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the magazine for families

WIN

EDUCATE

Issue 118 January 2016 - March 2016

Inspiring pupils at Wisbech School

Weekend in a Bumble Campervan

Planning the

MUMS

Magic

and the tricks of the trade

for Stamford Arts Centre

FUN

Vouchers

Twilight

at Cambridge Museums

and understanding skincare

DISCOVER

Facials

WIN

Perfect Party

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The essential FREE publication for you and your children

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www.termtimes.ltd.uk winter half term edition

1

ACTION-PACKED

HALF-TERM SPORTS CAMPS

in Peterborough for boys & girls aged 5 - 12 years Our fun holiday sport camps during February half-term are a great experience for children to enjoy sport activities in a safe environment.

ONLYÂŁ15 PER DAY BOOK NOW FOOTBALL Our football activity includes fun warm-up games, skills coaching, minitournaments and penalty shootouts.

MULTI SPORT A chance for your child to try their hand at everything from football, basketball, rugby & cricket to athletics, tri-golf and more.

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SPORT GAMES This includes fun games supervised by our like dodgeball, benchball, Robin Hood, experienced, qualified, team races and freezeball. coaching team.

For more details of venues, dates and times visit our website Book single or multiple days • 10% discount for bookings of 3 days and over

Call Scott from Key Sports on 07790 016886 or email: keysports@hotmail.co.uk

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2

www.termtimes.ltd.uk winter half term edition

Welcome . . .

Hello and welcome to our winter half term issue of Term Times Magazine.

We have decided in this issue to try to help with the thorny issue of party provision in the area. We know from experience (and often parental shame) there are some really imaginative families out there who come up, year after year, with spectacular diversions for their children and their friends. We are, however, very much in the camp that any suggestions are gratefully received. The party guide has brought together some of the best and diverse options available in our locality that should inspire even the most reluctant party-planners amongst us!

As ever, we have some great competitions on offer including cinematic vouchers for the Stamford Arts Centre and an exciting opportunity to win a Bumble Campervan weekend! We bring you information on one of my favourite things to do with children this time of year; Cambridge’s Twilight at the Museums. In addition, the fabulous Serenity loves salon gives us the low down on the benefits of facials.

I hope you enjoy this issue and look forward to the next one, when we can start thinking about getting out and about once more.

Amanda

Schools and teachers - we want you!

Why not let us know what your school or class have been up to?

Are you a teacher who is organising an interesting project, event, school trip or new initiative? Has your school or class achieved something really good and you would like to tell us about it? Does your school organise special heritage days? What recycling and green energy projects have you undertaken or planned? Or perhaps you are a head of a local primary school and would like to be interviewed by the magazine?

Term Times welcomes contributions from everyone connected with education and local schools.

Please send submissions to steven@termtimes.ltd.uk

Contents 4 6 8 12 – 16 19 20

Advertise with Have you a business aimed at youngsters and their parents?

Term Times reaches over 47,000 children and many more parents six times a year. Through a transparent and targeted channel, your business will be seen in a title read and respected for over 20 years.

Contact the team on 01780 757731 today or via steven@termtimes.ltd.uk for options available.

20 22

News round-up Face Mapping Twilight at the Museums Birthday party guide, and top tips on choosing that perfect party Inspiring Pupils at Wisbech Grammar School The passport to learning with the Children’s University Magic man, we meet Jason Fenn Peterborough magic social worker Win a Bumble Camper experience, books for your School and Arts Centre Vouchers

Competition Entry

Enter at www.termtimes.ltd.uk

Mentioning the competition you're entering, send your name, age, address, phone number and school name to Term Times, 70 Rutland Road, Stamford, Lincs PE9 1UW or via email to steven@termtimes.ltd.uk

Alternatively, competitions will be posted on our website. Please ask your parents’ permission before entering via the internet. All winners will be picked at random and Term Times decision is final.

This magazine was designed by: Publication, leaflet & poster design Website design & development Computer maintenance (Apple & PC)

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Publisher: Steven Beacham | Editor: Amanda Stacey T: 01780 757731 E: steven@termtimes.ltd.uk www.termtimes.ltd.uk 70 Rutland Road, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 1UW CMYK / .eps

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Term Times/Term Times Ltd are independently published and are trading styles of 12th Man Services and Solutions Ltd. 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. Competition winners will have their details shared with the competition supplier for purposes of fulfilling delivery/provision of the prize. Details of the winners will also be published in a subsequent issue and by entering the competition you grant Term Times permission to publish these. 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.

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3

New Holiday Club at Hauxton

NEWS Pond fun for Kids!

Lambing Time February half-term at Church Farm, Stow Bardolph, near Downham Market, is the start of lambing season - so come along to see the new-born woolly wonders.

You may even be lucky enough to see one being born.

There will be bottle-feeding sessions throughout the day.

Lambing starts 13 February and carries on until after Easter. There will be all the usual farm fun too!

Why not have a go at the half-term quiz or take a leisurely wander up to Church Wood to see the first Spring flowers.

Exciting news for 2016 - a new, extended indoor play area for the under 5’s will be opening at half-term with lots of fun activities and comfy sofas for parents!

There will also be a new, outdoor pedal tractor trail, perfect for little tractor fans!

Call 01366 382 162 o.uk www.churchfarmstowbardolph.c

A newt went down to the pond one night. What did he find? Who did he meet?

Let Froglife take you on a journey with our amphibian friend in a beautifully-illustrated, new book.

The Perfect Pond is a children’s story with a difference. Set in the British countryside with native wildlife characters, the book introduces children to their natural heritage and encourages discussion about UK species and their habitats, ecology and conservation.

Froglife will be using the book when working with primary schools. It is aimed at Key Stage 1 children aged five to seven, but can be enjoyed by younger and older children alike.

To buy the book (£6.95), visit Froglife’s online shop www.froglife. org/shop. All profits will fund Froglife’s work looking after native amphibians and reptiles, and helping people learn about our wildlife.

Its an exciting time at Snap! 4 Kids! 2016 has seen the launch of Hauxton After School and holiday club which runs daily from 3-6pm.

Children take part in a wide range of activities including sport, arts based, singing, drama and music theatre themed sessions. The club also aims to run during school holidays 8am - 6pm. If you are interested in learning more please call 01223 870966 or email info@ snap4kids.co.uk At the Cambridge city centre setting in Chapel street, a refurbishing program has begun.

Internally, rooms are being painted and refreshed and outside there are areas with astro turf and a range of new activities and equipment bring developed. Weekly music sessions are delivered by a visiting music specialist who also runs additional dedicated sessions on Sundays open to all.

Call 01223 477413 or email info@snap4kids.co.uk

Join ‘Jurassic Jeff’ for a Fun Filled Family Fossil Fish at Peterborough Museum This February, Peterborough Museum throws open its doors to The Big Jurassic Fish Hunt, a fun filled family event themed around new and internationally important research that is currently taking place in the Museum.

In 2002, in a quarry in Whittlesey, Dr Jeff Liston uncovered remains of the world’s largest ever species of fish, ‘Leedsichthys Problematicus’ which dates back to the Jurassic era and has been largely unresearched. The most complete set of Leedsichthys remains ever (containing over 2,300 bones), these fossils are now being prepared, documented and researched at Peterborough Museum and new information being gleaned from them every day.

In February Half Term, children and families will work with Dr ‘Jurassic’ Jeff to learn as much as they can about the fish in fun, educational activities, some of which will be hands-on. Children will get to use microscopes, follow a trail around the Museum and get up close to see bones of the fish. They will also have the opportunity to engage their creative brains by making ‘Palaeo-art’ – crafty artistic creations inspired by the fossils they’ve seen and learnt about during the day.

This is a chance for families to get involved with, and learn about, an internationally significant scientific discovery, meet a real life palaeontologist and view never before seen bones of this enormous fish, which could grow up to 16.5 metres (54 feet) in length, exclusively at Peterborough Museum.

• Froglife is a UK wildlife charity committed to the conservation of amphibians and reptiles.

The Big Jurassic Fish Hunt runs from Monday 15 February to Friday 19 February 2016 at Peterborough Museum during the Half Term Holidays. Opening times are 10am – 5pm (last entry at 4pm)

Well Done Kai!

There’s no need to book for this event, families can just drop in! sicfish vivacity-peterborough.com/bigjuras

Here is Kai and his friends from Peakirk cum Glinton Primary School who were the lucky winners of our Skylark Garden Centre gardening equipment Winter Competition. The equipment will be used by staff and pupils on the two gardens at the school.

4

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5

A better face behind the mask

C

leanser? Check. Toner? Check.

Moisturiser? Check. Skin care complete? Wrong. You’re missing the mask. Don’t have enough time to sit back and relax? What if you knew the benefits to 'relaxing' - 30 small minutes can add a 100 times more benefits to your skin and mind.

Serenity Loves is introducing face mapping to their range of treatments.

Face mapping is an advanced consultation that will look beyond epidermis (the visible layer of the skin).

After assessing the skin, they will then be able to decide the best masks for you. Yes that’s, right - masks. They have specific masks for every client’s individual needs. All masks are made during the facial to achieve the best results for your skin.

Dry T-zone, oily cheeks, congested chin? No problem - more than one mask can be applied to the face at one time.

Fuller's earth, magnesium carbonate, calamine, kaolin that can be mixed with witch hazel, orange flower water, rose water or almond oil - even a dash of lavender or tea tree oil can be added to clear the mind and relax the body. All these products are natural and pure but, once mixed together, can completely change the skin.

But what are the benefits? Most people don’t understand what a good

facial can offer. Most people will wait until they have a skin issue before having a facial. While this is OK, these frustrating problems we all want solving will often be pre-empted by monthly facials and advice on the correct after-care.

Why is a monthly facial a good investment? Your skin is the one thing that you wear daily; it is constantly on show and can determine how good we feel. Serenity Loves believes investing in good monthly facials is as important as buying that dress you might wear once but then forget about. Remember, our skin is with us for a lifetime.

Monthly facials are recommended because of the skin's ‘28-day shred cycle’.

The stratum corneum (the outermost layer) will desquamate every 28 days. In this time, your current skin cells are being replicated by your new skin cells, so why not give them a head start by looking after your current ones, giving you a better complexion month after month?

Aside from being totally relaxing, a facial offers: *Increased circulation - this will improve blood flow and contribute to renewing new skin cells. *Lower blood pressure - while you relax, your body is taking time out to relax itself, resulting in a calmer state of mind and body.

Book in for your free face mapping consultation at Serenity Loves now - call 01733 687 835, message them on Facebook or visit www.serenityloves.co.uk

Does your child love to act and sing?

Do they need more confidence?

Or are they heading for the stage?

Our small classes make all the difference!

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FIRST CLASS LEARNING ENGLISH AND MATHS TUITION

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Children learning to succeed CLASS TIMES: Monday 4pm - 6pm Tuesday 4pm - 6pm

Please contact us for further information or to arrange a FREE ASSESSMENT for your child

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Ruth Ekblom – Centre manager T: 07957 893 287 or 01733 602 502 E: peterboroughsouth@firstclasslearning.co.uk www.termtimes.ltd.uk winter half term edition

7

Twilight at the Museums 17 February 4.30-8.30pm

T

his FREE family event on Wednesday, February 17 (4.30-8.30pm) sees museums and collections across Cambridge open their doors for a variety of torch-lit and illuminated adventures. With drop-in activities and themed trails across 11 locations, there is plenty for families to enjoy.

Embark on an epic hunt for gadgets and gizmos at The Whipple Museum; spot the difference between Arctic and Antarctic animals with The Polar Museum; watch out for dinosaurs lurking in the shadows of the Sedgwick Museum; and feast your eyes on the Botanic Garden’s illuminated glasshouse to find your way through dry deserts, freezing alpine conditions and lush tropical rainforests.

Sharp-eyed adventurers should keep an eye out for a special Twilight Bike that will be projecting animated drawings onto the buildings of four museum sites throughout the evening.

At the Museum of Cambridge in Castle Street, watch a mesmerising demonstration of a Magic Lantern, an early projector first invented in the 1600s, then have a go at making your own colourful slide to take home. And discover the story of a little boy at the Farmland Museum and Denny Abbey who started a collection in a shoe-box. Follow the light path and discover some amazing stories behind collected objects, local tools and ancient stones.

Twilight What’s On programmes

Twilight What’s On programmes are available from all participating museums and other venues, or download your own from the University of Cambridge Museums’ website. For up-to-the-minute information, keep an eye on Facebook (Cambridge University Museums) and Twitter (@CamUnivMuseums) for regular updates.

8

Where to enjoy Twilight at the Museums

It’s time to dust off those torches and refresh the batteries as Cambridge’s Twilight at the Museums returns for a tenth year of after-dark activities.

Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Downing Street Bring a torch and try the Twilight trail to discover amazing things.

Cambridge University Botanic Garden, Brookside Journey through dry deserts and lush rainforests on the hunt for special plants.

Museum of Classical Archaeology, Sidgwick Avenue Grab a torch to bring sculptures to life.

Museum of Cambridge, Castle Street Watch a mesmorising demonstration of a Magic Lantern.

Farmland Museum & Denny Abbey, Ely Road, Waterbeach Follow the light path and discover some amazing stories.

The Polar Museum with Museum of Zoology, Lensfield Road Visit the Polar Museum to find out more about wildlife at the poles.

Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, Downing Street Hunt dinosaurs lurking in the shadows!

Cambridge Science Centre, Jesus Lane Get experimental with some hands-on science - in the dark.

Whipple Museum of the History of Science, Free School Lane Take part in an epic hunt for gadgets and gizmos.

Cambridge Museum of Technology, Cheddars Lane Experience the museum through sound tours and hands-on activities.

Fitzwilliam Museum and Kettle’s Yard, Trumpington Street Enjoy creative workshops and storytelling at the Fitzwilliam Museum.

Cambridge Guides - Guided Torchlight Tours, Downing Street Hear remarkable stories of the city on family torch lit tours.

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9

Let’s try ...

Ingredients

Cauliflower Biriyani Cook up this wonderful veggie Indian family meal that will warm up your young ones on a winter’s evening.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Oil for frying, eg. rapeseed 2 onions, thinly sliced 2 tbsp medium hot curry powder (less if you prefer it milder) 2x 400g tins chopped tomatoes 10 cardamom pods 200g brown basmati rice, rinsed well & drained 1 large cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets 200ml fat-free yogurt, plus extra to serve 2 large garlic cloves, crushed 50g piece fresh ginger, peeled & grated 2 tsp cumin seeds 1 tsp turmeric 1 tsp garam masala 50g fresh coriander 4 tbsp flaked almonds, toasted in a dry frying pan until golden Fried onions to garnish

Method

 Preheat the oven to 190˚C. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large pan. Fry the onion on a low heat for approx 10 mins, until soft and translucent, without colouring.

Key facts Preparation time 15 mins Cooking time 50 mins Serves 4

 Add the curry powder, tinned tomatoes, cardamom pods, rice and 600ml water.  Bring to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 25 mins, or until the rice is tender. While the rice is cooking, toss the cauli with the yogurt, garlic, ginger, cumin seeds, turmeric, garam masala and half the coriander leaves in a baking dish. Roast until the cauli is just tender but still with some bite, approx 20-30 mins, depending on how small you’ve cut the florets.  Remove from the oven and stir in the cooked rice and half the

For more great family recipes www.riverford.co.uk/recipes

almonds. Cover with foil and bake for a further 15 mins.

 Serve sprinkled with the rest of the almonds, coriander leaves, crispy fried onions (if using) and a dollop of extra yogurt.

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11

Perfect Parties

As parents, we want to do our best for our children ...and that includes throwing the perfect birthday party

By Kay Kelly

LASERFORCE Holding a birthday party at home is generally less hassle and a cheaper option - numbers can be kept down and there's no outlay for the venue.

Space heroes can battle against friends or foes in an exciting, safe fantasy game at a Laserforce birthday party.

However, if the thought of a dozen children running amok through the house is too stressful, hiring a venue could be money well-spent.

Players, wearing illuminated battlesuits and armed with phaser guns, hide behind protective cover and manoeuvre through a themed maze.

With a village or church hall, or similar, you'll still have to organise the entertainment and catering.

There are two packages - a 75-minute, two-game party with canned drink and ice cream or two-hour, three game party with canned drink, ice cream and use of the party room with hot food and drink carton.

But there are lots of companies which bring themed parties, such as princess and superhero or arts and crafts, to a venue of your choosing...and you can pick up ready-made food from a supermarket.

There are also a host of local venues providing party packages which means all the hard work is done for you so you can sit back, relax and enjoy watching your child having a great time.

Both also include a present for the birthday boy or girl and lifetime membership for under 16 year old guests.

Suitable for a minimum of eight players.

Cost: From £9.80 per player

Venue: Laserforce, Brook St, These packages come in many varieties Peterborough PE1 1TU to suit your child's interests - from www.laserforceuk.co.uk/ swimming parties at the local pool to Peterborough.html sessions at soft play centres.

SUPER SPIES But remember, if you are planning on hiring a venue or entertainer do so early because the best ones will get booked well in advance.

James Bond fans will be in their element at a Si5 SpyMissions birthday party.

To help you choose a party venue or entertainment for your child's birthday this year, here's our guide to some of the best, most unusual and most popular from around the local area.

Guests embark on a top secret, actionpacked, undercover mission to save the world.

NERF WARS PARTY Party-goers compete against each other in the Nerf Battle Zone complete with obstacles to dodge and hide behind.

This safe, fun and competitive activity uses foam-firing blasters and trained staff to organise team games and challenges.

Accompanied by a guide, the intrepid spies complete a series of puzzles and challenges set aboard the battle cruiser UNS Steadfast.

The exciting storyline will capture the children's imagination - from covertly boarding the vessel to the adrenalinefuelled escape.

The adventure takes about an hour and a quarter for over eights and an hour for six and seven year olds.

Youngsters can test their individual skills at target practice and shoot outs.

Party food is served when the mission is completed.

Suitable for 10 to 16 children (capacities vary by venue),eight years and over.

Suitable for up to 32 players (split into groups), aged six to 12.

Cost: £75 for 55 minutes Venues: One Leisure Huntingdon, One Leisure St Ives, One Leisure St Neots, One Leisure Sawtry and One Leisure Ramsey www.oneleisure.net 12

Cost: Starting from £150 for a 12-player party for six and seven year olds, including food and Spy Pack party bag.

MULTI-SPORT & FOOTBALL Key Sports stages birthday parties for boys or girls and the package comprises one hour of either multi-sports games and activities or football - or a combination of both - at your chosen venue.

The activities are hosted by a fullyqualified Key Sports coach.

Promising lots of fun, the birthday boy or girl receives a trophy as a memento of their special day.

Suitable for children aged from four to 10 years.

Cost: £60 for one hour coaching (up to 20 children) at a venue arranged by parents (venue recommendations can be provided). www.keysportscoaching.co.uk INDOOR FOOTBALL Football fanatics of all ages will enjoy a kick-about at this sports hall football party.

Footballs and bibs are provided, but you'll need an adult to act as referee.

Suitable for up to 30 children, any age (capacities vary by venue), Cost: £50 for 55 minutes Venues: One Leisure Huntingdon, One Leisure Sawtry, One Leisure St Ives and One Leisure St Neots www.oneleisure.net

PHOENIX GYM ACADEMY Party-goers at Phoenix Gymnastics Academy enjoy exclusive use of the gym equipment and sprung floor - supervised by a qualified gymnastics coach.

The two-hour package includes use of the canteen as well as tables and benches to set up party food.

Cost: £125 for up to 20 children Venue: 26 Maxwell Road, Peterborough PE2 7JD www.phoenixgymnasticsacademy.co.uk CAKE DECORATING Sweet-toothed youngsters can get creative at a two-hour Cambridgeshire Sugar Craft Supplies' Cupcake Party.

Children decorate six cupcakes - with expert guidance - which they take home in a box along with a certificate.

Suitable for six to 10 children, five years and over.

Cost: £12.50 per child

TENPIN BOWLING

Venue: Unit 7 Falcon Way

Basement Lanes at One Leisure St Ives has five lanes available to hire for parties up to three months in advance.

Eagle Business Park, Yaxley, Peterborough PE7 3GR

There are various birthday bowling packages to choose from, with groups of 19 or more given exclusive use of all five lanes. This gives the option of glow bowling and supplying your own music.

TERMINATOR CRISIS

The Kids' Option, for youngsters between two and 10 years old is available weekdays and before 6pm at weekends.

It includes one game of bowling, party food, fruit drink and free game voucher for every child.

Suitable for up to 30 party-goers.

Cost: £9.50 per child

Venue: Unit 7, Viking Way Bar Hill, Cambridge CB23 8EL

Venue: One Leisure St Ives Indoor, Westwood Road, St Ives PE27 6WU

www.spymissions.co.uk/cambridge

www.oneleisure.net

www.cambridgeshiresugarcraftsupplies. co.uk

A Total Wipeout-style challenge as party-goers battle through an inflatable obstacle course in a bid to become the ultimate champion.

Includes exclusive use of a party room where parents can lay on food and drink.

Suitable for up to 30 children, between five and 15 years old.

Cost: £120 Venue: Hampton Leisure Centre, Clayburn Road, Hampton, Peterborough, PE7 8GL www.vivacity-peterborough.com/ venues/hampton-leisure-centre

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ANIMAL MAGIC

Please check prices and party details directly with organisers before booking as these can change after the magazine has been printed.

Take a walk on the wild side with The Exotic Pet Refuge's birthday party package.

DYNAMITE DISCO Children can dance to their favourite music in an air-conditioned room with disco lighting and seating areas.

A dedicated host meets and greets party-goers, plays the music and attends to guests.

Classic party games such as musical statues and pass the parcel (you will need to take your own parcel) can be organised with the party host.

Included is an exclusive guided tour of the refuge, a registered charity home to more than 300 animals, and private use of the Everest function room. Customise the visit by adding extras including an animal handling experience, party food, photographs of the children with the refuge residents.

Cost: From £6 per child Venue: The Exotic Pet Refuge, 102 Station Road, Deeping St James PE6 8RH www.exoticpetrefuge.org.uk

Cost: £60 for one hour

DOWN ON THE FARM

Venue: One Leisure Huntingdon, One Leisure St Ives and One Leisure St Neots

At Sacrewell, there are lots of animals to meet and pet, yummy food and the chance to burn off some energy in the playbarn. There are two party packages plus a variety of optional extras to choose from, including party bags and tractor rides.

SNORKELLING PARTY Young guests will learn to explore underwater with a qualified instructor in this unusual party activity.

Suitable for up to 16 children, eight years and over.

Whichever package you choose, you’ll get your own roped-off VIP area in the playbarn, present for the birthday child, free admission for both the birthday child's parents and a parent with each guest, free entry return voucher for each child and a selection of locallysourced food and drink by Origin8@ Sacrewell.

Cost: £70 for 50 minutes

Suitable for children up to 12 years.

Venue: One Leisure Ramsey, Abbey Road, Ramsey PE26 1DP www.oneleisure.net

Cost: From £12.50 per child

All equipment for the fun group activity is supplied, but participants must be able to swim 50m and be confident in deep water.

PRIVATE POOL PARTY Enjoy exclusive use of the pool for a fun-packed party with a choice of either inflatable zorbs, two-man rollerz and peddlerz boats or a huge inflatable course. Includes exclusive use of a party room where parents can lay on food and drink.

Suitable for up to 20 children.

Cost: £120 for either party option Venues: Jack Hunt Pool and Gym, Ledbury Road, Netherton, Peterborough, PE3 9PN and Regional Fitness & Swimming Centre, Bishops Road, Peterborough PE1 5BW www.vivacity-peterborough.com ICE SKATING PARTY Children can channel their inner Torvill and Dean during this 90-minute birthday party package featuring an ice skating session with skate hire, party food and moneysaving vouchers.

Extras are also available on request, including a skating coach, birthday child's name in lights and penguin skating aids.

Whether your youngster is a dinosaur devotee, history buff or naturelover, Adventure Hunter Parties at Peterborough Museum and Flag Fen offer a choice of fun themed birthday parties.

Suitable for all ages.

Suitable for a maximum of 30 children, up to 12 years (up to 10 years at St Neots).

www.oneleisure.net

ADVENTURE HUNTER PARTY

PRINCESS PAMPER PARTY Make your little princess - and her friends' - dream come true with a special Princess Pamper Party at Serenity Loves.

There are five pamper packages to choose from and all include hair styling, nail painting, make-up, creating a princess crown and half an hour in the playroom - equipped with a host of toys as well as a computer console and games. Tailor-made pamper parties can also be organised by contacting the salon.

Suitable for any age.

Cost: From £12 per child, including soft drinks and refreshments for adults Venue: 438 Oundle Road, Peterborough PE2 7DB www.serenityloves.co.uk

Peterborough Museum hosts Knights and Princesses, Under the Sea Adventures and Dino Disco themed parties. During open season only, Flag Fen lays on Time Travellers, Nature Detectives and Pirates. All two-hour parties come with a host to lead the craft activities and games.

Catering and party bags can also be arranged.

Parties are available on Saturdays excluding special event days - from 11am to 1pm or 2pm to 4pm with an extra half an hour at the beginning and end for set up and take down.

Cost: £150 for 20 children, additional party-goers £2.50 each Venues: Peterborough Museum, Priestgate, Peterborough PE1 1LF, Flag Fen, The Droveway, Northey Road, Peterborough PE6 7QJ www.vivacity-peterborough.com/ museums-and-heritage/adventurehunter-party continued > >

Venue: Sacrewell, Thornaugh PE8 6HJ www.sacrewell.org.uk GETTING CRAFTY The Creation Station, covering Peterborough West and surrounding areas, brings fun-filled arts and crafts parties to your choice of venue.

Arty Parties include a host of exciting activities from making treasure boxes, photo frames and clay creations - with guests using their own ideas and imaginations to create unique designs.

Available for any occasion...

• plasma screens • loud music system • disco lights • Wii dance • karaoke • dance floor • smoke machine • custom made seating • drink optics • champagne ice buckets

The packages offer age-appropriate activities for every budget and are led by party organiser Coralie Huson.

Suitable for all ages.

No ordinary bus!

www.thecreationstation.co.uk/ childrens-art-class-and-partyentertainer/peterborough-west

For toddlers up to 10 years old

PAM PER BU S COM ING SO ON!

• ball pit • slide • Wii dance and games • music • climbing wall • swing-ball and not forgetting the delicious Yummy • candy floss and popcorn machines Yummy!

• prices from £145.00 for a 2 hour party

A wide selection of coaches and buses available for hire ranging from 12 to 70 seats with seatbelts.

Disabled access coach with a lift available.

Suitable for six to 20 children, any age.

Cost: From £10 per child off peak Venue: Planet Ice, 1 Mallard Road, Peterborough PE3 8YN www.planet-ice.co.uk

Peterborough based

01733 351 694 info@deckerbus.co.uk

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13

Perfect Parties

Invitations - do's and don'ts

Balloons and Banners

Remember when planning the party date to consider what else is happening around that time.

Sprucing up the party venue will set the mood and make the birthday boy or girl feel special.

The birthday girl or boy will be disappointed their friends can't attend if the party clashes with other events.

At home, the room can be transformed into a party palace with balloons, streamers and banners available from supermarkets and specialist shops.

If you are staging the party in school holidays, check with your child's best friends' parents that they won't be jetting away for a sunshine break.

Also avoid choosing the same date as other parties, although one of the best ways of keeping down costs is a joint party with another child and means guests won't have to turn down one party to go to another.

Send out invitations three to four weeks before the event, including vital information about venue, time and date to RSVP. Be sure to mention the party theme and if specific clothing or footwear is required.

Don't forget to chase up replies in case invitations are still languishing in the bottom of school bags.

Be aware that themed brand products can be costly.

Of course, if you are feeling crafty you could make your own. Streamers can be created from colourful crepe paper, bunting by decorating card shapes and threading them together and banners from large sheets of paper or a roll of cheap plain wallpaper.

Planning party food There's no need to lay on a lavish spread at a children's birthday party.

Having a party at home is sometimes simply not an option because of space or concerns about prized possessions being damaged.

When putting the menu together keep things simple and remember children can be picky eaters so include savoury, sweet and healthy options to keep everyone happy.

Provide water or squash to drink.

Lots of spaces are available to rent for children's parties from a relatively inexpensive church or village hall to venues and restaurants which can provide a full package, including entertainment and food, such as soft play centres, swimming pools and leisure centres.

It's a good idea not to put out the sweet treats before the children have finished with the savouries.

Don't over cater or you will be eating party food the next fortnight.

When choosing a venue consider the cost, location, size, catering, theme and supervision.

If you have a party theme, most supermarkets and dedicated party shops have a range of paper plates, napkins, table cloths and decorations that cover a huge variety of themes.

And remember, popular venues are booked up early, so don't leave organising this to the last minute.

If you are catering yourself then prepare as much as possible in advance to freeze so you have time

Perfect Parties >> continued from previous page THE YARD The Yard soft play centre hosts a twohour party including play, a birthday lunch bag with sandwich, crisps, fruit and jelly - or hot dogs - squash and a cupcake, a special party bag and use of the party room.

Extras, such as fancy nibbles for grown-ups, are also available on request.

Suitable for between 10 and 15 children, up to 7 years old.

Cost: £12 per child (party package for babies available for £8.50). Exclusive use is available on Saturday or Sunday from 4.30pm to 6.30pm for £120, plus £6.50 for the birthday picnic and party bag if required. Look for our special offer on page 15.

Let them eat cake No children's party is complete without a birthday cake.

freeze it, then decorate a couple of days before the party. There's lots of inspiration on the internet, particularly if you are looking to create a themed cake.

You could cheat by buying shopbought sponges in different shapes and transform them into your own design.

If you don't have the time, confidence or inclination to make the cake yourself then there are alternatives to suit your budget and time-scale.

Inexpensive, ready-made children's cakes, in a host of themes and styles, can be found in major supermarkets.

Some can also add names and ages, but remember to order well in advance of the party date.

Specialist cake-makers are more expensive, but you can specify a design that is truly unique for your child and see the idea turned into

Make sure every child wins a prize during the party - even if it's a small sweetie for taking part.

Primary-aged children will need to be kept busy, but they can be quite cooperative, understand rules, and enjoy organised team games.

If you don't think games will be enough entertainment then think about hiring a professional.

It doesn't have to be too extravagant - a face painter is always popular.

Party bags Goody bags are a children's party staple and the perfect farewell present and thank you to guests.

There are plenty of online retailers who sell pre-filled goody bags delivered to your door if you don't have the time to put them together yourself.

Shop around though, as the quality of contents and prices vary greatly.

It's worth remembering that children are not particular what goes in their party bag.

So don't waste money on expensive items, just a few pocket-money priced goodies such as stickers, a bottle of bubbles, pencils, and packet of sweets go down a treat with any age. And don't forget to include a goody bag for the birthday boy or girl.

FUN FARM SPALDING BIG SKY ADVENTURE PLAY

This indoor play centre has three storeys of action-packed padded play with slides, deck climbs, roller squeezes, ball pools, and more.

Big Sky provides party-goers with an exciting indoor adventure soft play space with added attractions (age restrictions apply) including a climbing wall, Didi Cars, Demon Drop slide, trampolines, Sky Rider and kart track.

The two-hour Deluxe package includes an hour-and-a-half of play, 'Vortex' experience for the birthday boy or girl, meal in the party hut, unlimited squash and balloon each.

The Mega-Deluxe themed party choose from pirate, princess, jungle, dinosaur, Minnie or Mickey Mouse - is the same as the Deluxe package plus a dessert and party bag for each guest and themed present for the birthday child.

The three-hour Full Works package has the same features as the Deluxe with a dessert, bowling and Laser Storm (age permitting) included.

Suitable for all ages.

Cost: From £9.99 per child

Venue: The Yard, Unit 2 West Street, Stamford PE9 2PL

Venue: Fun Farm Spalding, High Road, Weston, Spalding PE12 6JU

www.theyardstamford.co.uk

www.funfarm.co.uk/funfarmspalding

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reality. Again, give them plenty of time to complete the order.

A popular alternative to laying out the On the big day don't forget candles food on a table is to pre-pack party (and something to light them with) and food boxes. napkins to wrap up the cake slices - just a small slice for each child will suffice.

If you are holding the party at home or a local venue, organise the location Perfect party games and timing of the party food around The most popular children's party your entertainment. games have not changed in decades.

In smaller venues, consider saving Classics such as musical statues, putting out the party tables until towards the end of the entertainment pass the parcel and pin the tail on the donkey are as much fun to today's to avoid distractions and youngsters as they were 40 years ago. compromising on space.

Home baking is undergoing a revival recently, thanks in large part to The Private hire venues can be given the Great British Bake Off, so you may same treatment. want to bake and decorate the cake Securing balloons or a banner outside yourself. the house or venue will direct guest Make the cake in advance - you can to the party. buy different shaped moulds - and

Home or away?

There are alternatives.

to make last-minute foods, such as sandwiches, on the day.

TUMBLE TOTS Older children can now enjoy the Tumble Tots experience with a birthday party package including fun aerobics, age appropriate songs, set of circuits and relay races to finish.

The play equipment can be set up at any chosen venue provided there is sufficient space.

Extras are also available including face painting, traditional party games and other activities as required.

Suitable from 6 months to seven years old.

Activities are timetabled, so what is available during the party will depend on the selected two-hour party timeslot .

The package includes a cold buffet or hot food, squash and a party host.

If the centre is not busy post-party guests will be permitted to stay longer than the allocated two hours.

Suitable for between eight and 20 children, up to 11 years of age or 4ft 11ins (which ever applies).

Cost: From £10.50 per child

Cost: From £145

Venue: Big Sky Adventure Play, 24 Wainman Road, Orton Longueville, Peterborough PE2 7BU

www.tumbletots.com/peterborough

www.bigsky.co.uk

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continued > >

Cupcake Parties

• We teach your children how to decorate a cupcake, and we clear up the mess afterwards!

• Your child receives their own creatively decorated box of 6 cupcakes and a gift certificate.

• Catering for 6 (min) to 10 children. Age 5+. Party lasts 2 hours. Children will be provided with aprons.

• Price: £12.50 per child.

For more details call 01733 245 451 or visit www.cambridgeshiresugarcraftsupplies.co.uk

Exotic Pet Refuge 2016 Open Days

27th March, 15th May and 12th June.

Visit our refuge of exotic animals and native wildlife for a great family day out. Enjoy our collection of over 300 animals, and help us to continue our work.

Children’s entertainment and refreshments available.

Open days run from 10.00am to 5.00pm. Entry costs just £6 for adults and £3 for children.

www.exoticpetrefuge.org.uk 01778 345923 exoticpetrefuge@aol.com

NEW for 2016: School v isits and birth day parties.

102 Station Road, Deeping St James, Peterborough PE6 8R

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Perfect Parties >> continued from previous page

PARTY BUS

JUNGLE MADNESS

The Playbus party bus is a fun-packed doubledecker kitted out with a soft play space, music system, toys and Wii console.

Sure to be a hit with little ones, the Jungle Madness party package features a bouncy castle, climb 'n' slide and ball pond with floating balls, all in an exotic jungle landscape.

Includes exclusive use of a party room where parents can lay on food and drink.

Suitable for up to 30 children under five years old.

Cost: From £120 Venue: Hampton Leisure Centre, Clayburn Road, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8GL www.vivacity-peterborough.com/venues/ hampton-leisure-centre MUSIC FOR LITTLE PEOPLE A Music For Little People birthday party features fully interactive songs and finger plays at home or your choice of venue in the Peterborough area.

Teacher Louise Wootton also brings along a large box of percussion instruments for the children to 'make a band' and uses other colourful props.

Traditional party games can also be included and a small 'musical' gift is provided for the birthday child.

The entertainment can be themed and popular topics are teddies, trains and mini-beasts.

Suitable for babies to pre-school.

Cost: From £80 http://www.musicforlittlepeople.co.uk/ teachers-n-c

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The party package offers two hours aboard the vehicle - with unlimited drinks plus candyfloss and popcorn machines - which can be parked outside your home or suitable venue of choice.

A single-deck Playbus is also available.

Suitable for up to 30 children, from one year to 10 years old.

Cost: From £145 for 12 children www.play-bus.co.uk GAMING GURUS If the birthday boy or girl is mad about Minecraft or a fan of FIFA then a two-hour party at ezone ninja is the perfect solution.

In the Minecraft World children can play with up to 16 friends in creative mode or compete against each other in a massive versus skirmish.

A team of four can take on another in the FIFA Stadium.

The party can be spread across both zones if preferred and exclusive access to a zone is available for parties of 10 or more.

Suitable for up to 32 children, any age.

Cost: £10 per child - with free Minecraft wristband for every guest.

Venues: Deeping ezone.ninja, 3 Chater Court, Halifax Drive, Market Deeping PE6 8AH and St Neots ezone.ninja, Premier Plus Stadium, Rowley Park, Kester Way, St Neots PE19 6SL www.ezone.ninja

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4-18 yrs for budding young performers

Fun filled Half term workshops

John Mansfield Centre Peterborough

Every Saturday 9.30 -12.30

For over two decades we’ve championed an Our stage school brings out the best in students, exhilarating approach to theatre school education in builds confidence and gives aspiring young actors theatrical arts for young people - teaching our children opportunities of a lifetime via our large scale how to dance, act and sing in performing arts classes. London shows and smaller local shows each year.

1 hour of dance, 1 hour singing & 1 hour of drama.

All Theatre train pupils All lessons are fun filled sessions which build will be seen by top confidence & ability for any child who loves to perform.

London acting agent.

NEXT PERFORMANCE: DISNEYLAND PARIS PARADE To book your child for a trial session or for details please contact Michelle: T: 07808 728243 E: peterborough@theatretrain.co.uk www.theatretrain.co.uk 18

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Wisbech Grammar School

An all round education that inspires...

2016 OPEN EVENTS: Saturday 30 January 10.00 – 12.00 Prep School Open Morning Saturday 6 February 9.30 – 11.30 Reception Class Assessment Morning Saturday 27 February 14.00 – 16.00 Senior School Open Afternoon Wednesday 16 March 18.00 – 20.00 Sixth Form Open Evening Saturday 23 April 10.00 – 12.00 Prep School Open Morning Saturday 23 April All Day Year 5 Open Day For more information or to register for an Open Event, please contact the Admissions Team on:

W

isbech Grammar School, founded in 1379, is an Independent HMC Co-educational Day School for pupils aged 4-18. It is located on a 34 acre site on the historic North Brink in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire.

Academic excellence is at the heart of the School’s educational approach. In tandem, it offers an educational journey which enables its pupils to go beyond the narrow confines of exam specifications, and provides an all-round education that inspires.

Each individual pupil counts. Pupils are encouraged to be committed, be involved, be independent and most of all, be themselves.

The journey begins in the School’s Preparatory School, Magdalene House, where a tangible atmosphere of anticipation, happiness and excitement to learn is exhibited by its pupils.

Here they are taught the fundamental attributes they need before continuing their education in the Senior School: kindness, curiosity, good manners, courage, integrity, service, independence of thought and strength of character.

The Senior School has a dedicated Sixth Form Centre, which provides pupils with the space and facilities they need for study, recreation and social events.

01945 586 750

Admissions@WisbechGrammar.com

All pupils are encouraged to take on a variety of roles of responsibility and leadership within the School and to the wider community. As well as the ever growing range of extra-curricular activities on offer, the School is fully committed to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme and the Young Enterprise programme.

At Wisbech Grammar School and Magdalene House Preparatory School, visitors are very welcome and will enjoy a pupil-guided tour where they will learn about the Schools’ specialist teaching, small class sizes, first class sports facilities and the wide range of extracurricular activities on offer.

For more details visit MagdaleneHousePrep.com or WisbechGrammar.com

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Helping children to achieve more

PETERBOROUGH

The Children’s University gives 7 to 14 year olds (and 5 to 6 year olds with their families) the opportunity to experience high quality learning activities outside normal school hours.

Many of these activities take place at validated Children’s University Learning Destinations, both locally and throughout the UK. Ranging from museums to musical theatre, historical castles to Cubs and Brownies, a huge range of Learning Destinations have passed the Children’s University’s quality assurance process to provide learning experiences with the ‘wow’ factor.

Get your Passport to Learning stamped wherever you see this Learning Destination logo (left), Do you offer high quality learning opportunities for young people? If so and your organisation would like to find out more about becoming a Learning Destination, please visit the national CU website

www.childrensuniversity.co.uk or contact Peterborough Children’s University: enquiries@peterboroughlearning.org.uk or call 01733 864784

It's just magic!

Peterborough magician Jason Fenn has been a member of the world-famous ‘Magic Circle’ for the past 18 years having joined at the youngest possible age of 18. He tells Term Times about his career and the skills that prove popular at children’s parties…

What made you want to become a magician?

I have been a magician since I was about five after receiving a Fisher-Price magic set from my grandparents at Christmas. It was a magic box with built-in secret compartments and trapdoors that did all of the magic for you so I was astonished when the magic worked.

Can you learn new tricks?

How long have you been playing tricks?

Over 30 years. I think I was bitten by the magic bug as the tricks were easy to do and astonishing to me. I could just perform the tricks, wand-wave and say the magical words.

Is it difficult skill to learn?

In magic you can make things appear, float or disappear. You get to do superhero stuff. How cool is that! There are lots of tricks that are not too difficult to learn but I have a mixture of very technical tricks to more theatrical fun pieces of magic. Being able to learn the trick is only half of the story, the next key bit is developing an engaging plot to the trick. For me that is as important as the mechanics of the trick.

WIN MAGIC DVDs 20

I was into magic before the internet and DVDs and I’m left-handed. All of the books on magic I once read were designed for right-handed people so this made it challenging to work through the sleight of hand. Looking back, this extra effort probably made me more determined to stick with a trick and learn it properly.

a big reader or writer but, because of my love for magic, I read magic books endlessly and write and create magic tricks. I think I created my first magic trick when I was about 7. I drew pictures, wrote a script using key skills of reading, writing and creativity. This led to nominations for the ‘Magic Circle’ award for the best created magic trick of the year on two separate occasions and a personal request from the president to perform at the gala awards ceremony.

I now perform magic for lots of different types of events and my favourite bookings are for children.

Their sense of wonder is just brilliant. I was recently asked to create a magic show based on Harry Potter, as it was a national curriculum topic.

Who do you consider as being the top magician?

The best magician for me is probably David Copperfield. When I was younger he was astonishing and stage illusions fascinate me. When I saw him live, I was on the front row and he made a What is your best trick? car appear right in front of me with no fancy boxes, My best trick is probably my version of making a card just a cloth. go through a window - the first time I performed it, I What do you do for a daytime job? stunned myself! When I was a child I had a cockatiel Alongside my magic I also work as a social worker that I taught to perform a card trick. That was also pretty cool. The bird would root through the deck of for a youth offending team. This involves working with children with complex issues who have cards and pick up the selected one. committed an offence. Whilst a challenging job, Advice for budding magicians? to see children’s lives turn around for the better is My advice is to nurture your child’s interest because very rewarding. I use magic in this role to encourage rapport with children but also to teach them tricks it could help them develop their interest in reading, to build self-esteem and develop skills of patience writing, self-esteem and general sense of identity. I and persistence. know my parents helped me do what I love. I’m not

One of the best tricks Jason Fenn demonstrates on his magic DVD involves a vanishing coin. Term Times has 10 of these DVD’s to give away. Simply enter your details via the instructions on page 3 for a chance to win. Closing date is 20 February.

For more details about Jason visit www.jasonfennmagic.com or call 01733 321 704.

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Transform your cooking with

Riverford Recipe Boxes Do you have young children and have insufficient time to cook? Stuck in a recipe rut?

Or maybe you just want to eat well without the fuss ...

R

iverford’s recipe boxes are a simple and inspiring way to cook. Every week, they deliver everything needed to make three tasty organic meals. In each box are the freshest, seasonal produce, step-by-step recipe cards and all the ingredients pre-measured out. No waste, no missing the vital ingredient. All you have to do is cook.

If you are looking for that unusual Valentines Day gift this month, there’s no better time to treat your loved one to a wonderfully tasty, homecooked meal that’s 100% organic. It’s a great opportunity to see for yourself how easy it can be.

Just select the recipe box that you like the look of and, with free delivery, you will be coming home from a busy day to an evening of hassle-free cooking and a great tasting, home-cooked meal.

Example boxes are: Vegetarian: mushroom & lentil bolognese, aromatic beetroot curry and bean & vegetable hotpot.

Original: chicken and leek pie, sausage, celeriac & barley and roasted peppers, olive & lentils

More details visit www.riverford.co.uk or call 01803 227 227

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COMPETITION CORNER

Family fun in a campervan Bumble Campers offer fresh, fun campervans to rent or to buy

T

heir quirky campers are different to others as they are based on vehicles that are much easier to drive. They’ve got everything you need inside - from a sofa that turns into a bed, a cooker, fridge, electrics and they even squeezed in the kitchen sink!

They are great to explore the UK and Europe on a budget. Whether it’s a couple escaping on a city break or a family heading for the hills, Peterborough-based Bumble Campers has the camper for you!

The fun doesn’t stop there - the campers have built-in wifi to keep everyone happy,

and the black parts of the camper are chalkboard. So you can doodle and write on your van to personalise it! Bumble offer campers to rent from £19 a day. But, if it’s a long-term fix you’re after, you can even buy them from just £2,095!

Term Times has teamed up with Bumble Campers to offer you the chance to win a weekend rental of their Bumble Bus camper!

You’ll collect your camper on a Friday, and set off wherever you like on your #bumbleabout adventure, returning your Bumble Bus on the Sunday or Monday. Where will your adventure take you?

COMPETITION Just answer this question: What’s the daily starting price to rent a Bumble Bus?

Enter via the in structions on page 3. Clos ing date is 20 February.

Everyone’s a winner!

We want you all to be winners - that’s why Bumble is offering you 10% off rentals! To claim your discount just head to www.bumblecampers.com/termtimes

Puffin Book Review Romans on the Rampage: Jail Break!

by Jeremy Strong, paperback, £5.99, age 7-plus More madcap mayhem in Ancient Rome in this sequel to Romans on the Rampage. Perilus and his family are in trouble again! His dad has been arrested for stealing money from the Imperial Mint. Can Croakbag the talking raven save the day once more? Romans feature on the Key Stage 2 History curriculum. The author has sold over 7 million books.

FAMILY FUN

Looking Glass Girl

by Cathy Cassidy, paperback, £6.99, age 9-11 Alice nearly didn't go to the sleepover. Why would Savvy, queen of the School, invite someone like her? Now Alice is lying unconscious in a hospital bed. When the accident happened her world vanished - can Alice ever find her way back? A wonderful modern-day reimagining of Lewis Carroll's timeless classic from one of the UK's best-loved authors.

Echo Come Home To be in with a chance of winning a gift voucher for a set of family tickets to see a film at Stamford Arts Centre, answer the following question.

What type of animal is Snoopy in Snoopy & Charlie Brown: The Peanuts Movie?

We have five sets of family tickets (for four people), of which there must be at least one child in the party.

Simply enter via the instructions on page 3. Closing date: 17 February.

For more details on tickets and movie times for Snoopy & Charlie Brown: The Peanuts Movie showing at the Stamford Arts Centre during half term, visit www.stamfordartscentre.com 22

By Megan Rix, paperback, £5.99, age 9-11 Eleven-year-old Jake is dreading his new school. But then Jake meets Echo, a stray puppy training to be a hearing dog. With Echo by his side, Jake's confidence grows. But then something terrible happens and Jake and Echo are separated. Echo sets out on the difficult journey home - but have Jake and Echo lost each other forever?

BOOKS FOR SCHOOLS

This competition is for anyone to participate in, with three winning entries gaining these books for their school. Visit our website to enter or post your details to our address on page 3. Closing date 17 February.

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