WHY WE ARE TRUSTED Super low ratios (max 6:1) Subject specialist tutors Award-winning homework No-ties two-week guarantee Smart 11+ have been wonderful from day one. They have really encouraged my daughter and boosted her confidence in preparation for the 11+ exam. There’s no doubt that their support has contributed to her success. Sachin Jethwa Do you want your child to go to grammar school? www.smart11plus.co.uk 0121 517 0339 REGISTERED Trusted by 1000's of parents in Solihull Book a FREE assessment AND get your first session FREE! You can ALSO save over 20% on your child’s fees! RARING2GO!™ OFFER Our expert tutors will guide your child through our own in-house written curriculum, designed specifically for the 11+! JUST 9 MONTHS TO GO UNTIL THE 11+ EXAM! SOLIHULL MAGAZINE & WEBSITE THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD raring2go.co.uk WINTER 2025 CLUBS & CLASSES P14 WHAT’S ON? P4 COMPETITIONS P30
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. Films to look out for this Winter! Mufasa: The Lion King Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Dog Man Tudor Grange Leisure Centre 0121 705 6371 North Solihull Sports Centre 0121 770 3822 Find out more at everyoneactive.com/KidsPass
• 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 © 2025 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?.......................................4 Free Days Out..................................12 Clubs & Classes...............................14 Parties. ............................................ 22 Preschool......................................... 25 Competitions................................... 30 Happy New Year The sparkle and tinsel has been packed away for another year but don’t hide away indoors! Wrap up, head out and explore all of the amazing places in our area to keep the family entertained. There are lots of ideas in this edition as well as some amazing local clubs and classes to get involved with over the next few months. Grab a cuppa and spend a few minutes having a browse through to see what your kids might like to try this year. Make sure you keep an eye on our website too – there are local events and news being added all the time. Nicola, Editor Follow us on social media to keep up to date all year with your local #gotoguide for families. Raring2goSolihull Raring2goSolihull raring2gosolihull Raring2go! EDITOR’S WELCOME 3
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? 4 raring2go.co.uk Until 19 January The Swan Theatre – The Red Shoes Get up close to Andersen’s dark fairy tale where a young woman’s beautiful pair of red shoes takes her places she doesn’t wish to go. Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world, or so they say. www.rsc.org.uk Until 23 February Herbert Art Gallery & Museum – Microworld Coventry Microworld is an immersive space filled with digital creatures. The creatures communicate with each other and the audience. Sensors in the space create an engaging and intuitive digital ecosystem with cascades of actions and reactions. Each Microworld is a celebration of a new type of living art that encourages experimentation and collaborative play. Microworld is designed for all ages. The interactive artworks provide the audience with a role and a purpose. It includes: playing, exploring, experimenting, problem-solving, collaborating, creating, learning and storytelling. Microworld is inclusive, requiring no specialist knowledge. As soon as you walk into a Microworld, you start affecting it. www.theherbert.org Until 20 April Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery – Wildlife Photographer of the Year The world-renowned exhibition, now in its sixtieth year and on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, will feature exceptional images that capture fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world. Using photography’s unique emotive power to engage and inspire audiences, the images shine a light on stories and species around the world and encourage a future of advocating for the planet. www.birminghammuseums.org.uk What’s On? Winter 2025 12 January The Alexandra - Ministry of Science LIVE: Science Saved The World Direct from London’s West End. Over the last few years Science has led the way in getting our lives back to normal. Now, the UK’s favourite science team are back and more explosive than ever! www.atgtickets.com 18 January Compton Verney – Eternal Taal with Lantern Parade Taking inspiration from different cultural mythologies around light over darkness, come and join a multicultural contemporary wassail. Enjoy a DJ Bhangra dance party hosted by Gatis Gardener’s lantern parade and Eternal Taal, an all female Bhangra company, explore the exhibition, give your story to the Blue Ladies, weave a dream from upcycled Sari’s and end your evening parading through the landscape, letting go and honouring the trees. www.comptonverney.org.uk 18 January British Motor Museum – Brick Club: Hostile Habitats Join the British Motor Museum for January’s Saturday Club for young people aged 7-11. Scientists and engineers have always been challenged to explore hostile habitats and remote, dangerous places to make new discoveries and rescue those in need. To do this, they have designed satellites, rovers and robots that help them to enter and document previously inaccessible places. Taking inspiration from the collection and using LEGO® We.Do software, the Brick Club will build and code vehicles to explore these hostile habitats and rescue unwary scientists from danger! www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? 5 Funded by: birminghammuseums.org.uk/whats-on at Thinktank Family days out ! • • 4k Planetarium • Outdoor Science Garden Don’t miss – Fun, interactive Family Shows Hattonworld.com Zoobee’s Magic Academy Feb Half Term 17th to 21st Plus Animals Action Adventure
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? 6 raring2go.co.uk 25 January The Alexandra – Sing-a-long-a Matilda 2:00. Calling all revolting children and their parents – come and be a little a bit naughty at Sing-aLong-a Matilda the Musical From the producers of Singalonga Sound of Music and Singalonga Frozen. www.atgtickets.com 25 January The Alexandra – Sing-a-long-a The Greatest Showman 7:00. Cheer on Hugh Jackman, lust after Zac Efron as you experience The Greatest Showman in the greatest way possible - with lyrics on the screen so you can join in as loud as you want. www.atgtickets.com 8 February – 6 April Compton Verney – Breathing With The Forest Breathing with the Forest is an immersive video installation that illuminates the ecosystem surrounding a capinuri tree (Maquira coriacea) in the Colombian Amazon. The installation recreates a real plot of Amazonian forest in its full majesty and astounding detail, revealing the beauty and fragility of these tropical environments as it brings to light the many delicate interactions and relationships that exist between the major kingdoms of life. Standing within the installation surrounded by the pulsing rhythms of the rainforest you will find that your breath begins to synchronise with the life of the forest as you become connected and part of the forest ecosystem. www.comptonverney.org.uk What’s On? Winter 2025 15 - 23 February Stratford Upon Avon Butterfly Farm – Mini Beast Handling This February half term the whole family can enjoy the relaxing pleasure of walking amongst some of the world’s most stunning and colourful butterflies in a tropical rainforest setting, complete with fish-filled pools, splashing waterfalls and beautiful blooms. Discover Rainforest Realm, a new exhibition featuring a magnificent spectacled caiman. Meet the Mini-Beast handling, Butterfly Lifecycle, Pupae and Beetle demonstrations will be held daily in the Discovery Zone at 11:00. The gift shop has a range of nature inspired Fairtrade gifts and sells soft drinks, snacks, confectionary and ice-creams. www.butterflyfarm.co.uk 18 & 20 February 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 17 – 21 February Hatton Adventure World – Zoobee’s Magic Academy Join Zoobee this February Half Term at Hatton for lots of fun at his magic academy. Plus all the usual animals, action and adventure that you expect. www.adventure.hattonworld.com 18 – 23 February nec Birmingham – The Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show The go to event for those who love camping, touring & exploring the Great Outdoors! Come along to the UK’s largest start of year showcase of new motorhomes, campervans, caravans, tents and camping accessories - all under one roof! A day’s visit offers the opportunity for you to step inside and compare hundreds of new for 2025 leisure vehicles from leading manufacturers, dealers and brands and explore all that’s new in adventure and family camping. www.ccmshow.co.uk
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? 7 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
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? 8 raring2go.co.uk 21 February Warwick Racecourse – Fiver Friday Start your weekend with Fiver Friday! This offer is a once in a season opportunity to come racing for just £5. With 6 races on the card and tickets at just £5 it’s a race day not to miss! So come on down with family, friends and the littles ones and enjoy a fantastic day at the races with an indoor silent disco to keep you entertained between races. www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/warwick 2 March Royal Spa Centre – Giddy Goat This musical story follows the trials and tribulations of Giddy, a young mountain goat who is scared of heights. Based on the colourful children’s book by Jamie Rix and Lynne Chapman, with specially composed music by Paul Rissmann, this tale of facing fears and making friends is an ideal way to introduce children to live music, with plenty of audience participation in songs and actions, and projections of images from the story. Ideal for ages 3-7 but great fun for everyone! www.leamingtonmusic.org 2 March The Alexandra – The Dinosaur That Pooped When Danny and Dino’s favourite rock band are playing their last ever concert, they go on a quest to get the last two tickets. But with a villainous band manager lurking, nothing goes to plan. Will the band perform? Will Danny rock out? Or will Dino’s rumbling tummy save the day? www.atgtickets.com 2 – 5 April Belgrade Theatre – Pig Heart Boy Is it better to have a pig’s heart that works … than a human heart that doesn’t? Cameron is thirteen, and all he wants is to be normal – have friends, go to school, and dive to the bottom of his local swimming pool. But he desperately needs a heart transplant and time is running out. When he’s finally offered a new heart, Cameron must choose how far What’s On? Winter 2025 he’ll go to get his life back. From the multi awardwinning writer Malorie Blackman OBE, author of Noughts and Crosses. Recommended age 8+. www.belgrade.co.uk 4 – 9 March Birmingham Hippodrome – Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Based on Ian Fleming’s timeless story for children and later made into the famous 1968 film, in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang we meet absent-minded inventor Caractacus Potts who restores a broken-down old racing car with the help of his children Jemima and Jeremy. Soon the family discover the car has magical powers, and along with the delectable Truly Scrumptious and Grandpa Potts, they end up on a fantastical adventure to far off lands. Their heartwarming journey makes Chitty Chitty Bang Bang a fun-filled hit for all the family. www.birminghamhippodrome.com 5 – 6 April nec Birmingham – Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live: Glow n Fire Following the success of Glow Party, Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live™ is thrilled to announce its new theme for 2025: Glow-N-Fire. This exciting new experience will feature the same level of fun and excitement that fans have come to expect, but with an added fiery twist. Get ready for more heat and action as they continue to bring the ultimate monster truck show to fans in Birmingham in April 2025. Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live™: Glow-NFire is produced by Family Entertainment Live and brings fans’ favourite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks to life including Mega Wrex™, Tiger Shark™, HW 5-Alarm™, Bone Shaker™, Bigfoot®, Gunkster™, and introducing the brand new Skelesaurus™, the giant that unleashes his fossil fury. Fans can also witness a special appearance from a transforming robot, plus the high-flyers of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Freestyle Motocross Team. www.utilitaarenabham.co.uk
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? 9 Buy now at tickets.avfc.co.uk THRILLING FIXTURES AT VILLA PARK!
50% off Events & Festivals Up To 50% off Theme Parks Up To 67% off Theatre & Museums Up To 45% off Zoos & Aquariums Up To Book Amazing Winter Attraction DEALS & DAYS OUT with Raring2go!
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? 11 Make 2025 unforgettable with an Annual Pass to West Midlands Safari Park, your ticket to unlimited adventures all year round. Whether you’re a thrillseeker, nature lover, or looking for quality family fun, there’s something for everyone! Enjoy unlimited access to the four-mile Safari Drive as many times as you like. From February half-term and Easter Eggstravaganza to summer holiday fun, Spooky Spectacular, and Santa Safari, there’s always something exciting happening. Annual Passholders unlock exclusive perks, including discounts on retail, food and drink outlets, and luxury Safari Lodges. Upgrade to a Gold Annual Pass to access 21 family-friendly rides, including Zambezi Water Splash and Monkey Mayhem. For even more thrills, the Platinum Pass offers 12 months of fun at both West Midlands Safari Park and Drayton Manor Resort. Treat yourself or your loved ones to 12 months of WILD adventures and enjoy an exclusive 10% discount with code R2G10 at checkout. Don’t miss out – visit wmsp.co.uk to get yours today! GET 20% OFF GIFTS! VISIT RECEPTION TO UPGRADE TODAY! WILD A WHOLE YEAR OF FROM £79 A WHOLE YEAR OF Get your exclusive 10% discount*! Enter R2G10 at checkout UNLIMITED ADMISSION AMAZING DISCOUNTS UNLIMITED SAFARI ENTRY SCAN ME *T&CS APPLY Unlock a Year of WILD Adventures with a West Midlands Safari Park Annual Pass!
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? 12 raring2go.co.uk 1Thinktank Science Garden The Science Garden offers an adventurous and entertaining experience, bringing themes of engineering, mechanics, and transportation to life through over 30 hands-on exhibits. Visitors of all ages can get ‘bodies on’ with exciting and inventive exhibits including an 8m high clanging ‘Terminus’ machine and a giant human-sized hamster wheel that has a top speed of 30 revolutions per minute. The Science Garden is included in the Thinktank admission price, or it is free every day from 3pm, with varying closing times in winter due to light levels. The earliest the garden will close during the winter period is 4pm. 2Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery is delighted to have opened its doors for the next phase of reopening. Nearly a dozen spaces, including the stunning Round Room, Industrial Gallery, Tearoom and Shop are now open. The new displays tell the social story of Birmingham and the city’s global impact. The Wild City displays include two new galleries dedicated to children and families, telling stories about nature in the city. General admission is free although some events and exhibitions may charge. 7 Ideas for Free Family Fun Budgets available for family days out and activities can be stretched in the New Year so we have pulled together a list of free places to go. Family fun doesn’t need to break the bank!
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? 13 3Redwings Horse Sanctuary Redwings Oxhill is home to 80 rescued horses, ponies and donkeys, including a most friendly group of cobs known as “The Breakfast Club” because they’re all named after breakfast items! The sanctuary is open to the public Friday to Monday, 10am to 4pm (paddocks close at 3.30pm). Entry remains free but they would love visitors to consider a donation towards the care of their rescued residents. 4Birmingham Airport Viewing Area Whether you follow aircraft arrivals and departures keenly, want a family day out for the kids to see aircraft up close or just want to observe the comings and goings on the airfield, Birmingham Airport’s free viewing area could be just the thing you are looking for. The area is located at Car Park 5, open 24 hours, and provides picnic benches and a great view of the runway. Remember that if you are arriving by car and parking here, normal car park rates apply. Alternatively, if you’re interested in seeing aeroplanes up close, you can visit the designated viewing area at Sheldon Country Park. It lies just under a mile away from the farm buildings and can only be accessed on foot (no motor vehicles). 5Market Hall Museum, Warwick Market Hall Museum tells the story of Warwickshire, and how the shifting natural, built, and human landscapes have shaped the county to the present day. Popular exhibits include the Museum Bear, Oisin, the tweeting Giant Irish Deer skeleton, an observation beehive, the Sheldon Tapestry Map of Warwickshire, the historic Wilmcote Plesiosaur skeleton, two Warwickshire Roman silver coin hoards, the Cross Hands Quarry Dinosaur, historic costume display and, a real Warwickshire dinosaur from Cross Hands Quarry. 6Free family activities at shopping centres Shopping centres such as Touchwood and Resorts World often have free activities organised for families and young children in the school holidays and occasional weekends. Look out for information about what is coming up and take advantage of the events on offer. If you do need to take the children with you on a shopping trip, it may be an excellent incentive to get the ‘boring’ bits out of the way so that they can get stuck into something more fun afterwards! 7RAF Museum Midlands The Royal Air Force Museum Midlands, Cosford, offers a fun, award-winning day out for all the family. Entry is free and they’re open daily from 10.00am. Visit the National Cold War Exhibition with its eye-catching architecture and design. Discover Cold War stories in immersive Hotspots; explore thrilling displays of aircraft, iconic cars, models, tanks and even life-sized Russian dolls. Marvel at the world’s oldest Spitfire and several other classic aircraft in the War in the Air Hangar. The outdoor playground is open daily from 10.00am.
14 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! CLUBS & CLASSES 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 The Bugs Group The Bugs Group Holiday Camps are safe, friendly & full of fun activities. Our camps are fully inclusive, designed to engage children aged 5-11yrs of all abilities through games, matches, tournaments & performances. The Bugs Group is a specialist children’s sports company, aiming to put the FUN in kids’ fitness! We run local community classes, holiday camps and work with thousands of schools across the country to provide sports and physical activity classes that improve both children’s physical and emotional literacy. www.thebugsgroup.com Diamond Swim Academy We aim to offer high quality Learn To Swim provision for all. Our highly experienced staff have represented Great Britain in Swimming at 5 Olympics and competed internationally over a period of 18 years. www.diamondswimacademy.co.uk Everyone Active Swimming lessons available for children of all ages and abilities. Available at Tudor Grange Leisure Centre and North Solihull Sports Centre. www.everyoneactive.com Explore Learning Discover what your child can achieve with a brilliant tutor and a curriculum tailored to their individual needs. View our award-winning tuition for GCSE, SATS, 11 Plus & more. www.explorelearning.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 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
Raring2go! CLUBS & CLASSES 15 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
Tax-Free Childcare & Childcare Vouchers Accepted DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE 10% Early Bird 10% Siblings 20% Full-week Improving skills & having FUN with friends! for all new customers: FREE DAY www.teamsupersports.co.uk/new-solihull To get your free day code, simply head to: info@teamsupersports.co.uk 01675 488494 WWW.TEAMSUPERSPORTS.CO.UK/SOLIHULL ALL SCHOOL HOLIDAYS MONDAY TO FRIDAY Ages 5-16 - children who LOVE sport! Solihull School, B91 3DJ 8am - 5pm
4.9 Google Review RUGBY CRICKET FOOTBALL GYMNASTICS HOCKEY NETBALL TENNIS Players CHOOSE a sport each session focusing on improving skills & game play. "Sports Camp of the Year 2024" Central England PRESTIGE AWARDS Mohammed Westerman “It was really good, my daughter loved it. She has now visited all 3 major holiday clubs in Solihull and said this was the best by far!” REV I EW Parent, October 2024
Raring2go! CLUBS & CLASSES 18 raring2go.co.uk REGISTERED My eldest daughter has secured a place at her chosen grammar school, and we are grateful for the excellent encouragement and preparation she received for the 11 plus examination. B&N Mehmi The small class sizes mean they can give their students tailored support but in a way that is enjoyable and fun, with a focus on building up confidence. Jennifer Crisp Smart 11+ have been wonderful from day 1. They have really encouraged my daughter and boosted her confidence in preparation for the 11+ exam. There’s no doubt that their support has contributed to her success. Thank you. Sachin Jethwa What our parents say... BOOK YOUR CHILD'S FREE ASSESSMENT TODAY *Not the normal small print. We are extremely confident that your child will love our tuition, so following your free assessment you can decide THEN if you wish to sign up. The first session free is available for all new customers signing up and quoting Raring2Go. Over 20% off fees is available for new customers signing up for a full membership for two sessions per week. We also have options for people who wish to have one session per week. You are protected by our no-risk two-week guarantee. Check out the front page for more information about our outstanding tuition! SAVE OVER 20% ON YOUR FEES* AND GET YOUR 1ST SESSION FREE! Scan the QR code for more information Ofsted registered BOOK ONLINE 17th - 23rd February *Offer ends5pmonFriday31st January Flexible pickup time now included Action packed childcare this February Half Term for active kids! 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 FEB25SO
Raring2go! CLUBS & CLASSES 19 KING EDWARDS GIRLS SCHOOL, EDGBASTON, B15 2UB KING EDWARDS BOYS SCHOOL, EDGBASTON, B15 2UB KING EDWARDS CAMP HILL GIRLS, KINGS HEATH, B14 7QJ ARCHBISHOP ILSLEY, ACOCKS GREEN, B27 7XY THE BLUE COAT SCHOOL, HARBORNE, B17 OHR (BCS PUPILS ONLY) INFO@DIAMONDSWIMACADEMY.CO.UK TO BOOK 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 - 16 year-olds Giving children and young people the Creative Courage to stand up on stage for over 35 years. stagecoach coleshill enrolling for the neW term stagecoach.co.uk/coleshill 0121 745 4007 coleshill@stagecoach.co.uk
Make a beanie hat with Red Ted Art Materials need for finger knitting a beanie: Super Chunky Wool (works best to make the beanie nice and chunky), Pair of scissors, Your fingers Step 1 : How to Finger Knit Hold the wool comfortably with your thumb. Wrap the wool behind your index finger and in front of your middle finger, then behind your wedding finger and around your pinky. Then bring the wool in front of your wedding finger, behind your middle finger and around your index finger. You need to do it again. Wrap the wool in front of your middle finger, behind your index finger, and around your pinky. Continue bringing the wool in front of your wedding finger, behind your middle finger and then around your index finger, so that you will have two loops on each finger. Now you need to pull the bottom loop up and over the top loop. Do this with each finger in turn, so that you are left with one loop on each finger. Then start again, starting in front of your middle finger, making the loops, and pulling the wool over. Keep repeating these steps until you have a long enough piece that will fit around your head. Step 2 : How to connect strands of your beanie hat Now we are going to connect the two ends together. Run your thumb through the ridge on the back. The ridge is the back and the reverse side is the front. Face the ridged side in towards the centre, making sure you don’t twist it. Connect the two together by hooking your little finger first into the bottom loop, and then into the top loop of the end of the knitted piece. You will have three loops on your little finger. Then start knitting again as normal, wrapping the wool around your fingers. When you start to pull loops off your finger, just one thing... On your pinky finger, pull each loop up and over individually, starting from the bottom, leaving one loop on each finger again. Leaving one loop. Give it a tighten by pulling on the wool. Step 3 : How to add a row to your finger knitted beanie hat DIYThis time we only need to hook into one loop on the knitted piece. Find your next loop and hook your little finger into it. Then knit another row. Once again, on the little finger pull each loop off individually. Pull to tighten. Find your next loop and hook into it. Knit another row across. Keep knitting until the hat covers your head. Remember to keep trying on the hat for measurements. Step 4 : How to decrease Next stage is to make the top of your hat. We need to start decreasing. This time you need to pick up two loops from the knitted piece, so you have three loops on your little finger. Then start to knit another row. Keep repeating these steps until the top of your hat is almost closed. Leaving a small gap. Step 5 : How to decrease and finish your beanieStart casting off your fingers. Pull the first loop off and onto your next finger. And pull the bottom loop up and over the top. Do this on all your fingers, until you have one left. Then pull the wool through the last loop. Get scissors and cut the loop. To close off the top I laced through each loop across the top keeping it nice and tight, closing the top off completely. Make sure you keep pulling tight. You then just need to tie a knot in the wool to finish. If you’d like to see a video , here’s the full tutorial here https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=p4IoOa_SMUE Many thanks to RedTedArt for sharing this fabulous Beanie creative. If you’d like to see so much more on crafting, visit redtedart.com Raring2go! THINGS TO DO 20 raring2go.co.uk
Party Time! 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 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 AirHop and 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.airhop.co.uk 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 22 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 Raring2go! PARTIES
Raring2go! PARTIES 23
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 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 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. Classes run weekly in Solihull and Dorridge. 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 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 25 Diamond Swim Academy Our focus is on quality rather than quantity and, therefore, our classes have no more than six pupils. Our swimming lessons are open to anyone from the age of 2.5 upwards. Contact: www.diamondswimacademy.co.uk
Raring2go! PLACES TO GO 26 raring2go.co.uk Jump into happy at AirHop Warwick & Rush Birmingham The perfect escape from the cold weather for all the family! Whether you are 4 or 54, all the exciting and unique activities mean you are guaranteed to leave with a huge smile on your face! Warwick now boasts the UK’s largest indoor Slide Park – essentially a dry version of a waterpark with different slides to choose from. Are you brave enough to drop into the steep launch slide and fly into the air? Or go head-to-head with friends on the racing slides. Run back up the stairs to try the new Whoop slides as well! (Note that the height requirement for the Slide Park is 1.20m.) Rush Birmingham is home to the immersive ValoArena mixed reality playground, as well as the brand new Soccer 360 football pitch – relive those epic moments with the live replay function! On Friday and Saturday evenings, two-hour After Dark Sessions turn the park into the bounciest night club in town – and what’s even better, it’s a full 120 minutes of jumping for £19.50 only. Get UNLIMITED Open Jumps for the price of one hour with the Unlimited After School Jump offer. Available Mondays – Thursdays after 3pm during term time. Or save with the brand new After School Antics, also available Mon – Thu, offering 60 minutes jumps for two people plus one Margherita pizza – for a bargain £24.95! Organise an absolutely hassle-free kids birthday celebration with one of their party packages! Each package includes a party host that will take care of the birthday party while parents can relax in the café - decorations and clean up are also all taken care of. Party planning couldn’t be easier. School trips, youth group days outs, and corporate team building can all be catered for with group package options, starting at £10pp. Organised youth groups can even have a sleepover! Bespoke sessions can also be created, perfect for a Christmas party with a difference! Gift cards are available online and in-park and can be of any value of your choosing, starting at £15.
Raring2go! PLACES TO GO 27 Activities for children with additional needs and disabilities All parents love to get out and about doing different activities and seeing new places with their children. When a child has special needs or disabilities it can make certain activities more challenging and not always suitable. We’ve pulled together this round-up of SEND activities, clubs and sessions taking place in our area to help you find something suitable for your family. Morning Explorers at Thinktank, Birmingham Morning Explorers is an accessibility program for autistic people and those with similar disabilities. Running on the second Saturday of each month, it offers some accessible adaptions to the museum experience, plus an optional Autism Friendly planetarium show. They offer early entrance into the museum at 9am, before the museum opens to the public at 10am. Tiny Tim’s Purple Planet Soft Play Centre Tiny Tim’s Purple Planet is a great place for children to have fun and exercise in a clean, safe and friendly environment. The equipment has been specially designed to ensure children with disabilities and special needs have good access and do not miss out, as they actively encourage integrated play. Touchwood Shopping Centre - Quiet Hour Touchwood has a weekly ‘quiet hour’, each Saturday between 9 and 10. Lights in all main areas of the centre will be dimmed, music turned off and tannoy announcements kept to a minimum. Resorts World Birmingham - Quiet Hour Each Saturday between 10 and 11, there will be no music playing, the lights will be dimmed wherever possible, and the building will be made to feel calmer with minimal sounds and no announcements unless there is an emergency. Did you know that they have Sensory Ear Defenders available? If you’d like to borrow one during your visit (limited availability), please speak to a member of the Guest Services team. Airhop Trampoline Park Warwick SEN sessions AirHop SEN sessions are held on Mondays from 6pm - 7pm and are perfect for autism groups and for parents looking for activities in a calmer environment. These sessions are capped (less people), no music and reduced lighting to avoid glare. During SEN sessions, slides will open periodically. Rush Birmingham Autism and SEN Sessions On Mondays from 6 – 7pm, their SEN Session is perfect for autism groups and for parents looking for activities to do with the whole family, this quieter, capped session has no music and reduced lighting to avoid glare. Messybeanz Stay and play exclusively for children with special needs and disabilities. A safe space for children, parents, and carers to explore and learn through messy play. Our weekly themed sessions, each Saturday at The SYDNI Centre, are designed to encourage sensory exploration and let children discover and explore new textures in a fun and nonjudgemental environment.
Raring2go! ENVIRONMENT 28 raring2go.co.uk
Raring2go! ENVIRONMENT 29
Raring2go! COMPETITIONS A chance to WIN! 30 raring2go.co.uk Dance in the Dark at mac Birmingham Win 4 tickets to Dance in the Dark at Midlands Art Centre, Birmingham on 15 February 2025 at 2:00pm. Closing date 7 February 2025. Stratford Upon Avon Butterfly Farm Win a family ticket to visit StratfordUpon-Avon Butterfly Farm. The ticket will be valid for one entry for either 2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children. Closing date 23 February 2025. Giddy Goat at The Royal Spa Centre Win a family ticket for 4 people (including at least one child) to see Giddy Goat on 2 March 2025 at The Royal Spa Centre, Leamington. Closing date 9 February 2025 Aspire Active Camp Win a week at an Aspire Active Camp Closing date 7 February 2025 Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum Win a family ticket to for 4 people (including at least one child) to visit Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum. Closing date 28 February 2025.
Raring2go! COMPETITIONS Competition Winners 31 Silverstone Francesca Jones, Gemma Lindo, Victoria Guymer, Simon Wynne, Justin Smith Festive Gift Fair Charlotte Draper, Clare Goble, Debbie Davis, Kathleen Wood, Gemma Parfitt, Nigel Cave, Janina Hunt, Lucy Igoe, Lisa Chilton, Harvi, Fiona Wallis Blists Hill Victorian Town Charlotte Fearn The Old Rep, Wizard of Oz Andrea Batty Belgrade Pantomime Poppy Rayner, 10, Shipston Primary school West Midlands Safari Park Hannah Nelson Lower Drayton Farm Chase Woodhouse, 7, Dorridge Primary School 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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