Events Calendar for half term 24 May to 2nd June

8:32am Friday 23rd May 2008

Saturday 24 May - Sunday 1 June - These following events are taking place throughout the half term break:

Mary Arden's - Stratford Upon Avon. 01789 293455 Down on the farm they are celebrating all things woolly, including sheep shearing and wool spinning.

Hatton Country World and Farm Village Prices vary throughout the year please contact the venue before travelling on 01926 843411 Enjoy Wonderful Whitsun at at Hatton with the fun of a traditional fete including welly-wanging, coconut shys, swing boats plus meet all your farmyard favourites.

Stratford Butterfly Farm, Stratford Upon Avon. 01789 299 288 If you prefer creepy crawlies, you can meet the mini beasts here.

Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon, Warwick. 01926 641188 At this centre children can let off steam on the go-kart track or experience the 4x4 off road track.

Saturday 24 May 2008 - The Sooty Show - Sooty's Magic Wand Factory - Palace Theatre, Redditch. Sooty is surprised to receive a letter from his Uncle offering him the chance to run the family business, a Magic Wand Factory! As usual, nothing ever goes to plan with Sooty so come along and experience the magic of Sooty in this brand new show full of fun and enjoyment for all the family.For general enquiries/box office - contact 01527 65203 Saturday May 24 to Sunday 7 September 2008 - Droitwich Spa Lido, Droitwich, WorcsOriginally opened in the 1930's, the pool has undergone a £1.7million redevelopment to offer a 21st century lido for everyone.Come along and have a splash and some fun in this remodelled 44yard by 22yard heated swimming pool with a beach' area at one and an integrated fountain. There are dedicated wet-play area beside the main pool, reception building, café area, changing rooms with lockers and near by parking facilities.Tel: 01905 799342 - Call for prices and further information.Saturday May 24 to Monday May 26 - Bredon Flower Festival, St Giles Church, Bredon, 10am-5pmCall 01386 725 273 for party discount rates and advance tickets. £5 (under 16s free); tickets on the door; includes admission to Bredon Manor gardens More info at www.bredonflowerfesival.co.ukSunday May 25 to Monday 26 May - Severn Valley Railway.EXTRA trains are being provided on the Severn Valley Railway to cope with increased passengers over the bank holiday weekend. On Sunday, May 25, and Bank Holiday Monday, May 26, the railway will run the busiest of its four timetables - Timetable D. This gives train departures from both Bridgnorth and Kidderminster stations at 45 minute intervals each day.They start from Kidderminster at 9.55am and from Bridgnorth at 11.05am."We have been pleased - and if we are honest, perhaps a little relieved - to see so many people coming back to the railway for a day or half-day out," said John Leach, the railway's marketing manager. "But we want the bank holiday week trains to be an enjoyable and relaxed experience for everyone, and the 'extras' which we are adding into the timetable should ensure there is no overcrowding." After the weekend, Severn Valley Railway will be adding an extra two trains in each direction. Monday May 26 - Pershore Carnival, Pershore.Pershore Carnival will incorporate The Green Fest, Farmers Market, arena events and a Barn Dance in the evening at Pershore Football Club.Come along and have some fun!

Starts at 01:30 PM Cost: FREE

Monday May 26 to Sunday 1 June - Black Country Living Museum, DudleyHalf term week coincides with the Museum's 30th birthday and, to celebrate, events and activities will take place throughout the week. Four street parties, one to represent each of the Black Country boroughs - Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton, will be held at the Black Country Living Museum to celebrate the Museum's 30th birthday.A party atmosphere will ensure a half term to remember. Street games including hoops, hopscotch, whip and top, skittles and a variety of parlour games will give you a taste of how your mum and dad might have amused themselves back in their day!This is an All Day Event - contact 0121 557 9643 for times and prices.Monday 26 May to Saturday 31 May - Commandery, WorcesterChildren's Activity Week - Explore different periods of history over 6 days. Pre-booking is essential, please check prices with venue.

Telephone: 01905 361821

Monday May 26 to Friday May 30 - Worcestershire County Council's Family Information ServiceA HOST of information is on offer on a range of fun activities to help families beat half-term boredom.

Worcestershire County Council's Family Information Service - FIS - has produced a booklet with details of what's on offer throughout the county - from days out on boats and trains to visits to museums and farms - during next week's school holidays (May 26-30).

It features essential details for parents or carers such as contact details, website addresses, opening times and prices.

The FIS is also able to provide information about regular registered playschemes and those run by out of schools clubs and day nurseries.

Information on activities is also just a click a way all year-round at www.worcestershire.gov.uk/familyinfo Christine Cawthorne, FIS Manager for Worcestershire County Council, said: "With the half-term holiday fast approaching, the Family Activities booklet is ideal for people planning a family day out.

"Not only can they find out what is happening in their area, but also additional information such as opening times and prices.

"We can also advise on other activities taking place in the county and provide information on childcare."

To order a booklet or for more information call the FIS on 01905 790560, email familyinfo@worcestershire.gov.uk or visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/familyinfo

Monday 26 May to Sunday 1 June - Selly Manor Museum, Maple Road, Bournville, Birmingham West Midlands B30 2AEArt Attackers and Crafty Creations - Hands on family activities with a Tudor art theme. Draw your own grand portrait, make a wicked woodcut, and take our paper aeroplane challenge Mon 2 - 5pm, Tue _ Fri 10-5, Sat & Sun 2-5 Normal admission charges to apply. Adults £3.50, children £1.50, concessions £2.00Tuesday 27 May to Friday 30 May - Webb's of Wychbold - Riverside Ramble in a journey of DiscoveryA ramble along the riverside and other fun activities await youngsters at Webbs, the UK Garden Centre of the Year, near Droitwich, helping to keep boredom at bay for the half term holidays.For outdoor fun, youngsters can embark on a path of discovery through the Riverside Gardens at Webbs. The free trial alongside the River Salwarpe has the added enticement of a small prize for every child who completes the questionnaire. The trial is open from 10am to 5pm.Children's entertainer Professor Pepperpot will delight with his Balloon Magic every day from 10sm to 3pm. Fair rides (11am to 4pm) will add a dash of excitement to the day and young visitors will also be able to have their faces painted (10am to 3pm) - both for a small charge.Please note: An adult must accompany children at all times.Tuesday May 27 to Friday May 30 - Football Training with Worcester Lions Communicty Football Club at Elgar Technology CollegeCHILDREN aged four to 14 will have the chance to train with experts from Worcester Lions Community Football Club (CFC) this half term, thanks to a partnership between Worcester City Council, Worcester Lions CFC and Worcestershire Football Association. The course takes place at Elgar Technology College, Bilford Road, between 10am and 3pm every day. Coaching will be provided by two qualified Football Association level two and three coaches, one of whom is a Birmingham City Academy coach. Children will be able to have fun while learning the basics of football.

Peter Mackenzie-Shaw, Worcester City Council Sports Development Officer said: "This is a brilliant opportunity for children to receive an excellent standard of football training, no matter what level they are at. The course will suit absolute beginners as well as more experienced players."

The course costs £8 a day, £4 for half a day, or £30 for the full four-day course. Families on low incomes or who receive Tax Credit can attend at a 50 per cent reduction (proof required on booking form). For more information, and to book, please call Sue Bentley on 07789 408180 or e-mail Richardandsuebentley@btinternet.comTuesday 27 May Family Activity Day - Flora and Fauna - Hanbury Hall, Droitwich Spa.Enjoy trails, hands on activities and face painting within the theme of flora and fauna. Also you can enjoy seeing Trevor Hill, falconry expert who will bring along some of his birds for you to see and learn about.Free to NT members, non members Adults £4.80, Children £2.40. General/Box office enquiries on 01527 821214.Tuesday 27 May - Circus Starr's 21st Anniversary visit to Worcester at Worcester RacecourseCircus Starr is celebrating is 21st Anniversary tour and will be at Worcester Racecourse from 4.45pm and 7pm raising money for Acorns Hospice. The show will include Peter Shadow and Co with their version of Ghost Busters. Tracey Jones and her fantastic Corde Lise act and Troupe Julio and their acrobatic Blues Brothers act, and you may also meet Spiderman!For further information contact: General enquiries - 01905 25364 Box Office 01260 288690Tuesday 27 to Wednesday 28 May - 1.00pm to 3.00pm - Half Term Forge Mill Needle Museum and Bordesley Abbey Visitor centre -Half term bookable workshops for 8 year olds upwards £4.00 per child.

Tuesday 27 to Friday 30 May 2008 - Webb's of Wychbold - Riverside Ramble in a journey of Discovery

A ramble along the riverside and other fun activities await youngsters at Webbs, the UK Garden Centre of the Year, near Droitwich, helping to keep boredom at bay for the half term holidays.For outdoor fun, youngsters can embark on a path of discovery through the Riverside Gardens at Webbs. The free trial alongside the River Salwarpe has the added enticement of a small prize for every child who completes the questionnaire. The trial is open from 10am to 5pm.Children's entertainer Professor Pepperpot will delight with his Balloon Magic every day from 10sm to 3pm. Fair rides (11am to 4pm) will add a dash of excitement to the day and young visitors will also be able to have their faces painted (10am to 3pm) - both for a small charge.Please note: An adult must accompany children at all times.Tuesday 27 to Friday 30 May 2008 - Aston Villa Soccer School - Ragley Hall, Alcester, Warks.Boys and girls between the ages of 5 - 14 years are invited to join Aston Villa's coaching team at Ragley Hall. Our mini-kickers course for 5 to 6 year olds gives your child an introduction to football, including the rules of the game, dribbling, shooting, passing and small sided games. For 7 to 14 year olds, our specially trained coaches will organise small sided games and provide expert drills to enhance their skills. To book please call 0800 612 0970 Wednesday 28, May - Potty About Pots! - Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum 10.30am - 4.00pm Family drop in day.

No booking necessary - Cost: £1 per person for materials.

A chance to see our wonderful collection of ancient pots, dating back to the Bronze Age! Make a charcoal sketch of your favourite pot and then create your own using the Coil pot method.Wednesday 28 May - 2.30pm - Number 8 Community Arts Centre, 8 High Street, Pershore WR10 1BG Join Alice on her magical adventure as she chases the White Rabbit back in time into Wonderland, meeting the Cheshire Cat and the March Hare at the Mad Hatter's Tea Party. Indigo Moon Theatre present different shadow techniques inspired by medieval Gothic architecture of the original white rabbit statue in a Yorkshire church. Shadow theatre for ages 4+. Tickets £4. Box Office 01386 555488 Wednesday 28 May - Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park, Solihull West Midlands B91 3HWTeddy Bears Picnic - If you go down into the woods today your in for a big surprise! Make your own teddy house in the woods and create your own cuddly craft - 10.30am - 12.00pm 1.00pm - 2.30pm Cost £4.00 per child To book contact 0121 704 0768 Wednesday 28 to Thursday 29 May - Eastnor Pottery, Ledbury - Children's Term Holiday Workshops.An ideal opportunity for aspiring young potters to work with professional, ceramic artists. Experience hands on' real clay with an exciting variety of making techniques. Workshops include either a go on the potter's wheel or work with coloured slips. Small friendly groups. Fantastic results every time. Each clay masterpiece will need to be thorough dry before it can be fired. Collection times will be issued on the day of the workshop. Jon Williams will offer expert tuition so that you produce great pieces of art. Telephone: 01531 633886.Friday 30 May to Sunday 1 June - Dean Forest Railway Lydney Gloucestershire GL15 4ETA Day out with Thomas the Tank Engine - A chance to meet Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends. Characters from the Thomas books brought to life under the watchful eyes of the Fat Controller. Other attractions and entertainment included in the ticket price. Gift shop, cafe and Museum open. Phone 01594 845840 Saturday May 24 and Sunday June 1 - Witley Court, Worcester.YOUNGSTERS can enjoy a right royal variety of events at an historic former manor house during half-term. Witley Court, at Great Witley, is hosting a series of events in its picturesque grounds including a hunt for model kings and queens for the youngsters, between Saturday May 24 and June 1. Wednesday May 28 and Thursday May 29 - Victorian Falconry - Witley CourtEyes will turn to the skies as Raphael Falconry demonstrate their skill with a falcon, hawk and owl in great displays.Lucy Dhiman, English Heritage's sales and marketing manager, said: "The Victorian era really saw a resurgence in the popularity of hunting with birds, despite the growing following of shooting as a country pursuit.

"The popularity of game shooting actually meant many birds of prey were eliminated by gamekeepers but following an exhibition of falconry at Alexandra Palace in 1871, the sport enjoyed a renaissance, which is what we will recreate for visitors."

The birds of prey will be handled by two of the UK's top historic falconers, Mike and Emma Raphael. Alongside the displays, visitors can find out about the history of falconry and see the magnificent birds up close in the bird mews.

People can also enjoy the restored Perseus and Andromeda fountain, firing every hour from 11am to 4pm, sending a jet of water nearly 70 ft (21 metres) in the air.

There will be talks from an archaeologist currently uncovering the secrets of the original Victorian-era garden's layout, between 1pm and 4pm, on Tuesday May 27. For more information call 01299 896636 or visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/witleycourt