SUTTON COLDFIELD WMSP P5 CLUBS & CLASSES P2,5,6,7,8,9 & 11 COMPETITIONS P30 MAGAZINE & WEBSITE THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD raring2go.co.uk SPRING 2024 WIN WIN WIN
2 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! CLUBS AND CLASSES WIN A SIGNED SHIRT SCAN HERE TO ENTER ɤ lm# Òĭ·Æ VILLA PARK FIXTURES 24 MARCH 6:45PM 28 APRIL 2 PM* 18 MAY 3PM Ȥ#·Āêïߥ ãïÀ¥ê êÒ ´Ì¯¥
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4 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! WELCOME Hello and Welcome to Spring Easter is my favourite time of year, the days are longer. bulbs are popping up and there are baby animals and chocolate eggs ! There are lots of Easter activities, family days out, holiday clubs and lots of local clubs and classes for your child. Hold on to the magazine as it covers May half term. Please mention Raring2go! When your out on your out andabout. Hope you have an Egg – citing Easter ! 07929 656748 Penny.beddows@raring2go.co.uk Penny X Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date all year with your local #gotoguide for families Facebook: Raring2gosuttoncoldfi eld We take the time to be sure that you get the best possible eyecare and advice. Remember children get free NHS eye tests while they are under 16 and 16 to 18 if in full time learning. The optometrists, Tony and Callum, tailor their eye examinations to the needs of every age group. We take a special interest in reading difficulties and the management of ‘short sightedness’ (myopia). We also provide emergency eye care, retinal photography and CT scanning of the eyes. 28 Walmley Road, B76 1QN Your local family run opticians please call or email any enquiries Tel. 0121 351 2344 or cmorriswalm@gmail.com WALMLEY ROAD FISH & CHIPS THE FOX OPTICIAN
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6 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! CLUBS AND CLASSES Swimming Lessons Parent and baby / toddler classes available at New Hall Primary School Langley Hall Drive, Sutton ColdÀ eld, B75 7NQ. classes available Wednesday & Friday Wilnecote High School Tinkers green road, Wilnecote , Tamworth B77-5LF After School Mon, Tue, Wed & Thurs & Sat Morning 4-16 yrs All abilities AS SEEN ON rugbytots.co.uk The world’s favourite rugby play programme MAKE YOUR CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT MORE FUN! TRY RUGBYTOTS Our dynamic weekly play sessions enable boys and girls aged 2–7 to develop their social and physical skills in a fun, positive environment. For more details, just call or email. 0345 313 0803 matthew@rugbytots.co.uk FREE TASTER SESSIONS AVAILABLE! To book a space, contact matthew@rugbytots.co.uk Make your child’s development more fun! Our fun, structured play sessions take children on a journey of sporting imagination with engaging and energetic coaches supporting them every step of the way whilst teaching how to catch, pass, kick, run with the ball and play as part of a team. 3 week trial for £12 referencing the code R2G *subject to availability.
7 Raring2go! CLUBS AND CLASSES SAVE OVER 20% ON YOUR FEES AND GET YOUR 1ST SESSION FREE! REGISTERED Tutors are all very supportive, caring and extremely professional. They have a wonderful communication system in place. My son thoroughly enjoyed his lessons. Zayd We had a great experience with Smart 11+ Tuition followed by a very good result. Thank you for all the teachers who helped and supported my son during his 11+ journey. Anuradha Senarathna My son spent a year studying with Smart 11+ at the Sutton Coldfield branch. He enjoyed all his sessions and always came out showing enthusiasm for whatever topic they had covered. There was also a wealth of additional materials both paper and digital for us to use at home as we felt necessary. I found tutors knew my child well and were always available to give me feedback. Siobhan Belle 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! S4 Swim School have been providing the service of swimming lessons to thousands of children and adults for over a decade. Lessons run at many great pools during term time and school holidays. •Small groups •Online personal member area •Term plans available to download •Personal swimmer achievement records •Fast progression through groups S4 Swim School have been providing service of swimming lessons to thou of children and adults for over a deca My daughters took part in the intensive course and absolutely loved it. Was really pleased at the progress they made in such a short time; we have now signed up to regular classes and can’t wait to see the progress they will make. (Facebook) f: @s4swimschool s4swimschool.uk NOV_2023_Mag_ad129x89Ad.indd 1 28/11/2023 11:28
8 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! CLUBS AND CLASSES If you contact or visit any of our advertisers, please tell them that Raring2go! sent you! Boldmere Ballet School and Sutton Stage School Whether you are 2 or 72, we have a class for you! Pre-School Ballet and Dance - 4pm Fridays Tap, Contemporary Jazz, Theatre Craft - Ages 4+ Saturday mornings Royal Academy Classical Ballet - Ages 4+ Weekdays Arobic Dance - Ages 5+ Fridays Adult Classes in Ballet, Contemporary Jazz and Tap - Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays Established, famly run, friendly school - all ages and abilities welcome. Classes available for the once a week student and those who wish to take their dancing further. EXAMS - FESTIVALS - SHOWS 07932 065 949 jane@theatredance.co.uk www. theatredance.co.uk
9 Raring2go! CLUBS AND CLASSES ADDICTIVE CIRCUS ARTS ACADEMY Let your little ones (and not so little ones) run away and join the circus for a day. A monthly 4-hour circus class for kids age 5 to 16 that offers an incredible mix of aerial and ground skills such as trapeze, aerial silks, aerial hoop, aerial lollipop, tippy hoop, pole, juggling, hula hoops, poi, floorwork and more. We also run weekly 1-hour aerial and pole classes for pre-school children, youths, teens and adults. Book on our website www.addictivefitness.co.uk or contact Karen on 07803 043933 for more information. Location: Addictive Fitness Ltd, 53 Coleshill Industrial Estate, Coleshill, B46 1JT FOR KIDS AGED 5-16 SATURDAY SUCCESS SCHOOL Believe Achieve Call for your all Jane f ur Assessment 07767 860 177 or mail or email ky.com r m l Janemason@sky.com 860 www.s ch success.co.uk satuturdayschoo uk yschoolsuccess.co.u success.co u ww Taught by Qualified Teachers and EYFS key Stage 1 and 2 and 11+ Streetly Methodist Church, reetly, Thornhill Road, Streetly, B74 3EH EVER TUTORING
10 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! CLUBS AND CLASSES
11 Raring2go! CLUBS AND CLASSES Tuesdays @ Streetly Community Centre Saturdays @ The Streetly Academy Saturdays & Sundays @ Coppice Primary School (Sutton Coldfi eld) Sundays @ Collingwood Community Centre (Great Barr) For more information and to book your class get in touch! Littlekickers.co.uk 07545236917 westmidlands@littlekickers.co.uk f @littlekickersWestMidlands l @littlekickersfc A fun fi led introduction to football for Children aged 18 months to 8 years! Little Kickers offers kids the perfect combination of learning and fun! We are running classes at a number of venues in your area, contact us for further information. Centre. like listening, sharing, taking turns and teamwork are conscientiously woven into a involving programme that places as much emphasis on simple learning concepts like colours and numbers as it does on fi ne-tuning a child’s basic balance, agility and coordination. A very level playing fi eld! We recognise that every child is an individual, and feel that children develop their skills best when they are playing with other kids of a similar age and ability. As such, Little Kickers separate kids into four distinct age groups, which encourage each child to maximise their involvement and development potential. In summary, the real joy of our 4 pronged approach (Little Kicks, Junior, Mighty and Mega Kickers) is that we can offer a gently staggered learning environment for all our students, an enjoyable yet challenging pre-school football programme that is safe and always stays strictly within the student’s comfort zone. ‘Play Not Push’ – a positive, fun-fi lled pre-school football programme executed in a friendly, pressurefree environment. Little Kickers is the world’s biggest pre school football programme, and been running in Sutton Coldfi eld for 10 years. Guided by the likes of FA qualifi ed coaches, nursery school teachers, child health specialists and pro-active parents, the Little Kickers programme (age 1.5 - 8) is an ever-evolving quest to teach fundamental football techniques & elementary life skills in a vibrant, group play environment. Invaluable social skills
people of Coventry from the past, present and future. www.theherbert.org 23 March – 6 April Coventry Transport Museum – Eggcelent Experiments Tinker | Make | Play Engineers are embracing eggy puns (and eggtivities) this Easter gg ) holiday and will fi nd themselves faced with eggstreme challenges: Will they be able to transport a variety of fake eggs safely up and down, forwards and backwards? Will their eggs survive a drop? How many eggs will fi t on their vehicle? Tinkering with STEM concepts make eggcellent transport and fi nd out how many eggs your machine can hold and move. www.transport-museum.com 23 March - 7 April Stratford Butterfl y Farm – Easter Activities This Easter the whole family can enjoy the relaxing pleasure of walking amongst some of the world’s most stunning and colourful butterfl ies in a tropical rainforest setting, complete with fi sh-filled pools, splashing waterfalls and beautiful blooms. The popular Meet the Mini-Beast, Butterfl y Life Cycle and Beetle demonstrations will take place daily in the Discovery Zone at 11:00 throughout the Easter Holidays (except Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday). www.butterfl yfarm.co.uk 23 March – 7 April Hatton Adventure World – Spring Spectacular The farm is packed with baby animals…. Piglets, lambs, and goat kids inside the Spring Arrivals Marquee, with animal handling and baby animal chats. Wait patiently and you might even witness a birth! Come rain or shine there is loads to do! Get up close to baby animals. Be entertained inside with Magic and Puppet Shows in the family theatre. Cuddle a guinea pig in the Guinea Pig Village, get up close with lizards and snakes in Scales and Tails. Watch birds of prey take to the skies in the Falconry Shows. There’s Laser Combat for the over 8’s. Plus of course Snorty’s Superslide Mania and soft play. www.adventure.hattonworld.com MARCH 23 March – 7 April Easter Egg venture at Lower Drayton Farm. This Easter Spring meet the lambs included in your play admission www.Playthefarm.co.uk Ashend House Children’s Farm And the Big Play Barn Egg citing Easter Holidays activities. Fantastic Combi offer or you can just book Farm or Barn - to book your ticket Visit www.ashendchildrensfarm.co.uk Until 7 April Thinktank – Women in Science Trail Explore the museum at your leisure whilst also learning about infl n uential Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths! Keep an eye out for the stops around the museum with fact fi les. If you would like, grab a trail card from the ticket desk to tick off the stops as you fi nd them! www.birminghammuseums.org.uk Until 7 April Magic Alley – Wonderworld: A Magical Fantasy AdventureStep into the enchanting realm of WonderWorld, an extraordinary event unfolding in the heart of Magic Alley. This unique puzzle based adventure is perfectly tailored for children over 6 and their adults alike, promising an unforgettable journey through a fantasy world where imagination knows no bounds. As you navigate through an intricate maze of puzzles and challenges you’ll encounter the most incredible creatures – from mighty dinosaurs to majestic dragons. Be dazzled by the grace of unicorns and let their twinkling lights lead you to the playful fairies. The event will take on an Easter theme and be suitable for children aged 4 and up from 23 March. www.magicalleystratford.com 23 March – 6 April Herbert Art Gallery & Museum – Crafting Streets of Coventry Explore Coventry through creative arts and immersive experiences this Easter. Taking inspiration from the permanent exhibitions, ‘History Gallery’ and ‘Godiva Gallery,’ they will be crafting through two weeks of exciting activities, learning new skills as you reimagine Coventry street scenes and 12 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! WHAT’S ON
23 March – 14 April British Motor Museum – Feel the Need for Speed Uncover incredible speed machines in the Find the Fastest Car trail, explore what makes cars fast with racing driver characters in the Racing Drivers Tour and Make Your Own Fast Car in the Learning Hub. For a more accessible experience, discover Access Day on Wednesday 3 April, with Touch and Access Tours, Quiet Hours and more! Visit over the Easter Weekend for an Easter Egg Hunt, too! www. britishmotormuseum.co.uk 25 March – 4 April . Lunt Roman Fort – Spoon Wars II This Easter, the Spoon Warriors have returned, and they’re taking over the whole museum! Craft your own brave spoon warrior and join the fray – where will you hide yours? All materials are provided. You will also be able to explore this unique reconstructed, taking in the sites of the ramparts, the granary building and the only known Gyrus inside a Roman fort! Booking is essential - tickets cannot be bought on the door. www.luntromanfort.org 25 March – 5 April Thinktank – Our World from Space Family Show Build the Sun, Moon, and Earth out of people to see how they move in space, discover how rockets take off, recreate the orbits of satellites, and learn how they pay a big role in wildlife conservation. www.birminghammuseums.org.uk 27 April & 29 June Ackers Adventure – Thrillseeker Days A great day out for all the family. Skiing, archery, climbing, canoeing, kayaking, zip wire and tower drop. Free tobogganing for under 12’s with a paying adult. The days run similarly to a theme park – queue for activities you would like to try whether you repeat them multiple times or try them all. www.ackers-adventure.co.uk 13 Raring2go! WHAT’S ON Funded by: birminghammuseums.org.uk/thinktank • • 4k Planetarium • Outdoor Science Garden
HOLIDAY CLUBS S4 Swim School Easter Holiday courses for children non- swimmers and swimmers www.s4swimschool.uk Addictive Fitness Workshops Circus Arts Academy for children aged 5-16 years old Wednesday 27th March 10am-3pm Tuesday 2nd April 10am-3pm Friday 5th April 10am-3pm To book 07803043933 or visit wwwaddictivefi tness.co.uk Sutton Tennis Easter Camp Easter Camp will be Monday to Thursday (not Good Friday) 25 – 28 March, between 9am & 3pm. To book, contact Chris Priddle on 07948 801210 or cdpriddle@hotmail.com Ackers Birmingham Easter Holiday book your child in for a day of adventurous and active day 3 outdoor activities 9.30 am – 4pm Children aged 8- 16 years old child care vouchers can be used www.Ackers-adventure.co.uk Aspire Easter Holidays and Whitsun holiday 25- 28 March 2-5 April and Whitsun 28 – 31 May Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School 8 am – 6pm choice of activities 0121 663 1082 activecamps.co.uk Fun Fest Easter Camp Walmley and Four Oaks 25- 28 March and 2-5 April. Lots great activities visit to book www. Fun- fest.co.uk Wyndley Leisure Centre Easter Camp Super Stars Holiday Club 8am – 4pm. 5- 12 year olds www.Birminghamleisure.com 14 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! HOLIDAY CLUBS
15 Raring2go! HOLIDAY CLUBS For more info visit aspire-sports.co.uk or call 0121 663 1979 *Offer ends 5pm Friday 15th March Ofsted registered Action-packed childcare this Easter & Whitsun BOOK ONLINE Easter Dates Week 1 25th – 28th March Week 2 2nd – 5th April Whitsun Dates 28th – 31st May Choice of venues and activities Open 8am - 6pm For more info and to book your place visit activecamps.co.uk or call 0121 663 1082 Sutton ʶˢ˟˗Ѓ˘˟˗ Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School 15% OFF* with code SPRING24SC Book your child in for an adventurous and active day! Each day includes 3 outdoor activities, for ages 8-16. £38 per child HOLIDAY CAMP Drop off 9.30am - 10.00am Pick up 3.30pm - 4.00pm Childcare vouchers accepted There is a 10% discount available for multiple siblings booking on. 2024 TENNIS CAMPS! £20 FOR MEMBERS AND £24 FOR NON MEMBERS. JUST LET US KNOW IN ADVANCE WHICH DAYS YOU WANT. CONTACT CHRIS COOK FOR COSTS To book on to any of the above, please contact Chris Priddle on 07948801210 or email at cdpriddle@hotmail.com for more information. HIGHBRIDGE ROAD, WYLDE GREEN, SUTTON COLDFIELD B73 5QB JUST LE IN ADVA DAYSY CONTACT FOR C Easter Camps we will be running them from Monday to Thursday (not Good Friday) 25 – 28 March, between 9am & 3pm each day.
MARCH 28 March & 4 April. Compton Verney – Get Mucky, Get Making! We are rolling together the imagination of the Art gallery and the wildness of the woodland, whisking, mixing and pouring into Get Mucky, Get Making sessions! Encouraging your child to follow their own interests, work things out for themselves and experiment is an important part of developing confi dence, problem solving skills and resilience. The session will include gathering together for a story or songs and a chance to share any ideas discovered! Of course, the mud kitchen, digging and bug hunting will be on offer for children to do their own thing too! Above all the sessions are for fun where children are encouraged to be in charge! Best suited to toddlers – 5 year olds. www.comptonverney.org.uk 29 March – 7 April Kenilworth Castle – The Big Brick Build Turn the castle’s Elizabethan Gardens into brick art! Join in and help to recreate the beautiful gardens to be placed beneath the queen’s private apartments, just like Robert Dudley once did for Elizabeth. Once you’ve worked your magic, the brick builders will put your creations together, creating an amazing mini version of the gardens, for all to enjoy. www.english-heritage.org.uk APRIL 7 April. mac Birmingham – Alice’s Adventures in WonderlandDrawingon the wealth of peculiar episodes from both Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, Box Tale Soup invite you down the rabbit hole into a timeless world of wondrous fantasy. Carroll’s Wonderland fl oods onto the stage in a whirl of strange contraptions and curious characters. No matter how young or old, everyone will find their own moment of magic in Wonderland and make it safely home again – the only danger is, you may not want to leave! www.macbirmingham.co.uk 9 – 14 April Alexandra Theatre – Shrek The Musical Join Shrek and his trusty sidekick Donkey as they set out on a quest to defeat the fearsome dragon and rescue the beautiful Princess Fiona. With a heartwarming story and a cast of unforgettable characters, this musical extravaganza is a journey you won’t want to miss. www.atgtickets.com MAY 4 - 5 May Severn Valley Railway, Spring Model Railway WeekendWe may be more used to 12 inches to the foot scale here at the SVR, but why not join us for a celebration of slightly smaller trains at The Engine House, Highley. www.svr.co.uk 4 - 6 May Little Owl Farm Park, May Bank Holiday Weekend What better way to spend a bank holiday weekend than enjoying the outdoors, interacting with over 50 breeds of birds and animals, plus all of our indoor and outdoor play areas! www.littleowlfarmpark.co.uk/whats-on/ 16 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! WHAT’S ON
• Over 195 National Trust Easter trails taking across England, Wales and Northern Ireland • Most trails taking place over the bank holiday weekend (29 March–1 April) and during local school holidays • Explore mazes and meadows, kitchen gardens and orchards, parkland and woodland bursting with the signs of spring • Enjoy nature-inspired crafts, egg and spoon races, welly wanging, den-building, seed planting and much, much more • Trails cost £3 plus normal admission/free admission for National Trust members/guests of National Trust holidays • Cost includes chocolate egg, or a vegan ‘FreeFrom’ chocolate egg, made here in the UK using cocoa from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms Taking place over the Easter bank holiday weekend (29 March–1 April) and coinciding with local school holidays there are more than 195 National Trust Easter trails to choose from across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Jam-packed with outdoor activities and experiences every single Easter trail is different. To find your nearest trail visit nationaltrust.org.uk/easter Event listings correct at time of writing please use individual property webpages for the latest information. d Easter adventures with the National Trust’s Easter egg trails MIDLANDS Attingham Park, Shropshire • Easter adventure trail, 16 Mar–7 Apr • Field of Play, a large natural play area, which includes some traditional play equipment and tunnel designed features Belton House, Lincolnshire • Easter adventure trail, 27 March–14 April • Home to the National Trust’s largest outdoor adventure playground • Indoor play area, includes a miniature version of Belton to climb Hardwick, Derbyshire • Easter adventure trail, 29 March–13 April Shugborough Estate, Staffordshire • Easter adventure trail, 23 March–7 April • Explorers Wood Play Area • Park Farm, home to historic breeds Croome, Worcestershire • Easter adventure trail, 23 March – 7 April SOUTH WEST Dyrham Park, South Gloucestershire • Easter adventure trail 23 March–14 April • Old Lodge play area Castle Drogo, Devon • Easter adventure trail 23 Mar–14 Apr Saltram, Devon • Easter adventure trail 23 Mar–14 Apr Killerton, Devon • Easter Adventures at Killerton, 23 March–9 April • Dog-friendly Easter trail route available • Play areas Trelissick, Cornwall • Easter adventure trail, 23 Mar–7 Apr Buckland Abbey, Devon • Dragon themed Easter adventure trail, 23 March–14 April • Play area Arlington Court, Devon • Easter adventure trail 29 Mar–14 Apr Lanhydrock, Cornwall • Easter adventure trail 29 March–14 April • Bike hire and trails • Play area Hidcote, Gloucestershire • Easter adventure trail, The Secret Garden themed, 23 March – 7 April Stourhead, Wiltshire • Easter adventure trail 23 March–14 April • New natural play area WALES Chirk Castle, Wrexham • Easter adventure trail 25 March–7 April • Play areas Dyffryn Gardens, near Cardiff, South Wales • Easter adventure trail 23 March–2 April • Log stack wooden play areas Tredegar House, Newport, South Wales • Easter Egg trail, 25 March–1 April For full details, see our news page on https://raring2go. co.uk/2024/02/easteradventures-with-the-nationaltrusts-easter-egg-trails/ 17 Raring2go! PLACES TO GO
Plan the Perfect Easter Egg Hunt Easter time calls for lots of Chocolate-y fun. Kids (and adults) love searching around for hidden treats so here are some hints and tips from Raring2go! to make this year’s hunt the best yet. If you have a big garden with lots of bushes and plants to hide eggs behind that’s great but make sure you have a contingency plan to move indoors if the weather is against you. Add a few extra treats for greedy grown-ups who want to tuck in! You could have some fun with your little ones ahead of the hunt by decorating a container with Easter pictures and stickers. Young children will want to enjoy their chocolate rewards as soon planning a big family lunch think about timings to make sure you don’t ruin their appetites ahead of the meal. Keep the sugar levels in check by including some non-chocolate Easter egg alternatives such as small Easter themed puzzles, colouring-in, small soft toys or wearable bunny ears. You could hide the prizes in plastic eggs to keep up the ‘egg’ theme. If toddlers or small children are involved, don’t hide the eggs too high, and also make sure that there is nothing potentially dangerous. Count the eggs before you hide them and keep track of how many have been found. A series of clues can make for a more ordered hunt as well as making the fun and entertainment last a little longer. Choose word based or picture clues to suit the ages of your children. Grandparents and other friends and family who can’t be there on the day could record short video clues. 18 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! THINGS TO DO
Easter Egg Hunts and Trails If you don’t want to organise your own egg hunt at home, why not try one of these local events instead: Easter Eggstravaganza at West Midland Safari Park (23 March – 7 April) Hop into the Easter festivities at this Easter Eggstravaganza. Join the egg hunts, meet Bramble Bunny and enjoy a range of themed activities for the whole family. You’re sure to have an egg-citing time! Easter in the Gardens at Castle Bromwich (23rd – 7th April 10:30 – 4.30) Hunt for the eggs Hop Skip and Jump to explore the beautiful gardens adult and child £1 trail egg reward for each child. Chester Road, Castle Bromwich, Birmingham, B36 9BT Sandwell Valley Park (23 rd March – 1st April) Easter at Sandwell Valley, West Bromwich 10am, Mr E Bunny will be waiting . Entertainment for the whole family and Easter activities and crafts. To book 0121 569 3070 Easter egg madness at Kingsbury water park (For children aged 8+ years) (27 March 2024 at 10:30) Bodymoor Heath Ln, Sutton Coldfield B76 0DY www.evenbrite.co.uk 19 Raring2go! THINGS TO DO
20 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! CHILDCARE Walmley nursery is now an Outstanding Nursery
21 Raring2go! NURSERY’S LICHFIELD CATHEDRAL SCHOOL Championing glorious individuals since the 12th century “Excellent” ISI Inspection Jan 2022 Highest Rating Children aged 21/2 to 18 years Excellent academic results Small class sizes Traditional education built on Christian values Challenging curriculum with specialist teaching from an early age Forest School, dance, drama, French, art, music and sport Talented, inspirational teachers Nurturing, happy environment where children enjoy coming to school Plenty of outdoor learning Purposeful atmosphere and crosscurricular enrichment projects School minibus network Before and after school care from 7.30am to 6.00pm Call Admissions 01543 306168 to arrange a visit lichfieldcathedralschool.com | admissions@lichfieldcathedralschool.com Green Gables, Longdon Green WS15 4PT | The Palace, The Close, Lichfield WS13 7LH @LichfieldCSchl
22 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! GARDENING Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Family gardening fun this Springtime Embark on exciting planting projects, choosing colourful flowers, aromatic herbs, or easy-to-grow vegetables that capture children's interest. Bug Safari Hunt: Transform your garden into a bug safari. Explore together, identifying insects and their roles in the garden ecosystem. Decorative Plant Markers: Craft decorative plant markers using lolly-pop sticks, letting children unleash their creativity while learning about plant identification. Seed Bombs Creation: Form seed bombs with a mix of clay, compost, and wildflower seeds. Launching these 'bombs' spreads beauty and teaches about seed dispersal. Butterfly-Friendly Blooms: Choose nectar-rich flowers that attract butterflies. Witnessing these colourful insects brings delight and adds an engaging educational touch. Garden Art: Engage in garden art projects. Paint rocks colourfully to use as bright garden decorations or as the chimes of a hand made wind chime set. Weeding Challenges: Turn weeding into a challenge. See who can pull out the most weeds while learning about the importance of regular garden maintenance. Vegetable Harvesting: As vegetables mature, involve children in the exciting harvest process. Getting them involved helps to create a connection to food and nature. A connection that will stay with them forever. Composting Creations: Create a mini composting station. Teach your children the importance of recycling kitchen scraps and witnessing the magic of turning household waste into nutrient-rich soil. They’ll be amazed at what the soil goes on to nurture. Keep A Garden Diary: Maintain a garden journal. Documenting observations and experiences will enhances a child’s understanding of plant growth and the changes it goes through over time. Family gardening fun during spring is a delightful and very simple way to bond, learn and embrace the wonder of nature. These interactive activities not only create a love for gardening in children but also cultivate valuable skills and knowledge. Sow the seeds of curiosity and teamwork with your children and nurture not just plants but a deep appreciation for the beauty and simplicity of the natural world in your very own back garden! Raring2grow! Outdoor fun for budding green-fingers learning where lasting memories are created. Here's a brief guide to enjoyable gardening activities to do as a family.
23 Raring2go! GARDENING Visit Us Hall's Garden Centre 211 Chester Road New Oscott Sutton Coldfield B73 5BD 0121 354 6858 www.hallsgardencentre.com We are now active on multiple social media platforms. Keep updated with latest news and offers by following us using the handles below; Stay Updated halls_gardencentre hallsgardencentre Established in 1952 and still a family-run business, visit your local garden centre for anything and everything garden and outdoor related! From seeds, plants and pots to ornaments, greenhouses and sheds. SPRING GARDENING TIPS With the spring weather now approaching it’s never a better time to start enjoying all that your garden has to offer. Insects are not the only ones getting busy in a garden, you and the kids can all get involved tidying up after winter with sweeping and leaf clearing. A really quick way to make the garden look instantly refreshed, especially pots and containers is to dress them with a fresh layer of compost. Start Growing It’ll soon be time to start thinking about sowing your summer vegetables and this is a great way to get the kids involved, learning about how food grows and getting involved in the entire process from seed to ready-to-eat. Tomatoes and lettuce seeds can all be sown indoors really easily, simply fi ll a tray with compost (the part kids normally enjoy the most, playing with soil!) and sow two lines of seed within it. After a few weeks p in a warm sunny spot and when they’re around 8-12cm tall you can transfer the p individual buds to individual small pots and put outside to develop. Broad beans, carrots, brussels sprouts can all be sown indoors together with cabbages and spinach if you want to get really green-fi ngered. Keep them in well-lit p positions so that the seedlings grow into stocky healthy plants.
Raring2go! BOOK REVIEW 24 raring2go.co.uk EVERY POSSIBILITY UNDER THE SUN Family holidays built around you • Over 450 amazing destinations in Europe • Beachside, countryside, lakeside or mountainside locations • Choose a Campsite, Village or Resort • Modern, detached holiday homes with everything you need • Lots on parc, from pools and spas to shops and restaurants • Free kids’ clubs at selected parcs, six days a week • Flexible holiday dates to suit you • ʶ˛ˢˢ˦˘ ˛ˢ˪ ˬˢ˨ ˧˥˔˩˘˟ʭ Ђˬʟ ˙˘˥˥ˬʟ ˧˥˔˜ˡ • Just one price for everyone For the best savings on your Eurocamp holiday visit: raring2go.co.uk/eurocamp
25 Raring2go! PLACED TO GO :- \ űű ƿ gC X %I $X MAY 5 – 6 May Kenilworth Castle – Grand Medieval Day Out Take a trip back in time to medieval Kenilworth Castle over the bank holiday weekend. Visitors to the 900 year old castle will be transported back to Kenilworth’s medieval heyday with reenactors throughout the grounds. Soak up the sights and smells of the living history village and experience the hustle and bustle of a medieval castle in its prime. www.english-heritage.org.uk 12 May Dudley Zoo, Wake up the Zoo An early morning guided tour to go behind the scenes and get close to a variety of exotic animals. Follow the Keepers as they go about their daily duties then spend the remainder of the day on the Zoo at your leisure. www.dudleyzoo.org.uk 25 May - 2 June. West Midlands Safari Park, Character Week. A fantastic line up for May half-term 2024: Bluey – 25th & 26th May Sonic the Hedgehog – 27th May Hey Duggee – 28th May Leonardo & Raphael (TMNT) – 29th May Gruffalo – 30th May JJ from Cocomelon – 31st May Chase & Skye from Paw Patrol – 1st & 2nd June www.wmsp.co.uk 25 May - 2 June. Severn Valley Railway, Brick OceanTake a journey on the Severn Valley Railway in style and during this time, families can go under the sea and discover amazing ocean-themed brick model installations. Delve deep inside The Engine House at Highley, where you will fi nd a selection of creations including an octopus, parrot fi sh, mako shark and large squid. There will be 13 installations to discover, and each one is hand-built using thousands of bricks. www.svr.co.uk
MAY 25 May – 2 June. Stratford Butterfl y Farm – Mini Beast Handling Meet the Mini-Beast handling sessions and Butterfl y Life-Cycle demonstrations will take place daily at 11am in the Discovery Zone. The Butterfl y Farm team of experts will demonstrate from egg through to adult the amazing stages of the butterfl y life cycle as well as opportunities to handle a variety of stick insects. A Pupae Preparation demonstration will take place at 11am on Wednesday 29 May. The whole family can fi nd out how the pupae is transported from butterfl y farmers in the tropics to its arrival at the butterfl y farm and preparation for the Emerging Case. *Handling and demonstrations not available Bank Holiday Monday and are subject to change depending on availability and the welfare of the animals. www.butterfl yfarm.co.uk 25 May – 2 June Kenilworth castle – Kids Rule! Visit the grounds of Kenilworth Castle for hands-on activities and fresh-air family fun. www.english-heritage.org.uk ONGOING Cannock Chase , Gruffalo Party Trail Celebrate the Gruffalo’s 25th birthday - Find the missing party items, pick a present for the Gruffalo and enjoy lots more fun trail activities! forestryengland.uk/cannockchase JUNE Eastnor Castle 2nd June: Family Fun Day, garden games and a zip-wire on the Valley Lawn 9th June: Animal Encounters, See and learn about a fascinating range of exotic animals! 23rd June: Midsummer Fun Day with local suppliers and games aplenty! 30th June: Duck Herding, Duck herding displays with audience participation! www.eastnorcastle.com 9 June RAF Cosford Air Show This year’s theme is ‘Take Flight.’ Kickstart your interest in a career in the RAF and develop an understanding of what the Service does for the defence of the United Kingdom. Get close to the cutting edge of technology with RAF aircraft & unique attractions across the showground and immerse yourself in a thrilling, actionpacked fl ying display programme. www.cosfordairshow.co.uk 16 June Father’s Day Look out for idea’s on how to celebrate with Raring2go! 20 – 23 June Solihull Music Festival 2024 marks a completely new look and feel for the landmark music festival in Solihull town centre. There will be music of all genres to enjoy at this FREE family event with the main stage in Mell Square and plenty of venues around the town centre hosting the action. www.solihullbid.co.uk 26 - 27 June Dudley Zoo, Under 5’s Day An early morning guided tour to go behind the scenes and get close to a variety of exotic animals. Follow the Keepers as they go about their daily duties then spend the remainder of the day on the Zoo at your leisure. www.dudleyzoo.org.uk 28 June Himley Hall, Under 5’s Day Under 5s day is run just for those toddlers and babies under 5 years old. Five hours of activities in a safe environment. www.himleyhallandpark.co.uk/whats-on 29 June Ackers Adventure, Thrillseekers Day Skiing, archery, climbing, canoeing, kayaking, zip wire and tower drop. Free tobogganing for under 12’s with a paying adult. The days run similarly to a theme park – queue for activities you would like to try (repeat some multiple times or try them all). www.ackers-adventure.co.uk 26 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! WHAT’S ON
27 Raring2go! PURPLE CLINIC
28 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! WHAT’S ON
29 Raring2go! PARENTS WORDSEARCH ANSWERS: Tulip, Daffodilm Snowdrop, Bluebell, Rose WORDSEARCH Can you find 5 flowers: Answers at the bottom of the page. No cheating! Spot the difference
WIN a Family Gold Annual Pass at West Midlands Safari Park To celebrate West Midlands Safari Park’s new look and the opening of the refreshed playground ‘Explorers’ Playpark’. Plus, with the opening of their new ride ‘Jungle Jeeps’ later this summer and the chance to see cheetahs on foot in an extension of the Park’s African WalkingTrail, there are four Gold Annual Passes up for grabs! Closing date: 1 June Raring2go! COMPETITIONS 30 raring2go.co.uk To enter visit raring2go.co.uk Make sure you select your local area WIN A SIGNED SHIRT SCAN HERE TO ENTER ɤ lm# Òĭ·Æ VILLA PARK FIXTURES 24 MARCH 6:45PM 28 APRIL 2 PM* 18 MAY 3PM Ȥ#·Āêïߥ ãïÀ¥ê êÒ ´Ì¯¥ WIN Ackers 1 full day in May half term activity camp for a child and friend. 3 outdoor adventurous activities, 9.30 am – 4pm. For children aged 8- 16 years old. Closing date 15th May Win an iFly experience with Bear Grylls Adventure seekers will be pushed to their limits to achieve the remarkable in a range of fun experiences. Take to the skies and enjoy the tallest high ropes attraction in Europe, standing at an almighty 65ft tall and with 36 different obstacles to tackle, this certainly isn’t for the faint hearted. Guests can also leave the ground behind altogether,with one of only fi ve iFLYs in the UK. In the wind tunnel, thrill seekers can take to the air and experience the unique sensation of free fall fl ight with this state-of-the-art attraction. Closing date 8th April
31 To enter online visit Raring2go.co.uk Make sure you select your local area Raring2go! COMPETITIONS Have you ever dreamed of taking control of your working life to fit around your family? We’re looking for a special person to join our network by purchasing either a new, or existing, magazine franchise area. Could you be the next Raring2go Editor? Sutton Coldfield Your local Franchise is Available! Here’s what one of our franchisees says about Raring2go! ... You really can have a rewarding career and bring up your family! I decide my working hours. Raring2go! has allowed me the flexibility to do the school run, attend sports days, and take time off in the school holidays. My family & I have been privileged to try so many new activities and days out. We’ve reviewed after hours events at Marwell Zoo and attended opening events at Paultons Park. Most of all, I love working with some fantastic local businesses and amazing organisations. Sometimes, as I’m sat chatting with them over a hot chocolate, I can’t believe how lucky I am that this is part of my job! Being a Raring2go! Editor The role of Editor is very varied, with everything from researching local what’s on info, social media, design, distribution and sales. Support is ALWAYS available from the Raring2go! Franchise. No previous experience is necessary although an interest in the local area is helpful. Please note that a financial investment of £7,000 is required to buy this established business. But, if you’re passionate about local families having fun and you’re eager to be your own boss, we’d love to talk to you. Don’t miss out on this rewarding career and family friendly lifestyle. Ask for more details by calling Penny on 07929 656748 or by email to penny.beddows@raring2go.co.uk
KOMBATKIDS To register text: child name / class location t: 07730 899722 e: info@kombatkids.com w: www.kombatkids.com f: www.facebook.com/kombatkids The Right Choice! First 3 classes FREE! 1992-2022 LITTLE SUTTON PRIMARY SCHOOL WELCOMING NEW BEGINNERS AT TUESDAY 3.45-4.45PM / 5.15-6.15PM Worcester Road, Mere Green, Sutton Coldfield. B75 5NL ALDRIDGE CHURCH CENTRE 14 The Green, Aldridge, WS9 8NH MONDAY 5.15-6.15PM ALL SAINTS CHURCH CENTRE Belwell Lane, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield.B74 4TR FRIDAY 5.45-6.45PM / SATURDAY 8.55-9.55AM NEW OSCOTT PRIMARY SCHOOL Markham Road, New Oscott, Sutton Coldfield. B73 6QR FRIDAY 3.45-4.45PM
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