WAYS TO SAVE THIS SUMMER WIN TICKETS FOR KIDDY HARRIERS! SUMMER HOLIDAY EVENTS raring2go.co.uk SUMMER 2022 KIDDERMINSTER & STOURBRIDGE MAGAZINE & WEBSITE THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD
2 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! PLACES2GO • Dress up for interactive story time • Illustrate your own book cover • Make a model fantasy world • Create your own powerful portrait Holiday Activities in the Shire inspired by The Magic of Middle-Earth exhibition Every Thursday through the summer holidays. Visit the website for dates. Crafts and Trails Tuesdays to Thursdays, 10.30am -12noon. Knights and Princesses: 26th - 28th Jul and 16th -18th Aug. Dig for Dinosaurs: 2nd - 4th and 23th - 25th Aug. Epic Explorers: 9th -11th Aug and 30th Aug -1st Sept. Ahoy there! Pirate Adventures Monday 29th Aug, 10am - 5pm. Climb the rigging, walk the plank, find the shipwrecked treasure, and create your own peg pirate. Pirate costumes = yes please! Crafts, trails and activities! Summer Fun at Your Museums Crafts and Trails Tuesdays to Thursdays, 10am - 5pm Vibrant Vardos: Tuesday 26th to Thursday 28th July Castles and Jousting Knights: 2nd - 4th Aug Swords and Dragons: 9th -11th Aug Crowns and Catapults: 16th -18th Aug Jesters’ Hats: 23rd - 25th Aug For admissions and prices please see www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk
3 Raring2go! PLACES2GO £3.50 Per Child £6 Per Adult Magical Quest Scavenger Hunt Book tickets at: arleyarboretum.digitickets.co.uk For more details visit: arleyarboretum.co.uk Available during the summer holidays! T&Cs apply. E&OE. The Roger & Douglas Turner Charitable Trust (CIO). Registered Charity Number: 1154467. Book now at SVR.CO.UK or call 01562 757 900 SUMMER OF SPORT FROM 23RD JULY A CHAMPION DAY OUT PRE-BOOK AND SAVE UP TO £64!* *£64 saving calculated against value of individual adult and child tickets
4 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! GO-TO GUIDE SUMMER is at here at last and we’re all ready for a break from normal routines, packed lunches and homework! Whatever the weather this summer, let’s give our children the chance to relax, play and to make long lasting memories with friends and family. With the Commonwealth Games coming to Birmingham, it’s going to be a summer of sport. How about holding your own Games in the backgarden or the park? See page 20 for ideas. I know that the summer holidays can be expensive, so I have included some free or low price activities in this issue. You can find more tips for summer savings on page 28. Keep checking our website too for money saving vouchers you can download. Thank you to everyone that has supported this issue. Have a fantastic summer! WHAT’S INSIDE Places2go...................2-19 Summer Sport.............20 Children’s Clubs..........21-23 Reading.......................26 Ways to Save...............28 Competitions...............30-31 Scan here for even more summer events!
5 Raring2go! PLACES2GO WWW.DUDLEYCANALTRUST.ORG.UK 0121 557 6265 SUMMER Join us & commemorate Black Country Day with a 3 hour cruise out in to the local area. Included is an interesting talk on the history of the Black Country and a tasty meal including local delicacies. Black Country Day Cruise - Friday 15th July SPECIAL EVENTS Your little ones will get to play games & make their very own medals & flags to wave and cheer on the athletes. Their hands will of course get covered in paint! Little Skippers: Commonwealth Fun - Sundays, Mondays & Tuesdays throughout t the summer holidays JAM PACKED And don't forget... We are open 7 days a week! You can now enjoy one of our popular 45 minute Dudley Underground Experience trips, where you will travel back 428 million years in history, and relax with a tasty snack, meal or drink in our Gongoozler Restaurant Monday-Sunday. get in touch for more info!
6 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? Sunday 9th July, 11am Robot Craft at Stourbridge Library Freecraft to tie inwith theSummer ReadingChallenge theme,Gadgeteers,which launcheson9thJuly. Contact theLibraryon01384 812945 for details. 15th July Black Country Cruise Join Dudley Canal Trust to celebrate Black Country Day witha3hour boat cruise in thearea. The trip includes a local history talkandameal -with some BlackCountrydelicacies. Plus their regular 45minboat tripswill be runningall summer. Call 01215576265. www.dudleycanaltrust.org.uk Saturday 16th July, 10am Mad Scientist Craft at Dudley Library Freecraft for children. ContactDudley Libraryon 01384815560 for details. Saturday 16th July, 3pm - 9pm Ibiza Proms in the Park Enjoy theHouse&GarageOrchaestraperformat HimleyHall. Bookatwww.himleyhallandpark.co.uk From 16th July - 4th September Fairy Trail at Whitlenge Gardens Children can enjoy a magical trail around the landscaped gardens. Spot the mini fairy gardens along the way. Near Hartlebury. www.whitlenge.co.uk From 16th July Fun in the WILD this Summer ExploreWildZoological Park, atHalfpennyGreen Vineyards - a small zoomakingabig impact! Closeup encounters,walk throughhabitats andawardwinning free flight birdshows andwildlifedisplays. Don’tmiss WildZoo’smain shows andpresentations.Opendaily now. Book your tickets atwww.wildzoo.co.uk From 16th July Fun at West Midland Safari Park Goonawildlife safari, enjoy the rides,watch the sea lion shows andanimal encounters.NEW: AfricanWalking Trail toget close to theelephants, rhinos andgiraffes! Win ticketsonpage30.www.wmsp.co.uk From 16th July - 4th September Super Worm & Gruffalo Trail at Wyre Forest Discover the small butmighty creatures in theSuper WormStory and learnabout theeverydayheroic featsof minibeasts in the forest. Self-led trail. Older childrenmay enjoy thenewGruffaloOrienteeringTrail. Nr Bewdley. Sunday 17th July SEND Group Group for SENfamilies at StourbridgeLibrary. Activities are freeof charge. Call theLibraryon01384 812945. Sunday 17th July Black Country Musicom Festival Livemusic from12pm- 8pmatHimleyHall featuringGo West andRolandGift of FineYoungCannibals. Book viawww.himleyhallandpark.co.uk 18th July - 4th September Summer Play @Lower Drayton Farm Penkridge, Staffs. With indoor andoutdoor play zones, friendly animals and thechance to learnabout life onaworking farm, theadventurebegins theminuteyou pass through thegates. 1stAug–4 thSept haveagoat theDino-LabMaizeMaze too! Save10%whenbooking onlinewithcodeRGKS. www.playatthefarm.co.uk From 20th July Scarecrow Trail Children’s Trail at BodenhamArboretum. Cafeon site. Booking required.www.bodenhamarboretum.co.uk 23rd July - 4th September Return of the Dinosaurs Thedinosaurs are returning toHattonAdventureWorld, Warwickshire, this summer! Therewill beaROARSOME programme– check thewebsite for all thedetails. www.adventure.hattonworld.com From 23rd July Queen’s Baton visits the SVR TheQueen’sBaton (CommonwealthGames) arrives at Kidderminster Stationon theSVR. Thiswill alsomark the start of theSevernValleyRailways ‘Summer of Sport’ season,which sees sixweeksof sport-themed funand activities throughout the school holidays. www.svr.co.uk From 25th July - 2nd September Aspire Active Camp in Hagley and Kinver AspireActiveCamp:Ofsted registeredHolidayClub for 4–14year olds, runningatHaybridgeHighSchool inHagley andKinverHighSchool. EarlyBirdbooking discounts: useCodeKSSUM22 for 15%before8July. Book viawww.aspire-sports.co.uk/active-camps
7 Raring2go! PLACES2GO Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm. Admission just £4 per adult and £2 per child aged 4-17. Children aged 3 and under go free. Special prices for families and concessions. Stourbridge Glass Museum, High Street, Wordsley DY8 4FB stourbridgeglassmuseum.org.uk Family fun at Stourbridge Glass Museum this summer Get creative during the school holidays. Whether it’s decorating glass jars, building junk robots or sculpting soap, there’s plenty to keep kids of all ages entertained at Stourbridge Glass Museum throughout July and August. Check out our Facebook page for more details. OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK GlassMuseumUK IN ASSOCIATION WITH P ROM S IN THE PARK IN ASSOCIATION WITH HARRY JONES COMPANY SATURDAY 16 JULY • 3 TO 9PM HIMLEY HALL FOR TICKET VISIT WWW.HIMLEYHALLANDPARK.CO.UK/BLACKCOUNTRYWEEKENDER
8 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? Various dates in July & August The World Outside Summer Sessions WildernessExplorerswill runat BodenhamArboretum eachWednesday andFriday,withanUnder 5s session onFridaymornings. ‘Dropoff andLeave’ sessionson Thursdays. Book viawww.the-worldoutside.co.uk From 25th July - 2nd September Magical Quest at Arley Arboretum ScavengerHunt through thegardens. £3.50per child. +Play area,mazeand tearoom. www.arleyarboretum.co.uk From 25th July - 2nd September Multi Sports Camp JoinRBGymandSports for summer sports andgames at venues inStourbridgeandHalesowen.Ofsted Registered. Bookearly andsave10%. Book viawww.rbyholidaycamps.co.uk From 25th July, 10am - 3pm Football Camps with Kiddy Harriers KidderminsterHarriersCommunityholiday football club is for childrenaged5-13years. Local venues include Kidderminster, Stourport andKinver. Tobook, email harrierscommunity@hotmail.co.uk 26th - 28th July Vibrant Vardos at Hartlebury Castle Make traditional travellers’ crafts and followthe trail, inspiredbyour beautiful collectionof Vardos –Gypsy caravans. Crafts £2.50per child. Trail included in admission. Noneed tobook.Moreevents here: www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk 26th - 28th July Knights & Princesses at The Commandery Paint your shield, joust onhobbyhorses, play incastle tents andquest through thegarden. Usual admission applies.www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk 26th July, & 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd August Kids’ Jewellery Workshop Haveagoatmakingyour ownpieceof jewellery. Pre booking is essential asplaces are limited. For ages 8+ www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/jewellery Funded by: birminghammuseums.org.uk/whats-on • • 4k Planetarium • Outdoor Science Garden
9 Thursday 28th July - 1st September Summer in the Shire Family funatWorcesterCityGallery&Museum. A different themeeachweek, inspiredbyTheMagicof MiddleEarthandThePower of Portraitureexhibitions. www.museumsworestershire.org.uk Thursday 28th July, 10am - 3pm Glass Craft at Stourbridge Glass Museum Decorateaglass jar, taking inspiration fromthe contemporaryglassondisplay. Drop-in session. Freeas part of your entry to themuseum.Moreevents like this throughout the summer: stourbridgeglassmuseum.org.uk 30th July - 7 August Jurassic Farm at Churchfields. For nineROARSOMEdays, T-Rex, Triceratops and friendswill escape their enclosureand takeover the fun farm! Therewill alsobeauniqueCampingwith Dinosaurs FamilyExperienceon the30th–31st July as part of theevent! www.churchfields.farm Wednesday 3rd August National Play Day This year’s theme is ‘play is for everyone’. Find local events in theparks atwww.playday.org.uk Raring2go! PLACES2GO 4th & 25th August The Magic Bed: Tall Tale at Aston Hall Join this interactive tellingof a fairy tale fromIndiaabout a youngprincewhouses amagicbed to travel to far away kingdoms. AstonHall inBirmingham. www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/aston Daily During Summer Holidays Wolverley Mini Pro Golf Park 18hole funmini golf course, for all ages andabilities. Equipment provided.Noneed tobook. DY103RN. Tuesdays & Thursdays in August Summer Fun at Hartlebury Castle Castles, Dragons, Knights andPrincesses atHartlebury Castle. Comedressedup, followa trail andcreatecrafts youcan takehome! Crafts £2.50per child.Noneed to book.www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk Selected Dates this summer Dance Workshops with Fusion Dance Factory Sessionswill include subjects suchas freestyle, street and lyrical aswell as themedworkshops, inStourbridge. Open toeveryone fromage3+ . Formoredetails visit www.fusiondancefactory.comor see theFusion Facebookpage.
10 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? 2nd - 4th and 23rd - 25th August Dig for Dinosaurs at The Commandery Excavatea frozenmini dinosaur, dig for bones, seea volcanocome to lifeandhave funpaintingandcolouring dinosaurs. www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk Throuhgout the Summer Playland Funpark in Stourport Based inRiversideMeadows, theparkoffers a range of activities includingcrazygolf, dinosaur go-karts and bumper boats. Location: DY138UK. 2nd - 3rd August Sarah & Duck’s Big Top Birthday Family showat StourbridgeTownHall. Book via www.boroughhalls.co.ukor call 01384812812. 8th - 12th August, 10am - 4pm Summer Theatre Workshop JoinStagecoachKidderminster’sworkshopheldat BaxterCollege inKidderminster for ages 6–17years. Noexperience is necessary, just lotsof enthusiasm. Everyonegets apart toplay. For details email kidderminster@stagecoach.co.uk 9th - 14th August, 1.30am, 1pm, 3pm Circus at Webbs of Wychbold JohnLawson’s SummerCircus atWebbsofWychbold. £7per person. Book viawww.webbsdirect.co.uk/circus. + freeStorytellingsessions eachTuesday atWychbold. Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays Little Skippers at Dudley Canal Trust CommonwealthFun for littleones: playgames and makeyour own flags andmedals. www.dudleycanaltrust.org.uk Thursday 11th August, 10am - 3pm Junk Robots at Stourbridge Glass Museum Tocelebrateour exhibition ‘ContemporaryGlass Society at 25’ createa junk robot. Freeaspart of your entry to themuseum. Findmoreevents like this at www.stourbridgeglassmuseum.org.uk FOR TICKET VISIT WWW.HIMLEYHALLANDPARK.CO.UK/BLACKCOUNTRYWEEKENDER IN ASSOCIATION WITH SUNDAY 17 JULY • 12 TO 8PM • H IMLEYHALL GOWEST THE FIZZ (CHERYL, JAYANDMIKE FROMBUCKS FIZZ) ROLANDGIFT FROMTHE FINEYOUNG CANNIBALS TOP COMEDIANS • THE BEST TRIBUTE MUSIC ACTS FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT 13th - 29th August Worcester Festival Activities includecolouringcompetitions, discos, pottery, painting, tours, craft fayres, camping, craftingworkshops, cheer danceclasses andmore. Therearenearly700 events in this year’s festival,withamassive78%of events completely free. Details atworcesterfestival.co.uk Thursday 18th August, 2pm - 4pm Rocket Ship Craft at Dudley Library Freeof charge. Contact Libraryon01384815560 Bank Holiday Weekend Kayaking in Kinver Kayakalong thecanal! Operating fromTheVinePub in Kinver. Runningall summer. Bookatwww.riverseverncanoes.co.uk. Bank Holiday Monday 29th August Pirate Adventures at The Commandery Wear your best piratecostumeandclimb the rigging, walk theplank, swab thedeckand tryCaptainHook’s ring toss. Thenget creativebymakingyour ownpeg pirateanda treasurechest craft. www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk This is just a guide. Please check the details with the venue before setting off.
11 Raring2go! PLACES2GO Summer Holiday Football Fun For boys and girls aged 5 - 13 years old To book email harrierscommunity@hotmail.co.uk Sarah & Duck © Karrot Entertainment. Distributed by BBC Studios. © Sarah & Duck’s Big Top Birthday is brought to you under licence from BBC Studios Tue 2 - Wed 3 August | 01384 812812 boroughhalls.co.uk | Stourbridge Town Hall
12 raring2go.co.uk Advertorial Raring2go! PLACES2GO COME & ENJOY CHILDRENS' TRAIL EACH SCHOOL HOLIDAY FIND US AT Whitlenge Lane, Hartlebury DY10 4HD "Such a magical place!" T: 01299 250720 www.whitlenge.co.uk Tearoom serving scrumptious cakes Outdoor play area No need to book Open Monday - Saturday: 9am - 5pm Sunday: 10am - 5pm Adult: £5 Children: £2.50 Under 2s Free Can you spot the fairies at Whitlenge gardens this summer? Whitlenge Gardens are passionate about encouraging children to get outdoors. So each school holiday, the staff dress the beautiful gardens with fairy gardens and sculptures and plan a themed children’s trail. This summer you can find a fairy village waiting to greet you! Competition We’d love local children to take inspiration from our Fairy Gardens and create their own magical mini garden at home. Our shop is stocked full of props to adorne your own little kingdom and our nursery offers plants and herbs to provide cover for your miniature characters. Send in a photograph of your child’s fairy garden to kidderminster@raring2go.co.uk, by 31 July. The creator of the best garden will win £30 on accessories from our gift shop. The runner up will win £15 worth. Come along this summer to gather together ideas for your gardens - big and small. We are open 7 days a week. No need to book. For further details visit www.whitlenge.co.uk
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14 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? 12 raring2go.co.uk Get Set for the Commonwealth Games this Summer This Summer, athletes from 72 nations and territories of the Commonwealth will come together in Birmingham to compete in a range of sports from swimming to bowls. If you haven’t been lucky enough to get your hands on tickets to watch the events in person you can still get a piece of the action. Watch the Baton Relay On 18 July, after an international tour of the Commonwealth, the Queen’s Baton Relay will arrive in the West Midlands to complete the final 11 days of its journey to the host city of Birmingham. Check out the route and find the best place for you to see it at www.birmingham2022.com. If you fancy something a little different, the Severn Valley Railway has announced that it will be hosting a section of the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay in the final build-up to the Commonwealth Games this summer. It will travel along the line, hauled very appropriately by No. 70 ‘Elizabeth II’, the steam locomotive recently painted purple and silver to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Line the route Some events will be taking place in locations open to the general public. Although you need tickets for the start and finish lines (except the marathon), spectators are welcome to line the streets along the routes and therefore watch the action free of charge. 1. Marathon – 30 July The men’s, women’s and T53/ T54 events are all taking place on the same course which will start at Smithfield, Birmingham. Competitors will cross the finish line at Victoria Square in Birmingham city centre as they complete the gruelling 26.2 mile event. 2. Triathlon and Para Triathlon – 29 and 31 July The Triathlon and Para Triathlon (for athletes with a visual impairment – PTVI) events will take place within Sutton Park and on the local roads to the south of the park, in and around Boldmere High Street. 3. Road Cycling Time Trial – 4 August West Park, Wolverhampton will be the start and finish point for this race against the clock. It will take more than 90 male and female cyclists through Dudley, passing the town’s famous castle and zoo, into Staffordshire, then back to Wolverhampton. 4. Cycling Road Race – 7 August The Cycling Road Race starts and finishes at St Nicholas Park, Warwick. The riders will pass the Lord Leycester Hospital, Warwick, as well as Victoria Park, Leamington Spa, the venue for the Birmingham 2022 lawn bowls and para lawn bowls competition. The women will complete seven laps of a 16km course, whilst the men will complete ten. The final part of the course will cross the River Avon, taking in the view of Warwick Castle. To see the routes plus more information visit www.birmingham2022.com.
15 Raring2go! PLACES2GO 30th July - 7th August visit www.churchfieLds.farm to find out more and book Something BIG is coming! #FindYourAdventure Worcestershire WYre ForeST *Subject to availability. Offer valid at Wyre Forest only, discount applied automatically at checkout. Not to be redeemed in conjunction with any other discounts or promotions. Participation and supervision ratios apply - please see our website. book aT goape.co.uk WY_ALL_Early_Bird_Raring2Go_129x89mm_CMYK.indd 1 07/06/2022 16:25
16 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! PLACES2GO 1. Wyre Forest Wyre Forest is rated as one of the top three most ecologically important forests in Britain so offers fantastic scenery to cycle around. You can now hire bikes from Bewdley Outdoors, based at the Wyre Forest Centre. 2. Dudmaston Hall Whether you’re experienced or just a beginner, the mountain bike route through the Dudmaston woods is a fantastic way to take in the local scenery. The National Trust park is open 365 days per year. 3. South Staffs Railway Walk This route (Near Baggeridge Park) runs from Aldersley Stadium to Himley, then continues as the Kingswinford Railway walk to Pensnett, running near Himley Hall. The route is road free as it runs along an old railway so crosses the roads via bridges. 4. Sandwell Valley Country Park A cycle around the reservoir is a nice route for small children and for the more adventurous, there’s a 3.5k Mountain Bike Track as well as a Pump Track, located near to the adventure park, with lots of big bumps to ride over. 5. Canal Tow Paths Our local canal network offers flat towpaths, ideal for a bike ride - and if you can fit in a pub stop even better! Cycle to the Lock in Wolverley, or the Anchor in Caunsall. 5 Places to Pedal #HighFive NEW FOREST RIDER PACKS This summer, the Commonwealth Games Mountain biking competition will be coming to Cannock Chase Forest, and to help encourage the next generation of off-road cyclists, Forestry England has developed a new Forest Rider Pack, now available at Wyre Forest. As well as keeping children physically fit, research has shown that cycling can bring about a feeling of greater self-esteem, self-control and the ability to rise to a challenge. The Forest Rider pack has been designed to challenge children to complete a series of off-road rides, to help build their confidence and to enjoy the fantastic network of trails the nation’s forest have to offer. Aimed at children aged 7-12, the pack will encourage children to get out and about on their bikes in the forest and be safe and responsible forest riders! Forest Rider packs can be bought online for £6.50 including postage and packaging, or from the Wyre Forest for just £5.
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18 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? 1. Brintons Park Kidderminster has a splash pad with jets, water cannons and a shallow area for little ones. The Splash Pads are open daily 11am-6pm until September. 2. Mary Stevens Park The Stourbridge park has a splash pad where children can run around triggering the water sprinklers by standing on the coloured soft pads. The Norton park is one of five healthy hubs located within Dudley borough. 3. Droitwich Lido The Lido is a remodelled, heated swimming pool with a ‘beach’ area at one end and an integrated fountain. There is also a dedicated wet-play area besides the main pool. Pre-booking required. 4. Gheluvelt Park The park in Barbourne, Worcester, has a great splash pad play area for children from todders to early teens, with separate area for older children. Open 7 days a week, 11am – 6pm from July to September. 5. Riverside Paddling Pool Situated on the River Severn the Riverside Meadows area has activities for the whole family to enjoy, including Playland Fun park and an outdoor paddling pool to cool off in. Full article in NEWS section of www.raring2go.co.uk 5 Places to Paddle #HighFive
19 Raring2go! PLACES2GO challengeacademy.co.uk Book your SUMMER ADVENTURE Baggeridge adventure We have loads of adventures including ropes courses, obstacle course, bouldering wall, a nets course and a mini ropes course. There are some fantastic activities available for all ages and abilities at Baggeridge Adventure. Baggeridge Country Park, Sedgley DY3 4HB Book now our sessions: • Public Sessions • Adventure Camps • Parties FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY INFORMATION WITH GREAT SUPERFAST AND PACKED AT HOM HE ROAD ... E OR ON T RARING2GO! AT YOUR FINGERTIPS THE GO TO GUIDE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD BRAND NEW WEBSITE 4923 Raring2go New Website Ad May 2022 HP PA03.indd 1 08/06/2022 09:55
20 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! Communities around the globe are concerned about plastic ending up in landfill and polluting the oceans ... that’s why hundreds of millions of people worldwide are choosing to be part of Plastic Free July Will you join thechallenge? 1. Visit our website plasticfreejuly.org 2. Choose what you will do Avoid single-use plastic packaging Target the takeaway items that could end up in the ocean Go completely plastic free 3. Choose the length 1 day 1 week 1 month Always Yes, I will join the challenge! AVOID WASTE, PROTECT THE OCEAN, SIGN UP AND BE PART OF THE SOLUTION. PLASTICFREEJULY.ORG Please join our effort to help the environment. Choose to refuse single-use plastic during July.
21 Raring2go! ROVING REPORTERS Venue: Dudley Zoo Date: April 2022 “I went with my family to see the animals at the zoo. We saw meerkats, monkeys, sea lions. When we were by the lions the lioness did a huge roar. I loved the giraffes they were massive. We saw the lynx at feeding time eating it’s meat it was awesome! It was a very good day out. Mommy made us a picnic to eat. when were were leaving we spent our money on a soft toy at the gift shop.I think other kids would love the zoo. We haven’t been for ages because of Covid so I really enjoyed it.” From Scarlet Steele, age: 9 Your child could be Roving Reporter for Raring2go! Send in your child’s review and photograph to kidderminster@raring2go.co.uk and they could see their report in print. Published reporters will receive a filled pencil case from Maped Helix. Venue: Hartlebury Castle Date: 13 April 2022 “At Hartlebury Castle, me, my mom and my brother Joel saw what it looked like years ago. We made a plant pot to put some sunflowers in and made a wreath and stuck easter eggs on it. We went in the 1950s café and pretended to make some food for my mom who was the customer! We also went through a Victorian classroom, and I wore the teacher’s hat and wrote on the chalk board. We all put some old hats on and took silly photos on my mom’s phone. After that we saw an old Jack in a box, and I jumped when it came out of the box. We made some bookmarks, walked around the house, and went to the shop just before it closed! I’d like to go back this summer.” From Darcey Plant, age 8
22 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! SUMMER SPORT Garden Games How to have your own Commonwealth Games With the Commonwealth Games coming to Birmingham, how about holding your own championships in the back garden! You could have a go at these challenges or invent your own sports. Raring2go! reader, Anna-Marie, and her family decided to hold their own Sports Day at home. She tells us what was involved and what games they enjoyed: “I thought about what sort of sports my children enjoy at school sports day and improvised to fit in with the size of my garden. We had a super hero theme for the day. I bought a ‘sports day mega pack’ kit from The Range which included an egg and spoon race and jumping sack, amongst other things, but you could use your own spoons and ping pong balls instead, and pillow cases for the sack race. I also bought a limbo game from the Range but you could have two adults holding a broom loosely instead. We made a banner too! After this was all over, we closed with an awards ceremony where I had printed off ‘superb effort’ certificate and stickers for the children. My husband ordered medals from eBay and had them engraved but you could also make your own out of ribbon and air drying clay.” Find more ideas for GARDEN GAMES at raring2go.co.uk/hold-your-own-commonwealth-games NETBALL Team England made history at the 2018 Commonwealth Games by winning gold for the first time. Swap the netball hoop for a washing up basket and the netball for a rolled-up pair of socks. See how many points you can score in 30 seconds CHARADES Guess the sport. Write the name of each of the 20 Commonwealth Games sports on a small piece of paper and put them in a hat. Pull out one piece of paper at a time and act out the sport you have chosen for your family to guess. FRISBEE DISCUSS Mark your starting point on the ground and from a standing start, throw the frisbee as far as you can. Collect the frisbee and try to beat your best distance. Thank you to Aspire Active Camps for these suggestions below for garden games. See the full article on our website. Just scan this code.
23 Raring2go! SUMMER SPORT For more info visit aspire-sports.co.uk or call 0121 663 1979 *Offer ends 5pm Friday 8th July Ofsted registered BOOK ONLINE Choice of venues and activities Action-packed childcare this Summer Holiday Open from 8am- 4pm For more info and to book your place visit activecamps.co.uk or call 0121 663 1979 Hagley Haybridge High School Kinver Kinver High School O15 F%F* with code KSSUM22 Monday 25th July - Friday 2nd September
24 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! CLUBS & CLASSES Find plenty more children’s classes on our website. Just head to raring2go.co.uk/ clubs-and-classes and pop in your postcode
25 Raring2go! CLUBS & CLASSES flourishes fromplay Safety To book your first class call 01694 731 407 waterbabies.co.uk Norton Community Centre, Stourbridge, DY8 3AP Call Rebecca on 07917 356888 www.fusiondancefactory.com Tap . Freestyle . Ballet . Street Lessons taught in a fun way, following the IDTA syllabus. Classes for all ages. Freestyle . Musicals . Disney . Lyrical . Street Various dates throughout the summer See our website or Facebook for more details. You don’t have to be a club member to join in. Summer Dance Workshops!
26 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? 1st - 3rd September Dinosaur World Live At TheGrand theatre,Wolverhampton. Dare to experience thedangers anddelightsofDinosaur WorldLive in this roarsome interactive showfor all the family.www.grandtheatre.co.uk Thursday 1st September Interactive Story Telling AtWorcesterCityArtGallery andMuseum. Choose a character andcostume, colour inamask, andenjoy a storytellingsession, inspiredbyTolkienandother fantasyworlds. Booking requiredat www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk Saturday 3rd September, 11am Craft at Stourbridge Library Makea compass anddesk tidy. Freechildren’s craft. RoaldDahl Craft on the11thSept. Contact Libraryon 01384812945 for details. 7th - 10th September Room on the Broom at Belgrade Theatre Jumponboard thebroomwith thewitchandher cat in Tall Stories’ fun-filledadaptationof Roomon theBroom, thebest-sellingpicturebookby JuliaDonaldsonand Axel Scheffler. InCoventry.www.belgrade.co.uk Saturday 17th September Aston Alive! Hands on History Get hands-onwithhistory and immerseyourself in thecrafts and livesof people in thepast! Explore this magnificent seventeenthcenturymansion, andmeet colourful characters fromthepast. Lotsof summer events atwww.birminghammuseums.org.uk 17th & 18th September Belbroughton Scarecrow Festival BelbroughtonScarecrowFestival isback! Seehowmany different scarecrows youcan spot around thevillage. Details at facebook.com/BelbroughtonScarecrows 22nd September & 24th September Open Days at Heathfield Knoll School Opportunity to learnmoreabout theWolverley independant school. 24th is for Receptionentry, and Year 7entry ison22nd. admissions@hkschool.org.uk
27 Raring2go! BACK2SCHOOL Independent education from 3 months to 18 years old. Join us for our Open Events Year 7 Entry 22nd September 17:30-20:30 Reception Entry 24th September 10:00-12:00 01562 850204 www.hkschool.org.uk admissions@hkschool.org.uk
28 raring2go.co.uk Thank you to the staff at Worcestershire Libraries who recommended these books based on the theme of Well-Being. ‘Reading Well’ for children provides information, stories and advice to support children’s mental health and wellbeing. Books have been chosen and recommended by leading health professionals and co-produced with children and families. This year’s Summer Reading Challenge, ‘Gadgeteers’, starts in July with a technology theme! Find lots of themed activities in your local library: Dudley: www.better.org.uk/library/dudley Worcestershire: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/libraries Ruby’s Worry by Tom Percival A poignant story about anxiety. When Ruby makes a friend – who has a worry too – and talks about what’s bothering her, Ruby soon realises that everybody gets worries, and they are nothing to be ashamed of. Bloomsbury Children’s Books, How Are You Feeling Today? by Molly Potter. Illustrator Sarah Jennings. A great dip -in book with fun, imaginative ways to help children understand and cope with a whole range of different emotions. Helpful parent/carer notes at the back provide more ideas to try out together. Something Bad Happened: A Kid’s Guide to Coping with Events in the News by Dawn Huebner. Illustrator Kara McHale. Full of advice for children who may be worried about events in the news, this guide from a best-selling author offers advice for having tough conversations with 6–12-year-olds about world events such as natural disasters, terrorism and war. The book addresses common questions and provides tools to calm fears. Jessica Kingsley Publishers. If your child would like to review a book email kidderminster@raring2go.co.uk. Books for Well Being Children’s Book Reviews Raring2go! READING © The Reading Agency. Registered charity number 1085443 (England & Wales) Illustrations by Julian Beresford and © The Reading Agency 2022 Summer Reading Challenge 2022 Presented by The Reading Agency. Delivered in partnership with libraries. summerreadingchallenge.org.uk JOIN FREE AT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY!
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30 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! SAVE MONEY 6 Ways to Save! How to boost your budget this summer 1. Discounts The Family Saver Ticket with the Severn Valley Railway offers considerable savings against the individual ticket prices and includes entry to the Engine House at Highley. You can also save up to 25% with Go Ape when you visit before 10am! Check the Raring2go! website for discount codes and vouchers (search in the Save & Win menu). Save money at Full Throttle Raceway and Lower Drayton Farm, this summer, with our Raring2go vouchers. 1. Blue Peter Badge Encourage your child to send their artwork in to win a Blue Peter Badge and access discounts at 200+ UK attractions! Write to Blue Peter, MediaCityUK, Salford, M50 2BH. 3. Rail 2for1 Vouchers You can enjoy big savings when you travel by rail and it’s better for the environment. Enjoy 2 for 1 entry at top attractions in and around Great Britain via the Days Out Guide website. Birmingham’s Sealife Centre and Legoland Discovery Centre are in ths scheme. You do need to pre-register first. 4. Tesco Club Card Tesco Clubcard points can be swapped for Days Out Vouchers. £5 worth of Clubcard points gets you £15 worth of Clubcard vouchers which you can use for entry to many attractions including Alton Towers and Drayton Manor. See the Tesco website for details. 5. Annual Pass The start of the summer is a good time to purchase an annual pass so you can use it as often as you like in the long school holidays. Dudley Zoo’s pass starts at £32 and pays for itself after just 3 visits. An Annual Pass for Bodenham Arboretum also includes entry for The Living Rain Forest in Berkshire and Batsford Arboretum in Gloucestershire. 6. Free Stuff There are lots of free activities on our doorstep. Your local libraries are offering free craft activities linked to the Summer Reading Challenge. Plus children can swim for free at Dudley Leisure Centres during the holidays. Terms & Conditions apply. See full article in the NEWS section of www.raring2go.co.uk
31 Raring2go! PLACES2GO
32 raring2go.co.uk WIN A FAMILY TICKET FOR WEST MIDLAND SAFARI PARK! WIN AN U16s SEASON TICKET TO KIDDERMINSTER HARRIERS Kidderminster Harriers are gearing up for another promotion challenge as the 2022/23 football season kicks off in August. Last season they enjoyed a magic FA Cup run that saw Harriers pull off multiple upsets, including knocking out Championship Reading, before being knocked out by Premier League giants West Ham – with help from England star Declan Rice. Among the rise in support for the team was a significant increase in U16s attending matches, something Harries are keen to harness for the new 2022/23 campaign. So Raring2go is giving away an U16s Season Ticket for 2022/2023. For a chance of winning, head to the Raring2go website and answer this question: Q: What county is Kidderminster in? Closing date is 29 July 2022. Ts & Cs on our website. West Midland Safari Park is welcoming guests to ‘discover it all’, with a whole host of things to see and do this summer. Home to almost 140 different species of animals and an Adventure Theme Park, the attraction also hosts the UK’s largest animatronic dinosaur exhibit. New for this year is the Park’s African Walking Trail, a pathway up to the animal reserves, so that guests can see the African elephants, giraffes and white rhino on foot, for the first time in the Park’s history. For a chance of winning a family ticket and wristbands for the amusement rides, head to the Raring2go! website, choose Save & Win/ Competitions. Closing date is 31 July 2022. Ts & Cs on our website Scan here for even more competitions to enter on our website! BE A WINNER! Raring2go! COMPETITION TIME
33 Raring2go! COMPETITION TIME WIN TICKETS FOR THE DUDLEY UNDERGROUND EXPERIENCE WIN HORSE RIDING LESSONS WITH WARRENS HALL RIDING SCHOOL! Warrens Hall Riding School is located in an idyllic 60-acre setting with stunning views across the Black Country. The site boasts and elite riding school, thoroughly modern stables and sleek facilities, designed to offer the very best to local riders. We are giving one lucky individual the opportunity to win and join us for 3 x private 1-21 horse riding lessons & 2 x stable management mornings. For a chance of winning, head to the Raring2go! website, choose Save & Win/Competitions. Closing date is 31 Julyl 2022. Ts & Cs on our website. Kidderminster Harriers Tickets: Katie Witherington Severn Valley Railway Tickets: Dan Hunt Dudley Zoo Tickets: Nikki Powell Mello Festival Tickets: Jodie Murray Birmingham Museums Annual Pass: Eliza-Jane Smith COMPETITION RULES Enter competitions online at www.raring2go.co.uk/ competitions.The winner will be drawn at random. No cash alternative. Winners will be notified by phone or email. Raring2go! will not pass details of entrants to the company providing the prize (except for winner’s details where necessary. Full terms and conditions at raring2go.co.uk/competition-terms. WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO LOWER DRAYTON FARM This family-run farm in the heart of Staffordshire features a huge indoor playbarn, acres of outdoor adventure play, animal encounters and more. Indoors, you’ll find a huge Astro racing slide, gravity drop slides, traverse climbing wall and much more. Outdoors, the adventure continues with activities that include racing zipwires, grass toboggans, bouncy pillows, sand and water play. Animal lovers can pet friendly rabbits and guinea pigs, and get up close with goats, pigs, cattle and other farmyard favourites. For a chance of winning a family ticket to the farm, head to the Raring2go! website, choose Save & Win/Competitions. Closing date is 31 Julyl 2022. Ts & Cs on our website. WINNERS We’ve teamed up with Dudley Canal & Tunnel Trust to giveaway a family ticket for the Dudley Underground Experience! Jump on board and discover a magical underground world which dates back 428 million years. You just won’t believe that all of this history really is right on, or under, your doorstep! Enjoy sound and light shows in the grand Singing Cavern and historic recreations in Hurst Cavern. For a chance of winning tickets, head to the Raring2go website and answer this question: Q: What kind of creature was the Dudley Bug? Closing date is 22 July 2022. Ts & Cs on our website.
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