TermTimes 141

Delivered to

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180

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

SCHOOLS

the magazine for families

Issue 141 – November 2019 to January 2020

Christmas Guide Inside

WIN

PANTO AND GROTTO TICKETS A JET SIM EXPERIENCE

Your bumper guide to what's on near you

Advice

Cyber safety for your family

s

Expert Tip

Boost the value of your home

Games

Children's Christmas puzzles

Covering Cambridge, Fenland, Huntingdon, Oundle, Peterborough, Spalding, South Kesteven, Wisbech and more

The essential FREE publication for you and your children

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Welcome to this issue Without wanting to sound ‘Bah Humbug’, the winter holiday can be a whirlwind experience – but as whirlwinds go, it’s a good one!

Christmas seems to start earlier every year, this is partly due to the retail industry and also the number of wonderful activities our children are involved in. It was only when my daughter started school that I realised trying to get 30 four and five-year-olds to be word perfect for a nativity had to start soon after the September transition if the teacher stood any chance!

Our fantastic schools put on a host of events aimed at our children celebrating this magical time of year. The efforts from teaching staff to ensure these seasonal events run smoothly and are enjoyed by all is exceptional. Thank you and well done! Whether your little one is a cloud, tree number two or – my personal favourite – part of the stable wall (yes, this was an actual role for my friend’s child), we hope you enjoy this popular and memorable tradition as much as they surely will.

Whilst the religious aspect of the season will not be celebrated by all of our readers, how great is it that this holiday is filled with so many family events to attend and traditions to uphold. It’s ‘Panto’ season and our little patch offers such a great selection of high-class entertainment. Turn to page 15 to find out more about the performances you won't want to miss as well as a round-up of Santa grottos and fairs to pick from.

This issue has a couple of competitions to enter and editorial features to inspire, enjoy and educate. We hope you have great festive season with your friends and family but remember whirlwinds can be very energetic so leave a little juice in the tank for the new year!

Amanda

Now enrolling for Jan 2020

Birthdays Useful information

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

Advertise with us Term Times reaches over 51,000 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

Does your child have a birthday soon?

Would you like to have it announced in a forthcoming issue of Term Times?

Just send us their name, photo, age, date of birthday and details of who it's from to: steven@termtimes.ltd.uk

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.

Let your

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Contents Regulars 4 .............News and competition winners 22 ..........Festive fun

Editorial

PUBLICATION LAYOUTS | IT SUPPORT WEB DEVELOPMENT | BRANDING

01733 772095

www.dimension6000.com

6 .............How to protect against cyber crime 10 ..........Why footcare is crucial for diabetics 15 - 20...What’s on this Christmas 24 ..........A word from the Head 28...........Improve the value of your home

Competitions 12 ..........A Jet Sim School Experience 12 ..........Win a copy of North Girl

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/advertisers 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

COMPETITION WINNERS

Toy testers deliver results Queensgate Shopping Centre has delivered its verdict for the top toy of Christmas 2019 after thorough testing and voting from Peterborough children. The £50 Owleez, from Argos, takes the top spot; the interactive baby owl toy can ‘fly’ and its eyes light up for different moods as it responds to your touch. Also within the top five toys was Boppi the booty shakin’ llama, twoplayer laser tag, the Rock Crawler remote control racer and Mario Kart remote control racer.

Children’s literacy in decline

Maddie

Molly Charlotte

Peyton & Phoebe

More than 7,000 mainstream primary schools in England are falling below the government’s base reading standard and nearly half of the number of children read for fun compared to their parents at the same age.

Congratulations Charlotte for winning her day out to Skylark Maize Maze and Funyard.

This new research from superstore Sainsbury's also revealed that only 22% of children asked could identify classic literary characters such as Aslan from The Chronicals of Narnia and only 10% for Dorothy Gale from The Wizard of Oz.

Molly winning the Naughtiest Unicorn books.

Three in four parents blame technology for the decline and 83% wish their child would read more instead of watching television, YouTube or playing on a tablet.

To help combat this decline and to strengthen children’s connection to literature, Sainbury's has been delivering its 150 Days of Community Scheme where its employees volunteer with local schools, among other causes. With only one in eight schools in England having a library, action is needed to reverse this decline.

Well done Peyton (left) and Phoebe for winning our Halloween competition.

Maddie enjoying the show at The Cresset theatre.

Find more competitions in this issue for a chance to win!

Calling all Primary Schools…

The power of a lullaby Singing lullabies to your children plays an important role in their emotional and mental development, according to a Great Ormond Street Hospital study. This is supported by reports from the National Literacy Trust that shows singing songs to children supports language development and reading skills.

However only 38% of parents polled by YouGov sing to their children daily.

If your child’s school has a pending event or news to shout about, send it to the team at Term Times so we can share it with all our readers. The press release deadline for the next issue is 16 December. Send them to steven@termtimes.ltd.uk

Happy Belated 8th Birthday Jamie, Love from Mummy and Daddy

Christmas at

Here are just a few of the events and activities going on in the Park this Christmas

Christmas Gifts

Countdown to Christmas Sundays

Located at the Visitor Centre in Ferry Meadows, our Gift Shop is the perfect place to find unusual and exciting gifts this Christmas. Featuring a vast range of fair trade, handmade and sustainable gifts, cards and treats – you may even find a few ‘made with love’ items exclusively crafted by our rangers and volunteers.

On each Sunday in December there will be live music from local bands or choirs; children’s craft activities and an adult Christmas workshop such as wreath or winter remedy making. Keep an eye on our website for more information.

Whether you are looking for adventure, outdoor activity, a place to walk the dog or simply to appreciate nature this summer, Nene Park has it all. Here are just a few of the events and activities going on in the Park this autumn.

BOOKIN

Nature Tots

Christmas Holiday Trail

G

Collect a trail sheet from the Visitor Centre and then hunt for clues as you walk around Ferry Meadows. Return to the Visitor Centre to claim your prize.

To find out more and book into any of these events, please go to www.nenepark.org.uk/events

4

Every first and third Mondays of the month for parents and preschool children.

Come along to our naturethemed sessions with messy craft activity, outdoor fun, story and song time.

   @NeneParkPboro www.nenepark.org.uk

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How to protect your family from

cyber crime It may be a faceless attacker but it’s no less destructive. Find out how to defend yourself from cyber crime with these tips from the Cambridgeshire Police Several million cases of fraud and computer misuse are reported to the police every year.

More than £15m was lost to fraud and cyber crime in Cambridgeshire alone, between March 2018 and April 2019. It's staggering but preventable; so many crimes can be avoided by making a few small changes to online behaviour.

“One of the most common ways cyber criminals gain access to your device is by sending out phishing emails disguised as having been sent by a recognised company such as your bank, Amazon, eBay or PayPal,” says Nigel Sutton who provides cyber security advice on behalf of Cambridgeshire Police. “They may alternatively try to represent an official public sector organisation such as, DVLA, HMRC or TV Licensing. The email will entice the recipient to open an attachment or click on a link and will suggest that there is an issue with an account that needs immediate action. The email

may threaten you with the Police or bailiffs and could suggest that services are withheld.

“By clicking on a link or opening an attachment, you could be allowing the cyber criminal remote access to your device. Always read the ‘from’ address in an email in full. Don’t stop reading just because you recognise the first couple of words.

Read the full email address and consider, does it look genuine? If in doubt, contact the sender by telephone and confirm that they have indeed sent the email. Don’t reply to the email. Use the same caution when clicking on links sent within instant messaging services, if in doubt don’t do it.

“When surfing the web, ensure you only visit websites with a padlock (a green one is more secure) and the address starts with https. It can also help if you download the add-on, ‘HTTPS Everywhere’ from your browser store,” concludes Nigel.

TOP TIPS

Protect your private information and devices:

T Protect your email and social media accounts by using a strong and separate password, consider using a password manager.

T Install the latest updates for your operating system, software, browser and apps.

T Turn on two-factor authentication on your email and social media.

T Secure all devices with a screen lock.

T Always back up your most important data.

T Cover your webcam and microphone when not in use.

T Avoid using public WiFi hotspots that are not secure or ask for personal information online.

T Set up spam filters on all your email accounts.

T Remember if you wouldn’t do or say it in the real world, don’t do it online.

If you’re in need of more advice, contact your local police department’s cyber control team or if you’re currently being subject to a live and ongoing cyber-attack then please contact 101.

Lincolnshire Police’s Cyber Protect team: Cybercrime@lincs.pnn.police.uk Northants Police: www.northants.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/fa/fraud/online-fraud2/cyber-crime-fraud/ For further guidance visit www.ncsc.gov.uk/section/information-for/individuals-families Nigel Sutton provides cyber security advice on behalf of Cambridgeshire Police and can provide presentations to any local community group. He can be contacted at: CyberProtectCambs@cambs.pnn.police.uk

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Did you know one in 15 people in the UK have diabetes? That around 10% of diabetics develop foot ulcers, which can prove life-threatening, and that 80% of the 130 amputations that happen weekly in the UK are preceded by a diabetic foot ulcer.

It is estimated that 80-85% of these amputations are completely preventable (NICE) with good foot care. Due to the nerve

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All our Foot Care Professionals are trained to deal with diabetic feet and will happily offer footwear and home advice along with treatment.

Don’t let your feet hold you back and book an appointment at The Fane Clinic on 01733 571555. www.thefaneclinic.co.uk reception@thefaneclinic.co.uk The figures shown here are based on research carried out by Diabetes UK in 2015.

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COMPETITIONS

COMPETITIONS COMPETITIO NS WIN

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Rose is destined to travel far from home on a dangerous journey and this is her story.

Based on the Norwegian fairy tale East of the Sun and West of the Moon, North Child was first published in 2006 to critical acclaimand has gained a passionate following in the years since. Reborn for a new generation of readers, this beautiful edition is a spellbinding adventure to curl up with on long winter nights.

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There is room for up to eight spectators to watch from the cabin. Time to take off and it's straight over to you! With the instructor's guidance, you will fly over 70 tonnes of metal, jet fuel and passengers into the sky!

Now you can enjoy this epic story of destiny, magic and love by winning a copy.

You can win one adult a 60-minute experience to captain a Boeing 737-800 in the cockpit of Jet Sim School’s simulator by entering our competition. You’ll have a chance to work all the buttons, switches and controls of a real plane.

Simply turn to page 3 for details of how to enter. Closing date: 1 January 2020.

To enter, turn to page 3 for details. Closing date: 1 January 2020.

Boeing 737 FLIGHT SIMULATOR EXPERIENCES 1 Take control of a Boeing 737-800 fixed base simulator - complete with 503 buttons, switches and instruments, which all work just like the real thing.

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It’s not where you go this Christmas, it’s which you choose ...

Santa Steam

Available on Premier 1st Class compartments

23 Nov to 24 Dec (selected dates)

 Welcome from our station staff  Entertainment provided on the platform  Exciting visit to Santa’s Grotto, where each child receives their special present  Join our steam-hauled, decorated train for a fun-filled ride to Peterborough and return  Staff serve the children with a drink and chocolates  Parents and other adults are not forgotten, with a mince pie and either an alchoholic miniature, wine or a hot drink!  Santa walks through the train to see the children, providing an opportunity to take photographs and to wish everyone the compliments of the season!

BOTH OF THESE EVENTS ARE PRE-BOOK. BOOK EARLY

Please note Santa will not be at the lights event

Spectacular Arriving at Wansford, you will gather on the platform for the big reveal, then once on board the heated carriages, sit back and enjoy a magical train ride, viewing the beautiful light displays between Wansford and Overton Station, while a musical accompaniment adds to the spectacle. The Turntable Cafe will be open until the train’s departure, offering a selection of hot and hearty snacks.

Buy tickets online: www.nvr.org.uk | 01780 784444 | Wansford Station, Sibbington, Peterbrough PE8 6LR Charity 263617

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Pantomimes 2019

Festive

Your comprehensive round-up of family fun over Christmas and into the New Year, from pantomimes and retail events to days out for the whole family ...

Festive

60-second interview with STRICTLY COME DANCING’S

Katya Jones With her upcoming Peterborough panto, The Wizard of Oz, due to take the city by storm, Katya Jones takes a break from rehearsing to talk ‘strictly’ pantos with Term Times magazine Q What can audiences expect from this all-new rendition of The Wizard of Oz? Prime Pantomime’s Wizard of Oz promises to be a very colourful, cheerful, hilarious production; it’s all about energy and entertainment! The costumes and the set are incredible, and the cast is ready to put you all in the Christmas spirit. We don’t have anything like pantomimes in Russia but I love the idea of a ‘panto’ being something that the whole family can enjoy and get involved in while celebrating everyone’s favourite festive season!

Q You’ll be playing Glinda the Good witch, how much are you like your character?

to keep me active over Christmas. Last year I enjoyed my time off a little too much, ate too much yummy food and was generally festively lazy; this year it will be non-stop fun and energy – I cannot wait!

Q How do you expect performing live in ‘panto’ to differ from performing live on TV? I’m not afraid of a stage, but obviously this will be a very different experience because I have to talk rather than dance and physically interact with people to make them feel part of show. It’s important to me to take audiences on a journey that’s as much fun as possible.

Q Can we expect some impressive footwork from you in the show?

Glinda is fab-u-lous! She’s sassy and has attitude – I am very loud and enthusiastic Well I’m no singer that’s for sure and I so I love playing her. She’s a strong have to play to my strengths. As plenty of character so I think we’re a perfect people will be expecting some moves, I’m match – watch out Wicked Witch! I was not about to let them down. I certainly so happy when the producers of Prime plan to give the Wicked Witch a run for her money on the dance floor! It will be Pantomimes, which is a new part of the fantastic to add another dimension to award-winning production company the performance and get people off their Selladoor, gave me the role. I love seats, too. entertaining so ‘panto’ is the perfect way The Wizard of Oz will be at the New Theatre Peterborough from Saturday 14 December – Tuesday 31 December. Tickets £12 .50 – £24.50. www.newtheatre-peterborough.com (Please note, Kayta will not be performing on Sat 14 Dec).

Rumplestiltskin Stamford Theatre

21 December

Theatre of Widdershins will be presenting its rendition of the Grimm’s classic fairy tale, Rumpelstiltskin. It is a story of transformation that will make you laugh and gasp at the same time. Using its trademark puppets, music, storytelling and transforming set, Theatre of Widdershins will captivate your family for an hour on 21 December, 2.30pm at the Stamford Theatre. Tickets cost £7.50/ £26 family of four.

To book visit: www.stamfordartscentre.com

Beauty and the Beast The Key Theatre

5 December - 5 January

Vivacity’s popular annual pantomime to be performed at the Key Theatre this year is a hilarious rendition of the classic fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast.

For the fourth year, the show is once again directed by Simon Egerton, who has also created a brand new script along with original and parody songs that will have you singing along.

A hilarious, local twist on this traditional tale. The action in the provincial town of ‘Pierreborough’, (home of the ‘Macrongate Shopping Centre’) with set, costumes and actors showing off lederhosen, alpenhorns and plenty of yodelling.

Tickets start from £10. To book visit: www.vivacity.org/panto

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The Core at Corby Cube

The Wind in the Willows

Cambridge Junction

Recommended for ages 6+

6 – 29 December This Christmas, multi-award-winning comedy theatre company New Old Friends return to The Core at Corby Cube with an exciting, new retelling of the classic family tale Swiss Family Robinson, directed by James Farrell (RSC and The 39 Steps in the West End).

11 December – 5 January

Delivered by a cast of just four talented performers, the show will feature wonderful wild animals, glorious gags, marvellous machines, stupendous songs and witty wordplay, making it the perfect festive family island escape this December.

Kenneth Grahame’s classic tale of friendship will be reimagined and topped off with Figs in Wigs’ (See opposite, performing in a previous show) signature blend of comic timing, bad jokes and pop culture references as Mole, Ratty, Badger and Toad go on a new festive adventure.

Festive

Pantomimes 2019

Swiss Family Robinson

Cambridge Junction is welcoming acclaimed company Figs in Wigs to its stage this Christmas with The Wind in the Willows.

When a family find themselves shipwrecked on a deserted island, they have to use all of their wits, strengths and skills to build a new home.

As well as finding shelter and safety on the island, they (and their dog) must also make friends with the local inhabitants who are all manner of creatures, some friendly and some not.

Expect an all singing, all dancing, anarchic extravaganza! Perfect for anyone who loves, hates, or feels ambivalent about Christmas.

Free craft activities will be running before every family performance where little ones and their families can make an adorable sock-puppet penguin, a boat to set sail in and write a desert island style letter to Father Christmas. Tickets from £12.

There will be a BSL (British Sign Language) interpreted performance (Sun 22 Dec) and a Relaxed Performance (Sun 29 Dec), aimed at anyone who would benefit from a more subdued performance environment including people with an Autistic Spectrum Condition, sensory or communication disorders, or a learning disability.

Tickets from £15.50. To book: www.junction.co.uk/the-wind-in-the-willows

To book: www.thecorecorby.com

WIN TICKETS!

WIN

To be in with a chance of winning a family ticket (two adults plus two children) to performances on Sunday 15 December at 1pm or 5pm, answer this simple question. Who will direct Swiss Family Robinson? Turn to page 3 for details on how to enter. Closing date: 6 December 2019.

Dick Whittington Stamford Corn Exchange

27 December – 1 January

The Stamford Pantomime Players will be performing this family-friendly story of Dick from Ketton, who goes to London to seek his fame and fortune. Along with his faithful feline companion Kitty, he battles King Rat and his army of Ratlings, takes a voyage to visit foreign shores, and of course falls in love! But will Dick get the girl? Will they survive the sea journey?

Tickets start from £11 for an adult/£9 for a child.

To book visit: www.stamfordcornexchange.co.uk 16

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The Cresset Theatre

Pantomimes 2019

Cinderella

7 – 30 December

The Cresset Theatre in Peterborough, in collaboration with Premier Pantomimes, are presenting a star lineup for their spectacular family pantomime, Cinderella.

EastEnders actor Ricky Groves is leading a cast of professional and talented stars as the lovable Buttons.

It’s shaping up to be another great show, full of all the fun and magic we’ve come to expect from a Cresset Pantomime!

Tickets start from £9 with fantastic group offers available. To book, call 01733 265705 or visit www.cresset.co.uk

King's Lynn Corn Exchange 10 December – 5 January CELEBRATORY PANTOMIME

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Ian Marr as director and Dame at King’s Lynn Corn Exchange, and to celebrate they’re performing an amazing rendition of Aladdin. On stage at the Corn Exchange from 10 December – 5 January, the pantomime promises to be a spectacular show of music, laughter and special effects.

Tickets are available from 01553 764864 and start from £16. www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk

The Snowman

Festive

Writers and Director John Newman and Stuart Morrison, have been the creative force behind Cresset pantomimes for over ten years now, and continue to deliver spectacular productions.

Aladdin

The New Theatre, Peterborough 4 December

It’s not a panto but it’s a Christmas show worth watching! The New Theatre in Peterborough, in collaboration with Peterborough Music Hub, on 4 December at 6.30pm, will be presenting a very special concert performed

by Peterborough Youth Orchestra, KSCS Choir and local professional musicians.

WIN

Amongst many festive favourites, there will be a full performance of Howard Blake’s score for The Snowman, played live to a screen of the Oscar-nominated animation.

A FAMILY TICKET!

To be in with a chance of winning a family ticket to the performance of the panto, turn to page 3 for details of how to enter. Closing date: 6 December 2019. Tickets and chosen performance subject to availability.

Tickets cost £8. To book visit: www.newtheatre-peterborough.com

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from 23 November

Nene Valley Railway will be full-steam ahead with their ever-popular Santa Steam experience with a festive fun-filled return ride to Peterborough. Santa will be onboard in his grotto and refreshments are available.

Tickets are available for selected dates between 23 November – 24 December.

Families can now book to enjoy an amazing Christmas experience at Skylark Garden Centre in March. There will be breakfast with Santa and attractions such as a singa-long with elves, a gift from the toy shop and a build-a-bear activity. This year will be Skylark’s biggest and best Santa’s Grotto

WIN

following refurbishments and the addition of an extra grotto to reduce wait times. Mrs Claus’s Kitchen will be serving hot drinks and sweet snacks as well as offering a Gingerbread Man Decorating experience.

Visit: www.skylarkgardencentre.co.uk

WIN FAMILY TICKETS Skylark is offering two lucky families sets of tickets to visit the grotto. If you’d like to be in with a chance of winning, turn to page 3 for details on how to enter. Closing date: 14 December 2019.

Festive Fayres & Christmas Crafts Craft Fayre 23 – 24 November

23 November – 24 December

Visit: www.nvr.org.uk

Breakfast with Santa Waterside Garden Centre

If seeing Santa in his grotto wasn’t enough, Waterside Garden Centre in Baston, near Peterborough, is offering visitors the chance to have breakfast or tea with the big man. And why not finish off a fun day with a touch of ice skating with Frozen’s Elsa and Anna at its outdoor rink.

Visit: www.watersidegardencentre.co.uk

Sunday Lunch with Santa The Bull Hotel

Harvest Barn

Breakfast buffet with Santa 6 – 8 December

Harvest Barn Farmshop & Cafe in Farcet is hosting a range of festive events throughout November and December. Pop along to a Christmas Wreath Making Workshop (10 Dec, 7-9pm) with popupblooms.com or take a gander at the Christmas Craft Fayre, showcasing wonderful talent from across Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire

Festive

Christmas at Skylark

This year, from 13 December – 11 January, there’s also the Winter Lights Spectacular that sends you between Wansford and Overton Station to see the incredible Christmas lights along the way. Be sure to check availability as tickets sell fast.

Santa Events 2019

Santa Steam Nene Valley Railway

on 23- 24 November, 10am – 4pm. For the children, there’s Breakfast with Santa!

Spend the morning in the new cabin with Santa enjoying a delicious buffet breakfast.

Tickets are £8.99 per child, which includes a craft table, breakfast and present. Grownups are free to watch or pay £6.99 for a buffet breakfast.

15 December Gather the family together for a traditional carvery lunch, on Sunday 15 December, at the Bull Hotel in Peterborough and enjoy a guest appearance from Santa and his friends. Adults £25; under 11s £15.

Call 01733 561364 to reserve your table.

Email Ashley at info@harvestbarn.co.uk for further details or to book.

Seasonal Shopping Springfields Santa's Grotto 23 November – 24 December The shops at Springfields Outlets in Lincolnshire may be a great place to grab a bargain this Christmas, offering up to 60% off the RRP. With no shortage of variety for gifts, high-street brands and the new Starlings Toy Outlet offering hundreds of Lego lines at reduced prices, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Santa will also be welcoming visitors to his grotto from 23 November to 24 December and the whole family can enjoy the Springfields Illuminations and free Winter Wonderland Walk through Festival Gardens.

Or enjoy Christmas late-night shopping until 9pm from now until 23 December.

Visit: www.springfieldsoutlet.co.uk

Santa Experience

Sacrewell

from 30 November

Father Christmas is returning to Sacrewell to deliver his gifts from the Elves Toy Workshop from 30 November. Tickets start from £7.49 and include day admission. There will also be an Evening Father Christmas experience for those who wish to come after school and a very special Christmas Eve Father Christmas experience.

Queensgate

Christmas Grotto open until 24 December Charity Gift Wrap Station 5 – 24 December If you kicked off your Christmas festivities with the fantastic Festive Fiesta at Queensgate Shopping Centre, in Peterborough, you must be full of Christmas spirit already. But there are many other ways to still enhance a Queensgate Xmas shopping trip.

Take a break to visit the Christmas Grotto – open until 24 December, 10am – 6pm; drop at new, unwrapped gift off at The Spurgeons Gift Tree and swing by the Charity Gift Wrap Station (5 – 24 December) to finish a great day’s shopping.

Visit: www.queensgate-shopping.co.uk

Santa's Grotto

Pre-booking is essential. Visit: www.sacrewell.org.uk

See Santa Church Farm

Get Festive

Van Hage

From 1 December

From 28 November

Church Farm at Stow Bardolph invites your whole family to see Father Christmas from the 28 November in his magical woodland retreat (see advert for opening dates). No need to book, just turn up for a warm welcome from the white-bearded gentleman and his elf. You can also visit our ‘real life’ nativity scenes with our resident animals in starring roles!

Inject some magic into your children’s Christmas with a meet and greet with the big man himself, Father Christmas, at the Van Hage Garden Centre in Peterborough. If you cannot make the grand opening on 1 December, be sure to book your slot for 7 – 24 December.

www.churchfarmstowbardolph.co.uk

Visit: bookfatherchristmas.co.uk/vanhagepeterborough

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Festive Events 2019

Musical Christmas Peterborough Cathedral

G4 Christmas Tour 7 December Christmas Magic 14 December 2.30pm and 7.30pm Christingle Service 20 December 5.30pm Even if you prefer not to embrace the showcase of talent on 14 December, with religious aspects of Christmas, Peterborough performances by Peterborough Male Voice Cathedral is hosting many muscial festive Choir, Peterborough Voices, Peterborough events you won’t want to miss. G4 is back by Youth Choir and Peterborough Festival popular demand for their biggest and best Brass. Plus its family Christingle service, held Christmas tour on 7 December, 7.30pm; on the 20 December at 5.30pm, is always a Christmas Magic is expected to be a beautiful delight with carols and Christingle oranges.

5 December

Festive

King Edward Centre, Chatteris

Events 2020

Nene Park 23 – 24 November and throughout December There’s plenty happening at Nene Park in Peterborough this festive season to keep the whole family busy.

As well as events such as its two-day Christmas Craft Market run by Craft People (23-24 November), throughout December you can enjoy its Christmas Tree Festival in the Wildlife Garden in Ferry Meadows, a Holiday Trail around Ferry Meadows

FREE

Healthy Christmas Event

Countdown to Christmas

On each Sunday local bands and music groups will entertain visitors as they enjoy craft workshops for adults and children, including winter remedy and wreath making as well as crafts in the Elves Workshop.

Taste the difference at the Alive 'n' Kicking event, 5 December 4-6pm, at The King Edward Centre in Chatteris, as the whole family learn how to make healthy Christmas treats.

Visit: www.nenepark.org.uk

www.kingedwardcentre.org.uk

LOOKING AHEAD TO YOUR

The Kids'Fest

2020 CALENDAR

East of England Showground 8 & 9 February 2020

A Special Swan Service

On Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 February 2020, bored children and frazzled parents will finally have an answer to their midwinter prayers as The Kids’ Fest comes to The East of England Showground, Peterborough.

November 2019 – February 2020

The first of its kind in the county, The Kids’ Fest is devoted to the education and entertainment of children aged one – 14 years. Featuring a huge host of activities covering the arts, science, maths, literature, sports and just good old-fashioned fun, there’s something for everyone in this jam-packed family extravaganza.

Welney Wetland Centre

Winter offers some of the UK’s best wildlife spectacles, not least the thousands of birds moving south away from the colder climates – more specifically swans.

Welney Wetland Centre, near Wisbech, will be staying open later in November to February to enable more visitors to enjoy its renowned swan feeds and new swan experiences as they welcome flocks to the UK from Arctic Russia.

There will be floodlit swan feeds at the weekends and new swan supper evenings on selected Fridays each month.

Whooper swans are the stars of the show for these events, but the Swans Awake Mornings will show visitors the Bewick’s swans alongside the Whooper swans and their resident Mute swans.

As the birds move south through Russia, they are at the very start of a 2,500-mile trip that will take them weeks, if not months, to complete. Whooper swans have already started to arrive at WWT Welney from Iceland, where they have spent the summer breeding.

The Whooper swan migration involves the longest sea crossing of any swan species as they travel across the North Atlantic Ocean. This results in very few stops throughout their 1,200 mile journey as the birds cannot refuel on the open sea.

Visit: wwt.org.uk

Photo credit: Simon Stirrup

The festival runs for two days, with tickets sold for four-hour time slots. Each session has circus workshops, story-telling, bouncy castles and inflatable obstacle courses. And there’s more, with an area dedicated to the under 5s, farm and exotic animals, roller skating, go-karting, martial arts, dance, photography and cooking workshops; the most difficult thing to do will be to decide what to do first. Best of all, all this and more is included in your entry fee!

BRAND NEW CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL

The Kid’s’ Fest is organised by husband and wife duo Mike & Kim Rossiter who came up with the festival after they struggled to find an event suitable for their growing family. Kim says: “We started The Kids’ Fest because we couldn’t find any events locally that are solely focused on children. There are lots of festivals and events out there that are child-friendly, but nothing that is 100% about their fun, enjoyment and learning.

This is a festival that is not just child tolerant but designed specifically for children. That said, don’t worry parents, there will be an adult creche in case you are feeling cranky and over-tired!”

Mike adds: “Two things were important to us when devising The Kids’ Fest. The first is that every activity is free once you are inside, and the second is that everyone is welcome and catered for.

We are a fully inclusive festival and are making special provisions so all children can be included in the fun.”

Tickets are on sale now and will make a unique Christmas present for kids who already have everything! www.thekidsfest.co.uk

Jack and the Beanstalk Panto Stamford Arts Centre

4 – 12 January 2020

Polka Dot Pantomimes, in association with Stamford Arts Centre, will be presenting audiences with a hilarious rendition of Jack and the Beanstalk.

All ages are welcome and shows run 4 January – 12 January.

To book visit: www.stamfordartscentre.com

Dick Whittington Panto Burgess Hall

8 – 12 January

Start the new year with a belly-full of laughs with a Dick Whittington pantomime at the Burgess Hall, One Leisure, in St Ives. Join Dick and his friends on his adventures to London and meet some fabulous characters along the way. Tickets start from £8.

To book visit: www.ticketsource.co.uk/burgesshall 20

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SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

WORDSEARCH

PUZZLES

Find all ten differences between these two pictures.

ANSWERS

Solutions to the last edition's puzzles.

SANTA CHRISTMAS WREATH BELL ELF GIFTS SOCK HOLLY

HAT MAZE

Help Santa get through the HAT maze to catch up with his hat that was blown away by the wind.

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23

Building for for the Building the future future Mr Chris Staley, Mr Chris Staley, Headmaster at Headmaster Wisbech atGrammar Wisbech School, Grammar School, talks talks about leaps in education, about its leaps in education, ambitious projects to and its ambitious projects transform the School and the plans for an international opening of an International boarding house Boarding House.

7 projects in 7 months

7 projects in 7 months

I have often been quoted as saying I have often been saying that marginal gainsquoted are theaskey that marginal gains are sure the key to success and making an to successkeeps and making sureand an enterprise improving enterprise keepsProgress improvingit and moving forward. is moving forward.

Progress is probably probably one of the few areas in life one of Ithe in life(Iwhere I am where amfew trulyareas impatient am sure truly impatient (I am sure staff, pupils, staff, pupils, parents and governors parents and governors others!) will list others!) but therewill arelist times but there aresteps timesare when small steps when small appropriate areaappropriate forexciting a school. for school. Most of Most all are exciting all are times when the timesofwhen anthe opportunity arises an‘leap-frog’ opportunity to ‘leap-frog’ to thearises improvement and the improvement andwhich progression progression timeline, is what’s timeline, which happened to us.is what’s happened to us.

The structural changes and The structural changes improvements that haveand been improvements been been achieved in thethat last have year have achieved in the last year have been truly impressive.

In November truly impressive.

In November 2018, I received the green light to 2018, I received green light to embark upon an the ambitious change embark upon anwas ambitious change programme that internally known programme was internally known as ‘7 in 7’, orthat more fully 7 projects as7‘7months. in 7’, orWe more fully 7toprojects in wanted add in 7international months. Weelement wantedto toWGS, add an an international element to WGS, which from my perspective had been which from perspective had been lacking.

We my do have international lacking.

We international day pupils atdo thehave school but in its day pupilshistory at the there schoolwas butnever in its illustrious illustrious history there was never an option for a boarding house with option international for a boarding house This with aanspecific outlook. a specific international outlook. This

was something that I felt was missing was that on I felt wasatmissing fromsomething the education offer WGS from the education offer atfilling.

WGS and was a gap thaton needed and was gap that needed filling.

Many of aour current pupils will end Many of our for current pupils will up working businesses thatend will up working for businesses that will more than likely have an international more than likely have an international parent company and they will need parent and they need a morecompany global outlook; thewill boarding ahouse more became global outlook; the boarding the catalyst for the ‘7 house became the was ‘7 in 7’ (see panelthe for catalyst details), for which in 7’ (see panel for for details), whichyear. was completed in time this school completed in time for this school Numbers have continued to growyear.

Numbers continued to grow as well ashave interest in joining WGS, as well as interest in School joining WGS, from Prep to Senior and 6th from Senior School andduring FormPrep has to never been stronger 6th has never been stronger myForm time here.

So what next?

Time during myour time here. So what next? to catch breath?

Perhaps, but Time to catch our breath?

Perhaps, with such positive momentum and but with such positive momentum engagement, there could be more and engagement, there could be boarding on the horizon and increased more boarding onour theinternational horizon and partnership with increased partnership withschool our is to contacts. The aim for the international contacts.

The aim for the continue to grow and to provide pupils school to continue to grow and to with anisever-improving education provide with anisever-improving year onpupils year, which centred on education yearacademic on year, which is individualised and pastoral centred onare individualised academic care. We certainly making steps and pastoral care. We arebuilding certainly in the right direction and for making steps in the right direction and the future. building for the future. www.wisbechgrammar.com www.wisbechgrammar.com

Wisbech Grammar School Promotion What were 7 projects 7 months?

What were thethe 7 projects in 7inmonths?

1.Hazel House (the former form 1. Hazel House (the former 6th6th Form centre) now transformed transformed into and is a centre) hasisbeen house for the House 11 international an boarding International Boarding for students residing on campus. overseas pupils residing on campus.

2.The Dwight Centre has been 2. The Dwight Centre has been repurposed to become a new repurposed to become a new contemporary Form Centre, contemporary 6th6th Form Centre, withwith a modern café social space a modern café andand social space at at its heart. new Executive Chef its heart.

OurOur new Executive Chef designed new menu options, hashas designed new menu options, incorporating healthier choices too,too, incorporating healthier choices and ‘Street Food’.

There are new and ‘Street Food’. There are new classrooms, collaborative working classrooms, collaborative working space quiet/ silent study rooms; space andand quiet/ silent study rooms; complete with desks, cubicles complete with desks, cubicles for for private study, computers and, private study, computers and, lastlast butbut by no means least, charging points by no means least, charging points for for mobile devices. mobile devices.

3.Music has moved into a new facility 3. Music has moved into a new facility now forms a Creative & Performing thatthat now forms a Creative & Performing Hub (F&N, Music, Dance ArtsArts Hub (F&N, Music, Dance Drama). andand Drama).

4.Geography, History and now 4. Geography, History and RSRS areare now located in the new Humanities Hub, located in the new Humanities Hub, which a modern building which is aismodern building on on thethe sitesite of the school with new classrooms of the school with new classrooms andand collaborative space. collaborative space.

5.Maths is now of the Science 5.Maths is now partpart of the Science building to form a STEM Hub. building to form a STEM Hub.

6.English, Modern Foreign Languages, 6. English, Modern Foreign Languages, & Textiles now form new Arts Art Art & Textiles now form thethe new Artshub. hub.

7.Taking place 7. Taking thethe place of of thethe oldold Caretaker’s house is The Annexe, now Caretaker’s house is The Annexe, now a resident tutor’s a Medical a resident tutor’s flatflat andand a Medical Centre staff pupils.

Centre for for staff andand pupils.

Discover

WHO YOU ARE ...

Contact our Admissions Team to find out how we can inspire your child to discover who they are Book a personalised tour or attend one of our upcoming open events

SUPER SCIENCE MORNING EARLY YEARS OPEN MORNING (For children currently in year 5) Saturday 30 November 0930 – 1230

(Kindergarten and Reception) Saturday 30 November 1000 – 1130

Contact us: 01945 586750 or admissions@wisbechgrammar.com Dedicated buses across Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire and Norfolk.

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11 Plus Achievers - 2019 Yashica

Zain

Yog

Swarup

Trayi

Ghulam

Tanish

Richard

Abhilasha Khushi

Shiksha

Safa

Ruchit

Shylini

Places are still available to join the ongoing 11 Plus 2020 lessons Alvina

Diya

Nehvish

Mobeen

Olivia

Nohib

Aryan

Pranjal

Munachiso

Tuition courses include  Maths  English  Science for Year 2 to GCSE students

Aryan

Bhargav

Doyel Adil Milhaan Karthik Omer

Jelita

David

Neeraj

Shreya

Aayan Ibrahim

Margaret

St. Mary’s Educational Academy Ltd. E: info@stmarysedu.co.uk

M: 07735 492 695

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1–B Almoners Lane, Peterborough PE3 9EH www.termtimes.ltd.uk

Anyanya

Maths, English & Science A-level, GCSE, 11+ and other classes

improve your home

How to

the value

of

Caroline Schmidt speaks to estate agent Luke Pearce for his five top tips on what home improvements pay dividends

As the new year approaches and you prepare for Christmas, it’s a common time to reflect on your home and plan for the year ahead.

Whether you’re thinking of moving house or you want to give your home a facelift without spending a fortune that you’ll never get back, Luke Pearce – an estate agent for 16 years – has valuable advice to keep your home looking great and your wallet healthy.

Shine some light

Good lighting and quality fittings are a great place to start. If your home lacks ample natural light, artificial light is even more important. Brighten dark spaces and swap out dated light fittings for an instant upgrade. It’s the details and first impression that will help sell a house for its worth.

Update your front door

First impressions count and kerb appeal is often vital for a sale. If you cannot afford a new front door and yours is looking tired, give it a lick of paint and update the door furniture. These days there’s a huge palette of choice for wood, uPVC and composite doors, but if you’re wanting to get the best price for your home choose a neutral colour as not everyone enjoys bolds and brights.

Do a deep clean

You’ll be amazed at what a spring clean and deep clean can do for your home, whether you’re selling it or not. Declutter spaces to streamline the décor, give your floors a deep clean and replace any gutters and facias that are rotten to improve kerb appeal.

Change the cosmetics

A fresh coat of neutral-coloured paint and new flooring can be all it takes to breathe life into your home or make a good sale. Take steps to remove limescale from the kitchen and bathroom, too, whether through cleaning or replacing fixtures. Making such changes may not increase the value of your home but it will lower the chances of the price being knocked down.

Focus on the kitchen

It’s often the heart of the home so if you want to add appeal and even value to your house, the kitchen is the place to invest some cash. It’s unlikely that a complete kitchen redesign of £10,000+ will result in an equal or more return come a sale, but if you’re planning to enjoy the kitchen for a while prior to selling, it certainly has the potential to add a few thousand to the asking price. At the very least, spending a few hundred pounds on updating the worktops, painting kitchen cabinets and changing the door knobs will save you money and revitalise your home.

YOU SAW ME! Advertise with

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

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So much more than a

Merry Christmas

...

Fire and Ice Christmas Spectacular & Christmas Light Switch-On

Sat 23 Nov

Come and enjoy the festive events happening from 1pm.

Van Hage is open until 8pm, so pop in to grab a hot drink

Grotto

PRE-BOOK ONLINE & SAVE! www.bookfatherchristmas.co.uk/vanhagepeterborough/

GRAND OPENING

30 Nov - 1 Dec (open 7 Dec - 24 Dec thereafter)

50% OFNFEEDS

10% OFF

FOR SCH OOL VISITS

FOR SPECIAL ITS SCHOOL VIS

Breakfast 18 & 21 Dec

wit h Sa nt a

Afternoon Tea 14, 19 & 21 Dec

wit h Sa nt a

See in store and Facebook for more details

Mini Quad Bikes TORE! S N I W NE

p l u s ...

SOO COMING

N

Inflata Nation

CHRISTMA SD MEAT PACK AY S Now availab le to order in the food h all

14,000 sq ft of inflatable fun

Come visit us at Van Hage Garden Centre PE1 Retail Park, Eye Road, Eye, Peterborough PE1 4YZ 01733 221 400 peterborough@vanhage.co.uk

Join us on to see all of our in store events

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