a themed craft session Museum’s houses and shops things to life!. Spooky DJ will be there to entertain you before your making Frozen bracelets and Olaf nightlights. 28 -29 and 31 October 6.30pm - 10.00pm. £14.40 Ghost Train departs out into the night and, hopefully, 17 September 10.30am £5.00 and £4.00. £8.10. This is a pre-book only event. back! 27-29 October Talents Of Britain Features some of the brightest The Commandery, 109 Sidbury, Worcester, stars in British Comedy, Music , Dance and Cabaret, in WR1 2HU 01905 361821, EVENTS a line-up of familiar faces from the world of Talent www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk Berrington Hall, nr Leominster, HR6 0DW shows and live entertainment including stars from The Heritage Open Day Weekend Tel: 01568 615721 Voice, Britain’s Got Talent and X Factor. Explore The Commandery’s links to the English Civil War 28 October 7.30 pm £16.00, £13.00. through a series of FREE guided tours, talks and Ghostly graveyard trail Follow the spooky trail activities. 11 September 1.30 pm – 5.00 pm around Brown’s final landscape and see where the The Swan Theatre, The Moors, Worcester, best places are to find some of the ghosts of the past WR1 3ED 01905 611427, Forge Mill Needle Museum, Needle Mill Lane, to collect a prize at the end. 22 October – 6 www.worcesterlive.co.uk Riverside, Redditch, B98 8HY 01527 62509, November10.00 am – 4.00 pm. Trail £2. Normal William and the Pirates Join in the fun, songs and www.forgemill.org.uk admission fees apply. audience participation in popular plays for two-to-nine- Heritage Open Day A day to celebrate our local Cider Weekend An extensive range of apples will be year-olds. 1 October 10.30 and 11.45 am £2.50 heritage. Tours of Forge Mill. Tours of the Bordesley on display as well as cider making demonstrations and Abbey site. Family heritage trail. Children’s craft The Courtyard, Edgar Street, Hereford, HR4 lots of good food stalls. Organised children’s activities activity. Redditch History in Print, exhibition using 9JR 01432 340555, www.courtyard.org.uk and live folk music to entertain throughout the newspaper archives 11 September 11.00 am – 4.00 weekend. 1-2 October 10.00 am - 4.00 pm The Sorcerer’s Apprentice Charlie Hubble is a little pm Free includes entry into the museum Brockhampton Estate, Greenfields, Bringsty, boy with a very big dream, he wants to be a world A Spooktacular Time At The Museum Join the Herefordshire, WR6 5TB Tel: 01885 482077 class magician. So, he saves up his pocket money to Palace Youth Theatre for Halloween games, pumpkin buy The Big Book of Magic for Trainee Magicians. carving and a whole load of spooky fun. Fancy dress is Apple Harvest Wander through the orchards and

14 Families Hereford & Worcester To advertise call: 01684 770566 September - October 2016 Please mention you saw this event in Families Hereford & Worcester magazine What’s On

choose some freshly picked apples to take home. Join experts from the group as they take you around Brightstripe- Cultural Health CIC, College Support our habitat diversity by enjoying our apple the park in search of these fascinating creatures. Road Campus, College Road, Hereford, HR1 harvest. 3 October - 6 November 11.00am – 5.00pm 25 September 6.00pm – 8.00. 1EB 01432 358232 www.h-art.org.uk Spooky medieval Hallowe’en family trail Apple Pressing Day Bring along your own apples H.Art Herefordshire Art Week 9-day art trail discover the gruesome medieval origins of Hallowe’en. and pears to get them juiced, or purchase apples from following bright pink signs across the whole of Explore around Lower Brockhampton and discover our Croome’s own orchard picked by our volunteers. But Herefordshire. Meet artists in the intimacy of their weird and spooky history. Complete the family trail and don’t forget to bring a container for it to go in! homes and studios. 10-18 September Worcestershire Orchard Workers will help you juice the win a prize. 22-30 October 11.00 am – 4.30 pm H Weston & Sons Ltd The Bounds Much fruit. 8-10 October 11.00 am – 3.00 pm Brockhampton Beast- Dirt run Take the challenge Marcle, Ledbury Herefordshire HR8 2NQ Tel: and explore the woods, hills, parkland, and farmland of Hallowe’en Activity Days Follow clues round the 01531 660233 park, to find the monster, Frankenstein. 30 - 30 Brockhampton Estate. Covering a range of terrain. Can Big Apple weekend A seasonal celebration of October 10.00 am – 4.00 pm £2.00 per pumpkin you beat the beast? Adult and child runs English apples and cider in the Herefordshire parishes 6 November 9.00am – 12.00 pm Hanbury Hall, School Road, Hanbury, of Marcle Ridge. Leominster Morris Men, Cider Mill Croft Castle, Yarpole, nr Leominster, HR6 Droitwich, WR9 7EA Tel: 01527 821214 tour and tastings will be available during the day. 9PW Tel: 01568 780246 Apple Weekend Purchase delicious home-grown 8-9 October September 10.30 am – 4.00 pm Battle of Mortimer’s Cross Join the 500-strong apples from Hanbury’s orchards and talk to the re-enactment group for a recreation of the battle, experts. 1-2 October 10.30 am – 5.00 pm Queenswood Country Park, Hope Under including weaponry and armoury and a fifteenth- FAMILY ACTIVITY DAYS – HALLOWEEN Join in Dinmore, Herefordshire, HR6 0PY www. century living camp with cooking and dancing. Have a with spooky trails and ghostly activities this October herefordshirewt.org/node/3355 go at archery and browse through memorabilia on half-term. 22-30 October 10.30 am – 4.00 pm Gruffalo Trail Launch Party @ Queenswood sale. 10 -11 September 10.00 am – 5.00 pm Snowshill Manor and Garden, Snowshill, Venture into the woods to celebrate the launch of the DirtRun - The gothic gauntlet Fancy a Sunday near Broadway, WR12 7JU Tel: 01386 852410 new gruffalo trail at Queenswood. This will be an morning blast up to an Iron Age Hillfort? A 2.8k junior exciting day with lots of activities including meet the Autumn @ Snowshill The Snowshill team will be race as well as the senior race. 18 September Gruffalo, craft and music workshops, storytelling, face celebrating this beautiful time of year. Our menu will 8.00 am – 1.00 pm. painting, WildPlay in the woods and much, much more. be filled with home made apple delights, you can chat 17 September 10.00am - 4.00pm Hallowe’en Spooktacular Don your scariest fancy to local experts and enjoy the flavours of this season. dress and dust off your broomstick for a weekend of 1-20 October 11.00 am - 5.30pm ghosts and ghouls. Ghost stories, face painting, Three Counties Showground, Malvern, WR13 The Weir Garden, Swainshill, Hereford HR4 pumpkin carving, broom stick racing and more family 6NW www.threecounties.co.uk/ 7QF Tel: 01981 590509 fun. 22-23 October 10.00am – 4.00 pm malvernautumn/ All Things Onion A week of activities all to do with Malvern Autumn Show A celebration of food, the Croome Park, Croome D’Abitot, WR8 9DW the onion and its family. Onion showing, to learning countryside, gardening & nostalgia. Tel: 01905 371006 the art of stringing. Something for everyone. 24-25 September 9.00am - 6.00pm Bat walk with the Worcestershire Bat Group 22-30 October10.30 am – 4.00 pm

Shooting Entertainment for ages 7 to 107 Birthday Parties - Kids Parties - Stag Parties Hen Parties - Works Parties - Team Building Combat Laser Tag - Laser Clay Shooting Real Clay Shooting - Archery & Rifle

www.shooting4fun.co.uk

01527-575141 [email protected]

Holt Heath, near Worcester Half Term Fun! A great day out for the whole family! Open every day during Half Term* 22nd25th Oct - 30th - 1st OctoberNov *No activities on Sunday 26th Take the Play Pumpkin Trailer Tour Everyone’s favourite autumn sport is back! (Not included in Farm Park entry)

Visit www.topbarn.co.uk 01905 621954 for full details and prices.

September - October 2016 To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] 15 Please mention you saw this event in Families Hereford & Worcester magazine

For A Fabulous Festive Feast Book Now for Beauty and the Beast!

For full details of performance schedule & ticket prices please go online or pick up a leaflet/brochure from the theatre

AS SEEN ON

MAKE YOUR CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT MORE FUN! TRY RUGBYTOTS Our dynamic weekly play sessions enable boys and girls aged 2–7 to develop their social and physical skills in a fun, positive environment. For more details, just call or email. 0345 313 0014 [email protected]

rugbytots.co.uk The world’s favourite rugby play programme

16 Families Hereford & Worcester To advertise call: 01684 770566 September - October 2016