PT BBC summer yudu link

59,545 COPIES FOR FAMILIES 

Primary Times Birmingham 

OF PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN 

Birmingham & Black Country 

www.primarytimes.co.uk 

Summer Holiday 

Activities 

Mon 22nd July - Fri 30th Aug 2019 

Fun for all the family in Birmingham 

Swimming 

Lessons 

HUGE 

INFLATABLE 

FUN! 

For sites, details & activities, visit 

www.birminghamleisure.com 

Working in partnership with 

DAYS OUT • EDUCATION • COMPETITIONS • FAMILY FUN 

SUMMER ISSUE 2019 

www.primarytimes.co.uk/birmingham | SUMMER 2019 1 

8 JULY – 3 SEPT


Sandwell Leisure 

REGISTER ONLINE NOW! 

15 

Carvers Half Marathon Sunday 

1st September 2019 

Plans for the forthcoming Carvers Half Marathon Events on Sunday 

1st September are well underway. The events, which are now in their 

22nd year feature a Carvers Half Marathon, Banks’s 10K, Berriman 

Eaton Cycle & Wheelchair Events, Paycare Half Marathon Relay 

and Grand Theatre Children’s Mini Marathon, literally something for 

everyone. The events are raising money for local charities and this 

year chosen charities are Compton Care, PDSA Wolverhampton, 

Wolverhampton East District Scouts, Wulfrun Hospital Radio and the 

Mayoral Charity Fund. The Children’s Mini Marathon is a great way to 

get youngsters involved in the Half Marathon Events and all finishers 

will receive a medal and a TShirt. For more information visit: www. 

wolverhamptonmarathonevents.co.uk or telephone: 01902 577000. 

Last date to enter is Saturday 31st August, (no entries on the day). 

CHILDREN’S MINI- 

MARATHON 

25 

A short run for the under 

14’s approximately 2K in 

distance starting on the 

official start line and 

finishing in West Park. 

SUNDAY 1 ST SEPTEMBER 2019 

HAVE FUN, GET FIT & HELP RAISE 

MONEY FOR YOUR CHARITY 

WOLVERHAMPTONMARATHONEVENTS.CO.UK 

OR CALL 01902 577000 FOR MORE INFORMATION 

2 

SUMMER 2019 | www.primarytimes.co.uk/birmingham


Contents 

6 What's On Where? 

Dear Readers, 

Summer Issue 2019 

WELCOME 

9 Wildlife's Hannah Stitfall 

12 Film Preview Guide 

13 Bookstore 

14 Professor Brian Cox 

18 Box Office 

Welcome to our summer issue – the last one of the school year! We 

are so pleased to be able to help you make the most of the coming 

summer months with our suggestions for all sorts of local activities 

and events. With the warm weather and long summer evenings, 

this is such a wonderful time of year, and the perfect time to get 

outdoors! 

Our What’s On Where pages will help you fill your calendar to keep 

the kids busy. We’ve got a huge range of events listed, many of 

which are free or low cost, meaning it’s even easier to plan the kids’ 

activities over the long summer break. We’ve got everything from 

craft workshops to outdoor theatre productions. Make sure to check 

out our Box Office section too to see what your local theatres have on 

this summer that the whole family can enjoy. 

20 Pinboard 

From everyone here at Primary Times, we hope you have a lovely 

summer holiday. 

...the UK’s biggest, free ‘what’s 

on’ magazine for parents! 

22 Tell A Joke Day 

With very best wishes, 

The Primary Times Team 

Production: Kate Terry 

kate.terry@primarytimes.co.uk 

Design: Stuart Cameron 

23 Loopy Library 

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. 

Primary Times in Birmingham 

& Black Country, is published by: 

Schools Publishing Limited 

Unit 1A, Thamesview Industrial Estate, 

Newtown Road, Henley on Thames 

RG9 1HG Telephone: 01491 411848 

www.primarytimes.co.uk/birmingham 

The UK’s biggest free ‘what’s on’ magazine 

for parents! Primary Times in Birmingham 

& Black Country distributes 59,545 copies 

seven times a year, and is part of a national 

network distributing more than 2.7 million 

copies in 59 regions across the UK and 

Ireland 

Total Average Qualified 

Circulation: 59,545 

BPA March Statement 2018 

• NOW OPEN AT THINKTANK • 

An 

interactive 

mini city 

where 

children are 

in charge! 

Welcome to MiniBrum 

YOUR 

WHERE WILL MINIBRUM 

ADVENTURE TAKE YOU? 

birminghammuseums.org.uk 

Funded by: 

www.primarytimes.co.uk/birmingham | SUMMER 2019 3


1 - 21 SEPTEMBER 

Book now! 

Acocks Green 0121 6473689 

Bearwood 0121 5589338 

Blakenhall 0190 2682451 

Bournville 0121 2464356 

Coseley 0138 4362417 

Dudley Central 0138 4279595 

Erdington 0121 7302597 

Four Oaks 0121 2401101 

Great Barr 0121 3782130 

Halesowen 0121 5505864 

Handsworth 0121 2189503 

Handsworth Wood 0121 2401596 

Harborne 0121 4273007 

Kings Heath 0121 6631322 

Kingswinford 0138 4908047 

Northfield 0121 6476757 

Small Heath 0121 6284168 

Smethwick 0121 4559893 

Stourbridge 0138 4443629 

Streetly 0121 4130620 

Sutton Coldfield 0121 4130620 

Walmley 0121 2432692 

Walsall Caldmore 0192 2451942 

Walsall Park Hall 0190 2682451 

Wednesfield 0190 2724398 

Wolverhampton West 0190 2475005 

Yardley Wood 0121 7774327 

Come along to our open event on Sunday 1 September at Bullring from 11am-5pm. 

Ability development for any child at any age 

Terms and conditions apply. Fees vary. Participating study centres only. 

Please refer to your local study centre. Subject to availability. 

kumon.co.uk 

4 



Show you care in a cape 

Saturday 21st September 

5km family walk and fun day 

Register now: www.stgileshospice.com/herowalk 

St Giles Hospice, Fisherwick Road, Whittington, Lichfield, WS14 9LH 

fundraising@stgileshospice.com | www.stgileshospice.com | 01543 432031 

Registered Charity No. 509014 

StGiles_Heroes Walk 135 x 90 advert_Primary Times.indd 1 17/06/2019 12:01 

Summer 

at Shakespeare’s 

FAMILY HOMES 

20 July - 1 September 2019 

From garden games and storytelling to 

outdoor theatre and picnic events, 

there’s plenty to enjoy this summer. 

12 MONTHS FREE 

WITH EVERY TICKET 

For full details of our summer 

programme visit 

Shakespeare.org.uk 

Registered Charity No 209302 



WHAT’S ON WHERE 

If you are looking for more inspiration, there 

are many more events on our website 

www.primarytimes.co.uk/birmingham 

7 July 

Sing-a-long Sundays 

Shakespeare’s New Place CV37 6EP 

www.shakespeare.org.uk/events 

11am. Come along for a Makaton sing-along 

session based on Tudor and modern 

nursery rhymes, and a Makaton quiz. 

Sessions take place on the first Sunday of 

the month until October, Makaton is a series 

of signs and symbols that helps people 

communicate.T: (0)1789 338536. 

8 July – 22 July 

£3 after 3pm 

Thinktank. Birmingham Science Museum 

B4 7XG 

www.birminghammuseums.org.uk 

3-5pm. Visit Thinktank for £3 per person 

after 3pm on weekdays during term-time 

(excluding bank holidays). T: 0121 348 8000. 

8 July - Ongoing 

Rainforest Flight Area 

Stratford Butterfly Farm CV37 7LS 

www.butterflyfarm.co.uk 

Whatever the weather stroll through the 

wonderful world of a unique and exotic, 

rainforest environment; a lush landscape 

of tropical blossom, splashing waterfalls 

and fish-filled pools. Watch hundreds of 

the world’s most spectacular and colourful 

butterflies flying all around. 

T: (0)1789 299 288. 

Minibeast Metropolis 



Minibeast Metropolis is teeming with 

life and houses one of the largest insect 

collections in the UK. It is also home to 

snakes, reptiles, amphibians and other 

invertebrates. Come and see these 

fascinating creatures up close. 

T: (0)1789 299 288. 

The Wildflower Garden 



From June to September the front garden 

of the Butterfly Farm is awash with a myriad 

of beautifully coloured wild flowers. More 

importantly they are nectar plants and are 

perfect for attracting butterflies and bees 

into the garden. Within the garden over 

looking the pond you will find a row of 

miniture houses, these are bug B&Bs and 

insect hotels, perfect for attracting all sorts 

of wildlife into the garden. 

T: (0)1789 299 288. 

12 July – 1 September 

National Space Centre 

National Space Centre LE4 5NS 

www.spacecentre.co.uk 

Fifty years after humankind took that one 

small step onto the lunar surface the 

National Space Centre is taking you back to 

the Moon. Join the Mission Commanders for 

an immersive celebration of the Apollo 11 

50th anniversary. Book online and upgrade 

to an Annual Pass. 

13 July 

Birmingham Pretty Muddy Kids 

Cofton Park B31 2BQ 

www.raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org 

9.45am. Race for Life Pretty Muddy Kids 

is a brilliant muddy obstacle course just 

for the little ones. They can take on the 

obstacles, crawl through the mud pit and 

have fun with friends, all the while helping 

raise valuable funds for life-saving research. 

Please note, all children taking part must be 

at least 1.2m tall on day of event. Children: 

£10.00, accompanying adults free. 

Guided Pond Dipping Sessions 

RSPB Sandwell Valley B43 5AG 

www.rspb.org.uk 

11am-1pm. Come and join in with a guided 

Pond Dipping session every Saturday in 

Spring and Summer. Expert volunteers will 

be on hand to help you discover the pond 

minibeasts, how to idientify them and the 

best way to use the equipment. Price: £3 

per child. T: 0121 357 7395. 

Coughton Village Summer Fete 

Coughton Court B49 5JA 

www.nationaltrust.org.uk 

12-4pm. Traditional stalls, games and 

competitions on the lawn to raise money 

for local causes. Free admission to the 

gardens. T: 01789400777. 


Summer in Southside 2019 

Birmingham Hippodrome B5 4TB 

www.birminghamhippodrome.com 

A FREE family festival that goes 

intergalactic and explores the spectacle 

and wonders of outer space. Celebrating 

50 years since the first moon landings, the 

streets of Southside around the Birmingham 

Hippodrome theatre will be transformed 

into a lunar landscape for a whole weekend 

packed with performances, installations and 

extra-terrestrial antics from a list of ‘out of 

this world’ acts. 

14 July 

Summer Fete 

Blakesley Hall B25 8RN 


11am-4pm. Come along for the first 

Summer Fete at Blakesley Hall – bouncy 

castle and inflatable slide, face painting, 

Punch and Judy show, games and activity 

stalls. Free event but some activities will be 

charged. Normal admission charge to Hall 

applies. T: 0121 348 8120. 

Creative Sunday Workshops 

The Barber Institute B15 2TS 

www.barber.org.uk 

1.30-3pm. For ages 8-12 years. Close your 

eyes, touch objects and draw what you feel. 

Texture and shape; 2D drawing from 3D 

objects. See website to book session. 

17 July 

BMAG Babies 

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery 

B3 3DH 


10.30-11.30am and 11.30am - 12.30pm. 

Come along to an early years stay and play 

session. Creative, interactive and sensory 

play and fun with colours, textures and 

sounds. Designed for babies and toddlers 

aged 6 months to 2 years to play and 

interact with a parent or caregiver. This is a 

free event but please pre-book a one hour 

session to guarantee a place. 

T: 0121 348 8000. 

17 July – 28 August 

Wednesday Evening Drop In Sessions 



4-7pm. Drop into RSPB Sandwell Valley on 

Wednesday evenings for some nature and 

wildlife fun. There will be a different activity 

each week, including favourites such as 

pond dipping and bug hunting. Activities will 

be weather dependant, but don’t be put off 

by the rain, there are exciting things to do 

indoors too. £1 per person. T: 0121 357 7395. 

20 July 

The Big Picnic 

Anne Hathaway’s Cottage CV37 9HH 


10am-4pm. A day of family activities 

includes a magician, puppet theatre, 

face painter, live music from local band 

The Rest, a barbecue, and spontaneous 

poet Judge the Poet, entry free for CV37 

residents. T: (0)1789 338532. 

Moon Landing Party 


B4 7XG 


6-9pm. To celebrate the 50th Anniversary 

of the 1st Apollo moon landing Thinktank is 

holding a very special party. This evening 

event will allow you to experience Thinktank 

at night and take part in some great Moon 

themed activities. You are encouraged to 

arrive in space themed costumes there will 

be a a prize for the best dressed on the 

night. Booking essential. T: 0121 348 8000. 










per child. T: 0121 357 7395. 


Clayground Collective: Crater 

Formations 

mac birmingham B12 9QH 

www.macbirminghmam.co.uk 

12-5pm. Clayground Collective invites you 

to roll up your sleeves, feel the soft squish 

of raw clay and use the limitless power of 

your imagination to sculpt an epic lunar 

landscape. With their help, and two tonnes 

of clay, you can help to construct a massive 

moonscape of planets, asteroids and 

comets including astronauts, spaceships 

and rockets. T: 0121 446 3232. 




1.30-3pm. For ages 8-12 years. Summer 

Skies. Experiment with paint to create 

beautiful skies and clouds. Impasto 

techniques; layering and blending acrylics. 

See website to book session. 

22 July 

Nature Families 

The Parkridge Centre B91 3HW 

www.solihull.gov.uk 

10.30am to 12pm and 1.30- 3pm. Drop in 

session for babies and toddlers with messy 

and sensory play. Suitable for children aged 

0-4. Entrance costs £3.50 per child. 

T: 0121 704 0768. 


Destination Space The Moon 


B4 7XG 


1-3.30pm. Come along for a fun action 

packed family show as you learn about 

the Apollo program, what it takes to get to 

the moon and what life is like working on 

the lunar landscape. This show is part of 

a National STEM Programme, Destination 

Space created by ASDC and funded by the 

UK space Agency. Booking advised. 

T: 0121 348 8000. 


The Visited Orchard 



Follow a unique treasure hunt around the 

site of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, picking 

up clues that will unlock the stories of 

visitors from the past and present, including 

Second World War sweethearts, migratory 

birds, writers of letters and famous visitors. 

And write the story of your own visit and 

hang it on the cottage’s special tree. 

T: (0)1789 338532. 

23 July 

Animal Mask Craft Activity 



11.30am-3.30pm. Animal Masks: Choose 

an animal mask or create your own, 

colour and decorate it with a heap of craft 

materials then add a stick or band to wear 

your brand new animal mask. Drop in 

activity no booking required. 

T: 0121 348 8120. 

Summer Smiles 



12-4pm. Space Junk Jet Packs with Claire. 

Fun drop in art sessions for all the family 

during the Summer Holidays. Free for all 

ages. T: 0121 446 3232. 

The Duck Race 



2-3pm. Celebrate the summer holidays by 

getting all the family together to sponsor 

a duck on Coughton’s traditional duck 

race down the River Arrow, plus traditional 

games for families. T: 01789 400777. 

Den Building 



10.30- 11.30am. Join Warwickshire Wildlife 

Trust to discover how to make your very 

own shelter in the woods - will you be able 

to make it waterproof using just what you 

find in the woods? Suitable for children 

aged 5+. Entrance costs £3.50 per child. 

T: 0121 704 0768. 

6 



Theatre 

in the Gardens 

Join us and let your imagination 

run wild with our summer of 

spectacular theatre. 

4 Keys To 11 Plus Success 

Tuition 

We appreciate that 11+ preparation is critical to support one 

of the most significant milestones in our students’ education 

journey. Our aims therefore are fourfold to help your child pass 

the 11 plus examination. 

We encourage children to learn to work effectively and without 

distraction and develop good working habits. We work with 

our students to identify their strengths and weaknesses then 

address their weaknesses and maximise performance in their 

areas of strength. We help children to develop their confidence 

which significantly improves their capability in a constructive and 

positive way. Most importantly, we provide our students with the 

tools to work independently, which is a vital lifetime skill. 

Pease do contact us if you would like to discuss how we can 

help your child pass their 11 plus on: 0785 259 9172 

Treasure 

Island 

10 July 

Pride and 

Prejudice 

17 July 

A Midsummer 

Night’s Dream 

24 July 

Alice in 

Wonderland 

25 July 

Chapterhouse/Immersion Theatre Company returns 

this summer. Tickets start from just £11 for concessions 

Book tickets online: 

www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk/whatson 

For more information please contact reception 

birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk 

Find us on: 

Your support keeps the Gardens growing 

AN EDUCATIONAL CHARITY 

ONE GIANT LEAP 

THIS SUMMER TAKE A TRIP TO THE MOON 

Book online 

spacecentre.co.uk 

Date 

12 July - 01 September 

1967 1972 





Picture This! Family Drawing Tour 

Aston Hall B6 6JD 


Tap into your inner artist and come along 

for an exciting and interactive drawing 

exploration of Aston Hall. An active way 

to explore the house and portraits inside, 

this event is suitable for children aged 

6 – 12 and accompanying adults. Spaces 

are limited, pre-booking is essential. Usual 

admission fees apply. Your ticket includes 

the drawing tour and general entrance into 

Aston Hall. Tickets are non-refundable. 

T: 0121 348 8100. 

Wild Craft Tuesdays 



11am-2pm. Every Tuesday during school 

holidays Sandwell Valley will be holding 

Wild Craft Days, pick up some skills for 

camping trips and days outdoors. You 

will be learning how to light fires. shelter 

building, campfire cooking and more. £5 per 

child. T: 0121 357 7395. 

24 July 

Smethwick Engine Steaming Day 


B4 7XG 


12 and 2.30pm. One of the jewels in 

Thinktank’s collection is the Smethwick 

Engine, the oldest working steam engine 

in the world. It was the first engine in the 

world to use both the expansive force of 

steam and a vacuum at the same time. The 

steaming of the engine is at: 12noon and 

2:30 pm. T: 0121 348 8000. 

Teddy Bear Adventure 



10.30-11.30am. Bring your teddy along to 

explore the outdoors with Warwickshire 

Wildlife Trust, build them a special home 

and play some teddy games. Suitable for 

children aged 2+. Entrance costs £3.50 per 

child. T: :0121 704 0768. 

Pond Dipping 



12.30-1.30pm. Join Warwickshire Wildlife 

Trust to discover what lurks in the murky 

depths of their pond and try to find the 

mysterious newt. Suitable for children aged 

4+. Entrance costs £3.50 per child. 

T: 0121 704 0768. 


Little Skippers Canal Life 

Dudley Canal & Tunnel Trust DY1 4SB 

www.dudleycanaltrust.org.uk 

10am. Come along to Little Skippers for a 

45 minute boat trip followed by things to 

make and do inspired by typical activities 

associated with the canal. Get crafty to 

create ribbon and lace plates, navigate 

boats round the fun canal system by 

working the locks and play mix and match 

with the canal ware objects. Tickets are 

just £6.50 each and include the boat trip as 

well as activities for children and a hot drink 

from The Gongoozler for adults. The boat 

departs at 10am – visitors are encouraged 

to arrive by 9.50am to check-in before their 

trip. T: 0121 557 6265. 

25 July 

Jungle Walkie Talkies Activity 



11.30am-3.30pm. Jungle Walkie Talkies: 

Don’t you think talking to someone using 

two cups and a string is awesome? Well, 

you can do the same at Blakesley Hall. 

Let your imagination run wild and make 

yourself a jungle walkie talkie. Drop in 

activity no booking required. 

T: 0121 348 8120. 


Explorer Thursday 



11am-2pm. Every Thursday in school 

holidays Sandwell Valley will be holding 

Explorer Nature days. There will be guided 

bug hunting, pond dipping and crafts. 

Suitable for age 5-12 but any age can join in. 

£5 per child. T: 0121 357 7395. 

Thursday Skills 

The New Art Gallery WS2 8LG 

www.thenewartgallerywalsall.org.uk 

11-12.30pm and 1.30-3pm. The inspiration 

comes from the galleries or a programme 

the gallery is running. At the beginning of 

each session you’ll will spend time with the 

artist learning a new technique that you will 

be experimenting with. You will have the 

chance to be creative and show your own 

personality through your work using the 

technique that was demonstrated. Suitable 

for families with children 4 years and older. 

£2.50 per child. Booking essential. 

T: 01922 654400. 

26 July 

July Open Afternoon at the Museum 

Collection Centre 


B3 3DH 


1.30pm. The open afternoon takes place on 

the last Friday of the month. The tour lasts 

for up to 2 hours and will allow you to see 

a vast range of objects,. The contrasting 

mix of objects and the behind-the-scenes 

atmosphere at the collection centre make it 

an intriguing place to explore and discover 

more about museum stores. 

T: 0121 348 8000. 

Tall Tales: Sleeping Beauty 



11am-12.15pm and 1-2.15pm. Swoosh! Back 

by popular demand! Come along for an 

interactive telling of Sleeping Beauty. Join 

the King and Queen for Aurora’s christening 

party, see the cradle the fairies cast their 

magic spells over, and the spindle that 

caused Sleeping Beauty to fall asleep. 

Before you go, try out the magic wand 

– a perfect opportunity for you to take a 

photograph of your little one – or yourself. 

Booking essential. T: 0121 348 8100. 


Jacobean Storytelling 

Hall’s Croft CV37 6BG 


12-4pm. Relax in Hall’s Croft’s tranquil 

garden and listen to the stories of the horse 

with a glass eye, the cat that visited Hall’s 

Croft, the mouse that met Master Hall and 

much more. T: (0)1789 338533. 

27 July 

Summer Smiles 



12-4pm. Martin’s Stop Motion Animation. 



ages. T: 0121 446 3232. 

Guided Pond Dipping 

Sessions 






be on hand to help you discover our pond 


best way to use our equipment. Price: £3 

per child. T: 0121 357 7395. 

Sandwell Swans 



1-3pm. Sandwell Swans Wildlife Explorers 

Club are wild about nature; involving and 

enthusing children about wildlife with fun 

and engaging outdoor activities, games, 

arts and crafts. The club’s activities are 

aimed at children aged 8 - 12 years old 

and are designed so that parents can leave 

if they wish; children under 8 years old 

are welcome if accompanied by an adult 

throughout the meeting. £1.50 per child. 

T: 0121 357 7395. 


Saturday Playdates 

The New Art Gallery WS2 8LG 

www.thenewartgallerywalsall.org.uk 

11am-4pm. Each Saturday in the school 

holidays. Taking inspiration from the current 

exhibitions these sessions are great for 

creativity and also support team work. 

Suitable for all ages. Free and drop-in 

subject to space. T: 01922 654411. 

28 July 




11am-12.30pm. For ages 4-8 years. 

Cabinet of curiosities. What will you put 

inside your miniature matchbox cabinets? 

Observational drawing; building a collection. 

See website to book session. 


Garden of Inspiration 



9am-5pm. Head towards the Sculpture 

Garden and get hands on with activities 

inspired by The Tempest; dress up the 

scarecrows as The Sprites, create your own 

storm in the musical corner, or even hunker 

down in the natural story pods. 

T: (0)1789 338532. 

30 July 

The Duck Race 








31 July 





garden and listen to the stories of the horse 

with a glass eye, the cat that visited Hall’s 

Croft, the mouse that met Master Hall and 

much more. T: (0)1789 338533. 

Falconry Day 

B B15 3TR 

www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk 

Get up close and personal with these 

magnificent birds amongst 15 acres of 

beautiful scenery, which include falcons, 

owls, hawks and eagles. There will also be 

flight displays at intervals throughout the 

day. Why not bring a picnic along with you 

and make a day of it? T: 0121 454 1860. 

Musical Mayhem 

Lavender Hall Park CV7 7BN 


11am to 3pm. Dance along to your favourite 

pop hits, learn some new moves at the 

dance workshops and take part in some 

music-themed games. Enjoy a musicthemed 

craft activity and treasure, and 

enjoy the other entertainment on site, 

which includes Punch and Judy shows, 

face painting, rides and much more. Entry 

is free, with small charges for some of the 

attractions on site. Meet by the play area. 

Buzzy Bees and Beautiful Butterflies 



12.30-1.30pm. Join Warwickshire Wildlife 

Trust and use their nets to hunt for some 

beautiful butterflies and turn into a bee in a 

buzzing game. Suitable for children aged 2+. 

Entrance costs £3.50 per child. 

T: 0121 704 0768. 

Family Discovery Day - Allotment 

Garden 



1 -2.15pm or 2.30-3.45pm. Family 

Discovery Days give children of all ages 

the chance to have a go at volunteering. 

So, just bring your mum, dad, grandma, 

grandpa, aunt or uncle with you to a 

Family Discovery Session and get stuck in. 

Space is limited so booking is essential. 

Free event. 


Little Skipper Watery Wildlife 



10am. At Watery Wildlife you can become 

a Wildlife Explorer as you discover the 

things that live on, in and beside the 

canal. Add your handprint duck to our 

flock, sort fact from fiction in a handson 

game and make an animal craft to 

take home with you. Tickets are just 

£6.50 each and include the boat trip as 

well as activities for children and a hot 

drink from The Gongoozler for adults. 

The boat departs at 10am so visitors are 

encouraged to arrive by 9.50am to checkin 

before their trip. T: 0121 557 6265. 

8 



BBC wildlife’s Wild Cities presenter, Hannah Stitfall, 

inspires us to… 

become wildlife filmmakers 

You’re never too young to tell animal stories 

and cherish the wildlife you encounter. 

That’s the message from passionate 

wildlife content creator for BBC Earth, 

Springwatch and Wild Cities, Hannah 

Stitfall. From whales leaping out of the 

waves at close quarters to plastic pollution 

on our beaches, mobile phone footage 

shared online is an incredibly powerful tool 

in defence of the natural world. Why not 

film some of the wildlife you experience on 

the school run or beyond and make it the 

star of the show? 

“It is very easy to get down about the state 

of our planet,” said Hannah, a wildlife 

presenter who has worked alongside 

some of the world’s best naturalists and 

conservationists, has filmed around the 

world and worked on BBC Spring, Autumn 

and Winterwatch, “but the tide is slowly 

turning – and that is thanks to passionate 

individuals like the people reading this. 

“Whether it is through public speaking, 

TV, nature writing or simply through 

their own social media channels, the 

conservation movement happening right 

now is something we should all be proud 

of and is incredibly exciting! We can make 

a difference and already are, but only if we 

don’t give up.” 

Sir David Attenborough’s BBC show Wildlife 

on One was a must-see for a young Hannah 

who rushed home after school dance class 

to tune in. The filmmaker’s love of wildlife 

started very early, at playschool, where she 

pretended to be a flamingo and went on to 

develop an obsession with foxes. Hannah 

is encouraging families to try making their 

own wildlife films from their mobile phones. 

“Find something you’re passionate about 

and go film it – that could be anything 

from a house martin to a mayfly nymph 

– every single species has a story and 

why shouldn’t it be you who tells it? As 

mentioned earlier – if you only reach one 

person then they tell another person – 

that’s more people that now know about 

that species story. 

“And it doesn’t matter if your content 

isn’t up to the standards of a BBC wildlife 

epic – you are still reaching people, and 

that’s what it’s all about! I have made some 

terrible films, but I have also made some 

good ones, it’s all about learning what 

works for your audience and if we don’t try 

we will never know!” 

Hannah’s new four-part BBC Earth series 

filmed in South Africa is coming out later 

this year. She believes sharing stories about 

our natural world and the species we share 

our planet with is now one of the most 

important jobs on the planet. 

“I see it almost as a domino effect when 

I’m working on a BBC production or making 

my own content – if I reach just one person, 

they will then tell or share the content to 

another person, then another person and 

another, which in turn hopefully reaches 

a huge audience. If every single one of us 

managed to change just one person’s mind 

about protecting our wildlife or hooked 

them into caring about nature then I truly 

believe our work as wildlife communicators 

would 

be done – and that is why it matters so 

much to me.” 

Watching wildlife content on television or 

online is an important part of family life, 

in Hannah’s book, because it brings a 

whole new world to people, a world 

that is rarely seen. 

“We would never have the privilege 

of being in the heart of a bird’s nest if 

it weren’t for our wildlife cameras on 

Springwatch. The majority of us live in 

such a fast-paced environment with a 

million things to do that going outside and 

birdwatching or wildlife spotting sometimes 

just isn’t achievable. 

Hannah will be at RSPB Birdfair, which 

runs from Friday 16 to Sunday 18 August 

in Rutland, and addresses some of the big 

issues of the day, including climate change 

and wildlife decline. For tickets and news 

visit: www.birdfair.org.uk, @TheBirdfair and 

Like Birdfair on Facebook. 





Young Archaeologists’ and Curators’ 

Club (YACC) 

Black Country Living Museum DY1 4SQ 

www.bclm.co.uk 

Every Wednesday in the school holidays. 

Dig deeper into your heritage with this 

holiday club. You will take part in a range 

of themed activities exploring the past, 

including undertaking research, taking part in 

traditional crafts, object handling, living history 

interpretation and collections display. Booking 

essential. T: 0121 520 8054. 

1 August 

Lammas Day 

Mary Arden’s Farm CV37 9UN 


10am-5pm. Come along for storytelling, 

music and bread-making at this new event. 

Lammas, or ‘loaf mass’, was a traditional 

celebration in the Tudor calendar of the first 

wheat harvest of the year when a special 

loaf of bread would have been baked, taken 

to the local church to be blessed, and then 

a piece placed in each corner of a barn in 

the belief the newly harvested grain was 

protected. T: (0)1789 338535. 

Royal Crown Craft Activity 



11.30am-3.30pm. Craft a Royal Crown: Why 

not come by and make your own crown to 

show how royal you can be? You can make 

your own unique crown. Drop in event no 

booking required. T: 0121 348 8120. 

2 August 

Tall Tales: Cinderella Story Tour 



11am-12.15pm and 1-2.15pm. Swoosh! Back 

by popular demand!. Come along for this 

interactive telling of the story of Cinderella. 

Meet Cinders, see her kitchen, help equip 

Cinders with everything she needs, then 

join in the dancing at Prince Charming’s 

ball. Before you go, try on Cinderella’s glass 

slipper – a perfect opportunity for you to take 

a photograph of your little one, or yourself. 

T: 0121 348 8100. 

3 August 

Summer Smiles 



12-4pm. Felt Beads with Ildiko. Fun drop in art 

sessions for all the family during the Summer 

Holidays. Free for all ages. T: 0121 446 3232. 






Spring and Summer. Expert volunteers 

will be on hand to help you discover pond 

minibeasts, how to idientify them and the best 

way to use the equipment. Price: £3 per child. 

T: 0121 357 7395. 

Big Wild Pyjama Party 2019 



6.30-9.30pm. Come along for an evening 

of fun night-time nature activities, including 

bug walks and moth trapping. Families are 

welcome to an evening in the wilds of nature, 

with storytelling, films, music and crafts. Price: 

£10 adults, £5 children. T: 0121 357 7395. 

Family Saturday 

Ikon Gallery B1 2HS 

www.ikon-gallery.org 

12-4pm. Open to all ages, including adults, 

these sessions of hands-on creative activity 

engage, challenge and inspire. No need to 

book, just drop in at any time. Free event. 

3 August – 4 August 

Mega Mela Family Funday 

Ward End Park B8 3PH 

www.birmingham.gov.uk 

12-8pm. Featuring cultural, community and 

sporting activities. Huge funfair and arts, food 

and fashion stalls. There will also be a live 

music stage.8 


Musical Theatre Summer School 



10am-4pm. For ages 7-11. Work with theatre 

professionals on a whole week of activities 

inspired by Annie. Watch the show, develop 

skills in dance, singing and acting and share 

your scratch performance in the Patrick 

Studio at the end of the week. To book, call 

0844 338 5000. 

6 August 

Musical Instruments Craft Activity 



11.30am-3.30pm. Musical Instruments: Try out 

making your own simple musical instruments 

at Blakesley. Use a range of materials and 

containers to create instruments like drums, 

maracas or panpipes. This is a drop in craft 

but pre-booking is available online. 

T: 0121 348 8120. 

7 August 

Teddy Bear Zip Wire 



11.30am-3.30pm. Bring your favourite teddy 

bear to Blakesley Hall and watch it go on 

the zip wire from the top of Blakesley Hall 

for National Play Day. Make a badge for your 

teddy bear to commemorate your visit.Family 

friendly activity. Normal admission to the Hall 

applies. T: 0121 348 8120. 

We are the Champions 

Damson Lane Park B92 9JS 


11am-3pm. Getting fit can be fun and this 

event proves it. With sporting activities 

galore, including school sports races and 

much more, visitors can be inspired by 

their favourite athletes and try to beat 

their personal best. Other entertainment 

includes face painting, rides and Punch and 

Judy shows. Toilets and refreshments are 

available on site. Entry is free with small 

charges for some of the other attractions. 

Meet by the car park off Damson Lane. 

Bird Hide and Seek 



12.30-1.30pm. Which birds can you spot 

with Warwickshire Wildlife Trust as you 

go bird watching? Will the friendly robins 

come out to say hello? Can you build a 

nest fit for a blue tit? Suitable for children 

aged 2+. Entrance costs £3.50 per child. 

T: 0121 704 0768. 


Little Skippers Fabulous Fossils 



10am. Come along to Little Skippers for 

a 45 minute boat trip followed by things 

to make and do. This time there will be a 

morning full of fossil fun where you will be 

able to add a unique hand-print ammonite 

to an underwater scene, create your own 

ancient sea creature stick puppets and 

get hands-on exploring rock and fossil 

collections. Tickets are just £6.50 each and 

include the boat trip as well as activities 

for children and a hot drink from The 

Gongoozler for adults. The boat departs at 

10am so visitors are encouraged to arrive 

by 9.50am to check-in before their trip. 

T: 0121 557 6265. 

8 August 

Totem Poles and Headdresses Craft 

Activity 



11.30am-3.30pm. Totem Poles and 

Headdresses: Come on over to Blakesley 

Hall and make your very own totem pole. 

You can decorate it however you like 

with the variety of materials and colours 

available. You can even make your own 

headdress too. This is a drop in craft but 

pre-booking is available online. 

T: 0121 348 8120. 

9 August 

Tall Tales: Golidlocks 



11am-12.15pm and 1-2.15pm. Growl! Come 

along for an interactive telling of Goldilocks 

and the Three Bears. In the kitchen where 

Goldilocks tasted the bears’ porridge, you’ll 

see the chairs belonging to the Three 

Bears and find the beds that Goldilocks 

tried out. Before you go, try out the chairs 

belonging to Daddy Bear, Mummy Bear 

and Baby Bear. A perfect opportunity for 

you to take a photograph of your little 

bears – or yourself. T: 0121 348 8100. 

10 August 

Summer Smiles 



12-4pm. Printmaking with Niall. Fun drop 

in art sessions for all the family during the 

Summer Holidays. Free for all ages. 

T: 0121 446 3232. 

13 August 

Den Building 



1-2pm and 2.30-3.30pm. Build your own 

den with Blakesley Hall’s den building kits. 

T: 0121 348 8120. 

14 August 

Dinosaurs 



10.30-11.30am. Join Warwickshire Wildlife 

Trust as they make mud fossils and play 

loads of dinosaur games during this 

session fit for the next dinosaur discoverer. 

Suitable for children aged 2+. 

T: :0121 704 0768. 

15 August 

Pirate Hats Craft Activity 



11.30am-3.30pm. Pirate crafts and hats: 

Become a real pirate and create your own 

boat, flag and hat. This is a drop in craft but 

pre-booking is available online. 

T: 0121 348 8120. 

16 August 

Tall Tales: Rapunzel Family 

Storytelling Tour 



11am-12.15pm and 1-2.15pm. Swoosh! 

Come along for an interactive telling of 

the traditional story of Rapunzel. Find out 

why Rapunzel was taken from her parents, 

learn about the witch who used her magic 

unwisely, climb the stairs to see Rapunzel’s 

room in the tower and hear about the 

Prince who tried to help Rapunzel escape 

from the enchanted tower. Before you go, 

you’ll create a perfect photo opportunity, 

so you can take a photograph of your little 

one as a memory of your day. 

T: 0121 348 8100. 






garden and listen to the stories of the 

horse with a glass eye, the cat that visited 

Hall’s Croft, the mouse that met Master Hall 

and much more. T: (0)1789 338533. 

17 August 


Sessions 









per child. T: 0121 357 7395. 

18 August 

Summer Smiles 



12-4pm. Ana’s Puppets. Fun drop in art 

sessions for all the family during the 


T: 0121 446 3232. 


ZooNation Summer Intensive 



10am-4pm. For ages 10-21. Work with 

professional dancers from ZooNation for 

a whole week developing skills in Hip- 

Hop, Breakin’ and ZooNation’s signature 

storytelling style. To book, call 

0844 338 5000. 

10 






Film Preview 

Guide 

The Lion King 

Disney’s The Lion King, directed by Jon Favreau, journeys to the African savanna 

where a future king is born. Simba idolises his father, King Mufasa, and takes to 

heart his own royal destiny. But 

not everyone in the kingdom 

celebrates the new cub’s arrival. 

Scar, Mufasa’s brother, and former 

heir to the throne, has plans of 

his own. The battle for Pride 

Rock is ravaged with betrayal, 

tragedy and drama, ultimately 

resulting in Simba’s exile. With 

help from a curious pair of 

newfound friends, Simba will 

have to figure out how to grow 

up and take back what is rightfully his. Utilising pioneering filmmaking techniques to 

bring treasured characters to life in a whole new way, Disney’s The Lion King roars 

into cinemas on 19 July. Photo credit: 2019 Disney Enterprises, Inc 

Playmobil: The Movie 

Playmobil: The Movie takes audiences on an epic comedy adventure through 

a sprawling imaginative universe in the first-ever feature film inspired by the 

award-winning Playmobil® role-play toys. Packed with humour and excitement, 

the film combines endearing 

and hilarious characters, 

thrilling adventure and breathtaking 

scenery in this originally 

animated heart-warming 

tale. When her younger 

brother Charlie unexpectedly 

disappears into the animated 

universe of Playmobil, Marla 

must go on the quest of a 

lifetime to bring him home. 

As she sets off on a fantastic journey across stunning new worlds, Marla 

teams up with some unlikely and heroic new friends - the smooth-talking 

food truck driver Del, the dashing and charismatic secret agent Rex Dasher, a 

wholehearted misfit robot, an extravagant fairy godmother and many more. 

Through their adventure, Marla and Charlie realise that no matter how life plays 

out, you can achieve anything when you believe in yourself. See Playmobil: The 

Movie in cinemas from 9 August. 

Horrible Histories 

The Horrible Histories team are bringing the Rotten Romans to the screen this 

summer. Atti is a Roman teenager 

with brains but very little brawn. 

When one of his schemes falls foul 

of Emperor Nero, Atti is forced 

to join the army and sent to 

miserable, cold, wet Britain. Things 

go from bad to worse when Atti is 

captured by Orla, a feisty teenage 

Celt desperate to prove herself 

as a warrior. Meanwhile a furious 

Nero is determined to crush the 

British rebellion, led by Boudicca. 

As the Romans prepare for a 

historic showdown with the Celts at the Battle of Watling Street, the two new 

friends find themselves lined up on opposite sides of the battlefield. Horrible 

Histories: The Movie – Rotten Romans is released in cinemas on 26 July. 

WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN 

To be in with a chance of winning one of five Dumbo DVDs, send 

an email to competitions@primarytimes.biz with ‘Dumbo’ 

as the subject by Friday 16 August. Don’t forget to include 

your name, age, address, school and contact telephone number. 

The Duck Race 








21 August 

Peppa Pig Meet and Greet 

Birmingham Botanical Gardens B15 3TR 


11.30am-2.30pm. Peppa Pig will be 

appearing at the Birmingham Botanical 

Gardens this summer. Peppa Pig 

and George will be making personal 

appearances at intervals throughout the 

day. Don’t forget to bring your camera. 

T: 0121 454 1860. 


Little Skipper Watery Wildlife 



10am. At Watery Wildlife you can become 

a Wildlife Explorer as you discover the 

things that live on, in and beside the canal. 

Add your handprint duck to our flock, sort 

fact from fiction in our hands-on game and 

make an animal craft to take home with 

you. Tickets are just £6.50 each and include 

the boat trip as well as activities for children 

and a hot drink from The Gongoozler for 

adults. The boat departs at 10am so visitors 

are encouraged to arrive by 9.50am to 

check-in before their trip. T: 0121 557 6265. 

23 August 

Tall Tales: Beauty and the 

Beast Story Tour 



11am-12.15pm and 1-2.15pm. Swoosh! A new 

Tall Tale family event. Come along for an 

interactive telling of the traditional story of 

Beauty and the Beast. Enjoy a traditional 

version of this well known tale. Smell the 

spices traded by Beauty’s merchant father, 

help search for the Prince in Beauty’s 

dreams, and find out why roses are so 

important to Beauty and the Beast. Before 

you go, have a peek in Beauty’s enchanted 

mirror – a perfect opportunity for you to 

take a photograph of your little one, or 

yourself to remember your visit. 

T: 0121 348 8100. 

Pirates and Mermaids Evening 



5-7pm. Come along for anevening of 

mermazing and swashbuckling fun, packed 

full of activities inspired by two of the most 

famous legends of the sea – pirates and 

mermaids. Set off on a treasure hunt to find 

and unlock a treasure chest, make a boat 

to sail on mermaid lagoon and discover 

themed craft activities in our pirate hideout… 

and more. Booking advised. Tickets £5.50 

per child, adults free. 

Family Bat Night 



7.15-8.45pm. Enjoy a bat craft before playing 

some batty games and going on a bat hunt 

with special bat detectors. Suitable for 

children aged 5+. Entrance costs £5 per 

person or £15 for a family of four (2 adults, 2 

children). T: 0121 704 0768. 

24 August 

Shakes-paw’s Day 



10am-4pm. Bring your dog, a picnic and 

join in the fun with plenty of activities and 

competitions for your four-legged friends to 

enjoy as you celebrate National Dog Day. 

T: (0)1789 338532. 

Summer Smiles 

mac birmingham 


12-4pm. Helen’s Fabric Sandcastle Flags. 



ages. T: 0121 446 3232. 

Dog Jog Birmingham 5K 

Cannon Hill Park , B13 8RD 


2-4pm. Have a bark in the park at Dog 

Jog. Get involved, get fit and have fun 

with your four-legged friend. Enjoy a 

relaxed atmosphere with no times or 

pressure and meet like-minded dog 

owners in your area. 

Big Fun Run Birmingham 

Cannon Hill Park (south end) B12 9QH 


11am-12noon. Big Fun Run is a 5k untimed 

run strictly for fun all about relaxed 

exercise. No times, no pressure, just lots 

of laughs. Suitable for all the family and 

under 5s go free. Join in the fun. 










per child. T: 0121 357 7395. 

26 August 

Bank Holiday Scavenger Hunt 



11am-3pm. Attention Explorers. Try out 

your investigation skills as you’re sent on 

a mission to investigate Sandwell Valley 

this Bank Holiday. You’ll be sent out with 

a scavenger hunt guide and something 

12 



to collect your ‘finds’ in. You’ll need to 

come prepared to search, explore and 

keep your eyes open to complete the 

challenge. There is a prize for every 

hunter who brings back their finds. 

T: 0121 357 7395. 

27 August 

Mini Kites Craft Activity 



11.30am-3.30pm. Mini Kites: Have a go at 

making your own mini kite at Blakesley 

Hall. Once you’ve made it, just wait for 

the wind and watch your kite fly. This is a 

drop in craft but pre-booking is available 

online. T: 0121 348 8120. 

28 August 

Teddy Bears Picnic 



11am-3pm. Bring the kids along to 

the annual Teddy Beats picnic, with 

plenty of fun for all the family. There 

will be arts and crafts, a bouncy castle, 

fairground games and more, as well as 

an opportunity to win a years free family 

membership to the Gardens by taking part 

in our Teddy Bear trail! T: 0121 454 1860. 


Little Skippers Fabulous Fossils 



10am. Come along to Little Skippers for 

a 45 minute boat trip followed by things 

to make and do. This time there will be a 

morning full of fossil fun where you will be 

able to add a unique hand-print ammonite 

to an underwater scene, create your own 

ancient sea creature stick puppets and 

get hands-on exploring our rock and fossil 

collection. Tickets are just £6.50 each and 

include the boat trip as well as activities 

for children and a hot drink from The 

Gongoozler for adults. The boat departs at 

10am so visitors are encouraged to arrive 

by 9.50am to check-in before their trip. 

T: 0121 557 6265. 

29 August 

Dino Headgear Craft Activity 



11.30am-3.30pm. Dino Headgear: Why 

not make your own dinosaur headgear 

at Blakesley Hall? Use your imagination 

and the cretaceous crafts to become a 

dinosaur for a day. This is a drop in craft 

but pre-booking is available online. 

T: 0121 348 8120. 

30 August 

August Open Afternoon at the 

Museum Collection Centre 


B3 3DH 


1.30-3.30pm. The open afternoon takes 

place on the last Friday of the month. 

The tour lasts for up to 2 hours and will 

allow you to see a vast range of objects,. 

The contrasting mix of objects and the 

behind-the-scenes atmosphere at the 

collection centre make it an intriguing 

place to explore and discover more about 

museum stores. T: 0121 348 8000. 






garden and listen to the stories of the 

horse with a glass eye, the cat that visited 

Hall’s Croft, the mouse that met Master 

Hall and much more. T: (0)1789 338533. 

31 August 

Summer Smiles 



12-4pm. Milan’s Joy of Bricks. Fun drop in 

art sessions for all the family during the 


T: 0121 446 3232. 


Sessions 









per child. T: 0121 357 7395. 

Sandwell Swans 



1-3pm. Sandwell Swans Wildlife Explorers 

Club are wild about nature; involving and 

enthusing children about wildlife with fun 

and engaging outdoor activities, games, 

arts and crafts. The club’s activities are 

aimed at children aged 8 - 12 years old 

and are designed so that parents can 

leave if they wish; children under 8 years 

old are welcome if accompanied by an 

adult throughout the meeting. £1.50 per 

child. T: 0121 357 7395. 

Gulliver’s Fireworks Finale 

All Gulliver’s Theme Parks 

www.gulliversfun.co.uk 

Finish the summer holidays with a 

spectacular superhero themed event 

complete with fireworks. 

7 September 

Back to Basics Sea Scout 

Car Boot Sale 

Sutton Park B73 6LH 


7am-3pm. The car boot will be run on the 

field adjacent to the 10th Sea Scout HQ. 

Public car parking will be monitored on 

the car park opposite to Miller and Carters 

restaurant. One of the three annual car 

boots organised and run by the 10th 

Sutton Sea Scout Group to make money 

for group funds . The group has currently 

90 members with age ranges between 

6 and 18 years. These car boots are the 

main fund raising events for our scout 

group to maintain the HQ and to replace 

equipment. 

14 September 

Science of the Circus 


B4 7XG 


11am-4pm. Roll up roll up, as the circus 

arrives at Thinktank. Learn new skills 

and see how a bit of science can make 

each trick easier to master. This brilliant 

day will be delivered by the fantastic 

CircusMASH team who are taking over 

Thinktank for the day.. T: 0121 348 8000. 

15 September 

Heritage Open Day 



10am-7pm. Come and explore the 

Birmingham Botanical Gardens, bring a 

picnic and enjoy the beautiful scenery. 

An idyllic way to spend a Sunday with the 

family. T: 0121 454 1860. 




PRIMARY TIMES EXCLUSIVE 

Inspire them to explore science with… 

Professor Brian Cox 

Primary Times teams up with Professor Brian Cox OBE to discuss the importance of science for children, his 

own childhood inspirations, and his exciting world tour ‘Universal: Adventures in Space and Time’ 

How did you first become 

interested in physics and 

astronomy? Was there a 

book or famous figure who 

sparked your passion? 

I was always interested in astronomy as far 

back as I remember, and I think the reason 

for that is it’s the simplest science. You can 

do it without anything, you can go out into 

your back garden and look at the stars, you 

can see the constellations change from 

month to month, you can see the planets 

shift into position. 

In terms of a famous figure, there was Carl 

Sagan who made his series Cosmos when I 

was 11. It was this idea that these points of 

light in the sky are other worlds. The great 

thing about astronomy is that it carries 

your imagination away and you will never 

learn everything there is to learn 

about the universe. 

Our aim is to get the 

nation’s children inspired 

by science. For you, why 

is it important for children 

to take an interest? 

Science is above all else a way of 

thinking, it’s a way of celebrating curiosity. 

The central idea is that we don’t know 

everything. It’s often easy to be afraid of 

not knowing, when actually it’s the most 

exciting thing, because then you can go 

and find out. You might be the person 

who finds out for the first time whether 

there is life on Mars. I think that science 

teaches us to think, nature forces us to 

think in a particular way, and that’s the key 

educational value of science. 

What advice would you 

give to children who are 

aspiring to work in science? 

I would say stay excited and stay curious. 

Understand that if you want to be a scientist 

you can be. It’s easy to think you have to be 

a strange genius to be a scientist. There’s a 

really famous story about Einstein going into 

a school and saying “When I was your age, 

I was no Einstein”. 

Can you tell us a little bit more 

about your upcoming world 

tour ‘Universal: Adventures 

in Space and Time’? 

At one level it is huge, high-resolution 

screens showing these amazing pictures 

from the Hubble Space Telescope. But 

also, we simulated a black hole. We 

used the techniques that were used to 

develop the film Interstellar to simulate 

what it would be like to go and fly up to, 

orbit and dive into a black hole, and what 

we know about what happens. So, it is I 

hope a spectacular experience that’s also 

designed to make us think about our place 

in the universe. 

What top tips could you give 

to parents who are trying to 

introduce science into their 

home for their children? 

Science is about doing science ultimately. 

You get excited about science by doing it, 

and that’s why I think astronomy is great. 

You can get one of those apps on your 

phone that show you what the stars are, 

you’d be surprised by how easy it is to 

recognise what that is in the sky. And I 

believe that’s what it is to deliver a little bit 

of wonder to your children. I can’t think of 

anything that’s easier and more rewarding 

than just that. 

Professor Brian Cox’s tour, Universal, is on 

sale now www.briancoxlive.co.uk 

14 



Hero Walk 

Heroes come in all shapes 

and sizes – and St Giles 

Hospice is calling on parents, 

kids and their doggie 

sidekicks to walk for their hero 

in aid of the charity’s first-ever 

Hero Walk this September. 

Masked marvels big and 

small will be pulling on their 

capes and showing that they 

care at the 5km hero-themed 

fundraising walk and fun day 

around Walsall Arboretum on 

Saturday 21st September, with 

fun activities for all ages. 

Caped crusaders can boost 

their super powers with 

snacks and smoothies while 

enjoying games and cape 

decorating at the hero hub 

before setting off on their 

Arboretum adventure from 

midday (12pm). 

Younger heroes will be 

entertained along the route 

by a hero hunt activity sheet 

- and everyone will get a 

rousing reception at the finish 

line, with a goodie bag and 

event medal. 

St Giles Hospice Director of 

Fundraising Elinor Eustace 

said: “Everybody has a hero 

who inspires them, and 

everyone taking part in this 

event is a hero to us. Please 

help us by supporting St Giles 

- and make some marvellous 

memories in a mask along 

the way.” 

For more information visit 

www.stgileshospice.com/ 

herowalk 

5 Benefits of 11 Plus Mock Exams 

Taking the 11+ examination can be a daunting prospect for 

children as well as parents who naturally want the very best 

education for their children. We understand this and are 

able to offer the opportunity to expose your child to authentic 

examination conditions but in a supportive and encouraging 

environment. Our examination papers are updated to reflect 

the recent changes to the 11 plus exams and we send results 

via email on the day following each 11 plus mock exam. The 

report identifies strengths and weaknesses, so that we can 

target the areas which need attention. Our mock exams can 

also be used to independently monitor your child’s progress. 

We can help your child build confidence under examination 

conditions and overcome nerves, develop effective 

examination techniques and become familiar with the format 

of the CEM 11 Plus used in Birmingham, Walsall, Warwickshire 

& Wolverhampton. Book online at: www.11plusmocks.co.uk 



Birmingham Back to Backs 

Learning Programme 

With over two hundred years of history, the Back to Backs bring history to 

life for school children. Our workshops provide children with a hands-on 

and interactive experience of how families lived in the past. 

The Back to Back houses give school children an opportunity to be 

immersed in a bygone era. Our workshops aid classroom learning, 

linking directly to the KS1 and KS2 history curriculum but also providing 

opportunities and stimulus for English lessons. 

Our sessions run on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings during 

term time. We have the following workshops available: 

Homes from the Past (KS1) 

Victorians (KS1/KS2) 

World War One (KS2) 

World War Two (KS2) 

For further information or to book please 

email Isobel.grove@nationaltrust.org or phone 0121 622 2442 

16 



at 

Theme Park 

Resorts 

with all your 

favourite 

Summer Holiday Hours 

Will Start on Monday 

22nd July 2019 

MON CLOSED 

TUES 10.00am – 11.00am Exclusive Play 

11.00am – 4.00pm General Play 

WED 10.00am – 4.00pm General Play 

THURS 10.00am – 4.00pm General Play 

FRI 10.00am – 4.00pm General Play 

SAT 10.00am – 6.00pm General Play 

(Times may vary, please check 

our website & Facebook page) 

SUN 10.00am – 5.00pm General Play 

Times may vary, please check 

our website & Facebook page) 

Hours will return to normal from the 

9th September 2019 

Check out our 

summer 

PROGRAMME 

ON OUR 

WEBSITE 

www.justplaysoftplay.co.uk 

Kings Business Park, 715 Kings Road (off Privet Close), 

Kingstanding, Birmingham, B44 9HP 

0121 3602255 

BHM 

£65 From 

FAMILY 

THEME PARK 

ENTRY 

Admits 

up to 5 

people! 

See all your favourite 

at Gulliver’s Theme Parks 

20th July 2019! 

Find Full Character Listings Online 

*Exchange this voucher at the gates of any Gulliver’s Theme Park to redeem. Valid 3rd July - 2nd 

September 2019. Original magazine voucher only (photocopies & digital versions not accepted). 

Cannot be pre-booked. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Normal T’s & C’s apply. 

Warrington, WA5 9YZ Milton Keynes, MK15 0DT Matlock Bath, DE4 3PG 

WWW.GULLIVERSFUN.CO.UK 01925 444 888 

TM & © 2019 Ugly Industries Holdings, LLC. All Rights Reserved. 

FAMILY 

ADVENTURE 

KIDS STAY AND EAT FOR FREE 

ADULTS FROM £55 PER PERSON 

Swimming Pool | Mini Golf 

Spacious Family Rooms | Family Dining 

Woodland Walk | Playground 

01675 238 600 | www.TheBelfry.com 

ENGLAND’S LEADING RESORT WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS 2018 


BOX OFFICE 


0231512 

TICKET 

TICKET 

Office 

Your family theatre guide... 

Birmingham Botanical 

Gardens 

B15 3TR 

www.birminghambotanical 

gardens.org.uk 

10 July 

Outdoor Theatre: Treasure 

Island 

7.30-10.30pm. Join Chapterhouse 

Theatre Company for this brandnew 

adaptation of everyone’s 

favourite swashbuckling 

pirate adventure: Robert Louis 

Stevenson’s Treasure Island. When 

he stumbles across a coveted 

treasure map, young Jim Hawkins 

finds himself on an epic adventure 

in the hope of finding Treasure 

Island. But not everyone is to 

be trusted, and a dark secret is 

lurking on board the ship. Guests 

are welcome to bring picnics 

and encouraged to bring along 

something to sit on (picnic blankets 

and low-back chairs). Please also 

come prepared for British weather 

– the show will go on, come rain or 

shine. T: 0121 454 1860. 

24 July 

Outdoor Theatre: A Midsummer 

Night’s Dream 

7-10pm. Chapterhouse Theatre 

Company presents Shakespeare’s 

best-loved romantic comedy. 

Let yourself be whisked away 

on a thrilling journey to the most 

magical of forests and meet 

star-crossed lovers, playful fairies 

and hilarious travelling players. 

Beautifully designed Elizabethan 

costumes, a wonderful musical 

score and enchanting woodland 

creatures come together to make 

this an evening of unmissable 

summer garden theatre. Guests are 

welcome to bring their own picnics 

and are encouraged to bring along 

something to sit on (picnic blankets 

and low-back chairs). Please also 

come prepared for British weather 

– the show will go on, come rain or 

shine. T: 0121 454 1860. 

25 July 

Outdoor Theatre: Alice In 

Wonderland 

6.30-9pm. Follow Alice and the 

White Rabbit as they set off on a 

colourful, topsy-turvy adventure 

like no other and meet a host of 

outlandish characters including the 

troublesome twins, Tweedle Dum 

and Tweedle Dee, the notorious 

Queen of Hearts, the Cheshire 

cat and of course, the Mad-as a 

bat-Hatter. Imagination runs wild 

and logic is abandoned in this 

0231513 

Box 

fantastical, larger-than-life musical 

brimming with nonsensical fun and 

excitement for the entire family. 

Guests are welcome to bring 

picnics and encouraged to bring 

along something to sit on (picnic 

blankets and low-back chairs). 

Please also come prepared for 

British weather – the show will go 

on, come rain or shine. 

T: 0121 454 1860. 

Birmingham Hippodrome 

Theatre 

B5 4TB 

www.birminghamhippodrome. 

com 

11 July 

Joseph and the Amazing 

Technicolor Dreamcoat - Relaxed 

Performance 

1pm. The performance provides a 

relaxed environment adapted to 

reduce anxiety or stress. Joseph 

is the retelling of the Biblical story 

of Joseph, his eleven brothers 

and the coat of many colours, 

this magical musical is full of 

unforgettable songs including Go, 

Go, Go Joseph, Any Dream Will Do 

and many more. T: 0844 338 5000. 

17 July 

MADHEAD - National Youth 

Dance Company 

7pm. A unique evening fusing 

contemporary dance, physical 

theatre and hip-hop. Tickets: £10. 

T: 0844 338 5000. 

13 Aug – 24 Aug 

Grease The Musical 

Various times. The world’s bestloved 

musical is back. Grittier and 

more glamorous than ever before, 

this brand-new production is 

direct from a sell-out and critically 

acclaimed run at Leicester 

Curve. After a whirlwind summer 

romance, leather-clad greaser 

Danny and girl-next-door Sandy 

are unexpectedly reunited when 

she transfers to Rydell High for 

senior year. But can they survive 

the trials and tribulations of 

teenage life and find true love 

once more? T: 0844 338 5000. 

3 Sept – 7 Sept 

On Your Feet! 

On Your Feet is the inspiring true 

love story of Emilio and Gloria 

Estefan and charts their journey 

from its origins in Cuba, onto the 

streets of Miami and finally to 

international superstardom. 

T: 0844 338 5000. 

Brueton Park 

B91 3HA 

www.thecoretheatresolihull. 

co.uk 

1 Aug 

David Walliams’ Gangsta Granny 

7pm. Heartbreak Productions return 

to Brueton Park with their unique 

outdoor theatre adaptation of David 

Walliams’ funny bestseller, Gangsta’ 

Granny. Bring your picnics, blankets 

and folding chairs to enjoy this 

performance in the atmospheric 

lakeside setting of Brueton Park. 

The shows have previously sold out 

so please book early. The first 336 

tickets are guaranteed a seat in the 

Core theatre in the event of extreme 

bad weather on the day. Toilets and 

parking are available on site. 

T: 0121 704 6962. 

Charlecote Park 

CV35 9ER 


10 Aug 

Outdoor Theatre: Much Ado 

About Nothing. 

7-9.30pm. The Three Inch Fools are 

a five-strong troupe of actors with 

all manner of musical instruments, 

travelling with set, props and 

costumes across the UK, performing 

a highly imaginative and vibrantly 

musical take on Shakespeare’s plays. 

Bring along a picnic and blanket, 

soak up the atmosphere and settle 

in for an evening of entertainment. 

T: 03442491895. 

Coughton Court 

B49 5JA 


19 July 

Outdoor Theatre: A Midsummer 

Night’s Dream 2019 

7.30-10pm. Join the Lord 

Chamberlain’s Men as they perform 

this Shakespeare classic amongst 

the trees on the lawns at Coughton 

Court. Don’t forget your picnic. 

T: 0344 249 1895. 


B12 9QH 

www.macbirmingham.co.uk 

17 July 

The Paper Moon By Tiny Light 

Various Times. The Paper Moon is 

a gentle first adventure into theatre 

for babies, very young children and 

their grown-ups. Welcome to the 

small town of Blank Page – come 

and meet its two inhabitants. As 

they explore their paper-y world 

they take the audience along with 

them on a scrinchy scrunchy crinkly 

journey. T: 0121 446 3232. 

New Alexandra Theatre 

B5 4DS 

www.atgtickets.com 

21 Aug – 24 Aug 

Singing in the Rain 

2.30 and 7.30pm. Filled with every 

memorable moment from the film 

and a downpour of unforgettable 

songs such as Good Morning, 

Make ‘Em Laugh, Moses Supposes 

and the legendary Singin’ In The 

Rain, Singin’ In The Rain has all 

the charm, romance, comedy and 

tinsel town glamour you’ll need this 

summer. 

T: 0844 871 7615. 

Packwood House 

B94 6AT 


14 Aug 

Outdoor Theatre: Gangsta 

Granny 2019 

3-6pm. David Walliams novel 

beautifully adapted for live outdoor 

performances, Gangsta Granny 

is the tale of a bored boy who 

discovers his kindly grandma was 

a former jewel thief. Together they 

hatch a plan to steal the Crown 

Jewels... what can go wrong!? 

T: 0344 249 1895. 

The Core Theatre 

B91 3RG 

www.thecoretheatresolihull. 

co.uk 

2 Aug 

Treasure Island 

2.30pm. A chance to catch a 

fun show during the holidays as 

the talented young actors from 

Solihull’s Summer School course 

join performers from Katch 22 

Productions in this classic seafaring 

tale. Good family fun with 

sea shanty songs and audience 

participation. Tickets £6. 

T: 0121 704 6962. 

The Old Rep Theatre 

B5 4DY 

www.oldreptheatre.co.uk 


Ruby Redfort 

1.30 and 7pm. What would you say 

if a super secret agency asked you 

to be their new codebreaker? If 

you said yes, there’s a certain hero 

you should meet. Straight from her 

sell-out 2018 tour, Lauren Child’s 

superspy lands on the Old Rep 

stage for her biggest adventure 

ever. Based on the internationally 

bestselling series by Children’s 

Laureate Lauren Child (Charlie 

and Lola, Clarice Bean). T: 0121 359 

9444. 

15 Sept 

Safari Adventure 

2-3pm. Get ready to GO WILD with 

The McDougalls in their brand 

new live show. Join Max, Auntie 

Aggie and Morag the Rabbit for 

some musical mayhem as they 

drive around on the look-out for 

colourful creatures and critters. 

From giraffes that laugh to 

monkeys going bananas – musical 

adventure for all the family, packed 

with action songs, live music and 

audience participation. Come 

dressed as your favourite animal. 

T: 0121 359 9444. 

18 



Summer Holiday Fun for the 

Whole Family 

Birmingham Community Leisure Trust has a whole host of 

exciting activities to suit all ages. With 8 great centres to choose 

from, there’s bound to be something for you and your family to 

enjoy. 

The Amazing AquaChallenge 

Your kids like swimming, but fancy something more? Say hello to the amazing 

AquaChallenge - an inflatable obstacle course in the pool. 

Wherever we have the AquaChallenge, it’s proving a massive hit. So come and try it 

at our Wyndley, Northfield and Erdington centres. 

Intensive Lessons 

For kids who want to learn a new skill quickly, we’ve got Aqua Camps at Erdington, 

and intensive swimming lessons everywhere we’ve got a pool - (all centres with a * 

have a pool). Book now to guarantee a place on these popular courses. 

Splash Sessions 

Just want some fun, family time in the pool? Our Splash Sessions are the answer. 

No need to book, just turn up and enjoy your time together. And remember under 

4s go free. 

Tennis at Billesley 

There is plenty going on away from the pool too. Your little future Serena Williams 

and Andy Murrays will love Billesley Indoor Tennis Centre’s Tiny and Mini Tennis 

Camps. Smaller balls, lower nets, but the game’s the same, and this is great way to 

get kids interested in the sport. This year we have added multi-sports to our tennis 

camps to freshen them up! 

Trampolining and Gymnastics 

For kids more excited by flips and jump, we’ve got gymnastics and trampolining 

sessions at Wyndley, which will have your young ‘uns somersaulting for joy. 

Superstar Holiday Camps 

Available at Wyndley, Stechford, Fox Hollies and Cocks Moors Woods Leisure 

Centres, these camps are for kids who want a bit of variety in their fun. So, you get 

football, tennis, inflatable soft play and loads more. When you need your youngster 

entertained for a whole week, Superstars is the answer. 

Roller Disco 

For fun family time, you can’t beat Cocks Moors Woods or Wyndley’s Leisure 

Centre’s Roller Disco. Big tunes, funky lights and a great atmosphere. Anyone over 4 

can attend, and all skating abilities are welcome. 

NEW for Summer 2019 

Wipeout Arena will be coming to a centre near you – Wyndley, Fox Hollies or Cocks 

Moors Woods Leisure Centres. Indoor inflatable obstacle course fun for the whole 

family! 

You can view all the holiday activities for your preferred centre online with full 

pricing information and days and times. When you are ready to book, just visit or 

phone reception. 

You can view all the holiday activities for your preferred centre online with full 

pricing information and days and times. When you are ready to book, just visit 

or phone reception. 

● Beeches Pool & Fitness Centre* (0121 516 5638) 

www.birminghamleisure.com/beeches_pool/Holiday-Activities 

● Billesley Indoor Tennis Centre (0121 796 2221) 

www.birminghamleisure.com/billesley_indoor_tc/Holiday-Activities 

● Cocks Moors Woods Leisure Centre* (0121 516 5641) 

www.birminghamleisure.com/cocks_moors_woods/Holiday-Activities 

● Erdington Leisure Centre* (0121 516 5650) 

www.birminghamleisure.com/erdington_lc/holiday-activities 

● Fox Hollies Leisure Centre* (0121 796 2330) 

www.birminghamleisure.com/fox_hollies_lc/Holiday-Activities 

● Stechford Leisure Centre* (0121 796 2331) 

www.birminghamleisure.com/stechford_cascades/Holiday-Activities 

● Wyndley Leisure Centre* (0121 516 5659) Swimming Pool (0121 516 5652) 

www.birminghamleisure.com/wyndley_lc/Holiday-Activities 

Talented 

young singers 

take note! 

National Youth Choirs of Great Britain (NYCGB) are holding 

auditions for their esteemed National Youth Boys’, Girls’ and 

Training Choirs and they want to hear from you! NYCGB is 

a national champion for youth choral music with five choirs 

of over 800 talented young singers aged 9-25. Auditions are 

taking place on 21 dates across the UK including Birmingham on 

Wed 13 Nov and are open to all talented young singers. You do 

not need to have passed singing exams, or to be having singing 

lessons, but should have a clear and tuneful singing voice, 

enthusiasm and readiness to learn. Booking Opens: Mon 23 Sept 

and closes: Fri 25 Oct 2019. Visit website for more info or to book 

a free place at an Open Day to find out more: www.nycgb.org.uk 

#startsomethingamazing 

The Royal Albert Hall is the Principal Supporter of NYCGB’s 

Auditions Programme. www.royalalberthall.com 

Summer Holiday 

Activities! 

with Birmingham Community Leisure Trust 

Mon 22nd July - Fri 30th Aug 2019 

• Superstars Holiday Club 

• Intensive Swim Lessons 

• Wipeout Arena 

www.wipeoutarena.com 

• Aqua Challenge 

• Roller Disco 

+ LOADS more! 

See all of our activities and locations: 

www.birminghamleisure.com 

Working in partnership with 


PINBOARD 


Go to the 

Moon with 

the National 

Space Centre 

This summer take a trip to the 

Moon. Find out what happened 

after the Eagle landed, come 

and see a piece of the Moon, 

discover the people who 

made lunar landing possible 

and make your very own 

mission patch. Fifty years after 

humankind took that one small 

step onto the lunar surface, 

the National Space Centre is 

taking you back to the Moon. 

Join our Mission Commanders 

for an immersive celebration of 

the Apollo 11 50th anniversary. 

www.spacecentre.co.uk 

Starting 

Secondary 

School this 

year? 

Do you have a child starting 

secondary school this year? Excited 

or worried about how they might 

get lost on the way there, cope 

with the timetable or if they’ll make 

new friends? DO NOT WORRY! 

BBC Bitesize has a new campaign 

to help everyone get to grips with 

it. Starting Secondary School has 

resources for parents, kids and 

teachers made in partnership with 

CBBC’s Our School and leading 

mental health charity YoungMinds. 

Pupils who have been through 

it pass on some great top tips 

and there are films and expert 

advice from well-known faces, 

plus further resources to support 

you through it; all completely free. 

Available now! www.bbc.com/ 

startingsecondaryschool 

Summer in Southside 

Sat 13 – Sun 14 July 2019 

Birmingham Hippodrome’s FREE two-day family festival Summer in Southside 

returns on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 July. 

This year, the festival goes intergalactic, exploring the wonders of outer space! 

Celebrating 50 years since the first moon landings, Birmingham Hippodrome 

and the surrounding streets will be transformed into a lunar landscape for a 

whole weekend of extra-terrestrial antics. 

Spectacular acts include Luke Jerram’s Museum of the Moon, a stunning 7 metre 

model of the moon and Motionhouse’s remarkable dance performance Gravity. 

Visitors from another planet include Close Act’s i-puppets and Ljud’s The 

Invasion of intergalactic immigrants - don’t panic! They come in pink! 

On Sunday, pop into the Hippodrome’s foyers for Space-Age Crafts and Out 

of this World, a delightful storytelling piece taking families on the holiday of a 

lifetime. 

The countdown is on…recruit your space-crew (family and friends will do) and 

head down for blast off! 

birminghamhippodrome.com/summerinsouthside 

Join the Shakespeare Aloud 

acting company for a new 

performance as part of the 

summer season of events. 

Open-air theatre, live talks and demonstrations, award-winning poetry and a 

murder mystery are among a summer of special events at the Shakespeare 

family homes in Stratford-upon-Avon. 

The world’s greatest Shakespeare heritage sites in Stratford-upon-Avon 

— Shakespeare's Birthplace, Shakespeare's New Place, Anne Hathaway's 

Cottage, Mary Arden's Farm and Hall's Croft — are cared for by the Shakespeare 

Birthplace Trust, the independent charity that promotes the global enjoyment 

and understanding of his works, life and times. 

Ruth Warner, head of visitor experience at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, said, 

“There are many ways to learn about William Shakespeare and his family, and our 

summer programme of events offers something for everyone, whether you want 

to relax and enjoy an open-air performance of one of his plays in the grounds of 

one of the historic family homes, learn about traditional celebrations in the Tudor 

calendar, or get an insight into some of the rarely seen items in our internationally 

recognised Collections.” 

Activities are included with admission, unless otherwise stated. For more 

information and to plan your visit, see www.shakespeare.org.uk/events 

Back to Backs Learning 

Programme 

With over two hundred years of history, the Back to Backs bring history 

to life for school children. Our workshops provide children with a handson 

and interactive experience of how families lived in the past. The Back 

to Back houses give school children an opportunity to be immersed in 

a bygone era. Our workshops aid classroom learning, linking directly 

to the KS1 and KS2 curriculum but also providing opportunities and 

stimulus for English lessons. Our sessions run on Tuesday, Wednesday 

and Thursday mornings during term time. We have the following 

workshops available: 

l Homes from the Past (KS1) l Victorians (KS1/KS2) 

l World War One (KS2) l World War Two (KS2) 

Photo © the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. 

20 



MiniBrum coming to Thinktank 

MiniBrum is child- sized mini city where kids are in charge! Explore the amazing 

world of science and engineering through discovery zones for tots, babies and 

children under 8. These include shops, transport, a neighbourhood, the inner city, 

a construction site, a park, and a home. 

If you’ve visited Thinktank, chances are you’ve come across Kids’ City. With this 

gallery being so popular, MiniBrum builds on these ideas and themes in an 

exciting way, with direct input from children themselves. 

Visitors will be catered for with a coffee corner for refreshments, lockers and 

buggy park. Entry to MiniBrum will be included in the Thinktank entrance fee. 

PINBOARD 

Gulliver’s are gearing up for 

a super summer of theme park 

fun featuring UglyDolls. Bring 

the family to Gulliver’s and enjoy 

indoor attractions, thrilling rides 

and plenty of entertainment. 

UglyDolls will be making special 

appearances each day, visit 

gulliversfun.co.uk for details. Make 

it a magical summer with Gulliver’s 

Theme Parks and UglyDolls. Save 

even more on your family day out 

by using the 5 for £65 voucher in 

this edition. Please see voucher for 

full terms and conditions. Gulliver’s 

Warrington, Milton Keynes and 

Matlock Bath are open every 

single day from late July until 2nd 

September. 

Perrywoods 

Utd 

Perrywoods 

UTD/FC was 

formed in 1991 

to provide 

soccer for all 

youngsters, 

irrespective of 

ability. Our aim 

was to develop 

a community-based scheme to 

involve families and create a safe 

and comfortable environment. 

Pups/Minis/Midis/Maxis and Youth! 

Pups is an introduction to football for 

members aged 5-7. Multi-League 

players are divided into Minis (7-9), 

Midis (9-11) and Maxis (11-13), playing 

in internal leagues. Reduced pitch, 

team and goal size give more time 

on the ball. Players of all abilities are 

welcome, beginner to advanced. 

Minis – years 3 & 4, 

Midis – years 5 & 6 

Maxis – years 7 & 8. 

www.perrywoodsfc.co.uk 

Our huge indoor inflatable is like nothing you have experienced before and is 

something that any age can enjoy. Air Mayhem has areas to slide, jump, run 

and laugh your way around including an assault course and mega slide. Air 

Mayhem takes place at Tipton Sports Academy, which is just five miles from 

the excellent motorway network. 

Our toddler zone will be perfect for the smaller bouncers with kids alike 

enjoying this adrenaline fun filled activity. And because it is all indoors, it can 

withstand the worst of the Great British weather! 

Finish off your day with refreshments from our café where you can get 

your breath back over a coffee, soft drink or well-deserved cake. For more 

information visit www.airmayhem.co.uk. 

Theatre in the Gardens at 

Birmingham Botanical Gardens 

Chapterhouse/Immersion Theatre Company 

returns this summer for “Theatre in the 

Gardens”. 

Grab your Mickey ears and get 

ready for the ultimate Disney 

experience when Disney On Ice 

celebrates 100 Years of Magic. 

Be charmed by a cast of over 50, 

including Mickey Mouse, Minnie 

Mouse, Disney Princesses, and 

Disney’s Frozen as they bring 

14 stories and over 30 songs to 

life, leaving your whole family 

captivated with memories to last 

a lifetime. See it live at Arena 

Birmingham. Book your tickets 

now at disneyonice.co.uk. 

Treasure Island – 10 July 

Pride and Prejudice – 17th July 

A Midsummer Night’s Dream – 24th July 

Alice in Wonderland – 25th July 

Guests are welcome to bring their own 

picnics and are encouraged to bring along 

something to sit on (picnic blankets and lowback 

chairs). Please also come prepared for 

British weather – the show will go on, come 

rain or shine! 

Book tickets online 

www.birminghambotanical 

gardens.org.uk/whatson 

Summer fun at 

Dudley Canal 

& Tunnel Trust 

There's fun for all the family this 

summer at Dudley Canal & Tunnel 

Trust, where daily 45 minute boat 

trips take passengers underground 

into the heart of the amazing 

limestone mines and caverns to 

explore the network of tunnels made 

of handmade brick and prehistoric 

rock. 

The site hosts a range of family 

events across the holidays too. Little 

ones can enjoy weekly fun at Little 

Skippers, where a trip underground 

is followed by an hour of things to 

make and do with themes changing 

each week. Under 7s can enjoy a day 

of teddy-tastic fun at Tunnel Teds, 

and all things nautical will be in full 

swing at Pirates and Mermaids Night 

- for more information, 

see the Trust's website 

www.dudleycanaltrust.org.uk. 

Summer at 

Midlands Arts 

Centre 

Set your imagination free this 

summer at MAC as they host a jampacked 

programme of family-friendly 

events including theatre shows, 

family films and creative courses. 

Highlights on stage include the 

delightful and unforgettably brightly 

coloured Elmer the Patchwork 

Elephant as he celebrates his 30th 

Birthday and iconic CBBC duo Sam & 

Mark presenting an unmissable hour 

of entertainment. 

For a bargain price of just £4.25pp 

(including adults!) MAC Cinema will 

be hosting a range of entertaining 

films which can be enjoyed as a 

family. 

For something more hands on, 

check out MAC Creative Camps and 

Summer Schools which run from 

a couple of hours up to a week! 

Aimed at ages 6-17, activities range 

from pottery to animation to magic 

- there’s something for everyone to 

enjoy! 

For more information, visit 

macbirmingham.co.uk/summer or 

call MAC’s Customer Services Team 

on 0121 446 3232. 



Help sharpen your child’s comedy timing ready for this summer’s 

Tell a joke day! 

on August 16 th 

Why did the teacher 

put on sunglasses? 

Because her students 

were so bright! 

Knock, knock. Who’s 

there? Ice cream. Ice 

cream who? Ice cream 

if you don’t let me in! 

Why do robots have 

summer holidays? 

To recharge their 

batteries. 

Where do sharks go for 

their summer holidays? 

Finland. 

What did the beach 

say as the tide 

came in? 

Long time no sea 

Why didn’t the sun ever 

shine in the castle? 

It was full of knights 

Laughter is the best medicine, so make time for 

toothy grins and belly-busting giggles every day 

– and especially on Tell A Joke Day! Our list of 

favourite family joke books is guaranteed to help 

turn any summer holiday frowns upside down: 

Roald Dahl's Marvellous Joke Book, Tom Gates: Super Good 

Skills (Almost…), Jellyphants and Woolly Jumpers: My First 

Joke Book, The Ha Ha Bonk Book by Janet and Allan Ahlberg, 

Awesome Jokes That Every 8 Year Old Should Know! 

22 



LOOPY LIBRARY 

What do you call a 

dog magician? 

A Labracadabrador 

What is a 

cat’s favourite 

breakfast? 

Mice krispies 

What do you call 

an exploding 

monkey? 

A baboom 

What to polar 

bears eat for 

lunch? 

Ice berg-ers 

Send Jokes to: 

Primary Times 

Birmingham 

Schools Publishing Ltd, 

Unit 1A, 

Thamesview Industrial Estate, 

Newtown Road, 

Henley on Thames, 

Oxon, RG9 1HG. 



24

PT BBC summer yudu link

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?