PT BBC web links

59,545 COPIES FOR FAMILIES 

Primary Times Birmingham 

OF PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN 

Birmingham & Black Country 

www.primarytimes.co.uk 

DAYS OUT • EDUCATION • COMPETITIONS • FAMILY FUN 

OCTOBER 2019 

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

14 OCT – 17 NOV


2 

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

Contents 

6 What's on Where 

13 Film Review Guide 

14 Anti-Bullying Week 

with Andy Day 

16 Bookstore 

17 Box Office 

18 Sing, Dance, Act! 

20 Pinboard 

22 Competitions 

23 Loopy Library 

Dear Readers, 

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. 

Welcome to our October half term edition. There’s lots to read about 

and no less than seven wonderful competitions to enter, so please do 

browse our pages for inspiration about what do during the half term 

break and how to plan for some winter theatre visits for all the family. 

We’ve included some information about the family Christmas shows too 

so you can plan ahead. 

We try to include as many events as possible in our magazine pages 

but we have many more on the website. Events are listed by county, 

so if you live on the border, it’s worth checking their listings and 

competitions. As the weather is predicted to get a lot colder and the 

clocks will be changing soon, there are plenty of indoor activities as well 

to keep all the family busy and active. 

If your family love music, there’s some very interesting information 

about Leamington Music who have two concerts coming up shortly 

which you might enjoy. 

As always, we haven’t ignored any education and tuition information 

which might be on your agenda at the moment. 

We hope you will enjoy this edition and find it useful and we’ll be back 

in November with all things ‘Santa & Seasonal’ and look forward to your 

feedback and entries to our competitions. 

With very best wishes, 

The Primary Times Team 

Primary Times in Birmingham 

& Black Country, is published by: 

Schools Publishing Limited 

1 Accent Park, Bakewell Road, 

Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, 

PE2 6XS. Telephone: 01491 411848 

www.primarytimes.co.uk/birmingham 


October Issue 2019 

...the UK’s biggest, free ‘what’s 

on’ magazine for parents! 

Production: Kate Terry 

kate.terry@primarytimes.co.uk 

Design: Stuart Cameron 

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 

WELCOME 

Sat 26 Oct – Sun 3 Nov 

birminghammuseums.org.uk/whats-on 

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery / Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum 

Museum of the Jewellery Quarter / Weoley Castle Ruins / Aston Hall 

Blakesley Hall / Sarehole Mill / Soho House 

DON’T MISS 

MONSTER 

PARTY AT 

BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM 

& ART GALLERY 

wed 30 

oct 

Funded by: 

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


PHIL MCINTYRE LIVE 

PRESENTS 

Adapted from the exhilarating NUMBER ONE bestseller by 

LIVE 

THE 

CHRISTMAS 

ARENA 

SPECTACULAR 

Mon 23, Tue 24 & Thu 26 

December 2019 

Show times: 1.00pm, 4.00pm & 7.00pm 

No 7.00pm Show on Tuesday 24 

0844 33 88 222 - theticketfactory.com 

Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge 

STARRING 

NIGEL 

PLANER 

GRANDPA 

AS 

GrandpasGreatEscapeLive.co.uk 

Illustrations © Tony Ross 2015 / Lettering of author’s name © Quentin Blake, 2010 Licensed by HarperCollins Publishers Ltd. 

4 



23 – 26 Oct Kids from £15.50* 

BOOK NOW 

www.belgrade.co.uk 

*Tickets include a £1.50 booking fee. No booking fee applies if booked online. 

THE PERFECT HALF TERM TREAT 

‘IT REALLY IS TINSEL-TASTIC’ 

THE TIMES 

STARRING 

DANI DYER 

FAMILY TICKETS AVAILABLE 

nativitythemusical.com 

@nativityuk 

29 OCT – 02 NOV 

grandtheatre.co.uk | 01902 42 92 12 



WHAT’S ON WHERE 

If you are looking for more inspiration, there 

are many more events on our website 


Ongoing- 25 October 

£3 after 3pm on Term Time Weekdays 

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. 

Ongoing- 9 December 

Nature’s Champions 

Upton House and Gardens OX15 6HT 

www.nationaltrust.org.uk 

Get face to face with champions of 

the natural world in a new exhibition 

opening at Upton House and Gardens 

in partnership with the National Portrait 

Gallery. From Sir David Attenborough and 

Linda McCartney to William Wordsworth 

and Octavia Hill, this exhibition will be 

celebrating those who have shaped the 

way we think about nature today. 

T: 01295670266. 

15 October 

Tiny Tankers Travel 

to Space 


B4 7XG 


10.15- 11.15am. Exciting news: Thinktank 

are launching a brand new under 5’s 

planetarium session. Join in and launch 

into space to trial this brand new early 

years’ planetarium sessions: Tiny Tankers 

Travel to Space! With immersive space 

sensory for babies, space song rhymes 

and exciting missions across our galaxy 

and beyond, are you ready for a space 

adventure. T: 0121 348 8000. 

16 October 

Baby Birds - Parent and Toddler 

Group 2019 

Sandwell Valley B43 5AG 

www.rspb.org.uk 

10am -12:00pm and 1-3pm. Baby Birds is a 

weekly parent and toddler group - come 

along and meet other parents who love to 

have fun outside with their children. Each 

session is out on the reserve, whatever 

the weather. The group aims to involve 

and encourage children to take an interest 

in nature and the environment through a 

mixture of outdoor and indoor activities 

and crafts. Booking essential. 

T: 0121 357 7395. 

18 October 

Nature Tots at Parkridge - Autumn 

Adventure 

The Parkridge Centre B91 3HG 

www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk 

10.30am-12noon and 1.30-3pm. Nature 

Tots aims to encourage an early interest 

in wildlife. With this in mind, activities are 

held outdoors, in the natural surroundings 

of the reserve at The Parkridge Centre. 

This session is suitable for children aged 2 

to 4 years. T: 0121 704 0768. 

19 October 

Autumn Tweed Rag Rugging 

Birmingham Back to Backs B5 4TE 


10.30am-12.30pm. Embrace the traditional 

art of rag rugging with an autumnal tweedy 

twist on one of these workshops. With the 

guidance of craft specialists you will learn 

how to make your own decoration. Learn a 

craft that you can continue at home. 

T: 01216667671. 

Guided Pond Dipping Sessions 



11am - 1pm. Join in with a guided Pond 

Dipping session every Saturday in 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 our equipment. T: 0121 357 7395. 

19 October – 20 October 

The Wightwick Manor 

Mystery 

Wightwick Manor and Gardens WV6 8EE 


1-3pm. It’s the day after a Royal visit and 

something is not right at Wightwick Manor. 

Could there be a thief at large? A prized 

possession of Theodore Mander’s has gone 

missing and the family need your help to 

solve the mystery. Live action trail featuring 

costumed actors.T: 01902761400. 

19 October – 3 November 

Spooky Spectacular 

West Midland Safari Park DY12 1LF 

www.wmsp.co.uk 

West Midland Safari Park will be 

brimming with Halloween decorations 

with illuminated, themed scarecrows and 

hundreds of pumpkins. Encounter the 

brand-new witch and wizard characters, 

who need your help to find the missing 

ingredients for their family magical potion. 

Journey around the Discovery Trail, picking 

up clues as you go, to earn yourself a sweet 

treat at the end. Full of Halloween fun for 

the whole family, it’s the perfect way to 

brighten up the spookiest of seasons. 

T: 01299 402114. 

20 October 

Autumn Craft Fair 

Sarehole Mill B13 0BD 


11am-4pm. Come along to the mill 

courtyard to browse and buy handmade 

and crafted item. Free entry to the craft 

fair. T: 0121 348 8160. 

22 October 

Toddler Art 

mac Midlands Art Centre B12 9QH 

www.macbirmingham.co.uk 

11.15am-12noon. Let your child set the 

pace as you explore sensory activities and 

crafts together to boost their imagination, 

and build social and practical skills. This 

course provides a range of creative play 

based sessions designed to provide a 

friendly, relaxed but stimulating space for 

young children to investigate. Each week 

there is a carousel of sensory art and play 

activities designed to encourage your 

child’s development and fine motor skills. 

Age from 2-5. T: 0121 446 3232. 


Hallowe’en Pumpkin Trails 

Charlecote Park CV35 9ER 


9am-3.30pm. Charlecote’s creepy crawlies 

are getting ready for their Hallowe’en 

party. Explore the parkland to find out 

more about them all and their habitats and 

try to guess what they’ve all come dressed 

as. There’s a pumpkin prize waiting for you 

at the end of the trail. T: 01789470277. 

24 October 

Stir up Sunday 2019 



12-4pm. Join in the traditional activity of 

‘stirring up’ the Upton Christmas pudding, 

take away a piece of the pudding to enjoy 

on Christmas day. T: 01295670266. 

25 October 

October Open Afternoon at the 

Museum Collection Centre 

Museum Collection Centre B7 4RQ 


1.30-3.30pm. The Museum Collection 

Centre is a 1.5 hectare site that holds 

80 per cent of Birmingham Museums’ 

stored collections under one roof. Among 

the thousands of objects stored here 

are steam engines, sculptures, an entire 

collection of Austin, Rover and MG motor 

cars and even a red phone box. It is not 

open to the public except by arrangement. 

Booking is essential. 

Nature Tots at Parkridge - Spooky 

Spiders 







of the reserve at The Parkridge Centre. 

This session is suitable for children aged 2 

to 4 years.T: 0121 704 0768. 


Jewellery Quarter Ghost Walk 

Museum of the Jewellery Quarter B18 6HA 


6-7.30pm. Come along for a tour of 

all things grim and macabre around 

Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter, 

but only if you dare. Booking is essential. 

T: 0121 348 8140. 

26 October 

Guided Pond Dipping Sessions 



11am-1pm. Join in with a guided Pond 

Dipping session every Saturday in 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 our equipment. 

T: 0121 357 7395. 

Sandwell Swans - Wildlife Explorers 

2019 



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. 

T: 0121 357 7395. 

26 October 

Circus 120 - Birthday Open Day 

Birmingham Hippodrome B5 4TB 

www.birminghamhippodrome.com 

Roll up, roll up for a special day of 

circus-inspired antics to celebrate the 

Hippodrome’s birthday marking 120 years 

since it started life as a circus in 1899. 

T: 0844 338 5000. Free event. 

Spooky Welly Walk 

Canon Hill Park B13 8RD 

www.birmingham.gov.uk 

12-4pm. A Halloween-themed family walk 

with over 15 activity stations including 

freaky fun fair, creepy crafts, flash-mobs, 

and sensory experiences aimed at children 

of primary school age. A day out for all 

the family to enjoy. Bring along your best 

spooky outfits, and enjoy the autumn 

weather. There is something for everyone 

to do. 


Spellbound 

Dudley Canal and Tunnal Trust DY1 4SB 

www.dudleycanaltrust.org.uk 

Wear your best Halloween costume and 

climb aboard our batty boats as we take 

you into our creepy caverns for some 

spellbinding spooky fun. This popular 

family friendly Halloween event is a great 

day out for all, especially if you have little 

ones or those of a nervous disposition. 

T: 0121 557 6265. 

Pumpkin Spooktacular 

Moseley Old Hall CV35 8XA 


Hatton will once again be awash with 

ghosts, ghouls, cobwebs… and pumpkins. 

Pick your own FREE pumpkin, brave 

the Halloween Marquee and create a 

wonderful carving alongside a FULL 

programme of spooky activities. T:01926 

843411. 


Family Fun Days - Halloween 2019 

Packwood House B94 6AT 


11am-3.30pm. Join in for a spooky outdoor 

trail with take-home activities. Complete 

the trail successfully and there might just 

be a well-deserved prize at the end. 

T: 01564 782024. 

Family Fun Days - Halloween 2019 

Coughton Court B49 5JA 


11am-3.30pm. Come along for fiendish fun 

and frights on this spooky outdoor trail 

with take-home activities and crafts. 

T: 01789 400777. 

6 



S4 Swim School have 

been providing the service 

of swimming lessons to 

thousands of children for over 

a decade. They offer small 

groups and fast progression! 

“Fantastic lessons! Can’t 

recommend them enough. 

My daughter loves it and 

they have been fab with my 

youngest who has only just 

started!” (Facebook) 

“Fantastic swimming school, 

the instructors are brilliant 

with young children, very 

positive and encouraging. 

Would definitely recommend.” 

(Facebook) 

Take a look at... 

THE GREAT BIG DANCE OFF! 

Our schools-only competition is an exciting experience 

where the desire to dance is everything. No prior 

experience required, just good ideas and 

lots of energy. 

Celebrating the healthiest aspects of competition, we 

invite your primary school to join the hundreds nationally 

that are already a part of the GBDO family. 

Register now on our website for the West Mids heat: 

rd 

New Alexandra Theatre Birmingham 3 February 2020. 

www.thegreatbigdanceoff.com 

thegreatbigdanceoff tgbdo 

For more on the S4 

philosophy visit: 

F: @s4swimschool 

s4swimschool.com 

TRICK OR TREAT! 

Three Tips for a frighteningly fun Halloween… without breaking the bank! 

66Ad.indd 1 18/07/2019 18:43 

Whether it’s trick or treating, carving pumpkins, apple bobbing or lighting a bonfire, Halloween season can quickly become an expensive 

time of year for families. Following America’s lead, Halloween in the UK has gained massive popularity, with statistics showing that Britons 

spent £419 million on Halloween in 2018. However, the holiday for all thing’s horror, hilarity and fun does not need to break the bank every 

year. Primary Times have put together 3 different ways to have a frighteningly fun Halloween with the children, without the hefty price tag. 

Homemade 

Trick or Treats 

Whether you’re planning on 

heading out trick or treating on 

Halloween night, or just having a 

spooky night-in with the kids, the 

sweet treats don’t have to cost 

a fortune. You could make your 

own sweets by melting leftover 

chocolate into spooky shapes or 

branch out with your treat selection 

to offer your children fruit, popcorn 

or party rings. 

Crafty 

Costumes 

Shop-bought Halloween costumes 

can look great, but often come with 

a price tag to match. For an equally 

effective result, try making and sewing 

your children’s costumes yourself 

using items from around the house. 

A yellow shirt and some overalls 

can make a cute Minion, some black 

clothes and white tape will transform 

your children into scary skeletons. 

Party 

Games 

Party games are a great way to 

add activities this Halloween 

without any additional costs. You 

could try the ‘Halloween Feel 

Box’, a fun sensory game where 

the children have to guess the 

different household items in 

the box, or ‘Pin the stem on the 

pumpkin’, a spooky alternative to 

‘Pin the tail on the donkey’. 



WHAT’S ON WHERE 

Autumn Half Term Activities 



11am-4pm. The Woodland Den will be 

open for children to take part in autumn 

related nature activities (including making 

wild crowns – as part of ‘50 things’). 

Children are invited to decorate a plant pot 

and fill it with paperwhites. These delicate 

flowers (which can be seen on display in 

the house at Christmas) will look perfect 

on the Christmas table. T: 01295670266. 

Bat Trails 



11am-3.30pm. It’s that time of year again... 

As Halloween approaches, Sandwell Valley 

will be getting you into the spooky spirit 

by offering their Bat Trails to every ghost 

and ghoul who visits the centre. Take a 

walk round the reserve, find the answers 

to a ghoulish quiz and receive a prize for 

creeping out all the clues. No booking 

required. Age 5-12. T: 0121 395 7395. 

October Half Term - Over Throne 

Shakespeare’s Birthplace CV37 6QW 

www.shakespeare.org.uk 

10am. So many of Shakespeare’s rulers 

have ended up losing their throne, 

their crown, or even their lives! Travel 

through time this half term and learn the 

stories behind some of Shakespeare’s 

most famous ousted monarchs; Caesar, 

Cleopatra and Richard III to name a few! 

As you journey through Shakespeare’s 

Birthplace, you will learn how some rulers 

lost their crown, and others their heads 

as well. See costumes from past Royal 

Shakespeare Company performances, and 

have your photo taken sitting on our throne 

before deciding the fate of these unruly 

monarchs yourself. 

October Half Term - Ghostly 

goings on 

Shakespeare’s New Place CV37 6EP 


12 noon. Create your own crown or laurel 

wreath in honour of two of Shakespeare’s 

famous ghosts, Old Hamlet and Julius 

Caesar, or write a ghost story in a cartoon 

format using supernatural activity in 

Shakespeare’s plays as your inspiration. 

October Half Term - Hubble Bubble 

Anne Hathaway’s Cottage CV37 9HH 


10am. Head through the sculpture garden 

and follow the plant trail to find the 

ingredients that went into potions in the 

1600s. 

October Half Term - Pumpkin Carving 

Mary Arden’s Farm CV37 9UN 


12 noon. Come along to the Falconers Field 

and get creative as you carve a spooky 

pumpkin ready for Halloween. Small 

additional charge applies (depending on 

the size of the pumpkin!). 

October Half Term - Haunted 

Halloween Hunt 

Mary Arden’s Farm CV37 9UN 


10am. Enjoy a haunted Halloween hunt 

through the woods. Can you find all of the 

spooky characters which are hiding? There’s 

a Halloween sticker up for grabs if you dare. 

27 October 

Spooky Pumpkin Carving 

The Manor House Museum B71 2EA 

www.sandwell.gov.uk 

10am-2.30pm. Come along and scoop, 

carve and decorate your pumpkin ready 

for Halloween. £3 per child (inclusive of 

pumpkin and tools) and 50p per adult. 

Booking Essential. T: 0121 588 2985. 

28 October 

Creepy Craft: Spooky Masks 

Museum and Art Gallery B3 3DH 


11am-3pm. Give someone a fright anytime 

day or night with this playful mask making 

activity. With loads of different craft 

materials to play with this activity is suitable 

for monsters of all ages. From a traditional 

pumpkin to a spooky colourful sugar skull, 

what will you make to take home this 

Halloween half term? Suitable for all ages. 

£2 per child. No booking required. 

T: 0121 348 8000. 

Fantastic Bricks and Where to Find 

Them 



10am-3pm. Conjure up majestic creatures 

made of bricks and join in on a magical 

adventure of your design. Take inspiration 

from the wizarding world, create your 

creatures and design the far off places they 

come from. After enrolling in the School of 

Wizardry, conjure spells and solve riddles 

to progress through a board game style 

adventure! Just be careful where you point 

your wand, or you’ll go home as a frog. Age 

6-11. T: 0121 446 3232. 

Digital Music Making for Children 



10am-3pm. This is a fun one-day workshop 

designed for children to explore a range 

of creative activities including visual arts, 

crafts, digital media and performance. All 

the workshops are for the same age range 

and offer an introduction to a particular art 

form. The children can usually take home 

anything they have made during the day. 

Age 6-11. T: 0121 446 3232. 

Nature Families 



10.30am-12noon and 1.30-3pm. Sessions are 

aimed at ages 0 to 4 years, these sessions 

are indoor and outdoor drop in messy play 

sessions, with each week taking a new 

theme. Join in and explore nature both 

indoors and out on the reserve using all 

our senses. T: 0121 704 0768. 

Trick or Treat 



11am-3pm. Calling all ghouls and monsters. 

Creep, float or crawl your way through 

this year’s Trick or Treat. Take part in lots 

of activities throughout the house and 

grounds and fill your bag with goodies in 

the safety of an enclosed site. £5 per child, 

£2 per adult. Booking essential. 

T: 0121 588 2985. 


MAC Creative Camp: The Hills Are 

Shadows 



10am-3pm. The Hills Are Shadows is 

a special 3-day Creative Camp full of 

exciting yet practical drawing and art 

making workshops. Children will explore 

the fantastical drawing exhibition created 

by international artists Jim Holyoak and 

Matt Shane, starting with private VIP tour 

of the exhibition with the Curator, and the 

opportunity to meet with the artists who 

are in residence. Age 6-11. T: 0121 446 3232. 


Children’s Halloween 

Party 

Dudley Zoological Gardens DY1 4QF 

www.dudley.zoo.org.uk 

5-8pm. Ride the ghost train to the Castle 

Courtyard, children’s show, disco and 

games, creepy crafts and colouring, dress 

in your favourite Halloween costume. All 

children must be accompanied by an 

adult. Pre-booking recommended. 

T: 01384 215313. 


October Half Term Fun 

Wildside Activity Centre WV6 0HA. 

www.wildsideac.co.uk 

Various times. Wildside Activity Centre 

will be running activities and boat trips at 

half-term. Bookings are confirmed when a 

booking form has been completed and the 

payment has been made. See website for 

details or ring: T: 01902 572240. 

29 October 

Tall Tales: Cinderella 

Story Tour 

Aston Hall B6 6JD 


11am-12.15pm or 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. Spaces are limited, prebooking 

is essential. T: 0121 348 8100. 

Family Print Making 



10am-3pm. As a family, learn about 

different artists and how to use a range of 

printmaking techniques to create your own 

masterpiece. Age 6-11. T: 0121 446 3232. 

Sewing for Children 



10am-3pm. Learn the basics of hand 

sewing and making, make an animal bag, 

bunting or a cushion to take home. Learn 

to trace a pattern and cut out a basic 

shape in fabric. Age: From 8 to 11. 

T: 0121 446 3232. 

Mini Beast Hunting at Parkridge 



12.30-1.30pm. Can you make your own web 

and find some creepy crawlies hiding out 

in the deep dark woods. This session is 

suitable for children aged 2 years plus. 

T: 0121 704 0768. 


Spooky Halloween Trail at Blakesley 

Hall 

Blakesley Hall B25 8RN 


11am-4pm. A family friendly Halloween trail 

of the historic building Blakesley Hall based 

on folklore characters such as vampires, 

goblins and ghosts. Find out about the 

myths and stories based around these 

spooky figures. The Hall is open for visitors 

to explore at their leisure with mini guided 

tours available on request. Booking advised. 

T: 0121 348 8120. 

Pumpkin Flotilla 

Sarehole Mill B13 0BD 


7-9pm. Bring a beautifully carved pumpkin 

with you to the Mill, who will then add a 

light and float it on the mill pond at dusk in 

this popular Halloween event. Pre booking 

essential. T: 0121 348 8160. 


Little Skippers - Halloween Fun 

Dudley Canal and Tunnal Trust DY1 4SB 

www.dudleycanaltrust.org.uk 

Join Little Skippers for a 45 minute boat trip 

through the spellbinding themed caverns 

followed by things to make and do. This 

half term there is a morning full of family 

fun Halloween crafts and activities. 

T: 0121 557 6265. 

30 October 

Monster Madness Party 



1.45-3.30pm. Join in this year for Monster 

Madness Party. With music for ‘dead good’ 

dancers and abominable activities, there 

will be something for all little terrors. To 

avoid disappointment, this year the event 

will be ticketed. Tickets are £2.50 per adult 

/ child. Children age under 3 are free. 

T: 0121 348 8000. 

Explore the Factory Floor: Halloween 

at the Museum of the Jewellery 

Quarter 

Museum of the Jewellery Quarter B18 6HA 


10.30am-1pm. Explore the factory and 

offices of the Smith & Pepper Company at 

your own pace with Halloween costumed 

guides along the way who can reveal how 

the factory worked and any spooky stories 

hiding within. Normal admission prices 

apply. T: 0121 348 8140. 

Smethwick Engine Steaming Day 


B4 7XG 


12noon and 2.30pm. The Smethwick Engine 

has recently undergone an extensive 

restoration project and visitors can see the 

power of the steam engine first hand. 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. T: 0121 348 8000. 

8 



AN OUTDOOR 

EDUCATIONAL 

VISIT LIKE NO 

OTHER! 

Allow us to share 

the knowledge and 

experience we have 

gained over nearly 200 

years in our expertlytaught, 

cross-curricular 

Teaching Sessions. 

OFF-PEAK 

SPECIAL 

OFFER 

Two teaching sessions 

for £10 - available for visits 

before March 2020. 

For more information please visit: 

birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk/education 

T: 0121 450 5093 

E: education@birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk 

New 

for 2019 

Sensational 

Science 

Find us on: 

Your support keeps the Gardens growing 

AN EDUCATIONAL CHARITY 

Christmas 

ENJOY A MAGICAL 

AT LEEKES 

Saturday 30 th November 

Visit Santa in his grotto and meet the live reindeer 

BOOK 

TICKETS 

IN STORE 

Follow us on and for event updates 

Leekes Bilston Great Bridge Road, W. Mids. WV14 8LB 

Tel: 0333 222 4120 | Online: leekes.co.uk 



Ghostly Tales: Family Friendly Ghost 

Tour 



11.30am, 1pm and 2.30pm. Families are 

invited to explore Aston Hall, one of 

Birmingham’s most haunted buildings, 

under the safety of daylight and 

accompanied by a member of the team. 

Hear some of the most well-known of 

Aston’s ghost stories and try using dowsing 

rods to detect the presence of spirits as 

you look around this atmospheric old house 

together. Suitable for children age 5-12 

accompanied by an adult. T: 0121 348 8100. 

Baby Birds - Parent and Toddler Group 

2019 



10am -12noon and 1-3pm. Baby Birds is a 








mixture of outdoor and indoor activities and 

crafts. Booking essential. T: 0121 357 7395. 

Spooky Story Walks 



Various times. Come along to experience a 

traditional night of Halloween storytelling 

for families. Bring your imagination a warm 

coat and suitable footwear. The first hour 

is aimed at children under 7 and the rest of 

the eventing is aimed at the 7-15 age group. 

Booking is essential. T: 0121 395 7395. 

Den Building at Parkridge 



10.30-11.30am. Would you be able to survive 

outside in the wild this winter? Come find 

out as you discover how to make a survival 

den in the woods, to keep warm away from 

the cold. This session is suitable for children 

aged 5 years plus. T: 0121 704 0768. 

Autumn Colours at Parkridge 



12.30-1.30pm. How many colours can you 

find in nature? Look closely as the colours 

start to change, try your hand at bark 

rubbings and make a leafy lantern to take 

home. This session is suitable for children 

aged 2 years plus. T: 0121 704 0768. 

Pumpkin Carving 

Oak House Museum B70 8HJ 


11am-3pm. Leave the mess at home and 

come and carve a pumpkin in the Oak 

House classrooms. £3.00 each. Booking 

essential, ticket price includes pumpkin 

and all carving materials. The Oak House 

will be open and decorated for Halloween 

with free Halloween trails. The tea room 

will be open for light refreshments 

courtesy of the ‘Friends of the Oak House 

Museum’. pop in to book cash only. T: 0121 

553 0759. 

Spooktacular Crafts 



11am-3pm. Come along… if you dare. Get 

creepy and create some chilling crafts 

inside our spooky Great Hall, or take part in 

terrifying trails and quizzes. 

T: 0121 588 2985. 


Hubble Bubble - Trick or Treat 

Soho House B18 5LB 


11am-4pm. A darkness has crept over Soho 

House this Halloween. Use a flashlight 

to guide yourself around the house as 

you track down all the bats that roam the 

halls. Be careful though, whilst you hunt 

for the bats, there may be some creepy 

things that also lurk in the rooms at Soho 

House. Normal admission charges apply. 

(The gardens and visitor centre are free to 

enter.) T: 0121 348 8150. 

31 October 

Spooky Science Night at Thinktank 

ThinkTank Birmingham Science 

Museum B4 7XG 


6-9pm. Come along to Thinktank as 

it is turned into a spooky party for all 

mad scientists, witches and wizards 

to come together and have some fun. 

Come in fancy dress to be entered into a 

fantastic prize draw on the night. See the 

spectacular ‘Trick or Treat’ show, where 

every choice will lead to either a delightful 

or disgusting experiment. Dance the night 

away at the silent Zombie Disco. 

T: 0121 348 8000. 

Create a Spell Jar Family Craft Activity 



11.30am-1pm or 2-3.30pm.. Calling all 

would-be witches and wizards. Feeling 

inspired by the magical time of year? 

Come along and create your own spell jar 

to take home with you. £2 per participating 

child. Booking recommended. 

T: 0121 348 8100. 

Meet the Witchfinder: Haloween 

Family Tour 

Blakesley Hall B25 8RN 


11.30am, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. Join the 

witchfinder Matthew Hopkins for a spooky 

storytelling tour of Blakesley Hall. Go 

around the Hall on a spooky journey where 

you find out all about vampires, trolls, 

fairies, goblins and ghosts and the history 

behind some of these characters. Booking 

advised. T: 0121 348 8120. 

Aston Hall’oween 



11am-4pm. Frighteningly good fun for 

families. See the Hall transformed into a 

haunted mansion. Meet the wise woman 

and her familiar. Find out about her weird 

cures and see a witch trial! Encounter 

creepy sounds and even creepier 

characters. Pre-booking recommended. 

T: 0121 348 8100. 

Explorer Thursday 



11am-2pm. Every Thursday in school 

holidays Sandwell Valley will be holding 

their Explorer Nature days. There will be 

guided bug hunting, pond dipping and 

crafts. Suitable for ages 5- 12 years but any 

age can join in. Booking essential. 

T: 0121 395 7395. 

Pottery Haunted Houses 



10am-3pm. Learn how to make 3D haunted 

houses out of clay, learn all about hand 

building and coiling techniques to create 

and then decorate your spooky house with 

coloured slips. Age 6-11. T: 0121 446 3232. 

Nature Tots at Brandon Marsh - 

Halloween Spooks 

Brandon Marsh CV3 3GW 


1.30-3pm. Nature Tots aims to encourage an 

early interest in wildlife. With this in mind, 

activities are held outdoors, in the natural 

surroundings of the reserve at Brandon 

Marsh. This session is suitable for children 

aged 2 to 4 years.T: 02476 302912. 

Spooky Craft Day 

Oak House Museum B70 8HJ 


11am-3pm. Come along and make 

Halloween themed crafts in the cosy 

classroom. The Oak House will be open 

and decorated for Halloween with free 

Halloween trails available from reception. 

Crafts range from 50p-£4. T: 0121 553 0759. 

Halloween Hat and Mask Workshops 

Haden Hill House Museum B64 7JU 


12-4pm. Come and decorate a hat or a 

mask for Halloween ready for ‘trick or 

treating’. £1 per craft. 

1 November 

Creepy Craft: Spooky Masks 



11am-3pm. Give someone a fright anytime 

day or night with this playful mask making 

activity. With loads of different craft 

materials to play with this activity is suitable 

for monsters of all ages. From a traditional 

pumpkin to a spooky colourful sugar skull, 

what will you make to take home this 

Halloween half term? Suitable for all ages. 

£2 per child. No booking required. 

T: 0121 348 8000. 

Gargoyle Masks and Gruesome Tour 

Weoley Castle B29 


11am-2pm. Get creative this half term and 

head to Weoley Castle to make your own 

terrifying gargoyle mask. Join the friendly 

volunteers and use a variety of materials to 

craft your own masks. Then learn about the 

gruesome aspects of medieval life in this 

family friendly gruesome tour of the ruins. 

No need to book, just turn up and take part. 

Children must be accompanied by an adult. 

T: 0121 348 8140. 

Magical Puppets 



10am-3pm. Make your own magical puppets 

such as fairies, elves, witches or warlocks 

and bring your puppet to life through the 

wonderful art of puppetry in this fun oneday 

course. Age 6-11. T: 0121 446 3232. 

Family Pottery 



10am-3pm. Create lasting memories in this 

one-day family workshop. Come along 

to the specialist ceramics studio and 

learn about different hand-building and 

decorative techniques to create memory 

boxes with your family. Age 6-11. 

T: 0121 446 3232. 

Nature Tots at Parkridge - Halloween 

Spooks 



1.30-3pm. Nature Tots aims to encourage an 

early interest in wildlife. With this in mind, 

activities are held outdoors, in the natural 

surroundings of the reserve at The Parkridge 

Centre. This session is suitable for children 

aged 2 to 4 years.T: 0121 704 0768. 

Rowheath Fireworks 

Rowheath Pavilion B30 1HH 

https://www.facebook.com/events/ 

4pm. The annual fireworks display at 

Rowheath. Two fantastic displays, a fair and 

street food. 

Manor House School of Witchcraft 

and Wizardry: 



10am-3pm. Grab your broomstick, fly down 

to the Great Hall and join Professor Calculus 

Black for a magical afternoon. From wand 

duelling to care of magical creatures, and 

everything else in-between, all students will 

leave an expert in all things the wizarding 

world has to offer. £15 per child, to include 

a take home wand, chocolate frog, and 

crafted dragon, £2 per adult. Booking 

essential. T: 0121 588 2985. 

2 November 

Indie Kids Disco 



2pm. An event for Indie Kids and their kids 

to rock together to tunes that’ll make you 

want to live forever! This daytime disco will 

feature a live DJ and plenty of additional, 

fun activities. Be prepared to get primal and 

scream, dance and rock out at an event 

which promises to be as much fun for 

adults as it will be for the children. Perfect 

for children aged 4-12 years, but all ages 

welcome. Babes in arms go free. Up to four 

children can be accompanied by one adult. 

T: 0121 446 3232. 

Himley Bonfire and Fireworks 

Himley Hall and Park DY3 4DF 

www.himleyhallandpark.co.uk 

4.30pm. The legendary family friendly 

Himley Bonfire and Fireworks will be lighting 

up the night sky with music set to this year’s 

theme ‘To the Moon and Back’, celebrating 

50 years since the moon landing. Booking 

advised. See website for more details. 

4 November – 20 December 

£3 after 3pm on Term Time Weekdays 


B4 7XG 


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

after 3pm on weekdays during term-time 

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

10 



11-15 DECEMBER 2019 

SHAKESPEARE’S NEW PLACE 

DISCOVER the 

greatest show 

THAT NEVER HAPPENED! 

For more information, show times 

and to book tickets visit: 

shakespeare.org.uk/lost-and-found 

Registered Charity Number: 209302 



4 November – 5 January 

Christmas at Shakespeare’s Birthplace 

Shakespeare’s Birthplace CV37 6QW 


10am-4pm. This winter at Shakespeare’s 

Birthplace they are getting prepared for 

Christmas with floral displays and a glass 

of Wassail. 

5 November 

Toddler Art 



11.15am-12noon. Let your child set the pace 

as you explore sensory activities and crafts 

together to boost their imagination, and 

build social and practical skills. This course 

provides a range of creative play based 

sessions designed to provide a friendly, 

relaxed but stimulating space for young 

children to investigate. Each week there is 

a carousel of sensory art and play activities 

designed to encourage your child’s 

development and fine motor skills. Age 

from 2-5. T: 0121 446 3232. 

Firework Display 

Birmingham Botanical Gardens B15 3TR 

www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk 

5.30pm. Remember, remember, the fifth 

of November… Come along to The Terrace 

for a brilliant display of fireworks and watch 

them dance across the night sky to your 

favourite songs. See website for more 

details. T: O121 454 1860. 

6 November 


Group 2019 













7 November 

Nature Tots at Brandon Marsh - 

Hibernating Hedgehogs 



10.30a-12noon and 1.30-3pm. Nature Tots 

aims to encourage an early interest in 

wildlife. With this in mind, activities are held 

outdoors, in the natural surroundings of the 

reserve at Brandon Marsh. This session is 

suitable for children aged 2 to 4 years. 

T: 02476 302912. 

8 November 

Nature Tots at Parkridge - Hibernating 

Hedgehogs 







of the reserve at The Parkridge Centre. This 

session is suitable for children aged 2 to 4 

years.T: 0121 704 0768. 

9 November 

Barnt Green Bonfire and 

Fireworks 

Barnt Green B45 8PZ 

www.barntgreenfireworks.co.uk 

5pm. The 2019 Bonfire and Fireworks night 

is set to be spectacular, with TWO fireworks 

displays and a MASSIVE bonfire. Expect 

loads of entertainment, food and drink, 

bar, giant kids inflatables, fun and games. 

All raising money for local and national 

charities. 

9 November – 10 November 

Firewook Festival 

West Midland Safari Park DY12 1LF 

www.wmsp.co.uk 

Enjoy spectacular fireworks, a roaring 

bonfire, late-night rides and music to bring 

the party alive. The park will open later 

in the day and you can enjoy the walkthrough 

areas including Ice Age, Land 

of the Living Dinosaurs, Penguin Cove, 

Lorikeet Landing, Creepy Crawlies, Reptile 

World, African Village and the popular Sea 

Lion Show. 

T: 01299 402114. 

12 November 

Toddler Art 



11.15am-12noon. Let your child set the 

pace as you explore sensory activities and 

crafts together to boost their imagination, 

and build social and practical skills. This 

course provides a range of creative play 

based sessions designed to provide a 

friendly, relaxed but stimulating space for 

young children to investigate. Each week 

there is a carousel of sensory art and play 

activities designed to encourage your 

child’s development and fine motor skills. 

Age from 2-5. T: 0121 446 3232. 

Wild Home School - Wonderful 

Weather Watching 



2-3pm. Each session varying between 

a mix of curriculum focused activities, 

bushcraft and nature based activities. 

Sessions may be held outside to learn 

about something new, with every month 

having a different theme, aimed at home 

schooled children working at a KS2 level 

(around 8 years and up). Adults must 

accompany their children unless they are 

8 years and over, children over 8 years can 

be left with staff if wanted. 

T: 024 76 302 912. 

13 November 


Group 2019 













14 November 

Nature Tots at Brandon Marsh - Den 

Building 



10.30am-12noon. Nature Tots aims to 

encourage an early interest in wildlife. With 

this in mind, activities are held outdoors, in 

the natural surroundings of the reserve at 

Brandon Marsh. This session is suitable for 

children aged 2 to 4 years. T: 02476 302912. 

16 November 

Create a Christmas Rag Wreath 



10.30am-4pm. Get in the festive spirit and 

make your own Christmas decorations 

using the traditional rag rug technique. 

T: 01216667671. 

Comer Woods Family Bike Ride 

Dudmaston WV15 6QN 


10-11am. Great for families who’ve never 

been on the Explorer Trail before, this is 

a led cycle ride with an Active Outdoors 

Team who’ll stop off and show you points of 

interest along the way. T: 01746780866. 

17 November 

SHOUT Community Day 



12 noon. SHOUT’s annual community 

day returns to MAC with a packed day of 

family-friendly action, including live music, 

workshops with artists, performances and 

crafting from LGBTQ+ artists, a programme 

of free short films – plus a very special 

daytime family party (tickets required). 

T: 0121 446 3232. 

19 November 

Toddler Art 



11.15am-12noon. Let your child set the pace 

as you explore sensory activities and crafts 

together to boost their imagination, and 

build social and practical skills. This course 

provides a range of creative play based 

sessions designed to provide a friendly, 

relaxed but stimulating space for young 

children to investigate. Each week there is 

a carousel of sensory art and play activities 

designed to encourage your child’s 

development and fine motor skills. Age 

from 2-5. T: 0121 446 3232. 

20 November 

Baby Birds - Parent and Toddler Group 

2019 











mixture of outdoor and indoor activities 

and crafts. Booking essential. 

T: 0121 357 7395. 

23 November 

Ceramic Polar Bear Workshop 

Charlecote Park CV35 9ER 


Join local ceramics artist Ros Ingram to 

create your own unique clay sculpture 

of a polar bear. Designed for all levels of 

artistic ability, you will be guided, step by 

step, through the process of sculpting 

using stoneware clay with slip decoration. 

T: 03442491895. 

Create a Christmas Rag Wreath 



10.30am-4pm. Get in the festive spirit and 

make your own Christmas decorations 

using the traditional rag rug technique. 

T: T: 01216667671. 

23 November – 24 November 

Christmas Craft Fair 

Dudmaston WV15 6QN 


11am-4pm. Start your Christmas shopping 

in style with this traditional Christmas 

Craft Fair. The Orchard and courtyards 

will play host to over 70 local artists, food 

producers and talented craftspeople who’ll 

be selling a selection of present-perfect 

goodies. Join in with the caroling or have 

a go at making seasonal crafts to take 

home - there’s plenty to get you into the 

festive spirit. 

LEGO Engineers 


B4 7XG 


10am-5pm. Can you and your family design 

and build the best engineering solutions 

using only LEGO blocks? There will be 

different activities running throughout the 

day with some challenges being for a set 

time and one large master challenge that 

will run all day. A must do event for all 

budding engineers and LEGO fans of all 

ages. T: 0121 348 8000. 

30 November 

A Magical Christmas Weekend at 

Leekes 

Leekes Llantrisant WV14 8LB 

www.leekes.co.uk 

11am-4pm. A weekend filled with activities 

and fun for all the family. Visit Santa in 

his grotto and meet his live reindeer. 

Enjoy festive fun and treats and choose 

the perfect present from our selection 

of seasonal gifts. Book your visit to Santa 

in store and follow us on Facebook and 

Twitter for event updates. 0333 222 4120. 

8 December 

The Laughing Sole Comedy Club for 

Kids 



2pm. An exciting club where the laughs 

are loud and shared across the ages. 

Compered by Barbara Nice, this comedy 

club is specifically for children and their 

families, bringing together some of the 

best acts on the circuit performing family 

jokes. A great afternoon of comedy, 

perfect for family outings on a wet Sunday 

afternoon, children’s parties and time to 

laugh together. Recommended age 5+ but 

younger siblings are welcome. 

T: 0121 446 3232.- 

12 



Film Preview 

Guide 

Abominable 

DreamWorks Animation and Pearl Studio’s co-production Abominable takes 

audiences on an epic 2,000-mile adventure from the streets of Shanghai to 

the breath taking Himalayan 

snowscapes. When teenager 

Yi encounters a young Yeti 

on the roof of her apartment 

building in Shanghai, she and her 

mischievous friends, Jin and Peng, 

name him ‘Everest’ and embark 

on an epic quest to reunite the 

magical creature with his family 

at the highest point on Earth. 

But the trio of friends will have 

to stay one-step ahead of Burnish, a wealthy man intent on capturing a Yeti, and 

zoologist Dr Zara to help Everest get home. Abominable is in UK cinemas from 

11 October. 

Maleficent: Mistress of Evil 

In Disney’s sequel to the 2014 global box office hit, Maleficent and her 

goddaughter Aurora begin to question the complex family ties that bind them 

as they are pulled in different directions by impending nuptials, unexpected 

allies and dark new forces at 

play. The years have been kind 

to Maleficent and Aurora. Their 

relationship, born of heartbreak, 

revenge and ultimately love, 

has flourished. Yet the hatred 

between man and the fairies 

still exists. Aurora’s impending 

marriage to Prince Phillip is cause 

for celebration in the kingdom 

of Ulstead and the neighbouring 

Moors, as the wedding serves to 

unite the two worlds. When an unexpected encounter introduces a powerful 

new alliance, Maleficent and Aurora are pulled apart to opposing sides in a 

Great War, testing their loyalties and causing them to question whether they 

can truly be family. Maleficent: Mistress of Evil opens in cinemas on 18 October. 

Photo credit: Jaap Buitendijk © 2019 Disney Enterprises, Inc 

The Addams Family 

Get ready to snap your fingers! Just in time for Halloween, The Addams Family 

is back on the big screen in the first animated comedy about the kookiest 

family on the block. Happily ensconced in their Addams way of life for years, 

Gomez and Morticia 

prepare for a visit from 

their extended family 

for Pugsley’s “Sabre 

Mazurka,” a rite of 

passage ceremony to 

prove he is ready to 

become an Addams 

Family man but there’s 

trouble on the horizon 

in the shape of design 

TV phenomenon Margaux Needler. The Addams Family mansion is the one 

thing blocking her dream of selling all the houses in the neighbourhood. Funny, 

outlandish and completely iconic, the Addams Family redefines what it means to 

be a good neighbour. Oscar Isaac and Charlize Theron lead the spook-tacular 

cast. The Addams Family is in cinemas from 25 October. 

WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN 

To be in with a chance of winning one of five Abominable goody 

bags, send an email to competitions@primarytimes.biz with 

‘Abominable’ as the subject by Friday 8 November. 

Don’t forget to include your name, age, address, school 

and contact telephone number. 

October Half Term Fun for the 

Whole Family 

Birmingham Community Leisure Trust has a whole host of exciting 

activities to suit all ages. With 9 great centres to choose from, there’s 

bound to be something for you and your family to enjoy. 

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. We also run Tennis and multi-sport camps at Billesley Tenis and 

Fitness Centre. 

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 or The Amazing AquaChallenge 

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. 

Alternatively say hello to the amazing AquaChallenge - an inflatable 

obstacle course in the pool – are you up for the challenge? 

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 October 2019 

Wipeout Arena will be coming to 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. 

• 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 

• Ladywood Leisure Centre* (0330 1099150) 

https://www.birminghamleisure.com/ladywood_lc/Holiday- 

Activities 



PRIMARY TIMES EXCLUSIVE 

Anti-Bullying Week with… 

Andy Day 

Primary Times teams up with Andy Day to support Anti-Bullying Week which is 

celebrated in over three quarters of schools across the country, 11 th - 15 th November 

Andy Day is set to hit our screens in March 

2020 with his new CBBC show Andy and the 

Band, but the children’s TV star is also busy 

playing a leading part in Anti-Bullying Week. 

We tracked down the frontman of Andy 

and the Odd Socks to find out why tackling 

bullying is close to his heart. 

When asked how he got involved in bullying 

work, Andy explained “I wasn’t bullied at 

school, but I saw others who were, and I’ve 

seen the effects that bullying has had on 

their personal growth into adulthood. 

For some it has toughened them and for 

many it has diminished their confidence 

and potential”. 

“It starts young”, he explains. “Having worked 

in kid’s TV most of my career, when I got the 

chance to be involved in Anti-Bullying week, 

it just chimed with me”. 

Andy Day has a children’s 

band, ‘Andy and the 

Odd Socks’, and 

together they 

came up with 

a simple idea for supporting Anti-Bullying 

week. “Why not highlight what makes us all 

unique with an Odd Socks Day? Children 

could celebrate difference and diversity 

simply by pulling on a pair of odd socks 

and raise some money for a good cause 

in the process”. 

Odd Socks Day started in 2017 and has 

since been a runaway success, raising 

over £60,000 to support the Anti-Bullying 

Alliance’s work. 

Every year Andy records a song to support 

the theme of Anti-Bullying and this year’s 

theme is ‘Change Starts with Us’. “The 

idea is to highlight the changes, the little 

things each of us can do, that make 

all the difference to someone on 

the receiving end of bullying”, Andy explains. 

For Andy, tackling bullying “could be 

as simple as being there to listen to 

someone who is hurting inside. To build 

their confidence and support them. Or 

thinking twice before posting a hurtful 

post on social media. Or speaking out 

when banter has crossed the line into 

something more harmful.” 

“Most of us will experience bullying in some 

capacity throughout our lives. Young or 

old, we can all do something to show that 

bullying is never acceptable.” Andy is working 

on the song ‘Change’ and video as we speak. 

“All I can say is: think the Muppets meet 

Strictly, Odd Socks style! This tune will really 

get kids (and grown-ups!) up and dancing!” 

In addition to working with Anti-Bullying 

week, Andy and the Odd Socks have just 

finished filming their new comedy for CBBC 

‘Andy and the Band’ and are looking forward 

to seeing that broadcast in March 2020. 

On top of that, Andy explains, “we’ve had 

an amazing summer touring the festival 

scene – including performances at the BBC 

Summer Social.” 

“We’ve been fitting in visits to Odd Socks Day 

schools too. Every day is an adventure at the 

moment! All our focus now is on making this 

year’s Odd Socks Day the biggest and best 

one ever!” 

Find out more 

about how you can get involved at 

anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/anti-bullying-week 

Get involved with Odd Socks Day 

for Anti-Bullying Week! 

Odd Socks Day, with support from SafeToNet, takes place 

on Tuesday of Anti Bullying Week – the 12th of November 

– and helps raise awareness around anti-bullying. 

Odd Socks Day is designed to be fun! It’s an opportunity 

for children to express themselves and celebrate their 

individuality and what makes us all unique! 

There is no pressure on the children to wear the latest 

fashion or for parents to buy expensive costumes. 

All they have to do to take part is wear odd socks, it 

couldn’t be simpler! 

We would like to invite children to make a £1 

donation - or any donation you think appropriate - 

to support us in continuing the week every year. 

14 



We have opportunities in the Birmingham area 

Kumon’s Maths and English Study Centres help children in your 

local community achieve beyond expectations. Join us to find out 

about becoming a Kumon Instructor. 

Dates: 

Time: 

Location: 

Thursday 31 October 

Thursday 7 November 

10.00am - 12.00pm 

Kumon Europe & Africa Ltd 

Hagley Road West, Birmingham 

Call now for details and to book your place at our information session. 

0800 854 714 | www.kumon.co.uk 


BOOKSTORE 


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16 


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TICKET 

Office 

Your family theatre guide... 

Arena Birmingham 

B1 2AA 

www.arenabham.co.uk 

16 Oct – 20 Oct 

Disney on Ice Celebrate 100 

Years of Magic 

Various times. Grab your Mickey 

ears and get ready for the ultimate 

Disney experience when Disney 

On Ice celebrates 100 Years of 

Magic skates into Birmingham. 

Be charmed by a cast of over 50 

unforgettable Disney characters, 

with Mouse-ter of Ceremonies 

Mickey Mouse, the spirited Minnie 

Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy and 

many of the Disney Princesses, 

including Jasmine, Cinderella, 

Rapunzel, Ariel, Snow White and 

Tiana. T: 0844 33 88 222. 

23 Nov – 24 Nov 

The 2019 Birmingham 

International Tattoo 

Various times. Britain’s biggest 

indoor international tattoo, with 

over 1,200 performers, is returning 

to Arena Birmingham bringing 

together marching bands, exciting 

displays and culminating in the 

spectacular Grand Finale featuring 

all the performers in a spectacle of 

pomp and pageantry. 

T: 0844 33 88 222. 

Artrix 

B60 1GN 

www.artrix.co.uk 

30 Oct 

Seeking Isolde and The Lost 

Land of Lyonesse 

11am and 1.30pm. Seeking Isolde 

is a family show for 6+ being 

performed at Artrix in Bromsgrove 

during the October half term, as 

part of a national tour. Horrible 

Histories meets the world’s 

geekiest Indiana Jones. Prices £10 

/ £5 under 15s. T: 01527 577330. 

Birmingham Hippodrome 

B5 4TB 

www.birminghamhippodrome. 

com 

25 Oct – 2 Nov 

Circus 1903 

Various times. The show includes 

sensational life-sized elephants 

stunningly created by the awardwinning 

team behind War Horse, 

putting elephants back in the ring 

as never seen before. The circus 

boasts a huge cast of jaw-dropping 

0231513 

Box 

and dangerous acts from across 

the globe including acrobats, 

contortionists, trapeze and high 

wire performers, transporting you 

to the mesmerising Golden Age of 

circus. T: 0844 338 5000. 

22 Nov – 24 Dec 

Birmingham Royal Ballet - The 

Nutcracker 2019 

Various times. Birmingham Royal 

Ballet’s evergreen production of 

The Nutcracker has been part of 

the City’s Christmas tradition since 

1990 and returns to Birmingham 

Hippodrome in November 2019. 

Join young Clara as she is swept 

away into an enchanting winter 

wonderland of dancing snowflakes 

and a Sugar Plum Fairy. Her 

magical Christmas tree and her 

handsome prince with his army of 

toy soldiers are an unforgettable 

delight. In this most festive ballet, 

gigantic sets, lavish costumes, 

60 dancers and a full orchestra 

combine to make the perfect 

Christmas treat for the entire 

family. T: 0844 338 5000. 

mac Midland Arts Centre 

B12 9QH 


26 Oct– 27 Oct 

The Pirate Cruncher 

11am and 3pm. A swashbuckling 

tale of greed punished and 

ingenuity rewarded. Overlooking 

the harbour lies the Thirsty Parrot 

tavern, run single-handed by 

plucky and clever seven year old 

Emily, child inventor extraordinaire. 

When her tavern is raided by 

Captain Purplebeard and his 

dastardly cut-throat crew, Emily 

determines to take revenge, by 

sending the pirates on a wild 

goose chase for treasure. Little do 

they suspect that their ridiculous 

quest will lead them straight into 

the tentacles of the terrifying 

Pirate Cruncher, a monster who 

likes nothing better than to devour 

pirates for lunch. Age: From 5 to 11. 

T: 0121 446 3232. 


We’re Going on a Bear Hunt 

Various times. A family go on an 

expedition of a lifetime – running 

down the grassy bank, wading 

through the cold river, squelching 

over the oozy mud, stumbling into 

the dark forest, then peering into 

a cave… what will they find there? 

Little Angel Theatre’s acclaimed 

adaptation returns to celebrate 

the 30th anniversary of Michael 

Rosen’s beloved book. Brought 

to life with beautiful puppets 

designed by Lyndie Wright and 

original music by Barb Jungr, 

this production is ideal for brave 

hunters and bear lovers alike. Age 

2+.T: 0121 446 3232. 


Dora and The Lost City 

of Gold 

12.30 and 1.30pm. Having spent 

most of her life exploring the 

jungle with her parents, nothing 

could prepare Dora (Isabela 

Moner) for her most dangerous 

adventure ever - high school. 

Always the explorer, Dora quickly 

finds herself leading Boots (her 

best friend, a monkey), Diego 

(Jeffrey Wahlberg), a mysterious 

jungle inhabitant (Eugenio Derbez), 

and a rag tag group of teens on a 

live-action adventure to save her 

parents (Eva Longoria, Michael 

Pena) and solve the impossible 

mystery behind a lost city of gold. 

Film: PG. T: 0121 446 3232. 

31 Oct 

Hocus Pocus 

12.30pm. You’re in for a devil of 

a time when three outlandishly 

wild witches - Bette Midler, Sarah 

Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy 

- return from 17th century Salem 

after they are accidently conjured 

up by some unsuspecting 

pranksters! It’s a night full of zany 

fun and comic chaos once the 

tricky 300-year-old trio sets out 

to cast a spell on the town and 

reclaim their youth - but first they 

must get their act together and 

outwit three kids and a talking cat. 

Film: PG. T: 0121 446 3232. 

2 Nov 

Colour Box: Honey, I Shrunk 

The Kids 

10am. When kids sneak into 

inventor Wayne Szalinski’s (Rick 

Moranis) upstairs lab to retrieve an 

errant baseball, his experimental 

shrink ray miniaturizes them. 

When Szalinski returns home, he 

destroys the device -- which he 

thinks is a failure -- and dumps it 

in the trash, throwing out the kids 

along with it. The four children, 

now 1/4-inch tall, must survive 

the journey back to the house 

through a yard where sprinklers 

bring treacherous storms and 

garden-variety ants stampede like 

elephants. Film: U. 

T: 0121 446 3232. 

26 Nov – 31 Dec 

Slot Machine Theatre: Kipper’s 

Snowy Day 

Various times. Kipper and his best 

friend Tiger go on an adventure 

in the snow - but on the way they 

lose their friend Arnold in a terrible 

storm. Will they find him? And will 

they find their way back home? 

Based on the award-winning 

‘Kipper’ stories by Mick Inkpen, 

Slot Machine Theatre present the 

first stage adaptation of these 

well-loved books. 

T: 0121 446 3232. 


Stourbridge Town Hall 

DY8 1YE 

www.stourbridgetheatre.co.uk 

21 Nov – 23 Nov 

The Snow Queen 

7.30 and 2.30pm Saturday matinee. 

The story tells of the struggle 

between good and evil though 

the eyes of two children; Gerda 

and her friend, Kai. Gerda is a little 

girl who searches for her friend 

Kai when he is bewitched and 

imprisoned by the Snow Queen in 

her ice palace. Gerda’s innocence 

charms all good people and 

animals she meets on the way. 

They help her to the royal court, 

and on to Lapland, where good 

conquers evil and the children are 

reunited. 

Symphony Hall 

B1 2EA 

www.thsh.co.uk 

27 Oct 

The Gruffalo and The 

Gruffalo’s Child Films With 

Live Orchestra 

2pm. Based on the much-loved 

children’s books written by Julia 

Donaldson and illustrated by Axel 

Scheffler, Birmingham Symphony 

Hall presents the world premier 

of the wonderful animations, 

The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s 

Child, as Terry Davies conducts 

René Aubry’s inspired scores in 

this double film with orchestra 

performance. T: 0121 780 3333. 

Zog and The Gruffalo Film with 

Live Orchestra 

5pm. Featured on BBC over 

Christmas 2018 and based on 

the much-loved children’s books 

written by Julia Donaldson and 

illustrated by Axel Scheffler, 

Birmingham Symphony Hall 

presents the WORLD PREMIERE 

live concert performance of 

the wonderful animations, Zog 

followed by a performance of The 

Gruffalo, as Terry Davies conducts 

René Aubry’s inspired scores. 

T: 0121 780 3333. 

17 Nov 

CBSO: Family Concert - The 

Young Person’s Guide to the 

Orchestra 

2.30pm. This fun-filled concert 

for all the family will show you 

exactly how an orchestra works. 

Age guidance: Suitable for children 

aged 5–11. T: 0121 780 3333. 

The Alexandra Theatre 

B5 4DS 

www.atgtickets.com 

23 Oct – 24 Oct 

Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever 

Various times. Peppa Pig is excited 

to be going on a special day out 

with George, Mummy Pig and 

Daddy Pig - it’s going to be her 

best day ever. Get ready for a 

road-trip full of fun adventures. 

From castles to caves, dragons 

to dinosaurs and ice-creams 

to muddy puddles – there is 

BOX OFFICE 



BOX OFFICE 

something for all of the family and 

their friends to enjoy, including 

Miss Rabbit, Mr Bull, Suzy Sheep, 

Gerald Giraffe and more. 

T: 0844 871 7615. 

20 Nov – 23 Nov 

Billionaire Boy 

Various times. From the awardwinning 

West End producers of 

Gangsta Granny and Horrible 

Histories comes this amazing new 

production of David Walliams’ 

best-selling story. Joe Spud is 

twelve years old and the richest 

boy in the country. He has his 

own sports car, two crocodiles as 

pets and £100,000 a week pocket 

money. But what Joe doesn’t have 

is a friend. So he decides to leave 

his posh school and start at the 

local comp. But things don’t go as 

planned for Joe and life becomes 

a rollercoaster as he tries to find 

what money can’t buy. 

T: 0844 871 7615. 

The Core Theatre 

B91 3RG 

www.thecoretheatre 

15 Oct – 20 Oct 

The Sound of Music 

7.30 and 2.30pm. Based 

partially on Maria Von Trapp’s 

autobiography, The Trapp Family 

Singers, The Sound of Music 

includes a remarkable number 

of popular songs, such as The 

Sound of Music, My Favourite 

Things, Climb Every Mountain, 

Do- Re-Mi, and Edelweiss. 

T:0121 704 6962. 

20 Oct 

The Wizard of Oz by Ballet 

Theatre UK 

7.30 and 2.30pm. Ballet Theatre 

UK will breathe new life into the 

Wizard of Oz tale, a classic tale 

more known than ever following 

the success of Wicked around the 

world. See Glinda and her nasty 

sister do their best (and worst) 

in this delightful adaptation, with 

beautiful choreography by Artistic 

Director Christopher Moore. 

T: 0121 704 6962. 

1 Nov – 2 Nov 

The Scarecrows’ Wedding 

1 and 3.30pm. Betty O’Barley 

and Harry O’Hay are excellent 

scarecrows. Their wedding plans 

are all coming together until 

Harry leaves Betty’s side and the 

devilishly smooth Reginald Rake 

tries to take Harry’s place. Will 

Harry make it back in time to save 

their special day? 

T: 0121 704 6962. 

The Old Rep Theatre 

B5 4DY 

www.oldreptheatre.org.uk 

19 Oct 

Monstersaurus 

11.30am and 2.30pm. Follow 

the young inventor Monty as 

he creates a whole world of 

whacky inventions and incredible 

monsters, but he has a problem - 

now he has made them all, what 

is he going to do with them?! 

This energetic show full of thrills, 

spills, magic and mayhem will 

delight the whole family – with 

original music and plenty of 

audience participation. 

T: 0121 359 9444. 

23 Oct 

Up Up and Away 

1.30pm and 6pm. Joe is misunderstood… 

by nearly everyone, 

friends (if he had any), teachers, 

even mum and dad… Everyone 

keeps telling Jo that he is just… 

‘different’… that he doesn’t fit 

in. So, when a mysterious red 

balloon floats by, Jo is given the 

chance to fly away into the sky 

above and he doesn’t think twice 

about going. 

T: 0121 359 9444. 

16 Nov – 30 Dec 

The Snow Queen 

Various times. This adaptation of 

the magical adventure follows 

inseparable friends Kai and 

Gerda. When the heartless 

Snow Queen steals Kai to help 

rebuild her broken treasure, can 

Gerda rescue him in time before 

she plunges the world into an 

eternal winter? With the help of 

an unlikely band of companions, 

Gerda travels to the Kingdom of 

Ice to confront the Snow Queen 

and rescue her friend. 

T: 0121 359 9444. 

Wolverhampton Grand 

Theatre 

WV1 1DE 

www.grandtheatre.co.uk 


Nativity The Musical 

2 and 7pm. Feel-good, funny and 

full of joy, this cracker of a musical 

was adapted for the stage by 

Debbie Isitt, the creator of the 

much-loved films. Every child in 

every school has one Christmas 

wish, to star in a Nativity, and at 

St Bernadette’s School they’re 

attempting to mount a musical 

version! Only trouble is teacher 

Mr Maddens has promised that a 

Hollywood producer is coming to 

see the show to turn it into a film. 

Join him, his teaching assistant the 

crazy Mr Poppy, hilarious children 

and a whole lot of sparkle and shine 

as they struggle to make everyone’s 

Christmas wish come true. Age 

guidance: 3+ T:01902 42 92 12. 

12 Nov – 16 Nov 

My Fair Lady 

2.30 and 7.30pm. The timehonoured 

tale of an unlikely 

relationship between a Cockney 

flower seller, Eliza Doolittle, and an 

upper class Phonetics Professor, 

Henry Higgins. Eliza believes 

Higgins can teach her to improve 

how she speaks so she can become 

a lady in a flower shop. However, 

Higgins wagers a bet that he can 

pass her off as a Duchess at the 

Embassy Ball. Age guidance: 12+. 

T: 01902 42 92 12 

Sing! Dance! Act! 

Primary Times explores how the performing arts benefits our children, 

and how parents can get involved at home 

The performing arts are a fantastic way 

to help children to develop their creative 

skills. There are no wrong answers, and 

everyone is actively encouraged to 

explore new and alternatives opinions. 

Whether its dancing, acting, or singing, 

the arts can teach our children listening 

and communication skills, boost their 

self-belief and confidence, and improve 

their academic performance. But most 

importantly, the performing arts are a 

way for children to let off steam and 

have a lot of fun! 

One of the main advantages of taking part 

in the performing arts in young individuals 

is the improvement of communication 

skills. Acting and drama, for example, 

will help with their presentation skills, 

vocal projection, tone of speech, and 

articulation. 

Listening skills will also become refined 

by taking on board stage directions from 

teachers, collaborating with peers, and 

working together toward a common goal 

of a fantastic end-performance. From 

learning new lines, to remembering 

their acting cues and timing, and 

rehearsing scenes time and again, 

children can improve their focus, 

memory, concentration, and 

quick-learning skills. 

18 



Get a 

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if yours is broken 

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warm and cosy in the colder months. 

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Calls to landlines and mobiles are charged at your local rate. 


*Terms and conditions and eligibility apply. 

| OCTOBER 2019 19

PINBOARD 


Birmingham 

Museums – 

Halloween 

Spooktacular 

Come and take part in some 

skele-fun with the whole family this 

October half term at Birmingham 

Museums. Ghoulish goings-on 

include a spooktacular Monster 

Party on Wednesday 30 October at 

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery 

complete with music, dancing, 

ghoulish games and prizes. The 

party runs 1.45pm - 3.30pm, with a 

separate relaxed session from 11am 

to 1pm with reduced numbers, lower 

lighting and music levels for visitors 

with sensory or special needs. 

Prepare for a night of fang-tastic 

fun as Thinktank, Birmingham 

Science Museum is transformed for 

Spooky Science Night on Thursday 

31 October from 6-9pm. The most 

frightful fancy dress will be chosen 

from a prize draw on the night, so 

get your ghoulish glad-rags on! 

There’s lots more going on so visit 

www.birminghammuseums.org. 

uk/whats-on to find out more. 

The first ever stage adaptation of 

Grandpa’s Great Escape, the exhilarating 

number one bestselling children’s book by 

actor/comedian David Walliams, is coming 

to Arena Birmingham this Christmas. 

Many years ago, Grandpa was a World 

War II flying ace. But when he is sent to 

old folk’s home Twilight Towers – run by 

sinister Matron Swine – it’s up to Grandpa 

and his grandson, Jack, to plot a daring 

escape. Little do they know, the wicked 

matron is onto them. 

Actor/comedian Nigel Planer will star as 

Grandpa, best known for playing Neil in 

the much loved BBC2 cult comedy The 

Young Ones, “It’s set to be an amazing 

spectacular, I can’t wait to drive a tank and 

fly a life-size Spitfire!” 

A Magical Weekend at Leekes 

Join us for a magical Christmas weekend 

at Leekes Bilston on Saturday 30th 

November. There’s a host of activities 

and entertainment for all the family - visit 

Santa in his grotto and meet his live 

reindeer between 11am - 4pm. Enjoy 

festive fun and treats and the chance 

to choose the perfect present from a 

selection of seasonal gifts. Book your visit 

to see Santa in store and follow us on 

facebook and twitter for event updates. 

For further information contact 0333 222 

4120 or visit leekes.co.uk. 

Air Mayham 

at Sandwell 

Leisure 

Trust 

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. 

Spooky Science Talk 

Happy Halloween half term from space, the most 

dangerous place you could ever consider visiting. Join 

us as we discover the constant threat of high-speed 

micrometeorites, your bodily fluids from boiling in the 

hard vacuum of space and temperatures as low as 

-129C (-200F) or as high as 121C (250F), sounds like a 

delightful destination, right? Discover the darker side of 

science this half term at the National Space Centre with 

our Spooky Science Talk, take home some space slime, 

and watch the experts demonstrate What Will Kill You 

First In Space. www.spacecentre.co.uk 

Horrible Histories brings Awful 

Egyptians and Terrible Tudors back 

to life at the Belgrade 

Get ready for even 

more guts and gore this 

October when Horrible 

Histories Live returns to 

the Belgrade Theatre 

with a hilarious half-term 

double-bill. 

Choose between foul 

pharaohs and rotten 

royals as the brilliantly 

bonkers Birmingham 

Stage Company bring 

Terrible Tudors and 

Awful Egyptians back to 

life on stage, combining 

hilarious performances 

with spectacular 3D special 

effects. Or if you fancy 

seeing both, you can get 

20% off tickets when you book two shows 

together! 

From the horrible Henries to evil Elizabeth, 

Terrible Tudors lays bare the lies and 

legends of a dastardly dynasty, as cruel 

kings and queens quarrel with problem 

popes. Then in Awful Egyptians, you’ll 

discover the power of the pyramids and 

meet history’s meanest mummies, learning 

foul facts about death and decay along 

the way. 

Recommended for curious kids aged 

5 – 105, these side-splittingly silly shows 

present the putrid past as you’ve never 

seen it before. 

Horrible Histories: Awful Egyptians and 

Terrible Tudors show at the Belgrade 

Theatre Coventry 23-26 October. Tickets 

are available to book now by calling the box 

office on 024 7655 3055 or visiting www. 

belgrade.co.uk where prices are cheaper. 

20 



Hans Christian Andersen’s 

classic tale 

Join us this November and December as we bring Hans Christian 

Andersen’s classic tale The Snow Queen to The Old Rep stage. 

This adaptation of the magical adventure follows inseparable friends Kai 

and Gerda. When the heartless Snow Queen steals Kai to help rebuild 

her broken treasure, can Gerda rescue him in time before she plunges 

the world into an eternal winter? With the help of an unlikely band of 

companions, Gerda travels to the Kingdom of Ice to confront the Snow 

Queen and rescue her friend. 

From the creative team behind last year’s Pinocchio, comes a seasonal 

adventure for the entire family. With an epic original score, spellbinding 

storytelling, and more than a pinch of Christmas magic, this thrilling 

re-imagining of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fable promises to be a 

fairy-tale you won’t want to miss this Christmas. 

INSTIL INDEPENDENCE IN YOUR CHILD WITH KUMON 

Kumon’s aim is to help children of any age and ability discover 

their full potential and achieve beyond expectations. With 60 

years of experience, the Kumon Maths and English Programmes 

enable students to develop into confident, independent learners. 

Kumon develops children through the acquisition of independent 

learning skills. It takes students beyond their school level, taking 

them through topics they have not come across before. This 

compels them to develop new learning strategies and increase 

their enjoyment across a wide range of subjects at school, whilst 

also preparing them for personal and professional success later 

in life. We believe this opportunity to grow on both an academic 

and a personal level should be available to all children. 

Come along to find out more about how your local Instructor can 

support you to develop your child’s ability. Please contact the 

relevant Instructor to confirm your attendance. 

0800 854 714 | kumon.co.uk 


COMPETITION TIME 

Win! 


Win a family ticket to The 

Snowman at Coventry Cathedral 

The Snowman with live orchestra is coming to Coventry Cathedral on 

Saturday 7 December for two shows of festive fun. The enchanting film 

will be projected onto the big screen, accompanied by a professional 

orchestra playing the iconic score live. The perfect winter outing for all 

the family! We’re giving away a family ticket to one of the performances 

– simply answer the question for a chance to win. 

Who created the beautifully illustrated book ‘The 

Snowman’? 

a) Dr Seuss b) Raymond Briggs c) Rod Campbell 

T&Cs: A family ticket is for any four people, including at least one adult. Tickets are 

not transferable and have no cash value. The winner can choose from either the 

2pm or 4.30pm performance. 

WIN! 

To enter these competitions please go to... 

www.primarytimes.co.uk/birmingham/competitions or 

via Facebook at www.facebook.com/Primarytimesbirmingham 

KIDS GET CREATIVE! 

EVERY YEAR, WE AT PRIMARY TIMES SEND OUT THOUSANDS 

OF CHRISTMAS CARDS AND WE WOULD LIKE YOU TO 

CREATE THE PICTURE FOR THIS YEAR’S CARD. 

It can be any picture you like that you think means 

“Christmas”, a snowman, Rudolf with his red nose, a robin on 

a snow-covered branch or maybe a nativity scene. 

All you have to do is draw and colour or paint your picture on 

an A4 piece of card or paper and send your entry 

along with your name, age, address, telephone number 

and school name to: 

CHRISTMAS CARD COMPETITION 

PRIMARY TIMES SCHOOLS 

PUBLISHING LIMITED 

1 ACCENT PARK 

BAKEWEL ROAD 

PETERBOROUGH 

CAMBRIDGESHIRE PE2 6XS 

Fruit Bowl Ad - Primary Times - Quarter Page - 135mm x 90mm + 3mm Bleed 

l Closing date 15/11/19 

CLOSING DATE FOR 

ENTRIES IS 29TH 

OCTOBER 2019. 

The winner’s design will be used 

for the 2019 Primary Times Head 

Office Christmas card and the 

winner will also receive 50 copies 

of the card with envelopes. 

WIN! 

Win a once in a life time magical Unicorn party for your 

child’s birthday including a visit from a real life Unicorn! 

To celebrate the launch of Fruit Bowl’s new 

Unicorn Fruit Flakes, the lucky winner will receive 

everything they need to transform their child’s party 

into the ultimate Unicorn experience. 

For more information and to enter the prize draw, visit 

www.fruit-bowl.com 

Ts&Cs apply, one winner will be selected at random, 

prize draw closing date: midnight on 1st December 2019 

l Closing date is the 22/11/19 

WIN four tickets to “A Christmas 

Carol!“ at the Crescent Theatre in 

Birmingham 

Can four spirits succeed in their mission to make Ebenezer Scrooge 

see the error of his miserly ways? Will he make peace with his 

nephew, Fred? Will Tiny Tim live? Come along and join us this 

Christmas as the old miser makes his journey from bitter distrust to 

joyful hope for a better, more caring future. 

To enter please answer the following question: 

Who wrote “A Christmas Carol”? 

a) William Shakespeare b) Charles Dickens 

c) Roald Dahl 

The ticket would be eligible for any of our performances of a 

Christmas Carol, so the dates would be 3 - 14 December 

22 



LOOPY LIBRARY 

Why did the dinosaur 

take a bath? 

To become exstinked 

What is a 

worms favorite 

band? 

The Beattles! 

What do ghosts 

use to wash their 

hair? 

Shamboo! 

What do you 

call two young 

married spiders? 

Newly webs 

Send Jokes to: 

Primary Times 

Birmingham 

Schools Publishing Ltd 

1 Accent Park, 

Bakewell Road, 

Peterborough, 

Cambridgeshire, 

PE2 6XS 



24

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