WOLVERHAMPTON & SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE COMPETITIONS P31 CLUBS & CLASSES P15-21 WHAT’S ON APRIL - JUNE P6-23 MAGAZINE & WEBSITE THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD raring2go.co.uk SPRING 2022 This magazine is interactive! Click on the adverts and links to find out more
Raring2go! PLACES TO GO 2 raring2go.co.uk Tuesday – Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12noon-4pm / Closed Mondays and Bank Holidays The New Art Gallery Walsall, Gallery Square, Walsall WS2 8LG 01922 654400 thenewartgallerywalsall.org.uk What are you waiting for? Visit today. GREAT FOR ALLTHE FAMILY Family friendly Costa on the Ground Floor Near toM6 Free admission Family workshops throughout the year Fun gallery trails Fun, free and buggy friendly A WORLD WONDER Funded by: • Operation Earth Family Show • Meet the Experts • Dino Egg Hunt Plus lots more birminghammuseums.org.uk
3 Raring2go! HELLO Welcome to the Spring issue of Raring2go! Spring has sprung and we’re Raring2go! as the Easter holidays approach. Take a look at our What’s On guide for lots of things to do whether you are looking for an Easter trail or trip to see the spring lambs. This issue also includes events running during May half term and into June, so make sure you keep it to hand for the next school holidays too! This guide was correct at the time it went to print but please make sure you check the details with the venue before setting off. Whatever you do, have fun! Jo Messinger, Editor. E: wolverhampton@raring2go.co.uk T: 07762 204195 Become a website member • 100% Free • Monthly email Newsletters with new offers and events • Download vouchers and save £££’s • Great Competitions Please recycle this magazine when you are finished with it. JOIN NOW raring2go.co.uk Copyright © 2022 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. Email: wolverhampton@raring2go.co.uk Tel: 07762 204195 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 If you call any of our advertisers, please tell them that Raring2go! sent you!
4 raring2go.co.uk 1 Buy plenty of eggs so each child can have their fair share, mini eggs are best. It sounds obvious but use wrapped chocolate! 2 Agree the rules to avoid tears! Are you going to colour code eggs so everyone can only collect their own ones or will you share out evenly at the end? 3 Make the hunt age appropriate; toddlers won’t tolerate it taking too long. 4 Use markers pointing to where eggs may be found for little ones and maybe make a treasure hunt with clues for older children. 5 Do the egg hunt after breakfast, or lunch, so eating chocolate won’t spoil their meal! Agree the rules for eating the eggs in advance. Raring2go! EASTER 10 Top Tips for a stress free egg hunt this Easter 6 Use alternatives to chocolate if you want to avoid sugar overload such as tiny toys (save up Kinder surprise cases to put them in) or use decorated eggs. 7 Don’t make it too hard or you can be out all day. Make sure everyone knows the ground rules like everything is hidden in the back garden and there is no need to climb to find the eggs. 8 Count the eggs before you put them out so you know how many need retrieving! 9 Remember baskets, or bowls, for everyone to collect the eggs in. It can be a craft project in the days before to decorate them. 10 If the weather looks bad have a Plan B for indoors - it can be just as much fun!
Raring2go! PLACES TO GO 5 • AQUATICS CENTRE & PET SHOP • CLOTHING, GIFTS, HOMEWARE & HOUSEPLANTS • TOYS & BOOKS POTTERY PAINTING STUDIO • GARDEN FURNITURE, BBQS & FIREPITS OUTSIDE PLAY AREA, SAND PIT & BRAND NEW ICE CREAM SHED! Warstone Rd Shareshill WV10 7LX (just off Junction 11 M6) wwww.hollybush-garden.com Tel 01922 418050 There's always plenty to see and do at Hollybush in the holidays. Follow our Facebook page to keep up to date! NEW ground floor coffee shop
6 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! WHAT’S ON What’s On April Open daily from now onwards. Wild Zoological Park, Halfpenny Green Vineyards. Explore Wild Zoological Park, a small zoo making a big impact! Close up encounters, walk through habitats and award winning free flight bird shows and wildlife displays. Don’t miss Wild Zoo’s main shows and presentations. Book your tickets at www.wildzoo.co.uk Sat 26 March, 2 & 9 April, 1-2.30pm. Orienteering for beginners at Baggeridge Country Park. Orienteering is the navigation sport that involves finding your way between a series of checkpoints in a park, a forest, a town or a hillside – at your own pace – without getting lost. Join these sessions run by Harlequins Orienteering Club. To find out more and to sign-up for a session visit www.harlequins.org.uk/wp/baggeridge/ Sun 3 April, 10.30am. The Codsall Hive. Read and Paint - The Best Nest. We’ll be reading the popular story The Best Nest then everyone will paint their own ceramic bird which will be fired in our kiln for collection at a later date. £10.50 per child, suitable for all ages! Booking essential, call 01902 842771. For more events visit The Codsall Hive Facebook page. Tue 5 April, 6.30pm. Fostering for Wolves Virtual Fostering Information event. For those who would like to find out more about becoming a foster parent and the application process. Sign-up for the event at www.fosteringforwolverhampton.com Sat 9 April, 11am - 3pm. Vaisakhi 22 at the New Art Gallery, Walsall. Join staff at the gallery for their annual celebration to mark the birth of the Sikh religion. Enjoy performances from Gabhru Punjab De Bhangra Team, make a model of the Golden Temple, learn about the harvest festival in the new children’s books in the Art Library and get a Mehndi hand design. Drop-in. All ages welcome. www.thenewartgallerywalsall.org.uk Sat 9 - Sun 24 April. Easter fun at West Midland Safari Park. Go on a wildlife safari, enjoy the rides, watch the sea lion shows and animal encounters plus Easter fun, trails and chocolate! The park will be open from 9.30am - 6pm. www.wmsp.co.uk Sat 9 - Sun 24 April. PLAY@ Lower Drayton Farm’s Easter Egg-venture. Easter-themed fun includes ‘family sports day’ with welly wanging and lots of other silly sports, snuggle up for a special Easter story, see the farm’s lovely baby animals PLUS massive indoor and outdoor adventure play areas. SAVE 10% when you book online using the code R2G10. www.playatthefarm.co.uk/easter Sat 9 - Mon 18 April, 10-4pm. Easter Egg Hunts at Wightwick Manor, National Trust. Make your way along the trail and find nature-inspired activities for the whole family. Once you have completed the trail, collect your chocolate egg reward. £3 per trail. Normal National Trust admission prices also apply. No booking required. www.nationaltrust.org.uk Sat 9 - Sun 24 April, 10-5pm. Easter Egg Hunts at National Trust’s Moseley Old Hall, Wolverhampton. Make your way along the trail, finding nature-inspired activities. Trails are £3 per child and include a trail map, pencil and a chocolate egg at the end. Normal National Trust admission charges apply. www.nationaltrust.org.uk Sun 10 April, 10.30am. The Codsall Hive, Read and Paint - Ben and Holly’s The Lost Egg. We’ll be reading the popular story Ben & Holly’s ‘The Lost Egg’ then everyone will paint their own ceramic ladybird which will be fired in our kiln for collection at a later date. £8.99 per child, suitable for all ages. Booking essential, call 01902 842771. Continued on P8...
Raring2go! PLACES TO GO 7 JOIN US FOR EASTER FUN, TRAILS, AND CHOCOLATE! AT WEST MIDLAND SAFARI PARK • 9th-24th APRIL • BOOK NOW Sat 9th - Sun 24th April Easter-themed fun, plus lots of baby animals tomeet! Lower Drayton Farm, Lower Drayton Lane, Penkridge, Staffordshire ST19 5RE *Online PLAY@ tickets only. Does not apply to parties or special events. Book online: www.playatthefarm.co.uk SAVE 10%* Use code R2G10
8 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! WHAT’S ON Thurs 14 & Thurs 21 April. Aston Hall, Birmingham, Tales From Around The World: The Magic Bed. Help tell the story of this lesser-known fairytale about a young prince and his enchanted bed which takes him wherever he wishes to go. Journey through the magnificent rooms of Aston Hall and finish your tour in the stunning Long Gallery to find out whether the prince manages to complete three impossible tasks to win the hand of the beautiful princess. www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/aston Fri 15 April. Tudor Day at Blakesley Hall, Birmingham. Some of the Tudors you will meet on site include a Tudor tailor where you will discover dyes and spinning and even have a go yourself! A Tudor merchant will be in the Hall dealing with money and coinage. A soldier will be on site gathering a “Trayned bande” together. £3 per person. www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/blakesley Fri 15 - Mon 18 April, 10.30am-3.30pm. Easter Egg Hunts at Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses. Make your way along the trail and find nature-inspired activities. Trails are £3 per child and include a trail map, pencil and a chocolate egg at the end. No booking required. www.nationaltrust.org.uk Fri 15 - Tue 19 April, 10am-1pm. Easter Parade and Eggstravaganza, Kingswood Trust, Wolverhampton. Make a willow crown and decorate it with all sorts of woodland treasures, craft materials and sparkly bits and bobs. Wear your crown for the Easter parade and bubble walk. Come in Easter fancy dress if you fancy it, try your hand at hare racing, paint some eggs and follow the Easter trail. Book in advance via www.eventbrite.co.uk Sat 16 April & 23 April, 11am-3pm. Saturday playdates at the New Art Gallery, Walsall. On the 16th make Pom Pom Chicks, Lambs and Bunnies and on the 23rd make Green Man Masks. Free. Drop-in. www.thenewartgallerywalsall.org.uk Continued on P11... What’s On April continued from P6 Mon 11 - Sun 24 April. Easter at Hollybush Garden Centre & Aquaria, Wolverhampton. Take part in the FREE Mad Hatter Easter Egg Hunt out in the play area - pick up your sheet from the info desk to be entered into our prize draw. Play area, sand pit, fairground ride, brand new Ice Cream Shed and new coffee shop with outdoor seating deck all now open! Kids picnic boxes and adult meal deals available. Potsy Pamsy Pottery Painting Studio is also open, book via their Facebook page. Follow us on Facebook for up to date info on events. www.hollybush-garden.com Mon 11 - Thurs 14 April. Stagecoach Wolverhampton Easter Workshop, Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton. Learn new skills and have fun from 9-4pm every day with show on Thursday. To book visit www.stagecoach.co.uk/Wolverhampton Tue 12 & Tue 19 April. Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham. Kids Jewellery Workshop. Have a go at making your own piece of jewellery with the help of the museum’s friendly learning officers in this children’s jewellery workshop activity. Prebooking is essential. For ages 8 and up. www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/jewellery Wed 13 April & Wed 20 April, 11am-3pm. Wednesdays for all at the New Art Gallery Walsall. On the 13th have a go at oil pastel still life drawings and on the 20th make clay money boxes. Fun, creative workshops for all the family. All ages welcome. Free. Drop-in. www.thenewartgallerywalsall.org.uk Thurs 14 April & 21 April. Thursday Skills at the New Art Gallery Walsall. On the 14th make Easter Egg Carton Wreaths and on the 21st Modroc Heads. Learn about a new art medium and take away a masterpiece! Ages 4+, 11am - 12.30pm; Ages 7+, 1.30 - 3pm. £3.50 per child. Booking essential. Call 01922 654400. www.thenewartgallerywalsall.org.uk
Raring2go! PLACES TO GO 9 £13.95 *Minimum Party Size – 10 per child · 18 holes of Adventure Golf · Food & Drinks · Invitations & Certificates Book your 2022 party online www.wolverhamptonadventuregolf.co.uk Call: 01902 972125 Wrottesley Park Road, Perton, Wolverhampton WV6 7HL OPEN 7 DAYS AWEEK BOOKYOURFUNFILLED PREHISTORIC PARTY R BIRTHDAYPARTIES | TEAMBUILDING | CORPORATEEVENTS Visit our website: www.codsallhive.co.uk or call us on 01902 842771 Open 6-days a week. For an arty day out, or creative coffee date in the heart of Codsall. From pottery painting and kids crafts to Baby Keepsakes, commemorative ifts or commissions and adult orkshops. The Hive is a café with a difference - serving great Illy coffee and cakes with a generous side order of arts and crafts for all ages! a g w
- Enjoy fun activities at South Staffordshire Council’s School Holiday Camps South Staffordshire Council’s leisure centres, which include Codsall, Cheslyn Hay, Wombourne and Penkridge, are delighted to be offering children’s school holiday camps during every school holiday for young people aged 4-14 years old. The Aspire Sports Active Camps are a great way for children to take part in a range of sports activities, learn new skills and make friends along the way. Camps provide full day, half day and extended day care and if you book early, there are huge savings up for grabs and special offers for Raring2go! readers. BOOK YOUR EASTER ACTIVE CAMPS NOW WHICH ARE RUNNING MON 11 - THURS 14 APRIL AND TUE 19 - FRI 22 APRIL. LOOK OUT FOR THE MAY HALFTERM CAMPS TOO! Save with Raring2go! Get 15% off with code R2GSS22 Offer ends 5pm Fri 1 April. TO BOOK VISIT: WWW.ASPIRE-SPORTS.CO.UK/ACTIVE-CAMPS Explore the green spaces on your doorstep at Baggeridge Country Park 10 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go!
*Offer ends 5pm Friday 1st April Ofsted registered Look out for our MayHalf Term camps! Choice of leisure centres Action-packed childcare this Easter Holiday For more info and to book your place visit activecamps.co.uk or call 01902 213 298 Codsall Wombourne CheslynHay Penkridge Mon 11th - Thur 14th April & Tues 19th - Fri 22nd April Open from 8am- 4pm O15F%F* with code R2GSS22 11 Raring2go! WHAT’S ON What’s On April continued from P8 Tue 19 April. Hollybush Garden Centre & Aquaria, Wolverhampton. Mad Hatter’s Tea Party - tickets available via www.hollybush-garden.com/digitickets Fri 22 April. Hollybush Garden Centre & Aquaria, Wolverhampton. Peter Rabbit Meet and Greet in the garden centre. He’ll be around the garden centre at various times throughout the day, no need to book. www.hollybush-garden.com Fri 22 April, 10am - 1pm. The Codsall Hive, Family Friendly Fused Glass Drop-in. Come along and choose which item you would like to create! Suitable from school age upwards. Sun 24 April, 2pm. Peter and the Wolf concert to raise money for the Ukraine humanitarian appeal, Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton. The concert, by Toscana Strings will feature a performance of the classical music favourite by Sergei Prokofiev. Narrator Sophie Price will tell the story of the young boy Peter, a cat and duck, and their encounter with a ferocious grey wolf. Laura Tye, a former Birmingham Royal Ballet soloist, will illustrate the story through dance. Suitable for all ages. Call the box office 01902 572090 or visit www.newhamptonarts.co.uk What’s On May Sun 1 - Tue 31 May. PLAY@ Lower Drayton Farm - Spring Seed Planting. Throughout May hop on the farm trailer ride to plant pumpkin, sunflower, potato, carrot & parsnip seeds. All this alongside the usual PLAY@ adventure – massive indoor and outdoor play areas and animal zones. SAVE 10% when you book online using the code R2G10. www.playatthefarm.co.uk Continued on P18...
EASTER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES AT WOLVERHAMPTON ART GALLERY CERAMIC PAINTING SATURDAY 9 – SUNDAY 24 APRIL Pick up a ceramic painting kit that includes everything you need - a brush, paint, ceramic model and simple instructions. Choose from a selection of animals to decorate and take home! Suitable for ages 4-16 years old. £4 per child, drop in. SOUND AND LIGHT PARTY SATURDAY 9 APRIL - 11AM-3PM Delve into some experimental, family friendly arts activities for this event marking the closing weekend of British Arts Show 9 – paint and draw with sound and light and explore artificial intelligence in art. Suitable for ages 4 to 16. £4 per child, book in advance. www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk/familyfriendly-activities/ WOLVERHAMPTON ARTS & CULTURE ART PLAY TODDLER TAKEOVER DAYS SUNDAY 10 APRIL AND TUESDAY 3MAY 11AM-3PM Creative, sensory play for babies and toddlers, inspired by the exhibitions with hands-on activities to make, build, explore and play. Suitablefor ages0 to7yearsold. £3per child, book in advance. www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk/family-friendlyactivities/ DROP IN ANDMAKE – PAINTED EGG CUP ORWEAVING MONDAY 11 & TUESDAY 12 APRIL Drop in throughout the days and decorate a ceramic egg cup or make a God's eye weaving. Suitable for all ages. £2 per person, drop in. Visit Wolverhampton’s brilliant family-friendly venue to discover more arts and culture than you can shake a wet paintbrush at! Photo Joao Bueno Photo Sam Mace
DEARTOMORROW– DESIGN THE FUTURE PRINTMAKING ACTIVITY WEDNESDAY 13, THURSDAY 14 APRIL AND FRIDAY 22 APRIL, 11AM-3PM Help us create a wall of ideas to plan the future of the world! Design new ways of living and imagine eco-friendly future cities. Suitable for ages 4-16 years old. Donations welcome, drop in. SPRING HATS FRIDAY 15 APRIL, 10.30AM-3PM Create a spring hat to celebrate the new life springing up outside! Suitable for ages 4-12 years old. £3 per child, book in advance. www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk/familyfriendly-activities/ www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk MAKING LAB SATURDAY 16 TO SUNDAY 24 APRIL, SATURDAY 30 APRIL, MONDAY 2 & SATURDAY 7MAY, 11AM-12.30PMAND 1.30PM-3PM Let your imagination run wild and have fun exploring, making and creating your future vision for the Gallery. Suitable for ages 4-12 years old. Book in advance or drop in. Pay what you can. Places are limited. www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk/familyfriendly-activities/ MAY HALF TERM 28MAY TO 7 JUNE Find your inner music artist during May half term at the Gallery to celebrate the Black Country Beats exhibition, with creative art workshops and events. Keep aneye out on thewebsite for more details, coming soon: www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk/familyfriendly-activities/ WOLVERHAMPTON ARTS & CULTURE EASTER, MAY HALF TERM AND MORE AT WOLVERHAMPTON ART GALLERY Photo Markus Spiske
Celebrating Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee There has been little to celebrate these past two years, but Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022 is definitely cause for celebration. Here are some ideas to help you mark this incredible milestone. Please visit www.raring2go.co.uk for more. To find events near you and read more ideas of how to celebrate visit www.platinumjubilee.gov.uk The Big Jubilee Lunch To coincide with the Platinum Jubilee, The Big Jubilee Lunch will be taking place on Sunday 5 June. Since 2009, The Big Lunch has encouraged local communities to celebrate their connections and get to know each other a little bit better. Beacon lighting The UK has a long tradition of celebrating Royal Jubilees, Weddings and Coronations through beacon lighting. You could light beacons or you could get involved in beacon lighting within your local communities on the evening of 2 June. The Queen’s Green Canopy You can continue to plant trees until the end of the Jubilee year in 2022 as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy. Platinum Jubilee emblem Download the official Platinum Jubilee emblem. It is free of charge, and can be used for all activities associated with the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, including community and national events, publications, social media, retail and also for merchandising. Funding Are you seeking funding to support an event or activity you are planning to celebrate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee? A range of options are available. Platinum Jubilee related names and titles. Thinking about what to call your Platinum Jubilee event ? Or are you considering renaming a building to mark the occasion? Check the guidance on this. Social media Join the conversation using the hashtags #PlatinumJubilee and #HM70 tagging @DCMS on Twitter or @dcmsgovuk on Instagram and Facebook. Bring out the bunting! Residents in Wolverhampton, South Staffordshire and Shropshire are invited to join with thousands of people across the country in holding street parties to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. On 2nd June and throughout the weekend, the nation will come together at a host of special events to celebrate the Queen's 70-year reign. If you are interested in having a street party in your road, the best way to start is by having a chat with your neighbours and finding out who else is interested. You can then plan the party as a team. There are all sorts of fun activities you can do together such as quizzes and games and everyone can bring food to share. Applying to your local council for a road closure in good time before the event, is the best way to ensure a traffic-free and safe event, but if you prefer, you can meet your neighbours on a driveway, front garden or in an off-road parking area. 14 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! CELEBRATE
15 Raring2go! CLUBS & CLASSES bursts from their smile Excitement To book your first class call 01694 731 407 waterbabies.co.uk
Raring2go! PLACES TO GO 4 raring2go.co.uk Love the Earth 10 ways to love the Earth 1. Love Nature Having an appreciation of nature from an early age will help children see that our world is beautiful and worth their time and efforts. Local parks, woodlands and nature reserves are a great place to start. Ask youngsters to spot things from nature or print out a bug hunt, scavenger trail or animal detective sheet from our website www.raring2go.co.uk/kidszone Make art from what you find on your walk. Look out for children’s holiday workshops that encourage a love of nature such as pond dipping or forest schools. 2. Love Animals A great way to develop a love for animals is to see them with your own eyes. By visiting your local zoo, safari park or animal conservation centre you are helping to conserve endangered species here and abroad. Find out how their work supports animals from their websites. 3. Love Walking Getting out on foot is by far the best way to travel for the environment and is good for our health too. Get children to love walking by making it fun. Get a pedometer or download a free app to your phone so they can see how many steps they’ve taken. Try the Love Exploring free app www.loveexploring.co.uk which includes games and guided tours. 4. Love Recycling Get your children to help with sorting the recycling when they are old enough. It might seem a massive task to reduce the amount of plastics we use, but break it down so that children can see the small things they can do can make a difference. Take a reusable water bottle to school, don’t wrap sandwiches in cling film, if their school doesn’t recycle ask them to bring their lunch litter home so it can be recycled with household waste, use rechargeable batteries for their electronic toys and games instead of single-use batteries. Climate change is the topic of the moment but how can we help our children develop a love for the Earth without scaring them? 16 r ri .c . k Raring2go! FEATURE
Raring2go! PLACES TO GO 5 7. Love Cycling Bikes are a sustainable transport option so get youngsters on a bike as soon as possible. Bikeability courses teach your child how to ride a bike safely and are run at locations across the country. Read our tips on how to ride a bike at www. raring2go.co.uk 5. Love Food Visit local working farms to see how our food is grown, meet the animals, buy local produce from the farm shop or pickyour-own fruit, veg and pumpkins or pay a visit to your local refill shop. Visit the Love Food, Hate Waste website for lots of tips including recipes to use up left-overs, storage tips and a useful portion planner for 1-2, 4-10 and 11-18-year-olds. www.lovefoodhatewaste.com 6. Love Pre-Loved Encourage children to be proud to wear ‘hand-me-downs’ from brothers and sisters, cousins and friends as ‘pre-loved’ items cut down on waste and your carbon foot print. Re-useable nappies work out cheaper the more babies that wear them! There’s loads of resale apps but why not consider giving your good quality used clothes to a local charity shop, so you are helping a local cause as well as the environment. Uniforms can be problematic as they are not accepted by all charity shops. Why not set up a uniform swap at your school or you can sign your school up to Uniformerly www.uniformerly.co.uk 9. Love Gifts We all like a present to open but often they involve buying lots of plastic. If you are invited to a Naming or Christening ceremony consider buying a tree that could be planted in the child’s garden. They can then see how tall the tree has grown as they grow and if you buy a fruit tree, they can even eat fruit from it. The best time to plant a tree is in the colder months, get advice from your local garden centre. 10. Love Water Remember to turn off taps when brushing your teeth and that showers are more economical than baths. Litter can find its way into rivers, streams and canals and can make its way to the sea. To keep it from blowing into waterways join an organised litter pick or organise one yourself. www.keepbritaintidy.org 8. Love Local You don’t have to travel abroad to have fun, you can reduce your carbon footprint by getting together closer to home. We are so lucky in this area to have so many exciting places such as the ones in this magazine. Why not visit a different park, playground, or woodland each weekend? 17 Raring2go! FEATURE
18 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! WHAT’S ON What’s On continued from P11 Sun 1 May, noon - 3pm. Eid-ul-Fitr Celebration at the New Art Gallery Walsall. Celebrate and reflect on the end of Ramadan. Prepare for Eid-ul-Fitr by making cards and gift tags with artist Nilupa Yasmin, hang notes of thanks on the gallery’s gratitude trees and get a Mehndi hand design. Drop-in. All ages welcome. www.thenewartgallerywalsall.org.uk Tue 10 & 19 May, 6.30pm. Fostering for Wolves Virtual Fostering Information events. For those who would like to find out more about becoming a foster parent and the application process. Sign-up to the event at www.fosteringforwolverhampton.com Sat 14 May. Secondary School Discovery Day at Wolverhampton Grammar School. The school is opening its doors to Year 5 children from any school to come and get a taste of what life will be like at a Senior School. For more information about the Discovery Day or joining the school contact the Admissions team on 01902 422939 or email: admissions@wgs-sch.net or to register your child for this event visit www.wgs.org.uk/discoveryday Wed 25 May, 12.30am-3pm. Father’s Day Studio Drop-in, The Codsall Hive. Delight Dad this Father’s Day with perfect prints on beautiful pottery. No need to book just turn up, choose your item and wait your turn with our studio artist. www.facebook.com/thehivecodsall Thurs 26 May - Mon 6 June. May Half Term Fun - PLAY@ Lower Drayton Farm. Late Spring is a busy time on the farm; planting and sowing crops to grow over the summer months. This half term, you’ll get to hop on the farm trailer ride to plant pumpkin, sunflower, potato, carrot or parsnip seeds – all in addition to our HUGE indoor and outdoor play areas and lots of friendly animals to meet! SAVE 10% when you book online using the code R2G10. www.playatthefarm.co.uk Sat 28 May - Sat 4 June. Pitch up & PLAY@ Lower Drayton Farm. Take the kids on a real adventure this half term – pitch your tent in Lower Drayton Farm’s farmland campsite for a night (or two) and enjoy discounted access to its PLAY@ farm attraction. Details & booking: www. playatthefarm.co.uk Sat 28 & Sun 29 May, 10am-2pm. Viking Encampment at the Kingswood Trust, Wolverhampton. Visit the Viking families, learn about the Vikings, make a bow and arrow, a clay pot and join in the festivities. Book in advance via www.eventbrite.co.uk Mon May 30 - Fri 3 June. Hollybush Garden Centre & Aquaria, Wolverhampton. Half term Jubilee Fun, including Grass Head Planting and ‘Design a Boo’ competition. Check our Facebook page for updates. www.hollybush-garden.com What’s On June Thurs 2 - Sun 5 June. Mello Festival at Severn End Country Estate, Hanley Castle, Worcestershire. With the fabulous backdrop of the picturesque Malvern Hills, this site will help to take the chilled, safe, family fun festival to new heights. www.mellofestival.co.uk Sat 4 June, 11am - 3pm. Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Family Day at the New Art Gallery, Walsall. Enjoy a cuppa and a cupcake at the gallery’s tea party, make lolly-stick Queen’s guards and platinum paper crowns, plaster cast your own coin design, help to decorate the building with red, white and blue wool, and contribute to the Union Jack hand-print bunting and the giant collaborative collage inspired by Hew Locke’s Jungle Queen II, in the Gallery’s Collection. Drop in. www.thenewartgallerywalsall.org.uk Continued on P23...
Raring2go! PLACES TO GO 19 Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. ENROLLING NOW Stagecoach Wolverhampton & Dudley Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year-olds www.stagecoach.co.uk/dudley www.stagecoach.co.uk/wolverhampton 07920 407046 The Dormston School, DY3 1SN Newhampton Arts Centre, WV1 4AN
Raring2go! PLACES TO GO 20 raring2go.co.uk DIFFERENT PARTS OF A TREE GROW AT DIFFERENT TIMES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. Typically, most of the foliage growth happens in the spring, followed by trunk growth in the summer and root growth in Autumn and winter. MORE THAN HALF OF ALL TREE SPECIES EXIST IN ONLY ONE COUNTRY. There are 60,000 tree species in the world. Brazil, Colombia, and Indonesia have the highest totals for native tree species. SOME TREES HAVE BEEN TO THE MOON “Moon trees'' were grown from seeds taken to the moon during the Apollo 14 mission in early 1971. NASA and the US Forest Service wanted to see if the moon’s orbit caused the seeds to grow differently back on earth. These trees were donated to state forestry services in 1975 and 1976. TREES ARE THE LONGEST LIVING ORGANISMS ON EARTH, AND NEVER DIE OF OLD AGE. California in the USA holds the record for the oldest living trees. Some of California’s bristlecone pines and giant sequoias are 4,000-5,000 years old. Methuselah, an estimated 4,852-year-old ancient Bristlecone Pine, is one of the oldest living trees in the world. TREES CAN HELP YOU FIND YOUR WAY IF YOU GET LOST IN THE WOODS Moss will grow on the northern side of the tree trunk, where there is more shade. Also, a tree’s rings can help point you in the right direction too. If you’re in the northern hemisphere, you can see the rings of the tree grow slightly thicker on the southern side since it receives more light. 5 FACTS ABOUT TREES
21 Raring2go! CLUBS & CLASSES GE T I N TOUCH TODAY ! www . a j s d a n c e . c om amy@a j s d a n c e . c om 07834163746 F R I E N D L Y , P R O F E S S I O N A L F U N & I N C L U S I V E D A N C E S C H O O L CLASSES FROM AGE 3 BASED I N F I NCHF I E LD T E A C H I N G B A L L E T , T A P , A C R O B A T I C S , D I S C O A N D M O R E Search 'AJS Dance'' @ajsdance ANNUAL SHOW AT THE GRAND THEATRE AND OTHER PERFORMANCE OPPORTUN I T I ES O P T I O N T O T A K E E X A M I N A T I O N S
22 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! PUZZLES CROSSWORD: 1=CROWN 2=ROOTS 3=TRUNK 4=BARK 5=BRANCH 6=LEAVES TREES Can you find all the types of tree below in the wordsearch? • POPLAR • BIRCH • PALM • SPRUCE • ELM • PINE • FIR • OAK • CEDAR • WILLOW WORDSEARCH 1 2 4 5 3 6 PARTS OF A TREE CROSSWORD ROOTS TRUNK CROWN BRANCH BARK LEAVES Use the words below to complete the crossword PINE ELM BIRCH FIR POPLAR CEDAR SPRUCE OAK WILLOW PALM B R W
23 Raring2go! PRE-SCHOOL & WHAT’S ON Tettenhall Green Kindergarten & After School Club Offering a warm welcoming environment from 9am - 12.30pm Wraparound to Christchurch Nursery School available. Catering for 2 - 5 year olds during term time. A variety of stimulating activities and snacks provided. After School Club pick ups from Christchurch Infants & Juniors Schools Craft activities and hot meal included. Call Lisa on 07707 570044 TGKindergarten@outlook.com BTettenhallGreenKindergarten United Reformed Church, Mount Road Tettenhall Wood WV6 8HT Ofsted rating ‘GOOD’ ...What’s On continued from P18 Sat 11 June. Thinktank, Birmingham. Morning Explorers. Early opening for people and families with children on the autistic spectrum, those who live with a sensory processing disorder or have other special needs. Admission is half price, plus one free carer place. Pre-booking essential. www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/thinktank Sun 12 & Sun 19 June, 6pm. AJS Dance Show at The Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton. See talented pupils from AJS Dance school perform in their annual show. For more information or to purchase tickets, £13-£15, contact amy@ajsdance.com or call 07834 163746. Sun 12 June. RAF Cosford Air Show, celebrating Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.The grand return of the RAF Cosford Air Show will tell a 70-year story of aviation and royalty, proudly showcasing landmark achievements in aviation and engineering through its show-stopping flying action and across the showground. Tickets must be booked in advance. www.cosfordairshow.co.uk Fri 17 - Sat 18 June. Weston Park Air Show & Firework and Aerial Pyro Spectacular. There is plenty to keep the family entertained with model and full sized aircraft displays, off road and circuit model car racing, model boats and helicopters. On Saturday evening there will be wdisplays from Glider FX with computer controlled pyrotechnics and lights and a fantastic firework finale. www.weston-park.com Tue 28 & Wed 29 June. Under 5s Picnic at Dudley Zoo. Celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Anniversary and get dressed up as a King, Queen, Prince or Princess. Book via www.dudleyzoo.org.uk/events For more What’s On visit our website www.raring2go.co.uk/wolverhampton Crack your advertising! Book now for our next magazine 07762 204195
24 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! RARING 2 READ Little Guides to Great Lives: ‘Anne Frank’ A brief guide to Anne Frank Reviewed by Darcy Plant, age 8 from Stourbridge Raring2Read! BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FAMILIES Does your family enjoy reading? Then join our Facebook group, to share ideas, tips and recommendations. www.facebook.com/groups/raring2read “This book is about a Jewish girl called Anne who was Jewish and dreamed of being an author. I liked reading about her early childhood. She spent most of her time enjoying herself. She rode her bike and played with her sister Margot. I didn't like reading about the Germans because they wanted to capture all of the Jews. Anne is now famous because of the diary that her Dad, Otto Frank, published in all of the languages of the world. She wrote about what went on during the World War II. Anne and her family were hiding behind Otto's office, so she left her kitty named Mouschi If you enjoy reading about the past and you want to know more about Anne Frank then I recommend reading this book. Raring2go! would like to thank Darcy Plant for her incredible review of this book about Anne Frank. We were genuinely thrilled to receive Darcy’s review especially in light of her young years and given the nature of the book itself. Darcy’s review (pictured left) was so well rounded and presented. We look forward to keeping up with Darcy’s reading list in future.
Independent Day School for Boys and Girls Junior School ages 4-11 Senior School ages 11-16 Sixth Form ages 16-18 Secondary School Discovery Day Saturday 14th May 2022 Wolverhampton Grammar School is opening its doors to Year 5 children from any school to come and get a taste of what life will be like at a Senior School. For more information about the Discovery Day or joining our School, please contact the Admissions team telephone: 01902 422939, email: admissions@wgs-sch.net or to register your child for this event visit: www.wgs.org.uk/discoveryday Places still available for September 2022 entry Flexible and convenient school bus services across 3 counties Wrap around care from 7.30am - 6.15pm Dedicated, expert pastoral team
26 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! RARING 2 GROW https://www.facebook.com/groups/raring2grow Raring2grow! HOME GARDENING IDEAS FOR FAMILIES ‘Gardening is the purest of human pleasures’ Francis Bacon www.raring2go.co.uk For more great tips click here to visit our Raring2grow! Facebook page Raring2Growing your own The last couple of years have seen many of us have a go at ‘growing your own’. There have been some really good results too, not only in terms of the delicious end product but also for the mental health benefits gardening gives us all. So if you haven’t tried it yet, here are a few ideas to help you set up your very own ‘Raring2grow garden’… Where to plant out? Where you choose to ‘plant out’ is up to you, it can be as small as a pot, window box, grow bag or a plot in the garden, size doesn’t matter as long as it's a sunny spot. When is the best time to start planting? March, April and May are the best months in which to sew your seeds. Always read the back of the seed packet for planting information as it can differ. What are the easiest plants to grow? Hardy vegetables are a good choice. Tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, spring onions, runner beans, broad beans, peas & salad greens. Also, strawberries, courgettes and beetroot are all popular, there’s so much choice. What other plants to consider? For Spring, snowdrops, tulips, crocus, hyacinths and daffodils are just a few beautiful plants that will offer colour and variation to your garden with very little effort. How to involve the kids? Getting children involved in growing their own vegetables gives them a real sense of responsibility and helps them appreciate the value of eating home grown produce and eating healthy, so involve them from the off, planting seeds in their left over yoghurt pots is a great message about recycling. I’m sure we all have happy memories about seeing the cress seeds growing in junior school! Here's wishing you every success with your Spring planting! For more hints, tips and shared experiences visit our facebook page Raring2grow!
Raring2go! PLACES TO GO Call 01902 751088 51 Newbridge Crescent,Tettenhall,Wolverhampton,WV6 0LH www.newbridgeprepschool.org.uk Creating Choice at 11+ Register now for entry in September 2022 Small class sizes •Wrap around care from 7.30am – 6.00pm GRADED EXCELLENT IN EVERY CATEGORY THE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL INSPECTORATE 2017 • THE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL INSPECTORATE 2017 • INDEPENDENT PREPARATORY SCHOOLOF THEYEAR SCHOOLSGUIDE 2020 REGISTER NOW
Raring2go! PLACES TO GO 28 raring2go.co.uk Reading Eggs, the multi-award winning online reading programme for kids aged 2-13. Trusted by teachers and parents alike, watch your child’s confidence, motivation and progress skyrocket in just 15 minutes a day with Reading Eggs. With access to all 5 programmes, including Mathseeds, for up to FOUR children, it’s the perfect way to fit in some positive screen time. Ages 3–9 Learning Maths Nurture an early love of maths with structured lessons and activities that build essential maths skills. Ages 7–13 Building Confidence Older children can continue building key literacy skills that will help them succeed in school. Ages 3–7 Learning to Read Children follow structured, one‑on‑one lessons that teach phonics, sight words and reading skills. Ages 2–4 First Steps Delight your toddler with fun games and activities that build alphabet knowledge and ready‑to‑read skills. Ages 5–10 Mastering Phonics Fast‑paced lessons cover key phonics skills, perfect for both emergent and struggling readers. Valid for new customers only. FREE 30-DAY TRIAL readingeggs.co.uk/r2gospring Scan QR code for 30‑Day FREE trial *30‑day free trial offer allows you to add up to 4 children. You will be charged at the end of your trial period unless you cancel before this time. You can cancel at 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.
29 Raring2go! BOOK REVIEWS 20 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! BOOK REVIEWS Have We Got NEW for You! Tamsin Rosewell of independent bookshop, Kenilworth Books, highlights some of the best new titles out this spring! Little Bo Peep’s Library Book By Cressida Cowell Little Bo Peep goes to the library to look for a book called How To Find Sheep. But there are other characters browsing the shelves too! Will she find those troublesome sheep before the Big Bad Wolf finds HER? From the best-selling author of How To Train Your Dragon and the Children’s Laureate 2019-2022, Cressida Cowell. Meet the Microbes! By Emily Grossman and Maggie Li Step into the incredible world of microbes in this fascinating picture book! With fun, playful text by expert Dr Emily Grossman and bright, characterful illustrations this book will help kids to discover just how vital microbes are to life on earth. These tiny organisms - that can only be seen under a microscope - are absolutely EVERYWHERE. In fact, they’re even living inside our bodies, travelling through outer space and swimming in the world’s seas. And while some microbes can make us sick, many of them actually keep us well, and even help to keep our planet happy and healthy. Our Queen Elizabeth By Kate Williams and Helen Shoesmith A colourful, charming picture book by historian Kate Williams, taking young readers on an amazing journey through Queen Elizabeth II’s seven decades on the throne. Readers will learn all about Elizabeth II’s youth growing up during WWII, how she came to the throne and what it really means to be the Queen. Plus, they’ll discover lots of amazing facts - such as why she has two birthdays, always wears bright clothing, and is a world record breaker! Kenilworth Books, Talisman Square, Kenilworth CV8 1JB Dino Chick By Pamela Butchart The strangest things happen at Wigglesbottom Primary! When Year Two is chosen to look after some eggs that are about to hatch, they KNOW something is strange about one of them. What if it’s not a chick egg, but a DINOSAUR EGG??? These three short stories perfectly bridge the gap between picture books and chapter books. Dany Chung Does Not Do Maths By Maise Chan and Anh Cao SHORTLISTED FOR THE BLUE PETER BOOK AWARDS 2022 Eleven-year-old Danny Chung loves drawing more than anything - certainly more than maths, which, according to his dad and everyone else, is what he is ‘supposed’ to be good at. He also loves having his own room where he can draw in peace, so his life is turned upside down when a surprise that he’s been promised turns out to be his little, wrinkly, ex-maths-champion grandmother from China. Before long though it becomes clear to Danny that there is more to Nai Nai than meets the eye, and that they have more in common that he thought possible ... The Incredible Talking Machine By Jenni Spangler and Chris Mould Twelve-year-old Tig works at Manchester’s Theatre Royale and will do whatever it takes to achieve her dream - to become a Stage Manager and spends her days inventing new ways to imagine and build intricate machinery and props! But when a strange new act - a talking machine – arrives, it moves and behaves in a way that Tig just can’t work out. It’s as though it’s alive somehow . . . and appears to be hiding a dangerous secret, Tig must race against time to solve the mystery, before everything and everyone she cares about is lost forever. A Victorian adventure full of ghosts, gadgets and shifty villains!
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31 WIN a family ticket to Lower Drayton Farm With a huge 900sqm indoor playbarn, acres of outdoor adventure play, animal encounters and more, Lower Drayton Farm offers a day of fun and adventure for the whole family. This family-run working farm lies in the heart of the Staffordshire Countryside and is just 5 mins from junction 13 of the M6. To win a family ticket for four people to Lower Drayton Farm answer this question. How big is the indoor playbarn at Lower Drayton Farm? A) 900 cms B) 900m C) 900 sqm Closing date: Sat 30 April 2022 WIN family membership to Birmingham Museums You can win a Birmingham Museums family membership which will give you free entry to Thinktank - Birmingham’s science museum which has over 200 hands-on exhibits - for a whole year, as well as Birmingham Museums’ other sites such as the iconic Aston Hall and beautiful Blakesley Hall. To be in with a chance of winning just answer the question below. In which Birmingham building is Thinktank based? A) BullringB) MillenniumPoint C) GrandCentral Closing date: Sat 30 April 2022 To enter all the competitions on this page plus loads more including the chance to win a family ticket to Dudley Zoo & Severn Valley Railway and for terms and conditions scan the QR code or visit www.raring2go.co.uk/wolverhampton/ competitions WIN 6 Shine Books for you or your school The all-inclusive Shine Books, are written by Jo North and illustrated by Robert Hooper. We have the a complete set of 6 books to give away. These are great for all children, most especially those with SEN, and would be the perfect addition to any primary school library. If you win the set, the choice is yours - keep one or more of them for your children, or donate them all to a local primary school. Enter via the website at www.raring2go.co.uk Closing date: Fri 6 May 2022 Congratulations to our Winter competition winners! Wolverhampton Adventure Golf – Courtney Rogers Gangsta Granny at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre – Helen Gamble Aspire Sports Active Camp – Shannon Edwards Competitions!
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