for parents, teachers and children
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FEBRUARY HALF-TERM 2011 ISSUE
Bring all the family, join the fun!
dfs Crufts 2011, 10-13 March, The NEC Birmingham Book in advance and save at
www.dfscrufts.org.uk - under 8s go free
loads of competitions to enter
l a v i t s e F -17 March 11
st.
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Welcome… It may be two months late, but Happy New Year, anyway. Here’s hoping you had a great holiday, that the new term is going amazi ng, and that we don’t get any more snow! Not wit h Spring just around the corner. If you didn’t make a New Year Resolution, do it now and promise yourself that this year you’re going to work extra hard and be extra nice to everyone, bot h at school and at home. Aft er all, it won’t be long to Easter eggs!
in this issue Book Now. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Pinboard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Theatre. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Party Planning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Roundabout. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Books . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Competitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
This issue, to celebrate Wo rld Book Day we talk to Betty Birney, the creator of the Humphrey stories, plus there’s party ideas for mums and dads, new books and round ups of wh at’s on and where to go. And, you could win tick ets to the Showground Spectacular as well as DV Ds of Despicable Me and Diary of A Wimpy Kid. Enjoy!
Mike and the Primary Times Te
am
Don’t forget to check the website for more Primary Times news, lists and reviews at www.primarytimes.net/derbyshire_homepage
Primary Times in Derbyshire
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Publisher: Publishing Ink, Fifth Floor, White House, 111 New Street, Birmingham B2 4EU T: 0121 631 6101 F: 0121 336 1936 Managing Director: Andrew Riley Editorial: Mike Davies E: mikedav@ic24.net Primary Times Derbyshire is independently published and distributed free through primary schools in Derbyshire. It is also available by subscription at £10 per year. It aims to inform families and children about current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses and Advertising Dept:pupils 0121 631 6101 attractions and to give teachers, and parents the opportunity to participate in the magazine by adding to its contents or joining in the competitions.It NOT our intention to publish any racist, sexist or politically-based material whatsoever. We also undertake not to carry any Sales: E:isLeah@publishingink.co.uk advertising which we would consider to be offensive to young families or harmful to the best interests of young children.The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by our studio remains with Primary Times or the relevant contributor.
Contributions: Lin Woodhouse
We would also like to thank all the advertisers who have supported this publication and therefore made it possible. Primary Times is currently publishing over 2 million copies per issue under franchise licences throughout Britain. Primary Times in Derbyshire Design: Leo Goddard, is operated under franchise licence. Mark Sargent Disclaimer: All reasonable efforts have been taken to give accurate information and any facts given are true to the best of our knowledge. However, you should rely wholly on your own enquiries and take advice where appropriate. Information is correct at time of going to press Primary Times Derbyshire is independently published and distributed free through primary schools in Derbyshire. It is also available by subscription at £10 per year. It aims to inform families and children about current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses and attractions and to give teachers, pupils and parents the opportunity to participate in the magazine by adding to its contents or joining in the competitions. It is NOT our intention to publish any racist, sexist or politically-based material whatsoever. We also undertake not to carry any advertising which we would consider to be offensive to young families or harmful to the best interests of young children.The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by our studio remains with Primary Times or the relevant contributor. We would also like to thank all the advertisers who have supported this publication and therefore made it possible. Primary Times is currently publishing over 2 million copies per issue under franchise licences throughout Britain. Primary Times in Derbyshire is operated under franchise licence. Disclaimer: All reasonable efforts have been taken to give accurate information and any facts given are true to the best of our knowledge. However, you should rely wholly on your own enquiries and take advice where appropriate. Information is correct at time of going to press
3FOR THOUSANDS MORE IDEAS VISIT WWW.PRIMARYTIMES.NET
FEBRUARY HALF-TERM 2011 ISSUE
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D L R WO BOOK DAY World Book Day 2011, the UK’s largest celebration of books and reading, takes place on Thur Mar 3, celebrating 14 years of encouraging young and old alike to share their love of books and reading.
Why read a book when I can watch TV, go on the Internet or play on my Xbox?
As ever, events will be taking place all around the country and World Book Day £1 flipbooks are back for a third year. Each book contains a different story by two authors in one book, providing double the fun for readers to enjoy when they redeem the free World Book Day £1 Book Token distributed to over 13 million school and pre-school children. Also back this year is Story Time Online, a chance for children to watch actors Bernard Cribbins, Kris Marshall, Devon Anderson and Ramona Marquez and several of the £1 book authors reading extracts from the stories aloud. Among the ten writers who’ve contributed stories to this year’s £1 flip books is Betty G Birney. The author of the beloved Humphrey stories, she’s written more than 35 children’s books including The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs and The Princess and The Peabodys and also worked for the Disney Channel, writing over 200 episodes of animated and liveaction television programmes, among them Welcome To Pooh Corner, Fraggle Rock And Where’s Waldo. Primary Times dragged her away from the typewriter to answer our questions Why is World Book Day important? I’m excited about anything 4
TV, the Internet and video games are all fun, but in the end, I think we have a more involving experience with a book. You have to bring your own imagination to the book. I’ve written TV, I like games, and I’m on the internet all day long, but in the end I would choose books over all of them. Which is better, to read or be read to? I personally prefer to read rather being read to. When I read, I can go at my own pace, enter the world of the book and let my imagination do the rest of the work. Do you enjoy reading to people? Most authors enjoy reading their stories to an audience, but it’s actually not my favourite thing to do. What books did you grow up with? My sister and I were huge readers growing up, we went to the library and brought home armloads of books. I loved the Little House books, Nancy Drew, Stuart Little, Charlotte’s Web, Little Women, Mrs. PiggleWiggle. A lot of them aren’t well-known now, but there was a series about a girl named Maida which I adored and the Betsy-Tacy books, which I loved because Betsy reminded me of myself – she wanted to be a writer.
am going to be a writer.’ I’ve been writing ever since. One of my grandmothers was a voracious reader. My other was a wonderful storyteller. I think I got the best of both of them. Why do you want to tell stories? From early childhood, I loved living in my imagination. Writing allows me to do that. I think that writing is more than a choice. If you have a passion for it, you have to write. But you really do have to put in the work it takes to succeed. What was the first book you had published? The first book that had my name on it was called Disney Babies Bedtime Stories. I had a shared credit with two other writers. One is the now-acclaimed American author, Nikki Grimes. It was great fun to be able to hold the book in my hand, but I looked forward to the day when I was writing about my own characters. What was your favourite TV programme that you wrote for? It was one of the first shows on the Disney Channel, called Welcome to Pooh Corner. I wrote 90 scripts, rewrote another 20 or more and wrote 120 educational segments called ‘The Thoughtful Spot.’ My favourite show of all time that I wrote was Madeline. I won an Emmy (an American TV award) for that.
What made you want to write?
What is your favourite Disney film?
As soon as I started reading books, I realised I wanted to figure out how to write them too. When I was seven, I wrote a little chapter book called Teddy Bear In The Woods, gave it to my parents and announced, ‘I
I was absolutely delighted with Cinderella and Lady and the Tramp. My dog, Mitzi, looked a
FEBRUARY HALF-TERM 2011 ISSUE
lot like Lady, which delighted me. Why made you start writing the Humphrey books? I have to be completely honest and admit I don’t have a hamster and I never have had. One day, many years ago, I was in my son’s science classroom. The teacher had the room lined with cages and tanks with all sorts of animals. There were cute furry hamsters and mice, lizards and turtles, and they even had a boa constrictor named Lumpy, which the children loved. I remember thinking, ‘I wonder what these animals think of what they see and hear in the classroom?’ I didn’t write Humphrey for years after that first idea but when I did, I put a lot of thought into what animal it should be. It could have been anything but hamsters seemed to be the most popular classroom pet. Still undecided, I went to the pet shop on the corner and I fell in love with the hamsters and Humphrey was born. Why Humphrey? I don’t usually have trouble coming up with names, but I did with
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Ramona Marquez reads Betty Birney photo ©Frank Noon
that helps children connect with books. Often, it just takes one book to open the door to a lifetime love of reading and a much richer life.
Are the Humphrey stories based on real events? Some bits and pieces in the Humphrey books are from real life. Sayeh, the girl who never speaks in class, was inspired by a girl who was in my class for six years and never spoke when called on. The bully on the bus in Friendship According to Humphrey was based on the awful bully on my bus. The idea of being wrongly accused of something in Trouble According to Humphrey was inspired by something that happened to my husband when he was a child. Is Humphrey based on anyone you know? He’s quite like someone I know: me! I’m not as little and furry, but we have a lot in common. We want to help people but don’t always know how. We’re both excitable and sometimes let our imaginations run away with us. We both believe
that you need a Plan in order to get something accomplished. And we both write our secret thoughts in a notebook! Why have you written more Humphrey books than anything else? Most of my career was spent writing children’s television, but for a long time, I’d known I wanted to write children’s books. The World According to Humphrey was the first I wrote and sold and before that was published, I was asked to write a second one. Since then, Humphrey has taken up most of my time. And now with the new Humphrey’s Tiny Tales books, I’ve written three in one year with a fourth in the works. I do have two non-Humphrey books close to finishing but just when I’m almost there, it’s time to write another Humphrey book. Not that I’m complaining! Why isn’t there a Humphrey TV show? There may be one soon. I recently signed a film and TV deal with a company and I’m working on developing a series which they will try to get on television. These things take a long time. Do you write stories about other animals? I’m working on a book about a group of kids and their dogs. I’m definitely a dog person so it’s a lot of fun.
Do you only write children’s books? I really enjoy writing for children. I think it’s because when I was child, I found books to be absolutely delightful! I have no great longing to write for adults. What’s great about being an author? People think it’s exciting to have a book published. But that doesn’t come close to the thrill of hearing a reader say how much they loved a book I wrote. Writing doesn’t mean anything if no one reads it and connects with it. If someone loved my book, then I accomplished my goal. You wrote The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs. What are your seven wonders? 1) My husband, who doesn’t mind that I spend so much time with Humphrey 2) My son, Walshe, who taught me to see the boy’s side of growing up 3) My stepdaughter Rebecca and her husband Gary 4) My stepdaughter Anna and her husband Toby
is having a party with a treasure hunt in the garden. It sounds so exciting, until the treasure is stolen and Humphrey is the only one who knows about it! It plays out like a mystery and I’m especially pleased with Penny Dann’s charming illustrations – the first time we’ve seen Humphrey and his friends. The biggest thrill for me is that it’s paired in a flip book with Winnie The Pooh. So much of my career has involved the Pooh characters, I feel as if I’ve come full circle! Humphrey’s Tiny Tales: My Treasure Hunt Trouble is published on World Book Day, Thu Mar 3. Actress Ramona Marquez can be seen reading an extract at Story Time Online www.worldbookday.com Forthcoming books by Betty Birney include School According to Humphrey (Feb), Humphrey’s Tiny Tales Book 1: My Pet Show Panic (Mar), Humphrey’s Ha-HaHa Joke Book (Apr), Humphrey’s Tiny Tales: My Summer Fair Surprise (Jun), and Humphrey’s World of Pets (Oct.)
5) My five year-old granddaughter, Remy, who LOVES-LOVES-LOVES Humphrey
To find out more about Betty Birney and Humphrey, see www. bettybirney.com and www. funwithhumphrey.com
6) My sister, Janet, who was such a big reader, she inspired me to love books as well
For details of events in your area and more information and facts visit www.worldbookday.com
7) My dog Desi. Rebecca and Anna are both artists who planned out my website. Anna maintains the website and does all the lovely artwork. And they’re all part of my fan club; except Desi, who doesn’t read and doesn’t like hamsters. What is your World Book Day story? It’s an all new story called My Treasure Hunt Trouble. Humphrey goes home for the weekend with Garth, who
BOOKS 1 £ E H T Dr Seuss on the Loose by Dr Seuss Gargoylz Make Some Noise by Burchett & Vogler/ S.W.I.T.C.H Bug Battle by Ali Sparkes Humphrey’s Tiny Tales: My Treasure Hunt Trouble by Betty Birney/Winniethe-Pooh World Book Day Special Edition by A. A. Milne
WORLD BOOK NIGHT The Great Pet Shop Panic by Katie Davies/ Spy Dog’s Got Talent by Andrew Cope Do Bugs Have Bottoms: and other important questions (and answers) from the Science Museum for World Book Day by Glenn Murphy/ Evilution: The Troof – A Jiggy McCue story by Michael Lawrence Traction City by Philip Reeve/ A Tale of Terror: A World Book Day Story by Chris Priestley
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Sat Mar 5 will see the biggest book giveaway ever attempted. 20,000 members of the public will give 1,000,000 books to 1,000,000 different people across the UK and Ireland in the course of one night. The give-away consists of one 40,000 each of 25 selected titles and members of the public are invited to take part in events, parties and celebrations with many libraries and bookshops extending their opening times. In Birmingham, the staff at Centre for the Child will be coming to work dressed in pj’s, reading bedtime stories between 2pm-2.45pm and providing free milk and cookies for all!
FEBRUARY HALF-TERM 2011 ISSUE
5
Illustrations ©Tony Ross
Humphrey. So I looked through a baby naming book under ‘H’ for hamster. I saw Harry, Henry, Harvey, etc. At the end, I saw Humphrey and I knew that was it for a very special reason. My parents grew up two houses away from each other and were best friends from the age of nine. My aunts and uncle and both sets of grandparents all lived on this same street in St. Louis, Missouri, and my sister and I loved to stay with my grandparents. It was called Humphrey Street!
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TRAIN WITH THE RAMS
HERB HEROES
Is your child a budding Nigella or Jamie? British Herb Growers and chef John Torode are looking for Britain’s Junior Herb Hero in a nationwide competition to encourage 7-16 year olds into the kitchen and cooking with fresh herbs. Whether it’s a beautiful breakfast, lovely lunch, delicious dinner, or just a favourite family recipe, they’re asking kids to upload a 4 minute video of themselves demonstrating how to prepare the dish and will be looking for a good presentation style and enthusiasm as well as a great recipe. Entries must be uploaded by Fri May 6 and the top three voted for by the public will travel to London for the cook off final on Tue May 24 where the winner will receive £200 of vouchers and the two runners up £50 worth each. For details visit www.fresh-herbs.co.uk/competition
MAKE A SPLASH FOR CHARITY
The world’s biggest fundraising swimming event. Swimathon 2011 hits over 575 pools across the UK between Apr 8-Apr 10 when over 20,000 swimmers aim to raise more than £2m for Marie Curie Cancer Care and the Swimathon Foundation. According to Swimathon President and Olympic gold medallist Duncan Goodhew, last year’s event not only saw a 37% rise in entries but around 2,500 people said they’d only started swimming again when they entered Swimathon. Now in its 24th year, over half a million swimmers have taken part in Swimathon, swimming the equivalent of over 24 times round the world and raising more than £32 million for charity. You can sign up for a Swimathon session at your nearest participating pool any time up to Apr 7, either online at www.swimathon.org or call 0845 36 700 36. Pool’s taking part in the Derbyshire are Alfreton Leisure Centre , Bakewell Swimming Pool, Buxton Pool, Etwall Leisure Centre, Glossop Pool, Green Bank Leisure Centre (Swadlincote), New Mills Leisure Centre (High Peak), Ripley Leisure Centre, Sharley Park Leisure Centre (Chesterfield), William Gregg VC Leisure Centre (Heanor)
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FEBRUARY HALF-TERM 2011 ISSUE
OF IT
It’s a busy few we eks for celebration s. If you’re Welsh you should be ge , then tting out the lee ks and daffodils dressing in red, or maybe green and white on Tue Mar 1 for Day, the nationa St David’s l festival to comm emorate the Patro of Wales. If you’r n Saint e Irish, on the oth er hand, then yo partying for St Pa u’ll be trick’s Day on Th u Mar 17. There shamrocks and ’ll be green clothing ga lore with parades and music every , songs, where. Before tuc kin Irish Stew and co g into the tradition lcannon, you’ll be al making sure you plates stacked hig have the h for Pancake Da y, or Shrove Tues Mar 8 and, if yo day, on u leave mom to do the washing (today or everyda up afterwards y!) you can make it up to her on Su 3 which is Mothe n Apr r’s Day, a time to show her how mu care. Even if it’s ch you only making brea kfast in the morn turning the kitch ing without en into a disaster zone!
Derby County stars Robbie Savage and Kris Commons recently launched a pioneering scheme which will see the Rams teaming up with Derby High School to offer football scholarships to pupils. It’s the first time the club has joined with a local school to run a scholarship scheme and the prestigious places will be awarded to five boys and girls. “When I was younger there weren’t really opportunities like these,” says Robbie. “I think it’s great that public schoolchildren are given the chance to excel at football, usually it’s cricket or rugby. I couldn’t name one public schoolboy who is a top player today.” “It doesn’t really matter what a child’s background is,” adds Kris. “They should be given the chance to play football and if, through this scheme, the club find a gem who goes on to play in the first team then that’s brilliant.” The scholarships will run annually from September 2011 and are open to current Derby High School pupils moving into Year Three and those in Year Two at other schools.
A MAY DAY SPECTACULAR
It’s never too soon to plan your family May Bank Holiday and if you’re looking for a brilliant day out, then how about the Bakewell Showground Spectacular, Sun May 1/Mon May 2. Set in the picturesque showground, there’ll be a Fun Fair, classic cars (including a Ford GT40), vintage construction and military machinery and Craft Tent with events including a demonstration of high power tractor pulling, Punch & Judy, exotic animal encounters and a live show from Circus Mondao. For more info, see www. spectacularweekend. com
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THEATRE S H O W S
FAMILY & CHILDRENS
IN DERBYSHIRE
SPRING 2010
NOW SHOWING NOW SHOWING NOW SHOWING NOW SHOWING NOW SHOWING Buxton Opera House Box Office: 0845 127 2190 Water Street, Buxton www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk
Mon Apr 4-Sat Apr 9
Déda Theatre
Box Office: 01332 370 911 Chapel Street, Derby www.deda.uk.com
Annie
Su Pollard returns as the nasty Miss Hannigan but she’s no match for plucky New York orphan Annie in this classic rags-to-riches family musical with such songs as It’s A Hard Knock Life and Tomorrow. 7.30pm, Wed/Sat mat 2.30pm. £25-£16, family £60
Derby Theatre Box Office: 01332 255 800 Theatre Walk, Eagle Market www.derbylive.co.uk Sat Apr 9
Sounds Like Mon Mar 7
Science Museum Live
London’s world-famous Science Museum makes its stage debut with a spectacular live show featuring spectacular science, dangerous demonstrations and extraordinary experiments that are fast, furious and frenetically fun. 1.30pm/7pm. £12.50
Join Tam Tam Theatre Company on a journey of discovery into the world of sound and help the sound collector in his attempt to create a sound symphony as he turns everyday objects into musical instruments. 2pm. £6
Derby Assemblv Rooms Box Office: 01332 255 800 Market Place, Derby www.derbylive.co.uk
Sun Mar 13
Mon Apr 4
Ricochet
Evening of dance styles, from street dance to contemporary and jazz to break dance by students at Buxton Community School. 7.30pm. £6.50
8
Fireman Sam: Pontypandy Rocks It’s Pontypandy first ever music festival and Station Officer Steel’s booked a surprise guest star. However, Naughty Norman is determined to find out who the secret superstar guest will be... at any cost. Which means a busy day for Fireman Sam as he’s called on to save the festival and the surprise. 1pm/3.30pm. £13, kids £11, family £44
Sat Mar 12
Sat Apr 2
The Dragon’s Daughter
Living in a village beneath a mountain, young Hans dreams of being a dragon-slayer. Until a baby dragon falls to the ground with a thud and he has to return it to its fire-breathing mother on the mountain top before it’s too late. 11am/2pm. £7
Pavilion Arts Centre Box Office: 0845 127 2190 St. John’s Road, Buxton www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk
What Became Of The Red Shoes
Roary The Racing Car
It’s the day of the Champion of Champions race at Silver Hatch and Roary is all set to battle it out for the trophy with Maxi, Cici, and all the other cars! Farmer Green’s created some brand new bio fuel to make it the fastest and greenest race ever, but Flash fancies it for his skateboard and Big Chris seems more interested in pizza and doughnuts than getting the cars ready! 2pm. £14, kids £12, family £48 (4), £36 (3)
Tue Feb 22
The CBBC stars come to town in a magical mix of puppets, live action and music. As Charlie struggles to get little sister Lola to tidy her room and go to bed. Not easy when then Tigers want their bedtime milk, the Dancing Dogs have borrowed Lola’s pyjamas and there’s an Ogre in the wardrobe! Fri 10am/1pm, Sat 11am/1pm, Sun 1pm/4pm. £12-£9
Exploring Granny Flo’s attic, Ruby discoveris a forgotten treasures containing an interesting pair of shoes. They set her imagination of on a magical journey as she meets a pirate, some animals and even has a trip into space! 11am/2pm. £7.50.
Mon Mar 21 Sun Feb 27/Mon Feb 28
Chinese State Circus
Based on the ancient legend of Mulan, the peasant girl who led an army to save her nation, a dazzling display of acrobatics, martial arts, Lion Dance, and circus skills featuring the Shaolin Warriors. Sun 5pm, Mon 5pm/8pm. £26-£12m family £92-52
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Interface 11
A showcase of Derbyshire’s youth dance talent from schools and community groups.7pm. £8
Fri Mar 25 – Sun Mar 27
Charlie And Lola’s Best Bestest Play
Mar 20
Storm In A Teacup
It’s not easy making friends when you live in a lighthouse surrounded by dangerous rocks, towering waves and troublemaking seagulls. So when the keeper has a tea party with his friend from the supply boat, his nervousness turns everything into a disaster. Will the arrival of a dangerous storm help him save the day? 1.30pm/3.30pm. £6, kids £5, family £20 (4), £15 (3)
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MOSCOW CITY BALLET Wed 23 - Fri 25 Feb £17 - £30, Under 16s £12
CHINESE STATE CIRCUS Sun 27 - Mon 28 Feb £12 - £26
CHARLIE & LOLA Fri 25 - Sun 27 Mar £9 - £12
ROARY THE RACING CAR Wed 27 Apr £13, Under 16s £11, Family Ticket (4) £44
Starring Su Pollard as Miss Hannigan
Mon 4 - Sat 9 Apr £14 - £25 BOX OFFICE
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Enjoy a fun-packed day at the Aviva Grand Prix.
T
he world’s number one indoor athletics event returns to Birmingham’s NIA on 19 February with top athletes jetting in from around the globe and exciting entertainment promised both on and off the track for what is set to be an afternoon of show-stopping action.
Supporting British athletes since 1999
Look out for British sprint star Mark Lewis-Francis as he takes on Jamaican Lerone Clarke in a rematch of 2010’s Commonwealth Games 100m final, where Clarke narrowly took gold ahead of the Birmingham born athlete. Britain’s Heptathlon World Champion Jessica Ennis will also be hoping for some home support as she lines up against World Indoor Champion Lolo Jones of the USA in the 60m hurdles. This incredible incredible event event will will be be packed packed with with fun-filled fun-filled family family activities, activities, This from an interactive athletics stand to exciting competitions and from an interactive athletics stand to exciting competitions and athlete autograph autograph sessions sessions -- all all free free of of charge! charge! You You will will also also be be able able athlete to test test your your skills skills on on the the Alfa Alfa Romeo Romeo driving driving simulator, simulator, race race your your to friends around around the the Aviva UKA running and enter the track Aviva and Hot enter friends Athleticstrack Academy running Seat competition for your chance to win a a variety of prizes. the Aviva Hot Seat competition for your chance to win a a variety of Are youAre ready be entertained? prizes. youto ready to be entertained?
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t: 0121 631 6101 e: contact@publishingink.co.uk
t y a r p
planning
If the mere thought of organising a children’s party brings you out in a cold sweat,then read on for some Primary Times ideas to take away the stress.
Conkers
If you haven’t already, it’s a pretty sure bet that at some point over this year, you’ll be planning a children’s party. Of course, you can just have their friends round for cake, squash and some party games, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But, if you’re looking for a party with a difference, then there’s plenty of ideas worth considering. And you don’t even have to go through all the stress of arranging it, either. If you’re looking for outdoor party fun, then you should check out Conkers, the National Forest Discovery Centre near Tamworth. For 8 years and over, the Bumble Bees party offers a choice of ranger led activities, either a nature based Scavenger Hunt through the
woodlands or a Conkers chase between teams to find the treasure. For under 7s, Bush Babies offers two hours in the indoor party room with music, fun and games in Billy Bonkers Playhouse. If you prefer not to brave the elements, there are plenty of alternatives. The four Derbyshire Dales Leisure Centres have a huge range of choices. All you do is take the food and the kids. Dive in to the swimming pool for a Bug Splash Party or Aqua Run complete with inflatables and floats, choose from football, basketball, kwik cricket, rounders, racquet sports and relay races with Sports Mania, spent an hour of fun and games at an Inline skating party, go wild at a Bouncy Castle
Party, try out skills and play a match with a Football Fantastic Party or book a Climbing Party for the thrill of tackling The Face with a qualified instructor. There’s a similar variety of weekend options at Chesterfield’s Queens Park Leisure which offers Pool Parties with inflatables or Activity Parties with either Bouncy Castle, 5-a-side football, basketball, netball or uni-hockey. And why not follow the fun with a tea party with streamers, balloons and fun hats. The Jangala Soft Play Adventure Centre in Hilton will make your child’s special day a treasured memory and relieve you of all the hassle with their Jungle Jamboree Parties.
To advertise telephone
0121 631 6101 or email leah@publishingink.co.uk
bags, balloons, party feast, and thank you cards are all included in the cost! Or how about something creative? With organisers all over Derbyshire, Creation Station offers something different with their Art and Craft Making Arty Party Entertainer at your home or chosen venue. With the help of the Magical Ideas Box, the children are inspired to create at least two original art pieces to take home
from choices that include painting, modelling, making, sculpting, and crafting. After they’ve had their food, there’s also the chance to make a beaded keyring, jewellery or laser bracelet. They even get to decorate their own party bags provided by the entertainer. And, if you wonder what to do about the excess energy, don’t worry because music, dancing and games are provided too. Party On!
Creation Station
Lasting just over an hour and a half for a minimum of 10 children, they include complimentary invitations, host, party buffet, and 60 minutes softplay on the jungle frame plus a free return pass and foil helium balloon for the birthday child.
If you’re nearer Belper, then let Chucklebutties take the stress off your shoulders at their Play & Party Centre. Just book the day, turn up and let the kids have fun at the popular Pirate and Princess themed parties. Soft play, invitations, party
Chucklebutties
Visitor Centre ie rv
Half Term Fun!
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Book your party now
(from 11th February)
with this voucher, valid until 01/04/2011. One free child entry with one full-paying child. Adults and babies under 1 go free. Terms and conditions apply
mentioning Primary Times
1E
A
Craftroom Tours
2 for 1 entry
PT
/F
1 eb
and the birthday child
goes free!
Terms and conditions apply. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Valid through 2011
PT /
Feb 1
Paint a plate* and make a clay souvenir. Adults: £5.25 Children: £4.25 11am, 12pm, 2pm & 3pm
*FIRE TO KEEP OFFER
£5.99 FOR HALF TERM (Offer 19th - 27th Feb)
Factory Tours also available Mon - Thurs 10.30am & 1pm
Open daily. Free Centre entry & free parking
Call: 01773 740799
1P
Derby Road (B6179), Denby, Derbyshire DE5 8NX.
Chucklebutties Play & Party Centre Belper Mills, Bridge Foot, Belper DE56 1YD
01773 880123
www.chucklebutties.co.uk
For more details visit
e e r f t a e kids
m r e t f l ha s l a e d WIN ily day
FREE fam
asar • Food • Bowling • Qu Enter at
rimarytimes tenpin.co.uk/p y nditions appl Terms and co
£6.99
ling or w o b f o s e m a 2g ree kids’ f a & r a s a u Q noon meal until 12
advance in k o o b t, u o Don’t miss o.uk/holidaycamp www.tenpin.c 0 0871 550 101 BT landline. r minute from a ry. Calls cost 10p penetworks and mobiles may va for details er ite oth from Costs ply – see webs ap ns itio nd Terms and co
GR EAT FU N FOR ALL TH E FA MI LY COME AND SE E
HALF TER M HOLIDAY FUN AND ACT IVIT IES 19t h to 27t h Feb rua ry 2011
£27
CIRCUS WOR KSHOPS THE FOREST DWE LLERS AND RANGER ACT IVIT IES!
Simply cut out the voucher and hand into Conkers reception! Terms and Conditions: Please cut out and hand into reception. One child per full paying adult. Not to be used in conjunction with any other promotion. Valid to 31st March 2011. Other terms and condition apply.. PT Feb 11
Come and Play, Eat & Party!
Animal Antics Presents
Open 7 days a week Tel: 01283 736199 jangala@btinternet.com www.jangala.org
The Birthday Party they will never forget Also available for school visits Warning: Lots of creepy crawlies Tel. 01902 678320 www.animalantics.net
Jangala Ltd, Hilton Business Park, Hilton, Derbyshire DE65 5FJ (not suitable for sat.nav.)
BIRTHDAY CHILD FREE! For parties of 15 or more Book early to avoid disappointment
Offer must be mentioned at time of booking & this voucher surrendered. Valid for parties held before 31/05/11. Only 1 voucher per party.
IT’S
RET!Y PA TIM
Come to Queen’s Park Sports Centre for your birthday treat.
For a day to remember, whatever the weather, enjoy a party here you won’t be disappointed. We offer a wide range of fun activities to suit everyone.
ol Bouncy Po s ie Castle Part and Fun Activity rties Activitie s Pa
Action Pac ked Parties to include Foo tball, Netball, Basketball , Uni Hockey
BOOK YOUR HOT AND COLD PARTY FOOD
CONTACT US ON 01246 345555 OR 01246 345559 TO BOOK YOUR PARTY NOW!
DERBYSHIRE DALES LEISURE CENTRES
’s ld i h c r u o y e k a M f o k l a t e h t y t r a p the classroom! IES TRAMPOLINE PART
FOOTBALL PARTIES
POOL PARTIES WITH GIANT INFLATABLES
CLIMBING WALL PARTIES
PARTIES BOUNCY CASTLE PLUS MANY MORE...
GET
£W 10 OFF ITH TH IS ADV
Valid unti ERT l 30th Jun e 2011
Call your local leisure centre for more information Ashbourne 01335 343712 Bakewell 01629 814205 Matlock 01629 582843 Wirksworth 01629 824717 derbyshiredales.gov.uk/leisurecentres
Escape to the Alton Towers Resort for February Half Term* Adults £15.20 & Children £8.80 Children aged 11 years and under. Under 4s are free everyday
Bring this voucher with you for your discount entry 1. By using this Voucher you accept these Terms and Conditions and are bound by the Regulations currently in force at Alton Towers(“Alton”), copies of which are available on request. 2. This Voucher entitles the bearer to a maximum of 2 adults and 2 children, £15.20 Adult entry and £8.80 Child entry to Alton. Only one Voucher can be redeemed per person per transaction. 3. Visitors under 4 years of age enter Alton free of charge. Visitors under 12 years of age must be accompanied by a person 18 years of age or over. 4. This Voucher is non-transferable, cannot be sold and no cash alternative will be offered. The exchange price of this Voucher is £0.0001. Admission prices are subject to change. 5. This Voucher cannot be used in conjunction with any other voucher, offer, any discounted or concessionary rates, annual or family passes, inclusive travel packages, pre-booked or timed tickets. 6. Amended, defaced or photocopied vouchers will not be accepted. 7. This Voucher is valid from 19.02.11 until 27.02.11. All dates are for 2011. Dates are subject to change - please check opening dates before your visit. This Voucher must be used at the time of entry and is not valid when making advance credit card bookings or for the purchase of timed tickets or family tickets.8. Alton reserves the right, in its absolute discretion, to refuse entry and to close and/or alter all or any part of the facilities including closure of rides and/or attractions for technical, operational, health and safety or other reasons including over capacity. 9. Size height and age restrictions and medical warnings apply to certain rides and attractions.10. Exchange or sale of this Voucher for profit is prohibited. For further information visit www.altontowers.com.
* Selected rides open 10am-4pm. Please visit altontowers.com for ride availability
qyarter page 90x135.indd 1
17/01/2011 14:54:32
Your ultimate Guide to what’s on & when
Calke Abbey Mon Feb 21
Etwall Street Games Join in the fun with games organised by the Sports Development team.
PLACES TO VISIT
10am-noon. Free. King George the V Playing Field, Etwell. 01283 221000
Wed Feb 23
Multi Games Evening at Netherseal Join in the fun with a variety of games in the main street, organised by the Sports Development team. 6pm-7pm. Free. Nertherseal, Swadlincote 01283 221000
Ashby De La Zouch Castle
Feb 19-Feb 27, follow the Tudor Family Fun Trail to find miniature versions of King Henry VIII and all of his six wives hidden in the castle ruins. Play large outdoor versions of traditional games such as chess and quoits. Where: Ashby De La Zouch, 01530 413343, www.englishheritage.org.uk Open: 10am-4pm. Admission: £4.20, kids £2.10, family £10.50, u5s free.
Bolsover Castle
Feb 21-Feb 25, Time Travellers Go Knight Academy. Are you fearless, daring and bold? Then you could be a budding knight. Learn about the art of medieval warfare, try on armour and enjoy swash-buckling sword play! Where: Bolsover, Derbyshire. 01246 822844 www. english-heritage.org.uk Open: 10am-5pm. Admission: £7.40, kids £3.70, family £18.50. Time Traveller £1 per child.
Feb 19-Feb 27 (11am-3.30pm), join in half term fun with Squirt in the Stallion’s Stables. Sun Mar 27 (12.30pm-4pm), see staff in period 18th century costume and learn how they lived as Calke Comes Alive. Where: Ticknall. 01332 863822. www.nationaltrust.org.uk Open: 11am-5pm. Admission: £8, kids £4.09, family £20.09. Garden only: £4.36, kids £2.36, family £11.18. Park: £1.70, child 60p, family £4.40
Chatsworth Farmyard
Feb 19-Feb 27, take part in wildlife events, activities and crafts with a ‘Frogs and Princesses’. Mud painting and make your own bird feeders Mon-Fri, creepy crawlies and slithering snakes sessions Sat/Sun. Where: Chatsworth, Bakewell. 01246 565300. www.chatsworth.org. Open: 10.30am-5.30pm.Admission: £5, kids £5.25,family £19.50
Crich Tramway Village
Restored period village featuring operating trams and the National Tramway Museum. Where: Crich, nr Matlock. 01773 854321. www. tramway.co.uk Open: 10am5.30pm. Admission: £12, kids £7, family (2+3) £35
Denby Visitor Centre From Feb 18, Denby Craftroom Tours – learn about Denby, paint a plate and make a clay souvenir. Where: Derby Rd, Denby. 01773 740 799. www.denbyvisitorcentre. co.uk Open: Mon-Sat: 9.30am5pm, Sun 10am-5pm. Admission: £2.50, kids £5.
Derby Museum & Art Gallery
Butterflies and Moths features specimens from Britain and from all over the world. Where: The Strand, Derby. 01332 641901. www.derby.gov.uk/ LeisureCulture/ MuseumsGalleries/Derby_Museum_ and_Art_Gallery Open: Mon 11am5pm. Tue-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 2pm-5pm. Admission: Free
Donington Park Museum
The largest collection of Grand Prix racing cars in the world with over 130 exhibits illustrating the history of motor sport from the start of the 20th Century. Cars include a 1936 Alfa Romeo Bimotore which has a top speed of 200mph, Jim Clark’s World Championship winning Lotus 25 and the Lotus in which Stirling Moss won the 1961 Monaco Grand Prix. Where: Castle Donington, Derby. 01332 810048. www.doningtonpark.co.uk Open: 10am-5pm. Admission: £7, u16s £2.50, OAP £5, family £14 (2+3)
Haddon Hall
With a mix of medieval and Tudor architecture, the manor house is over 800 years old and has wonderful Elizabethan gardens. Where: Bakewell. 01629 812855. www. haddonhall.co.uk Open:.Noon5pm. Admission: £8.95, kids £4.95, family (5) £22.50
Sun Mar 20
Museum Comes to Life See what happens when characters from the 1970s Museum collection come to life. Meet Dr. Who, Wonder Woman, Cat Woman and many more. Noon-4pm. £7.20, kids £4.15, family £20/£14. National Museum of Childhood, Sudbury Hall. 01283 585305
FOR THOUSANDS MORE IDEAS VISIT WWW.PRIMARYTIMES.NET
Hardwick Hall
Spectacular Tudor mansion built for Bess of Hardwick, Elizabethan England’s second most powerful and wealthy woman. Features 16th and 17th century tapestries and embroideries. Where: Doe Lea, Chesterfield. 01246 858400. www.nationaltrust.org.uk Open: Noon-4.30pm. Garden 11am-5pm. Admission: £9.98, kids £4.99, family £24.94. Garden only: £5.04, kids £2.52, family £12.60. Joint: £12.18, kids £6.09, family £30.45
FEBRUARY HALF-TERM 2011 ISSUE
17
Your ultimate Guide to what’s on & when
Sudbury Hall/ Museum of Childhood
Heights of Abraham Caverns
Open for half term, ride the spectacular cable car ride high above Matlock Bath or go deep underground for the amazing show caverns. There’s adventure play areas, woodland walks, and the Who Why What! exhibition. Not to forget stunning views of the Derbyshire dales. Where: Matlock, 01629 582365, www.heightsofabraham. com Open: Daily Feb 19-27 10am4.30pm. Admission: £12.50, kids £8.80, u5s free, family (4) £37.50 (£33) extra child £7.50
Kedleston Hall
Sat Apr 2/Sun Apr 3, Mothers Day, make cards and gifts and follow a trail around the garden. All materials provided. Kids £1.50. Where: Kedleston, Derbyshire. 01332 842191. www.nationaltrust.org.uk Open: Hall Noon-5pm, Park 10am6pm. Admission: £8.90, kids £4.40, family £22.30. Park & Garden only: £3.95, kids £1.95, family £9.95
cave entrance in the British Isles and discover the unusual rock formations, the eerie sound of running water and the remains of an ancient village where a whole community once lived and worked making ropes for the local lead mines. Visit Speedwell Cavern too and take an incredible underground boat journey and see the Bottomless Pit. Where: Peak Cavern Road, Castleton, Hope Valley. 01433 620285. www.devilsarse.com Open: 10am-5pm. Admission: Peak £8.25, kids £6.25,family £25.50. Speedwell £8.75, kids £6.75, family £29. Both £14, kids £10.25, family £45. U5s free
Peveril Castle
Feb 19-Feb 27, follow the Norman Knights Family Fun Trail and search the castle ruins to try to find the hidden knights. Play oversized outdoor versions of traditional games. Where: Castleton, Hope Valley, 01433 620613. Open: Open: 10am-4pm. Admission: £4.20, kids £2.10, family £10.50
Poole’s Cavern
Peak Cavern
Better known as the Devil’s Arse. Step through the largest natural
18
Journey back through time into an amazing underworld of crystals, rock and water with Derbyshire’s longest stalactite - The Flitch of Bacon - and the incredible Poached Egg Chamber. Where: Green Lane, Buxton. 01298 26978. www. poolescavern.co.uk Open: 9.30am4pm. Admission: £8, kids £4.75, family £23 (2+3) u5s Free
FEBRUARY HALF-TERM 2011 ISSUE
Feb 19/20, 23-27, take part in craft activities with a 1970s theme, ranging from French Knitting to Fuzzy Felt to Pasta Pictures and more! Noon-4pm. Kids £1. From Feb 19, From Playmobil to Puppy Love.: Growing up in the 1970s – discover toys from the age of disco, Stars Wars and Sindy dolls. Where: Sudbury Hall, Sudbury, Ashbourne. 01283 585305. www. nationaltrust.org. uk Open: 11am3.30pm. Admission: Hall £7.09, kids £3.63, family £17.81. Museum £7.63, kids £4.36, family £19.63/£14. Hall & Museum: £13,18, kids £7.09, family £33.45/£24.54.
The Tropical Butterfly House
Feb 19-27, Passion for Pets explores the fascinating relationships between people and pets. Daily events include meet the meerkats, exotic animals and skunk feeding! Where: Woodsetts Road, North Anston, Sheffield 01909 569416 www. butterflyhouse.co.uk Open: 10am-5pm. Admission: £7.50, kids £6.50 (u3s free), family (4) £27, (5) £30
FOR THOUSANDS MORE IDEAS VISIT WWW.PRIMARYTIMES.NET
The REP @ The Library Theatre
A fast moving re-telling of the classic French fairy tale, featuring fully integrated sign language throughout Age 3 – 7
Travelling Light and Polka Theatre presents
Lost And Found
A heart-warming tale of adventure, bravery and true love Age 3 – 7
Saturday 7 May Krazy Kat Theatre Company presents
Growing, Growing, Gone
The story of Jack and the beanstalk, featuring fully integrated sign language throughout Age 3 – 7
Book Now: 0121 236 4455 birmingham-rep.co.uk
......................................................................
The Sleeping Princess
Saturday 2 April
......................................................................
Krazy Kat Theatre Company presents
......................................................................
Saturday 5 March
Saturday 4 June Tell Tale Hearts presents
From Here To There
A show that’s all about bridges, using rhythm and vocal play, shoe boxes, card and the world of the imagination! Ages 2 – 4
The REP is a registered charity number 223660
BOOKWORM Here’s primar y times latest picks for your bookshelf
FOOD IS FUN
Anorak Press £9.99
If the combination of blue and bright orange in which the book’s printed doesn’t give you a headache, then there’s a fabulous mix of recipes, food facts and plain silliness involving fruit and veg in this cool culinary collection from the publishers of Anorak Magazine, “the happy mag for kids”. Pay a visit to the Citrus Circus to make lemonade, orange cake or grapefruit salad, learn about food in the 40s (fancy a potato carrot pancake for lunch?), discover strange vegetables (what’s a celeriac and how do you eat it!), find out how you get olive oil and make six different types of toast. Fancy going Japanese? Then there’s recipes for your own sushi, maki or yo-roll. How many green foods can you name, who invented the fork? And how can resist a Super Easy Cake A Monkey Could Make! All this and more, make it one of your five a day.
E RECIP MY FAVOURIT
ES
Annabel Karmel. £8.99. DK And here’s even more ideas for things to cook up in the kitchen. Karmel is a firm favourite when it comes to kids’ recipes and here she’s gathered over 50 favourites in a stand-up book of ring-bound flip-over cooking cards. Whether you want to enliven lunch, share a snack, dazzle with dinner or tempt with a tea treat, there’s a recipe here that’s tasty, healthy and easy to make with simple step by step instructions and photos. Divided into Light Bites, Main Meals, Fruity Treats and Cakes and Biscuits, there’s winter warmers like sweetcorn chowder and a spicy lamb tagine or summertime chill outs with fresh fruit ice lollies and easy berry ice cream. Try something different with chicken and apple curry or a corn quesadilla or get into an instant party mood with banana bites rolled in sprinkles. We’re definitely having a go at the no bake chocolate fridge cake
SCIENCE EXPE
RIMENTS
Prof Robert Winston. £14.99 DK Science is an essential part of education, but it’s also a great fun too. And the best way to learn is by trying hands-on experiments. A familiar face from television, Prof Winston’s fun activities range from quick and easy science which you do in seconds to more difficult experiments for school projects, but all of them help children get to grips with the subject, understand the theory behind it and have hours of fun practising for themselves. Divided into five colour-coded sections, the book covers all areas of science, from The Natural World to Forces and Motion with over 85 experiments ranging from launching a bottle rocket or making glow-in-the-dark jelly, to more complicated projects like making a home-made metal detector. Each experiment tells you what you need, how long it should take and how difficult it will be and features clear step-by-step instructions and illustrations to make it easy to follow. There’s also explanations about the science behind each experiment. If messiness is a thrill then Slime Time or Elephant’s Toothpaste are must tries while elsewhere you can build a rubber band drag racer, move metal through ice, charm a paper snake and revive a shrivelled carrot. You can even “extract the DNA of a strawberry and grow your own germs. How cool is that!
20
FEBRUARY HALF-TERM 2011 ISSUE
FOR THOUSANDS MORE IDEAS VISIT WWW.PRIMARYTIMES.NET
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Make your car journeys fun with this exciting, interactive spotting book for children aged 2-10. Who will be first to cross off 10 Caravans? Footbridges? Police cars? etc Get your copy of this great book for only £6.99 (+£1.95 p+p) from
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competitions WIN A MOTORWAY SPOTTING BOOK Bored on long motorway journeys? You won’t be if you win one of 5 “fun to spot…on the motorway” children’s books from www.badgerandbullrush.com, worth £6.99 each, a great fun, interactive way to occupy children during car journeys! Involve the whole family with the ‘how many can you spot game’. Whenever you spot one of the items in the book, make a mark in the grid below the picture. There’s plenty of room to spot multiple items and if you fill your grids you can always download free new ones from the website. Favourites include Eddie Stobart trucks and National Express Coaches plus other not-so-easy-to-spot items such as army vehicles and hot air balloons.
To enter, tell us: how much do the books cost? Enter on line at www.primarytimes.net/competitions or send your entry to Spotting, Primary Times, Publishing Ink, Fifth Floor, White House, 111 New St, Birmingham B2 4EU by Mar 18.
WIN SHOWGROUND SPECTACULAR TICKETS After last year’s inaugural success, the second Bakewell Showground Spectacular takes place on Bank Holiday weekend May 1/May 2 and promises to be even bigger and better. From lawn mower racing and dancing JCBs to the thrills of Circus Mondao and an array of animals, there’ll be something for everyone. With an auction of Spectacular items, an even bigger Craft Tent and the return of the fabulous food, it’s going to be a real Bank Holiday Bonanza and you could win a family ticket for two adults and two kids plus a £20 food voucher and free parking and camping.
Just tell us: what circus will be at the Showground Spectacular? Enter on line at www.primarytimes.net/competitions or send your entry to Bakewell, Primary Times, Publishing Ink, Fifth Floor, White House, 111 New St, Birmingham B2 4EU by Mar 25
WIN A DIARY OF A WIMPY KID DVD With clueless parents and a bully brother, short squirt Greg wants to be the cool kid in his new school. Unfortunately, he’s been buddied up with chubby, blissfully unaware Rowley and his attempts to become the class Mr Popularity always backfire. He’s even beaten up by a girl! And when Rowley’s Zoo Wee Mama comic strip makes him the coolest kid instead, then, seeing revenge, a resentful Greg betrays his only friend. Based on the stick figure cartoon books about surviving your school years, it’s very funny with the usual gross gags but, using a slice of mouldy cheese, also has a lot to say about playground cruelty and responsibility. Available now as a DVD and book double pack on Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, we’ve got 5 to be won.
Just tell us: what’s the name of Rowley’s comic strip? Enter on line at www.primarytimes.net/competitions or send your entry to Wimpy, Primary Times, Publishing Ink, Fifth Floor, White House, 111 New St, Birmingham B2 4EU by Feb 28
WIN A DESPICABLE ME DVD Bald, black coated Gru (Steve Carrell) dreams of becoming the World’s Greatest Villain but his plans seem doomed to failure when nerdy nemesis Vector out-villains him and steals the shrink gun he was going to use to steal the moon. But Gru has a plan to get it back, one that involves adopting three cute orphan girls. He just doesn’t reckon on having to play Daddy or how they might unlock his softer side! Packed with great characters that include Russell Brand’s mad scientist, Julie Andrews as Gru’s nagging mom and the irresistible bright yellow cheese puff shaped Minions, it’s massive animated fun for kids and grown ups alike. Despicable Me is available on Universal Pictures DVD, Blu-ray and 3D Blu-ray from Feb 21 with bonus featurettes, games and 3 new Minion Movies, we’ve got 5 copies to be won.
Just tell us: who is Gru’s nemesis? Enter on line at www.primarytimes.net/competitions or send your entry to Despicable, Primary Times, Publishing Ink, Fifth Floor, White House, 111 New St, Birmingham B2 4EU by Mar 11
22
FEBRUARY HALF-TERM 2011 ISSUE
FOR THOUSANDS MORE IDEAS VISIT WWW.PRIMARYTIMES.NET
C HILD REN o f t h e STA R S
Got a budding Brian Cox in the family? There’s plenty to keep children excited about the science of astronomy, says Katie Smith
E
xploding stars, crashing comets, big bangs – astronomy is bursting with wild and fascinating events so it’s no surprise that children love learning about space. “It’s exciting and engages the imagination, providing a limitless canvas of possibility,” agrees Rob Edwards, Head of Science Education at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, who run a variety of shows for primary-age children. If your child’s mind is full of stars, here are some ways to keep the kids keen on watching the sky at night...
temperature of Venus. After bedtime, turn off the lights, switch on the planetarium, lie back and learn about the constellations. You can buy portable planetariums from just £20 and they often come with an audio tape and a guide to the stars. Once they’re hooked, there are starter scopes from around £30 which are strong enough to view the Moon and its craters. If you’re ever stuck for a birthday present there are endless variations on space-related toys – from a model of the Lunar Lander to Usborne’s fact-filled cards, ‘100 Things to Spot in the Night Sky’.
WONDERFUL WEBSITES
TAKE IT OUTSIDE
With its bright and colourful approach to hefty astronomical facts, www.kidsastronomy.com is a great place to start for younger children. Sections on black holes, galaxies and the Solar System are peppered with games, jokes and puzzles to keep kids interested. There are even a few songs – and with lines like, “the sun is a mass of incandescent gas...” they’re definitely worth a listen. A more challenging site for older primary children is NASA’s Kid’s Club, kids.msfc.nasa.gov, which is rich with stunning images, astonishing facts and engaging games. The next step up from here is free astronomical software Stellarium, www.stellarium.org. Download the 3D planetarium, key in the date and then you and your child can view the night sky as you would with binoculars or a telescope, zooming in on stars, planets and satellites.
GREAT GADGETS
Every parent knows that presenting your six-year-old with a list of dry statistics isn’t likely to fire their imagination. Playing a game of Space Top Trumps (Winning Moves), however, should keep them engrossed at the same as they learn the diameter of Jupiter or the
Astronomy is immediate, accessible and available for everyone to enjoy and your child will love the excitement of wrapping up warm and heading outside for their first look at the stars. Most towns and cities have astronomical societies and many host ‘star parties’ during the darker months. At these sessions, societies bring along a telescope for everyone to share so your child will get a good look at the planets or even deep-sky objects such as distant galaxies. Check the website of your local society for dates. Other great activities for children include visiting observatories and planetariums such as The National Space Centre in Leicester, www.spacecentre.co.uk, or @ Bristol, www.at-bristol.org.uk. Check their websites for family friendly activities. Rob Edwards from London’s Royal Observatory, www.nmm.ac.uk, is keen for parents to bring their children to Greenwich where they can, “stand on the Prime Meridian, take a look at our gigantic 18 tonne Victorian telescope and come to the planetarium and talk to one of our astronomers”. So the next time your child asks how far is the Sun or why the Moon changes its shape, grab the moment and get your child engaged in some astro-related fun.
WE’VE DONE OUR HOMEWORK.
Comic Relief, registered charity 326568 (England/Wales); SC039730 (Scotland)
We asked teachers what they need for RED NOSE DAY on Friday 18th March and like good students we did it: fun activities, fundraising ideas, an interactive CDROM, posters, balloons and stickers. Order your free schools’ fundraising pack today. www.rednoseday.com/primarytimes