raring2go.co.uk AUTUMN 2023 KIDDERMINSTER & STOURBRIDGE MAGAZINE & WEBSITE THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD CLUBS AND CLASSES BRILLIANT COMPETITIONS! WHAT’S ON OCT - NOV - DEC
Raring2go! GO-TO GUIDE 3 Raring2go! EDITOR’S WELCOME 2 raring2go.co.uk P03-09 WHAT’S ON / PLACES2GO! P10-11 Holiday Clubs P11-12 Clubs and Classes P13 Education P14-25 WHAT’S ON / PLACES2GO! P26-27 Raring2read P28-29 Competitions P30-31 Well being Featuring: The Listening Herd P31 Local business Christmas shopping idea! FEEL FREE TO SEND IN MORE SUGGESTIONS FOR ME TO SHARE! Whatever you do, wherever you go, have fun, and mention Raring2go! Published by Raring2go! Kidderminster & Stourbridge. All information in this booklet is published in good faith and cannot be reproduced without written permission. 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 businesses featured. We also undertake to ensure that all advertising is in the best interests of families and young children. Printed by Gemini Print, Shoreham, Surrey. Welcome to the Autumn Edition of Raring2go! Kidderminster and Stourbridge. There is so much to enjoy this Autumn/Winter; not only for Halloween and Christmas, but for Bonfire night, the Festival of Light and New Years Eve too! Keep checking the website and my social media for even more suggestions! @Raring2goKidderminster raring2go.kiddyandstourbridge I’ll be doing posts about where to go for Autumn walks, Pumpkin picking, Christmas tree shopping and Firework displays! Scan this QR code for quick access! - Thank you to all the advertisers in this magazine. Readers - if you contact or visit any of them, please mention you saw them in Raring2go! This way we can keep this fantastic FREE family go-to guide running for years to come! Lucy Richardson, Editor kidderminster@raring2go.co.uk | 07404 463 773 Lucy x CONTENTS Look out for details of our upcoming events and activities on Facebook and at: arleyarboretum.co.uk Experience the magic of seeing Santa in his woodland grotto this Christmas! Christmas at Arley
Raring2go! GO-TO GUIDE 5 Raring2go! WHAT’S ON 4 raring2go.co.uk Look out for details of our upcoming events and activities on Facebook and at: arleyarboretum.co.uk The Magic of Arley KIDS’ NATURAL SCAVENGER HUNT THIS HALLOWEEN Explore, discover & make memories at Arley Arboretum Kids From £3.50 Adults From £6.50 This is just a guide. Some details may change, and some events require pre-booking. Please check with the venue before setting off. From 30 Sept PYO Pumpkins @ Lower Drayton Farm Every weekend then daily from 14–31 Oct. Find your perfect pumpkin before carving in the NEW indoor carving barn. With pumpkin games, a spooky walk, friendly animals, and the chance to pick sweetcorn, carrots & potatoes it’s a great start to Halloween! lowerdraytonfarm.co.uk/pumpkins 7 Oct - 5 Nov Halloween at Whitlenge Gardens Fun trail for all the family, join in and dress up for your Halloween adventure. whitlenge.co.uk/events 7 - 31 Oct Churchfields Pumpkin Festival Weekends between 7 - 22 Oct, then daily between 28 - 31 Oct. During our Pumpkin Festival you can pick your own pumpkin, wheelbarrow it to our outdoor carving barn and choose the spookiest face before leaving all the gooey goodness with us – NO MESS AT HOME! Plus much more to enjoy, read more here: churchfields.farm/whats-on/churchfields-pumpkin-festival-2023 14 Oct - 5 Nov Halloween events at Little Owl Farm Park Whether you want a day full of Halloween themed fun, or to enjoy the beauty of Autumn at the farm whilst choosing your pumpkin, we’ve got something for everyone this October. 14 - 15 & 21 - 22 Oct: Pumpkin picking. 27 Oct: Pumpkin Tots Friday. 28 Oct - 5 Nov: Spooktacular half-term fun. littleowlfarmpark.co.uk/october-events-2023 20 - 31 Oct Halloween at Bodenham Arboretum 20 - 31 Oct: Pumpkin walk by torchlight or daylight. 21, 22, 28, 29 Oct: Halloween afternoon tea. 30 - 31 Oct: Halloween crafts! 3 Nov: Bonfire and Autumn crafts. bodenhamarboretum.co.uk/whats-on-diary 21 Oct - 5 Nov Spooky Spectacular at WMSP Spooky explorers will need to help locate the missing potion ingredients in the free Spooky Trail, to win a delicious treat! Meet Mitzy Monster and see Patch the Scarecrow again, along with their creators, the Silly Scientists! Watch a brand new show hosted by Mitzy. Optional extra: Spooky VR Ride. Open late on 28 - 29 October for extra spookiness. (+ Monster Ball on 28 Oct for over 18yrs) wmsp.co.uk/wmsp-events/spooky-spectacular 21 Oct - 5 Nov Halloween Trail at Hagley Park Join us for the spooky season at our family favourite, Hagley Park Halloween Trail. Follow our enchanting woodland paths being sure to spot pumpkins, bats and witches hats along your way. hagleypark.co.uk/events/halloween-trail 21 Oct - 3 Nov Bewdley Museum 21 Oct: Apple Bobbing. 27 Oct: Dippy’s Halloween Disco and show. 30 Oct - 3 Nov: Half-term craft activities. bewdleymuseum.co.uk/exploring/whats-on 22 - 30 Oct Pumpkin Smash Bash at Drayton Manor Enjoy over 100 rides and attractions, plus the Castle of Spooks where you’ll meet Halloween characters and take part in spooky activities including scary stories, interactive games, and of course trick or treating! Some spook-tacular entertainment all around the park too, with Rory’s Boo Bash and more! (+ Haunted Manor 28-31 Oct for the bigger kids! Includes a spectacularly spooky fireworks finale) draytonmanor.co.uk/theme-park/events 27 Oct - 5 Nov Halloween at Webbs 27 - 31 Oct: Pumpkin carving at both West Hagley and Wychbold centres. 31 Oct - 5 Nov: Halloween Circus at West Hagley. webbsdirect.co.uk/whats-on What’s on in OCTOBER
Raring2go! GO-TO GUIDE 7 Raring2go! WHAT’S ON 6 raring2go.co.uk Book online: www.playatthefarm.co.uk/pumpkins SAVE 10%*Use code RGKP Staffordshire’s BIGGEST Pumpkin Patch! NEW Indoor Carving Barn Evening Sessions Open every weekend in October then daily 14th - 31st Oct 2023 *£11pp 1-30 Sep; £12pp from 1 Oct. ** Subject to weather & availability. Trailer rides • Pumpkin village • Spooky walk Friendly animals • Outdoor play area • Pop up café PLUS TICKETS FROM £11* per person Includes pumpkin, carrots, potatoes & sweetcorn** MONSTER MASH BALL THE Join us this Halloween for some spooky family fun! Set sail in to our limestone mines and caverns and boogie the night away at our Monster Mash Ball, be careful we don’t ‘put a spell on you’… It’s definitely going to be a real ‘thriller’ of an event! Just £11.80 per person! Under3's go free. 27th - 31st October 2023 Half hourly 4-8pm WWW.DUDLEY CANALTRUST. ORG.UK 0121 557 6265 ON SALE NOW! This is just a guide. Some details may change, and some events require pre-booking. Please check with the venue before setting off. 21 - 22 Oct Stourbridge Navigation Trust Open Weekend Free entry, 10am - 5pm. thebondedwarehousestourbridge.co.uk/forthcoming-events 27 - 31 Oct Monster Mash Ball by Canal Boat Set sail at Dudley Canal Tunnel Trust and boogie the evening away; be careful we don’t ‘put a spell on you.’ It’s going to be a real ‘thriller’ of an event! (Plus 29 - 30 Oct: Litle Skippers Halloween crafts, activities, dancing and games for the little ones). dudleycanaltrust.org.uk/events-2 27 Oct Halloween in Kinver Visit Kinver High Street and The Mews on this evening from 6pm to enjoy a FREE Trick or Treat trail. Plus meet the Headless Horseman, get a glitter tattoo, cast spells, have a go at apple bobbing and more. Compete in a best-dressed competition too! 28 - 31 Oct Severn Valley Railway 28 - 29 Oct: Christmas gift fayre! 28 - 31 Oct: Ghost Trains. Start your adventure at Kidderminster Station. Once aboard, hold on tight as the train roars away, passing through haunted stations on the way to Arley – the home of the living dead! But beware, those things that go bump in the night are not just outside the windows… (+ Scream Trains: a later option for over 18yrs) svr.co.uk/all-events 28 - 31 Oct Halloween Nights at Black Country Living Museum Prepare to be spooked as the Museum opens its doors to little devils and ghouls! Bring the whole family along to enjoy a night of trick or treats around our historic shops and houses and experience thrilling street entertainment. tickets.bclm.com/events 29 Oct SENstation, Stourport Cornerstone Rooms Join us for sensory based activities, face painting, sensory room, photography opportunities, pick your own pumpkin (pumpkin included in ticket price), haunted gazebo, themed arts and crafts. sen-station.co.uk/upcoming-events 30 Oct - 5 Nov Book Sale at Stourbridge Library Childrens books selling for just 25p! And adult books for 50p each. facebook.com/Dudleylibraries 30 Oct - 3 Nov Thinktank Spooky Stay and Play: A spooky sensory play session for little ones aged 18months - 3years. Fright at the Museum: A monstrous show full to the brim with freaky facts and spooky science. Spooky Science Family Night: Explore the museum after dark! Book ahead for this one. birminghammuseums.org.uk/thinktank/whats-on 31 Oct Spookfest by Mary Stevens Hospice We will transform the grounds of Hagley Hall into a spooky spectacular for all the family to enjoy. Activities include spine-tingling games, spellbinding entertainment, character meet & greets, trick or treat street, frightful field of SCARE-crows, witch and wizard school, ghoulish golf, creepy classic cars, plus much more at the Spookfest Family Festival! marystevenshospice.co.uk/events 1 - 3 Nov The World Outside Forest School 1 & 3 Nov: Mini Wilderness Explorers (under 5’s). 1 - 3 Nov: Wilderness Explorers (5 - 12 years). Older/younger siblings welcome. Set within the wonderful woodland of Bodenham Arboretum. theworldoutside.co.uk/october-half-term What’s on in OCTOBER
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON 9 Raring2go! GO-TO GUIDE 8 raring2go.co.uk Looking for some spooky fun this Halloween? Look no further than Whitlenge Gardens’ Halloween trail! Bring your family and friends to experience a fun-filled outing surrounded by autumn colours and Halloween surprises. This year’s theme is ‘Whitlenge School of Witchcraft and Wizardry’, which will include a number of new props including some themed around Harry Potter. Embark on a journey through the gardens, where you’ll encounter thrilling scenes at every turn; from creepy creatures to ghoulish decorations. Explore the winding paths and discover hidden treasures as you follow the trail. Don’t forget to dress up in your most spellbinding costumes! Whether you choose to be a wicked witch, a spooky ghost, or a mischievous vampire, let your imagination run wild and add to the atmosphere. The Whitlenge Gardens Halloween Trail is not only about scares but also about family-friendly fun, and it will entertain both kids and adults alike. But wait, there’s more! After exploring the trail, take a break at our cafe to indulge in delicious seasonal treats and drinks. Then browse the garden centre to get your garden ‘winter’ ready, shop in the gift shop to get ahead with Christmas shopping, and finish in the children’s play area! Furthermore, come back from late November for the Christmas trail! Look out for further details on www.raring2go.co.uk soon.
Raring2go! CLUBS AND CLASSES 11 Raring2go! HOLIDAY CAMPS 10 raring2go.co.uk Choice of venues and activities *Offer ends 5pm Friday 27th October Ofsted registered Action-packed childcare this October Half Term BOOK ONLINE Open from8am - 4pm For more info and to book your place visit activecamps.co.uk or call 01562 277 810 Hagley Haybridge High School 15% OFF* with code OCT23HA Monday 30th October - Friday 3rd November Half term Holiday Camps: 31 Oct - 2 Nov KIXX Football Camp At King Charles I School, Comberton Rd, Kidderminster. For more information call 07834 073939, email martin@kixx.org.uk or visit: facebook.com/KixxKidderminster All following: 30 Oct - 3 Nov Aspire Active Camp Action packed childcare with a choice of activites. Remember: 15% off with code OCT23HA if you book before 5pm on 27 Oct! aaeg.co.uk/active-camps Earls Gymnastics Camp Fun-filled days of gymnastics, team building, arts and crafts, and much more! earlsgymnastics.co.uk/holiday-camps RB Gym and Sport Holiday Camp Halloween theme multi-sports activity camp. Plus ‘Bikability’ option available. rbholidaycamps.co.uk Christmas holiday camp details will all be on www.raring2go.co.uk too.
Raring2go! EDUCATION 13 Raring2go! CLUBS AND CLASSES 12 raring2go.co.uk Let’s get your little one swimming! 01694 731407 wibblewobble@waterbabies.co.uk There are few things in life that are more important than teaching little ones how to swim. Not only could it save their life…it’s a great way to develop strength, flexibility and coordination, overcome struggles and fears, make new friends, and develop skills that will last them a lifetime. So what are you waiting for? Join us anytime! Classes available now. When you’re ready, we’re ready. teaching through head, heart & hands for more information please contact the admissions team 01384 394633 info@elmfield.com www.elmfield.com
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON 15 Raring2go! GO-TO GUIDE 14 raring2go.co.uk This is just a guide. Some details may change, and some events require pre-booking. Please check with the venue before setting off. 3 - 5 Nov Family Fireworks Festival at Churchfields Enjoy the farm from 3pm, plus circus skills with The Shooting Stars Circus Academy, meet The Doorstep Princesses, a Show from Shooting Stars Circus and then at 6.45pm the fireworks display will begin! churchfields.farm/whats-on/events 4 Nov Himley Bonfire & Fireworks ‘A Night at the Movies’ - 2023 is 100 years since the Hollywood sign was first erected in tinsel town. Enjoy a stunning firework display set to your favourite Hollywood movie soundtracks! himleyhallandpark.co.uk/bonfire-tickets FOR MORE LOCAL FIREWORK DISPLAYS VISIT RARING2GO.CO.UK. 11 Nov Festival of Light at Black Country Living Museum Experience the joy and wonder of Diwali and join in the celebration. See the Museum transformed after dusk and discover sound, light and dance experiences inspired by South Asian music and Bollywood glamour. tickets.bclm.com/events 3 - 5 Nov Tipping the Light at Thinktank Family fun to include a fantastic live show all about the science of light. birminghammuseums.org. uk/thinktank/whats-on 20 Nov KEMP Hospice Christmas Fayre Join us in the exclusive Garden Suite at Hogarth’s Stone Manor Kidderminster, for our Christmas fayre. kemphospice.org.uk/christmas-fayre What’s on in NOVEMBER Showcase 23 www.creativeartshowcase.org Bromsgrove School Arena & Hospitality Suite, Main Entrance, Worcester Road, Bromsgrove B61 7HP Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th October 2023 10am - 4pm Festival of Art, Performance & Creativity! Organised by Creative Art Showcase Charity Registration No 1198055 Our mission is to bring art and creativity into the reach of all our communities
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON 17 Raring2go! GO-TO GUIDE 16 raring2go.co.uk GHOST TRAINS GET READY FOR THE FRIGHT OF YOUR LIFE! 28th, 30th and 31st October Get tickets from SVR.CO.UK or call 01562 757 900 ARE YOU BRAVE ENOUGH TO RISK OUR 18+ SCREAM TRAIN? Santa Trains depart Kidderminster on selected dates from 25 November 24 Nov Stourport Three Kings Parade and Christmas Light switch on From 6pm 25 Nov Stourbridge Details to be confirmed, but I hear we can all look out for Lyric Call performing! 2 Dec Bewdley Christmas Market & Lights switch on, with LSD Promotions + Entertainment planned in the foyer of Bewdley Museum too. Dates To be confirmed for: Kidderminster & Dudley Christmas Lights ‘Switch on’ Events 2023 Spooktacular October Half Term Don’t miss out on our AT LITTLE OWL FARM PARK goulishly good fun for you and your monsters! Saturday 28th October to Sunday 5th november Tunnel of terror fancy dress competition pumpkin picking weekends Saturday 14th & 15th October Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd october For more info and to book, please head to www.littleowlfarmpark.co.uk Christmas Grotto AT LITTLE OWL FARM PARK Farm park fun Meet santa gingerbread decorating Mini magical village Join us this winter for a truly magical Christmas experience! Simply santa & tinsel tots also available! For more info and to book, please head to www.littleowlfarmpark.co.uk and much more...
Raring2go! GO-TO GUIDE 19 Raring2go! WHAT’S ON 18 raring2go.co.uk This is just a guide. Some details may change, and some events require pre-booking. Please check with the venue before setting off. 17 Nov - 3 Jan Webbs Garden Centres 17 Nov - 3 Jan: Enchanted Gardens (Neverland themed) and Hygge Igloos at Webbs Wychbold. 25 Nov - 24 Dec: Christmas Grotto at Webbs Wychbold and Webbs Hagley. 29 & 30 Nov, 5 & 7 Dec: Festive afternoon tea with The Swingettes at Webbs Wychbold. webbsdirect.co.uk/whats-on 24 Nov - 24 Dec Santa Safari at West Midland Safari Park Join us for a magical festive day out for the whole family, combining a four-mile winter Safari and a visit to Santa in his Grotto. Optional Extra: VR Sleigh ride. Plus between 24 Nov - 7 Jan: Safari Skating - join us for our brand-new festive experience. Safari Skating allows you to try out your skating skills on our very own Glice® rink. wmsp.co.uk/wmsp-events/santa/ 24 Nov - 31 Dec (selected dates) Christmas Wonderland at Drayton Manor Make unforgettable festive memories for the whole family at Drayton Manor’s ALL NEW Christmas Wonderland. The ultimate destination for family Christmas fun featuring ALL NEW festive shows and attractions, Thomas Land rides & shows, plus over 500 animals in our fantastic zoo. draytonmanor.co.uk/events/christmas 25 Nov - 24 Dec Christmas at Severn Valley Railway Santa Trains: Every weekend 25 Nov - 24 Dec, plus 22 Dec. Enjoy a magical journey to Arley to see our ALL-NEW Christmas Show, as Jingle and Jangle the mischievous Elves return for more festive fun, with Mrs Claus and Father Christmas too! The Enchanted Express: Every weekend 2 - 24 Dec. Inspired by the classic poem ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas, join train driver Luna Loco, Pip the Christmas Mouse, Brigadier Dimple the Toy Soldier, Violet the Sugarplum Fairy, Mama Lumi the Post Elf and Father Christmas himself, on a magical steam train journey. 16, 22 & 23 Dec: Carol Trains. Get Christmas off to a traditional start with an evening of carols & festive songs. svr.co.uk/all-events 25 Nov - 24 Dec Santa Hunts, Black Country Living Museum Weekends, plus 21 & 22 Dec. Santa is making a welcome return to the Museum this Christmas. And this year it looks like he needs your help! Step up and join our elves to get Santa ready for the big day. Plus Glad Tidings on Fri & Sat evenings 8 - 23 Dec: Gather around our open fires, sing along with traditional carolers and Fifties favourites, and enjoy traditional Christmas treats to get into the festive mood. bclm.com/christmas 25 Nov, 1 - 24 Dec Chronicles of Dudley Zoo See Santa in his Grotto set within the walls of the 11th Century Dudley Castle and see Santa’s Reindeer as they prepare for their busiest night of the year before taking a walk around the zoo. dudleyzoo.org.uk/events-whats-on-at-dzc-santas-grotto From 25 Nov Nativity Trail at Bodenham Arboretum A delightful outdoor family event! Follow the stars that take you on a walk around the Big Pool. Take part, if you wish, in the walk-along Christmas quiz, while you look out for the newly designed scenery. 9, 10, 16, 17 Dec: Christmas afternoon tea. bodenhamarboretum.co.uk/whats-on-diary 1 - 23 Dec Santa Boat Trips with Dudley Canal Trust Winter nights by Christmas lights. Climb on board and we will transport you to a magical “Christmas Wonderland.” Our caverns and tunnels will be beautifully lit and decorated, then enjoy Krazy Kris and his festive show. After your trip, join Santa and his elves in the Christmas Workshop. 6, 7, 13, 14 Dec: Carols in the Caverns. dudleycanaltrust.org.uk/christmas-2 What’s on in DECEMBER
Raring2go! GO-TO GUIDE 21 Raring2go! WHAT’S ON 20 raring2go.co.uk This is just a guide. Some details may change, and some events require pre-booking. Please check with the venue before setting off. 1 - 22 Dec Christmas at Whitlenge Gardens Fun for all the family, come and have a wonder around our festive gardens. whitlenge.co.uk/events 1 Dec Grace Kelly Cancer Trust Winter Ball gkcct.org/winter-wonderland-ball 2 - 24 Dec Jingle Ville @ Lower Drayton Farm Selected dates throughout December. Step into a world straight out of a storybook as you explore the charming town of Jingle Ville – the perfect backdrop for your family’s Christmas adventure. Discover hidden treasures, encounter delightful characters, meet friendly animals and make memories in this magical land before enjoying the indoor playbarns and animal zones of the farm’s PLAY@ attraction. playatthefarm.co.uk/christmas 2 - 24 Dec Christmas at Churchfields Our most magical and interactive Christmas yet and immerse yourself in a world of wonder as you journey through twinkling lights, snowy trees all with a dose of our famous Churchfields festive cheer! Read all about the special day with us here: churchfields.farm/christmas-at-churchfields-2023 2 - 24 Dec Christmas events at Little Owl Farm Park Grotto Experience: Weekends plus 21 & 22 Dec. Visit Father Christmas, enjoy our magical mini Christmas village, gingerbread decorating, a ride on our tinsel-tastic tractor ride & more. Simply Santa: Weekends plus 21 & 22 Dec (until 23 Dec). Perfect for those who simply want to meet Santa, enjoy a wintery day at the farm without all the extras. Tinsel Tots: 7 - 8 Dec. A fantastic way for younger visitors to get into the Christmas spirit. littleowlfarmpark.co.uk/christmas-2023 3 Dec Santa Fun Run / Santa Jog Sign up today for this festively fun fundraiser! For KEMP hospice @ Brinton Park, Kidderminster. kemphospice.org.uk/santa-fun-run For Mary Stevens hospice @ Mary Stevens Park, Stourbridge. marystevenshospice.co.uk/event/santa-jog 10 Dec Aston Alive, Christmases Past. Join us at Aston Hall, this most magical time of the year to celebrate the festive season! Meet our cast of historical characters and discover how they celebrate Christmas. birminghammuseums.org.uk/events/aston-alive-christmases-past 17 Dec SENstation, Stourport Cornerstone Rooms Visit Santa’s Grotto (where every child/SEND adult receives a gift) and enjoy: Giant snow globe photo opportunity, meet Olaf, tree dressing, sensory focused play, Christmas crafting, Sensory Room, biscuit decorating and more. sen-station.co.uk/upcoming-events 16 - 17 Dec Bewdley Museum Come and visit Father Christmas 11am - 4pm. More information coming soon, check here: bewdleymuseum.co.uk/exploring/whats-on 23 Dec The Snow Queen at Hagley Hall Explore our State Rooms transformed for our theatre production of The Snow Queen. This wonderful fairy-tale will capture young and older visitors alike. hagleyhall.com/whats-on View the full What’s on calender, complete with booking links and detailed descriptions on www.raring.co.uk. What’s on in DECEMBER Join us for a festive journey like no other and explore the enchanted town of… Tickets include entry to PLAY@ farm attraction! Lower Drayton Farm, Penkridge, Sta ord, ST19 5RE Save 10% use code RGKX A NEW MAGICAL BOOK NOW: www.playatthefarm.co.uk/christmas
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON 23 Raring2go! GO-TO GUIDE 22 raring2go.co.uk SELECTED DATES FROM 1ST - 23RD DECEMBER 45 MINUTE THEMED BOAT TRIP UNDERGROUND PANTOMIME MEET AND GREET & GIFT FROM SANTA HOT DRINK & MINCE PIE FOR ADULTS INCLUDED IN YOUR TICKET PRICE: WINTERNIGHTS ON SALE NOW! JUST £16.50 PER PERSON, UNDER 1'S GO FOR £2.75! WWW.DUDLEY CANALTRUST. ORG.UK 0121 557 6265 This is just a guide. Some details may change, and some events require pre-booking. Please check with the venue before setting off. 31 Dec Family NYE Party at West Midland Safari Park Bring in the New Year to the sounds of our resident DJ, a brilliant balloon drop, and the chimes of Big Ben before dancing the night away until 1am! The Family New Year’s Party begins at 7:30pm and there will also be a children’s entertainer for the little ones! wmsp.co.uk/wmsp-events/family-nye 31 Dec New Years Celebrations at Drayton Manor Choose between: Illusion Show: Experience unbelievable close up magic and slight of hand, while experiencing an indulgent 3-course festive fayre. Throughout dinner you will be entertained at your table followed by an Illusion Show that will blow you away. The evening will conclude with a family friendly disco. Fascination & Enchantment: Enjoy the evening with your young families with table magic captivating for all ages! Plus be fascinated by face painting of your choice, balloon modelling, party games and action dances along with a 3-course festive fayre draytonmanor.co.uk/leisure/festive-events/ new-years-eve-celebration 6 - 9 Jan Treecycling By Mary Stevens Hospice marystevenshospice.co.uk/event/treecycle 6 - 7 Jan Winter Steam Gala at SVR A brand new event for 2024; not to be missed! Steam-heated carriages, breath-taking landscape and steam locomotives – the perfect antidote to a cold winter’s day! svr.co.uk/event/winter-steam-gala-2024 What’s on in the New Year
Raring2go! FAMILY THEATRE 25 Raring2go! GO-TO GUIDE 24 raring2go.co.uk Box office 01384 812812 or book online at boroughhalls.co.uk DUDLEY TOWN HALL • STOURBRIDGE TOWN HALL • HALESOWEN TOWN HALL Halloween Events Fri 27 - Tue 31 October Exciting Science Friday 16 February The Golden Pearl Pirates Monday 30 October Richard Jones Friday 1 March Ballet Cymru Friday 24 November Treasure Island Sunday 21 April Monster in Your Show Thursday 23 November Alice in Wonderland Sunday 7 April Funded by: birminghammuseums.org.uk/thinktank • • 4k Planetarium • Outdoor Science Garden What’s on at the Theatre There are so many great family-friendly shows coming on over the next few months. Take a look at the full list here: As well as the above detailed at our local Town Halls, here are a few of our most local shows coming up for Halloween and Christmas: 31 Oct Halloween Kidz Show Brierley Hill Civic 3 Dec Cinderella Funtime Theatre Panto Bewdley Museum 23 Dec The Snow Queen Hagley Hall
Raring2go! RARING2READ Raring2go! RARING2READ 26 raring2go.co.uk 27 Raring2go! READING 2 raring2go.co.uk Many parents become aware of their child’s dyslexia only when they start school, so we thought we’d offer some ideas to support young readers who are less confident. Learning to read is hard work and can be quite daunting, often also tinged with the fear that once you can read, the bedtime stories will stop. Here are some simple ways to ensure that reading stays fun and feels achievable. Dyslexia makes it even harder, so do ask for support, and look up information on The British Dyslexia Association website. Don’t feel that offering your child extra help is cheating or stalling their learning in any way. Allow your child to choose a book they want to read and let them start reading – genuinely allowing a child to choose (even if it is not what you would have chosen for them) is a significant factor in their investment in learning. Read together, and read at your child’s pace, not your own. When they make a mistake give your child time to have another try, but then say the word yourself and allow them to carry on - this keeps the flow going. Supporting Dyslexic or less confident readers Take breaks and only read in short, achievable blocks. Also take time to look at and discuss the pictures in the book – visual literacy is important too. Remember, learning to read is not a race against other classmates, so ignore the boasting parents in the playground! Try to think of your role at home as to ensure that they keep enjoying books and stories. For an older child, make use of audio books too; if there is a class book and your child struggles to read it, download the audio version. They will keep up with the class, be able to join in discussions about the plot and characters, and knowing the story of the book will remove the anxiety associated with the challenges of reading. Look out for Super Readable books, such as those by Barrington Stoke. These are printed a little differently, with good quality paper, proper spacing and paragraph breaks too. And they only work with the very best writers working today, so you will also get a great story. All the photos on these pages are of super-readable Barrington Stoke books for readers of all ages. There are more tips on supporting dyslexic readers on our website, so check out our blog on this! By Tamsin Rosewell, Kenilworth Books Try the multi-award winning online reading program for kids aged 2–13. Plus, receive a FREE Rewards Book! Reading Eggs is the perfect way to teach your child to read and prepare them for school. Designed by experienced educators, the program is based on scientific research to improve reading and phonics skills in just 15 minutes a day. In fact, 91% of parents see an improvement within a few short weeks. Perfect for school preparation, whether your child is starting Reception or returning after the summer break, and cleverly designed to grow with your child. • Used in over 193 countries • Over 20 million users • Used in over 12,000 schools • 1.1 million lessons every week BONUS Rewards Book! Valid for new customers only. FREE 30-DAY TRIAL readingeggs.co.uk/bts6 Scan QR code for 30-Day FREE trial *This 30-day free trial offer allows you to add up to 4 children. You will be charged at the end of the trial period unless you cancel before this time. You can cancel any time by selecting the ‘Cancel Subscription’ option located on the ‘Manage My Subscription’ page in your family dashboard. Offer is valid for new UK customers only. Offer limited to one free Rewards Book per family while stocks last.
Raring2go! COMPETITIONS Raring2go! COMPETITIONS 28 raring2go.co.uk 29 CONGRATULATIONS to the winners of our Summer competitions: Kidderminster Harriers Tickets Esther Hayward Lower Drayton Farm Tickets Stephanie Stanesby ABC Boat hire, Day on a Barge Annette O’Brien Stratford Butterfly Farm Tickets Jennifer Larkin, Emilia Blandino and Abbie Williams Thinktank Tickets Alfie Southwick
Raring2go! WELL-BEING Raring2go! WELL-BEING 30 raring2go.co.uk 31 Helping Kids Shine The TASTY, EASY way to get vitamins into little people We all want our little ones to shine in life! Haliborange Softies are a great way to support your child’s growth and development, providing some essential nutrients they need every day. Haliborange softies are available in a range of formats and flavours to ensure your little ones top up their vitamins every day without fuss. Scan to learn more about Haliborange Don’t forget to follow us on social media for lots of fun stuff! Welcome to the world of Tikkers, where you’ll find the perfect watch for kids of all ages! We have a great range of traditional time teachers for younger children, as well as interactive and walkie talkies watches! Older kids will love our Smartwatches, or choose a giftset including our volume-safe earbuds! Our treat to you in 10% off any order from our website with code TIKKERS10. Don’t forget we have free UK delivery. TIME TEACHERS SMART WATCHES WALKIE TALKIES Tikkers Advert - 4 Watch Products.indd 1 18/09/2023 16:29:27
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