Tuesday May 21 2013
Children & Families
Mentoring young people
Children & Families
Could you spare an hour a week to befriend, support and encourage young people facing issues impacting on their education and well-being?
If so, Worcestershire-based children’s charity Mentor Link would like to hear from you. No qualifications necessary as Mentor Link, supported by the Big Lottery Fund, provides free training.
All you need to be is a good role model with a listening ear and desire to help. The service is offered to Middle and Secondary schools in the Redditch area. Go on, get in touch, imagine the difference you could make.
To find out more contact Karen Arnold on 07875 438659 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), or see http://www.mentorlink.org.uk
Messy Church
Children & Families
It’s Messy Church time again! On Sat March 9, give yourselves a relaxing break and come to The Ark at St Laurence Church, Alvechurch for a happy and informal time with family and friends.
Starts 2.30pm, “clearing-up time” 4.30pm. Come and enjoy a fun time with messy activities, a good story and a great time eating. The bonus is that you do not have to cook tea and there’s no washing up!
The organisers look forward to seeing you. There is no charge although donations are always welcome. For further info call 0121 445 1985.
Pyjama Drama
Children & Families
Sing, dance, pretend, play; where will your imagination take us today? A monkey swinging through the jungle or a flight on a magic carpet?
These unique drama and creative play classes for children from 6 months to 7 years old are lots of fun, whilst teaching children about the world, and every session has a different theme.
Book a £10 three-week trial and see for yourself how stimulating and FUN the classes really are!!
Call Donna on 01527 908 935 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Nearly new sale
General Events
Barnt Green Pre-school’s renowned Nearly New Sale will be held on Sat March 2, 10.30am-12noon at Barnt Green Baptist Church on Bittell Road.
Entry £1. High-quality children’s clothing, toys and books, prams and nursery furniture.
Sellers please PRE-REGISTER by texting Karen on 07939 059592 and visit http://www.barntgreenpreschool.co.uk
Barnt Green Nearly New Sale
General Events
Barnt Green Pre-school’s renowned Nearly New Sale will be held on Saturday Oct 6, 10.30am-12noon at Barnt Green Baptist Church on Bittell Road.
Entry £1. High-quality children’s clothing, toys and books, prams and nursery furniture.
Interested sellers please text Karen on 07939 059 592 or visit http://www.barntgreenpreschool.co.uk
Children’s Holiday Workshops
Children & Families
Children’s Holiday Workshops take place at the Canalside Craft Centre in Bromsgrove during the summer holidays.
Textiles/Print classes run every Mon, Tues and Wed from 10am–12.30pm, each session costing £15 per child (materials included).
Booking essential as places are limited to six per day.
Studio 5c Canalside Craft Centre, Hanbury Rd, Bromsgrove, B60 4JZ.
More info from 07949 582031, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or http://www.reactivedesigns.co.uk
Rhythm Time
Children & Families
Rhythm Time music group has spaces available for babies aged from six weeks old, toddlers and preschool children for classes starting in September.
Come along and join the fun as you watch your child grow their confidence, co-ordination and creativity by learning through the magic of music.
For a free trial please contact Vicky on 0121 447 7632 and visit http://www.rhythmtime.net for further information on our classes.
Poptots Playgroup
Children & Families
Poptots “stay and play” playgroup runs every Saturday from 2–4pm at Alvechurch Village Hall.
ome and join Mr Fox and his friends for singing and dancing to favourite songs: Incey Wincey Spider, The Wheels on the Bus, Ten Green Bottles, The Locomotion, Cha Cha Slide, The Music Man, and many more.
Ages 0-7 years (must be accompanied by an adult). £3 per child, free entry for under-1s. Also available for children’s parties.
More info on 07855 949550.
FitBack & Bumps
Children & Families
FitBack & Bumps antenatal and postnatal education and exercise classes run by a chartered physiotherapist take place at Alvechurch Village Hall on Mondays 5.30–6.30pm.
Know how to stay in shape and keep a healthy back before and after having your baby. Focusing on maintaining good abdominal and pelvic floor muscles. Individual treatment sessions also available.
Please contact Leila on 07813 080223 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or visit http://www.fitbackandbumps.co.uk for more info.
Messy Church
General Events
Village Messy Church takes place on May 12 in The Ark, Alvechurch from 3.30–5.30 pm.
The event is for “all age families” to have time to relax together and enjoy being messy, with something for everyone – participate in a story and then sit down to a meal together. It is ‘time off’ and’ time out’ from your busy working week…the organisers look forward to seeing you.
If you wonder what Village Messy Church is all about, why not come along to a “taster” on Jubilee Monday at the Meadows… come rain or shine! For more info, call Pat on 0121 445 1985.
Kids’ art workshops
Children & Families
Textile/print workshops for children are taking place in Bromsgrove during the Easter holidays, led by a fully qualified textile/print artist who has been CRB checked.
On Tuesdays April 3 and 10, it’s printmaking techniques, while on Wednesdays April 4 and 11 it’s silk painting. A screen printing class is on Thurs April 5.
All sessions take place at Metals & Ores, Unit 14D, Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove B60 4JZ from 10am–12noon, and are suitable for children aged 8+.
Sessions cost £15 per child (materials included). Places are limited so please phone 07949 582031 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to book.
Giving your child the best start
Children & Families
A new group in Alvechurch and Barnt Green is aiming to get children into reading from an early age.
Baby Book Group Ltd is the brainchild of local women Sally Meredith and Claire Taylor, both former primary school teachers who are using their experience to encourage pre-reading skills for school readiness and a lifelong love of books.
The new Alvechurch-based company offers fun and stimulating group sessions for babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers and their parents or carers, with activities and resources designed for the specific age group.
The pilot sessions take place at St Andrew’s Parish Centre, Barnt Green on Weds April 25, and the Baptist Church Hall in Alvechurch on Thurs April 26.
Barnt Green sessions are from 9.30–10.30am (3–4 year olds) and 10.45–11.45am (2–3 year olds), while Alvechurch sessions are from 1–2pm (2–3 year olds) and 2–3pm (3–4 year olds).
For more information contact Sally or Claire on 07517 393252 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Toddlers turn 10
Children & Families
Catshill Toddlers are holding their 10th Anniversary Party on Wednesday April 25. The group will extend its hours that day to 1.30–4.30pm, so that any “old” boys and girls can visit after school.
A warm invitation is extended to anyone who has a connection with the group to pop in and say hello.
If anyone has any photographs from past year, the group would love to be able to display them on the day, so please bring them with you or contact Sheila on 0121 445 2813.
Family fun run
General Events
Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research Fund Bromsgrove holds its 24th Fun Run on May 13.
The course starts at Bromsgrove Rugby Club and participants can choose a 5k or 10k route.
For full details see http://www.lrfbromsgrove.org.uk
Catshill Toddlers Club
Children & Families
Catshill Toddlers Club meets at the Methodist Church, Golden Cross Lane, Catshill every Weds 2–4pm (except school hols).
Parents who have to leave early to collect older children from school may arrive any time after 1.30pm.
For £1 (20p for additional siblings), you and your toddler can have a drink and biscuit, and toddlers can play with action toys, enjoy the craft table, be quiet in the book corner, sing and play noisy instruments, and let off any remaining energy by kicking footballs, learning to catch and having fun with hoops – all in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
For more info contact Sheila on 0121 445 2813 or drop in to see for yourself. You will be very welcome.
Messy Monsters
Children & Families
Messy Monsters is an established Art & Craft Club which provides art, craft and tactile play for pre-school children from 9 months to 5yrs.
Classes are calm and structured with a perfect mix of painting, gluing, model building, colour collage and playdough. Every child proudly goes away each week with their masterpieces.
Fees: Your first class is free! No strings attached – subsequent classes £4.75 a session.
More info at http://www.messymonsters.co.uk
Redditch NCT’s Spring Sale
Children & Families
Redditch NCT is holding its Spring Nearly New Sale at Woodfield Middle School (B98 7HH) on April 14 from 1–3pm, with good quality baby clothes, toys, books and other equipment at knock-down prices.
If you would like to sell or volunteer on the day, please email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or ring 0844 243 6248.
Profits enable the NCT to fund the training of antenatal teachers and breastfeeding counsellors, so your help is very important!
Town’s new Scout group
Children & Families
A brand new Scout Group has opened in Bromsgrove, promising plenty of fun and adventure. The 9th Bromsgrove Scout Group is the first new group to open in the town since 1969 and will initially be for boys and girls in the Beaver Scout and Cub Scout age groups (six to ten and a half), with plans for a Scout Troop in the future.
The group will meet fortnightly on Saturday lunchtimes Scout Hut on Charford Road. Young people are often busy with after-school clubs on weeknights, so the Saturday timing offers a chance for boys and girls to experience the fun and adventure of Scouting.
County Commissioner Derek Barnes opened the first meeting by inviting the new Group Scout Leader Arif Ali to make his Scout Promise and investing him as a leader in front of the young people. Derek also invested four other new leaders into the Scout Group. The youngsters then enjoyed activities including cooking pancakes on a tin can, volcano science, Morse code and blindfold tasting.
Every Scout Group in Bromsgrove and Droitwich currently has boys and girls waiting to join – a few more adults helping would enable existing leaders to open more Beaver Colonies and Cub Packs and allow more young people to experience the fun and adventure of Scouting. If you could spare a few hours to help your local group, please call Val on 01527 837060 or e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Pre-school’s Nearly New Sale
General Events
Barnt Green Pre-School’s Nearly New Sale takes place on Sat March 3 from 10.30am at Barnt Green Baptist Church.
High-quality children’s and babies’ toys, clothes and nursery equipment – all at bargain prices.
For further info or a seller’s pack contact Vicky 0121 445 3953.
NCT’s Nearly New Sale
General Events
A Nearly New Sale organised by Bromsgrove & District NCT takes place on Sat March 24 from 10.30am-12 noon at the Methodist Church Centre, 19 Stratford Road, Bromsgrove B60 1AS.
Good quality second-hand nursery equipment, toys, books and games for babies, toddlers and young children.
To sell, call 0844 243 6065 or e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) For all other enquires see: www.nct.org.uk/bromsgrove
Pancake Afternoon
General Events
A Pancake Afternoon takes place at Alvechurch Baptist Church hall on Tues Feb 21, from 2–4.30pm.
There will also be a cake stall and hopefully a Traidcraft stall. Come and enjoy a pancake or two and save the mess at home! Children welcome.
Baby & Child First Aid Awareness Courses
Children & Families
Baby & Child First Aid Awareness Courses, arranged by Bromsgrove & District NCT and run by experienced British Red Cross Volunteer Trainers, will run on Mon Nov 28 and Weds Jan 25, starting at 8pm at Bromsgrove Baptist Church, New Road, Bromsgrove.
The one night courses cover: non-breathing babies and infants and CPR, meningitis, febrile convulsions, choking, burns and bleeding.They are aimed at parents-to-be, parents, grandparents and guardians. You are welcome to bring your baby with you.
Booking and pre-payment necessary to guarantee your place. Sessions cost £12.50 per person or £20 per couple (couples are welcome to attend different sessions). Tea, coffee and juice will be available at 50p.
To book please contact Sharon or Kate at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Bromsgrove NCT Bumps and Babies Group
Children & Families
Bromsgrove NCT Bumps and Babies Group runs every Monday from 1.30–3pm (term time only) at the Guide Hut, Kidderminster Road, Bromsgrove B61 7JP.
The group provides an opportunity for all new parents and parents-to-be to come for a coffee or tea and meet others in a similar position. It’s suitable for “bumps” and babies up to walking age. £1.50 per child and carer, 50p for an extra person.
Week of Disney-themed activities
Theatre
Local theatre school The Star Project is offering a fabulous week of fun for children during half-term this autumn – a Disney Performance and Activity Week!
Running from Monday October 24 to Friday October 28 at the Barnt Green Parish Centre, the programme is open to children aged from four to 12 years old and of all abilities.
Participants will explore the world of Disney in a fun-filled week of games, activities and musical theatre, leading to a Cabaret performance for parents and families on the Friday evening.
The activities include learning Disney songs and dances, arts and crafts such as “make your own Disney character”, a fashion show, a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party and a Neverland Treasure Hunt.
Sessions run from 10am–3pm daily except Friday, when it’s 12noon–6pm. The cost is just £99 per child, and places are limited so make sure you book now to avoid disappointment!
Call Jo on 07917 197024 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Little Bears
Children & Families
Little Bears ‘stay and play’ toddler group is an opportunity to come and meet other people. There will be soft play and song time every week with themed craft activities for you and your children to enjoy. It costs £2 per family and refreshments are provided.
It would be great to see you any Tuesday from 1pm - 3pm at the Village Hall. Liz and Anna look forward to welcoming you there.
For more information just contact Shirley Morrison on 0121 445 5159.
60 years of helping children and families
General Events
Dodford Children’s Holiday Farm, which offers disadvantaged children and families a residential experience in the countryside, celebrates its 60th birthday this year – and the Farm is marking the occasion with an Open Day and Party on Sunday July 10.
From 1pm, visitors can look at various stalls and displays, feed the animals and enter a raffle to win a kids’ quad bike. There will also be refreshments such as cream teas and cakes, and it’s a great opportunity to have a look around the Farm, which is not usually open to the general public.
All proceeds will be used to help the Farm – a registered charity – continue its work, which began in 1951 when children from Birmingham’s slums first came to stay. Today it offers children from deprived urban areas to spend time having fun in the country air and meeting farm animals for the first time!
For more information, visit http://www.dodfordfarm.co.uk or call 01527 878245. Dodford Children’s Holiday Farm is located on Warbage Lane, Dodford, Bromsgrove, B61 9BE.
Change of date for Messy Church
General Events
CHANGE OF DATE: Village Messy Church now takes place on Sat June 11. Come and meet friends and families who enjoy a challenge! Families WORK together… Families WORSHIP together… Families EAT together. No charge! No washing up! Just an afternoon of sharing together as we look at Joshua and his trumpet through craft activities. All ages are welcome.
Summer Fair at Crown Meadow
General Events
A Summer Fair takes place at Crown Meadow First School on Sat July 9 from 12–3pm. Samba band Banda Sem Nome will be performing and there will be demonstrations from local dance and gymnastics groups. There will also be go-karts, the popular BBQ and the water and wine stall, together with some new attractions including a plant stall with plants grown by the children. The fair is organised by the Parents’ Association and aims to raise funds to improve the children’s learning environment.
Rainbow Festival
General Events
Not long now until the Rainbow Festival, which takes place on Saturday June 18 at Tardebigge First School, 11.30am-3pm.
A summer fete with a rainbow of fun! Bottle tombola, Beat the goalie, Hook-a duck, Birds of prey, Face painting, Street dance display, Belly dancers, BBQ, cream teas and much more!
Weekend of events at St Laurence
General Events
St Laurence Church in Alvechurch holds a two-day Flower Festival on the weekend of May 14 and 15, to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the building of the William Butterfield extension to the church.
The Festival runs from 10am to 5pm daily and culminates with a service of thanksgiving attended by the Bishop of Worcester.
As well as over 30 flower arrangements by local organisations, children from the schools, playgroups and the new youth group from the Lounge are also taking part, interpreting the theme of All the Days of my Life.
Coffee, lunches, a bar and teas will be served throughout the festival in the Ark.
On the evening of May 14, an extra event will take place after the Festival: a fundraising concert organised by Year 4 children from Crown Meadow First School.
They have been studying Peru this year and developing links with San Lucas School in Arequipa, facilitated through the Church of England Worcester Diocese and supported through the kind folk at St Laurence church. The children wanted to raise money for San Lucas School and the C of E churches in Peru, and hit upon the idea of putting on a concert.
They invited Alvechurch Community Choir and Bel Canto choir from Redditch to perform alongside them, and St Laurence offered the use of the church and Ark.
The Concert for Peru begins at 6.30pm.
The children are practising their own songs and will also join Bel Canto to sing Dona Nobis Pacem and Alvechurch Community Choir to sing two Peruvian songs in Spanish.
They plan to bring and sell cakes and also hold a Bring and Buy stall in the interval. Some artwork by year 4 will also be on display at the Flower Festival.
Tickets are available via the office at St Laurence or Crown Meadow First School, at a cost of only £3.
Lickey End Rising Stars
Children & Families
Lickey End Rising Stars welcomes and supports children in their final PRE-school year.
Thursdays (term time only) 11.30am–l2.30pm.
Helps your child prepare for school entry in an Ofsted registered setting with highly qualified staff following the EYFS at Lickey End Methodist Church, Bromsgrove B60 1JX.
Call 07791851382 for more info.
Kids’ Crafts
Children & Families
Arts, Crafts and Messy Fun for under-fives at Catshill Village Hall on Fridays 10.30–11.30am or 11.45am-12.45pm, and Rowheath Pavilion on Tuesdays at 9.15–10.15am, 10.30–11.30am and 11.45am–12.45pm.
Toys, Story, Juice & Biscuit, Songs, Multisensory Messy Play, Painting, Gluing, Drawing, Sticking, Playdough– all crafts that you don’t want to do in your own home!
Different theme each week. Aprons provided or dress your little one in old clothes. Take your little one’s artwork home to show off to family and friends – and leave the mess for us to clean up! All sessions are based on the early years foundation goals and your child’s development before they start school.
Classes during term time, £5.50 per session. New customers are entitled to one free session, which is only reductable on paying membership for the term.
Book a first session online at http://www.kidscrafts.org.uk or call Fliss on 07868 944725.
Join the Easter egg trail!
General Events
Cadbury’s and The National Trust have teamed up to offer fabulous Easter Egg Trails for kids and families at a variety of properties and parks.
Events in the Midlands area take place at Hanbury Hall, the Clent Hills, the Birmingham Back to Backs, Kinver Edge & Rock Houses, Coughton Court and Packwood House.
For full details, dates, times and costs, visit http://www.eastereggtrail.com and find your nearest event!
Tiny Talk Baby Signing Classes
Children & Families
Tiny Talk Baby Signing Classes take place at Alvechurch Sports & Social Club, Thursdays 10am. Discover the benefits of communicating with your baby before they can talk. Come along and enjoy half hour of fun signing, singing and instruments and half hour play time – refreshments and biscuits included! Classes are £4.50, payable in advance and can be joined at any time during term. Babies welcome from birth – 2yrs. For more details, including toddler classes (2-4yrs) and alternative venues, contact Julie on 07930 545789 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Thinking about classes from Jan 2011? Why not try your first class half price or attend a free taster session on Thursday Dec 16 at 10am.
Sandhills Nursery School
Children & Families
Sandhills Nursery School operates Monday to Friday 9.15-12.15 (term time only) in St Andrew’s Parish Centre, Barnt Green. Children from two and a half years to school age are welcome. The school has been part of the Barnt Green community for over 30 years and is recognised for its experience and commitment to the children it nurtures and develops in readiness for school – it received Good with elements of Outstanding in its last Ofsted inspection. Please contact Karen Roberts on 01527 875623 if you would like to secure a place for your child.
Play ‘N’ Discover Pre-school
Children & Families
Play ‘N’ Discover Pre-school (St Godwalds Church Hall, Finstall Road, Bromsgrove) takes place from Tuesdays to Fridays, 9.30am-2.30pm, during term time only.
Suitable for children aged from two and a half to five years old. Weekly cooking sessions, spacious hall and outside area, highly qualified, experienced and caring staff.
Spaces available – call 07903 268766.
Barnt Green Toddlers
Clubs & Societies
Barnt Green Toddlers – Come and Play! Every Thursday 10–11.30am (term time only) for 0-3s at The Parish Centre, Sandhills Road (behind St Andrews Church). Run by a qualified childminder with lovely new toys and the emphasis on fun. A great place to make friends before school. Sibling discount and biscuits for parents too! Call Vicky on 0121 445 3953.
Kings Norton Tag Rugby
Health & Fitness
Kings Norton Rhinos offers contact and non-contact rugby for children from Reception to Year 12. A safe and friendly introduction to rugby - and plenty of outdoor fun and exercise! Training at KNRFC Ash Lane, Hopwood, on Sundays 10–11.30am. Contact Steve Washington on 07771 911209 or visit www.knrfc.co.uk
Rowney Green Pre-school
Children & Families
Rowney Green Pre-school has vacancies Tuesday and Thursday 9.30am-1pm (term time only). We offer Learning through Play in a rural situation at the Pavilion, adjacent to the playing field and secure play area at Rowney Green. Children can start at 2yrs to school age. Please come along or phone Rosemary on 0121 445 6102. A new Baby and Toddler Group runs at the Peace Hall, Rowney Green, on Thursdays from 10am–12pm. Admission £2. Details from Rosemary as above.
Lickey End Playgroup
Children & Families
Come and have a brew, meet old friends and new at Lickey End Playgroup’s mother and toddler sessions. Age 0-5; all are welcome to play with our toys, make some craft, sing and have a yummy snack. We meet Monday 1–2.30pm and Thursday 9.30-–11am (term time only) at Lickey End Methodist Church, Alcester Road, Bromsgrove. Tel 07791 851382.
Blackwell Toddler Group
Children & Families
Blackwell Toddler Group meets every Wednesday from 10–11.30am (term time only) at the Church Hall, Greenhill, Blackwell. Session includes craft activity and sing-along. New members always welcome. For more info call Trudy on 0121 445 3438.
Mum’s The Word
Children & Families
Mum’s The Word, a supportive group for mums with babies and small children, meets on Thursdays at The Ark, St Laurence Church, Alvechurch from 9.30–11.30am. Free to attend, but mums take turns to make the coffee! Drop in for more info or call Alice on 0121 453 0197.
Barnt Green Pre-School Playgroup
Children & Families
Barnt Green Preschool is at the heart of the community. Open since 1978, the pre-school offers learning through play in a nurturing, home-from-home environment.
We follow the Early Years Curriculum and with regular visits to St Andrew’s School and lots of outdoor space for adventuring, it’s the perfect place to prepare your child for school.
We are proud of our OFSTED report (ref 205125) and are able to offer government-funded places.
We are open Monday –Thursday, 9am-12noon in term time plus the option of lunchclub from 12noon–1pm. Lunchclub is a great way for little learners to socialise and try new things.
For more info or to book a place on the waiting list call Rosie (Chair) on 0121 445 45165 or Tina (Manager) on 07790 017 777.
Bear Hill Pre-School
Theatre
Bear Hill Pre-School has been providing quality early years provision for the children of Alvechurch and the surrounding area since 1966. Based in Alvechurch Village Hall, it is open five days a week and from 9am to 12.30 including a lunch club.
Bear Hill Pre-School has currently a few vacancies left for 2-5-year-old children this school year and would welcome new children. Free places available for children from 3 years old. Free taste sessions available this term.
For more information please call Shirley Morrison on 0121 445 5159 or 07788606512, email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or visit http://www.bearhillpreschool.com/index.php
National Childbirth Trust
Health & Fitness
The National Childbirth Trust is now running antenatal courses in Alvechurch. These are designed to help parents prepare for labour, birth and early parenthood and run over a number of weekday evenings and/or weekends. For info on dates and costs, please call 0844 243 6873 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or visit www.nct.org.uk/confidence
Kombat Kids
Health & Fitness
Kombat Kids offers karate classes for children aged five and over in Barnt Green, and Bromsgrove. Suitable for total beginners, the classes cost £4.50 per session and provide high quality tuition leading to increased agility and confidence. Sessions run on Weds & Fri 5.30–6.30pm at Barnt Green Parish Centre; Fri 3.30–4.30pm at Parkside Middle School; Sat 9.30–10.30am at St Peter’s RC First School. More details on 01543 473408 or 07730 899722.
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