BBC Easter 16

What’s On Guide 

50,000 Copies for Parents, 

Teachers & Children 

www.primarytimes.net 

in Birmingham & 

Black Country 

SPRING 2016 ISSUE 

14 MARCH - 15 MAY

2 

Because growing up is 

Primary Times Spring 2016 Issue | www.primarytimes.net/birmingham

© Inter IKEA Systems B.V. 2016 

Fun day out for the whole family 

It can be hard to keep the little ones entertained in 

the Easter holidays, so join us in store for a fun 

family day out and take advantage of our FREE 

children’s activities. For more details on what is on 

this Easter visit your local store page on IKEA.co.uk 

Fussy eaters to happy eaters 

Children’s 

meals 

from £1.50 

Take a minute to rest and refuel in our family 

friendly restaurant. With a range of tasty and 

nutritious children’s meals on offer from £1.50, to 

keep even fussy eaters happy. Each come with a 

free piece of fruit helping towards their 5-a-day. 

Get ready for the great outdoors 

It’s never too early to start thinking about those 

warmer days. Whether you have a small balcony, a 

big garden, or want to up sticks and go to the 

beach, we have something to suit you. Our new 

outdoor and summer range is available in store. 

fun to do 

THE WONDERFUL EVERYDAY 

www.primarytimes.net/birmingham | Spring 2016 Issue Primary Times 3

in Birmingham & 

Welcome to our Bumper Easter issue! 

Spring is such a wonderful season, a time of new beginnings and when 

daffodils introduce bright colours back into our gardens. As the Easter 

school holidays get nearer you might be wondering how you can fill the 

holiday weeks with your children. Primary Times is delighted to help 

with that problem, our regular WOW (What’s On and Where to go) 

guide is brimming with fantastic activities and “eggs-tra” special events 

to keep your children happy – many are either free or of little cost. A day 

out having fun does not need to be expensive! 

Box Office, another regular section, offers child friendly theatre 

productions that are going to be on stage over the coming months. 

A trip to the theatre is always so exciting and a great excuse for the 

children to get dressed up in their favourite character costume! 

Also don’t forget to enter our competition to win a family ticket to 

Gandey’s Circus this Easter. Enter online at www.primarytimes. 

net/birmingham/competitions or https://www.facebook.com/ 

PrimaryTimesWM . Good luck! 

Don’t forget to send in your news stories or events – including pictures – 

to marion@schoolspublishing.co.uk and we will try to include them in 

our May issue which will be out just before half term! 

Have an egg-citing time! 

The Primary Times team: 

Marion, Vanessa, Carly & Stuart 

Don’t forget to 

check us out online 


/birmingham 

6 

14 

18 

20 

WOW – What’s On Where 

Eggcellent Ideas 

Box Office 

Kids in the Kitchen 

22 Competitions 

Calling all pupils, 

teachers & parents 

Please don’t forget to send 

in your news for our news 

pages. 

We would love to hear 

from you! 

GCSE Tuition Birmingham 

GCSE & Pre GCSE Tuition 

Search for 

The Primary Times Team 

Editor: 

Marion McAdam 

marion@schoolspublishing.co.uk 

What’s On Guide 

50,000 Copies for Parents, 

Teachers & Children 


Black Country 

1 to 1 Lessons Small Group Lessons 

Intensive Holiday Courses 

GCSE Mock Exams & Detailed Reports 

Chat with us at www.gcsetuition.co.uk 

Text GCSE with your subject and postcode to: 

07954 171 626 

We will contact you within 24 hours 

Sales: 

Vanessa Allan 

ptwestmids@schoolspublishing.co.uk 

Production: 

Carly Belcher 

productionpt@schoolspublishing.co.uk 

Design: 

Stuart Cameron 


14 MARCH - 15 MAY 


14 MARCH – 15 MAy 

Do you dream of peace of mind and 

enjoying all that life has to offer? 

Primary Times in Birmingham 

& Black Country 

Schools Publishing Limited, 

St James’s House, 118 Greys Road, 

Henley on Thames, Oxon, RG9 1QW. 

TEL: 01491 411848 

FAX: 01491 411416 

www.primarytimes.net/birmingham 

The UK’s biggest free ‘what’s on’ 

magazine for parents! Primary Times 

in Birmingham and Black Country 

distributes 50,000 copies seven times a 

year, and is part of a national network 

distributing more than 2.7 million copies 

in 61 regions across the UK and Ireland 

TO FIND OUT MORE CONTACT FAYE FOR A NO OBLIGATION CHAT: 

Mobile: +44(0)7890235047 Email: foreveryoungfaye@hotmail.co.uk 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/fayedalybusinesscoach 

Primary Times is independently published and distributed free through national primary schools in Birmingham & Black 

Country. It aims to inform families and children about current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses, attractions 

and to give teachers, pupils and parents the opportunity to participate in the magazine by adding to its contents or by 

joining in the competitions. It is NOT our intention to publish any racist, sexist or politically based material whatsoever. 

We also undertake not to carry any advertising which we would consider to be offensive to young families or harmful to 

the best interests of young children. Primary Times would like to thank all the schools in Birmingham & Black Country for 

their assistance in distributing the magazine and for their contributions to its contents. We would also like to thank all the 

advertisers who have supported this publication and therefore made it possible. Please support their endeavours when 

and where you can. The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by our studio remains 

with Primary Times or with the relevant contributor. Primary Times is currently publishing over 2 million copies per issue 

under franchise licences throughout Britain. 

4 


Easter Activities & Holiday Camps 

Learn to Swim 

Fun splash sessions with inflatables 

Superstars Holiday Camps 

Learn to Play Tennis 

Family fun sessions 

You can find details about all of 

these and more by visiting 

www.primarytimes.net/ 

Birmingham/listings or 

www.birminghamleisure.com 

Sessions will be held at: 

Beeches Pool & Fitness Centre 0121 464 6296 

Billesley Indoor Tennis 0121 464 4222 

Cocks Moor Woods Leisure Centre 0121 464 1996 

Erdington Leisure Centre 0121 464 0520 

Fox Hollies Leisure Centre 0121 464 4112 

Northfield Leisure Centre 0121 464 1058 

Stechford Cascades 0121 464 5596 

Wyndley Leisure Centre 0121 464 7743 

BANK 

HOLIDAY 

FUN 

Monday 2 nd May 

Carnival opener, family activities, 

a local mascot race and more! 

– the perfect day out for youngsters. 

The Gruffalo will be making 

personal appearances at 

intervals throughout the day. 

Saturday 7 th May 

CHECK WEBSITE FOR FIRST RACE TIMES 

For hospitality & business opportunities call 01926 405 560 

warwickracecourse.co.uk 

Raceday Ticket Hotline: 0344 5793013 

*Terms and conditions apply 

Wednesday 18 th May 

Wonderful Warwick 

Family Raceday 

KIDS 

GO 

FREE 

EARLY BIRD 

OFFER FROM 

£10 * 

PER 

PERSON 

TB9197 Warwick Family Fun advert Primary Times 90x135mm.indd 1 02/03/2016 11:15 


6what's on where 

6 

18 – 19 Mar 

Bournville Bookfest 2016 

: Rowheath Pavilion 

Full programme of events see 

website. Suitable for primary 

aged children. Booking Essential 

www.bournvillebookfest Birmingham 

Children’s Book, Festival Marquee. Heath 

Road, B30 1HH 

19 Mar 

Secret Inspiring Readers Reading 

Group 

Love reading? Come and join us! For 

children 8-12 years, quizzes , puzzles 

and book discussions. 12:30pm-3:30pm 

T: 0121 464 4202 www. 

libraryofbirmingham.com 

Birchfield Library, B6 6AH 

The Big Bang UK Young 

Scientists & Engineers 

Fair 

The largest celebration of 

science, technology, engineering 

and maths (STEM) for young people 

in the UK. Young visitors to the Fair will be 

able to explore everything from the science 

of roller coasters to chocolate and quantum 

mechanics and enjoy high-octane theatre 

shows from popular science presenters 

like The One Show’s Dr Marty Jopson. The 

Fair offers experiences in virtual reality, 

medicine, marine biology, film and TV, 

space exploration, explosive chemistry, 

crime-solving, robots, computer coding, 

microscopic bugs, giant trucks and more. 

A number of STEM apprentice, graduate 

and experienced engineers and scientists 

will be on hand to quiz and young people 

will have the opportunity to discover how 

science and maths can lead to a great 

career. The Big Bang Fair hosts the finals of 

Don’t forget to 

say you saw it in 

Primary Times! 

We check 

listings carefully but 

event details and prices 

may be subject to change. 

Please always check 

with the venue. 

the prestigious National Science 

and Engineering Competition. 

All adults must be accompanied 

by a child. Free tickets to The 

Big Bang Fair are available now at 

www.thebigbangfair.co.uk T: 07722 

589680 The NEC, B40 1NT 

Bournville Bookfest 2016 : The 

Queen’s Knickers 

Everyone can see the Queen’s smart 

coats and dresses, but what does she 

wear underneath, particularly for a 

school visit? Through the eyes of a little 

girl hoping for a visit by the Queen, the 

range of royal underwear is revealed, in 

all its regal glory. Come and meet 

author Nicholas Allan as he 

reads from his humorous 

picture book. For children, 

adults and knicker-wearers 

everywhere! 10:00am- 

11:00am. Booking Essential 

www.bournvillebookfest.com 

Bournville College, B31 2AJ 

Bournville Bookfest 2016 : Animal 

Lullabies 

Full programme of events for primary 

aged children. Booking Essential. www. 

bournvillebookfest.com or www. 

secretcityarts.com Bournville Infant School, 

B30 1JY 

Other Worlds Exhibition 

A magical exhibition coming to a library 

near you. Suitable for adults and children 

5+. 9:00am. T: 0121 464 0798 www. 

libraryof birmingham.com Erdington 

Library, B24 9HP 

Bournville Bookfest 2016 : Dr Who 

Script-writing Masterclass 

You’re going to write the best ever 

Doctor Who story and we are all going 

to perform it. Don’t plan anything, don’t 

bring anything, we’re doing it all from 

finding the idea to casting your parents 

as the monsters. Doctor Who in one go: 

you’ll have to think fast, think brilliantly 

and then it’s all about writing in a group 

with me interrupting you at the good 

bits. Drama is about communicating with 

your audience and it’s about working with 

other writers, with a director, a producer 

and actors. Hello. I’m William Gallagher, I 

write Doctor Who radio dramas. Or rather 

I did: today you’re the writer and I’m your 

producer. Come meet your fellow writers, 

we’ve got a Doctor Who play to put on 

and most likely a planet to save. Suitable 

for ages 8-12. Booking Essential. www. 

bournvillebookfest.com Kings Norton Girls 

School, B30 1HW 

Primary Times Spring 2016 Issue | www.primarytimes.net/birmingham 

Bournville Bookfest 2016 : Meet 

Winnie the Witch and her cat 

Wilbur… 

Magical moments with Winnie the Witch 

and Korky Paul means speedy sketching 

and spellbinding storytelling. Win prizes, 

such as original Korky Paul signed sketches, 

signed picture books and much more. 

Join popular illustrator Korky Paul for an 

energetic workshop, full of wit, enthusiasm 

and lots of audience participation. Korky 

will be available to sign books afterwards. 

Suitable for ages 3-99yrs. 11:30am-12:30pm 

and 2:30pm-3:30pm. T: 0121 245 4455 

www.bournvillebookfest.com or www. 

libraryofbirmingham.com Library of 

Birmingham, B1 2ND 

Bournville Bookfest 2016 : Selly 

Manor 

Full programmes of events suitable for 

primary aged children. Booking Essential. 

www.bournvillebookfestcom Selly Manor, 

B30 2AE 

Bournville Bookfest 2016 : Selly Oak 

Trust School 

Full programme of events suitable for primary 

aged children. Booking Essential. www. 

bournvillebookfest.com Selly Oak Trust 

School, B29 6HZ 

Bournville Bookfest - The Barber 

Institue of Fine Arts 

Full programme of events suitable for primary 

aged children. Booking essential. T: 0121 

414 7333 www.bournvillebookfest.com 

Concert Hall, The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, 

University of Birmingham, B15 2TS 

Bournville Bookfest 2016 : Gangsta 

Granny Drama Workshops 

Meet Ben’s Granny. She’s very much a textbook 

Granny: she has white hair, she has false teeth, 

she has used-tissues up her sleeve, and…. 

she’s an international jewel thief! Join actors 

from Birmingham Stage Company, as they lead 

drama workshops based on David Walliam’s 

monster hit “Gangsta Granny”. Find out what 

trouble Ben and his Granny get up to - and 

have a go at recreating the scenes yourselves! 

Suitable for ages 6 plus. 2:00pm-3:00pm and 

3:30pm-4:30pm. Booking Essential. www. 

bournvillebookfest.com West House School, 

B15 2NX 

Festival Of Colour Family Fun Day 

Our fun day features dance and music 

performances, and a special ‘behindthe-scenes’ 

look at the gallery’s Indian 

decorative art collection. 11:00am-3:00pm. 

Adults £2, Child £1. Booking required but 

drop in any time. T: 01902 552055 www. 

wolverhamptonart.org.uk Wolverhampton 

Art Gallery, WV1 1DU 

Bournville Bookfest 2016 : Benji & The 

Mini Beasts 

It is a special day at school. All the children 

are practising for a talent show, but not 

Benji. Benji has fallen off his skateboard and 

is too scared to get back on. He flies away 

on his magic carpet to a different talent 

show, to the Mini Beast Circus, where he 

learns to keep trying until he gets it right. 

Moving Hands Theatre Company present 

this fun-filled story developed for children 

aged 3-7 with writer Philip Monks and 

storyteller Pyn Stockman. Booking Essential 

2:00pm-3:00pm and 3:30pm-4:30pm. www. 

bournvillebookfestcom Yardley Wood Library, 

B14 4DU 

19 – 20 Mar 

If You Go Down To The Woods Today 

Bake a jacket potato in the campfire and be 

inspired by 17th century woodcuts to create 

your own potato prints. Come and tick off 

some of the ‘50 things to do before you are 11 

and 3/4’. 11:30am-3:30pm. Child £1, normal 

admission charges apply. T: 01902 782808 

www.nationaltrust.org.uk Moseley Old Hall 

Lane, WV10 7HY 

19 Mar – 10 Apr 

Easter Trail 

nTake part in our Easter quiz. Collect your 

sheet,, follow the trail and spot the 

clues. When completed, return to the Centre 

to collect a small prize. £2 per trail sheet. T: 

01827 872660 countryparks.warwickshire. 

gov.uk The Information Centre, Kingsbury 

Water Park, B76 0DY 

19 Mar – 17 Apr 

Easter Extravaganza 

nBring 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 prize! There will also be a 

Craft Club where you can make your very own 

Easter Bonnet! For those of you who are brave 

enough you will have a chance to get up close 

and personal with giant snails and stick insects 

in our Minibeast Meets in the Discovery Room 

from 12:00noon-3:00pm. T: 01299 402114 

www.wmsp.co.uk West Midland Safari Park. 

DY12 1LF 

20 Mar 

Fun Frottage 

Use a variety of textures and drawing 

materials to create a vibrant poster based on 

your favourite word. Frottage art is made from 

rubbings of different surfaces. The technique is 

easy to learn, making it suitable for the whole 

family, whatever your level of artistic talent! 

This workshop is suitable for children aged 6 

to 12. All children must be accompanied by 

an adult. 2:00pm-4:00pm. Child £6. Booking 

essential. T: 0121 236 4353 www.rbsa.org.uk 

RBSA Gallery, B3 1SA 

Saltwells Explorers 

Family fun outdoors, adults must be 

accompanied by a child. Prior booking is 

essential and suitable outdoor footwear and 

clothing is advisable. 10:00am-12:00noon. T: 

07799 070115 www.dudley.gov.uk Saltwells 

Nature Reserve, DY5 1AX 

Woven Textile Pictures 

Weave a bright picture using wool and fabric, 

inspired by the patterns found in our Chance, 

Order, Change exhibition. Suitable for ages 

4-8. 11:00am-12:30pm £5 per child, booking 

essential. T: 0121 414 7333 www.barber.org. 

uk The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University 

of Birmingham, B15 2TS

Step by Step 

Visit us at 

www.step 

Tutors 

bysteptutors. 

co.uk 

“Prepares Your Child for Success’’ 

•One to one and group Prices from £10 an hour 

lessons 

•Home tutoring 

Enrolling for group lessons 

•KS1,KS2,KS3,GCSE now 

•11+ lessons covering Barlow Community Centre 

Maths, English,Verbal and Pound Road 

non verbal reasoning Oldbury 

•11+ mock Tests 

B68 8NB 

•special offer - Book your 

eleven plus mock test for 0121 533 4604 

only £30 

07904 609 836 

Like us on Facebook- step by step tutors 

6TH APRIL AT NEW SQUARE 

RAIN 

SHAKER CRAFT 

WORKSHOPS 

MEET 

REAL LIFE 

ANIMALS 

Open school holidays 

& selected weekends Easter> late Oct 

Visit www.lowerdraytonfarm.co.uk 

for times & admission info 

50p OFF 

Entry per person 

on production 

of this ad 

PT16 

newsquarewestbromwich.co.uk 

• 

• 

• 

• 


8what's on where 

8 

Woven Textile Pictures 

Experiment with colour, repetition and 

pattern to create a bold piece of abstract 

textile art. Suitable for ages 8-12. 1:30pm- 

3:00pm. £5 per child, booking essential. 

T: 0121 414 7333 www.barber.org.uk The 

Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University of 

Birmingham, B15 2TS 

21 Mar 

Fantastic Frogs 

Drop in to make a monster frog from 

recycled materials. Please bring an egg 

box. Suitable for children aged 3 years 

and above, who must be accompanied by 

an adult. Drop in 11:00am-1:00pm. £2 

per child. T: 01827 872660 countryparks. 

warwickshire.gov.uk The Information 

Centre, Kingsbury Water Park, B76 0DY 

22 Mar 

Dens 

Join us to build a den from natural materials. 

An event for children aged 5 years and above, 

Handsworth 

0121 296 4436 

Oldbury 

0121 647 6369 

Award-winning 

maths & English tuition 

ages 5 -14 

New skills 

Confidence 

Enthusiasm 

Academic Progress 

#LoveLiteracy 

Book your free trial today! 

Harborne 

0121 647 4394 

Shirley 

0121 647 4395 

who must be accompanied by an adult. 

10:30am-12:00noon. £3.50 per child. Booking 

essential T: 01827 872660 countryparks. 

warwickshire.gov.uk The Education Centre, 

Kingsbury Water Park, B76 0DY 

23 Mar 

Fun In The Woods 

Enjoy playing in our woodland – dig for 

treasure, make mud paint and more 

besides! An event for children aged 4 years 

and above, who must be accompanied by 

an adult. 10:30am-12:00noon. £3.50 per 

child. Booking essential T: 01827 872660 

countryparks.warwickshire.gov.uk The 

Education Centre, Kingsbury Water Park, 

B76 0DY 

24 Mar 

Spring Daffodil Windmills 

Make a beautiful windmill inspired by lovely 

spring daffodils. Suitable for children aged 7 

years and above, who must be accompanied 

by an adult. Drop in 11:00am-1:00pm. 

Kings Heath 

0121 661 7409 

Wylde Green 

0121 647 5159 

www.explorelearning.co.uk 

Longbridge 

0121 296 0768 

Yardley 

0121 306 9455 

Primary Times Spring 2016 Issue www.primarytimes.net/birmingham 

Primary Times Spring 2016 Issue | www.primarytimes.net/birmingham 

Child £2. Booking essential T: 01827 872660 


Information Centre, Kingsbury Water Park, 

B76 0DY 

25 Mar 

Easter Egg Hunt 

nThe Easter bunny has hidden clues 

around the park - crack the password 

and win a chocolate egg! You may even 

spot the Easter bunny as he hops around 

the park. Puppet shows, face painting 

and other activities are also available. 

11:00am-3:00pm. £2 per child - other 

attractions including face painting can be 

paid for at Reception. www.solihull.gov. 

uk Tanhouse Farm Road Car Park, Elmdon 

Park, B92 9EY 

25 – 26 Mar 

Hippity Hoppity Hurray! 

nChick out our fantastic Easter activities 

and make a cracking Easter card, a 

rocking chick and play lots of fun games. Plus 

take part in our egg hunt! T: 0121 472 0199 

www.sellymanormuseum.org.uk Selly Manor 

Museum, B30 2AE 

25 – 28 Mar 

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt 

nHop to it! Come and hunt the bunnies 

hiding in our gardens. Join in the fun 

whatever the weather; we have trails and 

crafts for everyone over the Easter weekend 

and of course a chocolate Egghead prize at 

the end! 11:00am-4:00pm. £2.50 per child, 

includes chocolate Egghead prize and free 

crafts, normal admission charges apply. T: 

Easter 

Activities 

Bring the kids along for 

a week of some fantastic 

Easter fun! 

27th March - 1st April 

Easter Sunday 

Easter egg hunt and bouncy castle 

Easter Monday 

Bouncy castle, children’s 

entertainer, Bibbledy Bob with 

children’s activities and games 

All Week 

Story and nature trials 

Visit our website for more information 

birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk 

Find us on: 

Your support keeps the 

Gardens growing 

01698 854409 www.nationaltrust.org.uk 

Wightwick Manor and Gardens, WV6 8EE 


nFollow clues around the country park, 

return your answer to the visitor centre 

before closing and collect a small prize. 

11:00am-3:00pm. T: 0121 421 7575 

www.birmingham.gov.uk Woodgate Valley 

Country Park, The Visitor Centre, B32 3DS. 

Cadbury Easter Egg Trail 

nTake a tour of the Back to Backs and 

follow our special trail to find the 

secret word and win an eggcellent prize of a 

Cadbury Egghead. 10:15am-2:45pm. Normal 

admission charges apply, booking essential. 

T: 0121 666 7671 www.nationaltrust.org.uk 

Birmingham Back to Backs, B5 4TE 


nGo on a woodland hunt to discover all 

about the wildlife of Kinver Edge, and 

find your chocolatey reward! 11:00am- 

3:00pm. Child 33, normal admission charges 

apply. T: 01384 872553 www.nationaltrust. 

org.uk Kinver Edge and The Rock Houses, 

Holy Austin Rock Houses, DY7 6DL 

25 Mar – 6 Apr 

Easter Fun On The Farm 

nMeet the Easter bunny, join an 

Easter egg hunt, take part in egg & 

spoon races and create springtime crafts 

down on the farm this holiday. The farm 

trailer ride will focus on the new life that’s 

springing up all around the farm at this 

time of year and there will be lambs to feed,

whilst the nature trail and woodland walks 

will showcase springtime in all its glory. 

10:00am-5:00pm. T: 01785 330757 

www.lowerdraytonfarm.co.uk Lower 

Drayton Farm, ST19 5RE 


Family Trail 

FREE EVENT Simple search around the 

venue. Suitable for families 4+. Drop in at 

any time but allow 30 minutes. 10:00am- 

4:00pm. T: 01384 815575 

www.dudley.gov.uk Gallery 9, Dudley 

Museum and Art Gallery, DY1 1HU 

25 Mar – 10 Apr 

Gandey’s Circus - Your Circus Awakens 

A 2 hour circus extravaganza for all the 

family using modern age technology 

to bring audiences a truly intergalactic 

experience with a spectacular space theme 

from a galaxy far, far away. We have over 

25 intergalactically renowned acts coming 

from beyond the stars to entertain families. 

Acts include : Equivokee’s hilarious routines : 

the world’s smallest stuntman, and real life 

Ewok from the original films, Trevor Jones, 

returning as Peanuts the Clown : Germanisto 

Troupe’s graceful feats of strength in their 

Russian Bar, Spring Board and Hand to Hand 

acts : The Torres Brothers bolas act : Gordon 

Marquez’s high speed juggling : Lazer Girls 

Neon skills : Duo Sifolinis risk life and limb in 

a death defying star battle on The Giant Space 

Wheel : Royalles London dancing finesse : 

Binky Beaumont as Ringmaster. Monday 

to Saturdays 2:30pm and 6:00pm. Sundays 

2:00pm and 5:00pm. T: 0843 208 0500 or visit 

www.gandeyscircus.com Gandey’s Circus, 

Lightwoods Park, B67 5DP 


nSee baby lambs and playful goat kids. 

Meet rabbits and chicks. Get creative 

with our Easter Craft activities and follow 

the Easter Trail to earn a treat. 10:00am- 

5:00pm. T: 01299 841255 www.raysfarm. 

com Rays Farm Country Matters, WV16 6PF 

Destination Space Easter 

nTim Peake isn’t just hanging out in 

space taking great photos of Earth and 

learning how to do zero gravity forward rolls! 

He is part of a worldwide team of scientists 

working on important experiments that will 

enhance our life here on our tiny blue planet. 

Join our Mission Commanders to find out 

all about Tim’s life on board, and discover 

some of the experiments he is working on 

that were designed, built, tested and packed 

for space here in Leicester. Daily events 

include The Astronaut Show (12:15pm and 

3:15pm), Make and Take Rocket Garden 

(11:00am-1:00pm) and The Great Easter 

Peake Challenge (2:00pm-4:00pm) Normal 

admission charges apply. T: 0116 261 0261 

www.spacecentre.co.uk The National Space 

Centre, LE4 5NS 

Easter Fun 

nTake part in a mega egg hunt across 

our 26 acre site, exploring shops 

and houses to solve clues. Grab an egg and 

get rolling in our traditional egg rolling 

competitions. Get arty with some eggy craft 

activities. Test your Easter knowledge and 

win a prize in our quiz. Discover the delights 

of playtime in the last century, banish 

boredom with traditional street games 

including hopscotch and skipping. Take up 

the challenge to see how long you can keep 

the hoop rolling in the hoop and stick game 

and test your skill with a cup and ball and 

the whip and top. Not forgetting our usuals 

– you can also enjoy a trip ‘Into the Thick’, 

experiencing life in a 1850s coal mine, attend 

a Victorian school lesson and try our famous 

traditionally cooked Fish & Chips. 10:00am- 

4:00pm. T: 0121 557 9643 www.bclm.co.uk 

Black Country Living Museum, DY1 4SQ. 

26 Mar 

Activities 

nEaster and Spring Family Activities. 

T: 0121 749 4100 www.cbhgt.org.uk 

Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens, B36 9BT 

Easter Hunt 

nFREE EVENT A treasure hunt with 

a tasty, healthy treat at the end to 

give you a break from chocolate overload. 

2:00pm-4:00pm, booking recommended. 

£3 donation. T: 01384 815279 www.dudley. 

gov.uk Activity Centre, Mary Stevens Park, 

DY8 2AA 

Big Baby and Children’s Market 

Thousands of pre-loved and Hand Made 

goods to choose from. If you’re stuck for 

something to do with the children… pop 

on down! Fantastic entertainment and 

offers for all the family. T: 01902 572090 

www.newhamptonarts.co.uk Newhampton 

Arts Centre, WV1 4AN 


nAnswer all of the questions along the 

trail to earn an egg-shaped reward 

at the end. 12:00noon-3:00pm. Booking 

is required (to avoid chocolate-based 

disappointment) www.birmingham.gov.uk 

The Park Cabin, Perry Hall Park, B42 1RS. 

Easter Bunny and Chick Hunt 

nFREE EVENT The annual Easter hunts 

are back, open to all ages and there is 

no need to book. 1:30pm-3:00pm. 

T: 01384 812474 www.dudley.gov.uk Priory 

Park, DY1 4EU 

26 – 28 Mar 


nCan you find what’s hiding in our 

grounds on our farm themed hunt? 

There is a chocolate prize for finishing from 

Cadbury. 11:00am-4:00pm. Tickets £2.50, 

normal admission charges apply T: 01902 

782808 www.nationaltrust.org.uk Moseley 

Old Hall Lane, Fordhouses, , WV10 7HY 


Easter Egg Trail 

nTake part in our self led Easter 

activities aimed at families with 

younger children. 10:00am-3:30pm. 

T: 0121 355 6370 www.birmingham.gov.uk 

The Visitor Centre, Sutton Park, B74 2YT 

27 Mar 


nFollow the trail left by the Easter 

Bunny and collect the ‘lost’ eggs. 

10:00am-12:00noon. T: 0779 907 0125 

www.discoverdudleyevents.co.uk Foxlands 

18211A 2/16 

ADVENTURE. ANIMALS. ACTION. 

SPRING 

SPECTACULAR 

19th March - 10th April 2016 

A choc-o-bloc array of Spring 

Newborns 

NEW Miniature Donkeys 

- Hatton’s Newest Residents 

Easter Week Egg Hunts 

Zoobee’s Jungle Jamboree Show 

ALL DAY INDOOR 

ENTERTAINMENT 

Laser Combat (8yrs+) 

All the usual Hatton Activities 

ADULT GOES FREE * 

with another 2 Full Paying Visitors 

* when booking in advance online at 

hattonworld.com 

Terms and Conditions apply - see website for details 

www.hattonworld.com 

www.primarytimes.net/birmingham Spring 2016 Issue Primary Times www.primarytimes.net/birmingham | Spring 2016 Issue Primary Times 9

what's on where 

Drive (steps), Cotwall End Valley Local 

Nature Reserve, DY3 2UL 


nUnder 16’s go free! Take part in our 

Easter Hunt – follow our Egg Trail 

throughout the Gardens, to win a prize 

at the end!We will also have the Easter 

Bunny here, so bring along the little ones 

for a chance to meet him and have a 

photo! 10:00am-5:00pm. T: 0121 454 1860 

www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org 

Birmingham Botantical Gardens B15 3TR 

27 – 28 Mar 


nOnce again we join with Cadbury to 

celebrate the magic of Easter and 

the joy of discovery. Follow the trail of 

eggstrordinary riddles left by Bunny around 

the orchard and garden. Solve the clues to 

claim your Cadbury chocolate prize. Games 

and activities make this a fun packed day 

for the whole family to enjoy in beautiful 

surroundings. Small additional charge for 

trail. 11:00am-5:30pm. Normal admission 

charges apply. T: 01746 780866 

www.nationaltrust.org.uk Dudmaston 

Estate, Quatt, WV15 6QN 

28 Mar 

Easter Family Fun Day 

nWe’ve hilarious puppet fun with 

‘Fox’s Easter’ and hilarity aplenty with 

shows from museum favourite Barrington. 

Plus walkabout mayhem with Simple 

Tom, face-painting, drop-in art activities 

and much, much more. 10:30am-4:00pm. 

T: 01922 652288 www.walsall.gov.uk/ 

leathermuseum Walsall Leather Museum, 

WS2 8EW 


Destination Space : Family Show 

Explore what life is like for the entire space 

crew in our Destination Space family show 

celebrating astronaut Tim Peake’s mission 

to the International Space Station in 

December. With amazing demonstrations 

and supersonic science experiments 

including building rockets, launching 

astronauts and learning about life on the 

ISS, this awe inspiring show is an out-of-this 

world experience not to be missed. Show 

takes place at 1:00pm. 

T: 0121 348 8001 www. 

birminghammuseums.org.uk Thinktank, 

Birmingham Science Museum, , B4 7XG 

Hippity Hoppity Hurray! 

nChick out our fantastic Easter activities 

and make a cracking Easter card, a 

rocking chick and play lots of fun games. 

Plus take part in our egg hunt! T: 0121 472 

0199 www.sellymanormuseum.org.uk Selly 

Manor Museum, B30 2AE 

Easter Fun 

nCome and see the award-winning 

clown and children’s entertainer 

Bibbledy Bob here, with music, fun and 

games on the lawn! There will also be story 

trails, educational and nature trails all 

week! 10:00am-5:00pm. T: 0121 454 1860 

www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org 

Birmingham Botanical Gardens, B15 3TR 


Egg Hunt 

nRuby the Castle Dragon has hidden 

her eggs from the dastardly dragon 

hunter. She has been very clever and 

disguised them, but now she cannot find 

them! Visitors will be invited to help locate 

Ruby’s eggs. They will record their findings 

on a quiz sheet and upon completion if they 

hand it into the shop, they will be given a 

reward. Please note: visitors will not be able 

to find Ruby as she will be too busy looking 

for her eggs! Adult £7, Child 5+ £4.50, Child 

2-4 years £2.50, Child under 2 years free. 

11:30am-4:00pm. T: 01827 709581 

www.tamworthcastle.co.uk Tamworth 

Castle, B79 7NA 

Easter Eggstravaganza 

nFun activities for Spring and exploring 

the works of J.R.R. Tolkein. £2 per 

wokshop. T: 01543 877666 

www.museumofcannockchase.org Museum 

Of Cannock Chase, WS12 1TD 

28 Mar – 10 Apr 

Easter Activities 

nCome and join us for an Easter Egg 

Hunt on site. Plus, stories, crafts, 

quiz’s and much more. 12:00noon-3:00pm. 

T: 0121 472 7775 www.birmingham.gov. 

uk Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park, 

B5 7RL 

29 Mar 

Easter Egg Burn-off 

nFree Event. Games, egg and spoon 

races and egg rolling to help burn off 

all that chocolate! 11:00am-12:00noon. T: 

01384 815279 www.dudley.gov.uk Activity 

Centre, Mary Stevens Park, DY8 2AA 

Underwater Wonders 

Come to our family pond dipping to discover 

the wonders of life in water. 10:30am- 

12:00noon. Child £3.50. Booking essential T: 

01827 872660 countryparks.warwickshire. 

gov.uk The Information Centre, Kingsbury 

Water Park, B76 0DY 

Rangers Club 

A club for 8-13 year olds with nature 

conservation tasks, fun activities, games, 

crafts and more. Younger children may 

attend with a supervising adult. 4.30pm- 

6pm £1 donation. T: 01384 815279 www. 

dudley.gov.uk Activity Centre, Mary Stevens 

Park, DY8 2AA 

Badgemaking 

Drop-in and design and make your own 

badge that you can wear with pride. 30p 

per badge. T: 01922 652288 www.walsall. 

gov.uk/leathermuseum Walsall Leather 

Museum, WS2 8EW 

29 – 30 Mar 

Easter Workshop - Spring 

nWe will be making Easter and Spring 

time arts and crafts using a variety 

of materials to take home. No need to 

book, just turn up. Trails to follow inside 

the museum and interactive galleries. 

Suitable for ages 5-12. 12:00noon-4:00pm. 

Tickets £2. T: 01543 877666 www. 

museumofcannockchase.org Museum Of 

Cannock Chase, WS12 1TD 

30 Mar 

Dizzy Duck Race 

You would have to be quackers to miss this 

one! Pick a duck and wish it luck as it races 

along the river. There are prizes for the first 

three to reach the finish line. This event is 

popular with visitors of all ages - children 

must be accompanied by an adult at all 

times. 11:00am-12:30pm, registration 

begins at 10:30am. £1.00 for every duck 

chosen. T: 0121 704 8000 www.solihull. 

gov.uk Play Area, Babbs Mill Local Nature 

Reserve, B37 6LN 


nThe Easter Bunny has been busy in 

the garden again and needs your help 

with his challenging Cadbury Easter Egg 

Hunt. Can you find all the clues and crack his 

puzzles to win a Cadbury chocolate prize? 

We’ve got some Easter crafts to have a go at 

too...what will you make? Small additional 

charge for trail and craft activity. 11:00am- 

5:30pm. Normal admission charges apply. 

T: 01746 780866 www.nationaltrust.org.uk 

Dudmaston Estate, Quatt, WV15 6QN 

Frog Watch 

Looking out for signs of frog activity, learn 

about how to create habitat and help care 

for our frogs and their friends. 10:30am- 

1:00pm. T: 0121 444 2848 592 www. 

birmingham.gov.uk Kings Heath Park, , 

B14 7TQ 

Dens 

Join us to build a den from natural 

materials. An event for children aged 5 

years and above, who must be accompanied 

by an adult. 10:30am-12:00noon. £3.50 per 

child. Booking essential T: 01827 872660 


Education Centre, Kingsbury Water Park, 

B76 0DY 

Kite Making 

FREE EVENT Join museum favourite, jim 

Morris and make and decorate your very 

own sled style kites. Perfect for a spring day. 

Drop in 10:30am-12:30pm and 1:30pm- 

3:30pm. T: 01922 652288 

www.walsall.gov.uk/leathermuseum 

Walsall Leather Museum, WS2 8EW 

31 Mar 

Natty Newts 

Drop in and make a simple newt model. 

Drop in 11:00am-1:00pm. Child £2. 

T: 01827 872660 countryparks. 

warwickshire.gov.uk The Information 

Centre, Kingsbury Water Park, B76 0DY 

Kids Activities 

It’s the holidays, so go wild in the woods 

with all the family. Wear suitable outdoor 

clothing. 11:00am-1:00pm. Booking 

essential. T: 0121 445 6036 events. 

birmingham.gov.uk Visitor Centre, Lickey 

Hills Country Park, , B45 8ER. 

mac Explorers: Easterish 

Eggstravaganza 

nMake a paper mache egg sculpture 

and paint it with colourful designs, 

have fun decorating egg boxes to keep 

your hoard of chocolate in, weave an Easter 

basket using paper and wool, then make 

some fluffy pompom chicks to fill it with. 

Massive pile of chocolate not included. 

Everyone will leave with a selection of 

eggceptional works of art. 10:00am- 

3:00pm. Tickets £12. For booking 

T: 0121 446 3232 www.macbirmingham. 

co.uk Weston Studio, mac birmingham, 

B12 9QH 

Easter Bunny and Chick Hunt 

nFREE EVENT The annual Easter hunts 

are back, open to all ages and there 

is no need to book. 11:00am-12:30pm. T: 

01384 812474 www.dudley.gov.uk Priory 

Park, DY1 4EU 

Sky Spotters Guide Launch and 

Workshop 

FREE EVENT, suggested donation £2. Join 

artists Juneau Projects for a free drop in 

workshop and pick up your copy of the 

guide to explore the park. 1:00pm-3:00pm. 

T: 0121 742 0226 ikon-gallery.org Sheldon 

Country Farm, B26 3TU. 

Mini-Bunting 

FREE EVENT Come along and make some 

beautiful mini bunting with artist Ruth 

Turnbull. Drop in 10:30am-12:30pm and 

1:30pm-3:30pm. T: 01922 652288 


Walsall Leather Museum, , WS2 8EW 


EcoPark Family Fun Day - Minibeast 

Hunt 

FREE EVENT How many minibeasts can 

you find on this exciting bughunt? Search 

the log piles and woodland floor for 

invertebrates of all shapes and sizes. Then 

make your own bug hotel to take home. 

10 


www.primarytimes.net/birmingham | Spring 2016 Issue Primary Times 11 



Follow us on 

25 March - 10 April 2016 

Eggciting Easter 

March 26th - 10th 

Eggxtra Easter fun. 

Follow the Easter trail, join in 

free Easter children’s crafts 

and pet our friendly bunnies. 

May Half Term 

May 28th - 5th June 

Complete our Fairy and Troll Trail. 

Win a prize for best dressed 

Fairy or Troll and join in 

free childrens’ crafts. 

T: 01299 841255 

E: info@raysfarm.com 

www.raysfarm.com 

Billingsley, Bridgnorth Shropshire WV16 6PF 

FREE CHILD* 

when accompanied by a full paying adult 

*Valid until 31.07.16. Not valid with any other promotional offer 

or on Bank Holiday Mondays. Valid for one free child only on 

presentation of this advert. PTE.16 

Join us this Easter for an EGGsploration of the 

International Space Station with Tim Peake. Get 

EGGcited with some amazing science experiments from 

outer space and ROCKET around the Centre to see how 

your own space garden will grow. 

BOOK ONLINE NOW TO BEAT THE QUEUES 

AND UPGRADE TO A FREE ANNUAL PASS! 

www.spacecentre.co.uk 

Come along and take part in activities which 

can help you to get your wildlife watch 

hedghog award, as well as just having a 

great time and learning more about nature. 

10:00am-3:00pm. T: 0121 454 1199 

www.bbcwildlife.org.uk EcoPark, B10 9HH 

1 Apr 

Fossil Friday 

Find out about our amazing collection 

of Dr. Fraser’s fossils.Then learn how to 

cast your own ‘fossil’ in plaster from a clay 

mould of your own design. Take your ‘fossil’ 

home and impress your friends and family. 

Suitable for ages 4-12. 10:30am-12:00noon 

and 1:00pm-2:30pm. Child £3. T: 01902 

552055 www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk 

Wolverhampton Art Gallery, WV1 1DU 

2 Apr 




5+. 9:00am. T: 0121 464 1738 www. 

libraryof birmingham.com Acocks Green 

Library, B27 7XH 

Spring Fun Day 

nComplete the egg hunt to win a 

chocolate prize! Watch the puppet 

shows, meet cute and cuddly Spring 

animals or decorate your own ceramic egg 

cup (£2 per egg cup). Have a go at one of 

our free drop-in craft activities and get your 

face painted (£2 per face). For our youngest 

visitors Craftplay will be open to discover, 

create and play! 12:00noon-3:00pm. T: 

01902 552507 www.wolverhamptonart. 

org.uk Bilston Craft gallery, WV14 7LU 

Spring Tour 

Free event for under 16’s. Join us for our 

Spring tours of the house and find out all 

about the Hodson family. The working class 

family home is accompanied in the back 

yard by a two-storey workshop building. See 

the Lock Gallery which offers an insight into 

some extraordinary locks from across the 

ages with its vast range of products which 

Willenhall became famous for. 10:00am- 

4:00pm. Adults £4. T: 0121 520 8054 www. 

bclm.co.uk Locksmith House, WV13 2DA 

3 Apr 

Delightful Decorations 

Learn how to stitch your own hanging 

decoration using a needle and a selection 

of wool in your favourite colours. This 

workshop provides a great opportunity to 

learn simple hand-stitching techniques 

for the first time, making it suitable for 

all abilities and ideal for beginners. This 

workshop is suitable for children aged 6 to 

12. All children must be accompanied by an 

adult. 2:00pm-4:00pm. Child £6. Booking 

essential. T: 0121 236 4353 

www.rbsa.org.uk RBSA GalleryB3 1SA 

Surreal Leaf Animals 

Discover Magritte’s Surrealist leaf-bird 

painting and use collage and paint to 

create an imaginary creature. Suitable for 

ages 4-8. 11:00am-12:30pm £5 per child, 

booking essential. T: 0121 414 7333 barber. 

org.uk The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, 


Surreal Leaf Animals 

Study Magritte’s painting and learn about 

Surrealism. Use mixed media techniques 

to create a surreal, imaginary creature. 

Suitable for ages 8-12. 1:30pm-3:00pm. £5 

per child, booking essential. 

T: 0121 414 7333 barber.org.uk The 

Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University of 


4 Apr 


nThe Easter Bunny has been busy in 

the garden again and needs your help 

with his challenging Cadbury Easter Egg 

Hunt. Can you find all the clues and crack his 

puzzles to win a Cadbury chocolate prize? 

We’ve got some Easter crafts to have a go at 

too...what will you make? Small additional 

charge for trail and craft activity. 11:00am- 

5:30pm. Normal admission charges apply. 

T: 01746 780866 www.nationaltrust.org.uk 

Dudmaston Estate, Quatt, WV15 6QN 

Spring Creations 

FREE ENTRY Leave your child with us for 

a safe, fun and creative day. Children will 

need to bring a packed lunch and a midmorning 

snack. Children must be 8 years + 

to participate. £23 per person. 9:30am- 

3:30pm. T: 01384 815571 

www.redhouseglasscone.co.uk Red House 

Glass Cone, DY8 4AZ 

Garden In A Glass 

Create your own miniature garden in a glass 

to take home and watch how plants grow! 

Suitable for ages 4-12. Drop in 1:00pm- 

2:30pm. Child £1. T: 01902 552055 www. 

wolverhamptonart.org.uk Wolverhampton 

Art Gallery, WV1 1DU 

Meet Andy Griffiths 

Free Event. A brilliant interactive story time! 

Andy will be reading from his new book 

in the series of treehouse adventures - The 

52-Storey Treehouse followed by getting 

12 

Primary Times Spring 2016 Issue | | www.primarytimes.net/birmingham 

01_DestinationSpace_PrimaryTimes_15.indd 1 08/02/2016 15:44

ONESIX5IVE 

3-Piece Slim-Fit 

Boys Suits 

£ 79 

IDEAL FOR PRIMARY PROMS 

Choice of 3 shirt colours from 13” collar £12 

Matching slim ties from £5 

Shoes from size 5 from £25 

FREE ALTERATIONS 

3 CANNON STREET, BIRMINGHAM B2 5EP 

T: 0121 633 3855 

www.slaters.co.uk 

your book signed by him. The expanding 

treehouse has a real life snakes and ladders 

game, a rocket-powered carrot launcher 

and a high-tech detective agency! Fun and 

crime solving is packed into this funny and 

exciting book. 11:00am. 

T: 0121 633 4353 www.waterstones.com 

Waterstones Birmingham, B4 7SL 

4 – 8 Apr 

Destination Space : Family Show 

Explore what life is like for the entire space 

crew in our Destination Space family show 

celebrating astronaut Tim Peake’s mission to 

the International Space Station in December. 

With amazing demonstrations and 

supersonic science experiments including 

building rockets, launching astronauts 

and learning about life on the ISS, this 

awe inspiring show is an out-of-this world 

experience not to be missed. Show takes 

place at 1:00pm. T: 0121 348 8001 www. 

birminghammuseums.org.uk Thinktank, 

Birmingham Science Museum, , B4 7XG 

5 Apr 

Animal Magic 

FREE EVENT Make your own fabulous 

creatures using a paper cup with Ruth 

Radcliffe. Drop in 10:30am-12:30pm and 

1:30pm-3:30pm. T: 01922 652288 



Fantastic Flying Machines 

Develop your imagination and invent your 

own model flying machine inspired by 

artists including Leonardo da Vinci. Suitable 

for ages 4-12. 10:30am-12:00noon and 

1:00pm-2:30pm. Child £3. T: 0870 320 

7000 www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk 

Wolverhampton Art GalleryWV1 1DU 

5 – 6 Apr 

Easter Workshop 

nCelebrate 1000 years of Staffordshire. 

Traditional art and craft and help us 

‘Create the Shire’ by making your own art 

and craft to celebrate this mile stone in 

our history. 1:00pm-4:00pm. No need 

to book, just turn up. Tickets £2. T: 01543 

877666 www.museumofcannockchase.org 

Museum Of Cannock Chase, WS12 1TD 

6 Apr 


nSee event details 30 March. T: 01746 

780866 www.nationaltrust.org.uk 

Dudmaston Estate, Quatt, near Bridgnorth, 

Shropshire, WV15 6QN 

Fused Glass Cats and Dogs 

Working in our glass fusing studio, a more 

advanced session aimed at children and 

adults who have had a go at our glass 

crafts..and are hooked! 1:00pm, 2:00pm 

and 3:00pm. Suitable for families with 

children aged 5+. £4.25 per person. 

Booking essential. T: 01384 815571 

www.redhouseglasscone.co.uk Red House 

Glass Cone, , DY8 4AZ 

Plaster-Casting Workshop 

Celebate the arrival of spring by making 

your own hanging plaque, using clay and 

plaster of Paris, inspired by nature. Rob 

Conway will help you to make a mould, 

cast your sculpture and finish it off with 

a lick of paint. 10:30am-12:30pm and 

1:30pm-3:30pm. £1.50, booking essential. 

T: 01922 652288 


Walsall Leather MuseumWS2 8EW 

Jungle Fever at New Square 

11am-4pm Free Family Friendly Event. To 

celebrate the release of the new Jungle Book 

film on 15th April, New Square Shopping 

Centre will be host to the ultimate jungle 

take over during the Easter school holidays. 

Children can go wild with fun jungle themed 

craft activities; making their own tribal music 

and decorating their own colourful rain shaker 

to take home. Families can also meet real life 

animals on a Jungle Safari adventure where 

they can meet and learn about 14 different 

animals; where they live, what they eat and 

how they survive. newsquarewestbromwich. 

co.uk New Square Shopping Centre, West 

Bromwich 

7 Apr 

Painted Eggs 

nDesign and make your own beautiful 

painted egg to celebrate the coming 

of Spring. Suitable for ages 4-12. 10:30am- 

12:00noon and 1:00pm-2:30pm. Booking 

required. T: 01902 552195 

www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk Bantock 

House Museum, WV3 9LQ 

Family Crafts - Jungle Madness 

Several craft activities to have a go at and 

take home; lots of sticking, sparkle and 

laughter with our Museum Education Staff. 

Suitable for families 4+. 10:30am-3:30pm. 

£2.35 per person, no booking required. T: 

01384 815575 www.dudley.gov.uk Gallery 

9, Dudley Museum and Art Gallery, DY1 1HU 

Scarecrow Making Day 

Let you imagination run wild by designing 

your very own scarecrow at this popular 

family event. There are prizes for the top 

three scarecrows. 10:30am-12:00noon. Prebooking 

essential. T: 0121 704 8000 

www.solihull.gov.uk Longdon Road Car 

Park, Knowle Park, B93 9HY 

Badgemaking 

Drop-in and design and make your own 

badge that you can wear with pride. 30p 

per badge. T: 01922 652288 



8 Apr 

Fossil Friday 

Find out about our amazing collection 

of Dr. Fraser’s fossils.Then learn how to 

cast your own ‘fossil’ in plaster from a 

clay mould of your own design. Take your 

‘fossil’ home and impress your friends and 


Eggcellent ideas to keep the kids busy 

With the Easter break just around the corner, many parents are starting to think 

about how to entertain the kids, particularly if the weather forecast isn’t looking too 

good. With a few fun activities, some creative thinking and a bit of forward planning, 

it’s easy to keep little ones busy and active – and without breaking the bank! 

Get creative with Easter crafts 

Craft projects are brilliant for engaging children. 

Not only do they provide them with hours 

of entertainment, but they’re also ideal for 

building skills and cognitive development. 

Colouring in and painting are both great fun 

whatever the weather – kids love to get the 

crayons and paints out to create their own 

magical world of colour! Ready-made kits 

for creating jigsaws, piggy banks and picture 

frames will help to add excitement, and also 

make lovely personalised gifts if there’s a 

birthday coming up! Of course a colouring 

book with a bunch of crayons is also a great 

way to have some quality quiet time together. 

At Easter time there are loads of craft kits 

available, such as sets to make bonnets, egg 

baskets and masks. They include all the bits 

and pieces needed to set the kids loose on 

their own Easter project! A make your own 

Easter sign set will also help you decorate 

the home, ready for the big day. 

Mixing it up in the kitchen 

Kids love to get involved and the kitchen is a 

great place to spark creativity and get stuck 

in, especially on those rainy days. For kids 

that love sweet treats (and that’s all of them!), 

there’s no beating a bit of good old fashioned 

baking... just be prepared to see more mix 

on the floor than in the bowl! Whether it’s jam 

tarts, fairy cakes or gingerbread men, baking 

is a great opportunity for kids to learn new 

skills and bake their own creations. For added 

enthusiasm, a few fun-shaped colourful cutters 

will do the trick. 

Teaching children how to make meals or 

snacks from scratch can be a great way 

of increasing their understanding of the 

importance of healthy eating, and get them 

thinking about where food comes from. 

To get them interested, it can be fun to make 

dishes that the kids have never tried before 

– it could be as simple as a fruit salad filled 

with unusual fruits from around the world. 

For those lucky enough to be jetting off 

somewhere exotic this year, a whole menu 

could be created made up of dishes from that 

country... a sure bet to get everyone excited! 

Outdoor activities 

With rumours that warm weather’s on its way, 

as unlikely as it seems now, there may be 

plenty of fun to be had in the garden. Setting 

up a garden Olympics will help keep little ones 

both busy and active... think sandpit for the 

long jump and two lengths of the garden for 

the 100 metres race. They’ll tire themselves 

out whilst having a load of fun... all without 

you having to spend a penny! 

Euro 2016 is only a couple of months away 

now, so setting up the goal posts and net 

for a penalty shoot out may help them take 

an interest – just keep competitive dads well 

away! If football isn’t their thing, a tennis, 

rounders or badminton set will be just as fun. 

For not-so-sporty kids, gardening is a great 

activity no matter what age they are. Pick 

a simple activity to start with like planting 

seeds – and watch them get hooked as their 

plants start to grow. Even children who find 

it difficult to concentrate will love to track the 

development of their plants as they get taller 

and taller thanks to their care and attention. 

Some parents like to add a competitive 

element to see who can grow the tallest, 

largest or tastiest plant! Now is the perfect 

time to start thinking about growing super-easy 

sunflowers, and a pack of seeds costs less 

than a quid – great value for weeks of fastgrowing 

fun! 

For more ideas to keep the kids 

busy this Easter visit wilko.com 

or visit our blog - life.wilko.com 

14 


Keeping the kids happy 

is child’s play at 

£312pk 

60p 

each 

Have an 

egg-cellent 


£1.50 * 95p 

£1.25 * 

each 

Find your local store at www.wilko.com/page/storelocator 

*Items available in store only. All products are subject to availability. Some items available in larger stores only, 

please check with your store in advance to avoid disappointment. Also online at wilko.com. 0426901 Wilko Make 

Your Own Easter Egg Basket Bunny/Chick. 0351501 Cupcake Cases 12pk. 0284023 Wilko Seeds Sunflower Giant Single. 

0270788 Wilko Seeds Cress Fine Curled. 0231614 Crayola Crayons 24pk. 0349453 Wilko Animal Colouring Book. 



family. Suitable for ages 4-12. 10:30am- 

12:00noon and 1:00pm-2:30pm. Child £3. 

T: 01902 552055 www.wolverhamptonart. 

org.uk Wolverhampton Art Gallery, WV1 1DU 

9 Apr 

Educational Computer Games Club 

Using computer games for educational 

purposes for children 6-11 years 11:30am- 

12:30pm T: 0121 464 4202 

www.libraryofbirmingham.com Birchfield 

Library, B6 6AH 

Craft Club 

Come craft with us aimed at children 5-12 

years of age. 3:00pm-4;00pm. 

T:01384 815560 www.dudley.gov.uk Dudley 

Library, , DY1 1HR 

10 Apr 

Charcoal Relief Prints 

Learn how to draw people in action from 

dancers to acrobats, using a charcoal relief 

print technique. Suitable for ages 4-8. 

11:00am-12:30pm £5 per child, booking 

essential. T: 0121 414 7333 barber.org.uk 

The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University of 


Charcoal Relief Prints 

Study Degas’s Miss La La drawing, then 

draw a figure in motion using the charcoal 

relief print technique. Suitable for ages 

8-12. 1:30pm-3:00pm. £5 per child, booking 

essential. T: 0121 414 7333 barber.org.uk 

The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University of 


Wolverhampton Watch Group - Estate 

Agency 

Looking for a new home? Are you a vole who 

wants a new hole? Or an eagle who desires 

an eerie with a view? We may have the very 

place for you! Explore homes of different 

animals and find what makes a desirable 

residence in the animal kingdom. Wildlife 

Watch is the junior branch of The Wildlife 

Trusts and the UK’s leading environmental 

action club for children. It is aimed at children 

aged 5 to 11 who care about nature and the 

environment and want to get closer to local 

wildlife. 10:00am-12:00noon. £3 for each 

session. T: 01902 572240 www.bbcwildlife. 

org.uk The Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and 

the Black Country’s Wildlife Watch, Wildside 

Activity Centre, WV6 0HA 

16 Apr 

Secret Inspiring Readers Reading 

Group 

Love reading? Come and join us! For children 

8-12 years, quizzes , puzzles and book 

discussions. 12:30pm-3:30pm T: 0121 

464 4202 www.libraryofbirmingham.com 

Birchfield Library, B6 6AH 

Big Dig 

FREE EVENT Join us for a gardening event to 

inspire you to brush off the cobwebs on your 

seedbox or if you’re new to gardening come 

and talk to experts to get help and advice. 

There will be food growing workshops 

(children and adults welcome) and more. 

During the event explore the Community 

Garden, taking in the growing areas, the 

wildlife areas, woodland and formal areas. 

We will be serving hot and cold drinks 

plus cakes from the Pavilion, and if you’re 

feeling warm enough, picnics are welcome. 

2:00pm-4:00pm. T: 0121 440 7430 

www.martineau-gardens.org.uk Martineau 

Gardens, B5 7UG 




5+. 9:00am. T: 0121 464 2274 www. 

libraryof birmingham.com Lower Parade, 

Sutton Coldfield B72 1XX 

16 – 17 Apr 

If You Go Down To The Woods tOday 

Find out about the birds at Moseley. 

Follow the bird trail and make your own 

owl from clay. Come and tick off some of 

the ‘50 things to do before you are 11 and 

3/4’. 11:30am-3:30pm. Child £1, normal 



Lane, Fordhouses, WV10 7HY 

17 apr 

Angular Abstract Tiles 

Design and build clay tiles decorated with 

bold geometric patterns inspired by our 

Chance, Order, Change exhibition. Suitable 

for ages 4-8. 11:00am-12:30pm £5 per 

child, booking essential. T: 0121 414 7333 

barber.org.uk The Barber Institute of Fine 

Arts, University of Birmingham, B15 2TS 

Angular Abstract Tiles 

Learn about 20th century abstract art 

and reinterpret the designs into clay tile, 

exploring line, shape and pattern. Suitable 

for ages 8-12. 1:30pm-3:00pm. £5 per child, 




24 Apr 

Funky Contour Faces 

Turn your favourite Barber portrait into 

a bright and funky watercolour, adding 

Thinktank 

Ichthyosaur 

Discover the 

ht 

hy Ich 

h 

ch ove 

no 

Di 

o 

Plus! Dinosaur 

T 

hi 

h n 

hy 

Th 

T 

i 

h 

ur 

au 

a r 

sau 

in 

Egg Trails 

n nkt 

a nk 

in 

k ta 

an 

osau 

a r 

EASTER EGG HUNTS AT 

ASTON HALL, BLAKESLEY HALL, MUSEUM OF THE JEWELLERY 

QUARTER, SAREHOLE MILL & WEOLEY CASTLE RUINS 

HUNDREDS & THOUSANDS 

GET CREATIVE AT BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM & ART GALLERY 

LOADS MORE 

TO SEE AND DO 

THIS EASTER 

birminghammuseums.org.uk/whats-on 

Funded by: 

16 

Primary Times Spring 2016 Issue | | www.primarytimes.net/birmingham 

BMT_26931_PrimaryTimes_135x184.indd 1 03/03/2016 14:22

pattern and detail with fine liner pens. 

Suitable for ages 4-8. 11:00am-12:30pm 

£5 per child, booking essential. T: 0121 414 

7333 barber.org.uk The Barber Institute of 

Fine Arts, University of Birmingham, B15 

2TS 

Funky Contour Faces 

Create a bold and bright watercolour 

portrait, adding pattern to the contours of 

the face with fine-liner pens. Suitable for 

ages 8-12. 1:30pm-3:00pm. £5 per child, 




30 Apr 




5+. 9:00am. T: 0121 464 3512 www. 

libraryof birmingham.com Sheldon Library, 

B26 2RJ 




5+. 9:00am. T: 0121 464 1944 www. 

libraryof birmingham.com South Yardley 

Library, B27 7XH 

30 Apr – 2 May 

Tug Boat Gathering 

Join us this Bank Holiday weekend for one 

of the largest tug boat gatherings in the 

country. Tug boats from near and far will 

make a rare appearance at the Museum as 

they manoeuvre their way along the canal 

arm. Visitors can chat to tug boat owners 

and join in with ‘Hands on Heritage’ canal 

crafts. It’s Full Steam Ahead – Newcomen 

Steam Engine will be in action. 10:00am- 

4:00pm. T: 0121 557 9643 www.bclm.co.uk 

Black Country Living Museum, DY1 4SQ. 

2 May 

Country Fair May Day 

Bring the family along for a fun day in 

the country, learning about and trying 

your hand at a host of rural activities – 

including clay pigeon shooting and archery 

– alongside vintage tractor, falconry and 

model aircraft displays, fun fair rides, trade 

stands and a hog roast – PLUS entry to our 

fab fun farm attraction! 10:00am-5:00pm. 

T: T: 01785 330757 www.lowerdraytonfarm. 

co.uk Lower Drayton Farm, ST19 5RE 

7 May 

STEM Club: Micro Gardens 

Leave your child with us in our Education 

Gallery for two hours having fun whilst 

learning. A variety of safe STEM (Science, 

Technology, Engineering and Maths) 

based experiments, exploring and making 

activities each month. Suitable for ages 

8-12. 10:30am-12:30pm. £5.75 per person, 

booking essential. T: 01384 815571 www. 

redhouseglasscone.co.uk Red House Glass 

ConeDY8 4AZ 

8 May 

See It, Grow It, Taste It! 

FREE ENTRY Enjoy live music, a gardening 

work shop, children’s wildlife and craft 

activities. We’re holding a family friendly 

fete all afternoon, perfect for relaxing in 

the Gardens in the height of Spring and 

having fun. And to the sounds of birdsong 

and live music, we hope you’ll be inspired 

to ‘Grow Your Own’ at home. Children can 

enjoy free play around the shipwreck. 

11:00am-3:00pm. T: 0121 440 7430 www. 

martineau-gardens.org.uk Martineau 

Gardens, B5 7UG 

National Mills Weekend 

FREE ENTRY Visit this Grade II listed flour 

mill which, water supply permitting, will 

be fully operational. Enjoy the Mill Yard 

and a Cart Barn with an 19th century 

farm waggon and a collection of restored 

agricultural machinery. There is also a 

well-established and popular Tree Trail 

in the Mill Meadow that also contains a 

wild flower meadow and picnic tables. 

10:00am-4:00pm. T: 0121 526 3131 www. 

newhallmill.org.uk New Hall Mill, B76 1QU 

14 May 

Educational Computer Games Club 

Using computer games for educational 

purposes for children 6-11 years 11:30am- 

12:30pm T: 0121 464 4202 www. 

libraryofbirmingham.com Birchfield Library, 

B6 6AH 

Magical Lands and Enchanted Places 

Experience the Manor as never before as it 

is transformed into magical kingdoms from 

classic stories and fairy tales. Explore and 

meet Goldilocks, Cinderella, Peter Pan and 

Alice in Wonderland plus many more. Enter 

the wonderland of Narnia, visit the School 

of Wizardry, enjoy storytelling sessions, see 

sword fighting demonstrations and journey 

through our trail. This event is organised in 

association with the Busy Parents Network. 

10:00am-5:00pm. Booking recommended. 

T: 0121 472 0199 www.sellymanormuseum. 

org.uk Selly Manor Museum, B30 2AE 

14 – 15 May 

If You Go Down To The Woods Today 

Gather around the firepit to taste nettle 

soup and bake your own dampers ( a simple 

kind of bread). Come and tick off some of 

the ‘50 things to do before you are 11 and 

3/4’. 11:30am-3:30pm. Child £1, normal 



Lane, Fordhouses, WV10 7HY 


ox office 

bOX 

office 

Your family theatre guide 

Arena Theatre, WV1 1SE 

Box Office: 01902 321321 

www.wlv.ac.uk 

19 Mar 

Holi 

Holi is globabally known as the Indian 

festival of colour when people gather, 

sing and dance in celebration. The festival 

joyously signifies the arrival of spring, 

traditionally celebrating as thanksgiving for 

a good harvest. 

2 Apr 

How The Koala Learnt To Hug 

Koalas are the cuddliest critters but just 

how did they learn to hug? This charming 

production is all about the magic of family 

and, of course, the importance of a nice 

warm hug! All you need are your ears (And 

your arms!). 

Birmingham Hippodrome 

Theatre, B5 4TB 

Box Office: 0844 338 5000 

www.birminghamhippodrome.com 


Mary Poppins 

The magical story of the world’s favourite 

Nanny arriving on Cherry Tree Lane has 

been triumphantly and spectacularly 

brought to the stage. Suitable for ages 3 

plus. 

2 – 4 May 

International Dance Festival 2016 : 

Nederlands Dans Theatre 2 

Come and watch 18 international dancers 

aged 18-23 from Nederlands Dans 

Theater 2 the junior company of the famed 

Nederlands Dans Theater. 

10 – 11 May 


Songs Of The Wanderers 

A visually stunning piece set to soulful 

Georgian folk songs and features a truly 

astonishing set with 3.5 tons of shimmering 

golden grains of rice! 

17 – 18 May 


Dance - Sampled 

A chance for dance fans and newcomers 

alike to enjoy a diverse range of styles from 

some of the world’s finest dancers at a 

specially reduced price. 

Birmingham Repertory Theatre, 

B1 2EP 

Box Office: 0121 236 4455 

www.birmingham-rep.co.uk 

21 – 22 Mar 

Anger Management 

“I’m not angry. I’m not. I’m just…I wish… 

okay…maybe I am angry…just a little.” A 

group of teenagers are excited to be invited 

away for a week of dance, sport, arts and 

crafts, but as the doors are locked they 

soon discover that not everything is as it 

seems. Is it their fault? Will they prevail? 

And what did they do to earn their place in 

Anger Management? 

23 – 24 Mar 

Made In The Midlands 

From chocolate and jewellery to Cluedo and 

much more, Young REP groups from all over 

the region examine the outstanding objects, 

industry and ideas that originated in the 

Midlands. 

12 – 16 Apr 

Twelfth Night 

This story of romance, satire and mistaken 

identity is crafted into one of the most 

exciting and accessible Shakespeare 

productions of recent years. Olivia’s 

melancholic, puritanical household clashes 

head on with Sir Toby’s insatiable appetite 

for drunken debauchery. Orsino’s relentless 

pursuit of Olivia and Malvolio’s extraordinary 

transformation typify the madness of love in 

Illyria: land of make-believe and illusion. 


First Stages - Rumpelstiltskin 

Once there was a miller who was poor, 

but who had a beautiful daughter. Now it 

happened that he had to go and speak 

to the king, and in order to make himself 

appear important he said to him,“I have a 

daughter who can spin straw into gold!” 

23 Apr 

Shake up Shakespeare Family Day 

This fun and interactive family day for 

children aged 8-18 and their parents will 

use Twelfth Night and King Lear to bring two 

of the Bard’s best-known plays to life. In 

only one day you will rehearse and perform 

the plays with costumes, props and sound. 

21 May 

First Stages - Hansel And Gretel 

Join Tattershawl, an eccentric traveller 

guide who will take you on a journey to 

unexpected destinations and dark secrets. 

CBSO Centre, B1 2LF 

Box Office: 0121 780 3333 

www.thsh.co.uk 

1 May 

BCMG - Families @ 4 

BCMG presents an hour-long, lateafternoon 

concert for the whole family 

exploring some of the music from our 

evening concerts in a relaxed and informal 

way. 

Dudley Town Hall, DY1 1HP 

Box Office: 01384 815577 

www.dudley.gov.uk 

31 Mar 

All Star Superslam Wrestling 

All Star Superslam Wrestling celebrates 45 

years of presenting live wrestling throughout 

the country. Fun for all ages, come along 

and enjoy an evening of entertainment 

and see American wrestlers take on homegrown 

talent. 

Forest Arts Centre, WS3 1AG 

Box Office: 0300 555 2898 

www.forestartscentre.co.uk 

5 Apr 

Children’s Easter Films Hotel 

Transylvania 2 (U) 

Drac’s Pack are back for more Hotel 

Transylvania fun! Secretly worried that his 

half-human grandson, Dennis, isn’t showing 

his vampire side, Drac (Adam Sandler) 

enlists the help of his friends to put the boy 

through a “monster-in-training” boot camp. 

6 Apr 

Children’s Easter Films The Good 

Dinosaur (PG) 

An Apatosaurus named Arlo makes an 

unlikely human friend and whilst travelling 

through a harsh and mysterious landscape 

he learns the power of confronting his fears 

and discovers what he is truly capable of. 

7 Apr 

Children’s Easter Films Bill (PG) 

From the creators of the BBC’s Horrible 

Histories, comes Bill, a re-imagination of 

Shakespeare’s ‘lost years’. 

8 Apr 

Children’s Easter Films Pan (PG) 

Peter is a mischievous 12-year-old boy with 

an irrepressible rebellious streak, but in 

the bleak London orphanage where he has 

lived his whole life those qualities do not 

exactly fly. 

Genting Arena, B40 1NT 

Box Office: 0844 33 88 222 

www.gentingarena.co.uk 

6 – 19 Apr 

Disney On Ice presents Silver 

Anniversary Celebration 

Join Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald, 

Goofy and Daisy on a journey to the 

timeless worlds of Disney’s The Lion King, 

The Little Mermaid, Peter Pan, and the 

Academy Award® winning, number one 

animated feature film of all time, Disney’s 

Frozen. 

New Alexandra Theatre, B5 

4DS 

Box Office: 0844 871 3011 

www.atgtickets.com 

15 – 19 Mar 

Goodnight Mr Tom 

Set during the dangerous build up to 

the Second World War, Goodnight Mister 

Tom follows young William Beech, who is 

evacuated to the idyllic English countryside 

and forges a remarkable and heart 

warming friendship with the elderly recluse, 

Tom Oakley. All is perfect until William is 

suddenly summoned by his mother back 

to London. 

New Alexandra Theatre, B5 

4DS 

Box Office: 0844 871 3011 

www.atgtickets.com 

22 – 26 Mar 

Horrible Histories - Groovy Greeks 

Prepare yourselves for Horrible Histories 

live on stage. The trouble is everyone is 

dead! From savage Sparta to angry Athens, 

discover the truth about growing up in 

Greece. Take on the Trojans and pummel 

the Persians. Compete in the first ever 

Olympic Games and appear in the very first 

play! Meet your match with the Minotaur 

and be zapped by Zeus. 

22 – 26 Mar 

Horrible Histories - Incredible Invaders 

Prepare yourselves for Horrible Histories live 

on stage. The trouble is everyone is dead! 

The Celts are crunched when the Ruthless 

Romans invade Britain. Can crazy Caratacus 

save the nation? Hide behind Hadrian’s 

Wall. See the Savage Saxons smash their 

way in. Find out who’s at Sutton Hoo. Will 

you survive the Vicious Vikings as they sail 

into the audience? Stop King Alfred burning 

his buns. It’s a thousand year journey with 

Incredible Invaders! 

New Hampton Arts Centre, WV1 

4AN 

Box Office: 01902 572090 

www.newhamptonarts.co.uk 

15 – 16 Apr 

Anne Of Green Gables 

Young, redheaded orphan Anne Shirley is 

sent to Green Gables by mistake. Marilla 

and her brother Matthew Cuthbert had 

intended to adopt a boy to help on the farm, 

so when a spirited girl arrives they don’t 

know what to think. But soon the Cuthberts 

and the village community of Avonlea, 

Prince Edward Island grow fond of Anne 

despite her constant chatter, mishaps and 

fiery temper. 

Solihull Arts Complex, B91 

3RG. 

Box Office: 0121 7046962 

www.solihullartscomplex.co.uk 

1 Apr 

My Pet Monster and Me 

Sophie Bucket lives on a farm with her Dad. 

She spends all of her time day-dreaming, 

but most of her time alone. If only she had 

a little friend to share her adventures. One 

day, Sophie finds an egg. She keeps it 

warm, and out pops a cuddly, toothy, burpy, 

baby MONSTER! And so, the fun begins. 

Suitable for ages 3+. 2:30pm 

7 Apr 

A Dragon’s Tale 

Foolishly John Lambton throws the strange 

googly eyed fish back into the river. What 

has he done! The Fish grew and grew 

and grew until… Watch Paul Batten of 

Theatrix Arts perform this magical story 

based on the legend of the Lambton 

Worm through puppets, changing scenery, 

music and sound effects. Then meet the 

puppets and create you very own Dragon 

Puppet! Fun holiday show which includes 

a craft workshop straight after the show 

for children (optional). The performance 

and workshop is suitable for families and 

children aged 4+. 

17 Apr 

Back To The 60’s 

Students from Planet Dance will be 

performing to music, film and theatre from 

the sixties through an array of dance styles, 

such as ballet, tap, street, ballroom, musical 

theatre and much more! 

26 – 30 Apr 

Fame The Musical 

Fame follows a talented group of dancers, 

singers, actors, and artists over four 

18 


What’s on 

To see what’s on when, visit www.thsh.co.uk/whats-on 

Box office 

0121 780 3333 


Family 

Follow us 

© Disney 

Town Hall Symphony Hall 

@THSHBirmingham 

How the 

Lion became 

King of Tinga 

Tinga Land 

Friday 1 April 2pm 

Saturday 2 April 11am 

Relaxed Performance 

Saturday 2 April 3pm 

Town Hall 

Disney Frozen 

in Concert 

Saturday 16 April 

2pm & 6pm 

Symphony Hall 

townhallsymphonyhall 

thsh_birmingham 

Funded by 

Town Hall renovation also funded by 

Steve 

Backshall’s 

Wild World 

Sunday 29 October 

11am 

Town Hall 

Captain Flinn 

& The Pirate 

Dinosaurs: 

The Magic 

Cutlass 

Sunday 30 October 

Town Hall 

years at the New York City High School 

of Performing Arts - a diverse, creative, 

powerhouse where students from all walks 

of life are given a chance to live out their 

dreams and achieve real lasting fame... 

the kind that only comes from talent, 

dedication, and hard work. 

17 – 21 May 

The Wizard Of Oz 

After a tornado whisks away a young 

Kansas farm girl, Dorothy, to the magical 

land of Oz, she starts her quest to find the 

mighty Wizard of Oz who has the power 

to send her home. Along the way she 

meets a Scarecrow, a Tin Woodsman and a 

Cowardly Lion who help her on her journey 

but when they finally arrive at the Wizards 

Chamber he demands that they bring him 

the Wicked Witch of the West’s broomstick 

before he will help them. Will Dorothy 

and her new friends survive their journey 

through the land of the Winkies and return 

with the broomstick? 

Stourbridge Theatre Company, 

DY8 5PZ 

Box Office: 0870 320 7000 

www.stourbridgetheatre.co.uk 

6 Apr 

Marvellous Imaginary Menagerie 

Roll up; roll up, for the most ‘magnifical’, 

‘tremendible’ and ‘fantasticulous’ 

experience in town! The caravan of 

curiosities and its crew of mysterious 

misfits have arrived to entertain, amuse and 

beguile you. Suitable for big kids and small 

grown-ups! 

Symphony Hall B1 2EA 

Box Office: 0121 345 0600 



Disney Frozen In Concert 

Frozen fans can experience the multi-award 

winning film, complete with Birmingham’s 

own world-class orchestra and chorus 

bringing to life the incredible score all under 

the roof of the UK’s finest concert hall - for 

the first time in forever. 

15 May 

A Great British Summer Holiday 

Oh, we do like to be beside the seaside! 

What – in central Birmingham? That’s the 

magic of music, taste the ice-cream, listen 

to our Children’s Chorus, and feel the sand 

between your toes, together with a grand 

singalong, books the whole family onto 

a great British summer holiday! 2:30pm 

(FREE craft activities in the foyer from 

1:00pm 

The Crescent Theatre, B16 8AE 

Box Office: 0121 643 5858 

www.crescent-theatre.co.uk 

17 – 19 Mar 

Cinderella 

An inspiring take on the classic fairy-tale 

with unique choreography with fabulous 

costumes and sets. 

21 May 

Pinocchio 

Join Ballet Theatre UK as we tell the tale of 

a wooden puppet carved from pine with but 

only one wish...to become a real boy. 

The Old Rep Theatre, B5 4DY 

Box Office: 0121 605 5116 

www.oldreptheatre.org.uk 

9 Apr 

My Pet Monster and Me 

Sophie Bucket lives on a farm with her Dad. 

She spends all of her time day-dreaming, 

but most of her time alone. If only she had 

a little friend to share her adventures. One 

day, Sophie finds an egg. She keeps it 

warm, and out pops a cuddly, toothy, burpy, 

baby MONSTER! And so, the fun begins... 

This is a very funny show with puppetry, 

music and songs especially for little 

monsters and their grown-ups. 

Town Hall, B3 3DQ 

Box Office: 0121 780 3333 


1 – 2 Apr 

How Lion became King of Tinga Tinga 

Land 

A fun-packed performance that will 

transport children and their families to 

a high-octane adventure on the African 

Plain. 

Wolverhampton Grand 

Theatre, WV1 1DE 

Box Office: 01902 429212 

www.grandtheatre.co.uk 

15 – 19 Mar 

Fame The Musical 

The story follows students at the world 

famous High School for Performing Arts 

New York all of whom are aspiring stars. 

20 Mar 

The Snow Maiden 

Protected from the outside world by 

Father Frost, the exquisite Snow Maiden 

plays innocently amongst the dancing 

snowflakes in the enchanted Land of Frost. 

Captivated by the colourful village and the 

people who live there, she ventures too 

far and is swept up by feelings of love, 

temptation and betrayal. When finally 

she surrenders herself completely and 

warms to love, her heart melts in a tragic 

embrace. 

21 Mar 

Sleeping Beauty 

Every child’s favourite fairy tale, this is 

the classic story of love and innocence, 

mystery and magic set to Tchaikovsky’s 

sublime score. Stunning choreography, 

sumptuous costumes and wonderful sets 

form the fantasy world in which the Lilac 

Fairy struggles against the evil Carabosse. 

21 Mar 

Swan Lake 

The greatest romantic ballet of all time is 

brought to life by Tchaikovsky’s haunting 

and unforgettable score 

4 – 9 Apr 

Annie 

Set in 1930s New York during The Great 

Depression, brave young Annie is forced 

to live a life of misery and torment at Miss 

Hannigan’s orphanage. Determined to find 

her real parents, her luck changes when 

she is chosen to spend Christmas at the 

residence of famous billionaire, Oliver 

Warbucks. 

17 – 21 May 

Joseph And The Amazing 

Technicolour Dream Coat 

Retelling the Biblical story of Joseph, his 

eleven brothers and the coat of many 

colours, this magical musical is full of 

unforgettable songs including Those 

Canaan Days, Any Dream Will Do and 

Close Every Door To Me. X-Factor 

winner Joe McElderry dons the coveted 

coat! 


Kids in the Kitchen 

Parents often find the school holidays a 

challenge. Keeping the children occupied 

isn’t the big task it used to be as most kids 

these days will happily occupy themselves for 

hours, or days, with some electronic device 

or other. The challenge now is finding ways 

to distract the children from tablets and other 

electronic media. 

Getting the kids to help in the kitchen is quite a 

productive way of getting them back to the real 

world again. Apart from giving them a much 

needed dose of reality, there are other benefits 

to spending time together in the kitchen. 

While children learn the rudiments of cooking, 

producing edible treats will also help boost 

their self confidence and self esteem. Besides 

that, working side by side in the kitchen is a 

great way to share time together. 

Easter is the perfect time to get children 

involved in food preparation as many of the 

cakes and sweet treats are quick, easy and 

involve a minimal amount of ‘cooking’. There 

is one key ingredient parents will need before 

embarking on sharing a kitchen with the kids 

– patience. Lots and lots of patience. The 

children will create a mess – that’s part of the 

fun for them. With this in mind all of the recipes 

below, including a hearty vegetarian alternative 

can be prepared in advance, giving parents 

plenty of time to mop up afterwards. 

Before starting to make Easter treats stock 

up on the following items, which will all be 

needed for decoration. Mini-eggs (there are a 

large variety of these available from different 

confectioners, the ones with the different 

coloured shells are the best for decorative 

effect.) Smarties – you can decorate anything 

with Smarties. Mini marshmallows, small yellow 

chicks, small bunnies and even tiny Easter 

bonnets. Edible glitter is always appropriate. 

Chocolate ‘Nest’ cakes come in a variety of 

guises, all pretty simple to make – even for 

younger children. The simplest ‘Nest’ cakes 

are rice crispy/cornflake cakes decorated with 

mini eggs etc. For a particularly ‘nesty’ look 

shredded wheat can be used. 

By Anne Marie Scanlon 

mini chocolate Nests Large Chocolate Nest Cake Easter Shortbread Biscuits 

makes 

12 

Ingredients: 

Plain chocolate 200-250g 

Shredded Wheat, crushed, approx. 85g 

12 paper cake cases 

Mini eggs to decorate 

Method: 

Melt the chocolate in a big bowl over 

boiling water. Once melted, remove 

the bowl from the water and mix in the 

crushed Shredded Wheat. Once all of 

the cereal has been coated in chocolate 

divide the mixture between 12 paper 

cases and shape into little ‘nests’. 

Decorate with mini eggs and pop them 

into the fridge for at least an hour. 

Variations: 

The great thing about these simple cakes 

is that you can experiment with different 

cereals and chocolate. Why not try using 

Rice Krispies or Cornflakes instead of 

Shredded Wheat? Use as much or as 

little as you need for all individual krispies 

or flakes to be covered. 

If you prefer a sweeter taste, you could 

add a little golden syrup and butter to the 

melted chocolate... or try using melted 

Mars Bars instead of plain chocolate! 

Ingredients: 

A round sponge cake (plain or chocolate) 

2 large Shredded Wheat, crushed 

200g milk chocolate 

200g white chocolate 

Mini eggs and chicks to decorate 

Method: 

Buy or bake a round sponge cake. 

Melt the milk chocolate in a big bowl 

over boiling water. Mix in the crushed 

Shredded Wheat until it is completely 

covered. Leave to one side. 

Melt the white chocolate in the same way 

and leave it to cool slightly (but not set). 

Pour the white chocolate onto the 

sponge cake and smooth it over the top 

and sides. It does not need to be neat! 

Assemble the milk chocolate ‘nest’ 

around the sides of the sponge, pressing 

it into place to make sure it sticks. 

Cover the top of the cake with mini eggs 

and little chick decorations and pop it into 

the fridge for at least an hour to set. 

Tip: If bits of the nest don’t stick, melt a 

little bit more chocolate, let it cool slightly 

and use that to anchor the nest. 

makes 

Ingredients: 

8 

60g plain flour • 20g caster sugar 

40g butter (room temperature) 

Half a teaspoon vanilla extract 

Icing, icing pens & sprinkles to decorate 

Method: 

Pre-heat the oven to 160ºC. 

Put the flour and butter in a mixing bowl 

and rub together until crumbly. 

Add the vanilla extract and mix in the 

caster sugar. Then squeeze it all together. 

Sprinkle a clean surface with flour and 

use a rolling pin to roll out the dough until 

it is about 0.5cm thick. 

Use a cutter or knife to cut out Easter 

shapes such as chicks or eggs. Transfer 

these to a baking tray that has been 

covered with greaseproof paper and pop 

it into the oven for 12-15 minutes. 

Once they’re cooked and cooled the kids 

can have great fun decorating them with 

icing, icing pens and sprinkles! 

Tip: Short of time? Simply get the icing 

pens out to decorate shop-bought 

biscuits such as Rich Tea. 

20 


Help your kids find their 

sporting passion 

Spending more time together and getting more active probably made it 

onto your family’s list of New Year’s resolutions. But if January seems like 

a distant memory now, here at the Sports Show, we believe it’s never too 

late to try something new. 

If you’re looking for a great value for money, family day out in 2016 with a difference, look no further 

than the Sports Show coming to the NEC, Birmingham on the 25 – 26 June. 

Whether you already love sport and want to 

enjoy playing alongside your heroes or a family 

that’s new to sport and need some hands 

on help, there’s something for all ages and 

abilities to experience. 

Occupying over 12 halls (equal to a whopping 

10 football pitches!), the show brings together 

over 35 sports, 100 well known sporting 

heroes and 30 major national governing 

bodies all under one roof. 

Sports Show gives you and your family the 

chance to try a range of ‘have a go’ sports in 

the various Sports Worlds - from Archery to 

Athletics, Badminton to Basketball and Cricket 

to Climbing to name but a few. 

With the help of the professionals, the aim of 

the event is to inspire and help your family find 

sports you can enjoy doing together long after 

the show closes – and of course, help you tick off 

some of those New Year’s resolutions! 

Sports Show is the 

ultimate showcase 

for British sport 

Andrew Strauss International England 

cricket legend and Sports Show hero 

So t-shirts and trainers at the ready, prepare 

to play sport, live sport, love sport and more 

importantly, #ShareSport at the Sports Show 

in June. 

It’s the ultimate indoor 

family day out! 

To book tickets today or find out 

more, visit sports-show.co.uk 

It’s competition time 

Here’s your chance to WIN a family 

ticket to the Sports Show! 

Q: What sport is Sports Show hero 

Beth Tweddle famous for? 

A - Rugby 

B - Archery 

C - Gymnastics 

To enter this free prize draw, email your answer, 

full name and contact telephone number using 

the subject line ‘Primary Times’ to 

info@sports-show.co.uk 

Entry closes 5pm on 

Monday 9 May 2016. 

A winner will be 

drawn at random 

from all the correct 

entries and will 

be notified by 

Wednesday 

11 May 2016. 

Good luck! 

Full Terms & 

Conditions can 

be viewed at: 

http://www. 

primarytimes.net/ 

birmingham 

The closest 

holiday park 

to the beach 

holidays 

from 

£79 

Visit us at 

www.woolacombe-sands.co.uk 

for further details 

Help Your Child 

Increase their chances of success 

Build confidence in exam conditions 

Overcome weaknesses 

1 EXAM FOR 

£125 

3 EXAM FOR 

£210 

5 EXAM FOR 

£325 

BOOK EXAMS ONLINE 

www.11plusmocks.co.uk 0121 270 6423 

Beach Road, Woolacombe, 

North Devon Ex34 7Af 

E: bookings@woolacombe-sands.co.uk 

01271 870569 

www.woolacombe-sands.co.uk 


COMPETITION 

A Family Ticket 

Birmingham’s own circus is Back 

Gandeys Your Circus Awakens 

From a galaxy far, far away comes 

a circus that’s out of this world! 

Primary Times have teamed up with Gandeys 

Circus to offer a free family ticket (two adults, 

2 children) to five lucky winners 

GANDEY’S – the country’s largest Big Top entertainment 

organisation is heading to Birmingham with a supercharged 

action-packed, all human production to 

entertain you this Easter – Gandeys… Your Circus 

Awakens. 

Birmingham’s own circus is making a welcomed return 

after a 20 year absence, this time to, Lightwoods Park, 

Hagley Road West, Birmingham 

B67 5DP. The thrills will certainly be with 

you during this unmissable 2 hour circus 

extravaganza for all the family! 

Gandeys Circus has two shows daily 

from FRIDAY 25TH MARCH TO 

SUNDAY 10TH APRIL at Lightwoods 

Park Smethwick B67 5DP. For tickets or 

more information call 0843 208 0500 

or visit www.gandeyscircus.com. 

To be in with your chance of winning 

a family pass to this fun exciting circus 

simply answer the following question 

How long is it since Gandey’s circus was 

last in Birmingham? 

A. 20 years B. 1 month C. 1 year 

Enter online at www.primarytimes.net/birmingham/competitions 

or https://www.facebook.com/PrimaryTimesWM 

Closing 

Date 

24 March 

2016 

The Easter holiday is almost here and there is plenty going on at your 

local leisure centre to keep the kids happy! Our pool splash sessions 

with giant inflatables, balls & floats are guaranteed to provide plenty 

of entertainment for the whole family under the safe supervision of 

qualified lifeguards, or for budding racket enthusiasts with their eyes 

set on Wimbledon, Mini Tennis at Billesley Tennis Centre is the perfect 

way to learn the basics or improve technique via a fun format. 

We have numerous Activity Camps to pick from including swimming, 

football, gymnastics, dance and mixed sport...enough activity to 

exhaust even the most lively! Camp numbers are limited so book 

today to guarantee your child a place. Little ones under 5 can join in 

with Play Days indoor sessions for safe softplay, trampolining & ball 

pool fun. 

With 8 locations across the city we have a centre on your doorstep. 

Choose from; Wyndley, Cocks Moors Woods, Fox Hollies, Stechford, 

Northfield, Billesley Indoor Tennis, Beeches and Erdington Leisure 

Centres. 

Visit our website at www.birminghamleisure.com and contact your 

nearest Birmingham Community Leisure Trust facility today to find out 

more about their holiday sessions and have an active, safe and fun 

Easter holiday. 

There are so many 

decisions to be made when 

searching for a suit that 

it can get a bit confusing. 

Don’t worry - help is at 

hand. Slaters are here to 

the rescue. 

We like to think of our staff 

as image superheroes. Here 

to conquer the styles you 

crave at an affordable price. 

That’s not all. We have a 

secret power of our own: 

our free alterations service 

ensures your suit is the 

perfect fit. 

RSPB Sandwell Valley 

superb for schools 

Giggles of laughter and excited squeals fill the air as another school 

group sets off to explore the RSPB nature reserve at Sandwell Valley. The 

brand new visitor centre at RSPB Sandwell Valley opened its doors last 

summer and schools have been having a brilliant time striking out along 

the nature trails. 

Nature’s reach visitor centre gives schools the perfect base in the heart 

of the reserve. Children love watching the dragonflies dance over the 

pond and the chance to dip a net beneath the water has been a popular 

activity. From Reception to Year 6 there are programmes to support 

learning in Science and Geography. 

Year 1 from Coppice Primary school came to examine the plants, the 

teacher said ‘ This was a super day – well organised and planned.’ 

Whilst Y3/4 from Warton Nethersole Primary school investigated the 

minibeasts and habitats of the reserve. Learning Officer Gretel Cooper 

reflects on all the children that she sees ‘ I think my favourite moment 

this week was when one little girl stood with her hands on her hips and 

said ‘A –maz-ing – this place is so cool.’ Children really get this place, it 

is just so natural for them to learn here.’ 

Make sure that your school books their visit soon as we are looking 

forward to seeing you. n 

It really is that simple. 

Find a suit and complete 

the look with a shirt, tie, 

handkerchief and shoes, 

why go anywhere else; 

everything you need is 

under one roof. n 

22 



BORED FROM TO TO 

BRILLIANT 

THIS EASTER HOLIDAY 

Saturday 26th March – Sunday 10th April 

SUPER STARS HOLIDAY 

CLUB: BOOK EARLY TO 

AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT! 

FUN FOR 

ALL THE 

FAMILY! 

• INFLATABLE SPLASH SESSIONS 

INCLUDING: SWIMMING 

• LEARN TO SWIM PROGRAMS 

DEVELOPMENT, LIFESAVING & 

• ACTIVITY CAMPS - DANCE, 

BEACH GYMNASTICS, SAFETY, FOOTBALL, WATERPOLO, 

SNORKELLING + MUCH MORE! 

MULTI ACTIVITY + MUCH MORE! 

See website for full details of all activities available at each centre: 

www.birminghamleisure.com 

Beeches Pool & Fitness Centre 

T 0121 464 6296 

/BeechesPool 

Fox Hollies Leisure Centre 

T 0121 464 4112 

/foxhollieslc 

Billesley Indoor Tennis Centre 

T 0121 464 4222 

/BillesleyIndoorTennisCentre 

Northfields Pool & Fitness Centre 

T 0121 464 1058 

/northfieldlc 

Cocks Moors Woods Leisure Centre 

T 0121 464 1996 

/cmwlc 

Stechford Cascades 

T 0121 464 5596 

/stechfordcascades 

Erdington Leisure Centre 

T 0121 464 0520 

/ErdingtonPool 

Wyndley Leisure Centre 

T 0121 464 7741 

/wyndleyleisure 

in partnership with 

a part of 

HOLIDAY 

CLUB 

24

BBC Easter 16

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?