Termtimes 129

PETERBOROUGH

WISHING EVERYONE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR

See page 18

Issue 129 November 2017 - January 2018

the magazine for families

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Welcome ...to our Christmas edition of Term Times magazine.

Like most homes at this time of year, we are busy trying to make sure everything is prepared for those two magical weeks we love to spend with our nearest and dearest. The Term Times team hopes this issue will inject just a little more tinsel into the proceedings.

We've got some wonderful competition prizes up for grabs including family tickets to Rapunzel at Stamford Arts Centre and Snow White at Peterborough Cresset - and a fabulous Penclic mouse. Looking ahead, our friends at One Leisure are offering a three month gym and leisure centre membership to help kick start your New Year's resolutions in style.

We also reveal the amazingly talented winner of Mana Education's story writing competition.

In addition, the TT team has been researching some of this year's best advent calendars on the market and our roving reporter Kay Kelly and her family have been to York to see just how much can be squeezed into an action-packed weekend in one of our most beautiful cities.

I would like to finish my usual letter by taking this opportunity to thank all our TT community; our advertisers, sponsors, schools, contributors and most of all our readers. We have been publishing for more than 20 years and are very proud to go into as many homes and communities and connect with as many people as we do both via the magazine and through our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Contents

The Term Times team wishes everyone a very happy, healthy, peaceful and wonderful festive season. We look forward to bringing you stories, news, competitions and much more in 2018.

Amanda

Regulars 4................News 16 .............Puzzles

Competitions 14 .............Rapunzel - A Tangled Tale at Stamford Arts Centre

Contact us

14 .............One Leisure membership 18 .............Penclic mouse

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

Advertise with us Term Times reaches over 50,000 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. For options available, please contact the team on 01780 757731 or via steven@termtimes.ltd.uk

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22 .............Snow White at The Cresset 22 .............Amazing Animal Atlas

Editorial

Competition Entry

6 & 8........Festive What's On

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.

10 .............Advent calendars for the family 12 .............Story writing competition winner 20 .............Family weekend in York

Another great publication designed by

Dimension T: 01733 772095 www.dimension6000.com

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 fulďŹ lling 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

Explorer backpacks at Peterborough Cathedral Peterborough Cathedral is now offering free use of Explorer backpacks for its youngest visitors.

Westgate Arcade Elfie Selfie game Head to Peterborough's Wesgate Arcade from Friday 1 December and keep your eyes peeled for Elfred the mischievous Christmas elf.

Hiding in one of the retailers’ windows, the playful character will win one lucky shopper a festive package worth over £300.

Each day, for 12 days, Elfred will hide in a different window in Westgate Arcade, located in Queensgate Shopping Centre.

Find him, take a selfie with him and post it on social media with the hashtag #foundElfred for the chance to win gifts, goodies and treats from Westgate’s retailers plus a Queensgate gift card.

The competition, part of Westgate Arcade’s festive activities to encourage shoppers to think ‘independent’, closes on Wednesday 13 December. queensgate-shopping.co.uk/westgate-arcade.html

The child-sized backpacks are designed for little ones aged seven and under and include all the tools needed to explore the cathedral in detail.

There's a magnifying glass, tape measure, pair of binoculars, set of coloured paddles to see the world as if through a stained glass window, mini teddy called Benedict, torch and an activity trail suggesting things to find.

Backpacks are free to borrow, in exchange for a refundable £5 cash deposit or by leaving a credit/ debit card for collection on return, and available during visiting hours, usually 9am until 5pm Monday to Saturday and 12 noon until 3pm on Sundays.

The cathedral launched an activity guide - Monks, Mischief & Marauders - this summer for older children which costs £2.

Here's some of our recent competition winners who have kindly shared photos...

Branna, Emma and Nikoleta with their Sistema water bottles and lunchboxes and Daisy watching Hocus Pocus at the Moonlight Drive-In Cinema, Serpentine Green.

A model Christmas with Trains4U Cambridgeshire's largest model shop, Trains4U, is urging families to switch off the television and tech this Christmas and get creative together instead.

With model railways, Scalextric, plastic model kits and radio control cars soaring in popularity this season, it could be the launch pad for an exciting hobby to share with the children and introduce a fun way to develop their artistic, science and engineering skills.

Whether building and painting a model Spitfire, constructing a high-performance radio control monster truck or even building a fully working model railway, the choices are endless.

Both the backpack and guide have been supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Trains4U, in Fengate, Peterborough, stocks thousands of products from famous brands including Hornby, Scalextric, Airfix, Tamiya and Games Workshop, as well as an extensive selection of used model railways.

www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk

www.trains4u.com

CHRISTMAS AT LOCH FYNE Children eat free in December*

Loch Fyne Elton The Old Dairy, Elton Hall Estate, Elton, Cambridgeshire PE8 6SH, Tel: 01832 280 298 *One child per adult a’la carte meal.

Not Valid with any other offers.

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Term Times competition winners

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WHAT'S ON  SERPENTINE GREEN SEASONAL FUN Celebrate the festive season at Serpentine Green in Peterborough where there will be a variety of children's activities taking place at the shopping centre in the run up to Christmas.

On Saturday 9 December there will be festive face painting, Saturday 16 December will see cheeky elves causing mischief and there will be more face painting on Saturday 23 December.

 WE LOVE DONKEYS AT REDWINGS Meet adorable donkeys nose-to-nose, enjoy fascinating talks about these gorgeous long-eared creatures and even have a go at donkey grooming at Redwings Horse Sanctuary this festive season.

Starting on Friday 22 December Redwings Caldecott, near Great Yarmouth, and Redwings Aylsham, north of Norwich, will be offering donkeythemed fun for all the family - plus entry is free.

Full details of all the seasonal activities can be found on the shopping centre website. www.serpentine-green.com

 CHRISTMAS AT THE CASTLE Oakham Castle is repeating the hugely popular Christmas at the Castle event launched last year and extending it from one to two days so even more visitors can enjoy the experience.

 FREE FAMILY EVENT AT PETERBOROUGH ONE Peterborough One Retail Park is pulling out all the stops to dazzle visitors at its first-ever Lights SwitchOn Spectacular.

On Saturday 25 November the lights on the massive Christmas tree will be turned on and the afternoon and early evening will be full of fun, games and live entertainment, including dance performances.

The event is being hosted by Josh from Heart FM who will be bringing his own brand of fun and banter to the stage and inviting visitors to join in prizewinning games.

Having met some of Redwings’ lovable residents visitors might like to sponsor one of the charity’s donkey Adoption Stars. A year’s adoption costs £15 and makes a great gift for a friend or loved one.

Father Christmas will be returning with his real reindeer and there will be festive crafts, yummy nibbles, mulled wine and Prosecco, games, live music and storytelling in the stunning medieval Great Hall beneath a sparkling tree.

Both visitor centres have a children’s play area, café and gift shop and are open every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday 10am to 4pm (closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day).

Christmas at the Castle is being staged on Saturday 23 December and Christmas Eve between 10am and 2.30pm. Entry is free with a £7 charge for children to visit Santa, which includes a gift.

Other festive activities at Peterborough One include an outdoor ice rink and Father Christmas taking up residence in his grotto in the Van Hage Garden Centre from Sunday 3 December.

www.redwings.org.uk

www.oakhamcastle.org

www.pe1.co.uk

Visitors will also have the opportunity to meet Sid and Scrat from the popular Ice Age movies.

The event, which is free to attend, will end with a dramatic fireworks show to music.

CONTINUED ...

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WHAT'S ON CONTINUED ...

 CHRISTMAS AT SPRINGFIELDS OUTLET SHOPPING Late night shopping has started at Springfields Outlet Shopping, in Spalding, where stores will be open until 9pm on weekdays.

The Christmas Grotto opens on Saturday 25 November until Christmas Eve and will be opposite M&S Outlet. Children can visit Santa for £7 and, for an additional £2.50, enjoy a ride on the Winter Wonderland Express miniature steam train around the festival gardens.

The Black Friday events starts on Christmas Eve and runs until the following Monday when shoppers will be able to bag some great bargains.

 FERRY MEADOWS' FESTIVE ACTIVITIES

www.springfieldsshopping.co.uk

Nene Park Trust is staging a number of special events during the festive season at Ferry Meadows Country Park.

On Saturday and Sunday 25 and 26 November there will be a Christmas Fair featuring craft and gift stalls, refreshments, musical entertainment by local choirs and bands, a children's craft area and lots more. The event is free and open from 11am to 4pm.

On the same days there will be a We're Going on a Bear Hunt Christmas Special where visitors can join a walk around the park to find Barney the bear. The cost is £5.

A Tree Dressing Day is taking place on Thursday 3 December with visitors invited to create an item to hang on one of the special trees. Staged at the Visitor Centre between 11.30am and 2.30pm, the event is free.

On Thursday 21 December there will be Christmas tree decoration making in the Discovery Den between 10am and 12 noon. Join the Rangers to make a decoration from clay to take home. The craft is free, with a suggested donation of £1 per person.

 SLEEPING BEAUTY AT THE KEY THEATRE With everything you expect from a Key Theatre pantomime, Sleeping Beauty promises an all-singing, all-dancing month of music and madness.

And on Wednesday 27 December children and adults are invited to the Wild Wednesday event to take part in some seasonal and wild crafts in the Discovery Den between 10am and 2pm. Again the sessions are free, but there's a suggested donation of £2.

Telling the enchanting tale of true love, princesses and princes, there will be adventure and excitement together with an abundance of family-friendly slapstick humour and spectacle as the story unfolds.

www.neneparktrust.org.uk

The panto runs at the Peterborough theatre from Thursday 7 December until Sunday 7 January and ticket prices start from £10.

MATHS AND ENGLISH TUITION

www.vivacity-peterborough.com

 SANTA VISITS SACREWELL

PETERBOROUGH

Visit Santa at Sacrewell before he boards his sleigh - with every child receiving a present and enjoying Christmas-themed crafts.

Other activities taking place at the Thornhaugh centre include tractor rides and marshmallow toasting by a campfire.

helping your child reach their potential

Santa Visits run from Friday 1 December until Christmas Eve from 10am until 6pm except on Mondays, when Sacrewell closes at 4pm, and on Christmas Eve when doors shut at 2pm.

On Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 December, from 9.30am to 10.30am, Santa will be interrupting his busy schedule to join little ones for breakfast. After the meal the man in red will be sharing stories and handing out small gifts.

All Santa Visits, which cost £7.50 per child, and Breakfast with Santa, starting at £6.95, are in addition to regular admission prices and booking is online only. www.sacrewell.org.uk

CLASS TIMES: Tuesday 4pm - 6pm Thursday 4pm - 6pm

 A WONDERFUL TIME OF YEAR AT CHURCH FARM Christmas is a wonderful time of the year to visit Church Farm at Stow Bardolph.

Father Christmas will be in residence in his magical woodland retreat from Thursday 30 November to 10 December on Thursday to Sunday and daily from 14 to 23 December - and there's no need to book in advance.

 Individualised and flexible learning

In addition to all the usual attractions there will also be a Nativity scene featuring resident animals in starring roles and a Christmas gift shop.

 Compatible with National Curriculum  Weekly Classes in the Hamptons on

www.churchfarmstowbardolph.co.uk

plan for each child

Tuesdays and Thursdays  Help your child to increase their confidence in school

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

Ruth Ekblom – Centre manager T: 07957 893 287 E: peterboroughsouth@firstclasslearning.co.uk 8

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g n i z a m Aadvent calendars

Advent calendars are a festive favourite with the Term Times team.

Step away from the familiar chocolate versions and there's a wonderful world of special treats waiting to be discovered.

Here we've featured something for mum, dad and the kids.

Our selection is a bit pricey, but we reckon they are worth the investment and you could offset the expense by spending less on presents for Christmas Day.

 Body Shop

 Snaffling Pig Co

The ethical beauty brand's 24 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar is jam-packed with feel-good, naturallyinspired discoveries from its skincare, bath and body, fragrance and make-up ranges.

The popular Snaffling Pig Co calendar features a mini bag of delicious pork crackling behind every door perfect for savoury snack lovers.

The whopping A3 sized Merry Piggin’ Christmas Advent Calendar contains 24 packets of the company's signature double cooked crackling with six fabulous flavours, including Great Taste award-winning Marvellous Maple, Low & Slow BBQ and festive limited edition Pigs in Blankets, waiting to be devoured.

Expect a whole load of mini essentials from body butter to hand cream, shower gel to soap alongside an array of useful accessories such as an eyelash curler, nail file and facial cleansing sponge.

Counting down to Christmas has never been so glamorous - and you'll save an impressive £40 compared to buying the products individually.

Sadly, none of them look like Santa, reindeer or snowmen, but what they lack in festive shape is made up for in crunchy, porky loveliness.

The advent calendar costs £45 and is available from stores and online. www.thebodyshop.com

The scrummy advent calendar costs £17.50 and is available online. www.snafflingpig.co.uk

 LEGO Star Wars

 Tinc

Open a door every day in December to discover 24 LEGO Star Wars-themed gifts including minifigures, starships, vehicles and other collectibles.

The stationery, gadget and accessories company advent calendar comprises 24 individual boxes, each a different size and containing new and exclusive limited edition gifts that can’t be bought in store.

The goodies promise to be bigger, better and funkier than ever before with a combined estimated value of nearly £50.

Perfect for rebels, Sith Lords, Scavengers and any other life form, the advent calendar comes with seven mini figures and BB-8 figure.

Previous items have included festive keychains and colourful stationery, luggage tags, cool character erasers and fingertip crayons.

Vehicles include The Ghost, The Phantom, Stormtrooper transport, Rey’s speeder, Millennium Falcon, Snowspeeder, Krennic's Shuttle, Y-wing, TIE Striker, Hovertank, AT-ST, blaster cannon, snow blower and a sled with boosters.

There’s even a foldout playmat featuring images from Jakku, Starkiller Base and deep space for epic Star Wars encounters.

Available from a number of retailers and LEGO online shop priced at £24.99. www.lego.com

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However, exact details about the contents of this year’s calendar remain a closely-guarded secret.

The Tinc Advent Calendar, costing £28, is available from the company's stores and online. www.tinc.uk.com

Information correct at time of going to press

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Lisha scoops creative writing competition Talented young writer Lisha Vageesh has been named the winner of education recruitment specialist Mana Education’s creative writing competition.

Eight-year-old Lisha, a pupil at Bushmead Primary School in St Neots, is a keen storyteller and this is the third writing competition she has won in 18 months.

enjoyed reading all the entries and comments: ‘I think all the children who entered should be very proud of themselves. Well done to everyone.’

Head judge, author Dr Nigel Freestone, was impressed with the ‘extremely high standard’ of entries.

Lisha, whose favourite author is Roald Dahl, wins five books for herself and a stationery bundle for her school.

‘Imaginative and well-constructed, they often combined matter-of-fact description with poetic atmosphere.

‘I had a difficult time deciding the winner and the runners-up and spent a lot of time discussing the shortlist and reading the stories to friends and colleagues.

‘I enjoyed reading them all but, in my view, the winner Kim Jodie and the Tiny Person, by Lisha Vageesh, was easy to read with a clear beginning, middle and end.

‘The simplicity of the story and the language used provides the reader with ample opportunity to use their imagination to continue the story by identifying their own wishes.’

Maria Cadwallader, Mana Education’s Head of Education,

Her proud mum Bindu comments: ‘She has many collections of stories in her diary.

‘The first story writing competition she won was St Ives Book Jam in May 2016 followed by the Junior group Young Writer competition in April 2017.

‘Winning this competition means a lot to her. She loves to write stories, they make her imagination grow more.’

Seven-year-old Monty Green, a pupil at Brampton Village Primary School, and eight-year-old Emma Thomas, of Shirley Community Primary School, Chesterton, Cambridge, were runners-up and will each win five books.

Kim Jodie and the Tiny Person

by Lisha Vageesh It was a fine October morning.

Kim and Jodie skipped along the soft sand. They were laughing and joking with each other. Earlier they had discussed what they were going to do. They climbed the stony steps to the top of the old castle.

Suddenly they heard a deafening noise behind them, they turned around and couldn’t believe their eyes.... As if by magic, a tiny person spoke to them, he said: ‘If you are trying to find the magic stone, then follow me.’

Kim and Jodie thought that was interesting so they said yes. They climbed about one hundred

For more information call 01733 286199 or visit www.manaeducation.co.uk

Drama and singing lessons for your little star!

Drama & Singing Lessons of Distinction

Let your little one shine! www.littlevoices.org.uk/peterborough www.facebook.com/Little VoicesPeterborough peterborough@littlevoices.org.uk 07801 953643 12

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crumbly steps, when they got to the top, they saw a huge, golden door.

The kids slightly opened the creaky door, they looked inside and saw a massive stone.

The tiny person said: ‘That is a wishing stone, close your eyes and make a wish in your head, don’t tell your wish to anyone otherwise it won’t come true!’ So, the children made their wishes.

When they got home, they told their mums about the adventure, but of course, they thought the two children were just making it up.

(But the children weren’t.)

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Rapunzel - A Tangled Tale

Win a gym and leisure centre membership

at Stamford Arts Centre Rapunzel - A Tangled Tale being staged at Stamford Arts Centre promises to be the pantomime adventure of a lifetime.

The hugely popular Polka Dot Pantomimes returns to the arts centre with this modern panto with a difference based on the famous fairytale.

The fun, family-friendly pantomime features songs, colour, and creative costumes and stars Phil Norton and Vince Williams.

The panto tells the hair-raising tale of the beautiful Rapunzel stuck in her tower, the evil witch Gothel who put her there and the royal family who have never given up hope that their daughter may one day return.

Will the magical fairies help Rapunzel root out her true love and will Gothel brush off rescue attempts?

If you are planning on getting more active after the Christmas festivities then our friends at One Leisure have the perfect prize.

They are offering one lucky reader the chance to win three months' single or joint platinum membership - including the £30 gym induction fee - worth up to £200.

The panto runs from Thursday 4 until Sunday 7 January, with daytime and early evening performances.

Platinum membership allows access to all five One Leisure centres - Huntingdon, Ramsey, Sawtry, St Ives and St Neots - unlimited use of the Impressions Fitness Suites, swimming pools, off peak badminton and more than 250 fitness classes.

Tickets, costing £13 for adults, children and concessions £12, schools £7.50 per child and groups £10 per person, are available from Stamford Arts Centre by calling 01780 763203 or online at www.stamfordartscentre.com

And you will even be able to take your children along free of charge during public swim times. For younger brothers or sisters there are also free crèche places providing a fun, safe environment with caring and qualified staff.

Thanks to our friends at Stamford Arts Centre we have two family tickets for four to see Rapunzel - A Tangled Tale. The prize is for any performance, subject to availability. For a chance to win simply follow the instructions on page 3. Closing date 21 December.

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For your chance to scoop this fabulous prize just name two of One Leisure's centres and follow the instructions on page 3. Closing date 22 December.

Entrants must be over 18 years of age to enter this competition.

One Leisure offers a variety of membership options, for more information visit www.oneleisure.net

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NS

'S SOLUTIO

LAST ISSUE

Have fun with our festive-themed puzzles.

Can you spot the 6 differences between the two pictures?

New Year Fireworks

YOU SAW ME! Advertise with

If you want to be seen, try advertising in Term Times 01780 757731

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NEW THEATRE SCHOOL opens 6 January

Performing arts lessons for 4–18yrs.

Dance, Drama, Singing & Music. £16.50 for over three hours of performing arts (sibling discount).

9.15am – 12.45pm every Saturday.

CREATING THE NEXT GENERATION OF PERFORMERS

Performance Arts Award exams provided. Gain UCAS points.

Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Dance & Music qualified teachers.

Saturday mornings at John Mansfield centre Studios.

ENROL YOUR CHILD NOW. Limited class spaces remaining. peterboroughperformingarts.uk t: 07521 749 922 www.termtimes.ltd.uk

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Developing Essential Skills f or the Futu re The Children’s University gives seven to 14 year olds, and five to six year olds with their families, the opportunity to be involved in high-quality learning experiences outside the school day.

Learning in a rich range of contexts such as museums, country parks and leisure centres, as well as extra-curricular activities at school, introduces children to different kinds of learning and helps them develop essential life skills such as confidence, motivation, resilience and communication.

It also encourages them to raise their aspirations for their future lives.

Peterborough Children’s University has welcomed four new schools to the organisation this term: Hampton Hargate Primary School, Holme CofE Primary School, Newborough CofE Primary School and St Thomas More RC Primary School. This means many more children will have the opportunity to experience and celebrate a different type of learning.

There are also many wonderful Learning Destinations in the Peterborough area which provide rich and exciting learning experiences and the list is growing all the time. New Learning Destinations this term are Little Voices, Bambini Lingo and Jumped Up Theatre Company.

Be part of the adventure and look out for the Passport To Learning logo when you are out and about.

If you are a school or parent who would like to be part of Peterborough Children’s University, or a venue interested in becoming a Learning Destination, contact Gill Hall, Peterborough Children’s University Manager, Gill.Hall@vivacity.org or call 01733 864 784/864 729

PETERBOROUGH

Children’s University promotion

Penclic Mouse 2017/2018 COURSE DATES Paediatric

11 – 12 December 15 – 16 January 2018

EFAW

11 & 13 December 15 & 22 January 2018

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13 – 15 December 22 – 24 January 2018

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Defibrillator training available

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

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Everyone loves a good gadget and when the Penclic Mouse B3™ arrived at the Term Times office the team was itching to give it a go.

This clever little device is a Scandinavian-designed computer mouse which looks, moves and feels like a pen.

The pen-grip means a relaxing position compared to a conventional mouse, eliminating wrist strain, and makes working and surfing smooth and speedy.

We found the Penclic Mouse a great alternative and it can be used by both left and right-handers - ideal for a southpaw like our Editor.

The Bluetooth connection ensures the device is truly portable and its compact size means that it easily fits into a work bag along with the trusty laptop.

Technical Facts • Bluetooth connection • AAA 1.2V NiMH recharging battery - with everyday use it • Three buttons and scroll wheel lasts approximately a month • Laser sensor before needing recharging • Operates on almost any surface • Dpi 800/1200/1600 without any pad or tablet • Mac and PC compatible • Wireless reaches minimum five metres • Two-year warranty www.penclic.se We have a Penclic Mouse B3, worth £80, to give away. Simply follow the instructions on page 3.

Closing date 22 December.

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GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUR CHILD TO TRY

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19

York

THE PERFECT CITY FOR A FAMILY WEEKEND A family trip to a city famed for chocolate, Vikings, Guy Fawkes and railways - to name just a few of York's attractions - will have the children eating out of your hand.

York is the perfect place for a short break and few cities in the world can rival its history and character.

Term Times writer Kay Kelly, husband John and eight-year-old daughter Matilda enjoyed a weekend of discovery.

York's Chocolate Story

JORVIK Viking Centre

York Minster

Chocoholic heaven, this was Matilda's most eagerly anticipated visit and didn't disappoint.

The centre, which closed after devastating flooding in December 2015, reopened this April with a multi-million pound refurbishment.

The largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe, taking 250 years to build, York Minster has more original medieval stained glass than any other church in England.

The visitor attraction celebrates the mouth-watering story of chocolate and confectionery in the city.

You discover chocolate's origins, York's famous chocolate-making families and their creations, unwrap the secrets of chocolate making and learn to taste it like an expert.

Our fully-guided tour, led by a very engaging storyteller, took in three floors of fun and interactive exploration.

And, yes, there are plenty of delicious chocolate samples en route. In fact, since opening in 2012, York's Chocolate Story has given away more than 100 tonnes of chocolate...equivalent to 11 tyrannosaurus rex or a Boeing 757 jet.

If you need an additional chocolate fix there's a great shop and cafe.

The attraction has just received a prestigious Sandford Award for heritage sites with the most impressive educational offerings.

Matilda's best bits: Sampling sweet treats and making a chocolate lolly.

You are greeted by an impressive array of early medieval timbers and finds preserved With world famous windows, under a glass floor and video screens telling historic artefacts and awe-inspiring architecture, there's plenty to admire. the story of the Coppergate excavations.

The much-loved time-travelling ride transported us back to the 10th century when Eric Bloodaxe, the last Viking King in Jorvik, has been expelled and the city is transforming itself.

Through state-of-the-art animatronics who chatter away in Old Norse and other early medieval languages - we discovered the impact of international trade An audio guide from built-in speakers in the ride car explains what you can see, hear...and smell! The effect is impressively immersive.

The gallery experiences have been completely updated, with new display cases allowing you to get up close to precious artefacts as you dig deeper into York's Viking story.

Matilda's be st bits: The time-trav el ride and discover ing more about the displayed sk eletons.

We spent well over an hour wandering through, and enjoying, it's medieval splendour - the tennis court-sized East Window is simply stunning.

Energetic over eights, comfortable with confined spaces, can climb the 275 winding steps up the minster tower for panoramic views across the city.

Unfortunately, with a claustrophobic mum, Matilda had to forgo this opportunity.

Matilda's best bit: Borrowing an Explorer Backpack and taking on the I-spy challenge.

The good news is you don’t have to be a train anorak to enjoy the stunning National Railway Museum collection documenting 300 years of history and featuring more than one million objects.

Must-see engines include the Mallard - which set the world speed record for steam locomotives - the replica of Stephenson's Rocket and the futuristic Shinkansen Japanese bullet train.

Don't miss the fascinating Ambulance Trains exhibition, telling the forgotten story of the trains used to evacuate sick and injured troops during the First World War. Stepping on board a historic railway carriage the story is brought to life through digital projection, film and sound. The moving tales of staff and passengers are told in their own words, through letters, diaries, photographs and drawings.

st bits: oyal Matilda's be e beautiful R th to Peeking in en ue Q g in clud carriages - in els' - and alace on Whe Victoria's 'P re train. tu tdoor minia riding the ou

City Cruises York Taking to the water for a change of scenery, we enjoyed a leisurely hour sailing on the River Ouse on a City Cruises York day cruise.

York Pass

Our captain kept up an amusing and informative commentary, recalling stories of York past and present, while we took in the riverside landmarks.

Matilda's be st bits: Waving to fe llow We were lucky that despite the clouds it didn't rain so we could sit on the upper deck. You can venture boaters and spotting downstairs to the heated saloon if it's too cold or wet. There are also toilets and refreshments available. land marks pointe d out by the C We travelled upstream to Clifton Bridge on the northern outskirts of the city and then back aptain downstream as far as the Millennium Bridge before returning to Lendal Bridge, close to the Minster.

For more information about any of the attractions featured, plus plenty more family-friendly things to do in and around York, visit www.visityork.org 20

National Railway Museum

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To make the most of your visit and save money - the York Pass gives free entry into more than 30 attractions and tours plus offers at more than 40 shops and restaurants.

There are one, two, three or sixday passes available to purchase and you also get a free guide book.

M o r n ning e p O l o o h 7 January 2018 10am – 12:30pm c S p Preption to Year 6 – 2 o WE are… h w r e v isco d d n UR child could become O a Y o e h w and Com

Rece

Additional bus routes are now available from Spalding, Peterborough, Whittlesey and surrounding villages.

We are still welcoming enquiries for 1st Form (Year 7) and above.

We are a leading independent co-educational day school for pupils aged 4-18 years, offering children the opportunity to flourish and reach their true potential.

• Extended learning through co-curricular, sports, cultural, and outdoor learning activities • Individual learning tailored to childrens’ strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to truly ‘discover who THEY are and who THEY could become' • Confidence-building through dedicated pastoral support • Small class sizes

Register for our open morning by contacting admissions on 01945 586 750 or email admissions@wisbechgrammar.com

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SNOW WHITE AT THE CRESSET THEATRE The Cresset Theatre and Premier Pantomimes have announced a star line-up for this year's spectacular family pantomime Snow White.

Win The Amazing Animal Atlas

With all the magic and spectacle audiences expect, the panto promises to be another hit production.

Coronation Street legend Kevin Kennedy, who played perennial favourite Curly Watts in the soap for 20 years, headlines this year’s cast.

Mitch Hewer, who played Aladdin at The Cresset in 2014 and got his big break on Channel 4’s Skins, is Prince Florizel.

Audience favourite Zach Vanderfelt is the outrageous Madame Bonbon.

Also returning is Cresset panto veteran Peter McCrohon and, following her debut as Wendy in last year’s production of Peter Pan, Victoria Jane is Snow White.

Musical theatre actress Britt Lenting has been cast as the Wicked Queen.

The panto is written and directed by Stuart Morrison, who has been involved with Cresset pantomimes for many years.

Produced by Premier Pantomimes, the show runs from 9 to 30 December with tickets priced from £8.50 and group offers available.

Book on 01733 265705 or online at www.cresset.co.uk We have two family tickets to Snow White up for grabs and the winners can select any performance, subject to availability. To enter, follow the instructions on page 3. Closing date 7 December.

Thanks to the lovely people at Flying Eye Books, we've got five copies of a magnificent super-sized book perfect for animal lovers and aspiring young naturalists.

Open up The Amazing Animal Atlas and immerse yourself in the beauty of our natural world.

From the great winding Ganges river in India to the thick conifer forests of northern Europe, the book takes you around the globe to discover the rich variety of animals that share our beautiful blue planet.

Double-sided foldouts for North America and Asia offer a closer look at regions within those continents and closing sections touch on animal endangerment and conservation.

Written by zoologist Dr Nick Crumpton, this fascinating fact-filled book will be treasured for generations.

It's brimming with beautiful, detailed, and biologically accurate illustrations by Italian children's illustrator Gaia Bordicchia.

The hardback is aimed at children aged six and above and costs £25.

For a chance to win one of the five copies we've got to give away, simply follow the instructions on page 3. Closing date 21 December.

No ordinary bus!

For children from toddlers up to 10 yrs

• ball pit • slide • Wii dance and games • music • climbing wall • swing-ball ‘Yummy • delicious candy floss yummy!’

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

CALL 01733 229 006

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 Wide selection of coaches and buses available for hire (from 12 to 70 seats with seatbelts). Disabled access coach with a lift available.

01733 242 034 (Peterborough based) info@deckerbus.co.uk www.deckerbus.co.uk 22

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