Hereford & Worcester

Hereford & Worcester Issue 45 May/June 2017 FREE www.familiesonline.co.uk

Education . Clubs and Classes . Children’s Parties . What’s On

Really useful information for parents of 0-12 year olds in Hereford & Worcester Editor’s Letter Dear readers Discount With Super Camps Springtime! And soon it will be Summer... The march of the seasons Super Camps is offering 15% discount if you quote creates a rhythm for our busy lives, FAMILIES17 when booking in to one of their a kind of regular routine of annual activities or courses during the school holidays. events that runs from New Year Super Camps run daily and weekly activity camps through half term to Easter, via the which allow children to get the most out of their bank holidays to Summer and then holiday time. Programmes are filled with fun into the busy Autumn term and the run-up to Christmas. activities that will keep your children entertained Routine is important for all of us in managing our busy lives. But and have an 'Outstanding' Ofsted rating giving it is especially important for children - as we find out in two fea- children the best possible care. Prices start from tures in this issue. Establishing a regular routine for homework is £38 per day. www.supercamps.co.uk a key part of helping your child to learn. While fixing and keeping a regular bedtime is vital to ensuring that kids get enough sleep. All The Fun Of The Fair Find out more inside! Next issue: July/August Diane Clifford. Booking deadline: Editor, Friday 9 June Families Hereford & Worcester Tel: 01684 770566 Email: [email protected]

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PART-TIME DISTRIBUTOR WANTED (Worcester)

We are looking for a responsible person with a cheerful Run away to the circus at Worcestershire County Museum, polite manner to deliver Families Hereford & Worcester to Hartlebury Castle, on Bank Holiday Monday 29 May (11am – distribution points in Worcester. This job would suit a 4pm). Try your hand at circus skills including juggling, spinning parent with school age children or an active older person. plates and stilt walking with our circus professional Steve You will need to be available for a few days in the week Kaos. Children can also enjoy making a paper tiger and during school term time once every other month. A car is designing their own clown mask. Other fun and games will essential and a garage or other storage space is helpful. be happening throughout the day including an explorer trail around the museum where you can discover over 1000 To find out more call 01684 770566 or email years of history. The fun continues from Tuesday 30 May - [email protected] Thursday 1 June when children will be able to take part in fun Circus themed craft activities (10.30am – 4pm). All week Circulation: 22,000 copies of Families Hereford & Worcester are available through James Kitchen will be providing lunches, snacks and tasty nurseries, pre-schools, schools, libraries, soft treats too. Family entry is just £13 (Tues-Thurs activities are play centres, selected shops and other distribution points throughout the county. If Reach 44,000 local an extra £2 per child). For more details call 01299 250416 you would like free copies for your or visit www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk organisation or if you would like to subscribe readers. so you don’t miss an issue please contact us. Families Hereford & Worcester is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. Contact Diane on All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under 01684 770566 Put Your Best Foot Forward licence. Families® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Temple House, Regatta if you are Walk to School Week is 15 - 19 May. Join thousands of children Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 across the country celebrating the benefits walking brings. We 5TD. The contents of Families Hereford & interested in Worcester are fully protected by copyright know that walking to school makes children feel healthier and and none of the editorial or photographic happier, while reducing congestion and pollution outside the matter may be reproduced in any form advertising in without prior consent of the publisher. We school gates. Yet less than half of primary school children take every care preparing this magazine but currently walk to school. Living Streets, who organise the annual the publishers and distributors cannot be Families held responsible for the claims of advertisers Hereford & Worcester event want to reverse this decline and see every child that can, nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for walk to school. For more information or to order a challenge any consequence.’ Print: The Manson Group, Reynolds House, 8 Porters Wood, Valley Road Magazine pack see: www.livingstreets.org.uk/what-we-do/projects/walk-to- Industrial Estate, St Albans. AL3 6PZ. Tel: school-week 01727 848 440.

2 Families Hereford & Worcester To advertise call: 01684 770566 May - June 2017 News & Views Dinosaur Mad Dinosaur mad youngsters will love the Step Through Time Dinosaur Experience at All Things Wild! near Evesham.

Visitors can explore all about when these dinosaurs existed and get up close to the ever popular Tyrannosaurus Rex, Stegosaurus and Triceratops that remain ‘Frozen in time’.

Photo credit: mcphersonstevens.com Adults and children can also ride the dino land train and learn lots in the Cheltenham Science Festival is on 6-11 June. A six-day extravaganza educational dino barn too! with over 200 events celebrating science and the arts. Free interactive zones for families with lots of hands-on activities on site Other attractions include animal and on the streets of Cheltenham will keep the kids occupied for encounters, a new soft play barn, go karts, hours.Tickets from £6. www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/science plus much more! For more information see: www.allthingswild.co.uk New App To Offer Counselling For Kids The NSPCC’s Childline service has just launched a new iPhone app to provide counselling for kids directly through their mobile phones. The ‘For Me’ app allows kids to access Childline’s online services, including 1-2-1 live chats with a counsellor, the ‘Ask Sam’ problem pages and entrance to their private ‘lockers’ – areas where they can write down their own personal thoughts and track their moods. It was invented by four teenagers who wanted to use technology to address the urgent need for support among young people. The App is free to download via iTunes and is designed for discreet usage. Read more at www.childline.org.uk The Baby Show Returns To Birmingham The Baby Show with MadeForMums, the UK’s leading pregnancy and parenting event will be returning to the NEC in Birmingham next month from 19 to 21May.

The show is a great way to get hands-on with products and try before you buy. There will be over 200 exhibitors showcasing an array of baby essentials, including leading names such as Mothercare, Babies R Us, iCandy, Nuby, Baby Björn, Britax and Chiccos well as independent brands that you won’t find on the high street. Don’t miss the UK’s top baby experts sharing their top tips on birthing, breastfeeding and sleep.

It’s a family friendly day out with free nappies at the Aldi Mamia Changing Area and free food in the Tommee Tippee Feeding Area. There’s also entertainment for the little ones at the Drive & Go with Peg Perego Area!

Families Hereford & Worcester have teamed up with The Baby Show to offer readers a discount of 40% off - £11.95 (FRI)/£12.95 (SAT/SUN). Input the code FAMILIES2017 when buying tickets at www.thebabyshow.co.uk

May - June 2017 To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] 3 Education Does Your Child Need A Tutor? Children are expected to find their school work challenging, as this drives them forward and helps them to learn. However, if the challenge is too great and the obstacles to learning seem too high, it can leave a child feeling demoralised and disinterested, and might even result in them falling behind their classmates. The same can happen when a child finds their work is not challenging enough - the lessons can become boring and the child can slip behind through a lack of effort. If you suspect that your child is having problems with school work for any reason, you might be wondering whether extra tuition and support could help.

Understanding when your child may need a tutor Sometimes it can be easy to tell when tuition might help. If your child has a natural aptitude for a certain subject and performs above their expected level, they might enjoy being challenged by a private tutor who can concentrate on their own abilities. Similarly, if you know your child has particular educational needs, you may want to address those needs with added support from a personal tutor.

However, it can sometimes be a little harder to tell when tuition would be of benefit to your child - especially if they seem to have coped well with schoolwork up until this point. Some children can become quiet and withdrawn, others can get elusive and defensive, and problems at school can even lead to disruptive and aggressive behaviour.

Signs that your child may be having problems with their schoolwork: 1. A sustained fall in grades or performance. 2. Not talking about school and hiding report cards. 3. Anxiety and/or behavioural problems at home and at school. who is losing interest in their lessons, or who is hoping for 4. Trying to avoid going to school or doing homework. extra challenges to push them forward in their skills. 5. Showing a lack of interest in school or seeming bored. Once you have established a support network for your child This is not an exhaustive list: every child is different, and you within the school, consider if a tutor would suit you and your know your own child's patterns and behaviours better than family. Private tuition is not as expensive as you might think, and anyone. If you spot a change in your child and suspect school it is proven to help children who typically struggle in a lessons are the problem, try sitting them down and asking them classroom environment to get back on track with their lessons. to open up about their difficulties. Your child may just need tuition in one or two subjects, or it could be the whole curriculum that they are having a struggle Has your little one spent long periods of time out of school, with. Either way, you should look for an experienced and due to an illness or other reason? Returning to the classroom qualified teacher who has plenty of references - and who also can be daunting. Even just a few weeks out of lessons can leave has been through the DBS check process. a child struggling to catch up. If your child has missed school, they might benefit from extra tuition for a short while. You may want to find a tutor who will offer a free trial lesson for your child. Sometimes students and tutors click, and other Choosing the right tutor for your child times they do not. Your child may respond better to a particular If you have identified that your child has special educational teaching style, while others may simply learn better from needs or if you suspect that this may be the case, enlist the someone they are comfortable with. support of your child's school and see if anything can be done to help them during lessons. Ask at the school and discover If your child is not happy with their tutor, listen to their reasons who the Special Educational Needs Coordinator is - they can why - and involve them in the selection process at all times. The offer support, advice and even arrange for one-to-one happier your child is about the learning environment, the easier classroom support, if it would benefit your child. The school will it will be to teach them and to get a positive response from also be able to help if you have concerns about a gifted child them.

4 Families Hereford & Worcester To advertise call: 01684 770566 May - June 2017 Education King’s St Alban’s - A Good Decision Set in the heart of Worcester, King’s St Alban’s caters for children aged 4 to 11, with a purpose-built Pre-Preparatory Department (4 – 7) combining bright airy classrooms, a multipurpose hall, library and a delightful outdoor garden.

At King’s St Alban’s we recognise that the early years of any child’s life are important as they lay the foundations which contribute to the person each child will become. We believe that happy children learn best, and work hard to ensure that the foundations for learning are based upon happiness, confidence and an eagerness to learn.

We nurture the potential of every child in classes which are small enough to ensure consistent attention, but large enough to allow friendships to blossom and competition to remain healthy. With wrap-around care from 8.00am until 6.00pm each day included in the fees, the benefits of a King’s education go even further.

For children considering a move to Years 3 to 6 in September we are holding a science and art based activity morning at 10.00am on 20 May. Places are limited so please call our Registrar, Mrs Louise Robins, on 01905 354906 or email: [email protected] to book a place.

Abberley Hall’s Magical Setting Abberley Hall School is holding its Summer Open Day on Saturday 20 May at 10.30am and will include coffee and welcome from its Headmaster, Will Lockett, in the Front Hall followed by individual guided tours of the Nursery, Pre-Prep and Prep School and facilities by some of our current pupils. Lunch will be served on the South Terrace at midday. This is a family morning and a great opportunity to have a good look around Abberley Hall and chat to staff and pupils. Where learning goes hand in hand Abberley Hall School is a co-educational day and boarding school for children aged 2 to 13. Set in the heart of the with discovery

Worcestershire countryside, it stands in about 90 acres. This Co-education Boarding & Day Prep School for remarkable setting allows for a real sense of freedom and Worcester, WR6 6DD 2-13 year olds, based in 90 acres of Worcestershire T: 01299 896275 countryside. Two hours from London, children spend a great deal of time outdoors, whether in abberleyhall.co.uk an hour from the Cotswolds and Birmingham Airport. Forest School, playing Games or taking part in activities.

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.

To book your place at the open day please email [email protected] www.abberleyhall.co.uk Open Morning Saturday 20 May

May - June 2017 To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] 5 Education Ed’s Reading Room Hi kids, parents, grandparents, teachers – and book lovers everywhere! I’m Ed and here is my early Summer book selection for you to enjoy. Have fun reading! www.EdontheWeb.com FOR AGES 5-7 YEARS Cowboy Pug: The Dog Who Rode for Glory by Laura James (Bloomsbury £5.99) ED SAYS: ‘‘Pug and Lady Miranda are saddled up ready for an exciting adventure. There are plenty of fun things in store for them like the county fair and candyfloss but they also have to deal with the runaway train, a water jump and even bandits. When Lady Miranda gets into trouble will she be able to smooth things over with the police officer and will Pug be able to earn his spurs?’ Evie’s Magic Bracelet: The Silver Unicorn by Jessica Ennis-Hill (Hodder £5.99) ED SAYS: ‘Evie is settling into her new home. The day she starts her new school, she receives a gift from Grandma Iris in Jamaica – a beautiful bracelet with a message. ‘Have a magical time!’ Evie is amazed when she understands what the seagulls and the animals at the city farm are saying. She gradually realises this all started when she put

EducationInvestor Awards 2016 on the bracelet from Grandma Iris.’

FOR AGES 7 YEARS PLUS Jinks & O’Hare: Funfair Repair by Bring this advert for a free Guidebook Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre (Oxford £8.99) ED SAYS: ‘Jinks and O’Hare are the repair team at Funfair Moon that boasts the highest helter-skelter and the scariest ghost train in the universe. Emily All The Fun of the Circus loves helping them and as her school, the Bank Holiday Monday 29 May, 11am-4pm Learny-Go-Round, is open only every other day she has plenty Try your hand at circus skills including juggling, of time. But when the Funfair Inspector arrives everything spinning plates and stilt walking, make a paper tiger seems to go wrong and chaos ensues. It seems someone is and design a clown mask. sabotaging the funfair. Will the whole fair spin out of control Tuesday 30 May - Thursday 1 June, 10.30am-4pm and be shut down? Or will Emily’s dream of Circus themed craft activities and an explorer trail. becoming a funfair repairer come true?’ FM The Jamie Drake Equation by Christopher Edge (Nosy Crow £6.99) ED SAYS: ‘Imagine your father was an astronaut! It would be so exciting especially when he is orbiting the Earth in the International Space Station. Jamie’s dad is an astronaut and, although at first he thinks it’s really cool that his father will be doing a spacewalk, he is actually just missing him being at home. When parts of the family solar system start to shake, Jamie becomes very worried. And when Jamie picks up a strange signal on his mobile, things start to get really complicated.’ Family entry ticket just £13 Ed’s Reading Room is part of www.edontheweb.com, a DTI award- Please call 01299 250416 for further information winning website. It was created by Maggie Humphreys, a teacher of County Museum, Hartlebury Castle, Nr. Kidderminster, DY11 7XZ more than 25 years, and Les Snowdon, who together are authors of several books on fitness walking and healthy eating. You can contact www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk Maggie on 01753 730019 or by email at [email protected]. See Maggie’s latest ebooks at www.WalkWalk.co.uk.

Families Hereford & Worcester To advertise call: 01684 770566 May - June 2017 Circus6 Mar2017 Advert_NEW Versions copy.indd 5 24/04/2017 17:05 Education Every Day Has A Happy Ending RGS Worcester’s two Prep Schools (RGS The Grange and RGS Springfield) offer outstanding education for children from the age of 2 to 11 years, before going onto RGS Worcester until the age of 18. First class care and individual attention gives every child a happy and stimulating foundation in their journey within the RGS Worcester family.

The first precious few years of a young child’s life are an exciting time of development, exploration, learning and fun. Both RGS Prep Schools allow children to be curious, explore, and ask questions, tackle problems, experiment and play. Ofsted and ISI have consistently rated the schools as children with a magical first experience of school. The ‘Outstanding’, which highlight the critical role that the staff passionate and highly dedicated team believe that the play to achieve the best possible outcomes for each child. capabilities of young children should never be Children benefit from specialist teaching in PE, Music and IT underestimated and provide a supportive, nurturing and and are nurtured to develop both confidence and skills. purposeful environment.

RGS The Grange has the motto “From Little Acorns to At RGS we know that through a combination of play-based Great Oaks” and sits within 50 acres of land just north of learning, careful nurturing and personalised teaching, children Worcester City Centre with numerous ancient oak trees really are given the best possible start to their school lives. throughout the grounds. Happy children make excellent Opening from 8.00am to 6.00pm, we provide wrap around learners and a child’s experiences in their Early Years forms care as well as offering a vast variety of clubs and societies the foundation for future learning. to develop a holistic philosophy. We welcome the opportunity to show you our schools. For more information The Early Years programme at RGS Springfield provides on open mornings go to: www.rgsw.org.uk

Prep School Open Mornings Club Holiday

RGS Springfield May Half Term 30 May - 2 June 6 May 2017 9.00am - 12.00noon 7-13 YEARS Shrimps 2-3 YEARS, Snappers 4-7 YEARS, SHARKS RGS The Grange 13 May 2017 Independent Family of Schools Booking www.rgsw.org.uk 01905 451205 9.30am - 12.30pm Boys and Girls aged 2 - 18 years [email protected] www.rgsw.org.uk Information RGS The Grange, Claines, Worcester, Worcestershire. WR3 7RR

May - June 2017 To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] 7 Health

The Importance Of Sleep

As adults, we are more than aware of how important a young children than teenagers, who know how to fight back! good night's sleep is - we need it for balance, mood Laying the right foundations when they are young, and stability and to enhance brain function. And anyone who encouraging them to see sleep as a part of healthy living should has children will concur that getting a full night's sleep is make maintaining it, even when they have discovered the joys of essential to combat temper tantrums and tiredness. socialising, much more straightforward. Experts from the NHS think that as much as we should prioritise healthy eating and exercise, we should also be Routine, routine, routine ensuring children get nine hours of solid sleep nightly. Whilst they try to convince themselves and their parents otherwise, children thrive on routine, and our brains learn when Particularly when they are young and acquiring knowledge on to start shutting down and getting the all-important rest they everything as they begin to shape and understand the world need. Trying as best you can to instil a routine of preparing for around them, children need a requisite amount of sleep to and going to bed at the same time every night will help your boost retaining information and help embed knowledge. child, no matter what age they are. This includes brushing teeth Ultimately, our brains need rest overnight to allow us to absorb and getting pyjamas on at a certain time, which starts to information and this is even more important for young minds. surreptitiously prepare the brain for its rest period.

So how much sleep should they be getting? Limit the technology The NHS issues guidelines for optimum sleep time for different For many people the evening routine relies on technology, be it age groups have been collected by the Millpond Children's Sleep smartphones, tablets or television, to unwind with at night. Clinic. These are: Between the ages of 4 and 16, children should However, these bits of tech are actually stimuli, which make the be sleeping through the night for 11 hours, which gradually goes going to bed routine harder to implement. After dinner, try down to about 9 at 14, with 15-minute decrements over the enjoying some conversation or a board game to allow the brain time space. some all-important decompression time. Where possible, discourage them from having TV or gadgets in the bedroom at Why is sleep so important? all, as these can be used as a distraction. In fact, making sure We only need to look at some of the poor decisions or small that the bedroom is most closely associated with sleep is a mistakes we have made ourselves when we are tired, and we better way to negotiate this obstacle. can begin to understand the importance of sleep. When coupled with the vital rest time for busy, sponge-like brains, getting The importance of light adequate sleep makes a lot of sense. Whether it's through using Whether it's through blackout curtains or nightlights, achieving sleep aids or planning a meticulous routine, there are several the correct balance of light in your child's room is key to ways to ensure your children reaches the requisite sleep hours. ensuring consistency in their sleep pattern. Invest in some heavy duty curtains so that whether winter or summer, their room is So, how can you encourage them to sleep? dark, and use a little nightlight for a subtle glow that helps Essentially, fostering a good sleeping habit is much easier with orientate them if they do wake up in the night.

8 Families Hereford & Worcester To advertise call: 01684 770566 May - June 2017 Health Complementary Taking Baby Steps Therapy For Children By Sally J. Hall All too often, there is quite a lot of time as you get to know baby, as you and Many of us try various pressure put on us to be happy as a baby try to figure things out and your complementary therapies to help New Mum, reinforced by societal relationship grows. with aches and pains or a medical pressures. condition but they can be just as You're having to juggle so many things, do effective for children, too. Not many talk about how tough it can so many things and maybe keep up with Cranial osteopathy be, because that might mean they are the expectations and obligations from Osteopaths believe that because not doing something right, not being your old life. babies are put into such stressful grateful or people will think they are positions during labour and birth, not coping. You're one person, who has created life, there has been a lot of pressure on who is doing something new. You are the head. They claim that this can be Let's stop for a moment and think about ONLY one person who gets tired, who healed with osteopathy. Only ever use what has just happened; You have just had needs a break, who needs an extra pair a qualified osteopath. For more a baby. You have created a person, a (or two!) of helping hands. informaion: www.rochellemorfill.co.uk human being!!! Aromatherapy This period of adjustment is normal and Though you should be careful about This is a pretty massive achievement, you will get through this. If you are using certain essential oils, as they can don't you think? And a massive change in struggling to do this on your own, there be very powerful, you can use so many aspects in your life, affecting you is support out there for you; talk to your aromatherapy with your baby or child. on almost all levels. loved ones, your health visitor, see your Read a good book about this first or GP or a Counsellor. consult an aromatherapist. Your body has undergone SO many Reflexology changes, has been under so much strain Take baby steps, take Especially good for babies and toddlers and let's not forget the affects labour and each moment as it comes, but just as good with older children, giving birth might have had on you take your time, practice reflexology uses gentle pressure on mentally and physically. self compassion, enjoy the the foot using your thumbs and fingers good times and be kind to Go to aor.org.uk to find a practitioner You are now on the steepest learning yourself during the hard near you. curve there is. You are responsible for times. Massage absolutely everything to ensure this little This can be done at home though it’s person's survival. But Baby didn't come And you will get through this. worth going to a few classes first It’s a with a manual, nor have you had great way to bond with your child and extensive training for this new role. Jessy is a New Mum Wellbeing Counsellor can help with trapped wind, sleep and helping with Birth Trauma, Postnatal other problems such as anxiety. There is a whole new identity to get Depression, Low Self Confidence, Low Self Sally J. Hall is a writer and editor who has your head around, so many new jobs to Esteem and much more. For more written for all the main parenting titles. learn. Becoming a confident Mum takes information go to: www.jessypaston.biz

Call 01684 770566 if you are interested in advertising in Families Hereford & Worcester

May - June 2017 To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] 9 Clubs and Classes Scouts Provides Adventure, Fun And Education The image of kids spending lots of time outdoors, getting heaps of fresh air and exercise while learning life skills as they go seems quaintly nostalgic now. There is, however, a great British institution that still promotes and encourages those values, while incorporating the realities of twenty- first-century living, like IT skills and PR. We spoke to Gareth, a former scout and Scout Leader, about Scouting and what it can offer to today’s youngsters.

First of all Gareth, how has Scouting changed in the twenty years you’ve been involved? The fact that a major celebrity and world-class adventurer, Bear Grylls, is now the Chief Scout, speaks volumes. His many remarkable achievements are an inspiration to the boys and girls, and he has definitely made scouting cool. We now go right the way through from age 6 to 25 and offer a huge range of activities. The uniform has been updated and is really practical, modern and comfortable for both sexes.

Tell us more about the activities It’s still based on the model of working towards Proficiency badges, which has been proven to be a great system for application and reward. There is something for everyone to work towards and achieve. We’ve got the old favourites like map reading and first aid, but also mechanics, abseiling, photography and entertaining. You name it, really. There is always a topic that will appeal. Going on from there we have the personal development awards, Chief Scout and Queen Scout that are similar to the Duke of Edinburgh awards and impressive for CVs. As well as physical challenges and new skills, these top awards require commitment to a charity, and the Queen herself does the presentation. Quite an honour!

Little Ones Build A Musical Future Monkey Music Redditch and Worcester has teachers who are trained by Monkey Music to deliver the unique and progressive Monkey Music curricula. Baby, toddler and pre- school classes are tailor-made to make full use of the half an hour classes. The music classes use a combination of unique songs, catchy music, rhymes, high quality percussion instrument, visual props and lots of energy creating fun for the whole family. In every class the children get to create their own music and develop their learning through playing high quality percussion instruments. In our Monkey Music classes in Redditch, Worcester, Evesham, Droitwich, Pershore and Bromsgrove areas children will learn over three hundred original and traditional songs. For a FREE CLASS. booking enquiry call Bethan Craner on 01527 62378 or email [email protected]

10 Families Hereford & Worcester To advertise call: 01684 770566 May - June 2017 Clubs and Classes

Do you still go away on camps? Oh yes. Camps and nights away are a big part of the scouting experience and they are open to the boys and girls of all ages. It’s a great chance for them to learn some independence and to fit in living and working alongside others. As they get older, the camps get more adventurous and we do overseas expeditions as well. This way we meet up with scouts from other countries, which is a brilliant chance to make new friends, have fun and see that they are a part of something bigger.

Does it cost a lot to become a scout? I’d say it’s surprisingly cheap compared to a lot of other children’s activities. We have an annual subscription charge, and that varies a bit depending on where in the country you are, but the average is somewhere between £50 and £100. That doesn’t include things like camps, as obviously there are extra Monkey Music Redditch & Worcester costs involved in transport, food and accommodation for trips E: [email protected] away. The only other outlay is for the uniform, but there is no T: 01527 62378 need to buy all brand-new kit and the Scouting Association itself Monkey Music classes are held at three venues near to you. can help out for families that struggle with the costs. 1. Arrow Valley Visitor Centre Batterns Drive, Redditch. B98 0LJ 2. Worcester Woods Countryside Centre What’s the best thing about scouting? Wildwood Drive, Worcester, WR5 2LG That’s a hard question! There are so many benefits. Most of all, 3. Hampton Guide, Scout and Community Hall, it’s good fun. It’s also good to get kids outdoors, get them Pershore Road, Evesham, WR11 2PQ muddy, and, at the same time, they are learning behaviours and skills that are setting them up for life. It’s win-win really. They make new friends, they have adventures, and they push themselves. I think the fact that we currently have over 450,000 member’s shows that the movement is more popular than ever and is providing a lot of opportunity for young people. Teachers required. Full training provided. Call for

A hundred years old? Yes, we’ve hit our centenary year and there’s been a lot to celebrate. We formed Cub100 to commemorate 100 years of Cub scouting and have held events all over the country. We’re actually the largest mixed youth organisation in the UK today. Not bad for a movement that was established in 1907. I think it shows we have really moved with the times and are providing a valuable outlet for our members. The transformation in the last fifteen years has been quite remarkable. For more information about scouting and other clubs visit: www.familiesonline.co.uk/activities

Holiday Camps Offer Loads Of Fun Football Fun Holiday Camps offer two types of camps for both boys and girls aged 5-13 years during the school holidays - Football and Multi Sports. The Football Fun camp is an experienced holiday camp, with the emphasis on children having fun whilst putting their footballing abilities to the test. All staff are FA qualified, have attended First Aid and Child Protection courses and hold a current DBS. During the Multi Sports camp children are able to try a wide range of Sports including Basketball, Athletics, Kwik Cricket, Tag Rugby, Indoor Tennis plus other fun activities. The next camps are running during May half-term 29 May to 2 June. Hollymount Primary School, Hollymount Road, Worcester, WR4 9SG. To book a place call Andy Beeston on 07482189980 or email: [email protected]

May - June 2017 To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] 11 Children’s Parties A-Z Of Party Buzz Words A is for Animals. Most children are M is for Music. Often with similar intrigued by them and enjoy opportunities features to the classes they derive from, to get close. music parties are generally suitable for the 0-5 age group who love the mix of B is for Baking. Parties are available music, dance and musical instruments. for children from age 4 and kids of all ages will enjoy licking out the bowls! N is for Nature. For kids who like Most parties take place in your own the great outdoors, head to an outdoor home or anywhere with a kitchen, but venue. Many provide engaging activities you don’t have to do the clearing up! as well as a venue for birthday tea.

C is for Ceramics. An ideal choice for O is for One Stop Shop. Reduce arty children, who can decorate pottery party stress with a party provider that animals, mugs, egg cups and more, and offers a venue, entertainment and food. have them fired and glazed on-site. Remember to check this out when you are doing your research! D is for Dance. Book a dance party! Choose between ballet, street dance, latin P is for Ponies. Many children love Established 1992 ponies, so imagine how special a party at Fully Qualified Instructors and more, depending on your child’s taste. Specialised Classes 4 – 16 years Alternatively, opt for a dance-themed a riding stables would be! Beginners, Intermediate & Advanced party which might include dancing games, Train with Sensei Jags Shoker, 3rd Dan action songs, and dance ribbons. Q is for Quality. Remember that the Monday: St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Droitwich Spa most expensive parties are not 5.00 – 6.00pm E is for Entertainer. Some specialise necessarily the best quality! Wed & Fri: The Parish Centre, in magic or dance, others provide all Barnt Green 5.30 – 6.30pm round entertainment tailored to a R is for Rugby. These parties often Friday: Parkside Middle School, Bromsgrove 3.40 – 4.40pm particular theme, some provide a “special follow a similar format to football parties, Saturday: St Peters RC appearance” by a television character and and include lots of running around, First School, Bromsgrove others still focus on party games. rugby-related activities, and fun for girls Special offer 9.15–10.15 am and boys from age 2 upwards. 5 FREE lessons www.kombatkids.com F is for Face Painting. A great choice 01543 473408 / 07730 899722 for the younger age group, with truly S is Soft Play. These venues can be [email protected] talented painters and good value for hired inclusive of toys, inflatables and ball money! pits and are a very popular choice for kids of all ages G is for Golf. Enjoyable and exciting indoor golfing parties include stimulating T is for Traditional. Remember you games that use a range of large, colourful can keep it simple. Young children are targets, child-friendly equipment and safe more than happy with party games, a foam balls. birthday tea and cake.

H is for HAPPY BIRTHDAY! U is for Umbrella. Essential for outdoor parties, even in Summer! I is for Inflatables. There is nothing that is more guaranteed to get a young W is for Weather. Remember not to child smiling than the sight of a bouncy rely on it! slide and castle at a birthday party! X is for eXtraordinary! Don’t J is for Jeeps. Jeep driving parties are worry, your child’s birthday party will still fairly unique, considering that you can always be eXtraordinary! hold them indoors or outdoors. An inflatable track and jeeps are provided Y is for Yoga. Want your kids to have a zen experience? Yoga parties often Call 01684 770566 K is for Karts. Go Kart Parties are a provide a combination of yoga and other if you are lots of fun and suit kids from age 4 to 14. forms of party entertainment interested in advertising in L is for Leisure Centres. Many Z is for Zumba. You don’t have to be Families Hereford leisure centres provide great sport, soft a teenager or an adult to enjoy this latin- & Worcester play, trampoline or gymnastics parties. influenced dance/exercise sensation.

12 Families Hereford & Worcester To advertise call: 01684 770566 May - June 2017 Children’s Party Ideas Animals Jenny’s Pampering – 07816 484785 www.jennyspampering.co.uk Animalmania 01905 757136 www.animal-mania.org The Daisy Face Company – 07886 317051 www.thedaisyfacecompany.com Life in the Rainforest 01386 49747 www.lifeintherainforest.co.uk Go-Karting Worcester Indoor Karting & Laser Combat – Party Ponies provides 01905 352200 www.kartingworcester.co.uk pony rides for children at JDR Karting – your party, fete and other Tel 01452 311211 www.jdrkarting.co.uk fund raising events. For children 2yrs - 12yrs. Music and Movement Prices from £120 for 1 Little Giggles – hour party with 2 ponies. 07568 061192 www.little-giggles.co.uk Individual lessons also Pyjama Drama – available especially for 01527 908935 www.pyjamadrama.com youngsters too young to attend riding schools. £10 for 1/2 hour. Noodle Doodles – 07718 762030 www.noodledoodles.co.uk Call Tracey 01527 574199 www.partyponies.co.uk Pottery Eastnor Pottery – Simply Alpaca Birthday Parties – 01531 633886 www.eastnorpottery.co.uk 07980 587562 www.simplyalpaca.co.uk Green Frog Pottery – Trevor Hill birds and animals 01684 561778 www.greenfrogpottery.co.uk 01885 410768 www.thbirdsandanimals.webs.com Honeybourne Pottery – Arts and Crafts 01386 830410 www.honeybournepots.co.uk Mosaic Parties – Scalextric 01299 828374 www.mosaicparties.co.uk Phoenix Scalextric – Cookery 07949 656577 www.phoenixscalextriccircuit.com Crafty Cooks – Sport 01628 476670 www.craftycooks.co.uk/classes/ KO Sport delivers birthday parties with a Shooting4Fun - Entertainment for most kids worcester difference. Coming highly recommended aged 07 to 107 for all your shooting Pizza Express – from years of bookings we have fine-tuned our entertainment needs. We are based in Hanbury www.pizzaexpress.com/parties/kidspizzamaking/ parties to ensure maximum fun for all guests. Worcestershire, just a ten-minute drive from Red Hen Cookery Parties – Incorporating fun filled sports or dance Junction 5 of the M5. 01905 422997 around your child’s favourite TV/book Wedding Day Laser Clay Shooting – Woodland www.redhencookery.co.uk characters or theme is a winning combination. Laser Tag Birthday Parties – Office Parties – KO Sport can take all the worry away by Dance and Drama Works Parties – Corporate Entertainment - Stag providing invitations, party bags and & Hen Parties – After Conference Beat Breakerz School of Dance Worcester and entertainment and even a sports trophy for the Entertainment – Team Building Events - ½ day Droitwich – birthday child. and full day programmes available. 01905 29647 or 07715 638711 From football to Zumba, goal ball to disco Enquiries & Bookings All of our shooting www.beatbreakerzschoolofdance.co.uk divas, or why not try our new roller disco entertainment activities and outdoor pursuits Stagecoach Redditch and Evesham – parties? Whichever one you choose we are available on a pre-booked basis, all enquiries 01386 429429 www.stagecoach.co.uk/parties guarantee your child will have a birthday to please, to Mark on 01527-575141 or Email remember. Email [email protected] or [email protected] Face Painting and Make Up Call 01905 840396 Funky Faces face painting and My Little Makeover www.kosport.co.uk Inflatables Party BBC Inflatables Jane on 01905 763362 or Jo on 07967 483878. Footiebugs – Families 87mm x 60mm:Shooting01905 841902 4 Fun 17/3/17 16:27 Page www.funkyfaces.biz 0121 777 7792 www.footiebugs.com www.bbcinflatables.co.uk

For Ages 4-11 • Sporty Parties • Dodgeball LASER CLAY SHOOTING | REAL CLAY SHOOTING • Football • Dance RCHERY | IFLE HOOTING • Tag Rugby • Multisports A R S HILDRENS ASER AG ARTIES Parties can be themed e.g. C ’ L T P Minions, Paddington, Minecraft, Adventure Time, Frozen Children’s parties and family fun days at our 4.5 acre woodland setting in Hanbury, Worcestershire.

For more information contact Mark: 01527 575141 www.shooting4fun.co.uk

May - June 2017 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 Artrix, School Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 1AX 01527 577330, www.artrix.co.uk The Elves And The Shoemaker: A story sure to make old and young alike feel all warm and cosy inside. 21 May 12.00 pm and 2.30pm Sarah And Duck’s Big Top Birthday: Take you and your children on a magical adventure. 10 June 1pm Malvern Theatres, Grange Road, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR14 3HB. 01684 892277 www.malvern-theatres.co.uk The Very Hungry Caterpillar: The timeless classic makes its way off the page and onto the stage. 24-25 May Norbury Theatre, Norbury House, Friar Street, Droitwich Spa, WR9 8ED 01905 770154, www.norburytheatre.co.uk Children’s Theatre: Short plays for Children. Highly Entertaining for kids of all ages. 20 May 2.30pm Hang about! Go Ape is giving away a Tree Top Junior birthday Number 8 Community Arts Centre, 8 High Street, party for eight. One lucky winner will take on a fun filled hour Pershore, Worcs, WR10 1BG 01386 555488, in the tree-tops with their friends on a Go Ape! adventure www.number8.org especially designed for kids (1m+). NT Live: Peter Pan: Captured live at the National To be in with a chance of winning answer the following: Theatre, this recording of JM Barrie’s much-loved Q: How tall do you need to be to enjoy Tree Top Junior? tale is a delight for children and adults alike. 17 June 2.00 pm a. 1.4m b. 1.0m c. 0.7m Palace Theatre, Alcester Street, Redditch, Worcs, Enter via email by Friday 9th June. Put ‘Go Ape Birthday’ in the subject B98 8AE 01527 65203, line of your message, and send your answer, your name, postal address www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk and contact number to editor [email protected] Alive In Wonderland: Come with Ballet Theatre UK’s Alice on a magical adventure as she tumbles into goape.co.uk | 0845 838 1612 | Quote FAMFD7 for 10% discount Wonderland! 3 June 7.30pm The Courtyard, Edgar Street, Hereford, HR4 9JR 01432 340555, www.courtyard.org.uk Courtyard Family Saturdays: Want something different to do with your kids on a Saturday morning? Live shows, film, workshops, free activities. Every Saturday. 10.30am. The Swan Theatre, The Moors, Worcester, WR1 3ED 01905 611427, www.worcesterlive.co.uk Don’t Dribble on the Dragon: Musical adventure based on the fabulous new book by Steven Lee and with magic designed by the legendary Paul Daniels. 13 May 2.00 pm. MUSEUMS Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove B60 4JR 01527 831363, www.avoncroft.org.uk Museums At Night: Bring your tent, pack your sleeping bag and join us for a night under canvas. Storytelling round the campfire! 20 May. Famous Five Go To Avoncroft. Pack a picnic and bring your most trusted friends for a week of old- fashioned adventures. 29 May - 2 June. Worcestershire County Museum, Hartlebury Castle, Hartlebury, Nr Kidderminster, Worcs, DY11 7XZ 01299 250416, www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk All The Fun Of The Circus: Try your hand at circus Put your event in front of 44,000 readers skills including juggling, spinning plates and stilt walking, make a paper tiger and design a clown mask. with school aged children. Call 01684 770566 if An additional charge of £2 per child applies for the day’s you are interested in advertising in Families Hereford activities.30 May - 1 June. & Worcester magazine Father’s Day: All Dad’s admitted free 18 June 11.00am - 5.00pm.

14 Families Hereford & Worcester To advertise call: 01684 770566 May - June 2017 Please mention you saw this event in Families Hereford & Worcester magazine What’s On

Forge Mill Needle Museum, Needle house and orchards and join Mr Mill Lane, Riverside, Redditch, B98 Dennett for some gardening. 8HY, www.forgemill.org.uk 27 May – 4 June 11.00 am – 4.00 pm Farm Fun Sunday: Come along to Father’s Day BBQ, Beer and Forge Mill and enjoy all the fun of Ceilidh Band: Lunchtime food, good the farm. An opportunity to meet music and beer in the open air. some cuddly creatures and enjoy 18 June 11.00am – 4.00pm some other rural activities. 11 June Croome Park. near High Green, 11.00am - 4.00pm. Worcester, Worcestershire, WR8 9DW 01905 371006 ACTIVITIES AND COURSES FOR EVENTS CHILDREN DURING THE SCHOOL Become a 50 things Croome HOLIDAYS Explorer trail: Follow the clues as you follow the 50 things outdoor trail around the parkland. MALVERN COLLEGE 27 May – 4 June 10.00 am – 4.00 pm Hay Festival, Hay-on-Wye HR3 5AD MONDAY - FRIDAY, 8AM - 6PM 01497 822 629, www.hayfestival.com AGES 4 - 12 • OFSTED REGISTERED FROM Hay Days: Hay Festival’s programme WITH CODE for children and young people. Are SAVE 15% £34 you curious, adventurous, dreamy, FAMILIES17 PER DAY imaginative and ready to have fun? Do you like listening, talking, making and sticking, animating or cooking? And, of course, reading? The Hay Days programme is packed with events designed to make all of that happen. 25 May – 4 June Visit Eastnor Severn Valley Railway, Nostalgic weekend: Eastnor Castle Kidderminster Station, Comberton Eastnor Castle, Ledbury, Hill, Kidderminster, DY10 1QX Herefordshire, HR8 1RL 01531 01299 403816, www.svr.co.uk 633160, www.eastnorcastle.com Peppa Pig & George Visit Come Vintage Family Fun Day: Visitors along to see Peppa Pig & George will be able to immerse themselves who will appear at regular intervals in the past as they walk through an throughout the day at The Engine House, our Visitor Centre at VINTAGE Buy impressive line-up of steam engines fast-track and classic cars in the Courtyard Highley. 6-7 May Spring Diesel Festival: Three days tickets including a selection of vehicles that EASTNOR online have never been seen at Eastnor of visiting heritage and modern before. Alongside the vehicles will diesel locomotives, home-fleet be a vintage carousel, chair swing, action, evening running and one or Sun 28 & Mon 29 May #VintageEastnor two surprises! 18 - 20 May. Punch & Judy shows, tea tent, A nostalgic family fun day! Impressive steam engines, garden games, pony rides, live music Asparafest Music & Food Festival, model steam engine rides, vintage carousel, chair swing and more! 28 - 29 May 11.00am Evesham Ashdown Farm, Badsey, and more! PLUS all the usual attractions. -5.30pm Nr Evesham, Worcestershire, WR11 7PA www.asparafest.co.uk Family Fun Day: Family fun with garden eastnorcastle.com /EastnorCastle @EastnorCastle games and a zip-wire on the Valley Lawn. Worcestershire’s Aspara-tastic 11 June. Music & Food Festival: Family fun, Three Counties Showground, Workshops, Demonstrations, Malvern, WR13 6NW 01684 Exhibitors and more! 2 and 4 June 584900, www.threecounties.co.uk The Jinney Ring,Hanbury Road, Royal Three Counties Show: A Hanbury, Bromsgrove, great summer’s day out. Lots of Worcestershire,B60 4BU 01527 821 272 activities for all the family. www.jinneyring.co.uk 16 – 18 June. Jinney Ring Craft Month: Throughout May we are celebrating Craft Month with Hampton Court Castle and Gardens, a programme of classes, workshops and Hope-under-Dinmore, Leominster, activities. This is a great opportunity to HR6 0PN 01568 797676, explore your creativity and try something www.hamptoncourt.org.uk new! 1- 31 May Medieval Village & Birds of Prey Flying Spectacular: Watch as a Knight prepares Rock and Roll Party in the Park, for battle, visit the Medieval Surgeon and Riverside, Stourport, DY13 8UJ Lots for curious minds The Royal Executioner, see the Birds of www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk to discover at Prey. 27- 29 May A celebration of Rock and Roll music featuring a D.J., live bands Cheltenham Science Festival Brockhampton Estate, Bringsty, near 6–11 June and dance throughout the day plus Cheltenham Music Festival 1–16 July Bromyard, Herefordshire, WR6 5TB children’s rides. Free admission. 01885 488099, www.nationaltrust. 4 June 11.00 am – 6.00 pm. Visit to find out org.uk/brockhampton-estate cheltenhamfestivals.com Malvern Hills Walk Family walk about our family-friendly activities The Secret Garden Family Trail: across the Malvern Hills. Proceeds Follow the trail around the manor to St Richard’s Hospice. 20 May.

May - June 2017 To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] 15 Please mention you saw this event in Families Families Hereford & Worcester Hereford & Worcester magazine

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19-2119-2119-21 May May 2017 May 201 20177N NE CEC Birmingham NE BirminghamC Birmingham EverythingEverEver ythingYouything Need You Y FoouNeedr Need For For Bump,Bump, Baby Bump, &Baby You &Baby You & You

Advance Ticket Offer Book Tickets Now & Save Over 35%* Quote FAMILIES2017

thebabyshow.co.uk

*Saving is based on the standard on-the-door ticket price of £20. To book by phone call 0871 231 0844. Calls cost 13p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge. Advance Box O ce closes midnight 18/05/2017. £2.10 transaction fee applies per booking.

J368230_BSLN08_Families_Advert_180x130_2017_v2.indd 1 05/04/2017 16:55 Ofsted Action-packed registered childcare this May Half Term Tuesday 30th May - Friday 2nd June Open from 8am - 6pm We accept Choice of venues childcare vouchers Hagley Come and learn all about Hagley High School Africa and the animals and Bromsgrove Meadows Parkside School plants that make it their home! Alvechurch Alvechurch Middle School and Crown Meadow First School

Please see our website for more details DAYS Book FOR before 12th May and take 4 advantage of our All Things Wild Nature Centre Early bird Station Road, Honeybourne, Near Evesham, Worcestershire offers! WR11 7QZ T: 01386 833083 £60*Terms and conditions apply For more info visit aspire-sports.co.uk or call 0121 663 1979

16 Families Hereford & Worcester To advertise call: 01684 770566 May - June 2017