Publication - Raring2go!
Transcription
Publication - Raring2go!
South Warwickshire Spring 2015 The definitive guide of what to do and where to go with your children Inside this issue Photo courtesy of Hatton Adventure World Early Years teacher training at Warwick Uni Spring reads p2 p16 EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA this Spring at Win passes, tickets p41 and more Raring2go! LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT B BECOME ECOME A S SPECIALIST PECIALIST IIN N EARLY CHILDHOOD E ARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT D EVELOPMENT A Ass a graduate, you ou could train y ass a an Early Years a Teacher on a T ea e one-year o ne fully-funded fu ll (no (no tuition fee) course starting co u iin n September. S » U University-Led niversity-Led Route: Route: B Bursaries ursaries ((up up tto o ££9000) 9000) may may be available available » Employer-Led: Employer-Led: Employers Employers rreceive eceive ££7000 7000 government funding funding government Find Find out out m more ore warwick.ac.uk/eyitt warwick.ac.uk/eyitt 2 Raring2go! INDEX What’s inside: Springtime! Discounts, offers & kids go free vouchers Pages 19, 22, 27, 29, 35, 36, 39 Parties .................................Pages 4-7 Clubs & Classes...............Pages 8-13 Preschool Activities......Pages 14-15 Kenilworth Books Book Reviews .......................Page 16 Welcome to our new look Raring2go! All fresh and ready for the Spring. I hope you like it – do share your thoughts on Facebook, Twitter or email. Fostering Fortnight.............Page 30 We’ve got an early Easter this year so I hope that means we’ll still have some nice weather to get out and about over the holidays into the fresh air! What’s on at the Theatre this Spring ............Page 34 9 Top Tips for Planning your Perfect Family Holiday.....................Page 38 Could you be the Next Editor of Raring2go!...........Page 40 Win one of 9 Family Passes for Compton Verney .................Page 41 Win a Family Ticket or a Goodie Bag from the Belgrade Theatre.......Pages 41 Do keep hold of the magazine as it covers May half term as well; in fact it’s packed full of things to do and places to go. There are also some great offers and vouchers to make sure you make the most of your budget right up until the end of June. This Spring Raring2go! South Warwickshire begins its 9th year so to celebrate we have some magical “9” competitions! You could win one of NINE family tickets for Compton Verney, or one of NINE prizes from the Belgrade Theatre – show tickets and goodie bags! Plus there are some of your favourites – an annual family pass for Hatton, a weekend pass for the Lunar Festival in June, a family pass for the Cosford Air Show and 2 pairs of tickets to the Kenilworth Show! The competitions are inside the magazine as well as online. Winter Competition Winners..................................Page 42 After 9 amazing years as the Editor of Raring2go! as well, I am excited to be looking for the new Editor to take over – do you think that could be you? Take a look at the information on page 40 and do get in touch! Win an Annual Family Pass for Hatton Adventure World .................Page 43 Do sign up for the local newsletter too – it gives you monthly updates on new competitions and offers throughout the year. It just takes a minute to register at www.raring2go.co.uk/leamington/join Win a Family Weekend Pass to the Lunar Festival in June....................Page 43 Enjoy the magazine! Please don’t forget to mention Raring2go! when you visit anyone featured in the magazine! Please also check important details with the venue like opening times, prices and availability before you set off! Sara Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter – with extra information and exclusive competitions! www.facebook.com/Raring2goSouthWarwickshire www.twitter.com/Raring2goSWarks 3 Raring2go! PARTY TIME Party Places Little Bird Parties: Offer a hands-on experience creating natural lotions, potions, lip balms, bath bombs and more for girls aged six years and above. We offer a unique, stress free way to celebrate a special birthday in the comfort of your own home. With children designing their own gift boxes and creating products to go in them parents don't have the expense or hassle of buying party bags and children take home a natural handmade gift they are really proud of. Call Katie on 07792 423105 www.littlebirdsoaps.com Express Your Shelves: A range of crafty parties - Cake Decorating, Jewellery, Pottery, Papercrafting and much, much more. Just talk to us about what you would like to do. Call 07768 094364 or email: [email protected] The Craft Studio at Hilltop: Come and celebrate or spend some creative time with friends or family! Pottery Painting: paint a piece of pottery from £10 per person; Decopatch: cover an item in brightly coloured papers and glue from £10 per person. Parties take 1-2 hours and are suitable for all ages, under 5’s may need supervision. (Max of 10 people.) Bring your own party food and drink or order from Hilltop Café. Phone: 07890 154852 or email: [email protected] Stagecoach Parties: A range of imaginative parties from the Stagecoach team will take your child on a roller coaster ride through their imagination and land them safely back home with a bulging bag of amazing party memories!! Whether they want to be fairies, princesses, pirates or detectives, there's a Stagecoach Party for everyone. You can hold your party in our party room in Leamington - saving you the costs of hiring a venue! Call Jacqui: 01789 263 464/ 07976 608574 www.stagecoach.co.uk/leamingtonspa Absolute Beauty Pamper Parties: A choice of appropriate treatment, including mini manicures plus use of jacuzzi and cinema room. Bring your own food. Birthday Goody Bag for birthday girl and each of her friends choose a pamper gift to go home with. Add on extra treats like Airbrush/Glitter Body Art, Candyfloss making and tasting or Hair Dazzles/ Diamonds. Call Rosina on: 01926 612403 www.rosinabeauty.co.uk Leamington Football Club: Why not come to the club and have your party here. A great venue, plus you could have your party on Match Day and be part of the action! Call Paul O’Rafferty to chat about different options and packages on 07917 445594 or email [email protected] Go4Goals Football Party: We know that a birthday is one of the biggest days of the year, so we do all we can to make it the best day possible. The party will include plenty of playing time along with competitions, shoot-outs and mini tournaments based on numbers. We can come to a venue that you have organised or we can book one for you. This can be indoor or outdoor. A fully qualified FA coach will be in charge of the session and will make it the best experience possible. Packages include Champions League and UEFA Cup. For bookings please contact Jason on 07747 562469 or email [email protected] www.go4goals.co.uk Make-A-Teddy-Bear Party Mobile and affordable Make a Bear Children’s Parties. Perfect for • Children’s Birthday Parties • Family Make a Bear Functions • Wedding Child Crèche • Village Fete Make a Bear Stand • Residential and Care Homes • Retail Make a Bear Concession • Make a Teddy Equipment Supply • PTA and Charity Fundraising • DIY Party Kit also available Create-Build-Learn: Do your children love creating with LEGO? We offer fantastic, engaging parties and events for 5 yrs +. Great for both boys & girls. Watch your children use their imaginations to build weird robots, amazing aliens and race their cars creations down bespoke ramps or build a fantastic LEGO Friends movie scene. NEW! LEGO Pirates Parties as well as Minecraft LEGO and Superheros! For more information call 07758 752333 or go to www.create-build-learn.co.uk Support Sport: For children of all ages, choose from Multi-Sports, Dance or Football birthday party, taking the stress away from parents organising their child's party. We can even help arrange a venue! Tel: 07730 080926 or email: [email protected] Onside Coaching: Let us take the pressure that children’s birthday parties can bring! Choose a theme: Multi Sports, Football or Dance. Choose a venue - and leave the rest to us. Tel: 01926 496 406 www.onsidecoaching.co.uk 4 @ 01789-721735 [email protected] www.partyteddybear.co.uk Raring2go! PARTY TIME LOOKING FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT FOR YOUR CHILD’S PARTY ? Go-Kart Party is the latest PARTY FUN for children aged 4-10 • Indoors or Outdoors we come to you! • Shows Fairs & Promotional Work • Birthday Parties Great offers • After School Clubs available at • Fundraisers some venues! Party Time at... 3 GREAT SOFT PLAY PARTY OPTIONS TO CHOOSE FROM! Self Catering Party £4.50 per child One and a half hours Min 10 children, max 40 Not available at weekends Party Venues across the area Basic Party Call: 07905 631 098 £7.50 per child [email protected] www.go-kartpartywarwickshire.co.uk “The best party I’ve ever had” Joe, Leamington One and a half hours Min 10 children, max 40 Cold buffet with choice of food, party bag & balloon Not exclusive use of the centre Tues – Fri 2-3:30pm or 4-5:30pm, Sat & Sun 10:15-11:45am, 12:15-1:45pm or 2:15-3:45pm Private Party Exclusive use of the centre Cold buffet with choice of food, party bag & balloon Tues – Fri One and a half hours use: 2-3:30pm or 4-5:30pm: £100.00 closedown fee plus £5.00 per child (max 40 children) Sat & Sun 10am-12noon, 12noon-2pm or 2-4pm: £150.00 close down fee plus £5.00 per child (max 40 children) Open: Tues-Fri 9.30am-5pm Sat & Sun 10am-4pm Tiny Tim’s Children’s Centre Whitefriars Lane Coventry CV1 2DT Tel: 02476 228254 www.tinytimcentre.co.uk www.raring2go.co.uk 5 Raring2go! PARTY TIME Party Places Hatton: Indoor & outdoor fun on the Farm, includes admission to Hatton Adventure World, entry to Superslide Mania indoor play area and more! With party invitations, a party room, hot or cold party buffet, party box and balloon – we organise it all while the kids (& you!) just have fun. Tel: 01926 843411 www.hattonworld.com Flight Simulators Midlands: If you are looking for something different for your son or daughter's birthday, we'll take good care of them. They come to the club and we show them how an aircraft flies and teach them some basic aerodynamic science. Then into the hangar and fly in the simulator at Coventry Airport. Party snacks and refreshments included. Gift vouchers are also available, please call Captain Chris Rigby on 08454 747 737 or email [email protected] www.flyfsm.co.uk Playbox Theatre Parties: Unique range of Theatre Parties to tailor-make the perfect event for their special day! Whether they want to star in their own musical, create a show, meet Cinderella, or sit back and relax at a performance, we promise to give your family and your child VIP treatment as we work to stage a celebration to remember. Tel: 01926 419 555 www.playboxtheatre.com/parties Theatre Marine: Set sail for a swashbuckling cruise on the Pirate Party Boat in Stratford. 90 minutes of fun with Jolly Roger on board, treasures hunt, foam swords and more. Call 01789 267795 www.theatre-marine.co.uk Tiny Tim’s Purple Planet: 3 great soft play party options to choose from including exclusive use of the centre for your party; self-catering party from £4.00 per child, basic party £7.50 per child & private party with exclusive use of the Centre from £200. See ad opposite for more details. Tel: 02476 228254 www.tinytimcentre.co.uk Go Kart Party: Go karting fun for ages 4-10! Indoor or outdoor, this fun and safe experience is ideal for a stylish cool and different children’s party. Tel: 07905 631 098 www.go-kartparty.co.uk Ragley Hall: Kayaking, raft-building and pony riding add to that Ragley’s Adventure Wood with 3D maze and you have a children’s party to remember! Water Sports on Ragley Lake, Pony Parties, a Party Room in the Lakeside Marquee. Plus you can hire Ragley Park for exclusive use for just £300 incl. VAT for a 2 hour period outside of Ragley’s visitor opening. Boating on Ragley Lake and Pony Rides can be booked for an additional charge (subject to minimum numbers). Tel: 01789 762090 www.ragleyhall.com Absolute beauty Pamper Parties Ideal for birthdays, hen nights or just having a good time. Jacuzzi, cinema room, treatments of their choice and more Tel 01926 612403 • www.rosinabeauty.co.uk 6 Raring2go! PARTY TIME Magical Pony Parties! Party Time at The Craft Studio at Hilltop Imagine a Pony at Your Party! Suitable for boys and girls • Pony Rides • Pony Petting • Fun games and activities • Tipi Building • Real Horse shoe Decorating • Dressing up the ponies • Cupcake decorating • Themed Princess or Cowboy Indian Parties! • Hot or Cold Food • Traditional Party Games Come and celebrate or spend some creative time with friends or family Pottery Painting Paint a piece of pottery from £10 per person. Decopatch Cover an item in brightly coloured papers and glue from £10 per person. Felt Making Create felt pictures on a chosen theme. 2 hours. From £15 per child including all materials. Suitable for 6 + Parties take 1-2 hours and are suitable for all ages, under 5’s may need supervision. (Max of 10 people.) Mention Raring2go! when booking and earn £20 Cashback! Bring your own party food and drink or order from Hilltop Café. Fab Warwickshire venue or we can come to you! Please call for more information! Halona Horses Pony Party Ltd Call 07581 077 258 www.ponyatyourparty.co.uk Phone: 07890 154852 or e.mail: [email protected] The Craft Studio, Hilltop Farm, Fosseway, Hunningham, Warwickshire, CV33 9EL Express Your Shelves Craft Workshop and Gift Shop Kids Club Every Saturday 12-4pm Cake Decorating, Jewellery, Pottery and Papercrafting and more! A different activity each week. £3 per child or 2 for £5. Kids Holiday Activities Follow us on Facebook for more details Kids Parties A choice of crafty activities We also stock art & craft supplies. M: 07768 094364 E: [email protected] www.facebook.com/ExpressYourShelves Unit 2D, Far Gosford Street, Coventry CV1 5ED www.raring2go.co.uk 7 Raring2go! CLUBS & CLASSES Clubs & Classes Stagecoach: Dance, drama & singing for children aged 4-16 on Fridays and Saturdays. Theatre schools, holiday workshops and parties. Helping to develop confidence, physical awareness, communication and articulation - as well as being educational and lots of fun. Call Jacqui on 01789 263464 for Leamington and Kenilworth and Jo on 01527 965514 for Warwick. www.stagecoach.co.uk/leamingtonspa www.stagecoach.co.uk/warwick www.stagecoach.co.uk/kenilworth Tap 'n' Groove Children's Dance Workshop: Tap Dance and Urban Street Jazz for Boyz and Gals aged 3-16. Classes in Cubbington, Leamington Spa, Stratford-uponAvon, Warwick & Kenilworth. Contact Mary on: 07966 168043 or [email protected] www.tapngroove.co.uk Tennisolutions: Year round tennis coaching and holiday clubs under the LTA Mini Tennis scheme. Indoor & outdoor coaching this term from Monday 13th April – Saturday 11th July. Sessions held at Harbury Village Hall, Townsend Hall - Shipston on Stour, Tysoe Village Hall and Sibford School Sports Hall. Easter, May half term & Summer camps also available. For more details or to book your child’s place call Lucy on 07966 665291 or email [email protected] www.tennisolutions.co.uk Explore Learning: Maths & English tuition for children aged 5+ at our Leamington centre. Helps children gain confidence, enthusiasm, knowledge, independence and new skills. Creative writing, 11+, Succeed in Secondary School & Enrichment Maths for gifted mathematicians courses available too. Book a free trial on 01926 422800 www.explorelearning.co.uk Go4Goals: Weekly football classes for ages 2 to year 6: on Saturdays at North Leamington School and Stratford High School, and on Mondays at Warwick Gates Community Sports Hall. Also holiday football camps for ages 5yrs to 11yrs. Call Jason for more details on 07747 562469 or [email protected] www.go4goals.co.uk Leamington & Warwick Sea Cadets: You can join as a junior cadet from the age of 10. This is about having fun and making friends. You'll take part in lots of events and activities like sailing, canoeing and abseiling, plus learn about first aid and communications. For more information call 07988 136045 leamingtonseacadets.enquiries@gmail www.sea-cadets.org/leamington 365 Academy Leamington: Track and Field athletics training for 8+ year olds. Held outdoors at Edmonscote Track on Monday & Wednesday evenings & Sunday mornings from April. Qualified UKA coaches. Experience of all events. Limited places available, please call Rachel Berney on 07904 644 568 www.leamingtonathletics.co.uk Maths & English tuition For 5 to 14 year olds of all abilities Mapped to the National Curriculum An environment that children enjoy Ofsted Registered Book your free trial today! Leamington Spa 01926 422 800 Shirley, Solihull 0121 647 4395 Rugby 01788 524567 A full list of centres can be found on our website. www.explorelearning.co.uk 8 Raring2go! CLUBS & CLASSES SUMMER TERM TENNIS COACHING 2015 TNG T TN NG G TAP& T AP& GROOVE GROOVE URBAN TAP & STREET DANCE CLASSES C LASSES IIN: N: WARWICK KENILWORTH CUBBINGTON LEAMINGTON SPA NEW! N EW! STRATFORD-UPON -AVON 07966 168 043 [email protected] [email protected] www.tapngroove.co.uk w ww.tapngroove.co.uk G Groove roove w with ith u uss o on n Cost for summer term sessions: Outdoor Indoor 45 mins £69.30 £79.20 1 hr £92.40 £105.60 1.5 hrs £138.60 £158.40 D DANCE ANCE W WORKSHOP ORKSHOP All prices inclusive of VAT MONDAY 13TH APRIL – SATURDAY 11TH JULY Mondays HT Red Tots 3-5 yrs HT Red 5-8 yrs HT Orange 8-9 yrs Green 10yrs Junior Tennis11yrs+ HT Fridays TT Red Tots 3-5 yrs TT Red 5-8 yrs Orange 8-9 yrs Junior Tennis11yrs+ TT Saturdays Red Tots 3-5 yrs Red 5-8 yrs Red Improver 5-8 yrs Green /Junior 10yrs+ ST ST ST ST ST ST SH HT SS SS SS SS Duration 45 mins 1 hr 1.5 hrs 1.5 hrs 1 hr/1.5hr 45 mins 1 hr 1.5 hrs 1.5 hrs 45 mins 1 hr 1 hr 1.5 hrs Easter Tennis Camps ST 30th March – 2nd April 7th April – 10th April May Half Term Tennis Camps 26th – 29th May HT Harbury Tennis Club, South Parade, Harbury CV33 9HZ ST Shipston Tennis Club, London Road, Shipston on Stour, CV36 4EP SH Shipston High School, Darlingscote Road, Shipston on Stour, CV36 4DY TT Tysoe Tennis Club, Main Street, Tysoe, CV35 0SR SS Sibford School*, Sports Hall, Sibford Ferris, Banbury, OX15 5QL *Indoor venue 9.30-3.00pm • Ages 4-11 years Members £22 per day Non Members £28 per day Book 3 days in one week and get 4th day FREE! Half day option available for 4 & 5 yr olds To book email Lucy at [email protected] or to register online see our website: /tapngroove /tapngroove www.tennisolutionsltd.com Workshops in: • Warwick • Banbury • Chipping • Pre-School football • Football Parties • Soccer Camps • Holiday Clubs & Activities • Weekly sessions Campden • Leamington WORKSHOPS • Theatre • Musical Theatre • Circus Skills • Lighting, Sound & Stage Management • Voice & The Young Actor • Advanced & Specialist Courses • Film & Digital Media • Shakespeare Young Company • Preschool Spa • Kenilworth • Solihull • StratfordUpon-Avon EASTER FOOTBALL CAMPS Age groups 5yrs to 11yrs Mon 30th March to Thurs 2nd April Football & Multi Sports (4 days) Tue 7th to Fri 10th April Multi Sports (4 days) Mon 6th to Thurs 9th April Football Mon 13th to Fri 17th April Multi Sports ALSO WEEKLY CLASSES: SATURDAYS North Leamington School, Sandy Lane, Leamington Spa, CV32 6RD Indoor sports hall and outdoor fields 9am to 12noon Age 2 to Year 6 Stratford High School, Alcester Road, Stratford Upon Avon, CV37 9DH Indoor sports hall and outdoor fields 10.30am to 12.20pm Age 2½ to Year 6 MONDAYS Warwick Gates Community Sports Hall, Cressida Close, Leamington Spa CV34 6DZ Indoor sports hall 5.15pm to 6.15pm Reception to Year 5 Multi Sports: Kingsley School, Beauchamp Avenue, Leamington Spa CV32 5RD £18.00 day / £72.00 4 days Time 9am to 4pm (8.30am early drop extra £1.00) Kingsley Playing Fields, Sandy Lane, Leamington Spa, CV32 6RD £16.00 day / £56.00 4 days Time 9.30am to 3.30pm (8.45am early drop extra £1.00) Football: Playbox Theatre, The Dream Factory, Tapping Way, Warwick, CV34 6LE Tel: 01926 419555 Fax: 01926 411429 www.playboxtheatre.com www.raring2go.co.uk www.go4goals.co.uk [email protected] Mob 07747 562469 9 Raring2go! CLUBS & CLASSES Guitar Lessons Interested in learning the Guitar? Want to take your playing to another level? Now you can with an experienced and qualified tutor All ages welcome Theory, practical & ear training Exams offered in electric, bass & classical guitar Evening, weekend & daytime lessons All abilities and music styles catered for Learn in your own home Please contact Angelo Berté BA (Hons) PGCE 01926 490579 or 07731 640281 [email protected] www.angeloberte.co.uk Member of Registry of Guitar Tutors Enhanced CRB checked Mathematics Tuition offered by an experienced and qualified tutor, able to teach Mathematics from Key Stage 2 up to & including A level • Structured learning • Preparation for Entrance Exams • Thorough knowledge of Exam Boards • 100% pass rate • Mathematics for adults too making a career change or returning to education • Learn in the comfort of your own home • Enhanced CRB check For an informal discussion please contact Angelo Berté BA (Hons) PGCE [email protected] Tel: 01926 490579 Mob: 07731 640281 Arnold Lodge — a unique school Arnold Lodge celebrated its 150th Birthday last year having been founded in 1864. The school is situated in the heart of Leamington Spa and is the only coeducational school in South Warwickshire which educates both girls and boys from Nursery all the way up to the Upper Sixth. Arnold Lodge is a smaller school, with class sizes of, on average, 14 pupils. This small size means that we can rapidly develop a personal relationship with your child. A child in a class of 14 receives around 75% more teacher time than a child in a class of 25 pupils and in addition we are able to deliver a bespoke education that equips your child with the self-belief, resourcefulness and resilience to deal with, adapt to and succeed in a fast-changing world. Within a framework of traditional values and with the best of the newest ideas, we aim to inspire children to develop as individuals and reach their potential. Arnold Lodge School is also the only private school in Leamington Spa, Warwick, Kenilworth and Coventry that selects on potential and not on prior attainment. We welcome admission at any stage in a child’s school career with the most common points of entry being into our Nursery, Little Lodge, at the age of 3, into Lower School in Reception or Year 3, into Senior School at Years 7, 9 & 10 and into our Sixth Form. Come and visit us and see how we can make a difference to your child’s education. Arnold Lodge School, 15-17 Kenilworth Road, Leamington Spa CV32 5TW Telephone 01926 778 050 www.arnoldlodge.com 10 Raring2go! CLUBS & CLASSES Arnold Lodge, the only school that selects on potential and not on attainment Make Arnold Lodge your 1st choice for private co-education in 2015 An Exceptional Education for Boys and Girls from 3 to 18 years in the heart of Royal Leamington Spa Arnold Lodge School 15-17 Kenilworth Road Leamington Spa CV32 5TW Telephone 01926 778 050 www.arnoldlodge.com www.raring2go.co.uk 11 Raring2go! CLUBS & CLASSES Clubs & Classes Maths Tuition: Offered by an experienced and qualified tutor, able to teach Mathematics from Key Stage 2 up to & including A level. Enhanced CRB checked. For an informal discussion please contact Angelo Berté BA (Hons) PGCE Tel: 01926 490579 Mob: 07731 640281 Support Sport: Saturday sport club in Leamington for children aged 5 to 11. Great fun sessions for children giving parents the freedom to go shopping or have a break for a couple of hours! Held at Kingsway Community Primary School from 10am-12pm. Cost just £1 per child. Activities include dodgeball, stinkbombs, shark infested water and many more fun games! Also 'Drop and Shop' Saturday Sports Club at the Kenilworth Centre from 1.304.30pm and also costs just £1 per child. For more details or to book call 07730 080926 to book or email [email protected] supportsportprojects.blogspot.co.uk Onside Coaching: Saturday morning classes at Meon Vale Leisure Centre nr Stratford. Dance classes: Ballet, tap, disco, Street Dance & Musical Theatre for ages 3-11. Also Onside Football coaching for ages 3-12. For more details or to book call 01926 496 406 or email [email protected] www.onsidecoaching.co.uk Southam Tae Kwon-Do: A family friendly club with members from the age of five to seventy something, so whatever your age, ability or previous experience we can cater for your needs. For more information please contact Nicky on 07831 459996 or [email protected] www.southamtkd.co.uk Guitar Lessons: Interested in learning the Guitar? Want to take your playing to another level? Now you can with an experienced and qualified tutor. All ages welcome, all abilities and music styles. Evening, weekend & daytime lessons. Enhanced CRB checked. Contact Angelo Berté BA (Hons) PGCE on 01926 490579 or 07731 640281 www.angeloberte.co.uk Playbox: Workshops for children and young people from 3-25. Wide variety of theatre related courses – from acting to voice, from dance to circus, from musical theatre to Shakespeare Young Company, from film to lighting, sound and stage management! Locations across the midlands: Warwick, Stratford, Kenilworth, Leamington, Banbury, Chipping Campden, Chipping Norton & Solihull. Call 01926 419555 www.playboxtheatre.com Swimming Lessons from Everyone Active: At Stratford, Southam, Studley & Shipston Leisure Centres. Lessons start for children as young as 4 months. No waiting – NEW spaces available now. Lessons 50 weeks a year, 6 days a week and you can join any time. Tel: 01789 268826 www.everyoneactive.com Stagecoach News! The new Saturday morning Kenilworth Stagecoach sessions at Priors Field Primary School are all settled down and are working really well after the move from Wednesdays at the start of the Spring term. The Early Stages classes, for 4-6 year olds, are on from 9.30am to 11.00am and Main Stages class will start at 10.00am and finish at 1.00pm. Remember – Stagecoach also have a 2 week trial offer – a chance to come and settle in as well as trying out classes in singing, dancing and acting. Your child will also have the opportunity to meet the other children and start making some wonderful new friends. Check out the website for more details on the 2 week trial offer. It’s going to be a very busy Summer term too at Stagecoach Leamington Spa, Warwick and Kenilworth. 10 students will be auditioning for Young Fiona in Shrek at Wolverhampton and 2 other students are up for All My Sons at Malvern Theatre; we wish them all the best. The students also have the opportunity to take part in events such as performing at the Malvern Theatre and the Leamington Peace Festival this term. There is also the Summer Showcase, a chance to perform at Disneyland Paris and a Christmas concert in Cheltenham; a great year for gaining some amazing experiences. There’s also the Summer Workshop – a week of fun, producing a show in 5 days, open to everyone. This year the show will be Beauty & The Beast. If you want to be involved in performing, costuming, lighting and promoting our show then sign up quick! 12 For more information or to enrol, please give Jacqui a call on 01789 263 464 or Jo a call on 01527 965514 [email protected] and [email protected] Raring2go! CLUBS & CLASSES Recruiting now for the Summer Term! Leamington Spa & Kenilworth 01527 965514 www.stagecoach.co.uk/warwick 01789 263464 www.stagecoach.co.uk/kenilworth www.stagecoach.co.uk/leamingtonspa Holiday Workshop 17th-21st August ‘Beauty & the Beast’ (6-18 yrs) Junior Workshop (4-6 yrs) Age 4-18 Fun, educational, confidence-building classes in acting, singing and dance. www.raring2go.co.uk QUALITY TRAINING ESTABLISHED 1988 600 SCHOOLS NATIONWIDE 13 Raring2go! PRE-SCHOOL PreSchool Tennisolutions: Year round tennis coaching and holiday clubs under the LTA Mini Tennis scheme. Indoor & outdoor coaching this term from Monday 5th January – Saturday 21st March. Sessions held for ages 3-5 at Harbury Village Hall on Mondays, Townsend Hall - Shipston on Stour on Fridays and Sibford School Sports Hall on Saturday mornings. For more details or to book your child’s place call Lucy on 07966 665291 or email [email protected] www.tennisolutions.co.uk Go4Goals: Weekly football classes for ages 2 to 4 (and 4 - year 6): on Saturdays at North Leamington School and Stratford High School. Also holiday football camps for ages 5yrs to 11yrs. Call Jason for more details on 07747 562469 or [email protected] www.go4goals.co.uk Stagecoach Early Stages: Dance, drama & singing for children from age 4 on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Theatre schools, holiday workshops and parties. Helping to develop confidence, physical awareness, communication and articulation - as well as being educational and lots of fun. Call Jacqui on 01789 263464 for Leamington and Kenilworth and Jo on 01527 965514 for Warwick. www.stagecoach.co.uk/leamingtonspa www.stagecoach.co.uk/warwick www.stagecoach.co.uk/kenilworth Tap 'n' Groove Children's Dance Workshop: Tap Dance and Urban Street Jazz for Boyz and Gals aged from 3 upwards. Classes in Cubbington, Leamington Spa, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick & Kenilworth. Contact Mary on: 07966 168043 or [email protected] www.tapngroove.co.uk Story Stomp & Rhyme Time: Stories, rhymes & songs for preschoolers at Warwickshire libraries. Events held at most libraries every fortnight. Find your nearest one and pop along – no need to book and it’s FREE! www.warwickshire.gov.uk Calypso Kids: Join Calypso the frog to explore percussion instruments, sing new and familiar songs and have fun with puppets, parachutes and much, much more! Parties too. Call EmmaJane on 07890 399162 or visit the website www.calypsokids.co.uk jinks Theatre from Playbox: For little people! Pioneering pre-school workshop programme, launched in 1986 and which has developed the confidence and imagination of thousands of little people over the years. All sessions have theatre at their heart, but each takes a slightly different approach, depending upon which workshop is being attended. Lots of locations locally. Call 01926 419555 or go online for more details. www.playboxtheatre.com Secret Garden Musical Theatre School: Ballet, dance, gymnastics and sing-along classes from birth 14 upwards. Check out the timetable on our website. We help our students with confidence, ambition and, most of all, being an individual, encouraging them to let their personalities shine through during their classes and performances. A wide range of classes and secret workshops for children and adults at one of our purpose built studios in Southam or Leamington Spa. Call Kerry on: 07855 533 442 Email: [email protected] www.secretgarden-mts.co.uk Monkey Music: Celebrating 21 years of award-winning classes! Classes in Stratford, Leamington, Warwick, Kenilworth, Alcester and Alveston. Music for children from 3mths – 4 years. Classes like Rock ’n’ Roll & Ding Dong weekly across Warwickshire. Call Claire on 01789 415526 for more information www.monkeymusic.co.uk Arty Tots at Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum: Come along and try out the resources at Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum, every first Wednesday of each month. Lots to do, see and enjoy with your under 5s. Free play in Haddie's Family Gallery, a different fun activity at each session and time to chat to other parents. Free, drop in and join in. Tel: 01926 742700 [email protected] www.warwickdc.gov.uk/royalpumprooms Stay & Play at Crackley Hall: A toddler group with a difference. Weekly session for 0-4 year olds and their families Wednesdays in term time. An exciting calendar of activities, events and visitors. Plenty to keep you and your little one busy and entertained, from music and movement, to themed arts and crafts, children's book news, photography and keepsakes, to baby and toddler health developments. Tel: 01926 514444 www.crackleyhall.co.uk ScrumKids Rugby: A wide variety of fun activities based around a rugby theme. Helping to develop motor skills, control, coordination and general fitness, and a lifelong love of the game. Classes in Rugby, Kenilworth, Banbury and more. For ages 2-7. Contact: Eleanor on 07772 633833 [email protected] www.scrumkids.co.uk Little Splashers: Teach your little one to swim. For babies - pre-schoolers from birth to 4 years. We use warm, private pools across Warwickshire; Rugby, Coventry, Leamington, Warwick, Stratford and Kenilworth. Our program is structured and progressive and designed to make swimming fun. Give your little one the love of water and vital safety skills that will set them up for life. For more information and to book one of our courses, please visit our web site www.littlesplashers.co.uk or call Jo on 07968 015292 or email: [email protected] Swimming Lessons from Everyone Active: At Stratford, Southam, Studley & Shipston Leisure Centres. Lessons start for children as young as 4 months. No waiting – spaces available now. Lessons 50 weeks a year, 6 days a week and you can join any time: We also do a great range of parties. Tel: 01789 268826 www.everyoneactive.com Raring2go! PRE-SCHOOL OPEN MORNINGS Early Years & Pre-Prep Whole School 2-7 Years Saturday 21 March 2015 10am - 12pm 2-11 Years Wednesday 29 April 2015 10am - 12pm For further information, or to book a tour with the Headmaster, TPIEWIGEPPSVIQEMPSJ½GI$GVSJXWGLSSPGSYO www.croftschool.co.uk Alveston Hill, Loxley Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire CV37 7RL An Independent Day Day School and Nursery Nur ser y for fo or boys boys aged 3-7 and girls gir ls aged 3-11 AT WORK Thursday 7 May 2015 1.30pm – 3.15pm Come and visit us on a working school day. Meet teachers, pupils and get a feel for our wonderful environment. Warwick W arwick a Pr Preparatory Banburyy Road,W Warwick aarwick CV34 6PL eparatory School,, Bridge Field,, Banbur call 01926 491545, further information FFor or fur ther inf formation o email admissions@warwickpr ep.com or visit www .warwickprep.com [email protected] www.warwickprep.com Warwick Preparatory partt of the W Warwick ndation,, together with W arwick Pr eparatory School is par arwick Independent Schools FFoundation, oundation, King’s Warwick boys King’s High School and W arwick School,, providing providing high quality education for for o bo ys and girls aged 3-18. www.raring2go.co.uk 15 Raring2go! BOOK REVIEWS Spring Reads Turn off the TV! Wild Adventures £12.99 Look, make, explore - in nature's playground. Mick Manning and Brita Granstrom ISBN: 9781847804365 A real treat of a book for every kid (and adult) who longs to build a den, get up early to hear the dawn chorus, forage for food or just go fly a kite. A beautifully set out new book with tips on everything from cloud-spotting to making bows and catapults. There are suggestions for tracking games to play in the woods, recipes for autumn berries and for wild garlic and even instructions for building different types of dens. Fun and inspiring, absolutely packed with ideas and information, this book will be a great addition to the shelves of every family that loves this green and pleasant land. Fun and Games Roald Dahl Games Price range from £7.00 - £13.00 With favourite Roald Dahl characters, and Quentin Blake's glorious drawings beaming out from the boxes, this brilliant new range of games will appeal to adults and children alike. To describe them as 'educational' makes them sound too dry - they are far more fun and interesting than that! There is a Squiffing Story Tiles Game that encourages you to let your imagination fly, and gain some skills as a storyteller; there is a Triangle Game involving Oompa-Loompas and sweets that is all about strategy and co-ordination; and for those who like traditional family board games, there is a version of snakes and Ladders and Ludo on a double-sided board, reimagined in Dahl and Blake's colourful world. Seven different games to choose from with age ranges of 5+ A Snuggle-up Book some delightful and some odious, as the little Clown finds a way to rescue his friends and bring us safely through the bustling City, to a happy ending. Small children will love the bright pictures and funny little details of storytelling, while adults will marvel at Quentin Blake's ability to communicate in line and colour. There are many stories by Blake on our shelves; Mr Magnolia and Zagazoo are also much-loved and popular too. Young Adult The Mark of Cain £12.99 (Hardback) Lindsey Barraclough ISBN: 9781782300199 The Mark of Cain is the muchanticipated sequel to Barraclough's first novel, Long Lankin. Like Long Lankin, it is breathtakingly creepy; but it is what master ghost-story writer M. R. James referred to as 'A Pleasing Terror'. Long Lankin has at its heart the medieval ballad of the same name that tells of centuries-old evil, revenge and witchcraft. The Mark of Cain too calls on an early English lyric, 'Maiden in the Moor Lay' and hints too at the early Scriptural demons of Beowulf, with ancient souls crawling out of their dead-marsh, and towards the light and life of the old family home. These are gloriously sinister pieces of Young Adult fiction; brilliantly written by former teacher, Lindsey Barraclough. Really effective ghost story telling is rare, most writers resort to shock and horror for their effect; but Barraclough takes the more intelligent route and weaves together history and folklore in the proper English and Irish literary tradition of the great ghost story, where the supernatural creeps up on you quietly from behind. Utterly chilling and not for people who hide behind the sofa when Dr Who comes on the telly. Every family bookshelf should have... Best-Loved Poems £9.99 Penguin, edited by Laura Barber ISBN: 9780140424706 Clown £7.99 Quentin Blake ISBN: 9780099493617 Quentin Blake is well known for his illustrations to Roald Dahl's books, and to David Walliam's popular children's novels, Mr Stink and The Boy in the Dress. His own books, however, show the extent to which he himself is a master storyteller. Our favourite is Clown, first written in 1995 but re-printed, available and on our own list of wonderful books that we always have on the shelves! In the tradition of European clowning, this book is silent - the bittersweet life of the little Clown unfolds through Blake's eloquent, funny and brilliantly observant little drawings. The plot twists and turns and we meet all sorts of characters, From William Blake's bright Tyger, to Keats' mists and mellow fruitfulness, all those poems you half-remember from your own childhood are brought back into their full glory in this pretty book. Yes, I know you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but this is a pretty book! Nestling beside old favourites like Kipling's If and T.S. Eliot's Macavity: The Mystery Cat are a few unusual, but welcome choices like Arthur Hugh Clough's hilarious How Pleasant it is to Have Money and the joyful, lyrical Girl, Boy, Flower, Bicycle. from M.K. Joseph. Every page is decorated with Isabelle Brent's beautiful illustrations, and its gold-embossed cover and edges give it the sparkle and feel of true family treasure. Reviews by Kenilworth Books, Talisman Square, Kenilworth. 16 Raring2go! EDUCATION Literary Thinking! A lovely idea from independent bookshop, Kenilworth Books, aims to help school PTAs raise funds for their school while encouraging children to love books. These little sweetie jars (see picture) are already collecting extra funds for local school PTAs. Every time a child buys a book from them, they put another 50p into their school's jar. Five local schools have signed up so far. If you're on a local PTA and want to join in, just pop in and ask! Reading and fundraising – what’s not to like! Kenilworth Books... "Everyone is a reader... Some just haven't found their favourite book yet." Fantastic range of books Educational, fun games and puzzles Welcoming Children’s Corner Book ordering service Book tokens sold and accepted 12 Talisman Square, Kenilworth CV8 1JB Phone: 01926 855784 www.kenilworthbooks.co.uk facebook.com/JudyatKenilworthBooks @KenilworthBook People tell us about the ‘invisible magic’ they feel when they come to Princethorpe, which sets us apart from other schools. We believe this stems from our Christian ethos and strong sense of community, combined with fantastic learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. Our dedicated staff put our pupils on the road to happy and fulfilled lives by nurturing their individuality and social development and helping them achieve excellent exam results. Year 5 Taster Days available in May and June. Come along and see us; we hope you’ll be spellbound too! Wednesday 3 June 6.30pm to 8.30pm The Princethorpe Foundation Education in the Catholic tradition For more information call 01926 634201 or visit www.princethorpe.co.uk www.raring2go.co.uk Boys and Girls 11 to 18 Nursery to 11 at Crackley Hall School Registered Charity Number 1087124 17 Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? March/April 2015 What’s on? 28th March – 12th April Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon – Shaun the Sheep Join ‘Shaun and the Flock’ in their automotive adventures this Easter. Get interactive with Shaun the Sheep inspired workshops and follow the Shaun the Sheep The Movie ‘flock on the block’ Easter trail around the museum. There are lots of activities suitable for all ages to keep the whole family entertained. Great value annual pass. Tel: 01926 641188 www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk 28th March – 12th April Shakespeare Houses, Stratford-upon-Avon – Easter Activities Enjoy hands-on activities at all five houses: decorate an Easter egg to look like a character from Shakespeare’s plays at Mary Arden's Farm and over the Easter weekend, see the Easter feast being prepared (Saturday) and eaten (Sunday); act up with Shakespeare Aloud! at the Birthplace Trust; have a smashing time at Easter with Jack-o-Lent puppets in the bowling alley at Harvard House and discover what is included in a Tudor First Aid Kit at Hall's Croft. Tel: 01789 204016 www.shakespeare.org.uk 28th March – 12th April Hatton Country World, Warwick – Easter Eggstravaganza The new Laser Combat feature launches at Easter; an exciting outdoor activity for over 8’s. Plus there is all the usual Easter fun for the whole family, from Easter Bunny Hunts to the Easter Garden where children can search for eggs to exchange for chocolate treats. Tel: 01926 843 411 www.hattonworld.com 28th March – 12th April, 2nd - 4th & 23rd - 31st May, 18th July - 6th September Warwick Castle – Horrible Histories® – Mediaeval Mayhem Experience the gruesome sights, sounds and smells of mediaeval England, discovering the foulest and funniest bits of history along the way! Information Line (recorded): 0871 265 2000 www.warwick-castle.com bu!Xbsxjdl!Tdippm 31 March to 16 April 2015 (exc. bank holidays) Multi activities for all children from age 3-12 years Warwick School provides an ever expanding range of holiday activities. Open to everyone, these courses provide a fun way to experience new or favourite activities. 3-5 Years, Multi Activities 6-12 Years, Superchoice Programme Including - Skateboarding, Cartooning, Powered Go Karts, Wall Climbing and Pool Kayaking All enquiries to Eileen Braham: T 01926 735473 E [email protected] See website for details of all activities and to make a booking www.warwickschool.org/Easter-Action 18 Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? School’s out so come and enjoy... Fam Meet the Tudors – 22 March frien ily d Forest Schools – during the Easter Holidays café ly Museums at Night – 14 May Park Life! Big Sunday – 14 June Discover, Create, Play • Family trails • Free Arty workshops • Adventure playground • Free activity packs • Soft Play for under 5s at Compton Verney (during term time) All activities included in admission price. Reopens on Saturday 14 March 2015 T. 01926 645 500 www.comptonverney.org.uk Registered charity no. 1032478 Terms & conditions: Free entry valid with one full paying adult or concession per voucher. Bring this advert to redeem offer. Present this ad at Ticket Desk when purchasing admission. Valid on admission only. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer or membership. No photocopies. R2G March 2015 * Two children go FREE at Compton Verney Compton Verney Warwickshire CV35 9HZ Valid until 30 June 2015 Ofsted registered Leamington: EY476056 Coventry: EY448295 Fun and flexible childcare for children aged 4-14 North Leamington School, Leamington Easter: May Half Term: 30th March – 10th April 27th May – 29th May 4 Days for £56* 3 Days for £42** Please quote discount code Rare15 when booking Coundon Court, Coventry Easter: 7th April – 10th April May Half Term: 26th May – 29th May 4 Days for £48* 4 Days for £48** Please quote discount code Rare15 when booking We accept Childcare Vouchers *Offer expires 5pm Sunday 22nd March 2015, Valid for full week 10am – 4pm bookings only. **Offer expires 5pm Friday 8th May 2015, Valid for full week 10am – 4pm bookings only. www.aspire-sports.co.uk or call 0121 633 1979 www.raring2go.co.uk 19 Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? March/April 2015 What’s on? 28th March – 12th April West Midland Safari Park – Easter Eggstravaganza Bring your Eggsplorers along and help our onsite Explorer character ‘Livingstone’ find the missing Easter Eggs onsite with a free Children's Eggsplorers Trail. Follow the clues around our Discovery Trail, Adventure Theme Park and African Village to find the eggs and unscramble the secret Easter Password! Hand in your completed trail to receive your chocolate prize. Tel: 01299 402114 www.wmsp.co.uk 28th March – 12th April Royal Shakespeare Theatre 28th March – 12th April Becketts Farm, Wythall – There's Something Hatching! Come along and welcome our new chicks into the world in the Easter Barn and say hello to some of our other animal guests including lambs, calves and goats! Craft activities too. Tel: 01564 823402 www.beckettsfarm.co.uk 28th March – 12th April Black Country Living Museum, Dudley – Egg-citing Easter Activities Hop on over to the BCLM where a cracking programme of Easter fun is ready and waiting! Great value annual pass. Tel: 0121 520 8054 www.bclm.com & Clore Learning Centre, Stratford-upon-Avon – Easter Activities Choose from a range of activities and workshops this holiday like Blood, Guts and Gore, Stage Fighting, Speaking Shakespeare, Easter Biscuit Decorating & Voice Skills. Box Office: 0844 800 1110 www.rsc.org.uk 29th & 31st March, 7th & 12th April Compton Verney, Warwickshire – Forest School Drop in to the Forest School and explore Springtime in our park with a range of nature and craft activities. Tel: 01926 645500 www.comptonverney.org.uk 28th March – 12th April Blists Hill Victorian Town, Juniors Raceday Bring out the Grandchildren (or children!!) for Easter Holiday fun with a range of FREE children's entertainment available. Remember children aged 17 and under are free, when accompanied by an adult. Tel: 01926 491 553 warwick.thejockeyclub.co.uk Ironbridge Gorge – Traditional Easter Celebrations Egg Dancing, The Great Easter Bunny Hunt, Easter-themed Shadow Lamp Making and lots more! Great value annual pass. Tel: 01952 433424 www.ironbridge.org.uk 20 30th March Warwick Racecourse – Jumping for Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? Get Sporty for Spring with Support Sport Saturday mornings and holiday activities SHIPSTON MINI GAMES Shipston High School, Darlingscote Road, Shipston-on-Stour, CV36 4DY Multi-sports WHEN: Monday to Friday TIME: 10am-3pm every day. PRICE: £6 per child, per day. AGE: 5-12 years old LEAMINGTON MINI GAMES Kingsway Community Primary School, Baker Avenue, Leamington, CV31 3HB Football, multi-sports and dance WHEN: Monday to Friday TIME: 10am-3pm every day. Early drop (8.30-10am) and late pick up (3-5pm) available. PRICE: £9 per child, per day. Early drop and late pick up available for £3 for one or £5 for both. AGE: 5-12 years old Easter Activities: Monday 30th March – Thursday 2nd April Tuesday 7th April – Friday 10th April May Half Term Activities: Tuesday 26th May – Friday 29th May and Kenilworth MiniGames are now Ofsted registered so we can now accept Ofsted child care vouchers at this venue during the school holidays. KENILWORTH MINIGAMES Meadows Community Sports Centre, Leyes Lane, Kenilworth, CV8 2DA Football, multi-sports and dance WHEN: Monday to Friday TIME: 10am-3pm every day. Early drop (8.30-10am) and late pick up (3-5pm) available. PRICE: £9 per child, per day. Early drop and late pick up available for £3 for one or £5 for both. AGE: 5-12 years old To book your place or for more details please contact 07730 080926 or email [email protected] Follow us on twitter @_SupportSport www.raring2go.co.uk 21 Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? March/April 2015 What’s on? 30th March – 2nd April, 6th – 10th April & 13th – 17th April Kingsley School & Kingsley Playing Fields, Leamington – Go4Goals Easter Camps Both Football and Multisport activity days across the 3 weeks of the Easter holidays. Prices from £14/day. See advert for full details. To book call Jason on 07747 562469 email: [email protected] or visit www.go4goals.co.uk 30th March – 2nd April & 7th – 10th April Leamington Football Club, Harbury Lane, Leamington – Easter Coaching Camp For boys & girls age 7-14. Aimed at all abilities, the emphasis is on fun! Activities include skills, drills, football, multisports and competitions. Prices from £7/day. See advert for full details. Call Paul O’Rafferty on 07917 445594 to book or email [email protected] 30th March – 2nd April & 7th – 10th April Leamington, Shipston-on-Stour, Kenilworth – Support Sport Holiday Activities Get Sporty for Spring this Easter holidays with football, multi-sports and dance courses. Prices from £6 per day per child. See advert for full details. Call 07730 080926 to book or email [email protected] 30th March – 2nd April & 7th – 10th April Warwick, Stratford, Banbury, Southam, Meon Vale – Onside Coaching Holiday Activities Choose from MultiSport, Football, Dance, Gymnastics and Forest Schools this Easter holidays at our locations across South Warwickshire. Prices from £9 per day per child. See advert for full details. To book call 01926 496 406 or email [email protected] www.onsidecoaching.co.uk 30th March – 2nd April & 7th – 10th April Shipston Tennis Club, Shipston on Stour – Easter Tennis Camps Great fun coaching, skills and games for ages 411 years. Members £22 per day, Non Members £28 per day. Book 3 days in one week and get 4th day FREE! Half day option available for 4 & 5 yr olds. 9.30-3.00pm. To book email Lucy at [email protected] or to register online see our website: www.tennisolutions.co.uk 30th March – 2nd April, 7th – 10th April & 13th – 16th April Warwick School – Easter Action Multi activities for all children from age 3-12 years. Warwick School provides an ever expanding range of holiday activities. Open to everyone, these courses provide a fun way to experience new or favourite activities. 3-5 Years, Multi Activities. 6-12 Years, Superchoice Programme including - Skateboarding, Cartooning, Powered Go Karts, Wall Climbing and Pool Kayaking. All enquiries to Eileen Braham: T 01926 735473 email: [email protected] or see website for details and to book www.warwickschool.org/Easter-Action A GREAT G REAT BRITISH B RITISH MOTOR MOTOR MMUSEUM US E U M • • • • • Daily Daily Easter T Trail rail r Mondaay 30 March March Movers under 5’s 5’s event event Monday Mini Movers Leg oT eechnic T uesda u ays y Lego Technic Tuesdays Lego Wednesdays Wheelie Leg oW eednesdaayys Thursda ay Easter Crafts Thursday www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk/schoolholidays www w.heritage-motor . r-cent --centre.co.uk/schoolholidaayys JJunction unction 12 M40,, Gaydon, Gaayydon, Warwickshire, Warwic aarwickshire, CV35 0BJ *SEE *S E E WWEBSITE E B S ITE FOR FO R TERMS TE R M S & CONDITIONS C O N D ITI O N S 22 BBUY UY 1 DAY DAY GET GET 12 MONTHS FFAMILY AAMILY £34 £34** 28 MARCH - 12 APRIL Join Join ‘Shaun and the Flock’ in their automotiv automotivee adv entures this Easter r. adventures Easter. man Animations EEASTER ASTE R HHOLIDAYS OLI DAYS Y WWITH ITH SSHAUN HAU N TH THEE SSHEEP HEE Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? A FUN APPROACH TO SPORT & DANCE for Primary Aged Girls and Boys Sports & Dance Courses EASTER HOLIDAY 2015 Easter Holiday Multi-Sports Football 9.30am-3.30pm 9.30am-3.30pm Dance Choose from Multi Sports, Football or Dance PARTIES AND EVENTS Forest Schools 9.30am-3.30pm 9.30am-3pm Contact us for more details Saturday classes Onside Dance Academy at Meon Vale 3-7 30th March year olds Ballet 09.00am - 09.30am Twinkle Toes Tappers 09.30am - 10.00am (Tap Dance) Tuesday 5-11 Disco Divas 10.00am - 10.45am (Freestyle) Street Dance 10.45am - 11.30am (Street Dance Routines & Freestyling) Musical Theatre 11.30am - 12.15pm (Singing, Acting, Dancing & Performing) Monday 31st March year olds Wednesday 1st April Thursday 2nd April Onside Football at Meon Vale Tuesday 3-7 year olds 6-12 year olds 7th April Wednesday 09.30am - 10.15am 10.30am - 11.30am 8th April Thursday 9th April Friday 10th April MAY HALF TERM 2015 May Half Term Multi-Sports 9.30am-3.30pm Football 9.30am-3.30pm Dance Forest Schools 9.30am-3.30pm 9.30am-3pm Tuesday Venues: Prices: WARWICK Aylesford School, Tapping Way, Warwick CV34 6XR SPORTS/DANCE STRATFORD Stratford upon Avon School, Alcester Road, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 9DH MEON VALE Bailey Avenue, Meon Vale, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 8QR SOUTHAM COLLEGE Welsh Road West, Southam, Warwickshire CV47 0JW 26th May Wednesday 27th May BANBURY Harriers Banbury Academy, Harriers View, Bloxham Road, Banbury, Oxfordshire OX16 9JW Thursday 28th May Friday 29th May We understand our responsibilty, that is why Onside Coaches and Teachers are not only insured, qualified and DBS Checked, but they are Paediatric First Aid Trained too! Onside are Ofsted Registered and Inspected and are able to accept Childcare Vouchers. For more information, or assistance on how to use your vouchers with us, please get in touch. Ofsted number EY419867 LEEK WOOTTON The Warwickshire, Leek Wootton, Warwick, CV35 7QT WE ACCEPT CHILDCARE VOUCHERS! Book online at www.onsidecoaching.co.uk All prices are per child and valid during the same week. Tel: 01926 496 406 Like us on Facebook Onside Coaching Ltd www.raring2go.co.uk Follow us on Twitter @onsidecoaching 1 Day: £11 2 Day: £22 3 Day: £33 4 Day: £40 5 Day: £45 FOREST SCHOOLS £15 per day FULL WRAP AROUND: (Available at Stratford & Warwick venues) 8.30am-5.00pm 1 Day: £17 2 Day: £34 3 Day: £51 4 Day: £64 5 Day: £75 ADDITIONAL SESSIONS: Early drop off from 8.30am £3 per session Late pick up until 5pm £3 per session 23 Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? March/April 2015 What’s on? 3rd – 6th April Kenilworth Castle – Easter Adventure Quest Adventurers wanted this Easter weekend! Join our quest, meet characters from the past and crack the clues as you explore Kenilworth Castle. Rise to the challenge and you’ll reap a chocolate reward. It's time to get handson with history. Tel: 01926 852078 www.english-heritage.org.uk/kenilworth 30th March – 2nd April & 8th – 10th April North Leamington School – Aspire Active Easter Camps We know that the school holidays can be a nightmare for parents. Not only do you need affordable childcare so you can go to work, but you want to give your children something fun to do. Aspire Active Camps and the School Holidays make a SUPER combination for boys and girls aged 4-13. Prices from £14/day. See advert for full details. Call 01926 298 178 to book or visit www.aspire-sports.co.uk 3rd – 6th April National Trust Properties – Family Fun Days – Easter Egg Trails Supported by Cadbury, there are Easter Egg Trails at properties across the region; Packwood, Baddesley Clinton, Charlecote Park, Upton House, Hanbury, Coughton Court, Croome and more. Lots of fun and a chocolate egg at the end! Check each property’s details as dates vary. If you are away this Easter, there are Easter Egg trails at NT properties across the country too! www.nationaltrust.org.uk 31st March Tidbury Green Village Hall, Solihull – Easter Eggspress Climb aboard for this 'eggsellent' event. On your journey, have a go at the FREE Easter activity booklet. Then at Winchcombe Station, meet the Easter Bunny and take part in lots of fun Easter activities and win prizes. Easter bonnet competition, egg & spoon races, Easter egg rolling, Easter craft activities, Easter Egg Hunts. Sample the Easter treats in our 1950's style Coffeepot Café too. Tel: 01242 621405 www.gwsr.com Create Build Learn Easter Lego Workshops Are your children Minecraft CRAZY? Do they love LEGO Friends? Or do they just love LEGO? We have great fun for everyone this Easter from Minecraft to fairytale worlds, there is no limit to the creations we will build! We supply the huge amount of Lego so all your children will need are labelled snacks, drinks and their fantastic imaginations! 9am12.30pm. Call Collette on 07758 752333 www.create-build-learn.co.uk 31st March, 1st & 2nd April Oak House Museum, West Bromwich – 'Build a Bird' Inspired by a new photography exhibition 'Local Wildlife' by Philip Dodd in the old shop, come and create a beautiful bird out of paper. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All welcome; drop in or book 12-4pm. Lots of other activities over the holidays. T: 0121 553 0759 www.sandwell.gov.uk/info/200265/museums_and_art_ gallery/8/oak_house 31st March & 7th April The National Herb Centre, Banbury – Easter Activities There’s a Minibeast Roadshow, Den Building as well as Pond Dipping and Bugs Hunts on both days. Tel: 01295 690999 www.herbcentre.co.uk 2nd April Leek Wootton Village Hall, nr Warwick – Create Build Learn Easter Lego Workshops Are your children Minecraft CRAZY? Do they love LEGO Friends? Or do they just love LEGO? We have great fun for everyone this Easter from Minecraft to fairytale worlds, there is no limit to the creations we will build! We supply the huge amount of Lego so all your children will need are labelled snacks, drinks and their fantastic imaginations! 9am12.30pm. Call Collette on 07758 752333 www.create-build-learn.co.uk 3rd – 6th April Compton Verney, Warwickshire – Chinese Clay Vessels Be inspired by our Chinese collection and use air-drying clay to make your own pot in the shape of an ancient Chinese vessel. Tel: 01926 645500 www.comptonverney.org.uk 24 6th April Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway – The 7th April Genting Arena, NEC, Birmingham – CBeebies Live! Mr Tumble’s Circus Roll up, roll up, Justin Fletcher MBE is back in a brand new production this Easter! Following on from his first sell-out arena tour in 2013, Justin is bringing his fun-filled show - Justin & Friends: Mr Tumble’s Circus to town! Tickets: 0844 338 8000 www.gentingarena.co.uk 7th & 8th April Belgrade Theatre, Coventry – Easter Camp Two days of action-packed drama games and activities to keep you busy during the holidays! Easter Camp is led by experienced theatre practitioners and promises to help improve your confidence, have fun exploring the world of theatre and make new friends. No previous drama experience is necessary. Box Office: 024 7655 3055 www.belgrade.co.uk 7th – 10th & 13th – 17th April Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry – Museum Detectives Join us in a series of fun investigations as you become a super sleuth museum detective! Investigate new ways of working with art materials, examine clues in archaeological finds, and help to solve a crime that has taken place in one of our galleries in a ‘whodun-it’ spectacular! Tel: 024 7623 7521 www.theherbert.org 9th April Ryton Pools Country Park, nr Bubbenhall Magic – Willow Fairy and Elf Wands Make a magical star wand with willow, other natural treasures and man-made sparkles. The wands only work their magic outdoors so don’t forget to practice your spells before using them. (Lots of other great activities too all through the holidays at Warwickshire Country Parks.) 10.30am - 12noon. Meet at The Visitor Centre. £3.00 per child. Booking essential: telephone 024 7630 5592 countryparks.warwickshire.gov.uk Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? Why not have your Birthday Party at Leamington FC? Tailored packages available including match day parties. Contact us for more details. www.raring2go.co.uk 25 Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? April/May 2015 What’s on? 24th – 26th April Stratford-upon-Avon – Shakespeare’s Birthday Celebrations Festivities start with the grand Birthday Procession, which parades through the historic spine of Stratford, culminating with the laying of flowers on Shakespeare’s grave at Holy Trinity Church. Spectators can join the throng of costumed players, musicians and creative groups to celebrate 451 years of Shakespeare. Tel: 01789 204016 www.shakespeare.org.uk 25th April Cotswold Wildlife Park, Burford – World Penguin Day To support World Penguin Day this year we are helping raise awareness of Penguin Conservation through talks and activities at our Penguin Pool. All funds raised on the day will be donated to Sphenisco, a conservation charity working with Humboldt Penguins in Chile. Tel: 01993 823 006 www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk 25th – 26th April Kenilworth Castle – St George's Weekend Dragon slayers wanted! Discover the legend of St. George, patron saint of both England and soldiers, as his story comes to life in the castle grounds. Bring the whole family to celebrate this great British hero – junior knights will love the feast of hands-on fun and games, and history hunters of every age will enjoy cheering on our champion as he battles a mighty dragon in a quest to save the fair maiden. Tel: 01926 852078 www.english-heritage.org.uk/kenilworth 29th April The Croft Preparatory School, Stratfordupon-Avon – Open Morning Open mornings provide an excellent opportunity for prospective parents to come and look around the school. Our year 6 pupils escort parents on tours of the school, and afterwards there is an opportunity to meet Mr Cook, and other senior members of Staff. 10am-12noon Tel: 01789 293795 www.croftschool.co.uk 2nd May Newbold Comyn Leamington, Coventry Memorial Park, Bidford-on-Avon Big Meadow – Kids Run Free Exactly what it says! Running for children of all abilities aged between 0 -16 years old on the 1st Saturday of every month. Free to enter – sign up online. Start time is 9am and races proceed in age order. Runners have access to website for running times, tracking and 26 comparing improvements with other runners across the country. Distances vary depending on age. Goody bag for all competitors. Also in Solihull, Nuneaton & Birmingham. Visit www.kidsrunfree.co.uk 2nd May & 6th June Compton Verney, Warwickshire – Tree Climbing Big Sunday Why not branch out and have an exhilarating outdoors adventure. Come and climb a really big tree with The Great Big Tree Climbing Company and hang about in the canopy. £18.50 for 1 hour of tree climbing. Book directly through the Great Big Tree Climbing Company: www.bigtreeclimbing.co.uk (This price does not include admission to Compton Verney) Tel: 01926 645500 www.comptonverney.org.uk 2nd – 4th May Compton Verney, Warwickshire – Corn Dollies Celebrate May Day by making a corn dolly. Be inspired by artist Faye Claridge’s Kern Baby sculpture, choose a traditional style or get creative and make your own. Tel: 01926 645500 www.comptonverney.org.uk 3rd May CBSO Centre, Birmingham – Birmingham Contemporary Music Group (BCMG): Music Maze Workshop Exciting, creative, participatory workshops for ages 8 – 11. The fascinating fairy tale of Rumplestiltskin has been turned into an exciting piece of music and drama composed by David Sawer. Young people will create their own piece of music drama inspired by this story. You do not need to be able to play a musical instrument in order to take part. Tel: 0121 616 2616 www.bcmg.org.uk Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? hs ass ys p FAM PASSIELY S A tth – Hall’s Croft – Harvard House GRE V A L UA T E es n aldsr ni 1 2 mwo – Shakespeare’s Birthplace – Mary Arden’s Farm – Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and Gardens hs uepvteo r4yc hpi i ti t wdm Registered Charity Number 209302 Take part in fun filled activities for all the family at Shakespeare’s homes, farm and gardens in Stratford-upon-Avon. rs f ree ve ewri tyh epvae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www.raring2go.co.uk 27 Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? May 2015 What’s on? 4th May Warwick Racecourse – Pirates & Princesses Family Fun Day A fantastic day out for all the family with free children's entertainment. Remember children aged 17 and under are free, when accompanied by an adult. Tel: 01926 491 553 warwick.thejockeyclub.co.uk 9th & 10th May Severn Valley Railway, Kidderminster – Family Fun Weekend: Peppa Pig and Daddy Pig Steam train rides, family fun attractions and the chance to see Peppa Pig and Daddy Pig at intervals. It’s our 50th anniversary year! Tel: 01299 403816 www.svr.co.uk 13th – 16th May & 30th – 31st October Museums at Night The festival of inspiring after hours cultural events in museums, galleries and heritage sites. Lots happening in our region; check out this website plus local museums, galleries and houses like the National Trust, The Shakespeare Houses, Compton Verney, Black Country Living Museum and many more – lots of fun! www.museumsatnight.org.uk 16th – 17th May Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon – UK Slot Car Festival Two fantastic 'hands on' family days out. Featuring Scalextric and more to try, buy, race and just enjoy all that this UK Slot Car festival has to offer. Lots happening throughout both days. Call 01926 641188 www.ukslotcarfestival.co.uk or www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk 23rd May Cotswold Wildlife Park, Burford – Scruffs Dog Show Dogs of all ages and abilities are welcome to take part in our fun 5th Annual charity dog show, with categories such as ‘prettiest eyes’ and ‘waggiest tail’. All money raised will go to this year’s chosen charity. Normal admission price applies for dog owners. Tel: 01993 823 006 www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk 23rd May & 20th June RSC Theatre, Stratford-uponAvon – Family Workshop: Merchant A fun and practical workshop for children, young people and their parents/carers, that looks at Shakespeare's characters, themes and language from The Merchant of Venice. For children aged 8+ and parents/carers. Box Office 0844 800 1110 www.rsc.org.uk 23rd – 25th May Blists Hills Victorian Town, Ironbridge Gorge – Queen Victoria’s Birthday Celebrate Her Majesty’s birthday with special festivities and entertainment. The Town will be alive with patriotic activity and entertainment and all the shops and cottages will be open for business as usual. Tel: 01952 433424 www.ironbridge.org.uk 23rd – 29th May Compton Verney, Warwickshire – Collage Your Life Take inspiration from the work of Italian Master, Canaletto and contemporary photographer Martin 28 Parr and create a collage about your life, family and community. Included in collections and grounds admission. Tel: 01926 645500 www.comptonverney.org.uk 23rd – 31st May Shakespeare Houses, Stratfordupon-Avon – May Half Term Activities Different theme at each of the houses; Woolly Week at Mary Arden's Farm, ‘Glove Making in Tudor Times’ at the Birthplace Trust, New Worlds at Harvard House and Dress-up in Jacobean Costume and more at Hall's Croft. Tel: 01789 204016 www.shakespeare.org.uk 23rd – 31st May Cotswold Wildlife Park, Burford – Lemur Week A week of Lemur based talks and activities to highlight our Lemur conservation work to save species such as the Greater Bamboo Lemur and Sifaka from extinction. Tel: 01993 823 006 www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk 23rd – 31st May Enginuity, Ironbridge Gorge – Magnetic May Workshops Discover more about all things magnetic at these drop-in family workshops Tel: 01952 433424 www.ironbridge.org.uk 23rd – 31st May Hatton Country World, Warwick – Party at the Park NEW for 2015 is this brand new event. Put on your dancing shoes and join in our al fresco discos in the events arena. Take part in our very own Hatton's Got Talent, watch our Hawaiian-themed shows and sip 'mocktails' from our brand new Kiddies Cocktail Bar. All this alongside our ever popular daily programme of shows, fun fair rides, farmyard favourites and Superslide Mania. So GET READY TO PARTY and come on down to join in the fun! Tel: 01926 843 411 www.hattonworld.com 26th May Ryton Pools Country Park – Puppets and Magical Creatures Look at natural materials in new and imaginative ways. Could berries or tiny pebbles become eyes? Could seeds become noses, feathers or claws? You can make anything from dragons and monsters to creepy crawlies and other creatures. Bring an old adult size sock. 10.30am-12noon. Booking essential. Tel: 02476 305 592 countryparks.warwickshire.gov.uk 26th –29th May Warwick, Stratford, Banbury, Southam, Meon Vale – Onside Coaching Holiday Activities Choose from MultiSport, Football, Dance, Gymnastics and Forest Schools this Easter holidays at our locations across South Warwickshire. Prices from £9 per day per child. See advert for full details. To book call 01926 496 406 or email [email protected] www.onsidecoaching.co.uk 26th –29th May Leamington, Shipston-on-Stour, Kenilworth – Support Sport Holiday Activities Get Sporty and keep active this May half term with football, multisports and dance courses. Prices from £6 per day per child. See advert for full details. Call 07730 080926 to book or email [email protected] Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? www.raring2go.co.uk 29 Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? May/June 2015 What’s on? 26th –29th May Shipston Tennis Club, Shipston on Stour – May Half Term Tennis Camps Great fun coaching, skills and games for ages 4-11 years. Members £22 per day, Non Members £28 per day. Book 3 days in one week and get 4th day FREE! 9.30-3.00pm. Half day option available for 4 & 5 yr olds. To book email Lucy at [email protected] or to register online see our website: www.tennisolutions.co.uk 6th June Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire – The Kenilworth Show Warwickshire’s Foremost Country Show, 72nd Annual Show. Lots of entertainment like The Kangaroo Kid, Competitions, Rural Crafts, Shopping and Children’s Amusements. Tickets: Adults £12.50 on the gate / £10 in advance. Under 16s FREE. Parking FREE. Dogs welcome Tel: 01788 833910 www.kenilworthshow.co.uk 21st June & 18th July RSC Theatre, Stratford-uponAvon – Family Workshop: Othello A fun and practical workshop for children, young people and their parents/carers, that looks at Shakespeare's characters, themes and language from Othello. For children aged 8+ and parents/carers. Box Office 0844 800 1110 www.rsc.org.uk 3rd June Princethorpe College – Open Evening An 13th & 14th June Pump Room Gardens, Leamington – informal opportunity to look around the school and meet members of staff and pupils. There will be activities in each department for children to participate in, and the Headmaster will also address visitors during the evening 6.30-8.30pm Tel: 01926 634201 www.princethorpe.co.uk Leamington Peace Festival One of the UK's longest running free festivals. a brilliant mix of family friendly activities, free workshops, Peace talks, live music, vibrant local stalls, campaign groups, healing treatments and a wide range of vegetarian food stalls. www.peacefestival.org.uk 14th June Compton Verney, Warwickshire – Park Life! 5th – 7th June Umberslade Estate, Tanworth-in-Arden – Lunar Festival An eclectic 3 day festival - created with children and families in mind. A jam packed program of workshops and activities over the weekend for the whole family. [email protected] www.lunarfestival.co.uk Big Sunday Join us for a one-day celebration of plant life, wildlife and traditional crafts. Play: storytelling & flower making; Create: try your hand at traditional crafts; Discover: hidden history and beekeeping. Lots more too! Tel: 01926 645500 www.comptonverney.org.uk Foster Care Fortnight 1-14 June 2015 Foster Care Fortnight takes place this year from 1-14 June 2015. This annual awareness raising campaign aims to encourage a diverse range of people with the right skills and qualities to foster to come forward to meet the needs of children in care. With a shortage of 10,000 foster carers across the UK, more foster carers are constantly needed to provide children with safe and caring homes while they are unable to live with their own families. The focus of events during the fortnight are to encourage more people to foster and think about what it takes to give a child a loving home. The theme for 2015 is 'make a connection’! For more information about how you can get involved in fostering in Warwickshire, take a look at the page opposite, give Warwickshire Fostering a call on 0800 408 1556, text ‘Fostering’ to 07950 081082 or pop across to the website www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fostering 30 Raring2go! FOSTERING www.raring2go.co.uk 31 Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? June 2015 What’s on? 20th June Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge Gorge – Blitz Hill - A 1940's Evening on the Home Front Come dressed for the evening in 1940s outfits and experience the food and entertainment of the day as Blists Hill Victorian Town is transformed to the 1940s. We’re travelling four decades into the ‘future’ with an evening of World War II entertainment, music and activities. Tel: 01952 433424 www.ironbridge.org.uk 20th & 21st June Hatton Country World, Warwick – Family Camping Weekend A full weekend of Camping Capers, including fun activities with Snorty our Pig and entry to Hatton Adventure World on Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday evening families can enjoy indoor and outdoor entertainment exclusively for our campers and for those up in time on Sunday morning there will be more on offer with our Resident Nature Ranger! Our Restaurant and Soft Play will stay open late or bring your own BBQ and enjoy the great British outdoors in the beautiful Warwickshire countryside. Tel: 01926 843 411 www.hattonworld.com 20th – 21st June & 19th – 20th September Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway – A Day out with Thomas Ride not only with Thomas but also behind other steam and diesel engines, including Daisy. Trains will run every 45 minutes throughout the day; first train at 9.30am from Toddington and 9.45am from Cheltenham Racecourse. The Fat Controller will once again be over seeing proceedings and trying to make sure that Thomas doesn't get into any mischief! Tel: 01242 621405 www.gwsr.com 21st June Fathers’ Day Spoil your dad today. Look out for places where Dads and Granddads go FREE today too – like Compton Verney! 27th – 28th June & 4th – 5th July Severn Valley Railway, Kidderminster – Step Back to the 1940s We turn the clocks back to the 1940s with this lighthearted journey back to wartime Britain. Due to enemy air raids, advance booking is strongly advised! Tel: 01299 403816 www.svr.co.uk June 5-7th Umberslade Park- Tanworth in Arden The Lunar Festival A World class music and arts festival full of fun and on your doorstep....Not to be missed. Building on the success and rave reviews of last year, the Lunar Festival has once again been created with children and families in mind with a jam-packed program of workshops and activities for all ages and set in the beautiful grounds of Umberslade Children’s Farm Park, with quiet family camping away from the madding crowds. Festival go-ers have access to the farm park which will be buzzing with animal activities. performance, African drumming and bangra dancing with IN2CULTURES. The enterprising will have the chance to set up the first ever “Little Lunar Souvenir Shop” where they will make the souvenirs, set up the shop and sell their wares. Buckets of musical fun to entertain Lunar's youngest festival go-ers (6 months - 5 years) with Calypso Kids; each evening huddle around the campfire toast marshmallows, sup on hot chocolate and be transported to another place and time with vibrant interactive story telling from around the world. For the crafty creative, hedgerow headdresses workshops with the very talented Lucy Walker and mask making with the Here’s just a taster: For the sporty, Sync Education, wonderful Pyn for that all-important festival head gear for specialising in creating unforgettable fun for young people, will Sunday’s festival procession plus a whole run the festival’s sports and games area; “Psychedelic, bonkers, imaginative host of creative workshops: Bath Bomb football, cricket, handball and rounders, and uplifting!” Festival Kidz and Fizzy Feet workshops in the Tipi as well as a 5-a-Side football competition, “A festival where memories are made” from artisan soap makers little bird a Treasure Hunt, table tennis and the Katie Lunar Olympics. soaps; spinning workshops with Jenny the Spinner, butterfly and bug weaving with Capoeira Natural will be demonstrating and welcoming people The Weavers Workshop; seriously fun felting, pottery, Willow to get involved in their beautiful art and Wild Earth UK will be weaving, wood workshops, lantern making and more. sharing fascinating bushcraft skills. For the dare devils, a circus safari with Circus Mash; from juggling to globe walking, and tight wire walking to aerial taster sessions. For budding musicians, hip hop workshops, songwriting and 32 There’s also the all important family disco on Friday night, a chance to get down to some seriously funky grooves thanks to DJ Sarge. Raring2go! WHAT’S ON? The Kenilworth Show Saturday 6th June ȊȱStoneleigh Park Gates open at 9am Ȃȱȱ¢ȱ ȱȊȱ72nd Annual Show ȱȂǰȱȱȱǰȱȱǭȱȱ ǰȱȱǰ Homecraft Competitions, Modern & Vintage Agricultural Machinery, Classic Cars, Beekeepers, ǰȱȱǰȱȱǰȱȂȱǰȱȱȱȱ Drink, Country side area with Clay Shooting, Archery, Dog Scurry, Agility and much much more' ȱȱȱǡŗŘǯśŖȱȱȱȱȦȱǡŗŖȱȱȱȊȱ Children under 16 go FREE ȱȱȊȱȱ ȱ ȱ££ȱȱŖŗŝŞŞȱŞřřşŗŖȱȦȱŖŝşŖŚśŞŗŞřśȱȊȱ email:[email protected] www.kenilworthshow.co.uk www.raring2go.co.uk 33 Raring2go! THEATRE What's coming to a theatre near you this spring? Lots of great shows for families coming to the region over the next few months – here’s just a few of them to get you started! There’s comedy, interaction, classical music, theatre and storytelling. 2nd April Royal Spa Centre – Captain Flinn & The Pirate Dinosaurs (also on at Solihull Arts Complex on 10th April) T: 01926 334 418 www.warwickdc.gov.uk/RoyalSpaCentre 3rd – 5th April Warwick Arts Centre – Dinosaur Zoo T: 024 7652 4524 www.warwickartscentre.co.uk 4th April Swan Theatre – The Dancing Bear & 2nd May First Prize Billy T: 01905 611427 www.worcesterlive.co.uk 4th – 6th April Everyman Theatre – Charlie and Lola’s Extremely New Play T: 01242 572573 www.everymantheatre.org.uk 9th – 11th April mac Birmingham – Anne of Green Gables T: 0121 446 3232 www.macbirmingham.co.uk 11th April The Theatre Chipping Norton – Hugless Douglas T: 01608 642350 www.chippingnortontheatre.co.uk 21st – 22nd April mac Birmingham – Theatre Alibi: I Believe in Unicorns T: 0121 446 3232 www.macbirmingham.co.uk 21st – 25th April The Belgrade Theatre – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat T: 024 7655 3055 www.belgrade.co.uk 26th April CBSO Centre, Birmingham – Family Concert: Bite-Size Classics II T: 0121 616 6500 www.cbso.co.uk 9th May The Belgrade Theatre – Sing-a-long-aFROZEN T: 024 7655 3055 www.belgrade.co.uk 26th May Royal Spa Centre – Tree Fu Tom T: 01926 334 418 www.warwickdc.gov.uk/RoyalSpaCentre 26th – 30th May The Belgrade Theatre – Horrible Histories, Groovy Greeks & Incredible Invaders T: 024 7655 3055 www.belgrade.co.uk 29th May Solihull Arts Complex – Peter Pan T: 0121 704 6962 www.solihullartscomplex.co.uk 29th – 31st May Warwick Arts Centre – Aliens Love Underpants T: 024 7652 4524 www.warwickartscentre.co.uk 2nd June Royal Shakespeare Theatre – Famous Victories of Henry V (First Encounters: Shakespeare for Younger Audiences) T: 0844 800 1110 www.rsc.org.uk 2nd – 3rd June Jephson Gardens, Leamington Spa – Heartbreak Productions' Mr Stink T: 01926 430307 www.heartbreakproductions.co.uk 5th & 6th June CBSO Centre, Birmingham – Notelets: Under the Sea T: 0121 616 6500 www.cbso.co.uk 6th June Birmingham Repertory Theatre – First Stages – Little Red T: 0121 236 4455 www.birmingham-rep.co.uk 16th – 20th June The Belgrade Theatre – The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas T: 024 7655 3055 www.belgrade.co.uk 16th – 20th June Solihull Arts Complex – The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe T: 0121 704 6962 www.solihullartscomplex.co.uk 10th – 11th May The Theatre Chipping Norton – Danny the Champion of the World T: 01608 642350 20th June Warwick Arts Centre – Sing-a-long-aFROZEN T: 024 7652 4524 www.chippingnortontheatre.co.uk www.warwickartscentre.co.uk 34 Raring2go! THEATRE BOOK ONLINE ONLINE to save save money 26 – 30 Ma May ay Kids from from £10.25 16 - 20 JJune une Tickets Tick ets from from £10 - £16.50 Saave 20% off the cost of your full price ce tickkeets when you book equivalent amounts fo or these two shows at the same time. BOOK NO NOW W 024 7655 3055 www.belgrade.co.uk www.belgrade.co.uk RETURNING TO THE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE THEATRE THIS WINTER FROM 17 NOVEMBER A M AGIC AL V ER SION OF JM BARRIE'S CLASSIC CHILDREN'S STORY BY ELL A HICKSON ADAPTED FROM THE NOVEL BY JM BARRIE ‘SPECTACULAR’ ‘MAGICAL’ TIMES 0844 800 1110 WHATSONSTAGE.COM ‘DELIGHTFUL’ ‘GRIPPING’ EVENING STANDARD DAILY TELEGRAPH W W W.RSC.ORG.UK /WENDYANDPETER BOOK EAR LY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT www.raring2go.co.uk 35 The multi-award winning onling reading programme for 3-13 year olds. Reading Eggs provides a comprehensive range of online reading lessons and eBooks that teach children aged 3-13 the literacy skills needed for lifetime reading success. The reason why over 90% of parents using Reading Eggs report a noticeable improvement in their child’s reading skills is because the programme makes learning phonics and basic reading skills fun. With hundreds of reading lessons and activities to explore, sign up for our special 4 WEEK TRIAL* and see first-hand how your child’s reading can improve in just 4 weeks! FREE 4 WEEK TRIAL* Register today at www.readingeggs.co.uk/spring w Registration is quick, easy and FREE Offer ends July 31st, 2015! Reg *Free trial only available for new customers who sign up at the above address *Fr TThe he multi-awa multi-awa d winning winning online online eading eading p ogramme! ogramme! Raring2go! EDUCATION Open Evening Friday 3 July 2015 Junior and Senior Schools 7.00 - 9.00 pm Scholarships and bursaries available For details and a prospectus please contact: The Admissions Registrar T: 01926 776400 E: [email protected] www.warwickschool.org www.raring2go.co.uk Warwick School Independent boys’ school (7-18 years) 37 Raring2go! FINANCE 9 top tips for planning your perfect family holiday BOOKING a holiday for a family can be very stressful and take some of the enjoyment out of the holiday, a little forward planning, can help make the trip all the more enjoyable and cheaper. Here are my top 9 tips for planning your perfect family holiday. 1. Book early Holiday companies offer great discounts if you book early, with free child places too, but you need to book 12-18 months in advance to get these deals. So check school term dates and decide where you want to go, then as soon as the holidays are released, get booking. You will only need to pay a deposit initially, but it’s a good idea to start saving and make a note of when the balance is due to make sure you have the money ready. 2. Or book last minute There are some good deals still to be had when booking late, if you can be flexible on where you are going and when you go. Factor in extra costs such as getting to an airport further away. You can even book UK cottages lastminute from companies such as www.snaptip.co.uk or www.cottages4u.co.uk. 3. Book extras in advance If you know you will need airport parking, additional luggage or even to keep the room in your resort on your last day, it is often much cheaper to add these to the holiday when you are booking rather than paying for them on the day. These additional extras can increase the costs of your holiday quite substantially. 6. Holiday money It’s a good idea to set a budget before you go. Firstly think about how much you need for food, drinks, excursions or car hire. Then set that money aside or start saving for it, so that you can truly enjoy your holiday. Many places abroad now widely accept debit and credit card payments, but not all, so it’s worth having some cash, also for buying smaller items such as ice creams, treats and tipping. Shop around to find the best exchange rate and no commission, and somewhere that will buy back money you haven’t spent; supermarkets and the Post Office often give competitive rates. But don’t use your credit card to pay for foreign currency, as your credit card company will charge you a cash-handling fee. 7. Packing Most airlines have a weight restriction on your luggage, which they do stick to, so if you’ve packed more than the weight allowed you will either have to take things out or pay an extra fee, which can be very expensive. 8. Bring your own entertainment It is inevitable that children will need entertaining at the airport, on the flight and during the holiday. Children’s magazines, although expensive, do contain a lot of activities you can do together. A pack of playing cards can entertain for hours, along with old-fashioned games such as ‘Guess who I am’. 9. Holiday pocket money for children 4. Plan ahead If you are going on holiday outside of the main UK summer, it’s worth planning ahead and buying sun cream and holiday clothes early so that you aren’t frantically trying to find somewhere to buy summer clothes in October or February. 5. Don’t forget the insurance Buying the insurance offered with your holiday is often more expensive than if you search online and buy it independently, but make sure you set yourself a reminder to buy it before you go. Holidays are often the first time a child is given their own money to spend. Set aside an amount for each child, put it in their purse and let them make the decisions on how they want to spend it. You might want to encourage them not to spend it all on ice creams on the first day, but often the best way of learning how to manage their own money is by making their own mistakes. Fay’s first book ‘7 Steps to teaching your child to save: A parent’s guide to raising financially independent children’ is available from Amazon in both paperback and Kindle format, only 99p on Kindle. To find out more about workshops for children and parents or financial mentoring visit www.lookafteryourpennies.com or email [email protected]. 38 Breathe in that fresh air Spring breaks from just £79 * Plus save up to an extra £50 * with this Raring2Go offer haven.com/raring2go 0871 230 1917 Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras Quote: z_raring2 Terms and conditions: Spring breaks from £79* lead in prices are based on a family of up to six sharing a standard two bedroom caravan holiday home during mid week for 4 nights on selected dates and parks. Save up to £50 based on 7 night breaks taken between 17 July – 27 August on Standard, Standard Plus, Superior, Deluxe, Prestige and Platinum caravans, Lodges, plus all Apartments and Chalets, other discounts are available on other dates and grades of accommodation. Visit www.haven.com/raring2go for full details. Prices are correct as of 11 February 2015 and Haven Holidays reserve the right to withdraw the offers at any time and are subject to availability. Offer applies to new direct bookings only and cannot be booked through a travel agent, affiliate or on any Haven park. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with vouchers or any other discount or offer. Offer is subject to availability and may be amended at anytime without notice. Haven Holidays is a trading name of Bourne Leisure, registered in England and Wales, no 04011660. Registered office 1 Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. 71249 Raring2go! BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Raring2get involved? Could you be the NEW Editor of Raring2go! In South Warwickshire and Solihull AFTER 9 amazing years as the Editor of Raring2go! I am excited to be looking for the new Editor to take over locally. As a mum with three small children in 2006, setting up and developing Raring2go! gave me amazing flexibility to be able to work from home, work flexibly around my family, be there to do both school runs, be around if needed for not just sickness and inset days but also assemblies, concerts and, more importantly, for school holidays. We’ve also enjoyed free entry to so many attractions, events and fun places over the years, which I’ve very much enjoyed sharing with you all. Would you like to: • Work from home with hours to suit your family, giving you that work life balance? • Be your own boss but also have the support of a network of fellow experienced Editors and a proven successful brand? • Start a rewarding career and become a part of your local community? Have you always dreamed of running your own business, making your own decisions, taking control of your working life and looking for a family friendly opportunity? If you’re great with people and organised, then becoming the new editor of Raring2go! in South Warwickshire and Solihull could be for you! 40 Even though you will be your own boss, working from home and running the business your way, you will still have the support of a great Midlands team as well as a wider team. Raring2go! thinks this is crucial to the success of your business and have developed an in-house system that champions information sharing, support and guidance between franchisees. There is also an active forum for swapping ideas, suggestions, artwork, editorial features as well as business leads. Raring2go! offers an excellent training and support package and Head Office is always there to answer any questions so you’re never alone. Some experience is an advantage but when I started the franchise in 2006, I had never owned my own business. Please call Sara on 01926 851929 if you would like to find out more or email [email protected] or [email protected]. Raring2go! COMPETITIONS WIN one of NINE family tickets to Compton Verney this spring Raring2go! is NINE years old this Spring and the lovely people at Compton Verney are very kindly helping me celebrate by joining with us to offer NINE family tickets to their fabulous Art Gallery, Museum & Grounds. Compton Verney is a great place for families. Whatever the weather, there’s something for every member of the family to enjoy. From the children's adventure playground, willow tunnels and nature trails to allweather explorer backpacks and arty activities every school holiday, there's always plenty to capture the imagination, stimulate the mind and keep your children happy and interested. This Easter holiday there are Forest Schools and clay pot making sessions. Visit www.comptonverney.org.uk or follow them on Facebook www.facebook.com/comptonverney. We’ve hidden NINE Compton Verney pink splats like this: throughout the magazine. To be in with a chance of winning one of the NINE family passes just find the splats and let us know what pages they are on! (Hint – they may be peeking behind adverts or hiding near listings!) Enter online at www.raring2go.co.uk/win or send your answer to: [email protected] or post to: Raring2go! South Warwickshire, 25, De Montfort Rd, Kenilworth, Warks CV8 1DE. Full terms and conditions on page 42. Closing date 8th May 2015 WIN one of NINE Horrible Histories prizes from the Belgrade Theatre We also have NINE fabulous prizes from the Belgrade Theatre to help celebrate Raring2go!’s NINTH birthday this Spring and the arrival of the Horrible Histories gang. There are THREE family tickets and SIX Goodie Bags to be won! Thousands of years after the Ruthless Romans, Savage Saxons & Vicious Vikings stormed ashore on the coast of Britain and the Gruesome Greeks competed in the first ever Olympic Games, you can relive those horribly exciting times by bringing your family to see Birmingham Stage Company’s brand new Horrible Histories stage shows, Groovy Greeks and Incredible Invaders coming to the Belgrade theatre from Tues 26 – Sat 30 May! We have THREE family tickets (4 people, min 1 adult) to giveaway to see Groovy Greeks on Tues 26 May at 7pm. We also have SIX Horrible Histories Goodie Bags for the runners up! You could be in with a chance of winning if you answer this question correctly: The Groovy Greeks won the Trojan War by making a large wooden statue of which animal to fool the inhabitants of Troy? 1. A camel 2. A horse 3. A chicken Enter online at www.raring2go.co.uk/win or send your answer to: [email protected] or post to: Raring2go! South Warwickshire, 25, De Montfort Rd, Kenilworth, Warks CV8 1DE. Full terms and conditions on page 42. Closing date 8th May 2015 www.raring2go.co.uk 41 Raring2go! COMPETITIONS Competition Winners Congratulations to the lucky winners of our great Winter competitions – we had some in the magazine and others online – so we had lots and lots of lucky winners. Cara Sarkar won the amazing SIX family theatre ticket package for the Belgrade Theatre and can’t wait to take her lovely daughters Indi and Layli to see all the shows. Victoria Black took Eleanor and Jenny as our press reporters to see Only A Day at The Belgrade and got to meet the cast, directors and see behind the scenes – they had a great evening and loved the show too! Edward Newton, age 6 from Ridgeway School, Warwick win the Family Annual Pass for the Black Country Living Museum; we hope you have lots of great days out there Edward – we love it! And Imogen Page from Rugby won the pass for her family to have a day out on the Severn Valley Railway; have fun. Do tell us all about your days out – we’d love to hear from you! As we are celebrating our 9th year this Spring, we have lots of amazing competitions with fabulous prizes for you to win. We have NINE Compton Verney family COMPETITION TERMS & CONDITIONS: Send your competition responses to: Raring2go! South Warwickshire, 25 De Montfort Road, Kenilworth, Warks, CV8 1DE or email [email protected]. Please include all the information requested so we can contact you easily if you are the lucky winner: please include you and your parents’ name, address, telephone number, email address, and where you received your copy of Raring2go! Closing date for entries is shown on each competition. Entries received after that date will not be counted. 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. Personal data will be processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998. All entrants’ details will be passed onto the appropriate competition provider for marketing purposes as shown on the competition. If you do not wish to be sent marketing communications by the competition provider then please let us know in your entry. 42 Here are Eleanor and Jenny meeting the cast of Only A Day at The Belgrade tickets, Nine Belgrade theatre prizes, an annual family pass for Hatton, tickets to the Lunar Festival weekend, the Kenilworth Show and the Cosford Airshow! There are more exclusive online competitions too! Keep checking the website www.raring2go.co.uk/leamington/win (remember to set your location to where you live in South Warwickshire to make sure you are on the local site!) Don’t forget to find and like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to hear about the exclusive competitions and offers there too. And get entering now. Copyright © 2015 by 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 or retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the publisher. Requests for permission or further information should be addressed to the Publishers. Published by Raring2go! South Warwickshire. Email: [email protected]. Telephone: 01926 863530 All information in this booklet is published in good faith and cannot be reproduced without written permission. 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 businesses featured. Printed by Evonprint Limited. Telephone: 01273 494631 Raring2go! COMPETITIONS WIN an annual family membership to Easter 2015 sees the launch of a BRAND NEW feature at Hatton Adventure World; Laser Combat. To celebrate, Hatton and Raring2go! have teamed up to offer readers the chance to win an annual family membership - worth £288! This great prize includes unlimited entry to the Adventure World and Superslide Mania indoor soft play for a family of up to five people, three members’ newsletters with vouchers and offers, invitations to two exclusive events, discounts on children’s birthday parties & entry to the Enchanted Christmas Kingdom. Over 8's can enjoy the exciting new outdoor Laser Combat activity as well as all the usual Easter fun, from Easter Bunny Hunts to their Easter Garden where children can search for eggs to exchange for chocolate treats. The full choc-o-bloc programme will be operating during its Easter Eggstravaganza (28th March to 12th April), including tractor rides, bouncy castles, panning for gold as well WIN a family weekend ticket to the Lunar Festival Created with children and families in mind as all the usual animals plus indoor and outdoor adventure play. Easter also sees the return of Hatton’s Grand National Sheepstakes sheep racing and the breathtaking Bird-o-batics falconry displays. The fun continues indoors with Superslide Mania – a 12,000 sq ft indoor play area with three giant slides, a ball pool splash and an abundance of soft play. There are also some 300 resident farm animals, including rare breeds, plus hundreds of guinea pigs in their very own village. Every day visitors can meet the farmyard’s new arrivals. For a chance of winning just answer the following question: What’s the name of the BRAND NEW feature launching at Hatton Adventure World this Easter: A: Combat World B: Laser Fun C: Laser Combat Enter online at www.raring2go.co.uk/win or send your answer to: [email protected] or post to: Raring2go! South Warwickshire, 25, De Montfort Rd, Kenilworth, Warks CV8 1DE. Full terms and conditions opposite. Closing date 8th May 2015 THE Lunar Festival is an eclectic, affordable 3 day Festival with a really exciting, jam packed program of workshops and activities over the weekend, perfect for families. Raring2go! has teamed up with the Lunar Festival to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a family weekend ticket - for 2 adults and 2 children under 16. The Lunar Festival is on from 5th-7th June at Umberslade Farm. The Family Campsite is right next to Umberslade Children’s farm. In the daytime you’ll have free access to the farm including the Adventure Playground and the Farmhouse Cafe. Visit www.lunarfestival.co.uk or follow them on Facebook www.facebook.com/thelunarfestival. It’s a world class music and arts festival full of fun and on your doorstep....Not to be missed. All you have to do to enter this great competition is just answer this question! Who will be DJing the family disco on Friday night? (Hint – see editorial on page 33!) Enter online at www.raring2go.co.uk/win or send your answer to: [email protected] or post to: Raring2go! South Warwickshire, 25, De Montfort Rd, Kenilworth, Warks CV8 1DE. Please include you and your parents’ name, address, telephone number, email, and where you received your copy of Raring2go! Full terms and conditions see opposite page Closing date for entries is 8th May 2015 More Competitions online: www.raring2go.co.uk There are even more chances to win online – like tickets to the Cosford Air Show. New competitions are added all the time so keep checking! 43 EASTER ADVENTURE QUEST Fri 3 – Mon 6 April 11am – 5pm It’s time to get clue-cracking and seek out your chocolate reward. Registered charity no. 1140351