Raring2go! Kidderminster & Stourbridge

MAGAZINE & WEBSITE AUTUMN 2024 KIDDERMINSTER & STOURBRIDGE THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD WHAT’S ON OCT - NOV - DEC CLUBS AND CLASSES BRILLIANT COMPETITIONS! raring2go.co.uk

PLACESTO GO Book your festive guided experience behind the scenes at Molineux and a visit to Wolves Museum now! 20th - 23rd December 2024 Christmas Tours! Museum This Christmas at Wolves Museum Meet and greet with Santa & Wilfred plus a special Wolves present for all kids 2

PLACESTO GO 2ND NOV - 24TH DEC NEW Santa's Enchanted Elevator WMSP.CO.UK BOOK NOW 3

raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! With a BOO and Ho Ho Ho! Here’s the Kidderminster and Stourbridge Raring2go! Autumn 2024 magazine. There is so much to enjoy over the coming months; Halloween, Bonfire night, Diwali, Christmas, New Years Eve AND two school holidays! Have a flick through for ideas of Things2do and Places2go! And look out for even more ideas on our website and social media. Whatever you do, wherever you go, have fun, and mention Raring2go! Lucy x CONTENTS Lucy Richardson, Editor kidderminster@raring2go.co.uk | 07404 463 773 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. raring2go.kiddyandstourbridge @Raring2goKidderminster CONGRATULATIONS to the winners of our Summer competitions: High Jinx Theatre Tickets Ali Watson Villians Unleashed Theatre Tickets Kimberley Wood Aztec Adventure £250 Voucher Various winners! Play@ Lower Drayton Farm Family Ticket Laura Butler Silverstone Festival Family Ticket Various winners! Wolves VIP Tour Alicia Burns Dudley Canal and Caverns Family Ticket Richard Evans Pg 08 - 09 Pg 14 - 15 Pg 14 - 18 Pg 18 - 19 Pg 20 - 21 Pg 25 - 26 Pg 26 - 27 Pg 28 Pg 29 Pg 31 October What’s On Holiday Clubs Clubs and Classes Education Oct - Dec What’s On December What’s On Family Theatre Animal Experiences Raring2read Competitions All remaining pages: Places2go! 4

PLACESTO GO SPOOKY SCIENCE SHOW! TRICKY TRAIL CRAZY CRAFTS 19TH OCT–3RD NOV WMSP.CO.UK BOO-K NOW 5

PLACESTO GO Our training restaurant helps to develop the future stars of the catering and hospitality industries, and is open for gourmet dining on Wednesday and Thursday evenings.* We have a range of themed events throughout the year offering a variety of cuisines as well as Murder Mystery and Quiz evenings. We also offer weekend events and private hire during term times. So, if you’re looking to organise a corporate event, a baby shower or children’s birthday party, Bistro at B63 is a great space. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you be the perfect host! *STRICTLY BY RESERVATION ONLY Our Community Hub is the home of events and activities with plenty to do for all the family! Do you fancy an evening of wine and cheese, or having a go at some pottery making? Maybe a Saturday morning walk with our African Pygmy Goats? Or what about a family fun bake off session in our professional training kitchen? Throughout the Christmas period, we will be hosting a range of festive activities, including afternoon tea for a family and friends get-together and Breakfast with Santa for the little ones. Book Your Place Now @CommunityHubatB63 To book or for more information: Telephone: 0121 602 7829 email: restaurant@halesowen.ac.uk www.halesowen.ac.uk/facilities/bistro-at-b63 Halesowen College, Whittingham Road, Halesowen, B63 3NA Private Hire Themed Events Fine Dining Nights BistroAtB63 For more information: Telephone: 0121 6 02 7827 email: srogers@halesowen.ac.uk www.halesowen.ac.uk/facilities/community-hub-b63 Halesowen College, Whittingham Road, Halesowen, B63 3NA Book with us on OpenTable Raring 2 Go September 2024.indd 1 18/09/2024 16:15 6

PLACESTO GO 7

WHAT'S ON 26 Oct - 3 Nov Witches, Wizards & Dragons at Little Owl Farm 12+13 Oct, 19+20 Oct plus the above dates Pumpkin picking weekends Whatever the weather, we have a half-term full of spook-alicious fun for you, including; meeting our new Dragon Smokey, PYO pumpkin and making your own chocolate apples. Add in all the usual fun of the farm and you’ve got a day to remember! www.littleowlfarmpark.co.uk/october-events-2024/ 25 Oct - 3 Nov Halloween at Bodenham Arboretum 25 - 31 Oct: Torchlit Pumpkin Walk 26 Oct - 3 Nov: Daytime Pumpkin Walk 26 - 27 Oct: Halloween Afternoon Tea 28 Oct: Halloween Crafts www.bodenhamarboretum.co.uk/whats-on-diary/ 26 Oct - 3 Nov Halloween Pumpkin Trail at Hagley Park Gather your little monsters for a ghoulishly good day out at Hagley Park as you embark on our Halloween Pumpkin Trail this half term. You can also enjoy Spooky School in the Visitor Centre on 29th Oct, 30th Oct & 3rd Nov, and, Angie’s Animal Antics Halloween Show on 30 Oct. www.hagleypark.co.uk/events/ 26 Oct - 3 Nov Severn Valley Railway Are you brave enough to ride the Ghost Train, or perhaps you’ll climb aboard the Scream Train on 26, 30 or 31 Oct? Alternatively, enjoy a journey on the Railway this half-term break and stop at The Engine House, where families can let off steam in the outdoor play area, or get hands-on sorting mail in the travelling post office. www.svr.co.uk/all-events/ What’s on in OCTOBER This is just a guide. Some details may change, and some events require pre-booking. Please check with the venue before setting off. Selected dates from 28th September PYO Pumpkins @ Lower Drayton Farm Massive pumpkins, mini pumpkins, perfectly formed pumpkins and white pumpkins – we’ve got the pumpkin for you! You can carve your pumpkin in our massive indoor carving barn… No mess at home! PLUS Optional Trailer Ride, Indoor Pumpkin Village, Outdoor Play, Photo Opportunities, and Meet the Farm Animals. www.lowerdraytonfarm.co.uk/pumpkins/ 28 Sept - 3 Nov Halloween at Whitlenge Gardens A fun trail for all the family around the fairy gardens of Whitlenge, join in and dress up for your Halloween Walk! Enjoy the garden centre, tea rooms and play area too. www.whitlenge.co.uk/events/ 19 Oct - 3 Nov Spooky Spectacular at West Midlands Safari Park Join us for a fang-tastic Halloween adventure at West Midlands Safari Park, where there's something for every little monster! This year, we've brewed up some extra-special activities that are sure to delight (and maybe just a little fright!). www.wmsp.co.uk/events-detail/spooky-spectacular 19 - 31 Oct Halloween at Webbs Hagley’s Haunted House & PYO Pumpkin Trail; NEW for 2024: Dare to enter the Haunted House, 1 Oct - 3 Nov Spooktacular Golf Join us at Aztec Island Adventure Golf in Stourbridge, for our Halloween Haunted Makeover. Get 20% off using code ‘RARING2GO.’ www.aztecisland.co.uk/ 17 Oct KEMP Firewalk Feel the heat in your feet this October! Our Firewalk returns once again to challenge you to take a stroll on hot coal! www.kemphospice.org.uk/supportus/fundraising/events-challenges/ choose your own pumpkin from the grounds, carve it and take it home to scare away the Ghouls of Halloween! Costumes are encouraged if you want to blend in! www.webbsdirect.co.uk/whats-on/ 8

WHAT'S ON 31 Oct The Not So Terrifying Halloween Party Get ready for a hauntingly good time with Mary Stevens Hospice, at the Talbot Hotel 4pm - 6pm. www.marystevenshospice.co.uk/events/ 26 - 31 Oct (excl. Monday) Illuminated Witley Court Join us for a bewitching evening of spooky tales and illuminations. This family-friendly adventure sees Witley Court in a whole new light – with storytellers, magical folklore and eerie delights for all. www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/witleycourt-illuminated-witley-court-26-31-oct-24/ 27 Oct Wild Earth Movement’s Halloween Pumpkin Hunt Our annual pumpkin hunt is here! Taking place at Mary Stevens Park between 10am - 2pm. www.wildearthmovement.com/events 26 Oct Wall Heath Halloween Trail Join in the fun around the village with new attractions and games. Tickets are available from Decormar, Coffee Shop Co & Horse and Jockey. https://fb.me/e/7z7nS4ypb 26 - 31 Oct Kinver Rock Houses by Night Follow the light trail through the trees to the Rock Houses, where festoon lighting and coloured lights will add an atmospheric glow to the historic dwellings. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/shropshirestaffordshire/kinver-edge-and-the-rock-houses 28 Oct - 1 Nov Balance at ThinkTank A mesmerising dance theatre performance, inspiring wonder and appreciation of the human body. www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/thinktank/ whats-on 1 Nov The World Outside Forest School Children can experience and discover the woods in a safe and secure environment. Bodenham Arboretum provides a beautiful autumnal backdrop for our activities including den building, mud kitchen, cooking on the fire, and natural arts/crafts. www.theworldoutside.co.uk/wilderness-explorersholiday-club 30 Oct Diwali Lantern Craft Activity Illuminate your Diwali celebrations at Stourbridge Glass Museum! Hour-long sessions run 11am - 2pm, join us to begin the festivities as we create beautiful lanterns. More events are running throughout October, have a look at the website for details: www.stourbridgeglassmuseum.org.uk/events/ 26 Oct - 3 Nov Hartlebury’s Spooky Skeleton Halloween Trail Hunt for the skeletons lurking around the Castle; find all the Halloween visitors hiding on our new Spooky Trail! Ideal for family fun in the half-term holidays. You can also enjoy Witch and Wizard School, and Pumpkin Carving, between 28 - 31 Oct. www.hartleburycastle.com/events/ 29 + 31 Oct Crazy Crafting with The Listening Herd Halloween Crafts, Pumpkins and horses of course! Enjoy some marshmallow and chestnut roasting too. www.thelisteningherd.org/ 28 Oct - 1 Nov Bewdley Museum Children’s half-term activities take place each day between 10.30am - 2.30pm; walk-in events. Plus enjoy ‘Dippy’s Spooky Spectacular Show and Disco’ 26 - 31 Oct Canal-O-Ween at Dudley Canal Trust Family-friendly Halloween boat trips: climb aboard one of our Canal-O-Ween boats for a spook-tacular adventure this Halloween! It’s an underground celebration that’s all treats and no tricks, making it a blast for the entire family! www.dudleycanaltrust.org.uk/events-2/halloween-3/ on 30 Oct, 6-8pm, tickets need to be pre-booked. www.bewdleymuseum.co.uk/exploring/whats-on 9

PLACESTO GO ADVERTISE YOUR BIRTHDAY PARTY VENUE OR SERVICE HERE! CONTACT ME ON: 07404 463 773 KIDDERMINSTER@RARING2GO.CO.UK LUCY RICHARDSON EDITOR Witches, Wizards & Dragons October Half Term Week Don’t miss out on our AT LITTLE OWL FARM PARK Ghoulishly good fun for you and your monsters! Saturday 26th October to Sunday 3rd november pyo pumpkin Meet Our Dragon don't forget our Pumpkin Picking Weekends Saturday 12th & sunday 13th October Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th october Farm park fun For more info and to book, please head to www.littleowlfarmpark.co.uk BIRTHDAY PARTIES ANGIESANIMALANTICS@GMAIL.COM 0845 430 9281 MAGIC EMBRACE at Worcestershire County Museum at Hartlebury Castle October at your Museums all things spooky at The Commandery, Worcester Plan your visit at www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk 10

PLACESTO GO WHITLENGE WHITLENGE_TEAROOM_GARDENS Whitlenge Lane Hartlebury DY10 4HD T: 01299 250720 The Famous Whitlenge Halloween is back! 5ᵗʰ Oct – 3ʳᵈ Nov 2024 Are you brave enough to take a look? Why not dress up and join in the fun! No need to book – we’re open 7 days a week! Tearoom Opening Hours: 10am – 4pm (last orders 3pm) Adults: £6.95 Children: £3.95 Under 2’s free Our busy times are 11am – 1pm Please expect a delay during these times 11

PLACESTO GO Book online: www.playatthefarm.co.uk/pumpkins SAVE 10%* Use code RKPYO Staffordshire’s BIGGEST Pumpkin Patch! Indoor Carving Barn • SEN Sessions Open Sat 28 & Sun 29 Sep; Sat 5 & Sun 6 Oct then daily Sat 12th - 31st Oct 2024 *Online booking - £13pp on the gate. ** Subject to weather & availability. Trailer rides • Pumpkin village • Spooky walk Friendly animals • Outdoor play area • Street food PLUS TICKETS FROM £12* per person Includes pumpkin, carrots, potatoes & sweetcorn** ANGIE’S ANIMAL ANTICS HALLOWEEN SHOW Show starts 11am Book on 01562 307 308 or at the café WEDNESDAY 30TH OCTOBER Birmingham Road, Hagley DY9 9LR www.hagleypark.co.uk Hagley Park and Visitor Centre Plus come and enjoy a Pumpkin Trail Open Half Term Week 12

PLACESTO GO 13

Raring2go! HOLIDAY CAMPS 14 raring2go.co.uk Holiday Clubs Swimrite 28 Oct - 1 Nov Intensive swimming course www.swimrite.org/ Please visit www.raring2go.co.uk for a full round up of all holiday clubs for both Oct/Nov and Dec/Jan school holidays. To include football, dance, performance, netball and forest school choices! Aspire Active Camps 28 Oct - 1 Nov Plus Christmas school holiday dates TBC www.aaeg.co.uk/active-camps-hagley RB Holiday Camps 28 Oct - 1 Nov Plus Christmas school holidays, 30 Dec - 3 Jan Balance-ability taking place 28 Oct - 1 Nov in Edgbaston only. www.rbholidaycamps.co.uk Earls Gymnastics Camp 28 Oct - 1 Nov Weekly classes for all ages, stay and play, plus birthday parties, all also available. www.earlsgymnastics.co.uk/ Scan the QR code for more information! Contact us today! 0121 695 1394 Multi-Sports Activity Camp Book your place today at: rbholidaycamps.co.uk BOOK EARLY* 28th October - 1st November THEMTEHEME : 21.10.24 THEME: 31.10.24 Kidderminster, Gornal, Wolverhampton, Stourbridge, Halesowen, Birmingham.

CLUBS& CLAS ES 22nd July - 30th August Contact us today! 0121 544 4004 info@earlsgymnastics.co.uk | Rounds Green Rd, B69 2BU Gymnastics Activity Camp BOOK EARLY* Scan the QR code for more information! 28th October - 1st November THEMTEHEME : 21.10.24 THEME: 31.10.24 Rounds Green Rd, Oldbury, B69 2BU Ofsted registered Action-packed childcare October Half Term BOOK ONLINE Join us for a week filled with exciting activities, new friendships, and endless fun, all in a safe and secure environment. *Offer ends5pmonFriday11thOctober 28th Oct - 1st Nov For more info and to book your place visit activecamps.co.uk or call 01562 277 810 Hagley Haybridge High School Bromsgrove Lickey End First School 15% OFF* with code OCT24K 15

CLUBS& CLAS ES Creative Courage For Life® Stagecoach Performing Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Performing Arts Limited. Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18year-olds Helping children believe they can do anything stagecoach.co.uk/kidderminster 01562 66194 Baxter College, DY11 5PQ Stagecoach Kidderminster 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. 16

CLUBS& CLAS ES Reception - Tues 4pm & Sat 9.30am Year 1 - Thurs 4.15pm Brand new Nursery class - Sat 9.30am & Fri 1.30pm 3/4hr Ballet, Tap & Freestyle Combined Classes Why not come and see what it is all about? Limited FREE taster sessions available. To book your complimentary trial session: Select a class time from our choice of local venues; www.littlekickers.co.uk/find-a-class Book a FREE taster session via the QR code below Show up and have loads of fun! ⚽ ☎ 07545 236917 westmidlands@littlekickers.co.uk www.littlekickers.co.uk Little Kickers West Midlands #morethanjustfootball SCAN HERE FOR FREE TASTER SESSION BOOKING 17

CLUBS& CLAS ES swimrite.org TERM TIME WEEKLY LESSONS INTENSIVE HOLIDAY COURSES SMALL CLASSES / 121 TEACHER IN THE WATER AGED 3+ ALL ABILITIES 2 VENUES DY6 DY9 SWIM TEACHER OPPORTUNITIES 01384 880141 07973 249649 info@swimrite.org High quality swimming classes for all ages and abilities teaching through head, heart & hands for more information please contact the admissions team 01384 394633 info@elmfield.com www.elmfield.com 18

EDUCATION & CHILDCARE 19

WHAT'S ON WHITTAKER BROS.LTD TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT WWW.HIMLEYHALLANDPARK.CO.UK 20

WHAT'S ON 2 Nov Himley Fireworks Himley fireworks are back again this year to wow our guests with a 30 minute spectacular which will fill the sky with colour, all choreographed to music. www.himleyhallandpark.co.uk/events-1/himleyfireworks-2024 MORE LOCAL FIREWORK DISPLAYS Various dates Bistro at B63 Our highly acclaimed and friendly restaurant, Bistro at B63 is open for reservations. Join us for a ‘Day of the Dead’ evening on 23/24 Oct, a German Christmas night on 13/21 Nov and much more. www.halesowen.ac.uk/facilities/bistro-at-b63/ 30 Oct Halloween Party at Anchors Away! 5pm - 7pm. Book tickets here: www.anchorsawaysoftplay.co.uk/ 7 - 29 Nov £2pp off at Little Owl Farm We’ll have the heaters on in the playbarns and the coffee machines on, to warm up your winter days. www.littleowlfarmpark.co.uk/whats-on/ This is just a guide. Some details may change, and some events require pre-booking. Please check with the venue before setting off. Selected dates Molineux Stadium Tour, Wolves Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club is open every day in October half term for Wolves Museum visits and stadium tours, plus other selected dates over the Autumn months. Enjoy a behind-thescenes tour of Molineux Stadium (lasting approx 90 mins), plus access to the fantastic Wolves Museum... or you can book just for the Wolves Museum. events.wolves.co.uk/wolves-museum/ What’s on this AUTUMN 15 Nov - 2 Jan Webbs Tumble down the rabbit hole with Alice for an extraordinary journey through Wonderland! Our popular light trail will take you to a fantastical realm filled with peculiar creatures, mad tea parties and curious conundrums! www.webbsdirect.co.uk/enchantedgardens/ 30 Nov Festive Market & Frosty’s Snowball Run Join us to get a head start on your Christmas shopping and enjoy a coffee and cake while you’re here too! Plus join in with the Snowball Drop Extravaganza! Get ready as we release hundreds of ‘snow’ balls down our slippery slope of obstacles, adding an extra twist to the festivities. www.marystevenshospice.co.uk/events/ 7 Nov KEMP Big Quiz Night Due to popular demand, we are delighted to be hosting our Big Quiz for KEMP for the 3rd year! Gather your team and enjoy a fun-packed evening. www.kemphospice.org.uk/supportus/fundraising/events-challenges/ 8 Nov - 20 Dec The World Outside Forest School for Under 5's Every Friday 10am - 11am; activities include forest activities, such as crafts using natural materials, den building, exploring, mini beasts, cooking on fire etc. www.theworldoutside.co.uk/under-5s-sessions Oct - Nov Dudley zoo Go Wild at Dudley Zoo with all the family this October and November and up to two children can go free with a full paying adult! www.dudleyzoo.org.uk/plan-your-visit/fun-at-dzc/ October onwards Stourbridge Glass Museum Kids go free in Oct. www.stourbridgeglassmuseum.org.uk/events/ 21

PLACESTO GO Visit Santa within our 11th century castle, see his reindeer and receive a special gift. Santa’s Grotto at Dudley Zoo and Castle visit dudleyzoo.org.uk or call 01384 215313 BOOK TICKETS NOW Ticket includes zoo admission 22

PLACESTO GO AT LITTLE OWL FARM PARK Tinsel Tots Christmas Grotto Experience festive date night For more info and to book, please head to www.littleowlfarmpark.co.uk Join us this winter for a truly MAGICAL CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE! and so much more! Explore the magical town of… Tickets include entry to PLAY@ farm attraction! Lower Drayton Farm, Penkridge, Sta ord, ST19 5RE Save 10% use code RKXMAS JOIN US for a FESTIVE JOURNEY like no other BOOK NOW: www.playatthefarm.co.uk/christmas Jingle Bus Ride • Festive Film • Meet Santa Gift from the Elves’ Toyshop • Christmas Crafts Make your own TeddyTastic cuddly Festive Treats • and more! PLUS Explore our award-winning PLAY@ attraction! Buy tickets at SVR.CO.UK SANTA TRAINS EXPERIENCE A MAGICAL STEAM TRAIN JOURNEY TO SEE AN ALL-NEW CHRISTMAS PANTO SHOW SELECTED DATES FROM 30 NOVEMBER 23

WHAT'S ON What’s on in DECEMBER 30 Nov - 1 Jan Silly Santa’s Antics and Nativity Trail at Bodenham Arboretum Enjoy 2 events for the price of 1, as Christmas takes over the grounds. Enjoy the funny Santa scenes around the Big Pool and see what Santa really gets up to in his spare time! See our live nativity scenes starring some of our friendly farm animals, and read the Nativity Story as you go. www.bodenhamarboretum.co.uk/whats-on-diary/ 30 Nov - 23 Dec Grotto Experience at Little Owl Farm If you’re searching for a festive family day out this Christmas, be sure to put Little Owl Farm Park at This is just a guide. Some details may change, and some events require pre-booking. Please check with the venue before setting off. Most Christmas events are ‘selected dates’ within the date range stated. 22 Nov - 24 Dec Santa Safari at West Midlands Safari Park New for this year is Santa's Enchanted Elevator - a magical journey transporting you to the heart of the North Pole. As soon as the doors close, the elevator comes to life and you will travel up and away on a fantastical flight across snowy landscapes and festive scenes to then meet the big man himself. www.wmsp.co.uk/events-detail/santa-safari 30 Nov - 24 Dec Christmas Grotto at Webbs West Hagley Wander through our traditional Christmas Grotto with winter scenes and surprises around every corner! Children can post their letters to Santa, mix their own reindeer food to take home and then it's time to see Santa in his cosy cabin. www.webbsdirect.co.uk/grotto-hagley/ 30 Nov - 24 Dec Santa Trains and Enchanted Express at Severn Valley Railway Santa Trains: Travel on a steam train to see Santa in a pantomime! Enchanted Express: Meet Father Christmas on a steam train and listen to our enchanted Christmas tale, inspired by the classic poem ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas. www.svr.co.uk/all-events/ 23 Nov - 22 Dec Nutcracker Trail at Hartlebury Castle Search for the Nutcrackers and their stockings on this Christmas trail! 7 - 8 Dec A Family Christmas at Hartlebury Castle Enjoy a magical family day out at the Christmas Castle and meet Santa himself! 15 Dec Singalong with Santa Get into the festive spirit as you enjoy songs and stories with Santa! www.hartleburycastle.com/events/ 23 Nov - 14 Dec Breakfast with Santa at Halesowen College You can also enjoy Christmas dinners, festive afternoon teas and a Tudor Christmas - all on selected dates. Take a look at their website to see all that they offer: www.halesowen.ac.uk/facilities/bistro-at-b63/ 30 Nov - 24 Dec Santa’s Grotto at Dudley Zoo and Castle Come along and experience the magic of Christmas at Dudley Zoo and Castle. Visit Santa in his Grotto set within the walls of the 11th-century castle. www.dudleyzoo.org.uk/events-whats-on-at-dzcsantas-grotto/ 30 Nov - 23 Dec Christmas at Whitlenge Gardens Fun for all the family, come and have a wonder around our festive gardens. Closes at Midday on 23rd Dec. www.whitlenge.co.uk/events/ the top of your list. Join us for a day filled with the perfect mix of festive activities and a whole lot of farm fun too! Plus enjoy Tinsel Tots for the little ones on 5, 6, 12 & 13 Dec. www.littleowlfarmpark.co.uk/whats-on/ 1 Dec Santa Fun Run A sea of Santa’s will take over Brinton Park as you 24

WHAT'S ON For FREE Libraray events, Christmas Light Switch On events And much more! Head to our website or social media, all of which is updated on a regular basis. www.raring2go.co.uk/area/kidderminster-andstourbridge/ To be confirmed Arley Arboretum Look out for Arley Arboretums event details here: www.arleyarboretum.co.uk/arley-kids/ 20 - 23 Dec Santa Stadium Tours Join Wolves Museum for a very special Christmas treat! Take a highlights tour behind the scenes of the iconic Molineux Stadium, visiting the player’s dressing rooms, tunnel and pitch side, and enjoy a visit to the fantastic Wolves Museum. Meet Santa within the Museum, along with Wilfred! All Under 14s will receive a special Wolves present from Santa too! events.wolves.co.uk/whats-on/wolves-museumpresents-santa-stadium-tours/ 1 Dec Wild Earth Movement’s Eco Christmas Market At The Bonded Warehouse 11am - 4pm, 3 floors of beautiful traders and small businesses selling everything you could think of. www.wildearthmovement.com/events 8 Dec Family Nature Day at Bishops Wood Enjoy games, crafts and hands-on activities suitable for the whole family to enjoy, allowing you and your children to connect with nature together (and giving you the chance to find your inner child!). www.field-studies-council.org/courses-andexperiences/ 8 Dec Santa Jog & Festive Walkies Mary Stevens Hospice Santa Fun Run will return to kick start your family celebrations as we take on the 5K course of festiveness together! There’s no greater sight to see than hundreds of Santa’s having fun – but this year we also have Festive Walkies for our furry friends! www.marystevenshospice.co.uk/events/ 7 - 24 Dec Jingle Ville @ Lower Drayton Farm Hop on the festive double-decker bus to explore this whimsical destination; watch a fun festive film, meet Santa, choose a toy from the elves’ toyshop, get creative with Christmas crafts, create your very own ‘TeddyTastic’ cuddly to take home and cherish, mingle with festive characters and more… Plus you get to spend the rest of your day out enjoying the award-winning PLAY@ farm attraction with its massive indoor playbarns, outdoor adventure play and undercover animal zones. Booking essential. www.playatthefarm.co.uk/christmas/ 1 - 23 Dec The Jingle Boat at Dudley Canal Trust Prepare for a festive escapade like no other as Dudley Canal & Caverns presents The Jingle Boat, a festive delight that promises to sprinkle a little mischief and lots of magic. www.dudleycanaltrust.org.uk/christmas-2024-2/ take part in the KEMP Hospice Santa Fun Run, and they can’t wait, can you!? www.kemphospice.org.uk/supportus/fundraising/events-challenges/ 25

WHAT'S ON BRIERLEY HILL CIVIC, BANK STREET, DY5 3DH DATES + TICKETS @ BHILLCIVIC.CO.UK / 01384 573381 Kidz presents Grinch Stole Christmas DECEMBER 2024 Santa’s Got talent DECEMBER 2024 Halloween DINOslam Halloween Live Show Halloween Disco 29TH OCTOBER 2024 30TH OCTOBER 2024 31ST OCTOBER 2024 26

Raring2go! If you are interested in a life-changing vocation and can provide a safe, loving home to a child in care, we’d love to hear from you. 01527 834653 0333 0603 962 five-rivers.org Your local office: Unit 28 Basepoint Business Centre, Isidore Road, Bromsgrove, B60 3ET Short term and long term fosters carers needed. Highly competitive fostering allowance of up to £28,000 a year, tax-free. 24/7 support and specialist training. Potential to combine with full or part-time work. Foster carers turn children’s lives around – come and foster with us boroughhalls.co.uk | 01384812812 ADDAMS FAMILY 2 Sat 26 October - 2.30pm GHOSTBUSTERS: FROZEN EMPIRE Mon 28 October - 1.30pm ALL STAR WRESTLING Sat 26 October - 7pm VILLAINS UNLEASHED! Thu 31 October - 2pm LIVE FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT DUDLEY TOWN HALL • STOURBRIDGE TOWN HALL 27

ACTIVITIES Would you like to improve your communication with your child and understand the emotions that affect that relationship? Being a parent or carer can be challenging and overwhelming at times, especially if your child is struggling at school, feeling overwhelmed or anxious. Spending time with the horses, in nature helps us to understand ourselves more and teaches us to be “present” in the moment. These beautiful creatures help us to understand our emotions and allow us to engage the part of our brain that deals with connections, creativity and intuition. IT IS A TRULY LIFECHANGING EXPERIENCE We are offering parent/carer and child sessions where you will be able to work together with the horses to learn about your own emotions, as well understanding each others. The sessions will support you to be able to: •Set effective boundaries •Improve your communication and understanding of each other •Support you to develop resilience and positive relationships For more details or to book call Helene on 07718 808118. Animal and Zoo Keeper experiences Memorable encounters that get you closer to some of the world's rarest animals! visit www.dudleyzoo.org.uk or call 01384 215313 BOOK NOW! 28

RARING2READ Help your child learn to read in 30 days for FREE with Reading Eggs! Created by experts and loved by over 20 million children worldwide, Reading Eggs is designed to develop early essential literacy skills such as phonics, sight words and vocabulary, planting the foundation for a life-long love of reading. Here’s why you’ll love our programs: FREE 30-DAY TRIAL in 30 Days Learn to Read FREE! readingeggs.co.uk/bts21 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. Hundreds of fun learning games Exciting rewards keep your child motivated See results from just 15 minutes of play a day! Positive screen time that’s KidSAFE & Ad-free Automated progress reports Log in across multiple devices at the same time, with no restrictions! B2C6002_RE240507_BTS_UK_RARING2GO_AD_148X210_AB.indd 1 4/6/2024 5:17 AM 29

VOUCHERS&OFERS Autumn LTV ad V3.qxp_Layout 1 16/08/2024 09:58 Page 1 30

COM PETITIONS WIN a Family Ticket to West Midlands Safari Park Spooky Spectacular Closing date: 18 Oct 2024 Enter on Raring2go.co.uk WIN a Family Ticket to PLAY@ Lower Drayton Farm Closing date: 17 Nov 2024 Enter on Raring2go.co.uk WIN a Wolves VIP Tour. We have two pairs of VIP Tour Vouchers to give away! Closing date: 17 Nov 2024 Enter on Raring2go.co.uk WIN a Family Ticket to Blists Hill Victorian Christmas weekend, at Ironbridge Closing date: 8 Nov 2024 Enter on Raring2go.co.uk WIN a pair of tickets to The Festive Fair at the NEC Closing date: 24 Oct 2024 Enter on Raring2go.co.uk WIN a Family Ticket to see Dear Santa Live at Dudley Town Hall on 23/24 Dec Closing date: 10 Nov 2024 Enter on Raring2go.co.uk Valid for 12 months Excludes Jingle Ville Taking place between 14 -17 November On either 7th, 8th, 14th or 15th Dec Taking place between 19 Oct - 3 Nov A must for all Wolves fans! 31

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDA0NjA=