Hosting Chernobyl Children - Help!

craftoholic

Hello,

We are currently hosting two girls from Belarus, one of the places damaged by the Chernobyl disaster.
They're very sweet, and seem content with the smallest of things, and things that we take for granted, such as a full wardrobe of clothes and a cuddly toy.
However, it has been suggested that we do take them out for days out, as they are here for the whole summer, and it's supposed to be a kind of, 'Rehabilitation Vacation'.
I need ideas of days out, we've emailed a few places too see if they can discount, as there will be 5 of us going anywhere :eek:.

I was wondering if anybody had any suggestions of days out, and how to do the classic ones - such as Drayton Manor, where we really want to go but are struggling to find the cheapest way.
We're based near Birmingham, and can only use public transport. A friend has offered to take us to the seaside later in the month.

We have plenty of activities to do at home, such as crafts and things, and have decided to visit the local park for picnics, im really just looking for help and money saving advice on those more special days out.

Thanks in advance!

play2day

I did some work for that charity in Belarus last year and visited the schools and residential establishments from which many of the children who come on the trips will be coming.

There is a great emphasis on creativity in Belarus and the art work I viewed was quite whimsicle and chocolate boxy. All of the children and young people I spoke to enjoyed art and asked for art materials. Picnics seem to be a big part of thier culture too and I saw many parks whilst there. Music seemed to be important too. All of these things can be recreated here for very little money.

I do not live in your area, but locally I have found that visitors guides tend to have a lot of discount vouchers in them. You could try these. Or write to local attractions explaining your situation. I am sure many will send tickets.

mchale

Yeah as above, try a shout out on your local radio station

WestonDave

Could try Vintage Trains at Tyseley - might be able to find you a cheap place on one of their steam train runs down to Stratford - gives you a day out and somewhere classic to visit. OK so steam trains aren't really girly but I'm sure its something different for them to remember.

greenface

What a great thing to do my hat and heart goes out to you. http://www.visitconkers.com/visitorinfo/directions conkers isnt too far but far enough for a day out . Crafty fun eco thinking sort of place . Our kids enjoyed it there a few moons ago. Contact Alexander Stadium (perry park) they have youth programms through out the summer and could help you. You know the parkland around your own area too well without a mention but Sandwell Valley could fill a half day easy. If the girls like football get in touch with the local teams and see if they can watch the teams (girls boys) train. When you are heading to the beach let us know where your goiung and we may give you more tips . Best wishes to you and the girls. ўдачы вам усім

whitewing

Cannon Hill Park (and the Nature Centre nearby if that is still open).

Lickey Hills

Stratford-Upon-Avon

mikey72

http://www.visitheartofengland.com/schools%20out%202011.pdf

http://www.visitheartofengland.com/Default.aspx

craftoholic

play2day - Well last night we got a big box of beads and string out, and needless to say we now all have enough bracelets and necklaces to last us for the rest of our lives!
We do have something along the lines of a discount voucher mag, it's just hunting it down that's the problem!

mchale - Thats an excellent idea! Thankyou

WestonDave - I shall PM you for more information, I'm of the female species and rather enjoy steam trains!

greenface - Aww, thankyou Ahh, I love Conkers! And in regards to your other suggestions, they apparently enjoy sports so the stadium may be a good idea and we have a local team really close

whitewing - Thankyou! I shall check out your suggestions.

mikey72 - Oooo I've used that website before and forgot all about it! Thankyou!

hails84

Hey hun, fabulous thing you are doing

I know it's not quite what you're after but i recently won a code for a free Cineworld ticket if you have a Cineworld Cinema nearby? I think you can only use it to book online but if it is of use pm me and i will forward it on X

mum26

How about contacting http://www.merlinsmagicwand.org/ I think you would only be able to apply for Warwick Castle or the London attractions though as they have had a high amount of requests for the theme parks. Or alternatively pop a post on Alton Towers facebook page and see what they can do for you

always_poor_2

Hi, not sure whereabouts in Birmingham you are, but Cineworld in Touchwood in Solihull usually have a choice of Saturday morning films for £1 per person.

Also, Sheldon Country Park, while not huge has a lovely selection of animals (which is free) and a nice tea room (very reasonably priced, mainly snacks, sandwiches etc)

How old are the children? We have a DD who's a toddler but find Gullivers World better value for her age than Drayton manor (I love Drayton Manor, but it depends on age of kids).

There's also Funaticz at Stechford, which i think is about £4 each - indoor play centre - fab for a rainy day x