Term Times 163

C o m p e t i t i o n s

Win Rutland Water Park vouchers 16

Win a copy of the Royal Jewel Plot 16

Win a copy of Monsters at the Zoo .......16

Take your friends to the cinema .............18

Win a Family Holiday 18

Competition Entry

Mentioning the competition you're entering, send your name, age, address and phone number via email to steven@termtimes.ltd. uk or visit 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.

Contact us

Publisher: Steven Beacham

Editor: Amanda Stacey

T: 01780 757731

E: steven@termtimes.ltd.uk

Rutland Road, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 1UW

www.termtimes.ltd.uk

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Term Times distributes printed copies to parents six times a year, within over 180 local primary schools. Your business will be seen in a title read and respected for over 20 years. For options available, please contact the team.

The months of May and June normally welcome warmer days and a chance to start attending fun events that happen throughout this region. One of which, that’s now in its third year, is the Peterborough Celebrates Festival at Ferry Meadows, which champions all that the city has to offer, with live music performances, arts, craft, theatre and much more. There are also family film showings supported by Term Times on the Thursday and Friday evenings which we cannot wait to attend.

Children love seeing animals on a day out and in this issue we meet some of the furry or feathered friends living at local attractions. Learn about their favourite foods, best friends, habitats and much more at six great family destinations.

Once again, we have some great competitions including the chance to take ten of your friends to see the latest film, free, at the King’s Lynn Corn Exchange. A family holiday for up to seven nights is on offer at the Wild Meadows Camping Adventure in August. Plus, we have a free, family, crazy golfing experience at Rutland Water on offer.

Wishing you all a great term and a relaxing holiday when it arrives.

See you in July for the summer holiday issue.

10% OFF

your first visit, with code ‘TERMTIMES10’ at www.forestfacility.com

Enjoy a kids' party with a difference!

If you are looking for ways to entertain the kids or want to celebrate a special event in a fresh way, then the Forest Facility Adventure Centre is offering a special discount for Term Times readers to enjoy a day out they’ll be talking about all the way home.

Gather a group of ten or more together and you can enjoy a 10% discount on all activities, or enjoy a party package including two activities from just £30 – it’s definitely more fun than pop and cake. It’s time to get the kids outdoors and enjoying some adventures again and this activity centre near Stamford has it all. From laser tag in the woods to exciting zip lines and climbing obstacles, the kids will go wild with excitement.

There are eleven epic outdoor activities to choose from including kayaking and raft building, team games and lots more. It’s all set in more than 100 acres of forest and activities are open to ages 10+, with several options for ages 6+ too!

Get the gang together and book your day out with a discount at www.forestfacility.com

Festival on the Farm

Celebrate the solstice at Bowthorpe Park Farm near Bourne this June with live tunes and dance music from N-Trance.

There’s an amazing evening of entertainment lined up on 22 June, all staged in the beautiful countryside setting of Bowthorpe Park Farm.

Enjoy the festival vibes with live music from Revolver, 23 Reasons, Hopdogs, a sunset session from Marcella Woods and headliners electronic dance act N-Trance who

will have you up and dancing to hits like Set You Free

Adding to the summer festival feel there will be stilt walkers and fire performers and a food court full of international flavours as well as ice cream, cookies and a bar. It runs from 5 - 11pm and tickets are £24.00 for adults and £12.00 for children aged 5 -16.

To book your tickets and to find out more visit www.bowthorpeparkfarm.co.uk/events

at Peterborough Celebrates

This

Once again Ferry Meadows will be full of fun activities and entertainment over the weekend of 18-19 May.

It’s jam packed with exciting touring performances including circus fun and mayhem with Dizzy O’Dare, female acrobatic group Mimbre and their show Weight(less), Vanhulle Dance Theatre and their funny dance duet Olive Branch and Pif-Paf touring theatre bring their highly visual fantastical show SEED.

The region’s biggest free family festival is organised by Nene Park Trust and will have something for everyone with a giant balloon spectacle, a dog show with a difference and even a comedy giant slug!

Local performers taking part include Gabriella Pineda Rodrigues singing Disney and show tunes, Xidus Pain

will be back rapping and showcasing local young artists and Peterborough Pride will be sharing a joyful celebration of the city.

You can also enjoy arts, crafts, sport and local organisations showcasing what they do.

There will be a wide range of community performers such as Indian dancing from the Peterborough Diwali Festival, traditional brass band music from the Peterborough Salvation Army, local choirs, Willow Sings and Peterborough Rock Choir and performers from Peterborough College and UCP.

The weekend is free-to-attend, but there are ticketed cinema showings planned in the Big Top on the Thursday and Friday evenings leading up to the festival weekend including Wonka, Grease and Matilda.

Swim safely this summer with

As we head into the warmer months thinking about water safety is vital to ensure all children and adults can enjoy themselves safely.

In October 2023 Swim England cited 1 in 4 primary school children currently leave school unable to swim competently. This is expected to rise to 3 in 5 children by 2025. The expectation is that all children can swim 25m by the end of primary school, but while swimming lessons are compulsory for primary aged children on the school curriculum, many local authority owned swimming pools are closing down.

Over the weeks ahead many of us may head to local rivers and lakes, enjoy holidays with indoor or outdoor pools as well as dips in the sea, so learning about water safety is essential.

Local swim school Billie’s Fins is passionate about this and gave Term Times their top tips for water safety:

Never leave a non swimmer or child(ren) in water unattended. If you are a parent who didn’t learn to swim, it’s never too late. There is a dedicated Adult Fins swimming programme.

Always enter the water slowly and never jump from heights. There can be strong moving currents or rocks which can’t be seen.

Research local information and conditions and also check where the lifeguard stations are located.

Stay within reach of others and also where you can stand in the water.

Ask yourself, are you a really good swimmer? It might have been some time since you last swam any distance.

Remember to pack the correct fitting life vest or arm discs on holiday for children.

Get familiar with the pool’s deep and shallow ends, where the step access is, and where the lifeguards are located.

Choose a safe spot for a meeting point in case children get lost.

Enter the water with your child for the first time easing them in at the shallow end and practice blowing bubbles and doing star floats.

Whatever your age or ability, Billie’s Fins has a unique Swim Pathway designed to support you from beginner through to pre competition level. You can join group classes or private classes at their pools in Pinchbeck, Spalding and Eye and Orton in Peterborough.

School Water Safety Talks

Water Safety Week is 18-25 June (also known as Drowning Prevention Week.)

Billie’s Fins have a team of experienced swimming teachers across all ages and abilities from 3 months through to adults. During May, June and July the team are available to visit your school for a special assembly of specific year group to talk about Water Safety. Our team are local to the area and all hold enhanced DBS certificates.

Please contact us to arrange a Water Safety Talk.

To find out more visit www.BilliesFins.com

Stephie Flatlands Alpacas

Pickle

Who Am I?

Name: George

What am I and where would I normally be found? I’m an Alpaca, and originate from the mountainous regions of South America, but we are now bred all over the world.

Favourite foods? Hay, carrots and dried peas.

How will you know I am here? I make humming noises when I’m feeling inquisitive, happy or worried.

My unusual habits - I’m a continuous grazer, enjoy sunbathing and taking dust baths.

Best buddies? Alpacas are very close to their herd members and I have a best friend, but when we are sheared I have to watch, as we recognise each other by the way we look rather than smell.

What do I enjoy/dislike? Grazing in the paddock, I don’t like to be shut inside or having my toenails trimmed. I like a paddling pool in the summer to cool down in.

Interesting fact - We all poo together in one area of the paddock.

Flatlands Alpacas, Crowland has meet and feed sessions during school holidays. Picnics are held from May onwards through the summer and Santa comes to the farm at Christmas. www.flatlandsalpacas.co.uk

Redwings

Name: Pickle

What am I? I'm a Piebald Cob. Piebald is the name of my colour which is black and white markings all over my body, and cob describes my body type. A cob has stout legs, large joints, and a sturdy build.

Favourite foods? Grass, hay and carrots –they're all so delicious!

Where would I normally be found? You can find me at Redwings Aylsham in Norfolk. It’s a wonderful place and it’s free for you to visit too! In my paddock, there are lots of piebald cobs, so it’s easy to get us in a muddle but I’m the only one with one eye, which I think makes me very special!

My unusual habits - One thing I enjoy doing is snoozing in the sunshine (don’t we all?) and I remain completely flat out while I am being cuddled by my carers. Best buddies? I live in a paddock that’s full of my besties. If I had to choose, I

Captain Scarlett Doodles

Get

to know the animals and birds at family favourite animal destinations.

would say Carey. She’s a young cob like me, and we have a cheeky game we call ‘nibble a bottom and trot off’. It’s soooo much fun and has earned us a reputation in our herd for being a bit mischievous!

What do I enjoy/dislike? I love being an 'Adoption Star'! I’m always the first to trot over and pop my head over the fence to enjoy a cuddle from my fans. Not only do I get tonnes of fuss, and my own birthday party, I also get to neigh all my news to my carers, who then send emails and updates to the kind people who have sponsored me. I think the only thing I dislike are flies! Redwings is celebrating 40 years of rescuing horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules in need. You can find out more about what’s happening on the Redwings website. It’s Pickle’s birthday party at Redwings Aylsham on 20 October and you are invited! www.redwings.org.uk

Safari In Norfolk -

Watatunga Wildlife Reserve

Name: Mtoto

What am I? I am a Mountain Bongo, a critically endangered subgroup within the species, renowned for being one of the largest forest antelopes roaming our planet.

Where would I normally be found? Under the canopy of Africa's dense forests.

Favourite foods? My palate leans towards the fresher side of life, savouring a variety of leaves and shoots.

How will you know I am here? You can't miss me - I boast a striking reddishorange coat adorned with bold white stripes and huge curved horns Best buddies? I like to spend time on my own.

What do I like? Munching on leaves in the dappled woodland sunshine. Interesting fact - My life mostly unfolds under the dark of night, embracing the cool evening air for my activities. Both us boys and the girls are adorned with horns, a unique trait that adds to our mystique and splendour.

Head to Watatunga Wildlife Reserve near Kings Lynn for a tour of this rare

species wildlife reserve spanning over 170 acres of Norfolk countryside. The safari tours offer a blend of education and adventure in self drive buggies or on trailers.

www.watatunga.co.uk

The Raptor Foundation

Name: Captain Scarlett (Nicknamed 'Madame' when I am in a bad mood).

What am I and where would I normally be found? Bateleur Eagle from Southern Africa.

Favourite foods? In the wild I am a scavenger and will attack other species for food. I hunt snakes, small reptiles and small mammals.

How will you know I am here? I am a very distinctive bird with a red face and legs and if I don’t like you I will let you know by puffing up my feathers and screaming at you.

My unusual habits - Running along the ground.

Best buddies? At the Centre, it’s Liz. What do I enjoy/dislike? I love to fly and run to my keepers - I don’t like the lawn mower.

Interesting fact - Bateleur, is French and means “tumbler” and it refers to the rocking/tilting action from my wings, side to side when gliding.

The Raptor Foundation at Woodhurst near Huntingdon is a registered charity which rescue, rehabilitate and return injured birds of prey where possible back to the wild. There are three daily flying displays and keeper talks, which include the meerkats, reptiles and birds of prey. They offer various experiences and junior keeper days. www.raptorfoundation.org.uk

Exotic Pet Refuge

Name: Stephie

What am I? I’m a Spider Monkey. Where would I normally be found? I come from the tropical forests of Central and South America.

Favourite foods - I just love banana, grapes and yoghurt.

How will you know I am here? I get excited seeing people and will call out to you to come and see me.

My unusual habits - Hanging upside down.

Best buddies? I live right next to my mum, dad and sister, so I have all the friends I need.

What do I enjoy/dislike? I love sunbathing and having my back scratched - I don't like tomatoes.

Interesting fact - I don't have thumbs! I use my tail as an extra limb to climb around .

The Exotic Pet Refuge at Deeping St James cares for a wide range of animals, birds and reptiles and has select public open days happening throughout the year, check for opening dates on their Facebook page: FACEBOOK/p/Exotic-Pet-Refuge

Baytree Owl and Wildlife Centre

Name: Doodles

What am I and where would I normally be found? I'm a Raven and can be found in a range of habitats like forests, open fields, coastal areas, cliffs... and your garden. Favourite foods? Ravens eat almost anything, but we've learnt that the best foods of all are in your bin! Why do humans throw away so much tasty food?

How will you know I am here? You'll often find me poking my head out of my aviary so I can get a closer look at you.

My unusual habits - Have you ever met a recycling raven before? I help do my part by picking up plastic bottles and other rubbish.

Best buddies? My best friend is my handler, Mark... but I'm also very fond of anyone who brings me food. What do I enjoy? I love solving puzzles to keep my mind active. I can beat a slide puzzle as fast as a dog! Interesting fact - I'm a famous actress; grown-ups might recognise me from my starring role in the final episode of Peaky Blinders. You can watch the flying demonstration at Baytree Owl and Wildlife Centre near Spalding every weekend (and every day during school holidays) until the end of October. Doodle may even make a special appearance.

www.BOWC.co.uk

Mtoto

What is the 11+?

The 11+ is an entrance exam for grammar or selective schools. It is a test for children who are in their final year of primary school. The 11+ exam focuses on specific skills called verbal and non-verbal reasoning; verbal reasoning focuses on the ability to understand and comprehend concepts expressed through language, think constructively and apply logic to solve problems. Non-verbal reasoning focuses on visual understanding, accuracy, speed of perception and their ability to manipulate objects.

How Kip McGrath

Peterborough supports 11+ students

Most children usually start their 11+ work in Year 5. They will complete a full assessment to show where the focus needs to be for that individual child’s current learning.

Alongside this, students will focus on the skills needed to boost their understanding and ability to sit

Education Awards

the 11+ exam. It is recommended that this is started at around Year 5 as this allows more time and consequently, less pressure.

All of the 11+ students are offered mock exams that are carried out in test conditions. Students and their parents/guardians are given results on a report. Any further support with the weaker areas found from the exams are tracked and monitored carefully to support progress being made.

In partnership with Term Times magazine, Kip McGrath Peterborough have been sharing the chance to nominate people that work in education. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for taking the time to nominate someone for an award. The nominations were for Teacher of the Year, Headteacher of the Year, Teaching Assistant of the Year and SENDCo of the Year. It has been amazing to see the votes coming in! There are many amazing individuals out there and we are excited to present the chosen winners with an award and celebrate them this summer!

EDUCATION AWARDS

Enjoygreatthe outdoors

at Nene Park

Discover adventure at Ferry Meadows in Peterborough with adventurous activities and nature-based groups for all ages.

Holiday Clubs

NEW FOR 2024!

Get ready for action-packed adventures at Ferry Meadows during the school breaks with their multiactivity holiday clubs!

Oak Adventurers

From Nene Outdoors Watersports & Activity Centre, the Oak Adventurers holiday club for children aged 8-13 offers a fantastic opportunity for kids to learn new skills and experience a variety of water and landbased activities. From kayaking and paddleboarding to climbing and bushcraft, there's something for every young adventurer to enjoy.

Oak Adventurers is open during May half term and week days during the school summer holidays. It's £43 a day, or book a full week for £173 and save 20%!

Acorn Explorers

Based at Lynch Farm in Ferry Meadows, the Acorn Explorers holiday club for children aged 5-8 is packed full of nature-based activities and creative outdoor fun. It's the perfect opportunity for younger children to explore the great outdoors in a safe and supportive environment.

Each day will have a different theme, from superheroes to survival. Activities include den making, campfire cooking, scavenger and treasure hunts, wildlife trails, sucker archery, arts and crafts and lots more.

Acorn Explorers is open during May half term and from 5-9 August in the summer holidays. It's £35 a day, or book a full week for £140 and save 20%!

To find out more and book your places visit www.nenepark.org.uk/holiday-club

Family Groups

Family Groups at Nene Park

The Park's popular monthly family groups are expanding in May to give even more local children the space to learn through exploring, play and hands-on experiences in the great outdoors.

Nature Tots

For the youngest adventurers, there’s a new Friday morning session of Nature Tots starting on 3 May in addition to the Monday slot. Both groups will meet every other week, with sessions following a variety of exciting themes with hands-on craft activities and time to explore.

Suitable for children aged 2-5, tickets are just £5.50 each with accompanying grownups attending for free.

Wild Home Educators

The Wild Home Educators group, designed for home schooled children and their families, is expanding to accommodate older children too. Starting in May, Forest School sessions for younger children aged 5-11 will continue on a Monday afternoon, while sessions for children aged 11-14 will launch on Friday afternoons. These sessions are led by experienced members of the Nene Park Trust education team, who are passionate about nature-based learning. Both groups will meet bi-weekly, with inspiring themes and activities changing monthly including tool use skills, wildlife identification, outdoor survival skills and sensory exploration.

Places are £7.50 per child, with free places for accompanying grown-ups.

To book your places visit www.nenepark.org.uk/ events. Detailed information about the home school offer is available at www.nenepark.org.uk/home-educators.

NEWS School

Grown-ups head back to (Forest) School

Brington C of E Primary School recently welcomed nearly a hundred parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles, carers and family for a fantastic Family Forest Day.

All ages had a wonderful time exploring the forest area enjoying campfire cooking, woodland trails, rope swinging, den building, storytelling, knot-tying and much more.

The school also welcomed rector, Rev Philip Howson, and a representative from the Ely Diocese who both joined in with enthusiasm and got a great glimpse of how Brington always aims to bring its school values of self-belief, teamwork, ambition and respect to everything it does as the children showed the adults just how amazing the Forest School is.

‘We wanted to celebrate the family,’ said Headteacher Mr Farrell. ‘I’m delighted that the grown-ups got an insight into what happens in our school after they wave their children off at our school gates or as they board the bus every morning. While

we don’t usually have scores of extra visitors, we do all of the activities in our usual Forest School sessions. The children are real outdoor experts!’

The smiles – and muddy wellies – said it all at the end of the day. As the adults went home, many of them were asking when they could come to school again!

Prizes galore for our young Term Times readers

Cora Rosie

Charlie

Evelyn

Betsy Noah

Ophelia

As part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, local law firm Hegarty are honouring the values and ‘local firm’ ethos that has defined its identity for half a century, by embarking on a journey of community kindness with 50 initiatives planned in 2024, as well as plans for a new office opening in Bourne later this year.

A big year for Hegarty

Hegarty take on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge for charity

The aim of the 50 activities, is to help local residents, causes, communities and charities in a variety of ways.

Hegarty has also upped its usual single annual charity partner from one to four this year, with a charity close to each of its office locations –Sports Connections Foundation in Peterborough, MindSpace in Stamford, Pepper’s A Safe Place in Oakham and Dementia Support in Market Deeping – all benefiting from a fundraising boost in 2024. So far Hegarty has completed 11 out of 50 initiatives with a big one still to come: hiking the Yorkshire Three Peaks!

This challenge will take place on Saturday 22 June, with members of the Hegarty team tackling a walk up all of the three peaks, totalling an impressive 24 miles, all in aid of raising much needed funds for its four charities.

The route will take the Hegarty team through the village of Horton in Ribblesdale, to climbing Pen-y -ghent, and trekking past the Ribblehead Viaduct. Then they’ll scale the other two peaks, Whernside, the highest of the three, and finally Ingleborough. The team have been working hard, gathering the equipment they need and getting practice and training in for the challenge later this year.

Yvonne Miller from Hegarty’s accounts department said, 'Clare (also from our accounts team) and I have a few walks planned, we are doing an 8 mile walk around Burghley and Stamford to start with, then a full walk around Rutland Water (23 miles) followed by a day trip to Lincoln to do a few trips up Steep Hill, obviously there will be some coffee stops on that route.

'Looking forward to hopefully seeing some lovely views from the three peaks and have everything crossed for some good weather!'

Kally Singh, senior partner at Hegarty who is also taking part in the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge said, 'Whilst the challenge will be good fun for our members of staff taking part, ultimately, it’s about raising money for our four charities: Sports Connections Foundation, MindSpace, Pepper’s A Safe Place, and Dementia Support.

'We are collecting all of the money raised for the four charities to be split equally at the end of this year.

'We’d love to raise £3,000 from the challenge to make a brilliant contribution to our goal for the year of £10,000. Our team will be asking for donations from their friends and family to support these fantastic local charities and we welcome all support through our online fundraising page at hegarty.co.uk/yorkshire-3-peaks-challenge to help us achieve our target and cheer on those taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge.'

ONE OF THREE COPIES OF THIS MYSTERY ADVENTURE

Age 8+ RRP £7.99

Author: A.M. Howell

Publisher: Usborne

Mysteries at Sea: The Royal Jewel Plot

In the latest installment of this bestselling series by awardwinning author A.M. Howell, our heroes Alice and Sonny head out on another nautical adventure full of mystery and intrigue.

As they set off on their summer sailing trip they are excited to discover the King of England is

also on board the yacht as well as a precious jewel guarded by a poisonous octopus. When the jewel and the octopus mysteriously go missing, Alice and Sonny’s investigations reveal everyone on board seems to have a secret and perhaps even the King as well!

ONE OF THREE COPIES OF THIS FUN ADVENTURE STORY

Age 5+ RRP £5.99

Author: Zanna Davidson

Publisher: Usborne

Billy and the Mini Monsters: Monsters at the Zoo

The latest in this popular chapter book series is another laugh-outloud monster adventure, colourfully illustrated by Melanie Williamson. In this fun, action-packed story Billy and his best friend, Ash, are on a school trip to the zoo, but chaos ensues when the Mini Monsters

decide to explore the animal pens – soon there’s trouble in the tiger enclosure and the whole class is in for a reptile surprise.

www.secretgardenparty.com/the-wild-meadows

These entertaining books are great for even the most reluctant reader, packed with funny illustrations, comic strips, maps and speech bubbles.

FOR COMPETITION ENTRY DETAILS please head to page 3. Closing date for entries is 31 May

TICKETS

to the Cinema at King’s Lynn Corn Exchange

There are some wonderful family films coming to the big screen over the coming months and King’s Lynn Corn Exchange Cinema is offering a great competition for Term Times readers to see one for FREE!

The venue overlooking the historic Tuesday Market Place has two modern cinema screens, both seating over 50 people in comfortable faux leather chairs. The two screens are equipped with Dolby surround sound and industry-leading projectors for a brilliant big screen experience. Grab your popcorn from the refreshments kiosk or a drink

from the bar and settle back to enjoy the film. There is a lift for disabled access.

One lucky winner can enjoy watching one of the latest new movies along with 10 friends at King’s Lynn Corn Exchange Cinema completely FREE. This fabulous prize is for 11 children and up to four adults.

The competition prize must be redeemed by 30 September 2024 and tickets must be booked in advance. Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability.

www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk

Family Fun at

Nestled within the Secret Garden Party festival site in rural Cambridgeshire is The Wild Meadows camping experience, a relaxing environment to engage with nature, play and rewind.

Set in beautiful countryside you can chill out from 5-12 August but also enjoy the party at the weekend.

There are games and entertainment for all ages like woodland trails, crafts, wellness classes and workshops. Have fun space hopper racing, jump in the lake for a wild swim and enter your dog into the dog show.

You can enjoy delicious food or visit the bar and

www.secretgardenparty.com/the-wild-meadows music stages for a nighttime party or just get comfy around the campfire and enjoy storytelling under the stars while you toast your marshmallows and sip a cocoa.

Beautiful bell tents are available to hire, or you can take your own campervan, tent or caravan - there is no restriction on space for your pitch.

FOR COMPETITION ENTRY DETAILS please head to page 3. Closing date for entries is 31 May

Here’s your chance to win a holiday for a group of up to five people (plus dogs!) for up to 7 nights at The Wild Meadows, Grange Farm, Abbots Ripton, near Huntingdon. Enjoy a free break in the great outdoors from 5 - 12 August 2024. Many activities are free and included in the prize, others will have a fee attached. Boutique tents are not included but can be booked separately.