Term Times 123

PETERBOROUGH

WISHING EVERYONE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR

See page 16

the magazine for families

Issue 123 - November 2016 - January 2017

WIN

Panto Tickets WIN

Board Games

Win a Fam ily Ticket to Best-Dressed e See The Nutcracker an Christmas Tre d Swan Lake in Cambridg Competition e

The essential FREE publication for you and your children www.termtimes.ltd.uk

est Which is the B a?

Chocolate Sant

Adventurous Family Holiday s

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Welcome ... ...to the Christmas edition of your Term Times magazine.

This issue we have been playing classic board games – and have some to give away – as well as stuffing our faces with chocolate (it's a hard life) and looking forward to summer with our favourite holidays for intrepid families.

We also have some great competitions, including family tickets for a trip to not one, but two, pantomimes as well as ballets The Nutcracker and Swan Lake.

After two seven week terms I can't think of anything better than a wonderfully relaxing festive period spent with family and friends.

Unfortunately, in our house, this is more likely to be overtaken by last minute panic buying, the thinly-veiled hysteria of peeling multiple root vegetables and upheaving the children for flying visits to a variety of family members.

In reality, my cynicism is really just a front for the over-excited child lurking within.

Our annual tradition of standing in the back garden trying to spot flying sleighs (or online scouring the NORAD Santa Tracker updates), watching the local nativity play and decorating the tree makes our little corner of Lincolnshire just as magical and precious as the Christmases of my childhood.

The team at Term Times would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a healthy and happy festive season and we look forward to bringing you our own special blend of stories, news, competitions and much more in 2017.

Amanda

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November's Puzzle answers

Issue 122 October - November 2016

Have you a business aimed at youngsters and their parents?

Term Times reaches over 49,000 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.

Birthdays

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

Regulars

Happy 8th Birthday

Grace

Competition Entry 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 at www.termtimes.ltd.uk Please ask your parents’ permission before entering via the internet. All winners will be picked at random and Term Times' decision is final.

layout & editing DESIGN FOR LIFE Design, T: 01733 772095 www.dimension6000.com

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News Puzzles

11 22 22 22 23 23 23

Skylark family ticket Classic board games Dick Whittington panto tickets Puffin books for your school Peter Pan panto tickets Nutcracker and Swan Lake ballet tickets Van Hage Garden Centre prizes

6 8 12 14 16 18

New Peter's Railway books Best chocolate Santa Adventurous family holidays Serenity Loves Christmas Peterborough Children's University WWT Welney Festival of Swans

Competitions

8 December Happy 8th birthday Grace, love from Mummy, Daddy and your whole family xxx

Contents

4 &6 20

Editorial

70 Rutland Road, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 1UW

Publisher: Steven Beacham | Editor: Amanda Stacey T: 01780 757731 E: steven@termtimes.ltd.uk www.termtimes.ltd.uk

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/advertisiers 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/advertiser. 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 sometimes 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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NEWS Father Christmas returns to Sacrewell Mill House

Send us your school news Term Times is always looking for stories about the great things that are happening in our local primary schools - and the teachers and pupils who are making them happen.

If you have news about your school send it to steven@termtimes.ltd.uk If you have a high resolution photo to go with it all the better... then we can show AND tell.

Performing arts school free taster sessions Budding young performers are invited to attend free taster sessions in singing, acting and dancing being staged by awardwinning Platinum Performing Arts.

The open day, at the Medway Centre in Huntingdon, is this Saturday 26 November, starting at 11.30am.

Three one-year scholarships are also on offer. k www.platinumperformingarts.co.u

Father Christmas will be back in his regular festive home at Sacrewell Mill House from next month.

Santa had to relocate from the 18th century grade II listed building to the old farmhouse for a couple of years while work was being carried out.

Booking to see Father Christmas is essential and tickets, priced £10 per child and £5 for adults, are available for 3, 4, 10 and 11 December and every day from 17 December until Christmas Eve. Entry includes a visit to Father Christmas and his reindeer, admission to the visitor centre and other Christmas activities such as wooden reindeer making, marshmallow toasting and festive gift and card making.

Weekday tickets are priced £8 per child and £5 per adults and are available on 8, 9, 15 and 16 December, with activities aimed at pre-school aged children and younger. www.sacrewell.org.uk

Serpentine Green Virtual Christmas Treasure Hunt Nene Valley Railway's Santa Specials Nene Valley Railway's Santa Specials are full steam ahead from Saturday 26 November.

The experience starts with a welcome from station staff at Wansford, followed by a visit to Father Christmas' log cabin where every child receives a present.

Visitors then join the steam-hauled, decorated train for the 50-minute journey to Peterborough and back.

During the trip staff serve children a drink and chocolates, while adults receive a mince pie and either an alcoholic miniature, wine or hot drink.

Santa walks through the train, providing a fantastic photo opportunity.

The service runs until Christmas Eve and advance online booking is essential. www.nvr.org.uk

FIRST CLASS LEARNING ENGLISH AND MATHS TUITION

PETERBOROUGH

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

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

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plan for each child  Compatible with National Curriculum  Weekly Classes in the Hamptons on Tuesdays and Thursdays  Help your child to increase their confidence in school Ruth Ekblom – Centre manager T: 07957 893 287 E: peterboroughsouth@firstclasslearning.co.uk

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Go along to Serpentine Green and experience a free virtual treasure hunt with a new augmented reality game, Freezy’s Christmas Adventure.

Simply download the “myMall” app onto a mobile device and follow the five steps for a virtual present hunt, helping Freezy the Snowman overcome obstacles and gather gifts for Santa hidden around the shopping centre.

Three to nine-year-olds will love it, and there's even a prize draw to win weekly prizes such as iPad Minis and toys.

David Wait, Centre Manager at Serpentine Green, says: 'This is a great fun app for our customers to enjoy, alongside our wide offering of stores for all the family.'

The game is free for all shoppers to download from Apple and Android app stores and children must be accompanied by an adult. www.serpentine-green.com

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Santa’s Grotto!

Santa returns to Van Hage on Saturday 3 December You can visit Santa, in his Grotto, every weekend until Christmas Eve and weekdays from 19 December. Santa has a special gift waiting for every child who visits. And should you wish for something extra special why not Join Santa and his cheeky elves for a tasty breakfast or afternoon tea. & PHOTOS S IR SOUVEN E BL AVAILA 0 6.5 £ M FRO

FURTHER DE ON ALL EV TAILS OR TO BO ENTS WWW.VA OK, VISIT NHAGE.C O.UK BOOK EA RLY TO AV OID DISAPPO INTMENT !

Breakfast with Santa £5.95

Tea with Santa £6.95

Join Santa and his cheeky elves in the morning for a tasty, pre-booked children’s breakfast, gingerbread decorating and a special treat from Santa.

Delight children after school and join Santa and his elves for a pre-booked children’s afternoon tea, gingerbread decorating and a special treat from Santa.

Tel: 01733 221400 Van Hage Garden Centre, Peterborough Garden Park, Peterborough PE1 4YZ

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5

New books added to popular Peter's Railway series

NEWS Get up and go at Fulbridge Academy

Young train fans will be chuffed to discover the latest additions to the charming Peter's Railway series of books.

The series, by author and chartered engineer Christopher Vine, tells the story of Peter and Grandpa building and operating a miniature steam railway across their farm, cleverly combined with true stories and adventures.

Santa at Queensgate

Peterborough's Fulbridge Academy has introduced morning fitness sessions before the start of the school day.

The high-energy workouts - a combination of dance and aerobic exercises - take place in the playground every Monday to Thursday for a quarter of an hour from 8.30am and are led by the Keeton Road primary's PE and dance teams.

Vice Principal Paula Page says: 'It is proving a real success. We have huge numbers of children joining in every morning, with many parents staying to watch and even a couple taking part.

'Many of our staff are also there in a bid to offer our children a healthy and active start to the day. It helps give a focus in the mornings and a real sense of community.'

Santa is now in situ at Queensgate Shopping Centre on selected dates running up to Christmas.

His colourful grotto can be found in North Square, outside John Lewis, and children can visit from now until Wednesday 14 December on a Monday to Friday from 10am to 6pm, Saturdays from 9am to 6pm and Sundays from 10.30am to 4.30pm.

From Thursday 15 December until Christmas Eve Father Christmas is available on a Monday to Friday from 10am to 7pm, Saturdays from 9am to 6pm, Sundays from 10.30am to 4.30pm and Christmas Eve from 9am to 5pm.

Grotto tickets cost £5 per child, including present, and photos are optional to purchase.

The shopping centre's stunning Christmas lights and spectacular 30ft fairy-lit tree, unveiled last year, have also returned.

www.fulbridgeacademy.co.uk

www.queensgate-shopping.co.uk

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Grandpa Goes Bananas

Rain, Steam and Speed

Aimed at younger readers aged from three to six years, this tale follows Grandpa, Peter and his younger siblings as they are invited to a transport museum...and end up playing trains on an epic scale.

Grandpa delights in showing the youngsters how to bring an old steam locomotive back to life and thrills the other visitors with his daring demonstration.

After getting caught in a rainstorm on their farm railway, Peter and his brother and sister, dry off in front of the fire while Grandpa entertains them with stories from the olden days of the railway. With adventure and mischief, the story is written for children aged six to 12 years old and transports the reader back in time to the heyday of steam trains.

Both 32-page paperback books feature beautiful, nostalgic watercolour illustrations by John Wardle and cost £2.99 each. They, and other books in the series, and are available – with free personalised message by the author – from www.petersrailway.com or see advert on page 17.

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Who will be crowned king of the chocolate Santas?

Everyone loves chocolate... especially at Christmas The team at Term Times decided it was of the greatest importance at this time of the year to compare four hollow (mostly) milk chocolate Santas to find out which should be crowned king.

It was tough, but someone's got to do it. Our panel of tasters was made up of adults and children and you may be surprised by the results.

Lidl Chocolate Santa

A good value Santa at £1 for 50g of chocolate, but while the price will appeal to grown-ups, the children didn't like the taste all that much.

'It's nice enough chocolate, but it's not my favourite', was the general consensus of opinion from our younger testers.

However, the taste appealed more to the adults' palate (maybe influenced by the price?) who found it 'nice and milky with a distinctly chocolatey taste'.

At just 99p for 200g this jumbo-sized Father Christmas was the budget option and went down a storm with our testers.

The children thought the printing on the chocolate – identical to the wrapping – was 'beautiful' and were impressed with the flavour. It was deemed 'too big for one child' – but we reckon they might have said that because they were trying to be on their best behaviour and come Christmas Day they would probably manage to scoff it all in one sitting!

Our adults found the chocolate 'smooth and creamy' and tasted 'a bit like nutty chocolate spread'. The latter was unsurprising as the Santa contains hazelnut paste.

Children: 2/5 Adults: 4/5 Overall position: 3rd place

Children: 4/5 Adults: 3/5 Overall position: 2nd place

Kinder Surprise Christmas While the 'toy' was a big hit with our younger testers – a cute gingerbread character with a ring to hold a message for Father Christmas – the chocolate itself proved less popular. 'I like the milk and white chocolate combo, but it's not as tasty as some of the others'.

The grown-ups thought the white chocolate overshadowed the flavour of the milk outer layer. But this was a good thing.

At £2 for 75g this was the most expensive of the four, but the toy made it good value for money as far as the children were concerned.

Children: 2/5 Adults: 3/5 Overall position: 4th place

Cadbury Dairy Milk Santa

* Prices shown were correct at time of going to press.

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Lindt Milk Chocolate Santa Costing £1 for just 40g we thought this Santa was expensive...until we carried out the taste test.

Our children praised the 'very creamy and chocolatey' taste and were keen to try more, while the adults found it 'very smooth with a delicious flavour' and were fighting off the children for another piece.

In this case it definitely appears that you get what you pay for... great quality chocolate.

Children: 5/5 Adults: 5/5 Overall position: 1st place

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Getting to know you...

Mana Education's Jodi Freeman Hard-working Jodi Freeman is an Education Consultant with education recruitment specialists Mana Education.

She is responsible for placing teachers in schools to cover both day-to-day absences and longer term requirements.

Jodi’s day starts early at 7am when she arrives in the office to speak to schools when teachers have called in to say they will be absent.

Jodi keeps up-to-date records of all supply teachers available so she can respond immediately when a school needs cover – and ensure they are dispatched in plenty of time to arrive before the school bell sounds.

Once the morning rush is over, Jodi takes time out for a well-earned cuppa...and Term Times grasped the opportunity to pose a few questions:

What do you look for in a supply teacher?

Supply work can be very challenging; new schools each day, different children daily and quite often a last-minute call to arms. We also have teachers who are looking for longer term placement. Therefore we look for candidates who are passionate about teaching, are capable, friendly and who can engage students quickly and motivate them to achieve their full potential.

Quite a long list of essential requirements. But the teachers on our books are up to the task.

Why did you want to work in education recruitment?

Education is my passion. I feel that it is vital to make sure students have continuity in learning and that this is accessible to all. It is important for me to spend time with my supply teachers and schools to understand what each wants and needs and how we will achieve this together.

What is the best part of your job?

Without question, going out to visit schools. I especially adore visiting primary schools and helping them with their events. I went to a school last month to support its Macmillan fundraiser; a colleague and I dressed up as ‘Super MANA’, complete with capes, and filled our car with balloons for the children to guess how many were stuffed in there. What a great way to spend a day! Such visits also give me the opportunity to meet our teachers who are

working at the school to make sure they are still loving their role and also to offer the schools some of my time to help them.

What is the worst part of your job?

Winter mornings! It's awful getting up on freezing mornings, when its so cold outside, then having to de-ice the car when its still dark and getting out of a toasty warm car to open the gates at work.

Do you have a favourite time of the year to work with schools?

I confess to being obsessed with Christmas. I love it so much and can’t wait to visit schools during the festive period. This year I'm going to dress up as an elf to visit my primary schools, which will be great fun. I hadn't thought about it before, but there is definitely a dressing-up theme running through my work for Mana!

For more information about Mana Education's services visit www.manaeducation.co.uk or call 0800 0255 144 for an informal chat

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Adventurous family holidays ...

TAKE A WALK ON THE

WILDSIDE

While conventional beach holidays remain the most popular choice for families, an increasing number are choosing to veer off the beaten track and head for the buzz of adventure and excitement. With January being the month when most summer holidays are booked, Term Times shares three of our favourite holidays for intrepid families.

keadventure.com

_Sweden_Wilder

ness_Adventur

e

Ruined Cities and Tropical Islands All Points East

Working with elephants Go Differently

Swedish Wilderness Adventure KE Adventure Travel

Exploring mysterious ruined cities enveloped by jungle, travelling by boat along a remote river past floating villages and snorkelling among coral reefs – this family holiday is a real adventure.

Starting in the bustling Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh you'll discover local markets and historical sites before travelling overland through timeless landscapes to Siem Reap and the chance to explore ancient jungle-clad ruined cities at the fabulous Angkor.

A private boat takes you up the spectacular Sangkar River, past unique floating villages to Battambang Town for a bicycle tour of nearby villages.

From here it's a short hop to the Thai border and on to the unspoilt tropical island of Koh Mak where you can explore the island, take a boat trip to the neighbouring coral reefs and laze on a beautiful unspoilt beach.

Amazing sights, exotic scenes and plenty of friendly locals and tasty local food (not forgetting the deep fried tarantulas), plus plenty of culture, history and geography to appeal to all the family.

This inspiring holiday offers a unique opportunity to gain a basic understanding of the Thai domestic elephant.

As a volunteer with The Elephant Mahout Project, located close to Pattaya on the eastern gulf of Thailand, you not only learn to ride your elephant, but how to care for these intelligent, gentle giants.

Working closely with one elephant (and her mahout) throughout your stay, you follow a progressive training schedule; walking with your elephant, learning how to verbally command her to follow directions, helping to shower her, feed her and keep her living area tidy...and even how to ride on her neck.

Other activities include general maintenance of the camp, mahout village and trekking trail and teaching English to the mahouts and their families.

The beach and other attractions are also nearby and can be visited at weekends and after finishing at the project each day.

Lapland, above the Arctic Circle in northern Sweden, is one of Europe’s last great wildernesses and the perfect base for this new family holiday.

A genuine hands-on bush craft adventure away from the crowds, you'll experience the 'real' outdoors as well as learning new skills in a magical setting.

Housed in a Scandinavian wooden lodge next to a private lake, you'll be based in a genuine wilderness setting reached only by 4WD. The week starts by meeting and feeding your new furry friends – the huskies – before heading to the lake for canoeing and swimming.

Next it’s learning to fish with proper nets before smoking them in preparation for a tasty dinner.

Every day you'll set off on a mini adventure and explore the area through foraging, building camp fires, toasting marshmallows, taking a boat trip, and wild camping in this amazing wilderness before hiking to Avvakko.

A highlight of the holiday is meeting the Sami people in Laponia, National Park Stora Sjofallet, where you'll learn how to track animals, visit a tippee and make flatbread.

www.allpointseast.com

www.godifferently.com

www.keadventure.com

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Christmas The Christmas party season is upon us, but squeezing in some me-time during the festive season can be tricky – especially if you have children. Serenity Loves, Peterborough's award-winning hair and beauty salon, has the answer for busy mums.

The salon boasts an on-site playroom with a TUMMY TUCK QUICK-FIX nning in your B qualified child practitioner who supervises E A g UTY TIPS If you don Lookin even more stu 't have tim t is possible fi out little ones while you enjoy anything from hair ty appointm e to make Christmas par ent at the an t can cause tha ds cutting to lash tinting, tanning to waxing. foo salon then out Loves' hai ting cut by Serenity r stylists an er stomach, att fl a e The playroom is equipped with a host of iev d ach beauty th have some bloating. To erapists cl ned sugar ev refi e tain r tips to ke toys for youngsters as well as a computer looking yo limit foods that con ep yo ur best th Get set for ese and che like ts console and games for older children. duc pro is festive se u d nte me ason.

Christmas with or fer mint per pep ing tak And, for added peace of mind, you can alcohol. And try e, both of even watch them playing on a high definition capsules or aloe vera juic ive system. screen. which support the digest AIR EP R IR A H The playroom caters for children from e your h, dry and styl 6 weeks to 16 years old and offers a fun, No time to was o is the po am HEALTHY sh ry D e? s stimulating and educational environment.

GLOW There is a hair into shap powder absorb quick and ne fi r pe su Its e n as There is a small charge and booking at ir y way to ke u ha answer. ra ur l, yo healthy gl ep a that make ow if your takes a bac a space at the same time you make your ur the excess oils yo beauty re es av le d k an se p at lim d d u an ri ll D n du g rinking at hair or beauty treatment appointment is the festive gime look smelling least two season. g fabulous and litres of w flush away recommended. tresses lookin ater a day skin-sapp esh. will in just-washed fr g to n Serenity Loves also has Christmas gifts all xi atural, heal n atte thy glow. A s and gives you a h Bee Hive!' m 'O in d wrapped up. ve n ea o H st th d in Be e I r ap idea is to TIG uct which see you th rofessional fake tan is a great prod Featuring everything from hair cuts to rough the which will dry shampoo e roots, th at t C lif h h e ri av siv st e a special Gelicure nails, the salon's Party Girl Packages mas perio creates mas party or fe d. If you ller and it's recom ok and feel fu stive even are the perfect pampering present for a friend r m sie helping hair lo t to attend e ea n it d g e in d ak th m e at ur , xt yo te u or grown-up daughter. e have th to two day giving it mor s beforehan e tan one cure up-dos. to style and se d.

For more details visit www.serenityloves.co.uk

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15

Children’s University attracts more schools

PETERBOROUGH

The last couple of months have been eventful ones – the start of the new school year, half term, Halloween and Bonfire Night. And now we’re counting down the days to Christmas.

P

eterborough Children’s University continues to grow and we are delighted to welcome our newest school members – Folksworth Primary School in Cambridgeshire and Discovery Primary School in Peterborough. More than 100 passports have been given out and some children have already gained their Bronze Award Certificates – that’s 30 hours of learning out of school hours.

We are pleased to announce that Gill Hall starts as the new Peterborough Children’s University Manager from 7 November. Gill brings a huge wealth of experience working in schools and is passionate about continuing the success of the CU in and around Peterborough.

The Children’s University is a national project which recognises the achievements of young people who take part in high quality out of hours learning activities, meaning learning stops being something that’s contained in a classroom and becomes something that can happen anywhere and everywhere. CU’s work joins the dots between the classroom, museums, after school clubs, sports centres and many others. Crucially, it enhances the joy of learning, boosts selfconfidence and improves academic attainment.

If you would like more information contact the Peterborough Children’s University Manager on 01733 864784

GY M N A ST I C S A C A D E MY PLAY GYM

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PRE-SCHOOL GYMNASTICS Telephone to book free trial session Sign up before Christmas for FREE pre-school party ticket and a present from Santa

FREE TRIAL SESSION for all Term Times readers

Boys Gymnastics 26 Maxwell Road, Woodston, Peterborough PE2 7JN

t 07979 651 099 e Phoenixgym14@yahoo.co.uk

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17

Witness an epic migration this winter

Credit: Sacha Dench A few months ago a Bewick's swan family was enjoying the vast wilderness of the Arctic Russian Tundra. Now the family is undertaking an epic migration which will see them travel 2,500 miles across 11 countries as they try to stay ahead of the snow and ice.

The swans will meet others along the way as they use important wetlands as stopping off points to feed, drink and preen.

It's a dangerous journey, which not all of them will survive.

The Bewick's swan population is declining, dropping 40 percent between 1995 and 2010 and total numbers now hover at 18,000.

Conservationists are trying to understand why this is so they can help these beautiful birds.

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There are ways for experts to follow the swans and their life story – by fitting leg rings and tracking collars to discover the route they travel and how high and fast they fly.

But this year the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) has gone one step further...by joining their migration.

Conservationist and adventurer Sacha Dench took to the skies by paramotor – paragliding with a propeller strapped to her back – in mid-September for the 10-week journey from Arctic Russia to the UK.

Follow Sacha and the WWT tagged swans' journey online at www.flightoftheswans.org

Credit: WWT

Festival of Swans The first family of Bewick's swans questions about her incredible reached WWT Welney on 20 experience.

Visitors can also learn October, joining hundreds of Whooper swans from Iceland. about the journeys of the other The wetlands at Welney thousands of other swans on provide a winter home for the reserve, how to identify the thousands of swans, ducks different species and read their leg rings. and wading birds from Russia, Scandinavia, central Europe and There will also be Iceland. commentated wild swan feeds, which can be enjoyed from the And in January WWT Welney is staging a Festival of Swans on comfort of the heated hide, and guided walks on Lady Fen for a Saturday 21 and Sunday 22.

Sacha Dench will be bringing closer view of the winter wildlife her paramotor on the Saturday and to learn more about the wetlands. and available to answer www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/welney

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STRUGGLING TO FIND A UNIQUE XMAS PRESENT? Why not check out our hands on experience days and give someone a gift they will never forget.... The chance to fly and owl or three on our Junior Owl experience. Adult encounters available too. Check out the website for the different packages we have on offer.

Baytree Owl and Wildlife Centre is home to one of the largest owl collections in the country. Hosting over 40 different species of birds of prey and owls, amounting to nearly 100 birds in total.

SE red foxE squirrees, & harv ls e mice! st

Open 10am – 4pm 7 days a week during school holidays (closed on Mondays in term time) Admission prices – £3.00 Adults £2.50 Senior Citizens £2.00 Children (Under 8s free)

01406 372840 www.baytreeowlcentre.co.uk

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puzzles

r seasonal Have fun with ou st issue's puzzles. Check la 3. answers on page

ferences between the

Can you spot the 6 dif

two pictures?

COURSE DATES Paediatric

12 & 13 December 2016 6 & 7 February 2017

EFAW

12 or 14 December 16 January 2017

FAW

14 to 16 December 2016 16 to 18 January 2017

BOOK NOW

Defibrillator training available

T: 01733 351909 E: denise@fenlandfirstaid.co.uk

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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

No ordinary bus!

PAM PER BU S COM ING SO ON!

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• and popcorn machines • prices from £145.00 for a 2 hour party

SANTA SPECIALS

2016 SANTA & STEAM!

A memorable Christmas experience for the whole family! to th From 26 November up e Ev as tm ris & including Ch

01733 229 006

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.

www.nvr.org.uk T: 01780 784 444 Bookings open now

Peterborough based

01733 242 034 info@deckerbus.co.uk

www.deckerbus.co.uk

Charity Number: 263617

Located 1/2 mile from A1 between Stamford and Peterborough www.termtimes.ltd.uk

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Classic board games for family fun www.hasbro.com

Christmas is about spending quality time with the people we love and board games are great for bringing everyone together for some family-friendly competition. Here are three of our favourites...

Mouse Trap!

Cluedo

Trivial Pursuit Family Edition

What's not to like about MouseTrap! It's silly, funny and features a toilet. Different from the original, having been re-released in 2004, players take it in turns to roll the dice and move around the board. Landing on a trap space is rewarded with two pieces of cheese, but requires the toilet to be flushed, setting off one of the three traps at random. Caught mice lose a piece of cheese and the trap is reset. The winner is the first person to collect eight pieces of cheese. A great, fast-paced game.

It's the classic mystery game everyone is dying to win and encourages logic and problem-solving.

Reclusive millionaire Samuel Black has been murdered in his own mansion and players draw on their detective skills to crack the case. Moving around the rooms on the board, you need to find out who committed the crime, where, and with what weapon. The first person to solve the murder – by finding clues and asking clever questions – is the winner. This fun twist on the original game features a two-player version.

Trivial Pursuit Family Edition gives children a fighting chance to beat the grown-ups. There are 2,400 questions, half geared specifically for youngsters, written in a variety of styles. In this edition there's a chance to win a 'wedge' on every roll of the dice...provided you answer a question correctly, of course. This, along with other game features, such as the 'wild wedge' which lets you move to any space you want, keeps the game moving swiftly until one player earns their winning sixth wedge.

For two to four players, aged six and over. We think younger children can play with adult supervision.

For two to six players, aged eight and over. We reckon younger children can join in with a bit of grown-up help.

For two to six players, aged eight and over.

Did you know? A super-sized version of the mousetrap was built in the US in 2007 and still tours fairs and events in the US. It uses a bowling ball instead of ball bearings.

WIN ALL THREE GAMES!

Did you know? Mrs White, the nice old cookhousekeeper, has been replaced by Dr Orchid, a biologist with a PhD in plant toxicology.

Did you know? Despite now being hugely popular, the first copies of Trivial Pursuit were sold at a loss in ENTER TO the early 1980s.

We've teamed up with our friends at Hasbro Gaming to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a bundle of the three games featured. Simply answer this question: Who replaced Mrs White in Cluedo? To enter follow the instructions on page 3. Closing date 5 January 2017.

Dick Whittington at the Key Theatre

WIN

Puffin Book Review

With Christmas just around the corner, tickets for Peterborough Key Theatre's brand new pantomime Dick Whittington are selling like hot cakes.

Motor Miles

by John Burningham, hardback, £11.99 Award-winning artist and storyteller John Burningham's latest enigmatic story explores the transformational power of freedom as it follows loveable Miles the dog along country roads and on a journey to happiness. Children will find the story and expressive artwork engaging, while parents can absorb the magically nostalgic air and subtle celebration of change and growing up.

It Wasn't Me

by Michael Bond, paperback, £9.99 The story of the poor boy who finds fame and fortune thanks to his feline friend promises to build on the successes of three consecutive, record-breaking, sell-out pantos at the Key. This side-splitting production, with jokes and songs geared directly at Peterborough patrons, features a ‘purr-fect’ original script from acclaimed theatremaker Brad Fitt. Composer Simon Egerton has penned the original

This new book by Paddington Bear creator Michael Bond features his first new fictional character for 30 years.

Inspired by Bond's now grown-up grandson, this funny read features the antics of naughty, imaginative, unusual schoolboy Harry Manners. His family don't understand him, his teachers wish he would stop daydreaming. But Harry thinks he is doing just fine...as long as he has a stash of comics and his imaginary pet pig Monty at his side.

music and lyrics and is returning for his fourth year in a row and, once again, will occupy the director’s chair. Lewis Hall returns as musical director.

This year's panto features some of the UK's most talented actor musicians and a host of familiar faces.

The 70-show panto runs from Thursday 1 December to Sunday 8 January and discounts are available throughout.

The Demon Undertaker

by Cameron McAllister, paperback, £6.99 From the critically-acclaimed author of The Tin Snail comes an action-packed new mystery-adventure. A kidnapper known as 'The Demon Undertaker' is on the loose in London. It's up to young Thomas Fielding and his team of Bow Street Detectives to save Lady Grace Davenport and catch the criminal before he snatches his next victim. The book is aimed at thrill-seekers aged nine and over.

Visit www.vivacity-peterborough.com ENTER TO

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WIN A FAMILY TICKET

We have a family ticket for two adults and two children to the Key Theatre's Dick Whittington to give away to one lucky reader. The prize can be claimed for shows between 6 and 15 December or 5 and 8 January, subject to availability. To enter, follow the instructions on page 3. Closing date 5 December.

ENTER TO

WIN

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BOOKSFORSCHOOLS Anyone can enter this competition and three winners will scoop books for their school.

To enter, follow the instructions on page 3.

Closing date 5 January 2017.

Peter Pan flying high at The Cresset Saint Petersburg Classic Ballet There's a star line-up treading the boards in this year's spectacular family panto Peter Pan at The Cresset.

With stunning flying sequences and spectacular visual effects this is set to be the theatre's biggest show yet and is produced by Premier Pantomimes, which has produced the top quality pantos at The Cresset for the last nine years.

Steven Arnold, best-known as Ashley Peacock in Coronation Street and a memorable Scarecrow in last year's production of The Cresset's The Wizard of Oz, returns as the villain Captain Hook.

Peter Pan is played by James Fletcher, troubled teen Dylan in Channel 4's Hollyoaks, Cresset favourite Zach Vanderfelt is back in a frock as dame Mrs Smee and panto veteran Peter McCrohon is hapless pirate Smee.

Cast newcomers include Victoria Jane as Wendy, Jessica Woods as Tinkerbell and Kluane Saunders as Tiger Lily.

New director Stuart Morrison, who has been involved with

Cresset pantomimes for many years, and choreographer Katie Bunting, who has worked in London's West End, take the reins.

Peter Pan was gifted by JM Barrie to Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) and a percentage donation from each ticket sold will go to the charity.

The panto runs from Saturday 10 to Friday 30 December and tickets cost from £8.50, with group offers available.

Visit www.cresset.co.uk

ENTER TO

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at Cambridge Corn Exchange Following the hugely successful premiere tour earlier this year, Saint Petersburg Classic Ballet is returning to Cambridge Corn Exchange with two exciting shows.

This youthful and talented company will showcase a spectacular new version of The Nutcracker on Friday 30 and Saturday 31 December and the beautiful classic Swan Lake on Sunday 1 January.

The company, under the direction of Marina Medvetskaya, boasts impressive technique, exquisite artistry and bold production of these best-loved Russian ballets.

Performances have an air of magic, complemented by a full orchestra and outstanding soloists.

The Nutcracker is a delightful festive tale telling the story of

Clara’s magical adventure with her Nutcracker Prince, including a visit to the delicious Land of Sweets and the Sugar Plum Fairy. It is the perfect introduction to ballet for younger children.

Swan Lake is Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece, a tragic tale of love and betrayal with an instantly recognisable score. The epic story of Prince Siegfried and his love Odette who, tricked by the evil sorcerer Von Rothbart and his daughter Odile, would rather die together then live apart.

Visit www.cambridgelivetrust.co.uk/cornex ENTER TO

WIN A FAMILY TICKET

WIN BALLET TICKETS

We have two family tickets for two adults and two children to The Cresset's Peter Pan to give away. The prize can be claimed for any performance, subject to availability. To enter, follow the instructions on page 3. Closing date 5 December.

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We have five second band family tickets (two adults and two children), worth £91 per family, to give away. Three for The Nutcracker (Friday 30 December at 2.30pm, Friday 30 December at 7.30pm and Saturday 31 December at 2.30pm) and two for Swan Lake (Sunday 1 January at 2.30pm and the same day at 7.30pm). To enter, follow the instructions on page 3 – stating the ballet and time. Closing date 10 December.

more than just a Garden Centre

Shop, play and enjoy A fabulous time awaits everyone at Van Hage Garden Centre in Peterborough this festive season.

Children can let off steam in the Gruffalo-themed play zone for under fives, enjoy a visit to Santa’s Grotto, or even afternoon tea with the man himself.

Grown-ups can relax with a coffee in the popular café or, better still, shop in the many departments including gardening, home, lifestyle,

ENTER TO

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fashion and the popular Christmas section.

The Peterborough Garden Park centre creates amazing seasonal displays and there is a huge selection of artificial and real trees, twinkling indoor and outdoor lighting, dazzling decorations, festive food treats and heaps of toys and gifts.

We've teamed up with Van Hage Garden Centre in Peterborough to offer one reader the chance to win a Le Toy Van Barbarossa Pirate Ship or Our Generation Sydney Lee doll, RRP £44.99 each, plus £50 of Van Hage shopping vouchers. Simply send us a photo of your decorated Christmas tree and Van Hage will pick its favourite. To enter email a photo of your decorated Christmas tree to steven@termtimes.ltd.uk, enclosing your name, address and phone number. (Entries may be published on our Facebook page). Closing date 20 December.

Visit www.vanhage.co.uk for further information or to book Christmas events

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