SOLIHULL MAGAZINE & WEBSITE THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD raring2go.co.uk AUTUMN 2024 CLUBS & CLASSES P16 WHAT’S ON? P3 COMPETITIONS P30
2 raring2go.co.uk • It’s FREE to join • Monthly email newsletters with new offers and events • Download vouchers and save £££’s • Great competitions Become a website member Please recycle this magazine when you are finished with it. JOIN NOW raring2go.co.uk Copyright © 2024 Mojo Publishing Ltd. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical or electronic, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Requests for permission or further information should be addressed to the publishers. Whilst the publisher makes every effort to ensure that the businesses featured in this magazine are of the highest quality, we do not guarantee the services and products from any business featured. Printed by Gemini Print. Telephone: 01273 468884 • Sign up for FREE! • Monthly email NEWSLETTERS with the latest OFFERS and EVENTS • Download VOUCHERS and save £££’s • Enter COMPETITIONS for amazing prizes! Contents Page What’s On?.......................................3 Santa’s Diary....................................12 Clubs & Classes...............................16 Parties. ............................................ 20 Preschool......................................... 22 Competitions................................... 30 Raring2go! EDITOR’S WELCOME Get ready for an Awesome Autumn As the nights draw in and the excitement of Halloween, Bonfire Night and Christmas loom on the horizon there are lots of opportunities for family fun. This time of year can be super busy so make sure you take a look at what is happening in our area and plan ahead. Have a fantastic time as we approach the end of 2024 and Raring2go! will be back in the New Year with the Winter edition! Nicola, Editor Follow us on social media to keep up to date all year with your local #gotoguide for families. Raring2goSolihull Raring2goSolihull raring2gosolihull
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Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? What’s On at the Theatre? 9 October – 3 November: Disney’s Aladdin Birmingham Hippodrome www.birminghamhippodrome.com 17 – 19 October: Awful Auntie Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham www.atgtickets.com 4 – 5 November: Swan Lake Belgrade Theatre, Coventry www.belgrade.co.uk 6 November: Nutcracker Belgrade Theatre, Coventry www.belgrade.co.uk 7 November – 19 January: The Red Shoes Swan Theatre, Stratford Upon Avon www.rsc.org.uk 20 November – 29 December: Finding Santa mac Birmingham www.macbirmingham.co.uk 20 November – 4 January: Dick Whittington Belgrade Theatre, Coventry www.belgrade.co.uk 22 November – 14 December: The Nutcracker 2024 Birmingham Hippodrome www.birminghamhippodrome.com 26 November – 31 December: Wizard of Oz The Old Rep, Birmingham www.oldrep.co.uk Here are some of our favourite family friendly shows coming up at local theatres. 5 – 29 December: Father Christmas Belgrade Theatre, Coventry www.belgrade.co.uk 5 December – 12 January: The Snowflake The Rep, Birmingham www.birmingham-rep.co.uk 20 – 22 December: Elf The Musical bp Pulse Live, Birmingham www.bppulselive.co.uk 21 December – 2 February: Peter Pan Birmingham Hippodrome www.birminghamhippodrome.com 9 – 12 January: The Snowman The Rep, Birmingham www.birmingham-rep.co.uk 12 December 2024 - 7:30pm: Christmas Eve, A Story of Nostalgia And Dreams The story is set in 1960 in Richmond, Yorkshire. A family festive story, filled with nostalgia, family tradition and the future dreams of the children, Martha and Tristram. The music has been composed by Alan Fullard, a local singer/songwriter from Solihull. Alan has been in the music business since the 1970’s. The Dovehouse Theatre, Langley Road, Solihull www.soundlighting.uk/dovehouse/ 4 raring2go.co.uk
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? 5 Book now belgrade.co.uk 20 NOV – 4 JAN 5 – 29 DEC
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? 6 raring2go.co.uk 1 - 18 & 21 – 25 October Magic Alley – Inquisition With a haunting ambiance and spine-tingling suspense, Inquisition promises a Halloween experience like no other, perfect for older children, teens and adults seeking an unforgettable journey into the darker realms of history. Sound and lighting effects are used but this is not a scare attraction so no one will jump out at you but there may be a character in the attraction on certain dates. Recommended for adults and children 8/9+ due to the themes of the event. Children under 6 will not be permitted entry and tickets purchased for younger children are not refundable. The experience lasts approximately an hour to an hour and a half. www.magicalleystratford.com 4 October – 3 November Drayton Manor – Spooktacular Halloween Get ready for a spine-tingling Halloween adventure at Drayton Manor Resort! From October 4th through 3rd November, enjoy family-friendly fun like Halloween themed entertainment, Trick or Treat with Sir Topham Hatt plus a brand new trail through the Castle. During Half Term, Follow the clues to begin your adventure around the park and find spooky animal themed hay bales. Find all 6 letters features on each hay bales to uncover the hidden word to win a prize. Also during half term, visit Carnival of Spooks, a walkthrough experience for the whole family to enjoy! Meet Witchy Woo and her spooky friends and see what treats you can find on your way! www.draytonmanor.co.uk 19 – 20 & 26 October – 3 November Magic Alley – Whispers of Witchcraft Journey back in time to a village shrouded in mystery and magic. The air is thick with whispers of witchcraft, and it’s up to you to uncover the truth. Can you solve the ancient puzzles, decode the cryptic riddles, and crack the secret codes to unveil the identities of the witches? Sound and lighting effects are used but this is not a scare attraction so no one will jump out at you but there may be a performer in the attraction especially over the half What’s On? Autumn 2024 term holiday. Perfect for brave souls aged 8 and up but parental discretion admits children from 6 if they love all things Halloween. This event is also suitable for older children including teens and adults. www.magicalleystratford.com 19 – 31 October Hatton Adventure World – Halloween Spooktacular Weekends from 19th October then 26th to 31st October. Join them for a Spooktacular Halloween Adventure! Are you ready for a day of frightfully good fun? Gather your little ghouls and goblins and head on down for an unforgettable Halloween extravaganza! Pumpkins will be available for purchase from our Pumpkin Patch, with prices ranging from £2 – £5. www.adventure.hattonworld.com 19 October – 3 November West Midlands Safari Park – Spooky Spectacular A fang-tastic Halloween adventure at West Midlands Safari Park, where there’s something for every little monster! This year, they’ve brewed up some extra-special activities that are sure to delight (and maybe just a little fright!). Watch Patch’s Silly Science Show, meet Mitzy Monster, follow the monster mystery trail, join the crazy craft club and enter the photo competition. www.wmsp.co.uk 25 October – 1 November Becketts Farm – Pumpkin extravaganza This year, the Pumpkin Extravaganza has been given the royal seal of approval from the Pumpkin Queen herself! With a brand new story-line to enjoy and pumpkin party theme! You are cordially invited along for a spooktacular adventure filled with pumpkin picking, jack-o’-lantern carving, and thrilling theatre! Bring your little monsters to an interactive pumpkin carving experience, where trained actors will entertain and amaze them! www.beckettsfarm.co.uk 26 – 27 October Solihull Spooktacular A free event with plenty of roaming street entertainment on hand to make sure your visit is one you won’t be forgetting in a hurry! www.solihullbid.co.uk
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? 7 TUESDAY 26 NOVEMBER - TUESDAY 31 DECEMBER 2024 OCTOBER HALF TERM 2024 STRATFORD-UPON-AVON 28 October - 1 November ESCAPE ROOM ACTING WORKSHOPS BLOOD, GUTS AND GORE SESSIONS FAMILY PUPPETRY FAMILY STORYTELLING FREE MAKING WORKSHOPS STAGE COMBAT WORKSHOPS ACTING MASTERCLASSES WRITING SHAKESPEARE FOR STAGE AND SCREEN rsc.org.uk/whats-on Plus lots to see and do every day in our buildings. THE PLAY’S THE THING EXHIBITION TOWER VISITS GUIDED TOURS RIVERSIDE CAFE Join us for a week of ghoulish fun at the Royal Shakespeare Company and experience workshops and drop-in activities that uncover the tricks and treats of Shakespeare and the theatre.
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? 8 raring2go.co.uk 26 October – 2 November Herbert Art Gallery and Museum – Skulls, spooky skeletons and animals This October half term, join the spooky family takeover at the Herbert Art Gallery! Transform their studio and beyond with your creative flair. Inspired by the Human Remains and Animal Taxidermy collections in the Collecting Coventry exhibit, you’ll craft vibrant chalk drawings, collaborative art pieces, cotton skeletons, and more. www.theherbert.org 26 October – 3 November Stratford Butterfly Farm – Dia de Muertos The Butterfly Farm will be celebrating the amazing migration story of the Monarch butterfly and why they are associated with Día de Muertos celebrations. Meet the Mini-Beasts and Butterfly Lifecycle Demonstrations held daily at 11:00 in the Discovery Zone. www.butterflyfarm.co.uk 26 October – 3 November Compton Verney – Halloween Trail Visit Compton Verney this October half term and pick up a trail to find the spooky pumpkins. Inspired by Chila Kumari Singh Burman and Louise Bourgeois’s Spider, take a journey throughout the grounds and uncover our neon spider pumpkins concealed in hidden areas. www.comptonverney.org.uk 26 October – 3 November British Motor Museum – Tech takes the wheel Families are invited to enjoy a range of activities inspired by the evolution of car design! From the classic sketchbook to 3D digital imagery, families can come along and learn how technology has allowed some of history’s best car designs to be brought to life! Half-Term at the Museum kicks off with the Great British Model Railway Show on Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 October. This special family friendly weekend is dedicated to model trains and features over 40 layouts of various scales. The event is one of the biggest model railway What’s On? Autumn 2024 shows in the calendar and one of the best in the Midlands. www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk 28 – 31 October St John’s House – St John’s Haunted House Get ready for a family friendly bone-chilling experience at St John’s Haunted House! Bring your friends and family along for screams and thrills! Get spooked as you explore rooms at St John’s House, see them as you’ve never seen them before. Discover the creepy story of Red Riding Hood, go on a trail through the woods and watch out for the Big Bad Wolf! Make slime to take home and get messy making potions and enjoy messy play. All activities take place inside or undercover outside. Adult tickets include a hot drink. www.heritage.warwickshire.gov.uk 28 October – 1 November Royal Shakespeare Company – October Half Term Activities Join a week of ghoulish fun and experience workshops and drop-in activities that uncover the tricks and treats of Shakespeare and making theatre. Throughout the week there will be opportunities to bring what you’ve learnt and made to the final event – The Twilight Takeover! www.rsc.org.uk 29 & 31 October, 15 & 21 December The Chocolate Shed – Chocolate Making Workshops Ideal for any weather, these sessions are a special treat. Each workshop is run with a seasonal twist. Suitable for children of all ages (5-16). Check website for the timing and recommended ages for each session. www.thechocolateshed.com 2nd November Hatton Country World – Fireworks Evening Experience a spectacular Fireworks Bonanza like never before! Join an unforgettable evening filled with dazzling fireworks that light up the night sky. Enjoy a mouth watering array of street food from around the world, explore thrilling rides at the fun fair, and be entertained by live performances that will leave you in awe. Take your family and friends to this family-friendly event for a night of fun, flavour, and fantastic fireworks. www.hattonworld.com
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? 9 based at combat sports centre, vulcan road, solihull an imaginative role play centre for under 5 years to book your space visit info@solihullplaytown.co.uk FAMILY FUN AT FREE FAMILY FUN & MORE ALL UNDER ONE ROOF PARK FROM £3 SCAN HERE TO SEE WHAT’S ON THIS OCTOBER HALF TERM & CHRISTMAS! 4316_RWB_Raring2Go_Magazine_Advert_128x89mm_V4.indd 1 20/09/2024 10:05
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? 10 raring2go.co.uk 14 - 17 November NEC Birmingham – Festive Gift Fair Be inspired and get your festive preparations off to a flying start at the ever-popular 4-day Festive Gift Fair this November. Now in its 27th fabulous year, it remains one of the most popular Christmas Shopping events in the UK for a good reason! The Fair will be bursting at the seams with a colourful, eclectic mix of unusual stocking fillers and presents, festive food and drink and great Christmas decorations for your home and garden. 325+ stalls all in one hall …. with clever gift ideas for all ages and tastes … and lots of Special Show Offers! www.festivegiftfair.co.uk 17 & 23 November The Chocolate Shed – Create your own Chocolate Advent Calendar What better way to kick start your festive season than creating your very own, bespoke, delicious chocolate Advent calendar! Taking place in our Warwickshire chocolaterie, those attending will have the opportunity try their hand (and sticky fingers) at chocolate making, moulding and decorating at least 24 fun festive shapes each. At the end of the workshop, each guest will take away the chocolate Advent calendar of their dreams, crafted by themselves. There will be plenty of Christmass-y chocolate cheer along the way (and nibbling). Ideal for guests aged 8 years and above. www.thechocolateshed.com 29 November – 1 December NEC Birmingham – MCM Comic Con MCM Comic Con is back at the NEC for all things comics, gaming, anime and more, with celebrity guests and fun for all the family. We’re looking forward to welcoming you back for another amazing show this year. www.mcmcomiccon.com What’s On? Autumn 2024 14 December – 5 January Compton Verney – Christmas Present Trail Oh no! Santa lost all of his presents somewhere in the grounds and galleries, would you help him in rescuing them all? Join a magical Christmas Present Trail through the beautiful galleries and grounds. Follow the illuminating lights and festive decorations to find all of Santa’s lost presents and figure out the hidden word to redeem for a sweet treat at the end. www.comptonverney.org.uk 15 – 23 December Solihull Festive Feast Held every December, the Festive Feast gives you the perfect excuse to take a break from that hectic Christmas shopping and enjoy a mulled wine and mince pie! Shoppers are treated to flavours from around the world with a wide range of hot foods to sample and cold items to take home for that Christmas pantry to share with your nearest and dearest. www.solihullbid.co.uk 27 – 30 December Herbert Art Gallery and Museum – Playful paper winter crafts Create soft snowy paper snowflakes, colourful paper polar bear sculptures, or explore other wintry possibilities. Use various paper types and both classic and modern folding techniques. Bring your creations to life with vibrant colours and embellishments. Take home these delightful art decorations or share them as keepsakes for loved ones. Simple designs for younger children and more challenging options for older children and adults, ensuring there’s something enjoyable for everyone. www.theherbert.org 27 December - 6 January Stratford Butterfly Farm – Christmas holidays Escape the winter chill and feel the festive warmth of a tropical rainforest. Meet the Mini-Beasts and Butterfly Lifecycle Demonstrations held daily at 11:00 in the Discovery Zone. Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm is open every day of the year, except Christmas Day. www.butterflyfarm.co.uk
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? 11 & Nature Inspired Gift Shop The UK’s Largest Tropical Butterfly Paradise! www.butterflyfarm.co.uk A unique rainforest experience for all the family Open every day except Christmas Day See website for the latest news & events Swans Nest Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 7LS Tel. 01789 299288 enquiries@butterflyfarm.co.uk 12 Talisman Square, Kenilworth CV8 1JB Phone: 01926 855784 www.kenilworthbooks.co.uk facebook.com/KenilworthBooks @KenilworthBook “A good bookshop shows you the books that you never knew you wanted” Fantastic range of books Educational, fun games and puzzles Welcoming Children’s Corner Book ordering service Book tokens sold and accepted HALF TERM ADVENTURES BOOK NOW
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? 12 raring2go.co.uk Santa’s Diary Santa’s Diary 22 November – 24 December West Midlands Safari Park – Santa Safari With an allocated time to see Santa, you will be greeted in the Discovery Trail by one of his helpful Elves who will magically transport you to the North Pole. New for this year is Santa’s Enchanted Elevator - a magical journey transporting you to the heart of the North Pole. Finally, you will arrive at Santa’s Grotto, so all that’s left to do is ring the magical doorbell and meet the big man himself. Head to one of the festive food outlets, to pick up your complimentary refreshments and don’t forget to pop to Mrs Claus’s Craft Club to make reindeer food and write your letter to Santa. www.wmsp.co.uk 23 November – 23 December Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Steam Railway – Santa Express Selected dates. Step into a world where the wonder of Christmas comes alive, where the joy of the season is wrapped in the rhythmic chug of a vintage steam train. Get ready for an enchanting adventure as we transport you to the North Pole and back. A beautifully restored steam train, adorned with festive decorations, sets the stage for an unforgettable experience. As you settle into your comfortable seat, the train whistles, and the journey begins, winding through the picturesque landscapes of the Cotswolds. When you get to ‘The North Pole’ you are invited to see Santa and the children receive a present from Santa and his elves - there are refreshments included in the price. www.gwsr.com 23 November – 31 December Drayton Manor – Christmas Wonderland Make epic memories at Drayton Manor Resort this Christmas. Packed full of festive family fun, the heart of the theme park will be decked with trees, lights and so much more creating the perfect Christmas Wonderland. Enjoy your favourite rides in Thomas Land (and a few bonus rides as a festive treat!), stroll through the zoo and, brand new for 2024: Festive Light Train, Rusty and Dusty’s Hot Chocolate Factory and Celebration Square - sparkling with a special Christmas glow and filled with festive treats, warming fire pits, live music and entertainment. And of course, no visit would be complete without a meet and greet with Santa! www.draytonmanor.co.uk 30 November – 24 December Hatton Adventure World – Enchanted Christmas Kingdom Weekends from 30 November then daily from 21 December. Step into a world of wonder and magic, where dreams come to life and festive enchantment knows no bounds. A festive extravaganza that promises to be the highlight of your Christmas season. Immerse yourself in the enchanting activities, delicious food, and visiting Father Christmas in his woodland grotto. Visit the glowing 3D forest, North Pole postal station, gingerbread factory and make your own reindeer food. www.adventure.hattonworld.com
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? 13 HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR Enchanted Christmas Kingdom Grotto HATTONWORLD.COM Weekends from 19th Oct then 26th to 31st Oct Book Now Rated Best Christmas Experience Review Book Now www.gwsr.com Tickets on sale now As the days get shorter and the chill kicks in, the ski season at Ackers is revving up like a snowfueled roller coaster! Ski lessons Tubing Tobogganing Come and Try ackers-adventure.co.uk
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Raring2go! CLUBS & CLASSES 16 raring2go.co.uk Ballet Classes: from the age of 21/ 2 upwards Tap Classes: from the age of 4 upwards Call Kate on 07722 732 678 www.solihullyoungdancers.co.uk TEACHING BALLET AND TAP IN THE BOROUGH FOR OVER 40 YEARS Let’s Dance! Come and join the fun on Saturday mornings from 9.00am at St Helens Church, Solihull Clubs & Classes Ackers Adventure An array of activities for 8 – 18 year olds to try at camps every school holiday. Adventurous activities include bushcraft, skiing, climbing, canoeing, kayaking, zip wire, fan descender, bell boating, disc golf and tubing. Run and organised by fully qualified and experienced instructors who will make sure that each child has an exciting day of adventure. Pre-booking online is essential. www.ackers-adventure.co.uk Aspire Active Camps Sports and activity childcare during every school holiday at venues throughout the Midlands. www.aspire-sports.co.uk Everyone Active Swimming lessons available for children of all ages and abilities. Available at leisure centres across Warwickshire. www.everyoneactive.com Smart 11 Plus Our 11+ tutors will give your child outstanding support in their journey to grammar school. We offer private group 11+ tuition to assist your child in their preparation. Our unique 11+ courses are personalised to meet the needs of each individual. www.smart11plus.co.uk Solihull Young Dancers We welcome ballerinas (age 2 1/2 +), plus any tap and modern jazz dancers (aged 5 +). Encouraging musicality, expression and imagination. Exam and Show work. Based at St Helens Church, Solihull. Spaces available. Est. over 30 years. www.solihullyoungdancers.co.uk Stagecoach Dance, drama and singing classes for children aged 2-18. Theatre schools on Saturdays plus holiday workshops open to all. Tel: Jenny on 0121 745 4007 www.stagecoach.co.uk/solihull Team Super Sports At Team Super Sports, quality is at the heart of everything we do. Passionate about sport, every member of our ‘Team’ of young people join us to improve in their sport(s) while having fun with their friends. We run holiday sports camps during the school holidays for children aged 5-16 at Solihull School. We are widely regarded as one of the top sports coaching providers within Solihull and surrounding areas. www.teamsupersports.co.uk Music Monsters Piano Monsters is for children aged 4 -11 years, providing the very best start to their musical learning journey. Look out for special sessions during school holidays on our website. www.musicmonsters.co.uk/solihull
WHEN YOU ENROL ON SWIMMING LESSONS* CLAIM A FREE 6 MONTH *GB only. 18+. Promotion opens 09:00 01/04/2024, closes 23:59 31/03/2025. Redeem by 23:59 31/05/2025. Automatic claim for one free 6-month membership code to Kids Pass for Everyone Active cardholders joining swimming lessons on Direct Debit or continuing their Direct Debit for swimming lessons as of 09:00 01/04/2024 or paying in full in advance for swimming lessons during the promotional period at participating centres. Everyone Active card required to join swimming lessons. Opt-out via email. Max one claim per person. Valid email address required to claim, and internet access required to redeem free membership code on-line. Kids Pass requires app download and registration. Existing Kids Pass members will receive an additional 6 months on their pass by emailing enquiries@kidspass.co.uk. Exclusions apply. Visit www.everyoneactive.com/kidspass for full terms. **Up to 40% off a new film release during peak period. The claim substantiation was calculated on July 2024 savings. Find out more at everyoneactive.com/KidsPass Films to look out for this Autumn! Moana 2 Transformers One Paddington in Peru NORTH SOLIHULL SPORTS CENTRE TUDOR GRANGE LEISURE CENTRE
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!
Raring2go! CLUBS & CLASSES 19 Singing, dancing and acting classes for 2 - 18 year-olds Giving children and young people the Creative Courage to stand up on stage for over 35 years. stagecoach solihull enrolling for the neW term stagecoach.co.uk/solihull 0121 745 4007 solihull@stagecoach.co.uk enrol today 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. Ofsted registered Action-packed childcare October Half Term BOOK ONLINE 28th Oct - 1st Nov Join us for a week filled with exciting activities, new friendships, and endless fun, all in a safe and secure environment. *Offer ends5pmonFriday11thOctober Open from8am - 5pm For more info and to book your place visit activecamps.co.uk or call 0121 663 1426 Solihull Tudor Grange Academy 15% OFF* with code OCT24SO
Party Time! Solihull Play Town We offer exclusive use birthday parties at Solihull Play Town. You will have a member of staff available to help you organise your day, exclusive 90 min play session for up to 20 children, Mini Disco, Party Invitations, a free return visit for the Birthday Child and free jugs of squash. Catering is available from our café or you can bring your own food. www.solihullplaytown.co.uk The Chocolate Shed Celebrate your child’s birthday this year with a fun, creative and yummy(!) chocolate-making party at The Chocolate Shed. Suitable for children of all ages. Party-goers get to design, create and decorate chocolate pizzas, frogs, pictures, bars or truffles to take home and enjoy. Parties tailored to suit your child’s age & hobbies that will make their chocolate-y dreams come true. Tel: 01564 794718 www.thechocolateshed.com Jump In & Rush Trampoline Parks Birthdays just got bouncy. Lots of different packages available to enjoy one of these trampoline parks with your friends. Discounts available for weekday parties. www.gojumpin.com www.rushuk.com Fired Crafts We put the ART back into Party. Let them get creative with our pottery party. We come to you with all that is needed for them to make a mini masterpiece and return up to 2 weeks later with their gift wrapped party bags with the finished piece inside. Plus a FREE personalised birthday plate for the lucky Birthday Boy or Girl! www.firedcrafts.com Raring2go! PARTIES 20 raring2go.co.uk Team Super Sports Give them the ultimate sports party! Get in touch with the team to start building your child’s dream party. With access to first class facilities and excellent coaches, we can arrange a sports party to meet any/all requirements. www.teamsupersports.co.uk
Hatton Adventure World To provide you with the maximum flexibility and choice for your party we have options ranging from Party Venue hire to just admission for the Adventure World at a discounted party price. All party bookings include all day access to Hatton Adventure World for you and your guests, downloadable party invitations, a birthday card for the birthday child with a £5 Hatton voucher (£10 for Members), a pot of animal feed, per paying child (value £1) and access to Super Slide Mania. www.adventure.hattonworld.com Ackers Adventure Parties for children aged 6+. Make your child’s birthday unforgettable with a party at Ackers! The most popular option is to book your main activity (usually 1 hour 30 minutes) and then add on 30 minutes of tobogganing or a round of disc golf afterwards! www.ackers-adventure.co.uk Raring2go! PARTIES 21 LET’S PARTY! If you’re planning a kids party, we have lots of fun themes for you to choose from! SHOP NOW
Pre-School Everyone Active Swimming Lessons At Everyone Active, we offer a total of 11 stages of swimming lessons for children aged from just four months old. Available at Tudor Grange and North Solihull Leisure Centre. Contact: www.everyoneactive.com Bilinguasing At BilinguaSing we are passionate about children being introduced to a second language from as young as possible. We know that music, movement and sensory experiences are fundamental to children’s development, which is what makes our language classes different. Locally we offer Baby & Toddler classes, Nursery sessions and Primary School clubs in French, Spanish, German and Italian! Contact us for more info or to book a trial session! Contact: adele@bilinguasing.com www.bilinguasing.com Solihull Young Dancers Ballet classes for children aged from 2 ½ years and tap classes from 4 years on. Our lessons focus on strong technique whilst retaining an element of fun to keep the pupils engaged at all times. Contact: kate@solihullyoungdancers.co.uk / 07722 732678 www.solihullyoungdancers.co.uk Raring2go! PRE-SCHOOL 22 raring2go.co.uk
Stagecoach Stagecoach Mini Stages (for 2 -4 year olds) 45 Minute Classes are a fun and exciting way for you and your child to actively experience the performing arts in a comfortable, relaxed and safe environment. Contact: www.stagecoach.co.uk/solihull Sing and Sign Classes for infants up to 2 years old. Using musical activities to teach baby signing, develop communication and ease frustrations. Learn signs to support your daily routines the fun way. Classes in Solihull, Dorridge and Shirley. Contact: Wendyjackson@singandsign.co.uk 07517 381117 www.singandsign.co.uk Music Monsters Junior Piano Monsters is for preschool children aged 3-4, providing the very best start to their musical journey! We inspire a true love of learning in youngsters and their families, building skills, enjoyment and confidence. New classes opening in September Contact: jude@musicmonsters.co.uk www.musicmonsters.co.uk/solihull Drama Tots Imaginative play classes for Under 5s. Transport children into the wonderful world of their imagination using a combination of props, movement, puppets and music! Our lively classes engage children in both life and learning, increasing their understanding of the world, while developing personal skills such as confidence, self-awareness, communication, language and creative thinking. Rebecca@dramatots.co.uk, 07810815114 www.dramatots.co.uk Raring2go! PRE-SCHOOL 23 Capture Precious Moments with www.firedcrafts.com/events Mob: 07817586241 Create unforgettable memories at Fired Crafts’ Baby Prints events, held in and around Solihull. Perfect for little ones from birth to 4 years old, we offer a unique and beautiful way to preserve those tiny hands and feet forever on pottery. Book your appointment online today and create a cherished keepsake or gift for family and friends that will be treasured forever. Join us at Fired Crafts and make memories that last a lifetime!
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? 24 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! Christmas Salt Dough Decoration You will need: .__ • Large Bowl • Cup of Salt • ? C::�ps of Flour • 3/4 Cup of Water • Spoon • Baking tray • Oven • Cutters • Paint • Ribbon I. Mix the salt and flour together, gradually stir in the water to make a dough 2. Knead on a work surface and roll out. Heat the oven to 180C 3. Use the cutters to cut out lots of shapes, put a hole at the top of each one with a pencil 4. Bake in the oven - length of time depends on size of shapes, but can be as long as 3 hours. (I have heard it can take 90 seconds in a microwave so this is worth a try! 5. Once the decorations have completely cooled you can paint" them! Use paints and glitter for extra Christmas sparkle. You can seal the decoration with a layer of PVA or varnish, but this is not essential. 6. Once the paint has dried you can thread them onto string or ribbon into a garland, or use ribbon and make individual decorations. You could also cut around your hand and make a Father Christmas (as above) and give as keepsake gifts. Grandparents would LOVE these! Raring2gol raring2go.co.uk
25 Raring2go! WELLBEING How to Talk to Your Child About Seeing a Therapist It can be difficult to see your child struggle with their emotional wellbeing. As parents we recognise the importance of seeking support, yet can feel concerned about how a child will react to the idea of seeing a psychologist. Understandably, parents can feel anxious that talking to a child about attending therapy could lead to further worries. Seeing a psychologist should not be scary, and parents can have supportive conversations. • KEEP IT SIMPLE: Talk to your child using language they will understand. Share the reasons for seeing a psychologist by sharing how you have noticed that they have been struggling. Spend time talking about how a psychologist will support them to make sense of their tricky feelings and help parents and other grown-ups understand ways to offer support. • NORMALISE THE EXPERIENCE: In a similar way to visiting the doctor if we feel physically unwell, it is important to visit a psychologist to take care of our mental health. Let your child know many people see a psychologist, they will first take the time to get to know them and will then talk about their challenges and difficulties. • EXPLAIN THE PROCESS: It can be a big step to share our thoughts and feelings, and your child might be worried about what other people will think or don’t know what to expect. Walk them through a therapy session; they will arrive at the clinic and sit in the waiting room, the psychologist will then invite them into a nice, comfy room that feels like a lounge, they will ask questions to learn more about them and they will be able to bring their parents or caregivers along. • FIND THE RIGHT TIME: Parents can feel unsure about when to talk about seeing a psychologist. Find a calm moment and the right time for an uninterrupted conversation. Encourage your child to ask questions, answer honestly and reassure them that it’s ok to feel nervous or unsure. Speak to your child with enough time so you can help them prepare for the appointment. Dr Danielle Grey is a Clinical Psychologist and the Clinical Director for the Purple House Clinic, Birmingham. The clinic is located in Coleshill and offers sessions Monday-Saturday. For more information visit www.purplehouseclinic.co.uk or call 0121 820 7851.
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29 FIND YOUR HAPPY Emily Coxhead ISBN 9781529501476 A joyful and imaginative book of feelings from the creator of The Happy News, feeling happy is a wonderful thing! But do you ever feel sad or angry, frightened, or shy? Everyone does sometimes, but with a little help from Sloth and the people you love, there is always a way to FIND YOUR HAPPY! THE COLOUR MONSTER Anna Llenas ISBN 9781783704231 A picture book follow-up to The Colour Monster, Anna Llenas’s jaw-dropping pop-up book. One day, Colour Monster wakes up feeling very confused. His emotions are all over the place; he feels angry, happy, calm, sad and scared all at once! To help him, a little girl shows him what each feeling means through colour. What is the Colour Monster feeling? And can you help him feel a little less mixed up? WHEN CUCUMBER LOST HIS COOL Michelle Robinson ISBN 9780702305986 You wanna be cool? Then repeat after me: I am a cucumber, cool as can be!” But when Kevin starts to feel like his friends are leaving him out, something happens that has never happened before: KEVIN. LOSES. HIS. COOL! Will Kevin’s friends be there for him when he needs them most? WHEN I SEE RED Britta Teckentrup ISBN 9783791374949 The heroine of this beautifully Kenilworth Books, Talisman Square, Kenilworth CV8 1JB illustrated story feels her anger like a storm in a dark forest. It sweeps her away, and she thunders and howls. She pours down her emotions like sheets of rain; rage surges like a wind whipping angry waves. Her anger takes her on a wild ride. Appropriate for a wide variety of ages, this book illustrates many aspects of anger that are often hard to articulate- how overwhelming it is, how isolating, even scary. But it also shows anger to be a source of power and an agent for change. THE HUGASAURUS Rachel Bright ISBN 9781408356159 One sunny morning, a happy little Hugasaurus waves goodbye to her Pappysaur and sets off into the world on her own for the very first time. When she finds a playground, some new friends welcome her to their games. But it isn’t long before the other little dinosaurs start to squabble. Can Hugasaurus bring her new friends back together using the magical power of kindness? THE INVISIBLE STRING Patrice Karst ISBN 9780316486231 The Invisible String is the perfect tool for coping with all kinds of separation anxiety, loss, and grief. In this relatable and reassuring contemporary classic, a mother tells her two children that they’re all connected by an invisible string. “That’s impossible!” the children insist, but still they want to know more: “What kind of string?” The answer is the simple truth that binds us all: An Invisible String made of love. Emotional Literacy Bookseller, Deborah from Kenilworth Books shares a selection of books that are written specifically for children who might find expressing their feelings a little tricky. With the new term starting, many children are exploring new classrooms, teachers and friends. Chosen especially for their value in dealing with mental health issues, feelings and emotions, the books on this list can be used with children to start conversations that enable them to begin to make sense of their own feelings and understand ways to manage and deal with their emotions. Raring2go! READING
Raring2go! COMPETITIONS A chance to WIN! Dick Whittington – Belgrade Panto Win a family ticket to see Dick Whittington at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry Closing date 1 November 2024 30 raring2go.co.uk Play @ Lower Drayton Farm Win 4 tickets to visit Play @ Lower Drayton Farm Closing date 17 November 2024 Festive Gift Fair Win a pair of tickets for the Festive Gift Fair taking place from 14 - 17 November at the NEC Birmingham. Closing date 24 October 2024 Wizard of Oz at The Old Rep, Birmingham Win a family ticket to see The Wizard of Oz at The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham Closing date 12 November 2024 West Midlands Safari Park Win a family ticket to West Midlands Safari Park Spooky Spectacular event Closing date 18 October 2024
Raring2go! COMPETITIONS Competition Winners Wizzafest Steph Burroughs Wistow Maze Sennen O’Neill (8) Kineton C of E Primary School, Hayley Shakespeare West Midlands Safari Park Laura Alexander Magic Alley Malikai Laing (9) Ulverley School Blists Hill Victorian Town Win a family ticket to a Victorian Christmas Weekend at Blists Hill Victorian Town. Closing date 8 November 2024 31 Silverstone Francesca Jones, Gemma Lindo, Victoria Guymer, Simon Wynne, Justin Smith Peppa Pig Nick Kelly Aztec Adventure Sarah Taubman, Richard Brown, Ruth Jarratt, Elizabeth Hodson, Kristyn Harris Enter these and many more competitions online at raring2go.co.uk. Make sure you select where you are to see competitions in your local area. COMPETITION TERMS & CONDITIONS: Enter the competitions online at www.raring2go.co.uk/ solihull/competitions. The winner will be the first correct entry or entries drawn at random. No cash alternative. The winner will be notified by phone or email. Full terms and conditions are available online at www.raring2go.co.uk/competition-terms.
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