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DAYS OUT • EDUCATION • COMPETITIONS • FAMILY FUN

WINTER 2019

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

18 NOV – 2 FEB


2

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

Contents

6 What's on Where

12 Exploring Christmas

Around the World

14 Bear Grylls

17 Box Office

18 Bookstore

20 Pinboard

21 Film Review

22 Sweek Dreams

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 winter edition which has the festive

season all wrapped up with where to see Santa, the

best pantomimes and Christmas concerts, as well as a

wonderful choice of family activities at different venues

throughout the county including of course, Christmas

Shopping & Panto’s.

We would like to pass on our huge thanks to all the

schools who distribute our magazines and our many

advertisers who support us in providing all the best of

‘What’s on Where’ to our readers in each edition.

We wish you all a happy holiday and a healthy and

happy New Year!

From all the Primary Times Team

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


Winter 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

CHRISTMAS AT

NEW SQUARE

SANTA’S GROTTO

1ST – 24TH DEC

£6.50 entry per child

A donation from your entry fee will go

to Kaleidoscope Plus Group

See website for individual opening times

FROZEN WEEKEND

7TH & 8TH DEC

11AM – 4PM

FREE EVENT

Elsa and Anna will roam the centre posing

for selfies and getting everyone to sing

along to some Christmas classics



Festive Family Fun

Christmas Trail & Crafts

7 - 23 December

Help Martin the Mechanic get Santa’s sleigh

back on the road with our Christmas Trail,

and enjoy family crafts every weekend.

New Year Activities

2 - 6 January

Get creative with Lego ®

BUY 1 DAY GET

12 MONTHS FREE *

* terms and conditions apply

Museum closed

24 Dec – 1 Jan

£40 FAMILY

TICKET

BOOK ONLINE

britishmotormuseum.co.uk

J12 M40 . Gaydon . Warwickshire . CV35 0BJ

4





WHAT’S ON WHERE

Ongoing

If you are looking for more inspiration, there

are many more events on our website

www.primarytimes.co.uk/birmingham

Spring Hill Library Chess

Club

Spring Hill Library B18 7BH

www.birmingham.gov.uk

11am-12.45pm. Chess Club is for children

of all ages and abilities - from beginner to

expert. Come along, have fun and make

new friends. Every Saturday morning from

11am at Spring Hill Library.

18 November – 20 December

£3 after 3pm on Term Time Weekdays

Thinktank 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.

18 November – 5 January

Christmas Tree Festival 2019

Red House Glass Cone DY8 4AZ

www.dudley.gov.uk

A free community festival displaying trees

decorated by local schools, charities and

organisations. T: 01384 815571.

Christmas at Shakespeare’s

Birthplace

Shakespeare’s Birthplace CV37 6QW

www.shakespeare.org.uk

This winter at Shakespeare’s Birthplace

they are preparing for Christmas with floral

displays and a glass of Wassail. Are you as

excited as they are? Admission applies.

T: (0)1789 204016.

23 November – 24 November

Santa Hunts

Black Country Living Museum DY1 4SQ

www.bclm.co.uk

Children and adults alike can join the

fun-filled search for Santa, alongside the

Museum’s festive costumed guides, in

an unforgettable Christmas experience.

Children can see how the magic reindeer

fly, write Santa a letter and when Santa’s

hideout has been found he’ll have received

the childrens’ letters and will have a

surprise gift ready. Booking essential, see

website for prices and booking details.

Christmas Through Time


www.bclm.co.uk

Starting with Victoria’s reign through to a

1930s Christmas, bring the whole family

for a day out with a difference. See plumpuddings

being made the traditional way,

and help the children pen a Christmas

card as you take in the wonderful aroma

of fresh wreaths and fragrant pomanders.

Booking required. See website for details.

T: 0121 557 9643.

26 November

Baby Bears Creative Play

Wolverhampton Art Gallery WV1 1DU

www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk

11am-12noon. Creative, sensory play

sessions for families with babies and

toddlers led by artists and early years’

educators. Take time to relax, imagine and

find inspiration in the Gallery’s exhibitions.

£3 per child and £4 for two children. See

website to book.

28 November

Nature Tots at Brandon Marsh - Music

and our Senses

Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve CV3 3GW

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 Brandon Marsh. These

sessions start with fifteen minutes of fun

free play and when everyone is there you

head outside to get stuck in with some

wonderful activities based on that weeks

theme, before returning to the centre

to make an amazing craft you can take

home. See website for booking and pricing

details. T: 024 76 302 912.

Little Grown-ups

Bilston Craft Gallery WV14 7LU


1-2pm. Little Grown-ups focuses on

providing families with babies and toddlers

the freedom and space to enjoy playing,

from dressing-up, studying, going to work,

and running a busy home pretending

they’re all grown up. Children can create

their very own imaginary, grown-up worlds,

far away in the future. £3 per child and £4

for two children. See website to book.

l Visit Santa’s Grotto Dudley Zoological Gardens

29 November

Nature Tots at Parkridge - Music and

our Senses

The Parkridge Centre B91 3HG






of the reserve at The Parkridge Centre.

The session starts with fifteen minutes of

free play, when everyone is there, then



theme, before returning to the centre to

make an amazing craft to take home. See

website for pricing and booking details.

T: 0121 704 0768.

Bilston Boddlers



1-2pm. Bilston Boddlers are fun sessions

for families with young children, which

provide babies and toddlers with all kinds

of imaginative materials and toys to build,

construct, make and play with. They aim to

develop children’s cognitive development,

physical movement and motor skills as

well as their creativity, to prepare them

for reception and primary school. Suitable

for 0 – 7 years. £3 per child and £4 for two

children. See website to book.

30 November

CCN Christmas Fayre

Bantock House Museum WV3 9LQ


12-4pm. Start your Christmas shopping

with a unique experience in the beautiful

surroundings of Bantock House, with the

opportunity to buy unique and original

crafts from local makers, with handmade

gifts, crafts, food and much more.

30 November- 1 December

Annual Christmas Craft Fair 2019

Upton House and Gardens OX15 6HT

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Come along on Saturday or Sunday and try

some local cheeses, pick up some unique

local art and textiles, or just soak in the

atmosphere. The house will open at 12pm;

timed tickets are essential for entry to the

house and can be picked up on the day.

Normal admission fees apply. Assistance

dogs only. T: 01295 670266.

MiniChristmas

Thinktank B4 7XG


10am-5pm. MiniBrum needs decorating for

the festive season and for a city designed

and created by children, it only seems right

to ask the children to help sort out the

decorations. MiniChristmas is a time for all

young people to come together and share

their own traditions as you get the gallery

looking its best at this special time of the

year. Activities will include, tree decorating,

paper chain making, snowflake cutting and

lots more festive activities. Entry to this

event is included in the price of admission.

On the door price is shown, book online in

advance to save. T: 0121 348 8000.

Glass Fusion: Santa

Red House Glass Cone DY8 4AZ

www.dudley.gov.uk

The popular fused glass ‘Santa’ sessions

for families aged 7+. These sessions last

about 40 minutes and cost £6 which

includes all materials. Please book in

advance on: T: 01384 812381.

Christmas Craft Fair

Highbury Hall , B13 8QG


Get into the festive spirit and shop for

hand-crafted gifts, from a variety of

local craftspeople. This well-established

Christmas Craft Fayre is a great place to

get your stocking fillers and customised

gifts for all the family. Mulled wine, mince

pies along side hot pork and stuffing baps

will be on sale in the Dorothy Lloyd Bar.

T: 0121 303 2050.

Santa Hunts


www.bclm.co.uk







hideout has been found, he’ll have

received the childrens’ letters and will have

a surprise gift ready. Booking essential, see


30 November – 24 December

Enchanted Christmas Kingdom

Hatton Adventure World CV35 8XA

www.adventure.hattonworld.com

It’s Christmas time, there’s magic in the air,

and at Hatton they are ready to celebrate in

style. Come along and visit Father Christmas

in his Enchanted Christmas Kingdom and

receive a golden key to unlock his magical

toyshop where each child can choose their

very own present. T: 01926 843411.

Visit Santa’s Grotto

Dudley Zoological Gardens DY1 4QF

www.dudleyzoo.org.uk

10am-2.30pm. After receiving a special gift

from Santa it’s off to see Santa’s Reindeer

as they prepare for their busiest night

of the year before taking a walk around

the site. The festive package includes

Zoo admission and a chance to see your

favourite animals and find out what they’re

up to this Christmas. See website to book.

T: 01384 215313.

Breakfast with Father

Christmas

Charlecote Park CV35 9ER


9-10.30am. Join first thing for breakfast

this year and the chance to meet Father

Christmas before he starts another busy

day overseeing present production

at Charlecote. Tea/coffee/juice and

breakfast are included in the ticket price

and the kids will also receive a small

gift from Father Christmas too. Father

Christmas will make his way around the

restaurant to meet all the boys and girls

and pose for photos. Booking essential.

T:01789 470277.

6





WHAT’S ON WHERE

1 December

Tall Tales: Beauty and the Beast

Story Tour

Aston Hall B6 6JD


1am-12.15pm or 1pm-2.15pm. Swoosh! A

new Tall Tale family event as requested by

young visitors. Join in for this interactive

telling of the traditional story of Beauty

and the Beast. Make your own Beauty

and the Beast themed Christmas Tree

decoration to get you in the mood for this

magical story time. T: 0121 348 8100.


Sarehole Mill B13 0BD


11am-4pm. Come along for this Christmas

Craft Fair at Sarehole Mill where there

will be a great variety of crafts, vintage

and handmade goods on sale for some

truly unique gifts this Christmas. T: 0121

348 8160.

Christmas in the Park

Brueton Park, B91 3HA

www.solihull.gov.uk

12-3pm. Father Christmas is making a

special appearance in the park so come

and visit him in his grotto to receive a

small gift. Other entertainment includes a

festive treasure trail around the park and

a Christmas craft activity at the Parkridge

Centre. Entrance costs £3 per child. Book

ahead. T: 0121 704 8000.

Carols in the Caverns

Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust DY1 4SB

www.dudleycanaltrust.org.uk

6.15 and 8pm. Come along for a musical

tour through the caverns as a small choir

joins your boat for an intimate and uplifting

start to the Christmas season. Tickets are

£12.50 per person. Booking essential. T:

0121 557 6265.

Creative Sunday

Workshops

The Barber Institute of Fine Art B15 2TS

www.barber.org.uk

11am-12.30pm. Geometric decorations.

Inspired by the Barber building, create

geometric festive decorations. Skills:

Printing and paper craft. For ages 4-8.

Booking required. T: (0) 121 414 7333.

Creative Sunday Workshops


www.barber.org.uk

1.30-3pm. Geometric decorations. Inspired

by the Barber building, create geometric

festive decorations. Skills: pattern design,

detailed print making. For ages 8 -12.

Booking required. T: (0) 121 414 7333.

1 December – 23 December

Thinktank Elf Hunt

Thinktank B4 7XG


10am-5pm. The Elves are visiting

Thinktank to make sure that everyone

is behaving themselves over the festive

period. You are invited to help join the

Thinktank Elf hunt. Pick up a finders sheet

at the box office to record all the Elves

you find as you explore the museum.

This event is included in the price of

admission. T: 0121 348 8000.

A Fairy Tale Christmas



Come along and take a trip through a

land of enchanted tales and Christmas

magic. Watch out for the fairies and their

special tales, meet Santa and his elves

at the North Pole and laugh out loud at

Krazy Kris and his mad cap pantomime

as he tries to grow a giant beanstalk and

outwit a giant. With a gift for every child

and a hot drink and mince pies for the

adults, everyone gets a treat during this

amazing experience. Booking essential.

T: 0121 557 6265.

2 December

Wildlife Watch After School Club -

Christmas Decorations



3.45-5pm. Each session you’ll be heading

outside to learn about something

new, this month you’re making nature

christmas decorations. The sessions are

aimed at children aged 4 years and up,

but younger siblings are welcome, adults

must accompany their children unless

they are 8 years and over. Please be

aware activities take place in all weathers,

so please dress appropriately. See

website for pricing and booking details. T:

02476 302912.

3 December

Baby Bears Creative Play









website to book.

Bilston Boddlers





provide babies and toddlers with all

kinds of imaginative materials and toys

to build, construct, make and play with.

They aim to develop children’s cognitive

development, physical movement and

motor skills as well as their creativity, to

prepare them for reception and primary

school. Suitable for 0 – 7 years. £3 per

child and £4 for two children. See website

to book.

5 December

Nature Tots at Brandon Marsh -

Winter Wonderland








sessions start with fifteen minutes of fun

free play and when everyone is there you






details. T: 024 76 302 912.

Little Grown-ups












6 December

Nature Tots at Parkridge - Winter

Wonderland















T: 0121 704 0768.

Christmas House Tours 2019

Baddesley Clinton B93 0DQ


6pm. The tour takes place throughout the

ground and first floor of the house which is

only accessible via stairs. T: 01564 783294 .


Christmas at Anne Hathaway’s

Cottage

Anne Hathaway’s Cottage CV37 9HH


12-4pm. This winter at Anne Hathaway’s

l Shakespear

Birthplace Trust:

Meet Father

Christmmas

Cottage they are preparing for Christmas

with a feast and a visit from the lady

herself. Are you as excited as they are?

Admission applies. T: 01789 338 532.

7 December




10am-3pm. Join in for some festive, guiltfree

shopping from local independent

businesses. Normal entry to Brandon

Marsh applies. T: 024 7630 2912.

Festive Fun

Meriden Park B37 5SH

www.solihull.gov.uk

12-3pm. Father Christmas is making a

special appearance in the park so follow

the festive trail to meet him in his grotto

and receive a small gift. Face painting and

a Christmas craft activity is also available

on site. Entrance costs £1 per child and £1

per face paint.

Christmas at the Gallery



11am-1pm. Meet Santa and pick up a mini

Christmas gift. Make a Christmas craft to

take home and follow a Christmas trail

around the galleries. £2 per child. Drop in.

Suitable for ages 0 – 12.


Christmas Wassail 2019

Coughton Court B49 5JA


4.30-6pm and 7.30-9pm. Christmas stories

and Carols from Birmingham Crescent

Theatre, mulled wine, roaring fire and

mince pies are included. Booking essential.

T: 01789 400777.

Santa Hunts


www.bclm.co.uk







hideout has been found, he’ll have

received the childrens’ letters and will have

a surprise gift ready. Booking essential, see



Meet Father Christmas

Hall’s Croft CV37 6BG


11am-4pm. Seated on his throne in the

tastefully decorated surroundings of

the Jacobean kitchen. Father and Mrs

Christmas will return to Hall’s Croft this

December. Each child who makes a visit

will receive a present with a personalised

name tag and can enjoy Christmas biscuit

decorating in the cafe. A BSL interpreter

will accompany Father Christmas from

11am-2pm on Saturday 14 December.

Booking essential. Admission applies. T:

01789 338 533.


Santa’s Grotto

Museum & Art Gallery B3 3DH


Various times. Make your museum visit

extra special by popping along to the

festive family grotto this Christmas. Every

child will receive a gift and a unique

memento of the occasion with a special

printed photograph of their visit with Santa.

The grotto is open on Saturdays and

Sundays only. T: 0121 348 8000.

8



Four 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.

Please do contact us if you would like to discuss how we can help your

child pass their 11 plus on: 0785 259 9172. www.elevenplus.co

Five 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

Treat yourself to the most

adventurous experiences ever at

The Bear Grylls Adventure

Get ready for unforgettable fun this Christmas season as you

challenge your brain, body and reflexes with incredible activities

inspired by Bear’s love of adventure. We’ll get you fully briefed,

geared up and ready to climb, zip, leap, scramble and explore

together with your friends and family. Choose from our High Ropes,

Climb, Archery, iFLY - indoor skydiving, Dive, Snorkel, Shooting and

Fear Zone experiences.

Escape the ordinary and experience at The Bear Grylls Adventure at

Birmingham’s NEC.

Mirror, Mirror on the wall, don’t

miss the fairest panto of them all

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs comes to Birmingham Hippodrome

for Christmas 2019!

Packed with comedy and festive fun, Birmingham Hippodrome’s magical

pantomime brings together a galaxy of stars for Britain’s biggest regional

panto. With Birds of a Feather’s Lesley Joseph as The Wicked Queen,

Birmingham panto favourite Matt Slack as Muddles, X Factor winner Joe

McElderry as The Spirit of The Mirror, Coronation Street’s Faye Brookes

as Snow White, joined by Britain’s Got Talent finalists Flawless, Midlands

YouTube phenomenon Doreen Tipton and the return of panto dame

Andrew Ryan, there really is no end to the talent in this year’s panto

spectacular. Snow White is brought to life with beautiful costumes

and stunning set designs, which transfer to Birmingham from Qdos

Entertainment’s sold-out production at The London Palladium.



WHAT’S ON WHERE


Meet Father Christmas

Upton House and Gardens OX15 6HT


See the house in all its 1930s Christmas

glory before joining in with some festive

arts and crafts in the old kitchen where

you’ll meet Father Christmas and receive

a special present. Booking not needed.

Admission applies. T:01295 670266.

8 December

The Woof Run

Brueton Park, B91 3HA

www.stbasils.org.uk/thewoofrun

12-3pm. Help to raise funds for St Basil’s

by registering your dog to take part in

the Woof Run - a fun but challenging

obstacle course for dogs and their

owners. Following a successful debut in

May, the event has returned for a second

time. The route follows a 2.5 kilometre

area of Brueton Park and incorporates

a series of both natural and manmade

obstacles. Registration costs £10 per dog

with proceeds going to St Basil’s - all

participants will receive a photograph of

them crossing the finish line. See website

for more details.

Breakfast at the Elf’s Workshop



8.30am - 12noon. Santa has sent along

his Elves to set up their workshop in the

Main Hall. Following breakfast the children

will have the chance to help the Elves in

different workshops including, Naughty

Elves Story Time and Christmas Sing

along. Make your own Christmas baubles,

ginger bread man decorating completion,

arts and crafts and prepare your own

reindeer food ready for Christmas eve. See






tour through the caverns as a small choir

joins your boat for an intimate and uplifting

start to the Christmas season. Tickets are

£12.50 per person. Booking essential.

T: 0121 557 6265.



www.barber.org.uk

11am-12.30pm. Mughal Masterpieces.

Create intricate painting like the art in

18th century India. Skills: Drawing from

artworks; painting people and patterns.

For ages 4-8. Booking required.

T: 0121 414 7333.



www.barber.org.uk

1.30-3pm. Mughal Masterpieces. Create

intricate painting like the art in 18th century

India. Skills: Painting fine detail; thinking

about colour. For ages 8-12. Booking

required. T: (0) 121 414 7333.


Christmas Market

Bantock House Museum WV3 9LQ


11am-4pm. Unique, original, contemporary

and wonderful gifts all under one roof.

Homemade preserves, baked goods,

jewellery, fashion, art, photography,

papercraft, candles, children’s clothing,

homewares, pamper products, textiles,

floristry, woodturned goods and much,

much more.

10 December

Art Start

The New Art Gallery WS2 8LG

www.thenewartgallerywalsall.org.uk

11am-12pm. Explore artwork in the Gallery

and support your child to be creative.

Sessions for pre-school children 1 year and

upwards with carers. Sessions are £1.50

per toddler. Book in advance on

01922 654400.

Wild Home School - Whittling Wands



2-3pm. Wild Home School sessions,

happening every second Tuesday of the

month. With each session varying between

a mix of curriculum focused activities,

bushcraft and nature based activities. Each

session we’ll be heading 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). See website for

pricing and booking details.

T: 024 76 302 912.

Baby Bears Creative

Play









website to book.

Bilston Boddlers





provide babies and toddlers with all kinds

of imaginative materials and toys to build,

construct, make and play with. They aim to

develop children’s cognitive development,

physical movement and motor skills as

well as their creativity, to prepare them

for reception and primary school. Suitable

for 0 – 7 years. £3 per child and £4 for two

children. See website to book.

Art Start



11am-12pm. Explore artwork in the Gallery

and support your child to be creative.

Sessions for pre-school children 1 year and

upwards with carers. Sessions are £1.50 per

toddler. Book in advance on 01922 654400.


The Festival of Lost and Found

Shakespeare’s New Place CV37 6EP


6-7.30pm. Discover the greatest show that

never happened. Friendly showpeople

invite you to grab a drink and marvel at

the tantalising smells, sights and sounds

of their musical midwinter encampment.

But as you wander among the tents you

might wonder if they’re telling you the

whole story... Bedecked with bunting and

dodging the showers, our hapless cast are

determined to put on the best show they

can: but with the rain delaying their star

performer, mulberry tokens going missing,

and a stolen poem to deal with - they’ve

certainly got their work cut out. 250 years

after heavy rain and floods washed out

David Garrick’s legendary Shakespeare

pageant in Stratford, Talking Birds pulls

together an immersive, festive theatrical

experience for all the family - whatever the

weather. Admission applies.

T: 01789 338536.

12 December


Reindeer Races








sessions start with fifteen minutes of

fun free play and everyone is there you






details. T: 024 76 302 912.

Little Grown-ups











l Black Country Living

Museum Trust: Festive

Fun Day


13 December





ground and first floor of the house which is

only accessible via stairs. T: 01564 783294 .

Nature Tots at Parkridge - Reindeer Races















T: 0121 704 0768.

14 December

Christmas Carols at Charlecote



5.30-7pm. Come along after hours for

Christmas Carols in the wood yard.

Wellesbourne Sings will be performing a

mixture of popular classics and traditional

Christmas songs with a chance to sing

along. The wood yard café will be on hand

serving festive snacks, mulled wine and

hot drinks to keep you warm throughout

the performance and during the interval.

Booking essential. T: 01789 470277.

Christmas Celebrations

Museum of the Jewellery Quarter B18 6HA


10.30am-5pm. Celebrate Christmas at the

Museum of the Jewellery Quarter. Children

can take part in a self-led elf themed craft

activity, enjoy costumed guided tours

amonsgt other activities. T: 0121 348 8140.

Festive Fun Day

The Locksmith’s House, WV13 2DA

www.bclm.co.uk

Step back in time and see what Christmas

was like for the Hodson family. Explore

their home and see it decorated in the

traditional Edwardian style. Listen to

stories by the fire, follow the festive

themed trail around the house, see live

lock making demonstrations and make a

wish while stirring the Christmas pudding.

Have a go at Christmas crafts and meet

Christmas’ very own VIP... Santa. See


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



PRIMARY TIMES EXCLUSIVE

Exploring Christmas

Around

the World

Primary Times takes a festive trip, exploring different Christmas traditions from around the world

Whether it be an

afternoon walk

on Christmas Day,

making mince pies

on Christmas Eve, or lighting up the figgy

pudding with brandy, most families have

their own December traditions. Even when

we grow up and form our own families

we naturally merge our new traditions

with some of the old. It seems that

traditions, new or old have a strong

place in our hearts, and these play

a particularly important part of how

we celebrate Christmas. But have

you ever wondered what these

traditions look like around

the world? And how we can

incorporate some of these

into our own Christmases

with the kids?

Christmas celebrations in France

begin on December 5, which is St.

Nicholas Eve. On St. Nicholas Day in France,

bakeries and home kitchens are hives of

activity as spiced gingerbread biscuits and

mannala (a brioche shaped like a saint) are

baked. In schools, children learn songs and

poems and create arts and crafts about St.

Nicholas, while in nursery schools, a man

portraying St. Nicholas gives away chocolates

and sometimes little presents. A great way to

incorporate this French tradition yourself is

to try baking some St. Nicholas Day mannala

in your own home with your children, take a

look at our recipe to give it a go.

In Australia, December 25 falls during the

height of the summer heat, so many of the

country’s Christmas festivities take place

outdoors. Rather than wrapping up warm by

the fire, the Aussies come together at night

to light candles and sing Christmas carols

outdoors. The stars shining above add to

the sights and sounds of this wonderful

outdoor concert.

Most of us will have a twinkling tree in the

corner of our living rooms for the month

of December, and this tradition is believed

to have started in Germany back in the

16th Century. A more unusual of these tree

traditions is to hide a pickle somewhere

within the branches, and give a gift to

whichever child in the household finds it

first. Alternatively in Ukraine, baubles and

bows are swapped for spiders and

spider webs as a token of good

luck. By decorating the tree

with spiders, the people in the

household hope it will bring them

positivity and good fortune in the

coming year. A simple way to make

your own Christmas traditions with

your children more international

could be to incorporate some more

alternative tree decorations - whether

that be bows, pickles or spider webs! No

matter how you and your family decide

to celebrate Christmas, or whether you

celebrate a different festival altogether,

incorporating some simple festive fun from

all around the globe is sure to make for a

very Merry Christmas.

French-Inspired Mannala

• Sprinkle the yeast over the warm milk. In a separate bowl,

Ingredients

• 600g/21.16 oz.

plain flour

• 1 sachet active

dry yeast (10g)

• 330ml warm milk

• 55g sugar

• 1 tsp salt

• 60g softened butter

• 1 egg

• Chocolate Chips

or Sultanas

• 1 egg yolk

• 1 tbsp. Milk

• Sprinkle the yeast over the warm milk. In a separate bowl,

combine the flour, sugar and salt. Rub in the softened

butter until you get a crumb-like consistency.

• Mix in the egg, then slowly add the milk. Knead the

dough until smooth and cover with cling-film. Allow

to rest until the dough has doubled in size (1h30).

• Once your dough has risen, tip it onto your working

surface and knock the air out. Roll out the dough with

a rolling pin and use a gingerbread man cookie cutter

to shape the Mannala (approx. 14cm).

• Place them on a baking sheet lined with baking paper

(no more than 6 per sheet), cover with a towel and leave

to rise for one hour. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180°C.

• Beat the egg yolk with 1 tablespoon milk and brush over

the Mannala.

• Pin the chocolate chips/sultanas onto the dough for

the eyes, buttons and any other decorations. Bake for 15

minutes or until golden and leave to cool on a wire rack.

12



Designed for babies and toddlers aged

6 months to 2 years to play and interact

with a parent or caregiver.

T: 0121 348 8000.




T: 0121 704 0768.

l Birmingham

Museums


Fairy Tale Christmas

Aston Hall B6 6JD


Various times. Once upon a time, in a

festive land, far far away, there stood a

grand old mansion filled with the magic of

Christmas. Come and join in the festivities

as you take inspiration from fairy tales,

and pantomimes. This event is suitable for

all ages. You’re never too old for a spot of

Christmas magic. Pre-booking is essential.

T: 0121 348 8263.

Father Christmas at Blakesley Hall

Blakesley Hall B25 8RN


1am, 12noon, 2, and 3pm. Come along and

meet Father Christmas in the Great Hall

and see Blakesley dressed for Christmas.

Make a Christmas card to take home with

you and write a letter to Father Christmas.

All children receive a small present when

meeting Father Christmas. Pre-booking

essential. T: 0121 348 8263.

Santa Hunts


www.bclm.co.uk






fly, write Santa a letter and when

Santa’s hideout has been found he’ll

have received the childrens’ letters and

will have a surprise gift ready. Booking

essential, see website for prices and

booking details.

15 December

Solihull’s Jingle Bell Jog

Solihull Town Centre B91 3GJ

www.solihullbid.co.uk

Join Solihull BID to spread plenty of

festive cheer this December by donning a

Santa suit and completing the Jingle Bell

Jog to raise money for Change Into Action.

Run, walk, dance, jog or jingle your way

around the family-friendly 2.5km fun run

through Solihull town centre. Don’t worry

about the training, the festive run is about

dressing up and coming together with

friends and family. Every single person

who completes the 2.5km course will be

given a special santa medal. As well as

having plenty of fun, your entrance fee

(£12* for adults; £6 *for children under 12,

*plus booking fee) will be helping to raise

vital funds for the Change Into Action

charity. See website for more details.

Search For Santa

Lickey Hill Country Park B45 8ER


11am-4pm. Follow Santa’s trail through

the woods to find his grotto and presents.

Each year Santa stops off at the Lickey

Hills. Meet at the Visitor Centre. Booking

advised. T: 0121 445 6036.





tour through the caverns as a small

choir joins your boat for an intimate and

uplifting start to the Christmas season.

Tickets are £12.50 per person. Booking

essential. T: 0121 557 6265.



www.barber.org.uk

11am-12.30pm. Winter Windows: Make a

winter-wonderland window display using

paper cut-outs. Skills: drawing and tearing

shapes, creating a landscape For ages

4-8. Booking required. T: (0) 121 414 7333.



www.barber.org.uk

1.30-3pm. Winter Windows: Make a winterwonderland

window display using paper

cut-outs. Skills: Paper cutting; layout and

composition. For ages 8-12. Booking

required. T: 0121 414 7333.

16 December

Festive Feast and Outdoor Cinema

Mell Square, Solihull B91 3AZ

www.solihull.gov.uk

The Festive Feast organised by Solihull

BID, will be back for another year. Find

last-minute stocking fillers and enjoy

a tasty bite to eat for lunch. Also look

out for the return of the free Christmas

outdoor cinema. See website for more

information.

18 December

BMAG Babies

Museum & Art Gallery B3 3DH


Various times. Join in for the regular on

gallery early years stay and play session.

Creative, interactive and sensory play and

fun with colours, textures and sounds.

Winter Weekdays

Hatton Adventure World CV35 8XA

www.adventure.hattonworld.com

Animal Handling Sessions, soft play,

falconry, outdoor adventure play and

funfair rides, have fun whatever the

weather during weekdays at Hatton.

T: 01926 843411.

Christmas Carols by Candlelight



6.30-9.30pm. Begin your Christmas

celebrations in the best way possible

with this Christmas concert by candle

light at Highbury Hall. With mulled

wine and mince pies (alternative soft

drink available), a festive feast of carols,

performed by the school choir - all

brought together to warm your spirits with

the magic of Christmas.T: 0121 303 2050.

19 December


Festive Fun








sessions start with fifteen minutes of

fun free play and everyone is there you





home. See website for booking and

pricing details. T: 024 76 302 912.

20 December





ground and first floor of the house which

is only accessible via stairs.

T: 01564 783294 .

Nature Tots at Parkridge - Festive

Fun












l Dudley Canal and Tunnel

Trust: Carols in the Caverns


Santa Hunts


www.bclm.co.uk






fly, write Santa a letter and when

Santa’s hideout has been found he’ll

have received the childrens’ letters and

will have a surprise gift ready. Booking

essential, see website for prices and

booking details.

21 December

Christmas Carols at Charlecote



5.30-7pm. Come along after hours for

Christmas carols in the wood yard.

Wellesbourne Sings will be performing a

mixture of popular classics and traditional

Christmas songs with a chance to sing

along. The wood yard café will be on hand

serving festive snacks, mulled wine and

hot drinks to keep you warm throughout

the performance and during the interval.

Booking essential. T: 01789 470277.

A Christmas Sing-a-long

Shakespeare’s New Place CV37 6EP


11am-4pm. Come along for a special

Makaton Christmas sing-a-long including

‘Jingle Bells’ and ‘We Wish You a Merry

Christmas’ and the session will end with

a Christmas story. Come dressed in your

best Christmas outfit as there will be a

prize for the most festive person. After

the songs have finished you can enjoy

the specially created Makaton Christmas

trail around the site of Shakespeare’s New

Place where you can get hands on with

sculptures and other interactive parts of

the site. Admission applies.

T: 01789 338536.

Saturday Playdates



11am-4pm. Come along every Saturday

during school holidays for practical

sessions inspired by the current

exhibitions. There are informal sessions,

open to all ages, adults welcome too.

Free and drop-in subject to space.

Suitable for all ages.

22 December





tour through the caverns as a small

choir joins your boat for an intimate and

uplifting start to the Christmas season.

Tickets are £12.50 per person. Booking

essential. T: 0121 557 6265.

28 December

Saturday Playdates



11am-4pm. Come along every Saturday

during school holidays for practical

sessions inspired by the current

exhibitions. There are informal sessions,

open to all ages, adults welcome too.

Free and drop-in subject to space.

Suitable for all ages.




Inspire their passion for adventure with…

Bear Grylls

Primary Times teams up with Bear Grylls to discuss Mount Everest, building

confidence in children and his own adventure heroes.

Bear, we believe every child

should be able to dream big,

how does it feel to have achieved

your childhood dream of

climbing Mount Everest?

I was quite shy as a kid but loved to climb with

my Dad. I dreamt of climbing Everest aged 8

when my dad had given me a picture of the

mountain, and to have achieved it whilst he was

still alive meant so much. The summit of Everest

itself is extraordinary - small, like a coffee table,

and standing there was a feeling like no other.

How do you give your

children the confidence

to follow their dreams?

I have tried to pass on to my sons many of

the lessons from my late father. He taught

me to follow my dreams and that failure was

just a stepping stone to success. Inspiring

our kids and giving them the confidence and

skills to succeed is so important, which is why

we are setting up an exciting organisation

called BecomingX, to help everyone realise

their potential. BecomingX will be sharing the

powerful, often surprising life lessons from so

many of the world’s most inspiring people, from

Hollywood actors to global sports stars.

Can taking adventures help

build confidence in children?

Survival and adventure is not just about

knowledge and skills, it’s even more about

positivity, resourcefulness, courage and above

all determination. Pack a sense of humour and

embrace the unexpected.

Some parents will struggle to

travel to wild places, how can

they inspire a love of adventure?

The best thing we can do for our children is to

get outside and have an adventure with them -

even if it is just camping out or going for a hike

- it brings us close to our children. The outdoors

and an adventure shared gives kids confidence

and pride that money cannot buy.

Do you have any fitness

tips for busy parents of primary

school aged children?

I’ve recently launched a fitness provider

called Be Military Fitness – It is proving such

a powerful way to help veterans and regular

people achieve their fitness goals in a positive

community atmosphere. There’s always a park

for any busy parent to get to, the training is short

and the workouts can fit around any schedule.

Is there any military-style

exercises that young

children can enjoy?

You can’t beat stuck in the mud! The

Commandos ‘play’ in the clay mud estuary by

their training centre, it is brutal and very tiring!

You’ve visited some of the wildest

places on Earth – do you have a

message about conservation for

our readers?

It’s a fact that my programs and adventures

are totally dependent on the existence of wild

places in the world, so I feel it’s part of my job

to highlight the importance of protecting our

planet. Whether that be taking President Barack

Obama to Alaska, to look at the effects of global

warming, or supporting charities such as Tusk

Trust in their mission to reduce ivory poaching. I

hope that my programming and books serve to

showcase the magnificence of nature and wild

locations and how we all have a duty of care to

protect our fragile planet

for generations

to come.

Who are your adventure heroes?

Well first off heroes come in all different

shapes and forms - there are those we publicly

celebrate for great achievement and and

for me that would be the Antarctic explorer

Douglas Mawson - his story is amazing. But

then there are the many unsung heroes, quietly,

courageously edging their way forward, serving

others, being kind, often getting knocked

down but always getting back on their feet and

never giving up! That’s what makes a hero:

selfless positive attitude and rooted in kind

deeds for others. I encounter so many people

like this in my role as Chief Scout, such as the

many volunteers who help in thousands and

thousands of Scout groups every week around

the country. This for me is one of the many

great privileges of that role and to me they are

the real heroes.

Find out more about Bear Grylls exciting

new organisation BecomingX here:

www.becomingx.org

14



SUITABLE

FOR

AGE8+



Join us for a great day out

Located less than two miles from Birmingham city

centre, explore exotic glasshouses, Japanese gardens,

traditional tea rooms and enjoy a variety of fun events

for the whole family.

birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk

Find us on:

Thank you for your support it keeps our Gardens growing

The Gardens are a registered Educational Charity, No: 528981

International Music and Performance Arts Exam Board

SHADES

MUSIC

SHOP & TUITION CENTRE

FIRST LESSON free

All ages are welcome to learn any instruments and

styles. You can either have

one-2-one lessons or learn in

a group.

All our lessons are taught by

professional musicians.

Trinity, ABRSM & Rock School

examinations are taught or

you can simply play for fun.

HOW DOES THAT sound?

Quality service every time.

Shades Music Shop & Tuition Centre is a family run business selling all instruments,

accessories and books. It’s a repair centre for all woodwind and guitars too!

www.shadesmusic.co.uk Find Shades Music at Telephone: 0121 449 8181 214-218 Alcester Road, Moseley, Birmingham, B13 8EY

16


Office

Your family theatre guide...

Birmingham Arena

B1 2AA

www.arenabham.co.uk

23 Dec – 26 Dec

Grandpas Great Escape

Various times. The first ever stage

adaptation of Grandpa’s Great

Escape, the exhilarating number

one bestselling children’s book

by actor and comedian David

Walliams, is coming to Arena

Birmingham this Christmas. The

live version of the kids’ favourite,

which has sold over two million

copies around the world is coming

to Birmingham. 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. T: 0844 33 88 222.

16 Jan – 19 Jan

Strictly Come Dancing the Live

Tour

Various times. Clear the floor

and whip out your score cards,

because the Strictly Come Dancing

The Live Tour is back for 2020 and

will waltz its way to Birmingham in

January for six scintillating sequinfilled

shows. Fans will be delighted

to hear that Strictly favourite and

2018 TV show winner Stacey

Dooley is returning to host the tour

for the first time.

T: 0844 33 88 222.

Birmingham Hippodrome

B5 4TB

www.birminghamhippodrome.

com

21 Dec – 2 Feb

Snow White and the Seven

Dwarfs

Packed with comedy and festive

fun, Birmingham Hippodrome’s

magical pantomime brings

together a galaxy of stars for

Britain’s biggest regional panto.

With Birds of a Feather’s Lesley

Joseph as The Wicked Queen,

Birmingham panto favourite

Matt Slack as Muddles, X Factor

winner Joe McElderry as The

Spirit of The Mirror, Coronation

Street’s Faye Brookes as Snow

White, joined by Britain’s Got

Talent finalists Flawless, Midlands

YouTube phenomenon Doreen

Tipton and the return of panto

dame Andrew Ryan, there really is

0231512

TICKET

0231513

Box

TICKET

no end to the talent in this year’s

panto spectacular. Age 5+. No 3s

admitted. T: 0844 338 5000.

Birmingham Repertory

Theatre

B1 2EP

www.birmingham-rep.co.uk

30 Nov – 19 Jan

Peter Pan

Various times. Wendy and her

little brothers are feeling lost.

Separated from their mother,

they’ve been sent to live in a flat

high up above the city. Then one

night, a remarkable flying boy

arrives offering her an escape. The

boy’s name is Peter Pan and he

invites Wendy and her brothers

to fly away with him to a magical

world beyond their urban reality. A

world of mischievous Lost Children

and boundless dreams called

Neverland. Recommended for

ages 7+. T: 0121 236 4455.

4 Dec – 14 Dec

Penguins

Penguins is a unique and engaging

show for children about friendship,

fun, identity and the ever-changing

meaning of family. This delightful

new theatre and dance production

is inspired by a true story reported

in the New York Times that

touched hearts worldwide. For

ages 3+. T: 0121 236 4455.

19 Dec – 21 Dec

Search For The Second Star

To coincide with the Christmas

production of Peter Pan, young

people will be invited to fly with

to the second star and journey

through a colourful and interactive

environment full of beautiful

sounds and delicious smells. An

immersive theatre experience

developed in partnership between

The REP and Open Theatre

Company and designed to engage

young people,with learning

disabilities including those with

complex needs. T: 0121 236 4455.

CBSO Centre

B1 2LF

www.thsh.co.uk

6 Dec – 7 Dec

CBSO: Notelets: Christmas

Treats

11am and 1.30pm. Performed

by members of the CBSO string

section, this mini concert features

The Most Wonderful Gift in the

World by Mark Sperring and Lucy

Fleming. Each concert lasts 45

minutes: with festive tunes, craft

activities, lively presentation, and

plenty of chances to burn off all

that Christmassy excitement. Age

guidance: Suitable for children

under 5. T: 0121 780 3333.

Forest Arts Centre

WS3 1AG

www.forestartscentre.co.uk

13 Dec – 22 Dec

Mother Goose

Big hearted Mother Goose is living

her best life, with egg-cellent

daughter Lucy Goose and egg-stra

silly friend Whacky Jack by her

side. Her constant good deeds are

noticed by the magical Fairy Mary,

who rewards her with a massive

funky goose that lays golden eggs.

Egg-citing stuff. All is well until an

evil cyborg from the year 3000,

The Shellminator, comes back in

time to steal the goose and poach

some eggs. T: 0300 555 2898.

30 Jan – 1 Feb

Annie

Brave young Annie lives a life

of misery at Miss Hannigan’s

orphanage. Her luck changes

when she’s chosen to spend a

fairytale Christmas with a famous

billionaire. Meanwhile, spiteful

Miss Hannigan has other ideas

and hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s

search for her true family. Add in

the unforgettable songs like It’s the

Hard-Knock Life and Easy Street

this is a show not to be missed.

T: 0300 555 2898.

Hall Green Little Theatre

B27 7RY

www.hglt.co.uk

6 Dec – 14 Dec

Jack and the Beanstalk

7.30pm and 2.30 Matinee. Join

in with adventure, laughs and

surprises this Christmas with this

wonderful family panto. Will Jack

make his fortune? Will he make his

Mum proud of him again? And will

the family ever be reunited with

poor Daisy? Find out when you

join Jack and friends for a tale as

magic as beans. Age Guidance: 4+.

T: 0333 666 3366 .

mac Midland Arts Centre

B12 9QH

www.macbirmingham.co.uk

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?

Filled with original songs and

music, gorgeous puppetry and

gentle humour, this warm-hearted

Christmas show is perfect for


children aged 3+ and their families.

T: 0121 446 3232.

7 Dec

Colour Box: The Muppet

Christmas Carol

Film u: Brian Henson directs his

late father’s creations in the best

known (and most oft-filmed)

Christmas story of all time. Michael

Caine plays the old miser Scrooge

with Kermit as his long-suffering

but ever-hopeful employee Bob

Cratchit, Miss Piggy as Cratchit’s

wife, and a host of Muppets

(including the Great Gonzo as an

unlikely Charles Dickens) taking

other primary roles in this bright,

playful adaptation of Dickens’

festive tale. Michael Caine makes

a wonderful Scrooge, delightfully

rediscovering the meaning

of life as fantastic creations

from Henson’s Creature Shop

(developed specially for this film)

take the reins as the three ghosts.

Come along for this special Colour

Box screening, beginning with a

hands-on workshop where kids

(and adults) can make their own

Muppet, which they can then take

into the cinema and bring to life

as they sing some festive carols

before the film! T: 0121 446 3232.

New Hampton Arts

Centre

WV1 4AN

www.newhamptonarts.co.uk

14 Dec – 15 Dec

Moonbeam On A Cat’s Ear

11am and 2pm. A perfect seasonal

theatre treat for families with

younger children. This specially

adapted version of much-loved

children’s book by author and

illustrator Marie-Louise Gay,

Moonbeam on a Cat’s Ear is a not

to be missed visual journey into

an exciting world of dreams and

imagination. In the middle of the

night Rosie, Toby Toby, the cat and

the mouse sneak out to play in the

shadow of the apple tree. When

Toby Toby steals the moon from the

sky they go on an adventure across

the stars and the sea. But, was it all

just a dream? T: 01902 572 090.

The Alexandra Theatre

B5 4DS

www.atgtickets.com

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.

BOX OFFICE


BOOKSTORE


Box

Office

26 Nov – 30 Nov

A Christmas Carol

Various times. Ebenezer Scrooge

is a prosperous curmudgeon

who believes personal wealth

is far more valuable than the

happiness and comfort of others.

With an infuriated “Bah! Humbug!”

Scrooge summates his feelings of

Christmas tidings and charitable

giving, but he’s forced to face his

selfish ways when three ghosts on

Christmas Eve lead him through

his Past, Present, and Future.

T: 0844 871 7615.

The Core Theatre

Solihull

B91 3RG

www.coretheatresolihull.co.uk

28 Nov

The Lock in Christmas Carol

7.30pm. Half gig, half dance show

and half panto. Join the BBC

Award-winning team of musicians

and dancers for 150% of the very

best festive live music, song and

dance. It’s Christmas Eve and

the regulars of The Olde Fighting

Cocks are excited about the

night ahead, it’s going to be the

Folk and Hip Hop dance party

of the year. To their dismay the

landlady, Jasmineezer Scrooge,

has more profitable ambitions and

is preparing to launch her new

business, the “Oompah Techno

Bar!! Cheap alco-pops, luminous

lighting and mind-numbing

bass beats are all in danger of

alienating the local community

and ruining Christmas.

T: 0121 704 6962.

13 Dec – 5 Jan

Robin Hood - The Pantomime

Adventure

Various times. From the team

behind last year’s Sleeping Beauty

comes a brand new pantomime

adventure that targets your funny

bone. This year, travel deep into

the heart of magical Sherwood

Forest, where the men wear the

tights and the women wear the

trousers. This show is jam packed

with daring duels, stunning sets,

outrageous costumes and a very

merry man in a dress that will set

your heart a quiver.

T: 0121 704 6962.

1 Feb

Sing-a-long-a The Greatest

Showman

2pm. Cheer on Hugh Jackman,

and hiss Rebecca Ferguson (…

or maybe not) as you experience

The Greatest Showman in the

greatest way possible – with lyrics

on the screen so you can join in

as loud as you want. It couldn’t be

easier… or more fun! The first rule

of Sing-a-long-a is THERE ARE

NO RULES. Fancy dress is strongly

encouraged and full audience

participation essential.

T: 0121 704 6962.

The Crescent Theatre

B16 8AE

www.crescent-theatre.co.uk

29 Nov– 30 Nov

Treasure Island The

Panto

7.30pm. Join Jim Hawkins as he

sets out on his quest to find the

buried treasure - but can he

outwit the wily old pirate Long

John Silver? There’ll be peglegs,

there’ll be sword fights, and

there’ll be boys in little sailor suits.

What more could you want?

T: 0121 643 5858.

3 Dec – 14 Dec

A Christmas Carol

Various times. 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 in this Christmas as the

old miser makes his journey from

bitter distrust to joyful hope for a

better, more caring future.

T: 0121 643 5858.

The Old Rep Theatre

B5 4DY

www.oldreptheatre.org.uk

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.

9 Jan – 10 Jan

Birmingham Youth Theatre:

Alice in Pantoland

7.30pm. This promises to be a

fabulous and a bit bonkers tale

of Alice’s adventure in Pantoland.

Alice is bored, her mother insists

that imagination is a waste of

time and that Alice must live a

dreary existence. Until one day

she stumbles down a rabbit hole.

Through a tiny door and she

is catapulted into a weird and

wonderful world where all the

panto baddies live in the town of

Happily Never After and all the

Goodies in the town of Happily

Ever After. The baddies including

the Queen of Hearts, Captain

Hook, Abanazer and Caraboose

set about bringing misery on

everyone in Happily Ever After.

Can Alice save the day?

T: 0121 359 9444.

Text © D J Williams 2019

Bookstore

Christmas

There are some really uplifting stories here showing a variety

of ways people can overcome obstacles to find happiness and

discover the importance of friendship. Hope you

enjoy them as much as I have.

Star

Read

Alien Superstar - Henry Winkler/

Lin Oliver (Amulet Hb, £10.99)

S

Escaping his planet before all creativity

is removed from him, Buddy’s spaceship

lands on the one place on earth where

a green six eyed alien can walk about

without being noticed: the Universal

backlot in Hollywood! Passers by think

he is just another character in costume. Having watched a

In the Key of Code - Aimee Lucido (Walker, £6.99)

Emmy loves music. With a pianist for a father and opera singing

mother she expects to be a good musician, but despite her

best efforts, can’t play any instruments. Going to a new school

further frustrates her as no one seems to notice her, until she

enrols in a new computer science class. The enthusiastic and

inspiring teacher, Miss Delany, shows how her love of music

can help her develop a love of coding and programming. She

sees a new way to make music and makes a friend. Slowly

her circle of friends who share her interest develops and she

is really happy at last. A piece of really bad news could spoil this, instead it

further unites the new group. This inspirational story, unusually written in blank verse,

flows so well it is hard to put it down. You don’t have to understand all the coding to

enjoy it (It didn’t affect my enjoyment) It shows that sometimes if the path you are

following doesn’t lead to where you want to go, you shouldn’t despair. An alternative

path could surprise you by helping you reach your goal.

The Impossible Boy

Ben Brooks (Quercus Hb, £9.99)

When their friend moves away Oleg and Emma miss her

so much they invent a friend called Sebastian to take her

place. Imagine their amazement when he actually shows

up at school — a real person. He is a bit odd, there are a lot

of things he doesn’t understand and he has a satchel full

of surprises including hot ice cream. Other strange things

S Indicates a book is part of a series

Debbie

lot of earth TV on his planet, Buddy jumps at the chance to be in a TV

show playing an alien. Using the special amulet his grandmother has given him

which transmits electrical energy, Buddy is able to transform himself to look

like an old Hollywood movie star. To his delight his performance on the show

is so successful he is cast as a permanent character. He becomes an overnight

success, but it isn’t all plain sailing. Without knowing what earth food can

sustain him he becomes weak and unable to maintain his human form. Will

anyone who sees his true appearance be able to recognise the kind character

beneath the odd exterior? It becomes a rush against time to keep his secret.

This is a lovely story full of warmth and humour, revealing a lot of what goes

on behind scenes. There are some very likeable characters, especially the title

one, and others not so. I couldn’t put it down. Fair size print with some pictures,

medium length novel — first in a new series.

happen: a goat they had also invented turns up at school

and lots of snowmen are roaming the streets. Coming to terms with

all this, the friends realise impossible things can make life happier. But then some

mysteriously masked beings start following them and it is clear they want to take

Sebastian away. Despite a valiant attempt to protect him, involving surprising allies,

Sebastian is captured. Desperate to keep the magic of impossible alive, the friends

stage a very brave rescue attempt fraught with danger. This is an unusual, gripping

story full of ‘edge of the seat’ moments. It shows the lengths real friends will go to

to help each other and the sacrifices they are willing to make. Full length novel.

Perfectly Polite Penguins - Georgiana

Deutsch/ Ekaterina Trukhan (Little Tiger, £6.99)

Penguins are always perfectly polite, waiting their turn,

sharing toys and never forgetting their please and thank

yous — except Polly. She thinks being polite is boring and

can be very naughty and rude. The other penguins hope to

show her the error of her ways, but one by one they start

to realise the fun she is having. This leads to arguments

and lots of noise that frightens baby Peter and makes

even Polly realise being polite is best .....most of the time! A very funny

picture book aided by gorgeously expressive illustrations. With just a couple of

sentences on each page it is perfect for beginner readers.

18



27 Nov – 11 Jan

www.belgrade.co.uk

Midlands Arts Centre, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, B12 9QH

Kipper’s Snowy Day was originally produced by Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead

See website for Relaxed and BSL performances. Midlands Arts Centre / Reg company no: 718349 / Reg charity no: 528979


PINBOARD


Let it Go with

a New Square

Christmas!

Families everywhere can Let It Go

at New Square Shopping Centre in

West Bromwich on Saturday 7 and

Sunday 8 December, as it hosts a

Frozen Weekend with free events!

The centre will be taken over by

everyone’s favourite ice princesses

who will be spreading Christmas

sparkle, posing for photos and

leading a sing a long!

New Square’s enchanting Santa’s

Grotto will also be making a return,

giving children the chance to meet

St Nick before he jets off around

the world on Christmas Eve. Every

entry fee includes a donation to

The Kaleidoscope Plus Group

and the grotto will be running an

Autism Hour on selected days. Visit

newsquarewb.com for more details.

1 Accent Park, Bakewell Road, Orton Southgate, Peterborough. PE2 6XS www.primarytimes.co.uk

Georgia is the winner of the

“Create the Primary Times Christmas card”

Competition for 2019

At Dudley Zoological

Gardens there’s

Christmas magic in

the air . . .

Our Winter Wonderland, which runs from November

30 to Christmas Eve, includes a visit to see Santa in

his grotto set within the walls of 11th century Dudley

Castle.

After receiving a special gift from Santa it’s off to see

Santa’s Reindeer as they prepare for their busiest night

of the year before taking a walk around the site.

The festive package INCLUDES Zoo admission and a

chance to see you favourite animals and find out what

they’re up to this Christmas.

Air Mayhem returns

this Christmas holiday!

This Christmas break Air Mayhem will be back and better

than ever, with our new Christmas zone including an

inflatable Christmas tree, snowman and candy canes. Our

huge indoor inflata¬ble 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.

Finish off your day with refreshments from our Tukshop

where you can get your breath back over a coffee, soft

drink or well-deserved cake. For more information visit

www.airmayhem.co.uk.

The picture on the front cover

of this card was created

by Georgia Ptak.(aged 9), Burrelton Primary School

Christmas Card

Competition Winner!

Razzamataz in Sutton Coldfield

Is your child going to be performing on stage at the Old Rep in Birmingham this

June? Razzamataz Theatre Schools in Sutton Coldfield have the last remaining

places available in our casts that will all be performing with us in our showcase

coming up this summer.

That’s right, if your child enrols in the

coming weeks, they will be on that stage,

under the lights in June.

Each subscription to any of the classes

at Razzamataz gives your child access

to our popular blend of fun, confidence

building and learning new skills each

week. Along with trained professionals

working with your children, from an

award winning team, with so many

opportunities on offer to learn to perform

but also grow as a person.

Georgia Ptak Aged 9

(Primary Times Fife)

Don’t miss Slot Machine Theatre’s heart-warming production of Kipper’s

Snowy Day, showing at Midlands Arts Centre this Christmas!

Created by award-winning author Mick Inkpen, the Kipper stories have been

adapted into the first-ever stage production, filled with original songs and

music, gorgeous puppetry and gentle humour for the whole family to enjoy.

Perfect for children aged 3+ and their families, this warm-hearted Christmas

show joins Kipper and his best friend Tiger as they go on an adventure in the

snow. On the way they lose their friend Arnold in a terrible storm. Will they find

him? And will they find their way back home …?

Showing at MAC Tue 26 November – Tue 31 December. For more information,

see macbirmingham.co.uk

Every year Primary Times asks children to create the picture

for our Christmas Card. This year we received a sack full of

wonderful entries and we would like to thank you all for

taking the time to draw, colour, paint and

glitter your designs for us!

The winner of the competition is Georgia Ptak, Aged 9, who

will receive 50 Christmas cards made with

her design of a festive Igloo!

20


l Photographs by Luminous Photography

Continental

Circus Comes

to Birmingham

Continental Circus Berlin is coming to

Birmingham and they’re bringing an

amalgamation of brilliant circus acts

from all four corners of the globe.

Acts will include the unbelievable

Robles Troupe from Columbia, with

seven people on the high wire and

the sensational wheel of death acts.

The Berlin stunt riding team will also

be performing the Globe of Death.

Watch the most death-defying act

ever attempted, as the group experience G-force similar to

that of a fighter pilot. Watch as they loop vertically and horizontally all while

encased in a mesh sphere.

Nikolino the Clown, a legendary figure in the circus world, will guide the

audience through the show. On top of this there will be the Anderson Trail Bikers

and Krasnodar the aerial princess.

Continental Circus Berlin will be at NEC Birmingham from 19 December – 4

January. For more information, please visit www.circusberlin.co.uk or call the

Box Office on 020 3375 3970.

Get your first lesson free at

Shades Music

Shades Music are a tuition and instrument repair centre helping over 200

students a week achieve their goals! Based in Moseley, Birmingham, all

of their lessons are taught by professional musicians and all ages are

welcome for group or one to one lessons

Open from 14:00 – 20:00 Monday – Friday and 9:30 until 17:30 on Saturdays

They offer affordable prices all year long; learning an instrument shouldn’t

break the bank and music lessons should be affordable for all. From Rock

& Reggae through to Classical, Jazz and Blues, go and get your first lesson

for free.

For more information visit www.shadesmusic.co.uk or call 0121 4498181


Film Preview

Guide

Frozen 2

Why was Elsa born with magical powers? The answer is calling her and

threatening her kingdom. Together with Anna, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven, she’ll set out

on a dangerous but remarkable journey. In Frozen, Elsa feared her powers were

too much for the world. In

Frozen 2, she must hope

they are enough. Expect

adventure and excitement as

the team venture far into the

forest to learn the truth about

this ancient mystery of their

kingdom. From the Academy

Award®-winning team Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck with producer Peter Del

Vecho and songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, and featuring

the voices of Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Jonathan Groff and Josh Gad, Walt Disney

Animation Studios’ Frozen 2 is in cinemas now.

Spies in Disguise

Based on Pigeon: Impossible by Lucas Martell, super spy Lance Sterling

(Will Smith) and scientist Walter Beckett (Tom Holland) are almost

exact opposites. Lance is smooth, suave and debonair. Walter is not.

But what Walter lacks in social skills he makes up for in smarts and

invention, creating

the awesome gadgets

Lance uses on his epic

missions.

When events take an

unexpected turn, Walter

and Lance suddenly

have to rely on each

other in a whole new

way. If this odd couple can’t learn to work as a team, the whole world

is in peril.

Spies in Disguise is an animated comedy set in the high-octane globetrotting

world of international espionage. It will be released on 26

December. For more information, please visit www.foxmovies.com.

FILM PREVIEW GUIDE

S4 Swim

School

S4 Swim School have been

providing the service of swimming

lessons to thousands of children for

over a decade.

Hundreds of S4 swimmers have

progressed to County, Regional

and National level competitions and

beyond, thanks to the excellent

pathways between S4 and other

aquatic organisations (swimming,

triathlon, water polo and synchro

clubs).

Member review:

“My daughters took part in the

intensive course and absolutely

loved it. Was really pleased at the

progress they

made in such a

short time; we have

now signed up to

regular classes and

can't wait to see the

progress they

will make.”

(Facebook)

F: @s4swimschool

For more on the

S4 philosophy visit

s4swimschool.com

StarDog and TurboCat

The greatest superheroes ever unleashed hit cinemas nationwide from

6 December. Luke Evans, Nick Frost, Gemma Arterton and Bill Nighy

star in this hilarious, feel-good adventure - a tale of friendship, heroism

and belief in the capacity for good that guarantees to keep the whole

family entertained this Christmas.

Launched into space by his

scientist owner in 1969, loyal dog

Buddy crash lands in the presentday

in a small town where

pets are ruthlessly rounded

up by animal-hating cop Peck.

Desperate to be reunited with

his owner, Buddy recruits genius

millionaire cat Felix to help him on a madcap adventure across town.

But when they encounter rabbit Cassidy and her misfit organisation

of animal rights activists G.U.A.R.D., Buddy and Felix are forced to

confront Peck and become the heroes they need to be.

WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN

To be in with a chance of winning one of five Dora and

the Lost City of Gold DVDs, send an email to

competitions@primarytimes.biz with ‘Dora’ as the subject

by Friday 17 January. Don’t forget to include your name,

age, address, school and contact telephone number.




Sweet Dreams

Primary Times explores the importance of a good night’s sleep

for children and how parents can make bedtime less of a battle

Every living creature needs to sleep. It

is the primary activity of the brain during

early development. The sleep-wake cycle,

scientifically known as the circadian

rhythms, are regulated by light and dark

and these patterns take humans time to

develop, resulting in the initial irregular

sleep cycles of newborn babies.The more

structured sleep cycles begin to develop

at about six weeks, and by three to six

months most infants have a regular

sleep-wake cycle.

By the age of two, most children have

spent more of their lives asleep than

awake and overall, a child will spend 40

percent of his or her childhood asleep.

But the real question is, why is sleep so

important for my child?

Sleep is especially important for children

as it directly impacts mental and physical

development. Well-rested children tend to

be more able to reach their full potential

in all aspects of their lives, whether that

be in their everyday lessons at school,

their physical health, or their moods.

As a result, a lack of sleep can leave

children (and adults!) feeling groggy,

irritable and distracted.

There are however a number of factors

which can hinder your children’s sleep, one

of the most common of these being night

terrors and sleepwalking. There is a natural

rhythm to our sleep and we actually go

through a cycle of deep sleep, followed by

a light sleep every 2-4 hours. Although your

child may fall asleep quickly when they go

to bed, some children may have difficulty

passing smoothly from one phase of sleep

into another and instead remain in a state

in which they are only half-awake. In this

state, you may see your child wandering

the house or coming into your bedroom as

a result of a nightmare, therefore causing

their sleep patterns to be broken.

Another common problem for a number of

parents is bed times, when a child simply

does not want to sleep alone in their own

room. Problems surrounding bedtime

can range from children being scared

of being alone, being afraid of the dark,

or simply becoming ‘overtired’, irritable

and overactive. To combat this, there are

numerous ways in which parents can

make bedtimes easier.

Top Tips!

For making

bedtime

easier...

Routine

is Key

If your child tends to be reluctant to go to bed,

getting them into a more set bedtime routine

every night is likely to help. This could start

with some quiet time to help your child to wind

down - for example, a bath followed by a short

bedtime story before you say goodnight.

Scrap the

Screens

Television, computer or phone screens

can keep your children awake or leave

them feeling groggy the next morning. Our

devices give out bright lights and keep our

mind distracted, so shutting the screens

down an hour before bed may help children

to better fall, and stay, sound asleep.

Keep a

Sleep Diary

If your child’s sleep is consistently poor, a sleep

diary can be a great way to find out what triggers

poor sleep behaviours and what seems to help.

As many children will show variable patterns in

their sleep, it is helpful to keep your diary over a

two-week period to paint a fuller picture.

Create a

Blissful

Bedroom

It helps to make your

child’s bedroom a safe,

calm and pleasant place

to be in. Your child may

find that certain ‘props’

may help them to fall

asleep, such as night

lights or quiet music. On

the other hand, if your

child is sensitive to sound,

avoiding any loud noises

from outside the room

may help too.

22



LOOPY LIBRARY

What do you call

Santa Claus on a

beach?

Sandy Claus!

What do elves

eat for breakfast?

Snow flakes

What do you get

if you cross Santa

with a duck?

Christmas quackers!

What do you call a slow ski

instructor?

A SNOW COACH

Who delivers

presents to baby

sharks at Christmas?

Santa Jaws!

Send Jokes to:

Primary Times

Birmingham

Schools Publishing Ltd

1 Accent Park,

Bakewell Road,

Peterborough,

Cambridgeshire,

PE2 6XS



Get a

brand new

boiler for

£240

if yours is broken

or faulty

It’s important to keep your family

warm and cosy in the colder months.

Be prepared with our boiler offer,

as well as free cavity wall and

loft insulation*.

To be eligible for this offer you need to:

• Own your home, or live with

someone who owns the home

• Claim benefits such as Child

Benefit, Child Tax Credits,

Universal Credit plus many more

Check your eligibility and apply

at eonenergy.com/boiler240

or call 0333 202 4517

24


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