Birmingham and Solihull

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2011 ISSUE #1

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Playgroundbullying

Where to find Santa

Win a family trip to

London

FREE

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NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2011 ISSUE 6

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Birmingham and Solihull

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk Contents

CALLS COST FROM 5P PER MINUTE, 5% TRANSACTION CHARGE APPLIES

Issue 6 3

News

Clubs and classes

Meningitis alert

Taking on school bullies

What can you do if your child plays up?

Off to see Santa

Gift guide

What’s on

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6

9

10

12

14

16

18

In this Issue...4

6

14

9

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We take care preparing this magazine but the publisher and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers, nor for the accuracy of the contents nor its consequence.

Next Issue: Advertisers: book your space now for ourJanuary/February 2012 issue.Call 0758 352 6056or e-mail editor@familiesbirmingham.co.ukbefore Monday, December 5.

Time flies. After our wonderful Indian summer in early October, we are now in the countdown to

Christmas and hoping for a repeat of last year’s white winter wonderland.But there is lots to do before then. Anti-bullying week falls in November so in this issue we take a look at playground bullying and what parents can do to stop it. And as winter gets us in its grip, we discuss the threat posed by meningitis and offer advice on how to spot the signs.On a more festive note, look at our gift guide on hot techno toys this Christmas, and our suggestions for thinking outside the box and coming up with some more original gift ideas. We tell you, too, where you can catch up with Father Christmas as he swoops in for his pre-Christmas tour of the West Midlands, and we highlight all the wonderful Christmas shows and pantomimes.If you are dreading the Christmas shop this year, read about Funky Monkey’s shop and drop, or if you are pregnant and want to look good for the party season but can’t face shopping – read about Bumpalicious Maternity’s one to one service. And yes, we know it is a bit early, but we wish you all a very happy family Christmas.

Families Birmingham & Solihull, EditorWendy Flynn

Front page picture by photo artist Abby Wilkes. Abby won the West Midlands Master Photographer Award for her work with children three years in a row.She specialises in photographing children and families, creating art from life’s special moments. Contact Abby for more information:07966 867306. www.abbywilkes.com

Design: www.MattWaltonDesign.co.uk Printed by: Warwick Printers, Caswell Road, Leamington Spa Copyright Families Birmingham and Solihull, November 2011

MATHS

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www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

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If you want children to enjoy classical music in a way which is fun and accessible check out Polar - a stunning production of music and film on at the Symphony Hall on Dec 21.

Polar is an HD journey to the magical frozen lands and seas at the ends of the Earth where you will listen to the music of Beethoven, Tchaikovsky and Sibelius against a backdrop of captivating images from the icy landscapes.

See the white blizzards, dazzling blue oceans and vast wilderness of the South. Watch the mighty polar bear, the haunting beluga whales and beautiful humpback whales in the company of the CBSO, performing the live soundtrack, specially chosen and arranged by John Harle.

Check Families What’s On section, too, for CBSO’s It’s Magic concert for families and Noel Notelets event for younger children. www.thsh.co.uk www.cbso.co.uk

COMPETITION

One lucky family will win a fairy tale weekend in London worth over £1,000! Your weekend will include four fantastic tickets to

Bloomsbury, and four London Passes giving you access to over 50

To enter go to www.familiesonline.co.uk/competitions and use the code: TRIP-SHREK

Win a New Year treat for your family!

Full terms and conditions: www.familiesonline.co.uk/competitions

Issue 6 5

Take your children to the ballet and let them get swept up in the drama of the Nutcracker. Not only is it one of the most famous classical ballets of all time, but the story has great child appeal.

Clara creeps downstairs one Christmas to play with her new Nutcracker doll and is swept up in the fantasy of toy soldiers, giant rats, snow fairies, magic and mystery. After saving her beloved Nutcracker from the King of Rats, she is whisked away to an enchanted land, meeting a host of exotic characters, before she is finally transformed into a beautiful ballerina.

Check out Birmingham Royal Ballet’s special family offer with two children under 16 paying half price with a full paying adult. The Nutcracker opens at the Hippodrome on Friday, November 25 and runs until Sunday, December 11.

Polar

Lost and foundSo far this school year the tally stands at:

• lost cardigans (2 including one brand new); recovered cardigans (1 – the old one which had a name tag);

• lost shoes, (1 pair), I kid you not, left behind at an after school gymnastics session; recovered shoes (1 pair from lost property box). Just lucky that nobody else with the same pair of black school shoes lost them on the same day!

Last year I was fab and all the uniform was labelled before the kids went back to school. This autumn I slipped up, which is why I am now visiting Labels4Kids.com/fam – the award winning website set up by mum Anne Maree Morrison who got fed up with her own children coming home with other children’s clothes. All the best business ideas are born from personal need.

This growing company produces vinyl waterproof labels, iron on, stick on and sew on labels and now has a dedicated parent clientele from across the globe (clearly kids losing stuff is a uniform problem worldwide).

From now on I will be labelling every item of clothing, bags, shoes and sundries to within an inch of their life. It might just save me the cost of having to replace an entire set of school clothes and equipment! Check out www.labels4kids.com/fam

Family-friendlySutton ColdfieldDo you live in B74? If so you have chosen wisely. These leafy suburbs are rated in the top ten family-friendly places to live in the UK.

The postcode survey, undertaken by Family Investments, ranked areas according to education, amenities, population profile, crime rates and property affordability (relative to local salaries). Areas in B74 – Four Oaks, Streetly, Little Aston, Sutton Four Oaks, Sutton Park, Sutton Trinity and Sutton Vessey - scored highly and B74 is deemed the 8th best postcode area in Britain

to bring up a family.

Factors taken into account included: 17 per cent of early years care in the area ranked as

outstanding; average key stage 2 SATS scores of 29.64; crime per capita of 0.02; the average

price of a 2 bed house at £171,000 and average local salary of £31,000.

The survey also examined ease of access to amenities such as shops and leisure facilities.

And of course, the all important green spaces: residents here have Sutton Park on their doorstep, one of the largest

urban parks in Europe.

Don’t live in B74? Check how your postcode area is rated by logging on to: www.familyinvestments.co.uk/hotspots

A Christmas ballet A Christmas ballet A Christmas ballet

News www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk News

Partying while pregnant!Are you a mum-to-be who wants to look stylish for the Christmas party season? You can’t face the crowded shopping mall, but still like to try before

you buy?

Amanda Rees, the owner of Birmingham-based online business Bumpalicious Maternity, has

the perfect solution. She will come to you.

Whether you want one-to-one style advice or would like to hold a party for mums from your ante-natal class, Amanda will chat to you before bringing

you outfits to try in the comfort of your own home. And the personal service won’t cost you a penny extra. Call Amanda on 07766 714926 for more information.

4 Issue 6

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk www.familiesbirmingham.co.ukSummer Fun Summer Funwww.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

EdgbastonPriory Club

For more informationcontact Sue.Harris@edgbastonpriory.com

or call 0121 440 2492

Edgbaston Priory Club off ers tennis courses and coaching for ages from

3 upwards, and to all levels. Come learn, have fun, improve

your game, join a team andmake some friends.

Could you be the next Andy Murray or Venus Williams?

Monday to Saturday during term time Weekdays in holiday time in our Kids Camp.

Keep fi t and have fun!

Issue 6 7

Clubs & Classes Clubs & Classes www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

6 Issue 6

Quote: PLDAN1

Free Ballet lesson for 3-6 yearolds at Planet Dance.

For full details & to book your class call Bevon 0121-705-6751

www.planet-dance.co.uk

Get creative with the kidsThe Creation Station – arts and crafts classes for toddlers – is now up and running in Solihull as well as in Sutton Coldfield.The arts and crafts classes for Little Explorers (age 1-5) and the Baby Discovery classes (for 3-18 months) offer children the chance to use their imaginations and have fun sticking, glueing, painting and creating.Christine Cox has taken over the Creation Station franchise in Solihull and is offering classes in Bentley Heath, Dorridge, Monkspath, Dickens Heath and Tanworth in Arden, while Sue Morrow Jones is running classes in Sutton Coldfield, Streetly and Aldridge with further classes planned for Shenley.

The weekly classes cost £5 a session and £2.50 for a sibling and Christine is offering

a - “buy one and get the second class free” - trial for mums and children in Solihull.

The Creation Station also run Arty Parties and arts and crafts workshops for older children in school holidays.

For further information on Creation Station Solihull call Christine

on 0844 854 9099 or e-mail: christine@thecreationstation.co.ukand for Sutton Coldfield call Sue on 0844 854 9089

or e-mail: sue@thecreationstation.co.uk.

Rugby MonkeysJoin the ‘scrum’ for places at the new rugby classes for pre-schoolers now running in Solihull and Birmingham.

The fun classes for 3-5 year olds are run by Amii Attard and focus on foundation skills used in rugby.

“It’s fun and completely non-contact at this stage, but it introduces core skills of passing, kicking and running as well as an introduction to tag rugby,” says Amii.

The current classes are at Solihull Tudor Grange Centre and Moseley School Health and Fitness centre with more venues being added for January. Call Amii on 07807 297 511 or e-mail info@rugbymonkeys.co.uk

Does your child or young teen have a burning ambition to be a movie star or would they prefer to be behind the camera?

Whether they are a diva in-the-making, a film buff, or a child who loves technical things introduce them to

the art of film-making with Young Film Makers.

Their new Saturday afternoon courses for 8-16 year-olds run at the Walker Memorial Hall

on Ampton Road, Edgbaston. You can try it out with a FREE two-session taster course. Learn about directing, camera work, acting and story-making while having great fun in the process.

Plans are also in place for a Young Film Makers school in Solihull starting in January 2012 and a free trial course will also be offered. Call Al Rea on 0870 383 0082 to book your free trial at either venue.

Movie-Making in Birminghamand Solihull

B A L L E T S C H O O L S

For classes in Moseley,Hall Green & Bournville contact:

Learn to ski in a day. Off on a ski holiday or perhaps you have never tried ski-ing? Try some some seasonal ski and snowboarding fun at Ackers Adventure near Birmingham City Centre, or the Snowdome in Tamworth which has real snow all year round.

On Wednesday, December 14, Ackers is offering free tobogganing for under

12’s with 2 for 1 ski or snowboard taster sessions for adults and juniors. Or if you want to improve your ski skills before heading for the alpine slopes, why not take advantage of the 2 for 1 ski lesson taster sessions on December 28-29 and 30. The centre’s first ski course of the season is on Saturday 12th November and pre booking is essential on 0121 772 5111.

A ‘piste-ful’ Christmas

Edgbaston Watersports

Call 0845 310 0280 for further informationwww.edgbastonwatersports.co.uk Follow us on facebook

Awarded the Learning Outside the Classroom

(LOTC) quality badge for adventure sports.

Call 0845 310 0280 for further informationwww.edgbastonwatersports.co.uk Follow us on facebookCall 0845 310 0280 for further informationwww.edgbastonwatersports.co.uk Follow us on facebookCall 0845 310 0280 for further informationwww.edgbastonwatersports.co.uk Follow us on facebook

More kids being tutoredIncreasing numbers of parents are turning to private tutors to help their children through exams, according to new research. A survey of 2,700 11 to 16-year-olds by the educational charity the Sutton Trust found that almost a quarter have received some form of private tuition, compared with 18 per cent four years ago. “Private tuition appears to be booming despite the recession,” said Sir Peter Lampl, Sutton Trust chairman.

Part time pre-schoolA 3-day pre-school has just launched at St Giles’ Church Hall in Sheldon taking children from the age of 2.

The pre-school has been started by Jane Miller who has spent the last ten years working in childcare, and it is running on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

A morning or afternoon session costs £9.50 or working mums can opt for full days at £22.50. To find out more contact Jane on 074150 72485.

Acting – Screen and Stage

Voice/SingingTheatrical & Media Make Up

Costume

AnimationStage Management

Filming

Set DesignDance/Movement

www.unique-individuals.co.ukinfo@unique-individuals.co.uk3-18years Every Saturday10am -1pm @ Custard Factory, Digbeth, B‛ham B9 4AATEL: 07970 616918

www.familiesbirmingham.co.ukClubs & Classes www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Clubs & Classes Directory To advertise here call 0758 352 6056

TUITIONGENIE PRIVATE TUTORS CENTRES

Run By Teachers For Children• Experienced Teacher for your child • Qualified CRB Checked Teachers • English & Maths • Entrance Exams & GCSEs • Primary & Secondary

Edgbaston & Harborne 0121 456 4406 Hollywood 01564 822 882

www.private-tutors-centres.co.uk

Youth Theatre Group, Age 6+ St Thomas’ Church,

Garretts Green Lane, Sheldon, B26 2SA Telephone: 0121 722 3761

MASQUERADE MUSICAL THEATRE

Ballet, Tap and Jazz age 2 ½ +Branches in Yardley and Shirley

Telephone: 0121 744 1422 www.dubarrieschoolofdance.co.uk

DUBARRIE SCHOOL OF DANCE

DANCE & DRAMARIALTO DANCE ACADEMY

Salsa, Belly-dance, Cheerleading Waltz, Jive, Street, Break-dance

1 Shirley Rd, Acocks Green B27 7XU Call 07725 000 732 or find us online

BABY SIGNING

Sutton Coldfield and Lichfield From 0 to 2 years

Telephone: 07851 627 651 www.tinytalk.co.uk

TINYTALK BABY SIGNING

THEATRETRAIN SOLIHULL Dancing, Acting & Singing

Classes for 6-18 years Call Sara on 01675 443540 www.theatretrain.co.ukTHE COMPANY THAT LOVES TO PERFORM

DIZZY DANCERSVarious ages and SEN welcome Based in Highgate, Birmingham.

01527 870889 www.dizzydancers.co.uk

MUSICThe Rock Project (Solihull)

7-16 yr olds (2 Hour Sessions) GUITAR, BASS or DRUM lessons.

Tel: 0845 226 3318 www.therockproject.com

MUSIC

MUSIC

TIM TANDLER DRUM SCHOOL1-to-1 drum tuition, City Centre locationRock School grades 1-8. Ages 4 upwards.

Tel: 0121 503 5849www.timtandlerdrumschool.co.uk

B I R M I N G H A M

Tel: 0121 503 5849www.birminghamdrumschool.co.uk

1-to-1 drum tuition,City Centre location

Rock School grades 1-8.Ages 4 upwards.

PRE-SCHOOL MUSIC

Call 0121 711 4224 for nearest classwww.rhythmtime.net

Early learning through musicBaby, toddler and pre-school classes

PYJAMA DRAMADrama for creative little people, 6 months -7 years

Sing, dance, pretend, play. Call Kate on 0800 542 0363

or e-mail: kate@pyjamadrama.com

DANCE & DRAMA

Meningitis strikes without warning It is awful just sitting there watching your

child fighting for his life and there is nothing you can do to help except will them on to live. You are in total shock. “For Solihull mum Beth, recalling how her son Josh, 9, was struck down with meningitis in March is still all too raw. By the time he was diagnosed, Josh’s family was told he might not survive the next 48 hours.

Beth is backing Meningitis Research Foundation’s ‘Counting the Cost of Meningitis’ campaign which this month will press parliament to ensure tackling meningitis remains a key public health priority.

Every year an estimated 3,400 children, teenagers and adults contract meningitis and septicaemia – that is an average of nine people every day contracting this deadly disease which can strike without warning, killing one in ten and leaving a quarter of survivors with life-long after effects.

While it is true that vaccines are available for some strains of the disease, they do not cover all, and Beth warns parents to be aware of all symptoms to look for.

“Most parents know about the rash but Josh didn’t have a rash – so I never thought he might have meningitis. He had a temperature and was being sick and was generally unwell, but his sister had a virus the week before and I thought he had caught that.”

Beth took him to the doctor who suspected a severe chest infection, gave him antibiotics and warned his mum to take him to hospital if he did not improve. When Beth did that, the hospital doctor sent him home with penicillin believing he had tonsillitis. It was only when Josh became sleepy and difficult to rouse that he was rushed to hospital as an emergency. At that stage his white blood cells levels were trebling.

Within a day he was showing sensitivity to light – and a day later had a stiff neck. It was touch and go whether he would live.

Thankfully Josh pulled through – although Beth says that even months later the illness is still leaving its mark. It is an experience Beth wants no other parent to face.

“

Trust your instincts. If you are worried about someone who is ill, get medical help immediately.

Know the Symptoms. Please keep this for reference.• Meningitis and septicaemia can be hard to recognise at first.

Symptoms can appear in any order, but the first symptoms are usually fever, vomiting, headache and feeling unwell, just like many mild

illnesses. Red ticks show symptoms that are more specific to meningitis and septicaemia and less common in milder illnesses.

Limb pain & cold hands & feet often appear earlier than symptoms like rash, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light and confusion.

• Not everyone gets all of these symptoms.

• Septicaemia can occur with or without meningitis. www.meningitis.org

8 Issue 6 Issue 6 9

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk Health

10 Issue 6

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Sticks and stones may break my bones, and names DO hurt

When my bright, bubbly daughter, who was chatting happily on her way to school, went quiet on nearing the school gates, I didn’t think much of it. But when it happened again the next day, and again the following day, I began to wonder.

Gentle probing elicited no answers, but I began to sense what was happening when I saw her bounding up to a friend she had

seen in the playground, stop suddenly and literally hang her head in a picture of misery. She wasn’t avoiding her friend – rather she

was staying out of the way of another girl who was picking on her – taunting her in the playground at break-time, priming others to refuse to

let her join in their games, and making faces at her in the classroom behind the teacher’s back.

Within a short space of time my child had gone from being confident and

As anti-bullying week approaches, mum Carol Holland explains why she spoke up when bullying became an issue for her daughter.

Education Educationwww.familiesbirmingham.co.uk www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Norfolk HouseNurseryNorfolk House School

Norfolk House Nursery

4 Norfolk Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 3PS Tel. 0121 454 7021 www.norfolkhouseschool.co.ukNorfolk House School is an independent preparatory school for children aged between 3 & 11 years.

3 Norfolk Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 3PSTel. 0121 452 1485 www.nhnursery.co.uk

Norfolk House Nursery is a day nursery for childrenaged between 3 months & 4 years

well-adjusted in this small, friendly school to feeling anxious, isolated and clingy. As a parent I was in a quandary. Was this a childish spat that would blow over? Or was this a genuine case of bullying that needed to be tackled head on?

I talked about it with my daughter and, rather to my regret, I decided to keep an eye on the situation and play a wait and see game.

It was only when her teacher called me over at the end of school to tell me that a boy with challenging behaviour had slapped my daughter in the playground the previous day (in a totally unrelated incident), that I saw the light and raised the other issue with her. I knew the slap was a one-off – my daughter had spoken about it and was largely unfazed by it – but the insidious behaviour of the girl who was taunting her was hurting her a lot more. It needed to be addressed.

Sticks and stones may break bones, but names DO hurt and bullying is never acceptable.

Research has shown that a child is more likely to tell a family member that they are being bullied than their teacher so in most cases parents need to be an advocate for their child.

Often a child won’t tell you directly they are being bullied, but there are some classic signs and symptoms that should sound alarm bells for example, they:

• Say they feel ‘ill’ every morning• Are crying and having nightmares• Display uncharacteristic behaviour – anxiety or aggression• ‘Lose’ dinner money often• Have unexplained cuts or bruises• Are frightened of going to schoolThe good news is that all schools must by law have a policy to deal with bullying so you should feel confident approaching teachers for help and advice so that problems can be nipped in the bud. Most schools actively encourage parents to report incidents of bullying so they can deal with problems early.

If you are raising a concern formally, schools should investigate, take action to deal with any bullying, and monitor the situation to ensure it is not re-occurring. In more serious cases, strategies should be put in place to make sure your child is safe and supported.

But this is not just an issue for schools to deal with in isolation. School policies often focus on the bully and the victim, but there is a third dimension – the bystanders, those pupils who see it happen but do nothing to challenge it. We should encourage our children, not just to be assertive on their own behalf, but to be assertive on behalf of others. Children have an innate sense of fairness and many will feel uncomfortable at seeing another child bullied, just as they are relieved they are not the focus of such attention.

As parents we instinctively don’t want our children being drawn into ‘someone else’s battle’ because we want them to protect themselves. But perhaps we should help them to have the courage to speak out.

Sometimes standing up to the bully or befriending the victim will be enough to quash one-off incidents. But often the best course of action when bullying is persistent is speaking with a lunchtime supervisor or teacher about what is happening. Children should know that when they do this, they are acting responsibly, and not ‘being a sneak’.

It does take courage and maturity to stand up to a school bully rather than standing by, but if your child develops the confidence and leadership skills needed to stand up for others, they will also be able to stand up for themselves.

If your child is the victim of bullying, then they are in good company: Bill Gates, Jimi Hendrix, Jessica Alba, John Lennon, Tyra

Banks, to name just a handful. In fact it

seems that the more creative and talented

the child, the more likely they are to suffer.

As a former bullying victim herself, Jennifer Thomson has channelled

her own bitterness into a searing determination to help other victims. Whilst

the book can make for stressful reading at times,

with some heart-breaking

first hand accounts, it’s packed with practical advice and useful contacts, with a step-by-step guide to spotting the signs of bullying in your child, stopping the abuse, and rectifying the damage that has been done to their confidence. This valuable and empowering book will arm parents with all they need to fight for their children’s right to a happy childhood.

Families Rating: 5 out of 6

By Jennifer Thomson

Published by JNeed2Know

RRP £9.99

ISBN: 978-1-86144-216-1

Bullying: A Parent’s Guide

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Issue 6 11

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk ParentingParenting

Day Nursery SchoolsQuality Pre-School Education and Care

• Ages 3 months to 5 years• Small group sizes• Open 8.00am to 6.00pm• Mature qualifi ed staff• Home cooked meals• Ofsted approved• CCTV and Door-entry security• Grant Funding processed• Teachers specializing in Music, Dance & French (subject to availability)

Day NurserySchoolsQuality

Pre-SchoolEducationand Care

106 Wake Green RoadMoseley, B13 9PZ.Tel: 0121-449-3673106 Wake Green Road

Moseley, B13 9PZ.Tel: 0121-449-3673

19 Woodland Road,Northfi eld, B31 2HU.

Tel: 0121-475-841619 Woodland Road,Northfi eld, B31 2HU.Tel: 0121-475-8416

• Ages 3 months to 5 years• Small group sizes• Open 8.00am to 6.00pm• Mature qualifi ed staff• Home cooked meals• Ofsted approved

• CCTV and Door-entry security• Grant Funding processed• Teachers specializing in Music, Dance & French (subject to availability)

FREE places for 3 & 4 year oldsTaking names now for January term

Fort Dunlop | Fort Parkway | Birmingham | B24 9HLwww.funkymonkeys.co.uk | fortdunlopnursery@funkymonkeys.co.uk

Open Daily 7.30am - 6.00pm Tel: 0121 748 5824

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Loving, caring and quality childcare in homelysettings

Erdington - 0121 384 8096Edgbaston - 0121 455 6026

Open 7.00am – 6.15pmHarborne - 0121 427 5040

Open 7.30am – 6.15pm

As Child and Educational Psychologists we offer support in a wide range of areasincluding:

We provide initial consultations, training and extensive work within the home.

Contact a member of the team on07739 322 796, 07739 387 425

Email: turningpointpsychology@gmail.com

• Developmental concerns- eating, sleeping, toileting• Learning assessments and profiles• Social interaction• Challenging behaviour• Parent advice and support

If a rewarding job with true security that provides you with the work/life balance, flexibility and control over your own destiny sounds appealing – contact Carolyn Rose today.You can work part time, around your existing work or family commitments and there is no financial investment.Find out how Carolyn’s children can always be her priority – working part-time hours to suit her family commitments – you too could change your life.

Contact Carolyn for a FREE information pack on07789 916278 or email: carolyn.rose1@tesco.net

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When my eldest child was much younger I recall doing a star chart for good behaviour. Ironically, I think it was at her request – with the reward being some prized toy at the end of the month. As the weeks passed a pattern began to emerge as I looked at the chart on the wall. The days where there were gaps and she had not earned a star almost always fell at the start of the week. These were the days I was working, felt more frazzled and had far less patience. The star chart, I realised with a jolt, was telling me more about my behaviour than hers. Oops!While there is no such thing as a perfect parent (well, not me anyway) thinking about how we approach situations can work wonders. Try out these tips from Turning Point Psychology which offers parent coaching and family consultations and see how small changes can make a big difference. Everyone knows the cliché ‘parenting is the hardest job you will ever do’. However this cliche is a reality for many, especially with parenting styles under scrutiny in the media. Often helpful advice from friends and family, along with an overload of information about parenting approaches, can leave us confused and feeling inadequate.

There can also be conflict between parents caused by contrasting ideas about how to bring children up. Often we focus on negative patterns of behaviour, which is understandable because these cause us the most stress; however if we aim to increase positive behaviour, then challenging incidents are likely to decrease.

Be consistent and follow throughAll behaviour is a form of communication: there is a reason why your child is playing up. They could be tired, hungry, anxious or needing attention. Being responsive to their needs will lead to a closer relationship and can stop negative behaviours escalating.

Always praise good behaviour- this should be immediate, stating exactly what it is you are pleased about.

Parents often fall into the trap of thinking quality time with their child equals expensive day trips. However, spending short amounts of quality time with your child as often as possible, will strengthen your relationship and help them feel valued.

You can encourage your child to carry out specific behaviour by modelling it yourself and highlighting, through praise, when siblings or peers do the same.

Use simplified, clear language when giving instructions to you child. Don’t fall into the trap of waffling. Get down to you child’s level,

use their name and get eye contact with them to ensure they understand.

Have a reward system that works for your child. Never take away rewards that have already been given. Gradually this

can be phased out or used to target another behaviour.

Most importantly, we need to be consistent in the positive parenting strategies we use and when giving

sanctions, ensuring that we follow through when rewards or warnings are given. Small, simple changes in the way we parent can lead to significant changes in our family

lives.

Turning Point Psychology offers parent coaching and family consultations. For more information

call 07739387425 or 07739322796, e-mail: turningpointpsychology@gmail.com

Why is your child playing up?www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

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I ssue 6 15 14 Issue 6

It’s a busy time of year for Father Christmas – sifting through all those children’s letters and running his workshop. But he still finds time

to visit us in the run up to Christmas. Families Birmingham and Solihull checks out where to find him:

Santa pops down the chimney at Becketts FarmImagine a child’s excitement at seeing Father Christmas come down the chimney. Well, even if they are tucked up fast asleep when Santa visits them on Christmas Eve, children can see him sliding down the chimney at his Grotto at Becketts Farm during this thrilling Christmas adventure. Instead of a traditional Grotto, Becketts Farm are organising an exciting North Pole encounter for children. It starts with a visit to the North Pole post office where they write and post their Christmas wish list, followed by a trip through the magical wood meeting Rudolph (real reindeer) and Sniffles the snowman along

the way as they head to Santa’s Grotto. The door is opened by Mrs Claus who ushers them in towards the fire. Santa’s chair is empty,

but the children soon hear a rustle, and here comes Santa, sliding down the chimney.

Introduced to his little guests, everyone enjoys a fireside story-telling session, and every child receives a good

quality gift (e.g. toy car, model aircraft for boys; craft and art sets for girls; with gifts for the younger age groups too).

The Santa visit lasts about 40 minutes, but guests can linger on to visit the gift and craft stalls, farm shop and restaurant. Family tickets available and there is a 20 per cent discount for booking online. Adults at the door: £5 and children £15. Online £4 and £12. www.beckettsfarm.co.uk

Snow White and Santa in DudleyVisit Santa’s magical underground Workshop

at Dudley and take an enchanting canal boat trip through Caverns beautifully illuminated with fairy lights. Snow machines add to the Christmas atmosphere as the boat travels to the Singing Cavern for a Snow White

pantomime performance, before gliding on towards Santa’s magical workshop.

Father Christmas boards the boats to present each child with a traditional-style quality gift, and on the journey back children join in with carol singing. Back at base everyone is invited to the marquee for adults to have their warm drink and mince pie to round off the trip. Allow an hour for boat

trip, panto, and Santa’s workshop, with a half hour for refreshments.

All trips MUST BE PRE-BOOKED and time slots can sell out fast. Santa’s Special trips run on Dec 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18 and boats depart every half hour. Tickets cost £9.75

per person. To Book: Tel 01384 236275.

Snowtime at TamworthWrap up warm to visit Santa and play and slide around in real snow at the Winter Wonderland at Tamworth Snowdome. Take a walk through an enchanted forest, enjoy a snowball fight, hitch a ride on a sledge and have fun in snow tubes. Meet Santa’s reindeer, see his house and sit on his sledge. Then join Zippy and George for a Christmas show. Standard tickets: £16.95 and cost saver £12.95. Tel: 08448 000011.

Village Street, BirminghamAt the House of Fraser store in Temple Row, three thousand square feet of shop floor is transformed into a Victorian village street of shops where children can browse and shop for pocket-money toys on their way to see Santa. A play and activity room has also been set aside for children who can write and post their Christmas letter. When they visit the Grotto, each child receives a wrapped present from Father Christmas with a traditional toy (for example a wooden car). Entrance is £5 per child with an additional supplement for photos with Father Christmas. Opens: November 12, coinciding with Birmingham’s Christmas parade.

Free Santa at Touchwood, SolihullCombine a visit to Santa’s Grotto with some Christmas shopping at Touchwood Shopping Centre in Solihull. Children under 10 can visit the Grotto FREE and will walk away with a small gift from the man himself. The Grotto in the Map Room can get busy, so check out some timed entry tickets.

Victorian ChristmasStep into Tamworth Castle’s magical Victorian Christmas and join the festive fun. Meet the Victorian household getting ready for Santa’s visit. With the help of Victorian servants explore the Santa trail before entering the Grotto and receiving a surprise gift. Tickets: £5.00 child and adults £2.50. Booking essential. Tel 01827 709582.

Hunt for SantaJoin the hunt for Santa at the Black Country Living Museum in Dudley. Costumed guides and magical Christmas clues point the way to Santa’s

workshop culminating in a surprise gift. Booking essential. Tickets: £13.60 adult; £8 children: £6 for under 3. Tel 0121 520 8054.

Santa at NotcuttsKids can also visit Santa and his reindeer at Notcutts which is magical at Christmas with stunning displays. Buy your Christmas tree (there is a huge range of choice both real and artificial),

lights and gorgeous decorations. The new restaurant will be offering a delicious Christmas menu from early November.For more Santa venues, check online at www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Breakfastwith Santa

Enjoy theMagicofChristmas

STUNNING CHRISTMAS SHOP NOW OPEN AT NOTCUTTS

GARDEN CENTRE SOLIHULL

Santa’s arrival 20th NovemberVisit Santa and his Reindeer in his

grotto from the 20th November onwardsGreat gifts for everyone, brand new

restaurant, plus free parkingMake us your one stop shop for Christmas

Notcutts Garden Centre, Stratford Road, Shirley, Solihull, West Midlands B90 4EN

0121 744 4501

www.notcutts.co.uk

www.familiesbirmingham.co.ukWinter Fun Winter Funwww.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

DUDLEY CANAL TRUST& LIMESTONE CAVERNSCAR PARK, A4123 BIRMINGHAM NEW RD, DUDLEY DY1 4SB-EASY ACCESS FROM M5

Enchanting ‘Santa Special’ canalboat ride

• Free gift for every child• Hot drink & mince pies for adults

Booking hotline 01384 236275or via our website

dudleycanaltrust.org.uk

www.

Cost £9.75 per person

•Travel through tunnels illuminated with fairy lights• Join Snow White and friends in the Singing Cavern• Visit Santa in his Crystal Palace Grotto

OPEN EVERYDAY FROM 10.00amFor full opening times visit our website

www.beckettsfarm.co.uk

Wythall, B47 6AJ 1 mile from Juct 3 M42

10th – 24th DECEMBER 2011

Every child receives a Christmas gift

Every child receives a Christmas gift

Alternatively

Book by telephone: 01564 823402or purchase tickets in the Farm Shop

Write a letter to Santa at The North Pole Post Office

Watch the Elvesin their workshop

Christmas Craft Barn

Extra crafters will be

joining us through

December with some

wonderful gift ideas for

all the family.

Farm ShopVisit the farm shop for

the finest fresh and local produce and all

you need to treat your family to a delicious Christmas dinner.

Becketts Farm RestaurantVisit our family friendly restaurant for great, fresh, British home cooking. Book your table in advance or just pop in with the family.

Go carol singingwith Rudolph

Make a Christmaswish in the Magical Well

Enjoy story timewith Santa!

Becketts Farm

01564 823402 www.beckettsfarm.co.uk

Top places to see Santa this Christmas

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk Christmas Giftswww.familiesbirmingham.co.ukChristmas Gifts

By the time you read this you won’t be able to watch children’s TV without seeing a deluge of adverts for the latest high tech toys. According to toy retailers including Hamleys, the following are likely to feature on Santa wish lists (mums and dads be warned): Fur Real Cookie Pie – a pint-sized golden retriever with voice recognition technology which will respond when spoken to by moving its head, blinking, and barking. When touched on its head or cheek, it makes happy puppy sounds, and it can track a dog bone with its eyes and head when it is moved in front of it. Suitable for 4 plus. Expect to pay £70- £75.

Kiddizoom Twist – the latest Kiddizoom camera features a rotating self portrait lens that allows kids to view video and photos on the integrated LCD screen as they

shoot them. Also includes 5 built-in games, a zoom lens, and interactive and wacky effects which can be added to digitial photos and video. Also comes with voice recorder and 5 different voice changing effects. Suitable for 3 plus. Expect to pay approx £40.

Rock On Elmo – The Sesame character has six songs for kids to play. The toy sings and has three instruments. It recognises and plays whatever instrument Elmo has

and the children can play along on the others. Mic, drums and tambourine

included. Guitar, keyboard can be bought separately. Suitable for 18 months and up. Expect to pay £60-£70.

Cars 2 Fully Loaded McMissile – for all budding spies; includes missiles that rise

up out of the front of the car, a bullet proof targeting

visor, rear mounted missile that pops out of the boot and the car speaks with

sayings including: ‘This is top secret’ and “We’re being followed.” Suitable for 4 plus.

Expect to pay £25 upwards.

Smokey Fire Truck – a real working fire truck brought to life. This interactive buddy talks, tells jokes, eats,

exercises and sings, complete with moveable hoses that spray water mist, and expandable ladders and sensors that respond to the child’s movements. Expect to pay approx £65.

And more – Bop-It XT; I-ball3 an interactive electronic brain training game for teens; Monopoly Electronic Banking (8 plus); Moshi Monsters Talking Plus (ages 4 and up); Nerf Vortex Nitron blaster (age 8 plus).

Not so high tech but still enduringYou won’t go far wrong with Sylvanian Families; lego sets and family board games and dress up toys. For more unusual gifts and traditional toys try independent toy stores – Togademus in Kings Heath which offers traditional wooden toys,

Hot picks for presents this Christmas

Think outside the box for a more unusual gift

Not everyone is easy to buy for: teens can be especially difficult, or you might want to give a child something less material. Try:

Driving lessons in a dual controlled car for ages 11 and up at the Young Driver school at the NEC, Birmingham. This is an ideal gift for teens who are always difficult to buy for. They will be thrilled to get behind the wheel before they are even old enough to get a provisional licence (and if their friends are a little bit envious, it will make it all the sweeter for them.) This gift is a fantasy made real for adolescents… and parents can be assured the emphasis is on learning to drive safely. Gift vouchers start from £29.99 for a 30 minute lesson to £149 for a series of 6 lessons. Call 0844 371 9010 or email on: info@youngdriver.eu. to find out more.

A drum lesson at Birmingham Drum School - £25. Suitable for age 4 to grand-parents. Call Birmingham Drum School on 0121 503 5849 or info@birminghamdrumschool.co.uk.

Adopt an animal at Dudley Zoo (monkey, meerkat, lion etc) From £25 and includes adoption certificate, animal fact sheet; personalised animal photo and a ticket to visit the Zoo. For £45 children also get a personalised plaque displayed outside their own animal’s enclosure with a special message. Call 0844 474 2272 or log or e-mail admin@dudleyzoo.org.uk

A treasured keepsake. Try Smallprint Jewellery who can produce perfert silver replicas of one of your child’s early drawings on a pendant or key-ring with their name engraved on it. You could even start a charm bracelet and add a new charm each year, or get some silver Christmas tree decorations with personalised messages for your children which can be hung on the tree year after year. Smallprint make great gifts for doting grandparents too. Call Sarah Morgan on 07950 832 054.

Steif bears, and Made in Moseley and Kingsheath Kid t-shirts for babies; or Mad About Toys in Knowle, Solihull, which aims to stock unique gifts as well as the major brands.

Drop and shopPresent shopping can be difficult with children in tow. But Funky Monkey’s play area and nursery at Fort Dunlop has the ideal solution with its Christmas drop and shop offer.

On Fridays and Saturdays in November and December, while you shop, children up to the age of 8 will be looked after by qualified childcare staff. The best part is they also get to play in Funky Monkey’s awesome soft play area so they won’t be unhappy wavingyou goodbye!

It costs £15 on Saturday between 10am and 3pm and £20 for a longer session on Friday – a small price to pay for a less frazzled Christmas shopping trip.

To find out more call Funky Monkeys on 0121 748 3137.

Hot picks for presents this ChristmasHot picks for presents this ChristmasHot picks for presents this ChristmasHot picks for presents this Christmas

16 Issue 6 Issue 6 17

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk www.familiesbirmingham.co.ukWhat’s On What’s Onwww.familiesbirmingham.co.uk www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Issue 6 19

THEATREAND SHOWSWorlds of Fantasy – Disney on Ice showVenue: NIA,Date: Nov 2-6Times: varyTickets: £14-£37To Book: 0844 338 0338The Hare and the TortoiseA story about racing, opposites, time and friendshipVenue: Birmingham Library Theatre, Paradise Place, B3 3HJDate: Nov 5Time: 11.20am and 1pmTickets: £7.50 adults; £4.50 child; £1.50 babe in armsTo Book: 0121 236 4455Diwali NightCelebrate the Festival of Lights with an evening of music and dance.Venue: Solihull Arts Complex, Homer Road, SolihullDate: Nov 8Time: 7.30pmTickets: £7 and children £5 plus £3 per head buffetTo Book: 0121 704 6962Slava’s SnowshowSpectacular family comedy with dazzling stage effectsVenue: Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst Street, B5 4TBDate: Nov 9-13Time: Evenings 7.30pm; Matinees: Thurs at 2pm; Sat at 2.30pm and Sun 3pmTickets: £15.50 - £30.00To Book: 0844 338 5000Top Gear LiveThe TV trio of Clarkson, Hammond and May live building an indoor track with help from Lotus Motorsports. Watch out for Stig power laps and a celebrity in a reasonably priced car at the show every day.Venue: NEC BirminghamDate: Nov 11-13Time: Friday 4pm; Sat 12pm; 3pm and 6pm; Sun 12 and 3pm.Tickets: £49-£99. Family of 4 £156.To Book: 0871 230 5588. Calls cost 10p per minute.

StarA magic new show for ages 2-5 and first time theatre-goers. Join green-fingered Gardener and tidy Tailor and sing along with the Star that shines in the night sky.Venue, MAC Arts, Cannon Hill Park, B12 QHDate: Nov 12-Dec 8Times vary. See website for details.Tickets: £8.50; Family of 4 £32To Book: 0121 446 3232

Mini Maestros!Join the Chamber Orchestra for a fun family concert. Find out how conductors shape the music and how they control forty noisy musicians!Venue: The Barber Concert HallDate: Nov 13Time: 3pmTickets: £5 adults; £3 under 18; free for under 5-years

BuddyRock n’ roll musical – the Buddy Holly storyVenue: New Alexandra Theatre, Station Street, B5 4DSDate: Nov 14-19Time: 7.30pm; Wed/Sat matinee 2.30pmTo Book: 0844 871 301BagpussBagpuss comes alive on stage for the very first time at the Old Rep TheatreVenue: Old Rep Theatre, Station Street B5 4DYDate: Nov 15-26Time: 11am and 1pm and Sat 11am and 3pmTickets: £12 adults; £9 child and family of four £38To Book: 0121 245 4455

Rhianna – Loud TourVenue: LG Arena Nov 18; NIA on Nov 29Tickets: £39.50 and £46.00To Book: 0844 338 8000

It’s MagicLet the CBSO cast a magic spell with a family-friendly concert inspired by witchcraft and wizardry. Come in costume and enjoy some pre-concert craft activities.Venue: Symphony Hall, Broad St., B1 2EADate: Nov 20Time: concert 3pm. Craft activity from 1.30pm

Tickets: £15 adult; £7.50 under 16; group of 4 £32

To Book: 0121 780 3333Sleeping BeautyA fresh and humorous

take on an old familiar tale –

told from the perspective of

the mischievious Fairy Goody

Venue: The Crescent

Theatre,

Sheepcote Street, Brindley Place, B16 8AEDate: Nov 23-Jan 14Times vary. Check website for details.Age range: 7plusTickets: £10-£28.50To Book: 0121 236 4455

The Jungle BookKipling’s timeless story presented by Birmingham Stage CompanyVenue: Old Rep Theatre, Station Street, B5 4DYDate: Nov 30-Jan 28Times vary. Check website for details.Tickets: £18.50 adult; £11 childTo Book: 0121 245 4455

Ali BabaChristmas panto time with the infamous Ali Bab and his 40 thievesVenue: Hall Green Little Theatre, Pemberley Rd, Acocks Green, B27 7RYDate: Nov 30-Dec 10Time: Eve at 7.30pm; Sat matinee 2.30pmTickets@ Adults £8; children £6To Book: 0121 707 1874

Sleeping BeautyFamily pantomime that will take you on an enchanted journey of dashing princes, evil witches and dastardly cursesVenue: Sutton Arts Theatre, South Parade, Sutton Coldfield, B72 1QUDate: Dec 3-17Times: 7.15 evenings; Sat matinee 2pm and Sunday performance at 5pmTo Book: 0121 355 5355

Noel NoteletsCBSO mini concert for 3-5 year olds with all the festive favouritesVenue: CBSO Centre, Berkley Street, B1 2LFDate: Dec 4Time: 11am; 1.30pm and 3.30pm. Craft Activity one hour before each show.Tickets: £7.50 or £25 for family of 4To Book: 0121 767 4050

GreaseThe original High School Musical featuring all the unforgettable songs from the movieVenue: New Alexandra Theatre, Station Street, B5 4DSDate: Dec 6-31Times: Times vary. Check website for details.To Book: 0844 871 3011

The Lost Happy EndingsJub’s job is to collect and send out the Happy Endings from all the stories in the world in time for bedtime. But one night she is caught by a wicked witch who steals all the happy endings.Venue: Mac, Cannon Hill Park, B12 9QHDate: Dec 6- Jan 7Tickets: £14.50 adult; £11.50 children and family ticket £44To Book: 0121 446 3200

Robin HoodJoin Robin, his sidekick Friar Tuck, fair maidens and merry men in Solihull’s first ever Robin Hood Pantomime.Venue: Solihull Arts Complex, Homer Road, SolihullDate: Dec 9-Jan 8Times: morning, matinee and evening performancesTickets: £13.50-£17. Family tickets for selected shows at £60.

The SnowmanStage show based on the book by Raymond BriggsVenue: International Convention Centre, Broad Street, B1 2EADate: Dec 16-31Times: 11am and 3pm. Evenings Dec 16-18 only at 7pmTickets: £18.50-£28Age 3plusTo Book: 0121 236 4455

CinderellaChristmas pantomime starring Brian Conley as Buttons and Lynda Bellingham as the Fairy GodmotherVenue: Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst Street, B5 4TBDate: Dec 17-Jan 29Times vary. Check website for details.Tickets: £15-£36To Book: 0844 338 5000The Old Woman Who Lived in a ShoeWill the wicked witch Calumnia succeed in making life miserable for Dame Dallymore and her orphan charges?Venue: Highbury Little Theatre, Sheffield Road, Sutton Coldfield, B73 5HDDate: Dec 27-Jan 7Times vary. Check website.To Book: 0121 373 3671

OUT AND ABOUTAutumn CollageMake a collage out of natural materials with Sutton RangersVenue: Plantsbrook, off Eachelhurst Road, Erdington, B24 0QLDate: Nov 6Time: 10.30am and 12pmFREE EVENT. Booking essential. Tel: 0121 355 6370Festive activities with a green themeFamily-friendly craft activities at Botanical Gardens every Sunday afternoonNov 6 -Wooden Puppets (50p charge); Nov 13 Create a Masterpiece and paint on canvas (£2 charge for materials); Nov 20 – Pop Art Christmas Cards (50p charge); Nov 27 – Create your own personalised picture frame; Dec 4 Christmas Wish decorations; Dec 11 - Things that Glow in the Dark festive craft; Dec 18 – Winter Wonderland drawing and painting create a 3D masterpieceVenue: Botanical Gardens, Westbourne Road, B15 3TRTime: 1-4pmTickets to gardens: Adults £7.50; child 3-16 £4.75; Under 3 free. Family of 5 £22.00.

Christmas ParadeSee the city’s lights switched on, with Santa on his sleigh and his reindeer leading the way, followed by stilt walkers, costumed characters, floats and festive entertainers.Date: Nov 12Venue: Victoria Square, BirminghamTime 5.30pm

Santa HuntPre-book only family event at Black Country Living Museum. Venue: Black Country

Living Museum, Tipton Road, Dudley, DY1 4SQDates: Every Saturday and Sunday from Nov 26 –Dec 18; then daily until Dec 24Tickets: £13.60 adults; £8.00 child over 5; £6 child under five To Book: 0121 520 8054Christmas Wreath Making WorkshopMake a traditional Christmas wreath. All materials and refreshments provided. Booking essential.Venue: Birmingham Back to Backs, Hurst Street/Inge Street, B5 4TEDate: Nov 27Time: 11.30am-1.30pm; 2.30-4.30pmAdults: £15; children £10To Book: 0121 666 7671German Christmas Market in BirminghamLive bandstand music at lunchtime and in the evening.Venue: Victoria Square, BirminghamDate: Daily from Nov 17 – Dec 23Time: 10am-9pm

Santa’s Winter WonderlandPlay on real snow; meet Santa’s reindeers, hitch a ride on a sledge and visit Santa’s animal village.Venue: SnowDome, River Drive, Tamworth, B79 7NDDate: Nov 25-Dec 31Booking essential. Pre-book online at

snowdome.co.uk or call 08448 000011

Christmas Delights

Discover the Christmas traditions of the past on this

guided tour of Soho HouseVenue: Soho House, Soho Road,

Handsworth, B18 5LB.

Includes mulled

berry

punch and mince pie.Date: Dec 1 and Dec 15Time: 11am-12.30pmTickets: £6 per person.Tel: 0121 554 9122Aston Hall by CandlelightView this Jacobean House at its most breath-taking lit by 300 shimmering candles and warmed by roaring fires. Visit its Christmas craft fair and enjoy a mince pie.Venue: Aston Hall, Trinity Road, Aston, B6 6JDDate: Dec 2-11 (except Dec 5)Time: 5.30-9pm. Timed tickets.Tickets: £12 adults; £10 children; Family of 5 £44.To Book: 0121 303 1966Highbury Hall Christmas Open DayView historic Highbury Hall decorated for Christmas. FREE ENTRY. Guided tours available at £3.50 per person. Mulled wine and mince pies for sale.Venue: Highbury Hall, 4 Yew Tree Road, Moseley, B13 8QGDate: Dec 4Time: 10.30am-3.30pmTel: 0121 303 2050Christmas CraftsUse natural materials to make your own Christmas wreath with Edgbaston Rangers.Venue: Handsworth Park, Holly Road, Handsworth. Meet at Sons of Rest building.Date: Dec 4Time: 11am; 12.30pm; 1.30pm and 3pmFREE EVENT. Booking essential. Tel: 0121 454 1908Christmas Treasure TrailJoin park rangers on a Christmas treasure trail around the park. Seasonal Craft activity. Wear festive fancy dress for a chance to win a prize.Venue: Meriden Park, Moorend Avenue, Chelmsley WoodDate: Dec 4Time: 1-3pm

Christmas in the ParkFather Christmas is stopping off at Brueton Park to take a break from his hectic schedule. See him and receive a small gift. £3 per child.Venue: Brueton Park,Warwick Road, Solihull, B91 3HWDate: Dec 11Time: 12-3pm

Santa Special boat tripTake a special trip on a Dudley Canal boat and meet Santa. Early Booking essential.Venue: Dudley Canal Boats, New Road, Dudley, DY1 4SBDate: Dec 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18To Book: Tel 01384 236275Christmas Carols in the CourtyardsChristmas carols in the atmospheric courtyard of Birmingham Back to Backs. Booking essential.Venue: Birmingham Back to Backs, Hurst Street/Inge Street, B5 4TEDate: Dec 6Time: 6.30-8.30pmTickets: £12 adults; £6 child. Mulled wine/soft drink and mince pie included.To Book: 0121 666 7671Selly Oak ManorFestive CelebrationWith The Manor bathed in atmospheric candlelight.

Venue: Selly Oak Manor, Maple Road, Bournville, B30 2AE

Date: Dec 10For further details: 0121 472 0199

Decadent DecorationsMake festive decorations with vintage fabric, buttons and ribbons during

this drop in family craft activity (£1 per person)

Venue: Museum of the Jewellery Quarter,

Vyse Street, B18 6HADate: Dec 10Time: 1-3pm

Meet Holly BerryFree family event. Harvest some of the plentiful holly to take away and use at home Donations welcome. Freshly cut pine Christmas trees also available.Venue: Sutton Park, Meet at visitors Centre, Park Road, B74 2YTDate: Dec 10Time 10am-4pm

Christmas at WinterbourneKickstart Christmas with a day of festivities at Winterbourne House and GardensVenue: Winterbourne House and Gardens, 58 Edgbaston Park Road, B15 2RTDate: Dec 10Time: 10am-6pmTickets: £4.50 adults; £3.50 children; £14.00 family of 5For further information: call 0121 414 3003Santa TrailStep into Tamworth Castle for some Victorian Christmas fun. With the help of the servants, explore the Santa trail, step into Santa’s Grotto and receive a surprise gift.Venue: Tamworth Castle, The Holloway, Ladybank, B79 7NADate: Dec 10, 11, 17 and 18Time: 10.45-5pm. Pre-booking essential.To book: 01827 709581 or 01827 709618Traditional Family Christmas LunchEnjoy a Victorian family Christmas lunch at the Highbury Hall. A visit from Santa with gifts for the children. Children’s menu available.Venue: Highbury Hall, 4 Yew Tree Road, Moseley, B13 8QGDate: Dec 11Time: Individual bookings taken between 12 and 2pm.Cost: £23.98 per person.To Book: 0121 303 2050Tudor Christmas at Blakesley HallHistorical re-enactors bring the hall to life as they prepare for Christ-tide. Carols, Bell ringers, mince pies and mulled wine.Venue: Blakesley Hall, Blakesley Road, Yardley, B25 8RNDate: Dec 17Time: 12-3pmTickets: £7 adults; £6 children. Pre booking essential as this event sells out each year.To Book: 0121 464 2193Winter WonderlandWrap up warm and join Selly Park Rangers to discover the wonders of the Common.

Activities include tree dressing, carols and mince pies.Venue: Billesley Common. Meet at Haunch Lane entrance.Date: Dec 17Time: 11am-1pmFree. Tel: 0121 464 8729Seasonal craftsJoin Hall Green/Selly Oak rangers and find out more about the traditions of the season. Create your own decorations using natural materials.Venue: Kings Heath Park, B14 7QT meet by Victorian Tea roomsDate: Dec 18Time: 11am-1pmBooking essential. Small charge of £1 per person. Tel 0121 464 8729Search for SantaSanta is hiding out at one of the historic buildings at Avoncroft Museum. Search him out with the costumed guides and festive clues. A surprise gift awaits each child and of course they have the opportunity to give Father Christmas their Christmas list!Venue: Avoncroft Museum, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, B60 4JRDate: Dec 17 and 18Time: 10.30am-4pmTickets: £9.70 adult: £6.00 child. Pre-booking Advisable.To Book: 01527 831 363Christmas Tales in Words and PicturesFamily Christmas event. Story-telling, Victorian magic lantern show and Make a Wish and hang it on the Christmas tree.Venue: Blakesley Hall, Blakesley Road, Yardley, B25 8RNDate: Dec 21Time: 10am-12pm and 1-3pmTickets: £5 adults and £4 childBooking essential. To Book Tel: 0121 464 2193Reindeer Ramble, Winter Wonderland and Christmas CreationChristmas activities for children – follow a Reindeer trail and craft activity (Dec 19) age 4 plus; Winter Wonderland - visit chilly reserve and make a sparkling decoration to hang on a tree (Dec 20) age 4 plus; Christmas creation – collect natural material and make decorations (Dec 21) age 2-4Venue: Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park, Warwick Road, Solihull, B 91 3HWTime: 10.30am-12pmTickets: £4 per childTo Book: 0121 704 0768

Based on the best-selling book by

Julia Donaldson &Axel Scheffler

LiveOn

Stage

FROM THE CREATORS OF“THE GRUFFALO”

BOX OFFICE: 0121 780 3333www.roomonthebroomlive.co.uk

“Tall Stories sets thebenchmark for

children’s theatre”The Sunday Times

21 DEC 2011 – 13 JAN 2012

A high energy treat���� The Sunday Times

Room on the BroomAdventure drama for young children based on the book by Julia Donaldson The witch and her cat are flying happily along on their broomstick when a stormy wind blows the witch’s hat, bow and wand away into the night. With the help of a daft dog, a beautiful bird and a friendly frog, her belongings are retrieved. But this broomstick’s not meant for five and CRACK! – it snaps in two! When a hungry dragon appears, Who will save the poor witch? A magical, musical delight for children aged 3+Venue: Town Hall, Victoria Square, Birmingham B3 3DQ Date: Dec 21-31 Times vary. Check website for details. Tickets: £10.50. Group discount available. To Book: 0121 780 3333

18 Issue 6

www.familiesbirmingham.co.ukWhat’s On

Panto Lynda Bellingham and Brian Conley star in the Hippodrome’s ever popular panto - Cinderella. Other pantomimes on this year include Robin Hood at Solihull Arts Complex; Sleeping Beauty at Sutton Arts Theatre; Ali Baba at Hall Green Little Theatre; and The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe, at Highbury Little Theatre.

Ice showThis year Disney on Ice - Worlds of Fantasy – showcases best loved moments from Toy Story, Disney/Pixar Cars, The Little Mermaid and the mystical world of the Disney Fairies.

See Cars race across the ice with special effects and high speed stunts from Lightning McQueen, Mater and the crew. Dive into the enchanting undersea kingdom of The Little Mermaid and then discover the magic of the Disney Fairies with Pixie Hollow and Tinkerbell. It’s also playtime at The NIA, Birmingham as Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie and The Toy Story gang escape from Sunnyside Daycare and race for home in their most daring adventure ever! From wheels to waves, playtime to pixie dust, Disney moments come to life at Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy.

TheatreChristmas is not complete

without a trip to the theatre. Younger children will love Room on a Broom – the stage adaptation of Julia

Donaldson’s children’s tale, (on at Town Hall, Birmingham), The Snowman based

on the Raymond Briggs tale, (ICC), or Slava’s Snowshow (the Hippodrome).

MAC are staging The Star for younger children and The Lost Happy Endings,

and Birmingham Stage Company will be at the Old Rep with their adaptation of Kipling’s classic

children’s tale, Jungle Book.

Room on the BroomAdventure drama for young children based on the book by Julia Donaldson The witch and her cat are flying happily along on their broomstick when a stormy wind blows the witch’s hat, bow and wand away into the night. With the help of a daft dog, a beautiful bird and a friendly frog, her belongings are retrieved. But this broomstick’s not meant for five and CRACK! – it snaps in two! When a hungry dragon appears, Who will save the poor witch? A magical, musical delight for children aged 3+Town Hall, Dec 21-31. Tel: 0121 780 3333