BROMSGROVE AND REDDITCH MAGAZINE & WEBSITE THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD raring2go.co.uk WINTER 2024 GET ACTIVE! COMPETITIONS! WHATS ON? MAGAZINE & WEBSITE THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD
2 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! THINGS TO DO Kkkkkkkkk Sign up for a FREE TRIAL at www.thestarproject.info @thestarprojectuk @thestarprojectworcester @thestarprojectcofton @thestarprojectdroitwich Whittington Village Hall,, WR5 2RQ Mondays - Worcester MUSICAL THEATRE CLASSES Sing, Dance, Act Dynamic, passionate and professional theatre training across Worcestershire, led by a team of highly talented practitioners, who change young people’s lives forever, helping them grow in confidence as they develop their performing arts skills. RISING STARS Ages 4 - 6 | 5pm - 6:30pm Tuesdays - Cofton Thursdays - Barnt Green Saturdays - Droitwich Barnt Green Parish Centre,, B45 8NR New Cofton Village Hall, B45 8PD JUNIOR THEATRE Ages 7-12 | 5pm - 7pm MAIN PROJECT Ages 7-18 | 5pm - 8pm RISING STARS Ages 4-6 | 5.15pm - 6:45pm 15pm - 6:45pm RISING STARS Ages 4-6 | 5pm - 6:30pm MAIN PROJECT Ages 7-18 | 5pm - 8pm The Salvation Army Church,, WR9 0AB RISING STARS Ages 4-6 | 10am - 11:30am MAIN PROJECT Ages 7-18 | 10am - 1pm 07805 161533 info@thestarproject.info Follow us! ENROL NOW FOR 2024 lgniting Theatre Spirit
3 Raring2go! THINGS TO DO Whilst the publisher makes every effort to ensure that the businesses featured in this magazine are of the highest quality, we do not guarantee the services and products from any business featured. Printed by Gemini Print. Telephone: 01273 468884 Please recycle this magazine when you are finished with it. T: 07989 110318 E: bromsgroveandredditch@raring2go.co.uk Welcome to the Winter Edition! While your little ones may be wishing for snow,we have plenty of ideas to help make this wintera fun one, whatever the weather throws our way. New clubs to join, party ideas and of course days out with the family. We have lots of great competitions for you to enter. Our website is constantly updated so you can easily find what’s on near you. Don’t forget to check in with venues for their current rules and updates before heading off to them. For more great ideas every month, simply sign up to our newsletters. You can also find Raring2go! Bromsgrove and Redditch on Facebook for what’s going on, local information and for you to share your own ideas and photos too! Wishing you all a fabulous year of fun, laughter and lots of family time. Raring2goBromsgroveandRedditch @Raring2goLisa Follow us on social media to keep up to date all year with your local #gotoguide for families. Become a website member Sign up for FREE! Monthly email NEWSLETTERS with the latest OFFERS and EVENTS Download VOUCHERS and save £££’s Enter COMPETITIONS for amazing prizes! JOIN NOW raring2go.co.uk Copyright © 2024 Mojo Publishing Ltd. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical or electronic, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Requests for permission or further information should be addressed to the publishers. Whilst the publisher makes every effort to ensure that the businesses featured in this magazine are of the highest quality, we do not guarantee the services and products from any business featured. Printed by Gemini Print. Telephone: 01273 468884 l l l l Please recycle this magazine when you are finished with it. T: 07989 110318 E: bromsgroveandredditch@raring2go.co.uk Lisa x
4 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? January to March WMSP Currently open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Reopens fully on 10th February www.wmsp.co.uk Until the 19th February Winter Mini Reading Challenge Sign up at summerreadingchallenge.org.uk. Click 'Join now' to create your account. Now all you need to do is read books. Then you can earn digital rewards. Unlock rewards for your reading including a new online badge and a certificate when you reach your Challenge goal! 13th January Wassail at Lickey Hills To celebrate and to ensure a good and bountiful harvest, go and join the Rangers in this centuries old rural tradition. Meet outside the visitors centre on Warren Lane at 5pm 24th January Wyre Forest If you venture into the deep dark wood you may bump into the Gruffalo! Mouse, Fox, Snake, Owl, Gruffalo’s Child and the Gruffalo himself are all hidden in Wyre Forest. They can be found along our yellow walking route. Young fans of the Gruffalo can also take part in Gruffalo Orienteering at Wyre Forest – a fun, map-reading challenge. www.forestryengland.uk/wyre-forest 26th January – 18 February Compton Verney – Spectacle of Light Spectacle of Light will be returning for its third year with brand new installations like the remarkable Wave and other immersive pieces from the team at Squid Soup that brought us Submergence last year. Come and discover the night-time wonder of Compton Verney through an enchanting spectacle of light and sound. www.comptonverney.org.uk 28th January Bodenham Arboretum, Winter Wassail Celebrating the age-old blessing of the apple trees. Traditional singing and morris dancing... bring along your own musical instruments and dress up with leaves and feathers! 12pm - 4pm. www.bodenhamarboretum.co.uk Together, let’s make it count The RSPB is a registered charity in England and Wales 207076, in Scotland SC037654. Robin by Mark Sisson (rspb-images.com) Every birdwatch matters Join hundreds of thousands of others and take part in Big Garden Birdwatch - the UK’s largest citizen science wildlife survey. Sign up, connect with nature and make your birdwatch count. Play your part at www.rspb.org.uk Big Garden Birdwatch 26-28 January 2024 BGBW24_A5 Portrait_English_RSPB URL_AW_v1.indd 1 09/11/2023 18:19 What’s On: JANUARY 2024 Register online to take part in the world's largest garden wildlife survey. In 2023, over half a million people took part. This year, you could be one of them! Once you register, we'll keep you updated with top tips on how to get ready for your best birdwatch ever. How do I take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch? It’s easy – you simply watch the birds in your garden or local park for one hour, and record what you see. 1. Count the birds you see in your garden, from your balcony or in your local park for one hour over the Big Garden Birdwatch weekend. It doesn’t matter what time of day you do your Birdwatch, but you’ll see more birds if you do it first thing in the morning. 2. Only include birds that land, not those flying over. Count the highest number of each species you see at any one time. For example, if you saw four Starlings together, then two Starlings later, your final count will be four (not six). 3. Go online and tell us what you’ve seen! Even if you didn’t see anything at all in your hour, please let us know. It’s all really useful information. www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch
5 Raring2go! CLUBS AND CLASSES
6 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! CLUBS AND CLASSES M k
7 Raring2go! CLUBS AND CLASSES Girls football at Alcester Town FC with Onside Coaching Redditch and Alcester. Launched in January 2022, our girl’s football has seen an ever-increasing awareness and participation across the local area. Starting with just five girls aged 7-11 our Monday evening sessions were put on to provide girls with the opportunity to play and try out football. With the increased popularity in the sport following success from the England Lionesses and Women’s Premier league becoming more accessible we had to be part of the action. Since our first sessions in the cold and rainy winter months the numbers have steadily grown as more people became aware of the sessions running at Alcester Town FC. Following the success of a summer schools’ tournament for girls in years 3-6 the club grew at a rapid rate. Since the summer we have continued to grow the club and are now regularly coaching 40+ girls each week across a range of ages from 6-13 year olds. The two teams are currently playing in the CWGYL at U11 and U13 age groups. The interest is continuing with more girls joining each week so much that we now run separate sessions on the same night to accommodate the numbers. An indoor winter venue at St Benedicts High School is enabling us to continue the weekly sessions and girls playing in the match day squads are improving with every game. Our aim is to provide a great environment for girls of any ability to take part in and enjoy football. With a focus on developing understanding of the game and improving technical abilities whilst having fun.
8 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! ARTICLE 1. Draw a chalk picture on the pavement 2. Visit the library 3. Scooter race to the end of the street 4. Make jelly 5. Water the plants indoors 6. Build a den inside 7. Find five toys or unwanted presents to give away 8. Have a tea party with friends or toys 9. Make a family tree 10. Let’s make minipizzas 11. Make a leaf collage 12. Tidy your room 13. Play balloon tennis 14. Make Mum a cup of tea 15. Let’s paint 16. Write five things you love about your family 17. Make something with the leftover wrapping paper 18. Plant a bean in a jar 19. Make wooden spoon people 20. Let’s bake cupcakes The winter school holidays can be a daunting prospect. There are weeks to fill and keeping the kids entertained can be a challenge. There will inevitably be occasions when all of us hear the words “I’m Bored”. So why not try this neat little trick to ensure that there is always an activity at hand. Find a jar. I use a kilner jar but an old jam jar, bowl or even a cup will do. Just as long as you can put in as many activities as you need. Mine are all written on pieces of colourful card but lolly sticks work just as well. Whenever boredom strikes, the kids have to dip in and pick an activity. I like to mix it up so I include some chores or favour such as watering the plants and picking five toys to give away. Opposite you will find some suggested activities to get you started. However, you can fill your bored jar with whatever you want – ultimately it has to entertain your kids. Obviously I keep my fingers crossed that ‘Make Mum a cup of tea’ gets picked every time! The only thing to remember is to replenish the jar with more activities and give it a good shake so that you are ready for the next time that boredom strikes. Bored Jar Bored Jar Ideas:
9 Raring2go! CLUBS AND CLASSES IGNITE ACADEMY OF DANCE BALLET. FREESTYLE. ACRO. STREET. LYRICAL. Classes available for ages 3.5+. Based at Fairfield Village Hall. 07531 625 939 ignite-dance.co.uk info@ignite-dance.co.uk A NEW IDTA DANCE SCHOOL BASED IN BROMSGROVE.
10 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! ARTICLE The government’s recently announced update to its childcare support system aims to allow more parents greater access to detailed and personalised information about what they and their children are entitled to. An Eligibility checker childcarechoices.gov.uk now provides details on the support available to families, based on factors such as the child's age and family income. The government's largest-ever investment in childcare aims to save working parents up to £6,500 per year for those using 30 hours of childcare. Additionally, £100 million has been earmarked to areas around the UK to increase childcare settings' physical space and create thousands of new childcare places across the country. The Education Secretary strongly emphasised the government's commitment to providing accessible and flexible childcare, addressing the many challenges faced by working parents. The initiative includes offering quality childcare outside of school hours and increasing early years places where needed. Parents and care providers are encouraged to visit the Childcare Choices website to determine their eligibility for the various support options. As part of the childcare plan, £289 million has been allocated to local authorities from the wraparound childcare fund, ensuring primary school children can access childcare between 8 am and 6 pm. The goal is to achieve universal access to wraparound childcare for primary age school children in all areas by 2026. This announcement aligns with the Department for Work and Pensions' recent increase in monthly childcare support for parents on Universal Credit, reaching up to £951 for one child or £1,630 for two or more children. To add further support to childcare options, the childminder start-up grant scheme will open for applications by November 30, 2023. This grant, which ranges from £600 to £1,200, has at its core the aim of encouraging more individuals to register as childminders and offer wider, more flexible childcare solutions. Simultaneously, the Department for Education has responded to the early years foundation stage (EYFS) consultation by implementing a range of changes to reduce regulatory burdens and to enhance the early years workforce. These adjustments, such as allowing managers to decide if students and apprentices can count in ratios, demonstrate the ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality, affordable childcare that aligns with parents' working lives. The comprehensive approach to childcare will be discussed at the early years British Irish council, emphasizing the collaborative efforts across member administrations. This synopsis has been prepared as a quick reference guide and is not definitive. For further information plus details on what you and your children are entitled to please visit: www.childcarechoices.gov.uk Revolutionising Childcare in the UK: A guide to recent changes and investment
11 Raring2go! THINGS TO DO www.dramatots.co.uk Email: jo@dramatots.co.uk Or call Jo today on - 07738 969460 • Weekly Classes • Nursery Sessions • Parties • Special Sessions During School Holidays For children aged 18 months - 4 years CLASSES ALVECHURCH, BROMSGROVE AND WYTHALL!
Until 18th February Compton Verney – Spectacle of Light. Discover the night-time wonder of Compton Verney through a wonderful Spectacle of Light and sound. Discover the night-time wonder of Compton Verney through a wonderful spectacle of light and sound www.comptonverney.org.uk 1st - 4th February Bluey's Big Play at Birmingham Hippodrome Bluey as you’ve never seen it before! www.birminghamhippodrome.com 3rd February Resorts World Arena – Arenacross Tour 2024 Arenacross is a show like no other. It’s a high-octane mix of indoor Motocross racing and Freestyle Motocross (FMX) badness and is packed to the rafters with all-round family fun and frenzied entertainment. www.resortsworldarena.co.uk 10th – 18th February Hatton Adventure World – A Panto Adventure Panto returns to Hatton Adventure World this February Half Term. No need to worry about the weather! Stay warm and dry with our indoor activities including all-day animal handling, guinea pig village, scales & tails exotic animal experiences, a magical family show and our huge indoor soft play and slide mania centre. The action continues outdoors with the return of our epic laser combat battles, amazing falconry displays, mini funfair rides, giant helter-skelter and family games, and meet our animal friends on the farmyard walk. www.adventure.hattonworld.com 10th & 11th February The 2024 Birmingham International Tattoo Resorts World Arena, Birmingham www.resortsworldarena.co.uk 11th February Lunar New Year 2024 - Year of the Dragon Produced by Birmingham Hippodrome FREE event at Birmingham Southside by the the theatre 14th February Alice in Wonderland - Redditch Palace Theatre. Multi award-nominated Immersion Theatre - the team behind last year’s smash hit “The Jungle Book” - bring their trademark energy to their biggest, funniest, and most spectacular family musical to date: Alice in Wonderland! T: 01527 65203 www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk 10th – 18th February Stratford Butterfly Farm – February Half Term. The whole family can enjoy the relaxing pleasure of walking amongst some of the world’s most stunning and colourful butterflies in a tropical rainforest setting, complete with fish-filled pools, splashing waterfalls and beautiful blooms. Meet the MiniBeast handling sessions, Pupae and Beetle demonstrations will be held daily in the Discovery Zone. www.butterflyfarm.co.uk 10th - 18th February Bodenham - Enchanting Tree People Can you find our special visitors who are hiding in the Arboretum? The 'Tree People' are quite shy... some are funny, some grumpy, some cheeky and some very naughty! They're looking forward to seeing you www.bodenhamarboretum.co.uk 12th - 16th February Aspire Active Education Group. Holiday Camps at Alvechurch School. www.activecamps.co.uk 9th - 10th February Birmingham Rep - Can Bears Ski? Can Bears Ski? Is based on the book by poet Raymond Antrobus, Ted Hughes Award-winner, who draws on his own experience as a deaf child in a hearing world. www.birmingham-rep.co.uk 13th – 16th February Aston Hall & Birmingham Rep – Hunt for the Lost Time Machine. Something strange is happening at Aston Hall and it’s up to our intrepid team of time travellers to discover what… Birmingham Rep and Aston Hall invite you to take part in a brand-new project for those aged 9-12 this February half term. Expect twists and turns, shocks and surprises as you discover if there really are lost instructions on how to build a time machine! See online for details. www.birminghammuseums.org.uk 13th - 18th February Caravan and Camping show - NEC The Show has everything you need for your next adventure! See and buy the latest caravans, motorhomes, campervans tents of all shapes and sizes. www.ccmshow.co.uk What’s On: FEBRUARY 2024 12 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! WHAT’S ON?
13 Raring2go! HOLIDAY CAMPS For more info visit aspire-sports.co.uk or call 0121 663 1979 Choice of venues and activities *Offer ends 5pm Friday 2nd February Ofsted registered Action-packed childcare this February Half Term Open from 8am - 6pm BOOK ONLINE Monday 12th - Friday 16th February For more info and to book your place visit activecamps.co.uk or call 0121 663 1573 Alvechurch Alvechurch Middle School & Crown Meadow First School 15% OFF* with code FEB24AL
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Funded by: birminghammuseums.org.uk/thinktank • • 4k Planetarium • Outdoor Science Garden Raring2go! THINGS TO DO 15
Book Reviews Bookseller, Deborah from Kenilworth Books gives us a round up of some of the best books new out for children of all ages! Knight Sir Louis and the Sinister Snowball by The Brothers McLeod “Absolutely hilarious nonsense!” Louie Stowell In the fourth hilarious story about the brilliant, calm, ingenious 12-year-old Knight Sir Louis, Splint the Sinister Snowball has his icy eyes set on world domination with the help of his frosty siblings, Flint, Hint, Mint, Clint and Sharon. But champion dragon-slayer Louis isn’t about to let Castle Sideways become smothered in snow! Louis rides off to the legendary Brrrrrland with his friends, Reader Catalogue and Clunkalot, but waiting for them are goofy goblins, a talking carrot and the biggest meanest snowball in the whole wide world… Bursting with illustrations. The Superpets (and Me!) by Professor Noel Fitzpatrick Amazing True Stories of Incredible Animals from the Nation’s Favourite Supervet Discover the incredible stories of the brave animals he has worked with, from Peanut, the world’s 昀rst cat with two front bionic limbs, to Betsy, the six-month-old cockapoo, who was given a new lease of life when her crushed paw was replaced with a skateboard wheel! The perfect gift for young animal-lovers, packed with true tales that celebrate kindness, perseverance and the unbreakable bond between humans and animals. Kenilworth Books, Talisman Square, Kenilworth CV8 1JB Mermedusa by Thomas Taylor Perhaps here, 昀nally, they - and the Malamander too - will discover the Deepest Secret of Eerie-on-Sea. Herbie and Violet’s 昀fth gripping adventure brings the internationally bestselling Eerie-on-Sea series to a heartstopping climax. It is midwinter once again, and the hosts of a paranormal podcast have descended on Eerie-on-Sea eager for a sighting of the legendary Malamander. Herbert Lemon, Lost-and-Founder at the Grand Nautilus Hotel, is feeling uneasy - and not just because of the visitors. Fletcher and the Seasons by Julia Rawlinson and Tiphanie Beeke Fletcher’s 昀rst ever board book is out now - Fletcher and the Seasons, published by Graffeg and gloriously illustrated by Tiphanie Beeke. ‘Fletcher journeys through the year exploring how the seasons change in this delightful board book featuring the characters from the popular Fletcher’s Four Seasons picture books.’ The Eyebrows of Doom by Steve Smallman “WE ARE THE EYEBROWS OF DOOM!” The Eyebrows of Doom are trying to take over the world! Join Dave and his friends as they try to stop them leaping from one unsuspecting animal to the next. And just when it looks as though the eyebrows’ antics have been thwarted. This hilarious rhyming romp will have readers young and old laughing out loud and is perfect for fans of Steve Smallman’s Poo in the Zoo series, Nibbles The Book Monster, You Can’t Take an Elephant on the Bus and Oi Frog! 16 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! ARTICLE
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1. Voxblock boosts literacy skills Listening to stories helps develop a child's vocabulary, comprehension, and language skills. 2. Voxblock is ready-to-play straight from the boxFree from Wifi and with no set-up - just press play! 3. Voxblock has hundreds of audiobooks Introduce children to a world of stories through a huge audiobook library. 4. Voxblock develops independence The player is easy-to-use and with no need for grown-ups, children can take control. 5. Voxblock is a gift that keeps giving Children enjoy Voxblock for years, not hours. Begin with a Voxblock Starter pack, it includes a Voxblock player and three audiobooks for £59.99. Buy at voxblock.co.uk reasons Voxblock makes the perfect audio player for kids. Meet Voxblock: the easy-to-use screen-free audiobook player for children 3-12. Designed by parents, it empowers children to listen to audio stories independently. starter pack 99 £5 p £59. b aud the 00% connectivity free ong battery life build your child’s literacy as it's unwrapped ready-to-play as soon diobook player e screen-free voxblock.co.uk 1 lo a r 18 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! THINGS TO DO
19 Raring2go! THINGS TO DO Hattonworld.com Feb Half Term Pantomime 10th to 18th Feb Plus Animals Action Adventure
5th March - 7th April Wicked - Birmingham Hippodrome. When Dorothy famously triumphed over the Wicked Witch of the West, we only ever heard one side of the story. Gregory Maguire‘s acclaimed 1995 novel, ‘Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West’, re-imagines the Land of Oz, creating a parallel universe to the familiar story. www.birminghamhippodrome.com 7th - 10th March Crufts at NEC Crufts is the world’s greatest dog show! Over 20,000 dogs compete for the world class title of Crufts Best in Show, enjoy fantastic displays, competitions, and shops. www.thenec.co.uk 8th - 17th March British Science Week British Science Week is a ten-day Celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths. Find resources and activity packs to download online. www.britishscienceweek.org 9th March Tags and Targets, Shooting4Fun, Hanbury Let the children wear their World Book Day costumes again for a fun story book forest Quest. T: 01527 575141 for your golden ticket. www.shooting4fun.co.uk 14th - 17th March Madagascar The Musical at The Alex in Birmingham. Join all of your favourite crack-alackin’ friends as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar. www.atgtickets.com 18th – 23rd March The Alexandra Theatre – Peter Pan Goes Wrong. Following their multi award-winning sell-out success with The Play That Goes Wrong and the BBC TV series The Goes Wrong Show, Mischief return with their riotous spin on a timeless classic, the West End smash hit Peter Pan Goes Wrong. www.atgtickets.com 19th March onwards Compton Verney Sculpture in the Park. A major new sculpture park will open in the grounds, with works by eight contemporary artists drawn from around the world. www.comptonverney.org.uk 31st March Easter Sunday 9th - 14th April Shrek The MusicalLive at The Alexandra, Birmingham. Join Shrek and his trusty sidekick Donkey as they set out on a quest to defeat the fearsome dragon and rescue the beautiful Princess Fiona. With a heart-warming story and a cast of unforgettable characters, this musical extravaganza is a journey you won't want to miss. www.atgtickets.com What’s On: MARCH 2024 20 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! WHAT’S ON?
2024 Celebrate in Solihull town centre Solihull Music Festival Thursday 20th – Sunday 23rd June Solihull Family Festival Friday 2nd – Sunday 4th August Solihull Spooktacular Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th October Solihull Food Festival Friday 27th – Sunday 29th September Dates for diary Scan for more info or go to solihullbid.co.uk #SolihullCelebrates The Gruffalo ©1999 & TM Julia Donaldson/ Axel Scheffler. Licensed by Magic Light Pictures Ltd. Celebrate the Gru昀alo’s birthday at Wyre Forest Find the missing party items, pick a present for the Gru昀alo and enjoy lots more fun trail activities! Find out more: forestryengland.uk/ gru昀alo-party-trail Grab a trail pack to get the party started. £4 Only The Gruffalo ©1999 & TM Julia Donaldson/ Axel Scheffler. Licensed by Magic Light Pictures Ltd. 21 Raring2go! THINGS TO DO
22 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! THINGS TO DO For more information check out our website For more information check out our website Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire Expected: 29th March Kung Fu Panda 4 Released: 8th March Dune 2 Released: 1st March Migration Released: 2nd February Mean Girls Released: 19th January Check our our webiste www.omniplex.ie for all up to date schedules and prices. Great Park, Rubery, Birmingham, B45 9JL Subscriptions and Gift Cards are available now!
23 Raring2go! ARTICLE What Sets Us Apart: Children Always First stands out for its family-centric and therapeutic approach, placing the well-being of children as our number one priority. Rooted in family values, we provide an extensive youth support service and individualised care that ensures each child feels seen, heard and loved. The Support You Deserve: Becoming a foster carer is a transformative journey and we walk alongside you at every turn. Our dedicated team offers extensive support, from quality training, personalised guidance and a 24hour support telephone line. By nurturing a strong support system, we empower our carers to provide the best possible care for their children and young people. Enriching Experiences: Foster care for us, is about creating positive memories that last a lifetime. Our dedicated youth team provide exciting outings, educational activities, and a range of youth support services to ensure every child in our care has the opportunity to thrive, grow, and discover their full potential Join Our Compassionate Community: Children Always First is an invitation to be part of a community that believes in the transformative power of nurture and support. If you have a spare bedroom, a willingness to learn, and the dedication to make a difference then we welcome you to come and learn more. Ready for Change? Embark on a ful昀lling journey with Children Always First. Becoming a foster carer will make an incredible difference to young people, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Together, let’s create a brighter future for children in need. www.childrenalways昀rst.co.uk Embark on a fulfilling journey with Children Always First Every year in the UK, over 30,000 children come into care and need a foster home. At Children Always First, we are committed to creating a brighter future for children who need it most and are looking for more foster families to join us in our shared mission.
The Raring2go! A-Z of places to go and things to do with your child A1 Try a new ACTIVITY together at Ackers Adventure. Choose from skiing, tobogganing, tubing and so many more. B3 Watch a BUTTERFLY emerge from its chrysalis at Stratford Butterfly Farm and explore the tropical paradise C3 CREATE your own art masterpiece at a Lorna’s Art Academy J8 JUMP and bounce the winter blues away at Imagination Street Soft Play and Trampoline I 1 Let your IMAGINATION take over with a role play session with Drama Tots H4 Adopt a rescued HORSE at Redwings Horse Sanctuary, Oxhill O1 Wrap up warm and visit the grounds of Forge Mill. Treat yourself to a hot drink and snack from the café after exploring the OUTDOOR space and playground. D2 DISCOVER a new park or playground in your area plus visit the trail at Webbs K5 Introduce your child to the KITCHEN with a parent and child cooking class at Becketts Farm E1 EXPERIENCE the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the shops, houses, and industrial workshops of the Black Country Living Museum L1 Visit your local LIBRARY. Join in with their family activities or just find a new book to enjoy together. F4 FEED the Farmyard Favourites at Hatton Adventure World, Churchfields and Attwell Farm cuddle up with your favourite little creature in the petting areas M3 Hear the story of the Midlands’ automotive industry from the costumed guides at the British MOTOR Museum G2 Tee-off with a round of Adventure GOLF at Bromsgrove Golf Centre N1 Make a list of NEW year resolutions, ideas, and challenges – stick it on the fridge and see if you can achieve them all in 2024 24 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! THINGS TO DO
Q10 Spend some QUIET time together on the sofa and watch a movie W4 Go WILD on a safari drive at West Midland Safari Park P3 Take advantage of the option to stay warm and dry indoors while letting off some steam at a soft PLAY centre like Joe’s Jungle in Redditch V4 Save some money on days out and activities by making use of VOUCHERS and offers. Check out those on the Raring2go! website. U1 Explore a magical world of dragons, fairies, wizards, time travel, pirates and possibly a UNICORN at Magic Alley, Stratford R1 Get lost in a fantasy world or adventure with a ROLE play activity at S4FUN in Hanbury X8 X marks the spot – plan a treasure hunt around your home and/ or garden and challenge the children to find a hidden treasure at the end S1 SPLASH your way around the pool and and inflatables at The Abbey Leisure Centre, Redditch Y4 Create your own YUMMY delights at a chocolate making workshop with The Chocolate Shed T1 Visit one of our local THEATRES. There are lots of family shows planned at places like The Redditch Palace, Birmingham Rep, The Alexandra, mac Birmingham Z10 ZOOM into outer space in the 4K Planetarium and discover a world of science at Thinktank, Birmingham 25 Raring2go! THINGS TO DO
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27 Raring2go! PARTIES PARTY PACKAGE Two Activities £24pp (2.5 hrs) blackwelladventure.co.uk BIRTHDAY PARTIES FULL OF ADVENTURE Upgrade to a full day! Four Activities £37pp (5 hrs) Minimum age 6, maximum age 100+! Share our safe,outdoor adventurous activities with friends
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COMPETITION TIME Enter online at raring2goBromsgrove For a chance of winning tickets, head to the Raring2go! website, choose Save & Win/Competitions Closing Date: 9th February 2024 WIN a family ticket to Dudley Zoo ( 2 Adults& 2 Children) Dudley Zoo & Castle is not only home to over 1,500 animals from over 200 species (including a large collection of endangered species), but also an 11th-century castle, the world’s largest single collection of Tecton buildings, and an important geological site. Please note: Tickets would not be valid on public holidays and Bank holiday Mondays. For a chance of winning tickets, head to the Raring2go! website, choose Save & Win/Competitions Closing Date: 5th February 2024 For a chance of winning tickets, head to the Raring2go! website, choose Save & Win/Competitions Closing Date: 31st January 2024 COMPETITIONS TERMS & CONDITIONS These rules apply to all the competitions in this edition of the magazine. The winner's of each competition will be the first correct entry or entries drawn at random. No cash alternatives to prizes. The winner's of each competition will be notified by telephone or email. Any personal data provided will be processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998. It will only be used for the purposes of notifying outcomes of the prize draw. Your information will not be shared with any organisations external to Raring2go! or the competition provider except for the purposes of supplying you with your prize unless stated on the individual competition. Any other terms and conditions will appear on the individual competition of which they relate. Winners details will appear in the next edition of the magazine unless instructed otherwise by the winner. For a chance of winning tickets, head to the Raring2go! website, choose Save & Win/Competitions Closing Date: 9th February 2024 For a chance of winning tickets, head to the Raring2go! website, choose Save & Win/Competitions Closing Date: 1st February 2024 WIN a family ticket to Lower Drayton’s Lamb & Ewe event For a chance of winning tickets, head to the Raring2go! website, choose Save & Win/Competitions Closing Date: 1st February 2024 For a chance of winning tickets, head to the Raring2go! website, choose Save & Win/Competitions Closing Date: 1st February 2024 For a chance of winning these books, head to the Raring2go! website, choose Save & Win/Competitions Closing Date: 1st February 2024 WIN a family ticket to a film of your choice at Omniplex, Birmingham at Rubery Great Park 30 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! COMPETITIONS Festive Fair: Sarah Hughes Mac: Jo MacMillan Peter Pan, The Alex Kate Somers (pictured) Lower Drayton: Louisa Jennings Peter Pan, Old Rep NAME TBC WINNERS WIN a family ticket to West Midlands Safari Park We’ve teamed up with Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum to bring you a chance to win a visit with your family in our competition. Located in Birmingham city centre, Thinktank is the perfect day out for all ages. Thinktank is Birmingham’s award winning science museum for fun packed family days out. With over 200 hands-on displays on science and technology. Win a family ticket to see Alice in Wonderland at Palace Theatre, Redditch Multi award-nominated Immersion Theatre – the team behind last year’s smash hit “The Jungle Book” – bring their trademark energy to their biggest, funniest, and most spectacular family musical to date: Alice in Wonderland! The winning ticket is for the 16.30 hrs show on Wednesday the 14th February. Win a family ticket plus children’s activity guide for Stratford Upon Avon Butterfly Farm Come rain or shine enjoy the unique pleasure of discovering hundreds of the world’s most beautiful butterflies flying in an exotic environment of tropical blossom with splashing waterfalls and fish filled pools. Situated in the historic market town of Stratford-upon-Avon. WIN tickets to see Squirrel, a beautiful family show at MAC Birmingham Win the “Crazy Choices” series of books by Children’s author Mat Waugh BCLM: Emma Williams WMSP: Hannah Beasant
Could you be the next Editor of Raring2go! Bromsgrove and Redditch? Have you ever dreamed of running your own business, making your own decisions and taking control of your working life to fit around the needs of your family? After 15 amazing years, I am now looking for a new owner to take over the Bromsgrove and Redditch edition of Raring2go! magazine; a thriving and well respected local business. During my years as Editor, I’ve enjoyed discovering new places to visit with my family, reviewing shows at the theatre, and trying out new activities with my two children. By working for myself, I have been lucky enough to be there for the daily school run, attend sports days and nativities, and take time off around the school holidays. As my children are now older I feel it’s time to hang my hat up and start a new chapter. I would love for another local, passionate parent to enjoy the same experiences I have. However, it is important for me to find the right person to take care of my third ‘baby’, so I will continue to publish Raring2go! until I find that special person. While Raring2go! is a business where you work for yourself, you are part of a supportive franchise network, where there’s always someone on hand to give advice if you need it. No previous experience is necessary although an interest in the local community, an eye for detail and a tenacious attitude will certainly help. To buy a brand new franchise area starting from scratch would cost 12k+ This area has 15 years of trading which is reflected in the sale price. If you’re ready for a change in direction and have always dreamed of working for yourself, do get in touch with me for a chat: 31 Call Lisa on 07989 110318 bromsgroveandredditch@raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! FOR SALE
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