Term times

For or against computer gaming?

Could you foster a child?

Why Action for Asperger’s thinks it can only be good!

The Foster Care Cooperative provides professional support

FESTIVE DAYS OUT

The essential FREE publication for you and your children Christmas Edition

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Christmas Edition

Welcome It’s nearly that time again and as the excitement of Christmas builds we’ll all be getting busier and so I hope you can take a moment to look at our Christmas issue, it’s full of useful ideas for family fun this season and includes some relevant messages from our contributors.

Santa Claus is a busy man, but he’s never too busy to talk to children! We’ve put together a list of places where you can find this festive hero. Here’s hoping all the children have been especially good this year and receive one of his presents!

There’s so much happening in our area this Christmas. I hope you can get out and about and join in with the festive spirit.

Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

ing Keep check k our faceboo gular page for re ns competitio

FESTIVE DAYS OUT FAMILY INFORMATION COMPETITIONS

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Term Times is independently published by Term Times Limited, and distributed free throughout primary schools in your area. Its aims are to inform families and children of current education issues, forthcoming events, places to visit, attractions etc. Every care is taken to ensure that the information in the magazine is correct at the time of going to press. However, please check opening times/entry fees etc., before setting out on a journey. We also aim to give teachers, parents and children, the opportunity to participate in the content of Term Times. Term Times does not intend to publish any racist, sexist or political matters, nor carry out editorial or advertising that may be considered to be offensive to families. Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of Term Times or the schools that distribute it. The publishers cannot be held responsible for any erroneous or misleading claims or comments made by any contributor. Our thanks go to the schools for their assistance in distributing the magazine, and for their contributions to its contents. We would also like to thank the advertisers who have supported this publication and made it possible. Please support them where you can. Advertising and production: Jo Craig and Jackie Forrest.

COMPETITION WINNERS First Name Surname

Location

Competition

Abi Hannah Martha Owen Ella Ebonnie Daniel Alfie John Krista Zack Melissa Lacey Jack Sophie

Yaxley March Peterborough Paston Eaton Socon Sawtry March Elm Shirley School Peterborough Stanground Newborough Bretton March St. Ives

Ragdale Hall Spa Day Stamford Arts Panto Ticket Cresset Panto Ticket Cresset Panto Ticket Cresset Panto Ticket Fantastic 4orce DVD Fantastic 4orce DVD Christmas Tree and Wreath Puffin Books for School Snivel & Shriek Books Snivel & Shriek Books Snivel & Shriek Books Skylark Week of Wickedness Skylark Week of Wickedness Skylark Week of Wickedness

Pauls Howes Dardis Dalliday Wright Carrington-Bruce Goodman-Milnes Nichols Pham Rutka Saunders Guest Moore Hamilton May

COMPETITION ENTRY

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Send your name, age, address, telephone number and name of your school to the TERM TIMES ADDRESS opposite or enter via the COMPETITION PAGE on the Term Times’ website: www.termtimes.ltd.uk Christmas Edition

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Happy 5th Birthday to Emily Todd on the 27th December With lots of love, hugs and kisses From Mummy, Sarah & Liam xxxxxxxx

Happy 10th Birthday Olivia Leheup-Wright 9th December Lots of Love Mum, Andy & Saffron XXXX

Elliot Vale

Evie Blackwell

8yrs old on Dec 13th

9th January with all our love Mummy & Daddy xxx

7 th

of Matley Primary Peterborough

Happy birthday

Happy 5th Birthday

lots of love from Mummy, Daddy, Aidan and Buster xxxx

14th December

Ruqaiya

Lots of love from Puji Suraia xxxxx

Happy

3

rd

Birthday

from Mummy and Daddy xxx

8th Birthday Jake Gordon

Happy 5th Birthday

Happy

Skye Nicholls

2nd February

To a very special daughter, love from Mummy, Darren, Jayden and Grandma and Grandpa xxx

Lots of Love Mum, Dad, Chloe & Archie xx

Happy Birthday

Hollie 21st December lots of love from Mummy & Daddy xxx

Happy 10th Birthday

William

Happy 11thhday Bir t

Luke Messer 23rd December

17 December

With all our love Mum & Dad x x

Lewis Tegerdine

Love from Mummy, Daddy and Katie x x x

Lots of love from Mum, Dad, Holly, Lauren, Barney, Reggie and Mimi.

Happy Birthday

Abby Spridgeon 11 years old 26 Feb 2014 Thorpe Primary School Lots of love from Mum Dad and Jake xxxxxx www.termtimes.ltd.uk

3rd January

3rd December Happy 5th Birthday

Luke Brown

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8th Novem ber

Happy Birthday

Lily Bathie 31st December Lots of love, Mummy xxx

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Happy 10th Birthday Holly d Love Mum, Daxx and Charlotte Happy 6th Birthday for the 23rd December

Thomas Kingsford

Lots of love from Mummy, Daddy, Lucy, Elliot and Gracie the cat xoxoxo

Happy 10th Birthday Rebecca Fletcher on the 17th February

Lots of Love from Mum, Dad & Grace xxx 7 yrs on the 24th Dec

Kayleigh Watson

Surprise!

Send your birthday greetings to jackie.forrest@termtimes.ltd.uk Include a picture or an idea for an image.

Next issue dates 24th Mar to 12th May 2014

Love Mummy, Daddy, Joshua and Connor xx

Joshua Watson

11 on the 7th Feb

Love from Mummy, Daddy, Kayleigh and Connor xx

Connor Watson

Model Car Parties

Radio Controlled Car racing for Kids of all ages

T: 07739632250 E: info@modelcarparties.co.uk W: www.modelcarparties.co.uk

5 on the 28th Feb

Love from Mummy, Daddy, Joshua and Kayleigh xx

Happy 10th Birthday on 5 December to our wonderful son Ashley Tweddell.

With lots of love from Mum, Dad, Grandma and Katie xxx

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Is Computer Gaming bad for your Asperger’s (autistic) child?

Current thinking is that video games (VGs) or Multi-Media On-line Games (MMOGs) (by on-line I refer to a game having an internet connection and off-line meaning not connected to the internet), is psychologically damaging to persons who regularly partake in this particular form of leisure pursuit. Furthermore, proponents of this notion believe that high engagement by users leads to pathological thinking and behaviours such as mood swings, obsessive-compulsive disorder and addiction. This view is regularly portrayed in the media, and encourages a belief system that VGs which have been designed for leisure and not educational purposes are potential medical and psychosocial hazards. In an attempt to redress this, I conducted some research on some Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) male teenagers and their VG/MMOGs use and found a very different picture.

Certain VGs/MMOGs offer consistency and predictability, two states AS people take comfort from. They also afford the AS person active control and the speed at which the AS person wants to move at is usually determined by them. The concept of ‘speed’ should not be underestimated, for AS people operate on a different timing framework from non-autistics, as they are unable to prioritise salient facts in order to help speed up a process. VGs/MMOGs tend to give information either ‘just in time’, that is right when the players can use it, or ‘on demand’, when a player is ready for it, needs it, and can make good use of it, which is unlike the learning experience in schools and colleges, where learners work at the pace of the teacher.

practice for the real world situations they will encounter through life by bolstering social confidence.

VG/MMOG is a self-expressive virtual space in which a person with AS can use to exercise his or her sociability.

VGs/MMOGs are also inclusive in that they allow AS people to become readily accepted into non-autistic worlds. It is important that both AS and autistic children are stimulated and challenged to communicate with others.

VGs/MMOGs also allow the player to simulate scenarios which allow them to practice the concept of ‘risk’ without any real consequences. In gaming players are encouraged to take risks, explore and try new things; in fact, in VG/MMOG failure is a good thing as it provides a platform for learning, whereas in real society much less space for risk, exploration and failure is afforded.

Automated assistive scripts or custombuilt language as it might be known helps AS people to know what to say in certain situations, while scripting logic enhances this process of learning.

Such scripts are helpful to AS people for whom impairments in social interactions present a concern due to their having a limited ability to take part in reciprocal conversation. Scripts will also help AS people to learn what non-autistic people learn intuitively – the unwritten rules of communication and social conduct, thus helping them to acquire a better social and emotional competence to which empathy and better self-regulation contribute.

For the socially awkward AS child, MMOGs encourage interaction without having to deal with awkward face-to-face eye contact. In many MMOGs there are strong communities of players who share tips, offer critiques, debate games and so on, thereby showing that gaming is not the lonely, single-player-against-the-machine, environment that many wrongly perceive it to be. There is reassurance therefore that social connection in this context will be safe, predictable and thus serve as good

It is my belief that the aggressive play like in shooter-type games will not lead children into a real-life world of aggression and gang warfare, for it is inherently different from actual aggression because of the absence of intent to injure a living person. Learning about aggression through socialisation processes is an important part of growing up for most people, and for a vulnerable AS teenager, VG/MMOG provides a safe platform for learning.

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In everyday real life, the executive function ability of someone with AS tends to be weak, as poor organisational skills, poor planning, sequencing and task execution is inadequate at best. However, good executive function is necessary for goal-directed behaviour, like, for instance, finding where the bad guy or zombie is in the game and then planning how to deal with them and take the game on to the next level. AS children also have to learn about turn-taking as fellow gamers play their roles in the same game.

Some therapists posit that traits as seen in persons with alcoholism and drug addiction may predispose individuals to spend hours engaged in MMOGs and VGs. However, in the clinical community, many practitioners argue that there is not good enough evidence which can demonstrate a neurobiological basis, akin to say substance abuse, to render gaming an addiction disorder.

I would suggest that VGs/MMOGs are not psychologically harmful for AS individuals; that they are, in fact, an important form of self-therapy.

On conclusion, VG/MMOGs aid social problem solving for the AS individual, thereby reducing anxiety, and creating improved mental health while at the same time providing a social community to combat loneliness and lift depression, which can only be good!

Elaine Nicholson Founder & Counsellor www.actionforaspergers.co.uk Action for Asperger’s, Lilford Lodge Farm, Barnwell, PE8 5SA

SNAP! 4 kids

WINTER UPDATE At Snap! 4 Kids we have great plans ahead in the run up to Christmas. Staff in their own time, have spent the last few weeks writing and rehearsing for our very own Snap! Christmas production! I think it is panto fever arriving early, “oh no its not” replied the staff….. Sigh… once you start its hard to stop!

It has all grown out of the creative learning approach that is at the heart of the Snap! 4 Kids ethos. Music classes led by Music Specialist Laura Moran take place in both settings. Children not only engage in noise and music making but also get the opportunity to experience a wide variety of instruments demonstrated by Laura – children and staff also get the opportunity to make noise on these instruments and a 3 year old with a trombone is a site to see! (Apologies in advance to our parents/carers who receive requests for trombones and drums for Christmas!)

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of the Snap! 4 Kids team, our parents/carers and all of our supporters for helping make our Macmillan Cancer Care fundraising day such a huge success. Fabulous cakes were baked and amazing gifts offered as prizes from local businesses. The generosity shown by these businesses in this climate was outstanding, and we raised £500 for Macmillan Cancer Care - Thank you very much from the Snap! 4 Kids family.

Christmas Edition

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Christmas Edition

Could you Foster a Child?

The Foster Care Co-operative is part of a small group of Not-For-Profit foster care agencies and the only cooperative operating in foster care. There is a desperate national shortage of foster carers across England.

FCC has a special culture based on valuing staff and foster carers and the agency is dedicated to providing mutual support that will change a child’s life.

The Foster Care Co-operative (FCC) is actively recruiting foster carers across the East of England so they can respond to the high number of placements requested by the local authorities, to provide homes for children of all ages and backgrounds.

The agency has been placing children in family homes across England for fourteen years, has had a strong local group of carers in the East of England for some years and is currently recruiting carers to join this established group.

As a not-for-profit organisation, costs are kept to a minimum and fees reflect value for money and Best Value principles. The child’s needs remain paramount during a scrupulous matching process. Any surplus income is re-invested to provide more foster care support, more training and towards recruiting more foster carers to give a stable home environment to more children and to give them the chance of family life.

The agency was set up in 1999 by a senior social worker who had fostered for many years and took early retirement to establish The Foster Care Co-operative. His clear ethical approach was to grow organically.

It is now a UK wide organisation striving to increase the total number of foster homes by recruiting and training new foster carers to provide stable, loving family homes, taking great care to match children with foster carers and there is no pressure on staff to place children in order to maximise profit. FCC carers provide nurturing homes to give the children the stability that will help them to realise their full potential, can live in rural and city areas and come from a wide range of social and cultural backgrounds. What they all have in common is a commitment to the children.

Anyone can foster and carers come from all walks of life. They do need to be reasonably fit and healthy and are subject to criminal disclosure checks.

Carers need to be able to offer a child or children a room of their own as well as offering patience, time and commitment to young people of different ages. A sense of humour is valuable too!

In return the agency offers professional support from fully qualified social workers, full and comprehensive training and a fee which recognises a professional caring role.

More details about FCC can be found online at

www.fostercarecooperative.co.uk Christmas Edition

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Sacrewell welcomes Father Christmas!

The countdown to Christmas has begun at Sacrewell Farm and Country Centre where Father Christmas will arrive in style by horse and cart on November 30th.

Nature Activity Resources for Schools

Entry to the Farm costs £8 per child including a tractor ride, a visit to Father Christmas and a present. Children under 2 enter for free but a trip to Father Christmas costs £5. Normal adult entry applies and includes a tractor ride.

For more information keep an eye on our website www.sacrewell.org.uk

Winter in Ferry Meadows Make sure you visit Ferry Meadows in Nene Park this winter.

Karen Letten, Schools Development Manager for the Trust, insists that the benefits of teaching outdoors are invaluable: “Children need to learn about, value and understand nature so they are inspired to care for it from an early age. One of the great things about teaching outdoors is that the children often do not perceive it as ‘learning’ and yet they learn some of their most valuable lessons there. The lack of walls means that they feel less inhibited, both physically and mentally, and it allows them to join up their thinking by applying it in a real-world context.”

The charity’s nature detectives website offers over a thousand nature-based activities available for teachers, early years practitioners, families and children to download completely free.

Each resource provides hours of fun that incorporates learning, nature and creativity, and can be adapted to suit children of all ages. There are some great ideas for outdoor fun and learning this season at the nature detectives winter area, including activities such as a winter wonderland spotter sheet, a winter picnic guide and even help on ‘how to build a winter home for wildlife’.

You can find a whole host of winter activities, as well as free resources for schools at: www.naturedetectives.org.uk Get your class outside and active all year round with the nature detectives CLUB, developed and run by the Woodland Trust’s learning team. You will receive flexible activities by email every week, tailored to the weather and seasons, encouraging creativity, imagination and self-led discovery. You will also get activity packs through the post, bursting with fresh ideas.

Find out more at: www.naturedetectives.org.uk/club.

One lucky reader can win a free year’s Nature Detectives membership!

To enter tell us one nature - based activity you like to do whilst walking in the woods.

Enter using the guidelines on page 3.

Closing date 2nd January 2014 www.termtimes.ltd.uk

Elsewhere on the Farm there will be a living Nativity set up in the Animal Village where you can see the stable set up surrounded by animals.

There will also be free Christmas crafts in the Function Room which will be decked out like a Victorian street scene with Carols playing in the background.

The Woodland Trust, a charity which has worked with over 22,000 schools and helped over four million children plant trees, believes that outdoor learning is an ideal way to connect children and young people with nature, helping them become future guardians of the environment.

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Father Christmas will be at the Farm every weekend from November 30th and daily from December 14th – 23rd.

Christmas Edition

We have an action packed events programme including our Christmas Fair on 14 December. Attractions include a petting farm, Carol singers, Santa’s Workshop with craft activities for children, Christmas market and local crafts on sale.

There will be plenty of other events on throughout winter so check our website for details. You can also visit our newly refurbished bird hides, feed the ducks from the feeding platform with healthy duck pellets from the Visitor Centre and pick up a free Spotter Sheet.

Our website is a great place to find out all the information you need to plan your visit. Be sure to pop in to the Visitor Centre at Ferry Meadows when you arrive so we can help you make the most of your day.

We hope to see you in the Park soon www.neneparktrust.org.uk Tel: 01733 234193

Children’s Soft Play Centre 0yrs to 11yrs Designated Age Related Areas Children’s Parties Front of House Cafe 2 Party Rooms

Low Road, Fenstanton, PE28 9HU

01480 493394 / fun@flutterbyz.co.uk WiFi Excellent Parking Healthy Menu SERVICE WITH A SMILE @FlutterbyzFun

Christmas Edition

Opening Times: Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 - 17:30 Sunday 10:00 - 16:00

flutterbyzfunbarn

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Winter Activities in Peterbo

Theatre

IT’S PANTO TIME – OH YES IT IS!

Cinderella Cinderella

et rget forg on’t’t fo D Don ur yo yo ok ur book to to bo

Thurs Thurs 55 December December 2013 2013 –– Sun Sun 55 January January 2014 2014 2013 2013 sees sees the the return return of of the the ever-popular ever-popular tale tale of of Cinderella.

Cinderella. Key Key Theatre Theatre pantomimes pantomimes are are renowned renowned throughout throughout the the region region for for their their traditional traditional sense sense of of good, good, clean, clean, family family fun. fun. With With over over 30 30 years years of of experience, experience, it’s it’s no no wonder wonder that that thousands thousands of of children children have have grown grown up up enjoying enjoying Panto Panto at at the the Key! Key!

Panto tickets it’ss re it’ fore be befo !! te te la la to tooo

The The Tin Tin Soldier Soldier Tues Tues 17 17 –– Sun Sun 29 29 December December 2013 2013 Plus, Plus, for for the the younger younger theatre theatre goer…there’s goer…there’s the the classic classic Hans Hans Christian Christian Anderson Anderson tale tale of of The The Tin Tin Soldier.

Soldier. A A newly-minted newly-minted tin tin soldier soldier stands stands on on aa single single leg, leg, having having been been the the last last one one cast cast from from an an old old tin tin spoon. spoon. Nearby, Nearby, he he spies spies aa paper paper ballerina, ballerina, also also standing standing on on one one leg, leg, and and the the soldier soldier falls falls in in love. love. Live Live music, music, dance, dance, colourful colourful characters characters and and aa breathbreathtaking taking story story combine combine in in this this enchanting enchanting show. show.

Call Call the the Key Key Theatre Theatre box box offi office ce on on 01733 01733 207 207 239 239 or or book book online online at at vivacity-peterborough.com vivacity-peterborough.com

Heritage

Key Key Theatre Theatre Peterborough Peterborough

MUSEUM MENAGERIE AT PETERBOROUGH MUSEUM

Mon Mon 17 17 –– Fri Fri 21 21 February February 2014, 2014, 10am-5pm 10am-5pm Walk Walk and and talk talk with with the the animals animals at at Peterborough Peterborough Museum Museum as as you you discover discover its its furry furry (and (and creepy creepy crawly!) crawly!) friends. friends. Follow Follow aa safari safari trail, trail, meet meet some some real-life real-life animals animals with with Jungle Jungle Jo Jo (Monday-Thursday (Monday-Thursday only) only) and and make make your your own own animal animal crafts crafts to to take take home. home.

Join Join in in hands-on hands-on activities activities with with Peterborough Peterborough Museum’s Museum’s partners partners from from The The Natural Natural History History Museum Museum to to fifind nd out out what what animals’ animals’ teeth teeth can can tell tell us us about about their their diet, diet, and and why why colour colour is is so so important important in in the the animal animal kingdom. kingdom.

Plus!

Plus! On On Monday Monday and and Friday Friday only, only, head head to to the the Wildlife Wildlife Gallery Gallery for for an an animal animal storytelling storytelling session session at at 10.30am, 10.30am, 11.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm, 1.30pm, or or 2.30pm.

2.30pm. This This activity activity is is perfect perfect for for 3-7 3-7 year year olds. olds.

There’s There’s no no need need to to book book –– just just drop-in drop-in to to take take aa walk walk on on the the wild wild side! side! Adults Adults £3, £3, concs concs £2, £2, families families £7, £7, under under 5s 5s and and Heritage Heritage Pass Pass holders holders FREE. FREE.

For For more more information, information, call call 01733 01733 864 864 663 663 or or email email museum@vivacity-peterborough.com museum@vivacity-peterborough.com 12

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Christmas Edition

Peterborough Peterborough Heritage Heritage

orough 2013/2014

Libraries

A MAGICAL HALF TERM AT PETERBOROUGH LIBRARIES

Once Upon a Time… explore the magical world of traditional tales

Dear Zoo

Come Come along along to to aa fantastical fantastical event event featuring featuring traditional traditional tales. tales. Who’s Who’s your your favourite favourite character? character? From From Cinderella Cinderella to to Puss Puss in in Boots, Boots, from from the the Big Big Bad Bad Wolf Wolf to to Snow Snow White White and and many many more, more, enjoy enjoy some some classic classic favourites. favourites. Have Have fun fun with with crafts, crafts, face face painting painting and and dressing dressing up! up!

Suitable Suitable for for ages ages 6+.

6+. £3 £3 per per child. child.

Bring Bring your your little little monkeys monkeys along along to to aa Peterborough Peterborough library library and and enjoy enjoy an an old old favourite! favourite! Join Join in in with with lots lots of of animal animal antics antics including including mask mask making, making, puppet puppet play play and and lots lots of of noise noise and and fun. fun. Suitable Suitable for for ages ages 66 and and under. under. £2 £2 per per child. child. Most Most smaller smaller libraries libraries will will also also hold hold this this event, event, visit visit the the website website for for details. details.

Sat Sat 15 15 February, February, 2pm-3.30pm 2pm-3.30pm –– Central Central Library Library Mon Mon 17 17 February, February, 2.30pm-4pm 2.30pm-4pm –– Woodston Woodston Library Library Tues Tues 18 18 February, February, 10.30am-12noon 10.30am-12noon –– Werrington Werrington Library Library Tues Tues 18 18 February, February, 2pm-3.30pm 2pm-3.30pm –– Dogsthorpe Dogsthorpe Library Library Sat Sat 22 22 February, February, 10am-11.30am 10am-11.30am –– Orton Orton Library Library Sat Sat 22 22 February, February, 11am-12.30pm 11am-12.30pm –– Bretton Bretton Library Library

Tues Tues 18 18 February, February, 1pm-2pm 1pm-2pm –– Orton Orton Library Library Weds Weds 19 19 February, February, 1.30pm-2.30pm 1.30pm-2.30pm –– Werrington Werrington Library Library Weds Weds 19 19 February, February, 2pm-3pm 2pm-3pm –– Central Central Library Library Weds Weds 19 19 February, February, 3pm-4pm 3pm-4pm –– Bretton Bretton Library Library

For For more more information information call call 01733 01733 864 864 280 280 or or email email libraryenquiries@vivacity-peterborough.com libraryenquiries@vivacity-peterborough.com

Sport

Peterborough Peterborough Peterborough Peterborough Libraries Libraries Libraries Libraries

A FUN AND FRIENDLY WAY TO KEEP ACTIVE WITH VIVACITY SPORTS

Don’t miss out on taking part in Vivacity’s martial arts and dance activities this winter.

Martial Martial arts arts are are aa great great way way to to keep keep active active in in addition addition to to learning learning aa new new skill. skill. From From Ju Ju Jitsu Jitsu to to Judo Judo and and from from Kick Kick Boxing Boxing to to Karate, Karate, there’s there’s aa host host of of classes classes across across all all Vivacity Vivacity Leisure Leisure Centres.

Centres.

Dance Dance Xperience Xperience and and dance dance classes classes are are aa fun fun way way to to learn learn dance dance techniques techniques while while having having fun. fun.

Practice Practice some some cool cool dance dance moves moves with with our our trained trained instructors, instructors, and and follow follow routines routines in in hip-hop hip-hop and and street street dance, dance, with with an an end-of-day end-of-day choreographed choreographed performance performance to to show show what what you’ve you’ve learnt. learnt.

Call Call 01733 01733 864 864 000 000 for for more more information information and and to to select select your your local local Vivacity Vivacity Leisure Leisure Centre Centre

vivacity-peterborough.com Christmas Edition

Peterborough Peterborough Sports Sports and and Leisure Leisure

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For more information on any of the trips below or for a brochure please contact us on;

01733 351694 / info@deckerbus.co.uk

PLAN YOUR BEST FAMILY ADVENTURE THIS YEAR Holidaying with children doesn’t mean you have to settle for a resort-style holiday. You can still have a journey of a lifetime but enjoy it, shared with the whole family.

With more and more companies offering family friendly itineraries, you are sure to find your perfect family based adventure at The Adventure Travel Show this January.

We asked our exhibitors to create a list of incredible travel adventures for you and your family and to whet your appetite; here is a sample of what they have come up with:

Follow in the footsteps of Incas - Peru World Expeditions: 16 days £1,950 per adult/ £1,395 per child

Family Adventures in Latvia - Latvia Explore: 8 days From £847 per adult and £778 per child

East Africa Family Adventure Oasis Overland: 18 days £1380 plus £840 local payment per person

Pompeii & Pizza - Amalfi Coast Exodus: 8 days From £949 per person

1001 Berber Nights - Morocco On The Go Tours: 9 days From £649 per person

DATE

TRIP

ADULT

CHILD

Saturday Skegness Lights 30th Fish and Chips November Enjoy a late start to

£22.00

£15.00

Saturday Lincoln 7th Christmas Market December Early December a famous

£25.00

£20.00

Monday Thursford 23rd Christmas Show December The ultimate Christmas

£56.00

£50.00

Skegness so we can see the illuminations along the Promenade at dusk. The beautifully lit Skegness makes the perfect place to shop, eat and be merry at Christmas time. Fish and chips included in the price.

Yuletide market with more than 300 stalls sited within the city’s Cathedral quarters. This is the perfect place to come for seasonal gift ideas.

musical experience – ‘simply one of the most exciting Christmas Spectacular shows ever’ with a blend of exciting entertainment, songs, carols, dazzling dancers, beautiful costumes, outstanding music and singing from a cast of over 100. Entrance included to 2pm concert.

Play Bus

ur Perfect for yo . child’s party

Soft Play, slides & climbing frame Perfect for your child’s party Prices start from £125.00 for 2 hours ing family trips These are only a small sample of the life chang l Show.

Trave nture Adve The at nd that you can expect to fi , there gems l trave little ng exciti g verin unco to ion In addit FREE with d packe be will that res are also 4 travel talk theat adventures, rity celeb from e advic rtial impa and ation inspir book authors expedition leaders, polar explorers and guide ars. semin y graph Photo l Trave and ng Writi l Trave plus

Ticket Prices:

price: Adults Advance: Adults £8, Under-16s Free. On door Free. £10, Under-16s

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01733 351694 / www.play-bus.co.uk

Party Bus

01733 351694 hire for any special occa sion

Find your festive spirit by bringing your family for a FREE day out to Bransby Horses

Saturday 14th December

Christmas Fayre! Sing carols around the tree while Santa arrives. Enjoy mulled wine and a mince pie while the children enjoy cuddles from our adorable rescued animals.

Home of 350 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules Wheelchair and dog friendly

Join us at the Nene Valley railway for an exciting Christmas treat.

Any time during the Christmas holidays, join in with our Candy Cane Christmas Hunt and take home a special Bransby Horses goody bag! (£3 per child).

Thursday 2nd January

Kids’ Crafts Day, so bring along your little ones and enjoy making your own memento of your day at Bransby Horses! (£3 per child)

Friday 3rd January - 1pm Ponies, horses, donkeys and mules winter care talk it’s completely FREE!

Selling fast, book now

www.bransbyhorses.co.uk

01427 788464

Bransby Horses, Bransby, Lincoln, LN1 2PH Registered Charity number: 1075601

Booking essential

What’s on?

Steaming Santa

Children visit Father Christmas in the Grotto to recieve a present then travel on the train for more festive fun and refresments.

Adults get mince pie and alcoholic miniature to jolly their trip along.

Prices from £11 per person 1st to 11th December

From £15 per person 14th to 24th Dec

Tickets available online www.nvr.org.uk or call the Santa hotline 01780 782833 Nene Valley Railway Wansford Stn Peterborough PE8 6LR | Registered Charity No. 263617

Christmas Edition

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Debenhams, Grafton Centre, Cambridge Santa’s Grotto from 26th November

Burwash Manor Santa’s Grotto Between 11 and 4pm every Saturday and Sunday. £3.00

Shepreth Wildlife Park Santa’s Christmas Jungle Grotto 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st & 24th December

Where’s Santa this Christmas?

Wicken Fen Father Christmas in his secret grotto Saturday & Sunday, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 & 22 December, timed tickets from 10.30am - 2.30pm. £6.95

Scotsdale Garden Centre Father Christmas 17th November. From £7.00

Dobbies, Peterborogh Santa in his magical Grotto 17th November – 24th December. £6.00

AT s a Christm 01406 373444 www.funfarm.co.uk

High Road, Weston, Spalding PE12 6J U

Santa's out for tea

Come out for tea with Santa on 6th, 13th, 20th Dec 3:30pm onwards Christmas meal Unlimited juice Festive fun Present from Santa

£7.99 per ticket 16

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Santa's calling all Toddlers Come dine with Santa at Fun Farm Spalding 11th & 16th December 10.00am - 1.00pm Christmas lunch Unlimited juice Festive fun Present from Santa

£7.49 per ticket Christmas Edition

Christmas evening parties Available from 7-10pm Booking required Buffets available Exclusive use of Fun Farm / Laserstorm Licensed bar

From £200 for up to 30 people

Skylark Garden Centre

A sprinkle of Christmas sparkle at Ickworth

Meet Santa and his Elf! 30th Nov & 1st Dec , 7th & 8th, 14th & 15th & 21st & 22nd December. 11am – 3pm. Cost £5.00 Breakfast with Santa Only four dates available! 1st, 7th, 15th & 21st. Starts at 9am.

Cost: £10 Children and £10 Adults

7/8, 14/15 and 21/22 December Enjoy our very special Ickworth family sparkle weekends this December with fun for all the family and unforgettable memories of visits with Father Christmas.

Stories and gifts from Father Christmas, activities beyond the Rotunda basement, craft fun for your kids

Fun Farm Weston

Nottcuts, Orton Waterville, Peterborough

Out for Tea with Santa 6th, 13th, 20th December 3.30 onwards. £7.99

Breakfast with Santa 9.15 – 10.15 Saturdays and Sundays 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd December 9.15 – 10.15 Monday 23rd – Tue 24th December

Waterside Garden Centre Santa’s Grotto 23rd November until Christmas Eve. 10am – 4 pm. £4.99

Church Farm, Stow Bardolph Santa’s Grotto Saturday 30 November 2013 to Monday 23 December 2013 10.00am - 5.00pm every Thurs, Fri Sat & Sun £8.00

Wood Green, Godmanchester

Tea with Santa 4.30 – 5.30 Thursdays & Fridays 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th December

Garden & Leisure, Huntingdon Breakfast with Santa Saturdays 9am – 9.45: 30th Nov, 7th, 14th, 21st December Sundays 10am – 10.45am - 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd December

Visit Santa in his grotto with his reindog Wiggles.

Get hands on making fun Christmas presents and cards for your pets. Drop in session so no need to book.

11am to 3pm. £6.50 per child including visit to Santa and crafting activities.

Santa’s Grotto, Queensgate, Peterborough

Pigeon’s Farm

Sunday 1st December until Monday 23rd December Monday to Saturday 10am - 8pm Sundays 10.30am - 4.30pm Tuesday 24th December 10am - 4.30pm

Breakfast with Santa 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd December Adult and child £15.00

Saturday 16th November until Saturday 30th November Monday to Saturday 10am - 6pm Sundays 10.30am-4.30pm

Pottery Painting, Build a Bear and Craft Studio

Create your Chirstmas gifts or paint Christmas decorations. Fun for all ages

• Pottery Painting • Baby Prints on Pottery • Build a Bear • Silverprint Jewellery • Childrens Parties • Items start at £4

Free

Hot drink with this advert

01480 219222 www.mycraftymonkey.com info@mycraftymonkey.com facebook.com/mycraftymonkey 12 Moores Walk, St Neots, Cambs PE19 1AG

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Book Review

The Empty Stocking

By Richard Curtis

Reading

age It’s Christmas Eve and there’s one very important question on everyone’s 3+ mind – have YOU been good this year?

For twins Sam and Charlie this is a big worry. Charlie has been especially naughty and everyone is sure that she won’t get any presents AT ALL. But when Santa makes a mistake, it’s up to naughty Charlie to put things right. Will her last minute secret act of kindness be enough to redeem her after all?

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hard Luck

By Jeff Kinney Reg Heffley’s on a losing streak. His best friend, Rowley Jefferson, has ditched him, and finding new friends in middle school is proving to be a tough task. To change his fortunes, Greg decides to take a leap of faith and turn his decisions over to chance.

Will a roll of the dice turn things around or is Greg’s life destined to be just another hard-luck story?

Reading age

8+

The Snowman and The Snowdog

By Raymond Briggs

10% OF F Vouche r Stockists of: Berg Go-Karts Galvanised & Wooden Climbing Frames Swings Sandpits Slides Trampolines Petrol Go-Karts Goals Playhouses Woodchip Surfacing & much, much more...

This wonderful new picture book and CD is based in the new animation and tells Reading age the story of Billy, whose Snowman and Snowdog comes to life and take him on a 3-5 magical adventure.

Doctor Who: 11 Doctors, 11 stories 11 authors This print edition is the culmination of a year-long series of ebooks to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the hit BBC series, Doctor Who. Eleven stories, eleven authors, eleven unique interpretations of the Doctor: Reading age his terrifying alien enemies and his timetravelling adventures.

7-11

Friends

By Eric Carle

Large Outdoor Display Area Delivery and Build Service Available

The hero of this delightful new story from Eric Carle makes up his mind to find his friend. Undaunted, he sets off on a quest that takes him across a swift cold river, over a tall mountain, through a broad meadow and a forest full of shadows before finally being reunited with his beloved friend.

www.lets-go-play.co.uk

We can be found at: Chase Farm, Spice Chase (off School Road), Tilney St Lawrence, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE34 4RD Tel: 01945 880418 Mobile: 07885 150111 Email: letsgoplay@btconnect.com OPENING HOURS Tues to Sat 10am - 4pm Other times by prior arrangement

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with

with

Reading age

2-5

ks boo for your school Anyone can enter to win their school all the books in this Puffin Review. Competition entry details are on page 3. Closing date 8th November.

NEVER BE BOARD AGAIN WITH THESE GAMES! Everyone loves a board game and what better way to spend time with your friends and family than with one of John Adams classic board games – there’s something for everyone!

Classic Catchphrase (SSP £19.99) Children (and adults) from the 80s and 90s will love this classic.

Complete with everything you need to play this much-loved game based on the classic 80’s TV programme.

Telestrations (SSP £24.99) The fast-paced game of drawing and guessing your opponents’ objects to reveal hilarious and unpredictable outcomes. A pictorial twist on the classic Chinese Whispers concept..

Players keep passing, drawing and guessing until everyone has played and if the last guess matches your original word you get the points! . The game is suitable for 4-6 players aged 8+.

Based on the ITV1 teatime game hosted by Bradley Walsh,

The Chase (SSP £19.99) Pits contenders against each other testing their general knowledge. Players must make it through two rounds – Quick Fire Questions and The Initial Chase - in order to get through to the Final Chase and beat The Chaser!

Suitable for 3-6 players aged 8+.

The Cube (SSP £24.99) Experience the intensity and pressure of the ultimate test of nerve and skill, this family game is based on the hit Saturday night ITV show, hosted by Phillip Schofield. Up to six players start with nine lives each, as they compete in seven rounds of physical and electronic game challenges, to win the jackpot.

Products available in good toy stores and online. For a list of stockists, call John Adams on 01480 414361.

Or visit the website at: www.johnadams.co.uk

We have 2 of each of these board games to giveaway, that’s eight lucky winners. To enter use the guidelines on page 3 and tell us which two games are your particular favourites. Good Luck ! The closing date is 2nd January 2014.

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The 12 Dogs for Christmas 2 The dogs of Doverville are in trouble again...

but Emma O’Connor (Danielle Chuchran) is back to save them in a song-filled, seasonal extravaganza. Mean-spirited mogul Finneas James (Sean Patrick Flanery) plots to shut down the local puppy orphanage, unless Emily can come up with the money to save it. With the help of some friends, she races against time to put together a musical holiday event that just might save the day. Don’t miss the new chapter in the heartwarming saga.

To win a copy of the DVD complete the word search and find a word not related to Christmas.

Enter using the guidelines on page 3 and be quick as the closing date is December 15th so we can beat the Christmas post cut off. Good Luck!

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CBEEBIES LIVE! THE BIG BAND Brand New Show for 2014 starring - Mr Tumble, Mister Maker and Mr Bloom BBC Worldwide is proud to announce CBeebies Live! The Big Band, the brand new live arena show from the producers of Justin & Friends. This music-themed extravaganza is bound to have pre-schoolers rocking in the aisles when the show sets out on tour over Easter 2014, visiting nine cities across the UK. Tickets are on sale now and full details can be found at www.CBeebieslive.com.

Justin Fletcher said: “I am so pleased… this is going to be a fantastic show with great production values. It’ll be great to share the stage with my CBeebies friends and see the audience join in the fun!”

Warming up their vocal chords and practising their scales for this spectacular show are some of CBeebies’ best-loved characters including Justin Fletcher MBE and his alter ego Mr Tumble, Mister Maker and – making his CBeebies Live! debut – gardener extraordinaire, Mr Bloom. Also, taking leave from their tropical island to bring their unique musical sound to CBeebies Live! are ZingZillas. Additional cast members will be announced later in the year.

Tickets for the upcoming tour have been held at 2013 prices with tickets priced from £13.00 for children, with family tickets from £52.00 (for four people and subject to booking fee). For tickets and the most up to date tour information visit www.CBeebieslive.com.

To win one of 2 family tickets to The Big Band Show at Nottingham Arena on the Saturday 12th April 2014 simply enter using the guidelines on page 3 and tell us what the name of the gardener extraordinaire character is. The winners can choose which show they would like to attend. There are two shows; 13.30 and 16.45. Good Luck!

Closing date 2nd January 2014.

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First aid is for life, not for Christmas!

Christmas is coming and overnight parents’ living rooms are turned into miniature toy stores. With lots of discarded cardboard and Christmas paper thrown all over, we create an area of hazards for our children to play in.

We can be sure that the local accident and emergency department will be busier than ever.

The largest number of children’s accidents occurs in the lounge; over 3000 injuries a year are caused by tripping over something on the floor.

Many accidents are avoidable. By understanding the risks and taking some basic safety measures.

Keep stairs and other areas you walk through clear of toys and clutter to help avoid nasty injuries.

In total more than 1 million children aged under 15 are taken to hospital after being injured in or around the home each year. This year it could be you that spends Christmas day at the hospital.

If your child trips over one of the biggest concerns would be a head injury (other fractures, although painful, heal well and rarely cause any long term problems) If they have been unconscious, appear drowsy, act strangely, have a seizure or react in any way to cause you concern, take the child to hospital to have them checked. It is better to be safe than sorry. If they have just bruised themselves a cold cloth works wonders to reduce the swelling. But remember to keep an eye out for any signs it may be getting worse.

There are other Christmas hazards we should be aware of, the following objects can cause choking problems over the festive period: • Decorations • Wrapping paper • Cracker toys • Pine needles • Batteries

If your child chokes: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Ask them to cough, if they are unable to Slap them firmly on the back up to 5 times Give up to 5 abdominal thrusts Ask someone to call the emergency services.

So should we cancel Christmas? (bah humbug) or just keep our children safe to enjoy all the joys Christmas brings.

Paediatric Course Suitable for: • Parents • Grandparents • Childcare Workers • Schools Note for Childcare settings Why not book an in-house course for up to 12 people on weekdays, evenings or consecutive Saturdays.

Special offer Book a 12 hour in house course in January, February, or March for only £475.00 (normal price (£700.00)

PAEDIATRIC COURSE DATES FOR 2014 13th & 14th January 10th & 11th February 10th & 11th March

£75 per person Venue: Centre 68, Westgate Church, Peterborough

This offer will not be repeated again during 2014.

E: denise@fenlandfirstaid.co.uk

BOOK NOW: T: 01733 351909 22

www.fenlandfirstaid.co.uk

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Deborah Slator

Alpha Kindergarten Schools

EDUCATIONAL DAY NURSERY

lpha - Where Children Come First! · Day care & structured early learning · Excellent facilities for learning & play

· Ages 3 Months to 4 Years · Full & Part-time Places · Sibling Discounts · Qualified & Dedicated Staff · Jumping Jacks Out Of School Care · Holiday Club (up to 11 years) · Healthy menus

· Preparation for school in a happy creative environment · CCTV & secure access control · Outdoor play areas with soft safety surface · OFSTED registered & Nursery Grant available · Childcare vouchers accepted

See our website for more information

www.alphakindergarten.co.uk We Do Not Charge For Bank Holidays

OPEN 8am to 6pm Weekdays All year round (except Bank Holidays)

2 settings available 24 Wainman Road, Orton Longueville, Peterborough PE2 7BU Tel: 01733 390969 66 Fletton Avenue, Fletton, Peterborough PE2 8AU Tel: 01733 311080 Email: alpha@alphakindergarten.co.uk

New outside area is r now open at ou Orton setting complete with outdoor classroom

ALL children in your family enjoy FREE membership of BIG SKY Adventure Play centre too!

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