Primary Times Avon: February

i r ma ry ptimes for parents, teachers & children

11 12 1 yrs

2 3 4 yrs

in Avon

Issue 167 10 Feb-30 Mar 2012

Mother’s Day Safety in the streets Planning a party

Receive two weeks’ free tuition when you join Explore Learning this February Maths & English tuition centres designed to meet the unique needs of your child. Page 4

Theatre • Arty Barty • Roundabout • Save money!

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Of all the annual breaks, February Half Term is among the most challenging for parents. Some will book their families out for a winter break, but with the tough economic times, that’s likely to be fewer than ever, this year. Happily, the many attractions and theatres in Bristol, Bath and the surrounding areas provide a wealth of activities to help parents entertain their loved ones, even in inclement weather.

One exciting approach to free time is to reclaim your street as a play area - our feature on P32 explains how. With Mother’s Day is round the corner (Dads take note) we have some great ideas to help kids give their mum a gift she’ll always treasure. n yrs ren s & childre 1111 12 1 s, teacher for parent 2

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THEATRE P8 ROUNDABOUT P13 PINBOARD P23 ADVERTISING FEATURES P26 PUPILS’ PAGE P34 CLASSIFIEDS P36 MOTHER’S DAY P6 Gifts which show kids’ appreciation CHILDREN’S PARTIES P21 Francesca Gibbens has some great ideas PLAYTIME IN THE STREET P32 How communities can reclaim their streets for play

Day Mother’s s the street Safety in ng a party Planni

VIEW THE MAGAZINE ONLINE AT www.venue.co.uk/early-times-primary-times www.primarytimes.net • www.facebook.com - Arty Barty u n when yo free tuitio ruary o weeks’ s Feb Receive twre Learning thi ddesiignedd tto ttres itiion cen join Explo d. Page 4 ttuit h lish r chil Engli hs & E ds of you Matth M unique nee meet the

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Primary Times in Avon

Venue Publishing at Bristol News and Media, Temple Way, Bristol BS99 7HD. More information at www.primarytimes.net and more places to visit at wwww.venue.co.uk

Find these amazing offers this issue!

Group editor: Dave Higgitt Editor: Mike Gartside

Email: mike.gartside@venue.co.uk

Tel: 0117 934 3742 Advertising: Becky Davis Advertising manager Email: b.davis@venue.co.uk

Tel: 0117 934 3780

Caroline Stretton

Email: c.stretton@bepp.co.uk

Tel: 0117 934 3737

Ruth Morris

Email: r.morris@venue.co.uk

Tel: 0117 934 3730 Distribution: Simon Butler

Tel: 0117 934 3741

Email: s.butler@bepp.co.uk Design: Sarah Clark, Mike Gartside Main Office: 0117 942 8491

Bristol Zoo - £5 entry for children throughout Feb half term week.

University of Bristol – Discover (8-10 Mar). Free family exhibition with demos and exploration of science fiction, dinosaurs, trees and more.

Cattle Country Cattle Country 15% off for up to five people.

Everyone Active - Half price family swim voucher inside.

Goal Soccer School - Save £20 off a goals party when you book before 1 Apr. Explore Learning – Two weeks’ Maths and English tuition when you join in Feb.

Primary Times is independently published and distributed free in Primary, Junior, Infant and Middle Schools throughout the former Avon area, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire. It is also available by subscription at £10 per year.

Its aims are to inform families and children of 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 which we run.

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.

Primary Times would like to thank all the schools in the county for their assistance in distributing the magazine and their contributions to its contents.

We would also like to thank all the advertisers who have supported this publication and therefore made it possible. Please support their endeavours when and where you can. The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by our studio remains with Primary Times or the relevant contributor.

Primary Times is currently publishing more than two million copies per issue under franchise.

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1/24/2012 2:31:10 PM

MUM’S THE WORD

Mother’s Day is a wonderful chance for children to show their appreciation in creative ways, says Francesca Gibbens.

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sk any child what the most important day of the year is to them and it’s likely few of them would say Mother’s Day. The celebration is often down-played by families in this country, perhaps because it’s perceived as over-commercialised or maybe just a little bit American.

But where’s the harm in celebrating the role of the most important carer in most people’s lives? There are so many ways of showing her your appreciation beyond the limited sentiment expressed in a generic greeting card or box of chocolates.

The best way to get children to really appreciate the significance of the day is to get them working on a hand-made gift which reflects the thought and care that their mothers show them.

Year Four teacher Heather Dallimore says, “It is important to encourage the love that still exists within the family unit, even as other traditions fade in the early

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21st century.” Heather sets her class the task of writing a letter to their mother, thanking them for everything they do. “There isn’t any other day of the year when children really think about how much their mother does for them and this task makes them more appreciative and less selfish.”

Gemma Smith, a reception teacher, does something similar with her class. She holds a circle time in which the children think and speak about why their mum is special to them. She says, “It’s important to do these activities in school from an early age to encourage children to always appreciate their mother.”

There is a huge selection of activities teachers can do with their classes for Mother’s Day. Arts and crafts are a great option as they flex the children’s creative skills, while parents gain a treasured personal keepsake. “Children are always excited about giving something to their mum that they have made themselves and

that they can be proud of,” says Heather.

Traditionally children make cards to give their mothers, carers or a close relative, using pastel coloured card to celebrate spring time and flowers made of tissue paper. Dried flowers are an alternative option and give the card an extra something special. A handmade picture frame containing a photo of the child can again be decorated with flowers.

There are also many businesses which supply hand-made items with a real difference. For something completely unique, fingerprint jewellery company smallprint makes personalised silver items engraved with a design of your choice. Younger children may wish to create a perfect miniature print of their own footprint, handprint or fingerprint which is then imprinted onto a piece of silver and made into a necklace, bracelet or charm. Older children can use a drawing or write a signature, using the same imprinting process.

Marie Harkin from smallprint says, “Knowing it has been touched by the one they love makes it very precious to mothers.”

Another option is a decorated ceramic item from Paint-A-Pot. They have a huge selection of bare ceramic items to choose from, which can be decorated in your own way.

Why not use your own handprints to create a really unique vase?

If your mother is a fan of handmade jewellery visit ABeadsC and create a beaded necklace or charm bracelet in a variety of glass, ceramic, and acrylic beads. ABeadsC has a huge selection of materials and designs to choose from and also beautiful trinket boxes to put your present in. Perhaps one of their jewellery stands would be a good idea for your mother to keep her new jewellery on?

Meanwhile, Bristol company Angel Traces also provides personalised jewellery.

Whatever you decide to do for your mother make sure you put some thought into your gift. We only get one mum and Mother’s Day is a chance to show you really value her.

ABeadsC W: www.abeadsc.com Angel Traces T: 0117 949 2307 W: www.angeltraces.co.uk Flying Saucers T: 0117 927 3666 W: www.flyingsaucers.co.uk Inspiration Ceramic Art T: 07412 238324 Paint-a-Pot T: 01453 835043 The Paper Village T: 0117 963 9452 W: www.thepapervillage.co.uk Relaxation Centre T: 0117 970 6616 W: www.relaxationcentre.co.uk smallprint T: 07527 600677 W: www.smallp.co.uk Wish Handmade Jewellery T: 07904 977568 W: www.wishhandmadejewellry.co.uk PRIMARY TIMES

2/7/2012 4:50:53 PM

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FAMILY & CHILDREN’S SHOWS ★ BRISTOL, BATH, SOMERSET & SOUTH GLOS

One Little Word, the egg, Bath, 7-10 Mar

bath THE EGG Theatre Royal, Sawclose, Bath BA1 1ET. 01225 448844, www.theatreroyal.org.uk Shakes-Kids Sat 18 Feb. 11.30am & 3pm. £6 • An introduction to Shakespeare as seen through the eyes of Shakespeare’s clown, Will Kemp, brought to you by much-loved panto dame and Shakespeare expert, Chris Harris.

One Little Word Wed 7-Sat 10 Mar. £7/£5.50 • A beautiful and gentle story of friendship, power struggle and the rich world of creative play. Meet two characters who play together, exploring new space, new objects, dressing up and taking turns, but who struggle when one of them wants to be the only captain of the ship. Devised by internationally renowned M6 Theatre Company, One Little Word promises to captivate children’s imaginations with a moving story and original music.

The Littlest Quirky Fri 16-Sat 17 Mar. Fri 10.30am & 1pm, Sat 11.30am & 3pm. £7/£5.50 • Have you ever met the Littlest Quirky?

She comes from a magical circus family. She lives in the house at the top of the hill and is locked in all day. Watching her closely are Tree, Wind and Rain and they hear her ask again and again. “Why can’t I go outside?” So they take her on a journey she will never forget. A magical tale of a child’s discovery of the world, captured in a vivid circus spectacle.

The Owl and the Pussycat Sat 24 Mar. 11.30am & 3pm. £7/£5.50 • Follow Owl and Pussycat as they set out on the high seas with only some honey, money and a runcible spoon to help them find their way through a topsy-turvey world. Puppetry, live music and beautiful storytelling combine in this enchanting retelling of Lear’s classic poem.

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THEATRE ROYAL BATH Sawclose, Bath BA1 1ET. 01225 448844, www.theatreroyal.org.uk The Wizard of Oz Tue 28 Feb-Sat 3 Mar. Tue- Sat 7.30pm. Wed, Fri & Sat 2.30pm. £12.00-£29.00 • The story of The Wizard of Oz is one of the best-loved of all, thanks in great part to the 1939 film starring Judy Garland, the most watched motion picture of all time. This version of the show is a hugely successful adaptation which John Kane originally wrote for the Royal Shakespeare Company, based on the novel and with music and lyrics from the MGM Motion Picture Score.

The Balloon Gardener Mon 2 Apr. 11.30am & 3pm. £7/£5.50 •Danny has run low on balloons and must grow his own. Seeds of hilarity are sown as he attempts to cultivate big, bold and colourful latex shapes in pots. Can he grow a prize winning balloon? The plot thickens with problem pests, wacky weather and eccentric nonsense. Putting the rubber into shrubbery; this fool for flowers creates an organic garden of delights.

delicious theatrical feast has family-sized helpings of Matthew Bourne’s trademark wit, pathos and magical fantasy. Nutcracker! follows Clara’s bittersweet journey from a hilariously bleak Christmas Eve at Dr Dross’s Orphanage, through a shimmering, iceskating winter wonderland to the scrumptious candy kingdom of Sweetieland. Tchaikovsky’s glorious score and Anthony Ward’s unforgettable sets and costumes combine with sizzling choreography to create a fresh and charming interpretation of the traditional Christmas favourite.

BRISTOL OLD VIC King Street, BS1 4ED. 0117 987 7877, www.bristololdvic.org.uk Stones and Bones Mon 13-Wed 15 Feb. Mon 2pm, Tue & Wed 11am

& 2pm. £6 • Squashbox Theatre takes you on a journey back in time to prehistoric Cornwall; a land of towering rocks, ancient stone circles and strange myths and legends. This new show is a marvellous mix of history and mystery. Find out about archaeology and fossils, say hello to one of your stone-age ancestors, hear stories of giants and wizards, see a volcano erupting before your very eyes, and maybe even glimpse a dinosaur or two.

Grisly Tales from Tumblewater Thu 16-Sat 18 Feb. 2pm & 7pm. £8 • Welcome to Tumblewater. Not that it’s a very welcoming place - unless you’re an undertaker or an umbrella salesman. Caspian Prye, the twisted landowner, controls everything and everyone; even the police. Into this world stumbles Daniel Dorey, a fearless »

Review Peter Pan The Hippodrome, Bristol (10 Dec - 8 Jan)

bristol THE BREWERY THEATRE 291 North Street, Southville, Bristol BS3 1JP. 0117 902 0344, www.tobaccofactorytheatre.com Sam Rose in the Shadows Sun 26 Feb. 11am & 1.30pm. £6 • An uplifting and beautiful new piece of puppetry. Ivan Rose is six years old.

Shut away in his little house in the city watched by his aging tutor, he fantasises about the outside world.

His father, Sam, spends most of his time away, and Ivan can only imagine he is off fighting dragons and being a hero. Eventually Sam and Ivan become embroiled in an epic quest that will bring them face to face with love, memory and hope.

BRISTOL HIPPODROME St. Augustine’s Parade, The Centre, BS1 4UZ. 0870 6063406, www.bristolhippodrome.org.uk Grease Mon 2-Sat 7 April. MonThurs 7.30pm, Fri 5.30pm & 8.30pm, Sat 5pm & 8.30pm. £13-£40 • Dust off your leather jackets, pull on your bobby-socks and take a trip to a simpler time as ‘bad boy’ Danny and ‘the girl next door’ Sandy fall in love all over again. It’s the original high school musical, featuring all the unforgettable songs.

Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker!

Tue 17-Sat 21 April. 2.30pm & 7.30pm. £15.50-£39.00 • This

From its royal boxes to its red velvet stalls, the Hippodrome theatre is gloriously old-world. Conversely, with no principal boy or ugly sisters, this pantomime is not, which leaves much riding on David Hasselhoff, most recently of Britain’s Got Talent fame, to turn JM Barrie’s enchanting fairytale into a proper Peter Panto. Fortunately his broad shoulders can take it. At nearly a foot taller than any of the other cast members, the Hoff cuts a fit and dashing figure. He has a lovely singing voice and his soft American burr is manly and booming, rendering his Captain Hook a very good villain indeed.

Luckily he is well supported on all sides. From Hook’s crew to the tribe of Red Indians, the show is replete with real dancers and real divas (Donne Hines, Lakesha Cammock and Linda John-Pierre), impressing with poptastic tunes. We are transported to a Neverland ‘On Broadway’, although the real star of the show, first mate Smee (Andy Ford), could not be more homegrown in his manner and wit, while Wendy (Janine Esther Cowell) epitomises gung ho femininity.

My 6-year-old sat enthralled from beginning to end, only asking if the crocodile was real, and if the Lost Boys were really going to walk the plank. My 11-year-old hooted uproariously at the jokes.

Everyone was impressed by the transition of the stage from London to Neverland, which is nothing short of magnificent. An all-singing, all-dancing success. (Adriana Dorsett)

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ALL WEATHER INDOOR PLAY BARN ONLY OPEN IN HALF TERM

OPEN EVERY DAY SEVEN DAYS A WEEK

Open Every Day 10am-5pm!

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Grisly Tales from Tumblewater, Bristol Old Vic, 16-18 Feb

orphan armed only with his wits and a satchel of spine-chilling stories . . . Charles Dickens meets Roald Dahl via Horrible Histories with laughs, frights and live music.

PLAYHOUSE THEATRE High Street, Weston Super Mare BS23 1HP. 01934 645544, www. theplayhouse.co.uk Jimmy Cricket’s Great Value for a Tenner Comedy Show Sat 17 Mar. 7.45pm. £10 • Jimmy Cricket is known for his trademark wellington boots (on the wrong feet), his letters from his Mammy and his catchphrases. He holds the hearts of his original fans of his TV and radio shows in the 1980s while winning new fans wherever he performs.

Bugsy Malone Wed 4-Sat 7 Apr. 7.30pm, matinees Fri & Sat, 2.30pm. £10/£8 • Rival gangster Dandy Dan has completely destroyed Fat Sam’s empire and wiped out his mob of ‘business associates’ with the latest weapon - the splurge gun! Sam enlists the help of smooth-talking Bugsy Malone, currently spending his time in Sam’s speakeasy romancing singers Tallulah and Blousey Brown or promoting upand-coming boxer Leroy Smith.

Based on the ever-popular Oscar nominated film and its cast of kids.

REDGRAVE THEATRE Percival Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3LE. 0117 315 7000, www.cliftoncollegeuk.com/ccsl/redgrave Titanic the Musical Wed 7-Sat 10 Mar. 7.30pm, Sat 2.30pm. £12/£8 • Chosen this year by UWE to mark the centenary of the sinking of the famous ocean liner, ‘Titanic the Musical’ promises a dramatic score and moving story line. It charts the story of those aboard the biggest trans-atlantic vessel of its time, from the moment it left Southampton to the time of the tragedy itself.

ST GEORGE’S BRISTOL Great George Street, Bristol BS1 5RR. 08454 024001, www. stgeorgesbristol.co.uk The Gypsy’s Tale and Playshop Fri 17 Feb. Playshop 1.45pm, performance 3pm. £6 • From their homeland of India to the British Isles and beyond, the Romany 10

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Gypsies have told their stories of magic and mystery, sung their songs of joy and sadness and danced to the wild music of the fiddle. Here, the fantastical storytellers Wild Words weave together terrific tales of devils and dragons, heroes and villains, and kings and princesses, with the scintillating sounds of the sitar, accordion, fiddle, harmonium and clarinet. Get dressed-up in your fanciest Gypsy finery.

Bristol Ensemble Percussion & Laura Tanner: Spring Beats Sun 26 Feb. 10am (3-5 years)/11.15am (5-8 years). £6 • A show-stopping percussion extravaganza brimming with style and invigorating rhythms.

Metropolitan Brass: Around the World Sat 10 Mar. 11am. £8/£6 • A whirlwind, brass-celebrating world tour of Hollywood (The Simpsons), Africa (Pink Panther), the Caribbean (Pirates of the ...) and beyond, ringing with the rousing sound of this bravura brass band.

Comsortium5 Recorder Quintet: Noyses, Sounds & Sweet Ayres Sun 1 Apr. 3pm. £6/£8 • A dazzling exploration of the weird and wonderful world of the recorder, the little wind instrument played by everyone from King Henry VIII to Jimi Hendrix.

Bristol Ensemble Percussion & Laura Tanner: Spring Beats Sun 6 May. 10am (3-5 years)/11.15am (5-8 years). £6 • A percussion extravaganza brimming with style and invigorating rhythms.

A Day of Storytelling & Puppetry Kings & Queens/Baba Yaga’s Oven Sat 9 Jun. 2pm. • A wonderful day of puppet-making, vivid storytelling, and captivating Russian folklore.

TOBACCO FACTORY THEATRE Raleigh Road, Southville, Bristol BS3 1TF. 0117 902 0344, www. tobaccofactorytheatre.com Nutjellynana Sun 18 Mar. 11am & 1.30pm. £6 • Dare to imagine, aim for the stars, blast off with the Nutjellynana, and discover why space is the cuddly frontier. Alice, Melby and Fidge are three cuddly toys long since loved, left behind and now forgotten in an old attic.

Life looks like it’s lost its stuffing

The Owl and the Pussy Cat Went to See . . ., Salisbury Playhouse, 3 Mar

until Fidge has a banana-brained plan! Build a rocket ship, blast off, and boldly go where no toy has gone before. But when Melby is sucked down a black hole, Alice and Fidge come to the rescue.

WESTONBIRT SCHOOL Opp. Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury GL8 8QG. 01666 880333, www.westonbirt.gloucs.sch.uk Oliver Twist Fri 16 Mar - Sat 17 Mar. 7.30pm • Westonbirt School girls perform Oliver Twist in the Orangery theatre. Last year’s production of Joseph was a sell-out, so be sure to book soon!

further afield THE ARTS CENTRE Devizes Road, Old Town, Swindon SN1 4BJ. 01793 614837, www. swindon.gov.uk Theo the Mouse in Magical Mayhem Wed 15 Feb. 1.30pm. £8.50​• A family show from the writer of TV favourites Sooty and The Basil Brush Show. Join Theo The Mouse for a fun show packed with magic, laughter and music.

EVERYMAN THEATRE Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573, www.everymantheatre.org.uk Dreamboats and Petticoats Mon 12 Mar-Sat 17 Mar. 7.45pm. 15 & 17 Mar, 2pm. £19-£31 • Inspired by the smash hit selling albums ‘Dreamboats and Petticoats’, the West End sell out features some of the greatest hit songs of the rock ‘n’ roll era. Set in 1961, emotions run high as young musicians Norman and Bobby compete to win a national song writing competition - and, more importantly, the attention of the gorgeous Sue. Then Bobby discovers that shy Laura is no slouch on the piano and love and rock ‘n’ roll fame beckons.

MERLIN THEATRE Bath Road, Frome, Somerset BA11 2HG. 01373 465949, www.merlintheatre.co.uk Oliver! Wed 14 Mar–Sat 17 Mar. 7pm. £7.50/£5. • After running away from the orphanage run by the heartless Mr Bumble, Oliver meets the Artful Dodger and is recruited to pick pockets for Fagin.

Selwood Academy presents Lionel Bart’s much loved musical, featuring the Artful Dodger, Bill Sykes, Fagin, Nancy and Mr Bumble among others, plus musical numbers ‘Food, Glorious Food’ and ‘Consider Yourself’, to mention but a few.

THE SUBSCRIPTION ROOMS The Subscription Rooms, George Street, Stroud. GL5 1AE. 01453 76096, www.subscriptionrooms. org.uk Arthur’s Magic Sword Tue 14 Feb. 3pm. £6/£4 • Daylight Theatre presents this production, in which King Arthur sets off on a quest to find his lost sword. He encounters

a blackbird, a goblin and Merlin the magician. The play features live acting, puppetry and audience participation.

SALISBURY PLAYHOUSE Malthouse Lane, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP2 7RA. 01722 320333, www.salisburyplayhouse.com Great Gran’s Great Games Fri 17 Feb. 11am. £7 • A new play from award-winning children’s writer Mike Kenny. Ollie can’t see the point of his Great Gran and now, even worse, he has to give up his room to her. She can’t run, jump, skate or anything. However she can do something he can’t . . . and, there was a time when she did it at the Olympic Games in London.

The Owl and The Pussycat Went to See… Sat 3 Mar. 11am. £7 • When the Owl and the Pussycat set sail to get married, little do they think it will be such an exciting adventure. They meet a host of colourful characters, including the Dong with a luminous nose, Quangle Wangle and the notorious Jumblies.

But will their new found friends be able to save them from the dastardly Plum Pudding Flea?

Join a celebrated youth theatre’s production based upon the verses and stories of Edward Lear.

The Hare and the Tortoise Fri 16 Mar-Sat 17 Mar. Fri 10.30am, 1.30pm. Sat 11am, 2pm. £8 • It’s the race of the decade! Slow, steady tortoise versus speedy, greedy hare. They’re fit, keen and completely mismatched. Surely it’s all over before it’s begun?

An Olympic-sized re-write of the world famous fable, with puppets, music and surprises aplenty.

WYVERN THEATRE Theatre Square, Swindon, Wiltshire SN1 1QN. 01793 524 481, www.wyverntheatre.org.uk The Gruffalo Thu 23-Fri 24 Feb. Thu 1.30pm. Fri 10.30am &1.30pm. £12/£10.50 (schools) • The musical adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s award-winning picture book, The Gruffalo, returns to the Wyvern. Join Mouse on an adventurous journey through the deep dark wood.

Meet a wheelerdealer Fox, an eccentric old Owl and a maracashaking, party-mad Snake. Mouse can scare these hungry animals away with tall stories of the terrifying Gruffalo, but what happens when he comes face to face with the very creature he imagined?

Charlie and Lola’s Best Bestest Play Sat 24 Mar. 11am, 1.30pm & 3.45pm. £12.50/£11 • Don’t miss everyone’s favourite brothe r a nd sister, Charlie a n d Lol a , in th eir stag e s h ow. Th e stars of the hit B BC T V series and books by L a u re n C hild are brought to life by puppets, live action and music. Will Charlie ever get Lola to sleep, even though she is not sleepy and will not go to bed? It won’t be easy – the tigers want their bedtime milk, the dancing dogs have borrowed Lola’s pyjamas and Lola thinks there’s an ogre hiding in the wardrobe.

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Two Four Six Eight! “a ceaselessly entertaining wide eyed little gem”

4.5 stars out of 5. Venue Magazine.

“You went down a storm! There has been a lot of positive feedback and staff are very keen to have you back in the future.”

George Samios Deputy Head Twerton Infants School.

Two Four Six Eight! is a Numeracy theatre show for Nursery, Reception and Key Stage One children and their teachers.

Featuring Actor Craig Edwards (Travelling Light/ The Tobacco Factory/Bristol Old Vic) Touring to schools from Jan 16th -May 2012.

To book contact craigandkatie@blueyonder.co.uk visit www.theatrebristol.net/shoofly-theatre

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ROUNDABOUT Your ultimate family diary of what’s on, where & when

Deadlines: List your school’s winter events in Primary Times for free. We work a half-term in advance so we’re now collecting information copy for April and May 2012: deadline Mon 27 Feb 2011. If your event is to raise cash for a school or charity, and is open to the public, we want to know. Email mike.gartside@venue.co.uk.

FEBRUARY Until Wed 29 Feb Wild Bird Feeds Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT. 01453 891900, www.wwt. org.uk, info.slimbridge@wwt.org. uk, 4pm • Watch the spectacle of daily commentated bird feeds.

See thousands of birds including the beautiful Bewick’s swans which return to Slimbridge every winter. These incredible birds can be recognised by their individual bill patterns. Hear the warden’s commentary and learn about their amazing journey from arctic Russia.

Until 11 Mar Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2011 Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Queen’s Road, Bristol BS8 1RL. 0117 922 3571, www.bristol.gov. uk. Free entry • Enjoy the visually stunning, thought-provoking images that provide an insight into the beauty, drama and variety of nature. This world-renowned yearly touring exhibition from the Natural History Museum provides a spotlight on the wonders of the natural world.

Until Sun 15 Apr An Eye for Fashion M Shed, Princes Wharf, Wapping Rd, Bristol BS1 4RN. 0117 352 6600, www.mshed.org. £5/£4 • An

exhibition of vintage fashion photography by Norman Parkinson, one of Britain’s most significant portrait and fashion photographers of the 20th century.

Displaying over 60 rare vintage photographs, this unique portfolio evokes a sense of glamour, beauty and timeless elegance. Original 50s and 60s clothing from the museum’s collection will also feature, showcasing high street fashion designs from this period.

Until Sun 29 Apr Little Stars Planetarium Show At-Bristol, Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5DB. 0117 909 2000, www.at-bristol.org.uk, 2pm. 50p, Free entry for members • Get star-struck in At-Bristol’s brand new Planetarium show Little Stars, specifically aimed for ages 4 and up. Join a member of the At-Bristol team as they lead you through a story that will take you away from this world and introduce younger adventurers to the wonders of the night sky.

Until Mon 30 Apr Cook for The Queen www.lovebritishfood.co.uk for online entry form • To celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, British Food Fortnight is inviting all schools in the UK to create a special menu featuring recipes that celebrate the best of British.

The winning schools will be invited to Buckingham Palace to see their recipes brought to life and help serve them at a reception attended by the Queen and Duchess of Cornwall. Taking part is easy. All schools have to do is design a menu fit for the Queen that celebrates the food produced in your part of the country. Include both savoury and sweet ideas and dishes that use ingredients which strongly represent your region. Entries need to be submitted by Monday 30th April. The online entry form can be found on the website.

Sat 11 Feb Identifying Mosses and Liverworts Bristol Zoo Gardens, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3HA. 0117 9030609, www.bristolzoo.org.uk, 10am3.30pm. £17.50 • Delve into the world of mosses and liverworts with expert Justin Smith. Venture into Leigh Woods to learn how to identify these flowerless plants.

Science-based fun at At-Bristol, 11-19 Feb

PRIMARY TIMES

Sat 11-Sun 12 Feb Toddlers, Toothworm and Tudors The John Moore Museum, Church Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5SN. 01684 297174, www.johnmooremuseum.org, 10am-1pm & 2pm5pm (Sat), 11am-1pm & 2pm to

Review Recycled Stockings Southville Centre, Bristol (Tue 20-Thur 22 Dec) ‘Recycled Stockings’ by Show of Strength is designed specifically for young children, and at £5 a head, it could hardly fail to be a hit.

The audience is split into three parts to see professional actors performing mini monologues in separate spaces inside Bristol’s Southville Centre. At the end of each monologue, the audience is escorted around the building, in search of another performance.

With the cunning use of a central interval, the audience gets six micro monologues in total and six writers captivate kids with their work. There is no time for tots to become uncomfortable before another Christmas cracker is popped open.

Kate McNab stood out as the aged Cinderella recounting her story, stripped of the magic, revealing a more plausible version of her escape from rags to riches. The kids were enthralled that she now looked like a granny. Another success was Knobby, a disgruntled reindeer jealous of Rudolf. Actress Nadia Williams (pictured) made the part come alive, and the kids loved her naughty realism.

This use of familiar characters makes it easier for children to understand the jokes, and even the little ones are involved right from the start. (Adriana Dorsett) 4.30pm (Sun), £3.00/£2.50 • Find a Tudor merchant and his wife in the beautifully restored house and shop. Drop in throughout the day as the couple go about their daily business including washing, dining and childcare. Perfect for children studying the Tudors at school.

Sat 11-Sun 12 Feb Classic Car Event Bath & West Show Ground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 6QN. 01749 822200, www. bathandwest.com, 9.30am 4.00pm. From £8. Under 16s free • The Footman James Great Western Autojumble is joined by The Ford Show. This year it features over 80 exhibitors and traders. Visitors can pick up bargain parts and learn from experts. A special area has been reserved for private sellers of real autojumble.

Alongside this show, The Ford Show features dedicated owner and enthusiast clubs.

Sat 11-Sun 19 Feb Bird Box Trail Lacock Abbey, Lacock, Chippenham, Wiltshire. 01249

730459, www.nationaltrust.org. uk. Normal admission applies, NT members and under 5s free • A chance to get back to the great outdoors and see some early spring-time nature. Hunt in the beautiful Lacock Abbey grounds for bird boxes and listen carefully: what creatures are inside? A great interactive short walk for the family to enjoy together.

Sat 11-Sun 19 Feb The Glow Show At-Bristol, Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5DB. 0117 909 2000, www.at-bristol.org.uk, 2pm. 50p, Free entry for members • An exciting new show for the half term holidays. Explore rays, waves and a whole spectrum of colourful activities.

Sat 11-Sun 19 Feb Storytelling: Lights On, Lights Off! At-Bristol, Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5DB. 0117 909 2000, www.at-bristol.org.uk, 2pm. 50p, Free entry for members • Have you ever spent the night in a tent before? Did you hear any » FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2012

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ROUNDABOUT Wooden Wonders, Westonbirt Arboretum, 14 - 16 Feb

Mon 13-Thu 16 Feb Let’s Make a Show 49 Bath Road, Gloucestershire, Cheltenham GL53 7HG. 01242 522852, www.playhousecheltenham.org. 5-7 years Mon-Wed 9.30am-1pm, Thu 2pm- 5pm. 8-10 years Mon-Wed 9.30am-1pm, Thu 1pm-5pm. 5-7 years £75, 8-10 years £85. Fifty per cent reduction for second and subsequent siblings • Sheila Mander and a team of professional actors, singers and dancers hold half term workshops to create an exciting theatre performance in the unique setting of The Playhouse.

Mon 13-Fri 17 Feb ‘5 a day’ February Bristol Zoo Gardens, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 3HA. 0117 974 7399, www.bristolzoo.org.uk • A child gets free entry with a selected piece of fruit or veg during February half term. Offer valid with specific piece of fruit or veg.

Mon: Apple, Tues: Carrot, Wed: Pear, Thurs: Broccoli, Fri: Lettuce

» strange noises in the night and wonder what they were? Join At Bristol for a new story all about light, with some simple science experiments little ones can copy for themselves at home and lots of moving around and making noises.

Sat 11-Sun 19 Feb Make Your Own Robot!

At-Bristol, Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5DB. 0117 909 2000, www.at-bristol.org. uk, Drop in sessions: 10am – 5pm.

50p, Free entry for members • Get creative and environmentally friendly during half-term and re-use everyday materials to make your own recycled robot.

Cut and stick away to create your own robot friend to take home.

Sat 11-Sun 19 Feb Puzzlewood Puzzlewood, Nr Coleford, Forest of Dean GL16 8QB. www.puzzlewood. net, 10am-4.30pm. £5/£3.50 • For a magical day out in the Forest of Dean, this fascinating maze of pathways is reputed to have inspired JRR Tolkien and will be open over the half term school holiday.

Sat 11-Sun 19 Feb Clearwell Caves Clearwell Caves, Nr Coleford, Forest of Dean, GL16 8JR. www. clearwellcaves.com, 10am-5pm. £5.30/£3.80 • Explore this extensive natural cave system, mined for iron ore to make one of Britain’s most complex and oldest mine workings; dating back well over 4,500 years. Walk through eerie tunnels, following 14

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in the footsteps of generations of miners who cut their livelihood from the rock.

Sat 11-Sun 19 Feb Half Term Family Fun Trail Old Sarum, Castle Road, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 3SD. 01722 335398, 11am • A family trail for all budding junior investigators. Help crack clues and solve a mystery to earn a prize.

Sat 11-Thu 23 Feb See the Spring Night Sky Tyntesfield, Wraxall, Bristol BS48 1NX. 01275 461900, nationaltrust.org.uk, 7.30pm9.30 pm. £5 • Wrap up warm and join the Bristol Astronomical Society for an evening of seasonal star gazing.

Tue 14 Feb The Birds’ Wedding Day Lacock Abbey, Lacock, Chippenham, Wiltshire. 01249 730459, www.nationaltrust.org. uk, 11-1pm and 2-3pm. Normal admission applies, NT members and under 5s free • Never heard of the Birds’ Wedding Day? It’s another name for Valentine’s day.

This is a special wedding celebration where you help create dozens of paper birds to decorate a tree and create a bird badge to take home with you.

Tue 14 Feb Laugh Out Loud (7-11 Years) Tewkesbury C of E Primary School, Chance Street, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire GL20 5RQ. 01684 292309, 10.30am-4.30pm. £20 • A unique chance for budding comedians to learn how to write and perform their own jokes and comedy sketches, and perform a routine for friends and family at the end of the day.

Tue 14-Thu 16 Feb Wooden Wonders Westonbirt Arboretum,Tetbury, Glos GL8 8QS. 01666 880220,

www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt, 10.30am - 3pm. £5 adults, £4 concessions and £2 children.

Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum members and accompanying children under 19 years old visit free • Join the Forestry Commission’s learning team to find out about the amazing material wood and how we use it. Follow a woodland trail and see many wonders along the way.

Wed 15 Feb Textile Craft Workshop Yate & District Heritage Centre, Church Road, Yate BS37 5BG. 01454 862200, www.yateheritage. co.uk, 10.30am-12.30pm or 2-4pm.

Admission free, donations welcome • Ideal for children between 5-12 years to learn traditional sewing and embroidery skills in a fun environment. Booking essential.

Wed 15 Feb Messengers of Hope Mural - Birds on a Tree Event Space, Paintworks, Bath Road, Arnos Vale, Bristol BS4 3EH. 01225 443600, www.mercyinaction.org.uk, enquiries@mercyinaction.org.uk, 11am-12pm. £3.50 advance, £5 on the day • Children aged 6 and up help to create a mural that will be displayed as part of the exhibition. Messages of hope will be written on the birds and they will be sent out to the Philippines to a new Children’s Centre at the end of the exhibition.

Thu 16 Feb The Power of the Handwritten Word Embroidery Event Space, Paintworks, Bath Road, Arnos Vale, Bristol, BS4 3EH. 01225 443600, www.mercyinaction.org.uk, enquiries@mercyinaction.org.uk, 10-11am. £3.50 advance, £5 on the day • After learning basic embroidery skills, children will embroider a word or phrase onto fabric - the messages can be sent out to the children in the Philippines. For ages 10 and up.

Thu 16 Feb Dragon Paper Cut and Masks Workshop Museum of East Asian Art, 12 Bennett St, Bath BA1 2QJ. 01225 464640, info@meaa.org.uk,

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Sun 12 Feb Valentines Love Food Event Paintworks Bristol, Bath Road, Bristol BS4 3EH. 07815 308488 www.lovefoodfestival.com • Family event, celebrating a love of food supplied by farmers and producers on our doorstep, offering some delicious local tastes.

Mon 13 Feb Frozen Planet St George’s Bristol, Great George Street, Bristol BS1 5RR. 08454 024001, www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk, 7.30pm. £10/8 • A deeper look at the massive challenges of filming the landmark BBC natural history series ‘Frozen Planet’.

Frozen Planet at St George’s, Bristol, 13 Feb looks at the challenges of filming the BBC series, while cameraman Doug Allan talks about his work on the series at At Bristol, 7 Mar

PRIMARY TIMES

The Painting Pottery Café

Bristol’s largest and only paint-your -own-pottery café!

• Suitable for ALL ages!

• Over 100 items to choose from • Items professionally glazed and fired • Collect a few days later, and keep a lifetime!

Ideal for: • Mother’s/Father’s day presents • Office parties / socials • Unique gifts • Wedding presents • Capturing baby’s foot or handprint • Children’s parties • Adult’s parties • Girl’s night out / hen nights

open 7 days a week in haLF TERM! 9 Byron Place (off the Clifton Triangle) Tel: (0117) 927 3666

www.flyingsaucers.co.uk

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ROUNDABOUT atre.org, boxo@rosestheatre.org, 10.30am-1.30pm. £10 (includes one child and one adult) • Learn funky dance moves, develop fitness and rhythm and enjoy getting in the groove with the whole family in this Zumba-inspired dance workshop. Choreograph a short routine to perform to friends and family at the end of the workshop.

Fri 17 Feb Dragon Origami and Colouring Workshop Museum of East Asian Art, 12 Bennett St, Bath BA1 2QJ. 01225 464640, info@meaa.org.uk, 2-4pm. £2 • Learn about the art of origami and create some cute dragons and colourful pictures.

Love Food festivals in Bristol, 12 Feb, and Bath, 4 Mar

» 2-4pm. £2 • A chance to learn about the art of Chinese paper cutting and to make some colourful decorations to bring home.

Book in advance.

Thu 16 Feb Go Barking Mad Stanton Park, The Avenue, Stanton Fitzwarren. 01793 490150, www.swindon.gov.uk, 10.30am-12 pm. Free entry, but book in advance • With no leaves on the trees how can we tell what species it is? A big clue is the bark.

Join Stanton Park to take lots of bark rubbings and identify tree species. Make some colourful creations in the process.

Thu 16 Feb Roman Medical Workshop Yate & District Heritage Centre, Church Road, Yate BS37 5BG. 01454 862200, www.yateheritage.co.uk, 10-11.30am, 11.30-1pm and 2-3.30pm. Admission free, donations welcome • A fun history lesson for children between 5-12 years. Discover the world of Roman surgery and make your own roman objects.

Booking essential.

Thu 16 Feb Bird Box Bonanza Bristol Zoo Gardens, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3HA. 0117 903 0609, www.bristolzoo.org.uk, 10am-3 .30pm. £8.50 • At this time of year birds are setting up home on the Downs. Through a fun morning of games and activities discover more about birds and their nests.

In the afternoon make a nest box to take home for your feathered friends. For 8-12 year olds.

Fri 17 Feb Dazzle (6-11 years) Victoria Art Gallery, Pultney Bridge, Bath BA2 4AT. 01225 477233, www.victoriagal.org.uk, victoria_enquiries@bathnes.gov. uk, 10.30am and 1.30pm • Enjoy the exciting and colourful paintings by Gillian Ayres and create art with bold colours.

Fri 17 Feb Paint with Karen Burnett Event Space, Paintworks, Bath, Road, Arnos Vale, Bristol, BS4 3EH. 01225 443600, www.mercyinaction.org.uk,enquiries@mercyinaction.org.uk, 10-11 am. £3.50 advance, £5 on the day • A chance for children aged 4 and up to create some of their own paintings in a fun workshop.

time for adults as your children create a secret story just for you.

Sat 18-Sun 19 Feb Beads, Findings and Jewellery-Making Fair St Margaret’s Hall, Bradford on Avon BA15 1DE. www.eventsboa. co.uk, wellie@pandoragiftshop. com, 10am-4pm • Something for everyone in both children and adult jewellery-making workshops, and a wide range of craft stalls to meet all budgets.

Sat 18 Feb-Sat 24 Mar Saturday Art Club (5-7, 8-13 years) The Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DB. 01225 388569, www.holburne.org, holburne@bath.ac.uk, 10.30am-12 .30pm. £8 • A chance for aspiring young artists to discover new skills and create something special to take home.

Sat 25 Feb Identifying Lichens Bristol Zoo Gardens, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 3HA. 0117 903 0609, www.bristolzoo.org.uk, 10am-12 .30pm. £4 • Explore some wonderful lichens growing on trees on the Downs with local lichen enthusiast Sheila Quin. On this guided walk Sheila will help you learn to identify these strange and beautiful organisms.

Sun 26 Feb “I’m a Cartoonist…” with Joe Berger The Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DB. 01225 388569, www.holburne.org, holburne@bath.ac.uk, 2.303.30pm. £2 • See illustrator, children’s author and cartoonist Joe Berger exploring storytelling in comic strip form.

Fri 17 Feb Bookmark Making Event Space, Paintworks, Bath, Road, Arnos Vale, Bristol BS4 3EH. 01225 443600, www.mercyinaction.org.uk, enquiries@ mercyinaction.org.uk, 2-3 pm, £3.50 advance, £5 on the day • Hosted by Laura Izaguirre, local artist well-known for her practical art. Make your own bookmarks to take home.

MARCH

Fri 17 Feb The Family Show The Oxford Playhouse, 11-12 Beaumont Street, Oxford OX1 2LW, 01865 305305, www.oxfordplayhouse.com, 11am. £3/£2 • Parents and grandparents take part alongside children in this enjoyable storytelling workshop. Includes a cup of tea and some relaxation

Fri 2 Mar Spring Fashion Show & Supper Westonbirt School, Tetbury, Gloucestershire GL8 8QG. 01666 880333. 7pm. £20/£15 • Presented by Friends of Westonbirt School, the fashion show offers collections of springwear from Moi, Clobber,

Thu 16 Feb Big, Bold and Bright (3-7 years) Victoria Art Gallery, by Pultney Bridge, Bath BA2 4AT. 01225 477233, www.victoriagal.org.uk, victoria_enquiries@bathnes.gov. uk, 10.30am and 1.30pm • Put lots of colour in your art and enjoy the gallery’s special paintings.

Thu 16 Feb Family Zumba The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire GL20 5N. 01684 295074, www.rosesthe16

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Discovery Day at Bristol Zoo,, 11 Mar

The Tetbury Tailor, Just Maude Designs, That New Shop and The Dress Designer Agency, with jewellery by Diana Ingram. Includes Prosecco reception, two course supper and coffee, cash bar.

Sun 4 Mar Love Food Festival Green Park Station, Green Park Road, Bath BA1 1JB.07815 308488, www.lovefoodfestival. com • Love will most definitely be in the air as you celebrate your love of food, get together for a delicious festival which will feed your senses.

Wed 7 Mar Doug Allan-Life Behind the Lens At-Bristol, Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5DB. 0117 909 2000, www.at-bristol. org.uk, 7.30pm. £15 • Adventures, encounters and insights from the award winning cameraman whose TV credits include the epic wildlife series ‘Blue Planet’, ‘Planet Earth’, ‘Life’, ‘Human Planet’, ‘Ocean Giants’ and ‘Frozen Planet’. Join Doug for an unforgettable evening as he takes you up close and personal with the animals that live in the wildest places on earth. See amazing film footage on the big screen and listen to Doug’s experiences of working with everyone from Sir David Attenborough to Ewan McGregor.

Thu 8-Sat 10 Mar Discover University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TH. 0117 331 8318, cpe-info@bristol.ac.uk • This free exhibition is a special opportunity to visit the world of science fiction and talk about the reality of science fact.

Suitable for children and adults, it’s a whistle-stop tour of real research with its roots in Bristol.

Bristol primary schools are invited to attend on Thursday and Friday, and it’s open on Saturday for the general public.

From Fri 9 Mar Increasing Children’s Physical Activity: University of Bristol Research Course Upper Horfield Children’s Centre, Sheridan Rd, Horfield, Bristol.

BS7 0PU. 0117 903 1281, www. upperhorfield.co.uk, 9.30am-11.30 am (runs every Friday for eight weeks, no sessions during the Easter break) • Free eight-week course for parents of 5-9 year olds living in BS7 or BS10 (Horfield and Southmead). University of Bristol researchers are offering parents the chance to take part in a course that aims to help them increase their children’s physical activity levels, providing practical ideas about being active, happy and healthy.

Sun 11 Mar Bath Half Marathon (Meningitis UK entries) 0117 303 3343 or email lizgough@ meningitisuk.org for an application pack • General public entries are now full but Meningitis UK still » PRIMARY TIMES

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Celebrate your child’s birthday with an activity party followed by a meal in our attractive party room.

Choose from Tobogganing, Skiing, Snowboarding, Archery & Air Rifle Shooting Introducing our new R Zone party room to hire for disco & karaoke parties.

01934 852335

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PRIMARY TIMES

1/24/2012 2:40:31 PM

ROUNDABOUT

Bath Half Marathon, 11 Mar, is now full but Meningitis UK has places for anyone wishing to run as part of its Meningitis Musketeers team

» has a few sought-after places left in their Meningitis Musketeers team for the popular 13-mile event. Full support will be given and everyone who participates will receive a free Search 4 a Vaccine running vest or T-shirt, and a handy information pack including hints and tips on how to prepare.

Everyone who runs for Meningitis UK will be part of the Meningitis Musketeers team, with the motto ‘All 4 One and One 4 All’, highlighting the devastating fact that meningitis can kill in under four hours and the importance of its Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign.

Sun 11 Mar Discovery Day at Bristol Zoo Bristol Zoo Gardens, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3HA. 0117 974 7369, www.bristolzoo.org.uk, education@bristolzoo.org.uk, £7.25 • Experience your very own animal encounter as well as an arts and craft session. Hands-on elements, live animals and lots of interactive fun. Make amazing creations from recycled materials. With a prize-giving ceremony at the end of the day.

Thu 15 Mar The Funnels Arnolfini, 16 Narrow Quay, Bristol BS1 4QA. 0117 939 3902, www. desperatemen.com • Desperate Men present an evening with The Funnels, three strangely dressed musical beasts with funnels on their heads. They play familiar tunes such as ‘Stand By Me’, ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ and ‘Blowing in the Wind’ on a series of brightly coloured plastic pipes. Bizarre but beautiful.

From Thu 15 Mar Increasing Children’s Physical Activity: University of Bristol Research Course Southmead Greenway Centre Doncaster Road, Southmead, Bristol BS10 5PY. 0117 950 3335, www.southmead.org, 6.30pm8.30pm. Every Thu for eight weeks, no sessions during the Easter break • Free eight-week course for parents of 5-9 year olds living in BS7 or BS10/Horfield and Southmead. University of Bristol researchers are offering parents of 5- to 9-year-olds living in Horfield and Southmead the chance to take part in a free eightweek course that aims to help parents increase their children’s physical activity levels through providing practical ideas about being active, happy and healthy.

PRIMARY TIMES

Fri 17 Mar & Fri 24 Mar Storytelling and Activities Salisbury Arts Centre, Bedwin Street, Salisbury SP1 3UT. 01722 321744, www.salisburyartscentre.co.uk, 3pm-3.45pm. £2 • Enjoy stories, rhymes and games as a perfect alternative for younger children during Family Day performances.

Sat 31 Mar–Mon 9 Apr Easter Egg Trails Tyntesfield, Wraxall, Bristol BS48 1NX. 01275 461900, www. nationaltrust.org.uk, 10am-3 .30pm. £2.50 • Join the National Trust in the beautiful Tyntesfield ground with an abundance of fun trails and activities around the grounds with a chocolatey prize.

Sat 31 Mar-Sun 15 Apr Easter Family Fun Trail Old Sarum, Castle Road, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 3SD. 01722 335398, www.englishheritage.org.uk, 10am-5pm • Crack clues to complete this ‘egg-citing’ trail. Find the missing eggs around the grounds to be rewarded with a yummy Easter prize.

APRIL Sun 1 Apr Easter Eggstravaganza The Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DB. 01225 388569, www.holburne. org, 12-4pm. Free entry • A fantastic Easter day out with Easter egg trail, giant egg rolling and many more exciting activities for the family.

Sun 1-Wed 4 Apr Theatre Studio Easter Holiday Workshops The Playhouse, Cheltenham, Bath Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL53 7HG. 01242 522852, www.playhousecheltenham.org • There are three musical theatre workshop courses available during the Easter holidays, Junior (ages 4-7), Intermediate (8-13) and Senior (14+).

Work with professional tutors and create fantastic performances for family and friends to come and watch! This is a fabulous opportunity for students to meet new friends, perform on The Playhouse main stage and learn exciting, new performance arts skills.

Tue 3 Apr The BFG (7-11 Years) Tewkesbury C of E Primary School, Chance Street, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire GL20 5RQ. 01684 292309, 10.30am-4.30pm. £20 • A fun fantasy and fiction workshop, inspired by Roald Dahl’s The BFG and designed to develop skills in voice, movement and improvisation. Fantastic for any budding young actors.

Tue 10-Thu 12 Apr Easter Art Camp (5-7, 8-13 years) The Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DB. 01225 388569, www.holburne.org, holburne@bath.ac.uk, 9am – 4pm. £35 per day or £100 for three days • Make new friends and be creative in the school holidays with day long workshops focusing on a large variety of specific crafts.

Tue 3-Thu 5 Apr Easter Art Camp (5-7, 8-13 years) The Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DB. 01225 388569, www.holburne.org, 9am – 4pm. £35 per day or £100 for three days • Make new friends and be creative in the school holidays with a variety of day long workshops focusing on specific crafts.

Sat 14-Sun 15 Apr Day Out with Thomas at Dean Forest Railway Dean Forest Railway, Norchard, Forest Road, Lydney, Glos GL15 4ET. www.deanforestrailway.co.uk. £14/£8 • Meet Thomas and his friends in the Forest of Dean and get unlimited travel on the steam train to Lydney Junction. Storytelling, miniature railway rides, face painting, Punch & Judy, a roundabout and competition with prizes.

Thu 5 Apr Bob the Builder (4-7 Years) Tewkesbury C of E Primary School, Chance Street, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire GL20 5RQ. 01684 292309, 10.30am-1.30pm. £10 • A lively theatre skills workshop for younger years which aims to build on children’s creativity and interactive skills as they participate in a unique performance and become Bob the Builder, Wendy or any other member of the gang.

Sun 8-Mon 9 Apr Meet Robin Hood Old Wardour Castle, Tisbury, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP3 6RR. 01747 870487, www.englishheritage.org.uk, 11am-5pm • Meet Robin Hood and his band of merry men at Old Wardour Castle. Try your hand at archery, listen to captivating stories about this age-old legend and see if you have what it takes to make it as an outlaw in Sherwood Forest. Then turn the tables as you hunt the outlaw around the castle and win a certificate of freedom from the sheriff.

Easter Egg Trail Sun 8-Mon 9 Apr Lacock Abbey, Lacock, Chippenham, Wiltshire. 01249 730459, www.nationaltrust.org. uk, 10.30am. Free entry • On your marks, get set and get going around Lacock Abbey’s grounds on this Easter egg trail with a sporty twist.

Sat 21 Apr Regional Youth Theatre Festival Salisbury Playhouse, Malthouse Lane, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP2 7RA. 01722 320333, www.salisburyplayhouse.com. £25 • A day of workshops, performances and socialising for youth theatre groups – including a chance to perform at Salisbury Playhouse.

Sat 28 Apr Plays in a Day, Magic Island (5-7 years) Salisbury Playhouse, Malthouse Lane, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP2 7RA. 01722 320333, www.salisburyplayhouse.com, 10am-5pm. £20 • Children spend a day working with directors and technicians, to make their own special show based upon the theme of magic islands. Friends and family will have a chance to see the show.

Sun 29 Apr Love Food Festival Dyrham Park, Bath, South Gloucestershire SN14 8ER. 07815 308488, www.lovefoodfestival. com, lorna@lovefoodfestival.com • Celebrate your love of food as families and friends get together for a delicious festival to feed your senses.

roundabout LISTINGS BY francesca gibbens

Bristol University runs free physical activity courses for families in Horfield and Southmead, Bristol, from 9 Mar and 15 Mar, as part of its research FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2012

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First Class Learning...

Maths, English and Science Children Learning to Succeed First Class Learning offer individual programmes tailored to suit your child’s needs, boosting their confidence and self esteem.

l Working towards GCSEs l Designed to work alongside the UK school Curriculum l One to one support l Help with homework

Classes in Central Bristol.

For further information contact: Sarah 0117 962 9621 / 07828 865430 or Ian 01275 394607

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To reach 72,000 families in your area advertise in the next issue of Primary Times.

Contact Caroline tel 0117 934 3737 email c.stretton@bepp.co.uk or Ruth tel 0117 9343730 email r.morris@venue.co.uk

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1/25/2012 3:08:37 PM

Take a deep breath!

Francesca Gibbens offers some tips for the dream children’s birthday party.

J

uice and jelly, candles and cakes, tea and tantrums . . . yes, your child is another year older, the birthday party is fast approaching and you want to give them a special day full of the right type of memories.

If the prospect of planning the event is sending you into a spin, relax. Help is at hand. With the growing number of children’s party planners and themed parties, the possibilities are endless.

There’s a wide range of themes to choose from if you choose to organise the party yourself. A cowboy/cowgirl theme will suit all primary school ages and genders, as will a beach party. Or, for a more unique idea, base your party on an era or a specific film. Once you’ve chosen your theme, ideas for decorations and music should fall into place. Supplies are readily available from supermarkets or specialist party shops. Party organiser Jenny Williams at CSI Kids, warns, “You don’t need to spend a fortune on the extras as the kids often don’t notice them.” With party bags, she points out, children don’t worry too much about what they get, but the The Good Cook School (here and above, left) has some great party ideas.

PRIMARY TIMES

fact they leave the party carrying something. you can take the stress out of the planning by booking a professional.

CSI Kids plans scientific-based murder mysteries for ages seven and up and are a great option for an educational and entertaining party. The crime scene is set in your home or venue and the children play detective, aiming to solve the case. They are briefed on the professional procedures, while Jenny has written a wide range of stories to select from. She specifically caters for each group of children who, she says, “Really get into it. The mystery keeps them occupied while the parents can relax.” Party bags full of mementos are included in the price, so the children won’t forget the experience. They even get to take their own fingerprints home. Jenny has been throwing CSI parties for a year now and has some great advice for parents.

“Don’t be surprised if parents don’t RSVP and then breeze in without a word of apology,” she says. “Call them if you need to know numbers in advance. Be selective with the children you invite. If a child is a nightmare at school they’re going to be just as bad at the party.”

If you’re looking for something to suit all ages, try The Good Cook School, which hosts and caters for children’s cooking parties. Sophie Fox, who runs the company, will host the party at your home and keep the children entertained while they cook a range of healthy and tasty courses, either chosen by the children or from a sample menu. “‘These bespoke parties are ideal for parents,” says Sophie.

“They can just sit back and relax as

we provide everything, including party bags and invites. And we tidy away everything afterwards.”

If you want to satisfy your children’s creativity, an arts and crafts party might be a good option.

Companies like Crafting Crazy Kids or Balm Jewellery give the children a chance to make their own items at a party. The companies both provide decorations and entertainment at no extra cost, so your event is stress-free.

Go-Karting Wiltshire offers some four wheel excitement - all children receive a certificate and a medal, while the birthday child also receives a trophy.

Whether you choose a professional, or decide to host the party yourself, the most important thing to remember is not to stress about the minor details. The more fun you have planning it, the more your children will enjoy it, and they won’t even notice the slight hiccups.

Balm Jewellery T: 01594 844841 W: www.tauruscrafts.co.uk/artists_profiles/artisans/Balm Bryan the Magician T: 01761 439696 W: www.childrens-discoparties.co.uk Chris Alexander T: 01275 474 976, 07890 744295. W: www. childrens-disco-parties.co.uk Comedy Magic T: 01934 418184 W: www.richard-ballinger.co.uk CSI Kids T: 0117 968 3892/07971 189497 W: www.csikids.co.uk Crafting Crazy Kids W: www. craftingcrazykids.co.uk Dream Factory Parties T: 07764 740162 W: www.dreamfactoryparties.co.uk Eric the Magician T: 0117 908 1291/07812 399467 W: www.amazingeric.co.uk

Ghana Goods T: 0117 935 4132 W: www.ghanagoods.com The Good Cook School T: 0117 983 2521/07769 665020 W: www. thegoodcookschool.co.uk Go Kart Party T: 0117 944 5177 W: www.go-kartparty.co.uk Go Karting Wiltshire T: 07810 113457 W: www.gokartpartywiltshire.com Jack Stephens T: 01380 850 453 W: www.jackstephens.co.uk The Little Disco Company T: 01275 880427/07796 958164 W: www.thediscosouthwest.co.uk The Park Centre T: 01454 862190 Parties in Nature T: 07982 198195 W: www.partiesinnature. com Vee Double Moo T: 07554 430911 W: www.veedoublemoo.co.uk

CSI Kids in action

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

d r a o b n Pi Happy Tuesdays HorseWorld calling

Enjoy a fantastic, value-for-money day out at HorseWorld including interactive sessions with horses, donkeys and ponies. There’s plenty to explore in the indoor and outdoor play areas, too.

HorseWorld holds special events through the year while great value membership allows free return visits for 12 months. See website or call for details.

Ffi: 01275 540173, www.horseworld. org.uk

Stop, hey, what’s that sound?

Amazing shows for kids at St George’s, Bristol, Concert Hall until May.

An exciting new children’s clothes store has opened in the “artisan quarter” of Bath.

Partners Charlotte and Jon have refitted and stocked the new shop with a range of quality brands not previously available in the city. They cater for children up to eight years old and even have clothing and accessories for premature babies. Next season they plan to cater for children up to 12.

The brands in stock include Mayoral, Emile et Rose and Sarah Louise, while quality accessories include dolls, hair bows and jewellery boxes for new borns and their christenings.

“After my daughter was born I was unable to find the quality clothes I wanted, locally,” says Charlotte.

“I felt that Bath was the ideal place to open an independent children’s boutique . We welcome everyone to browse, whether they’re looking for everyday clothes or a special gift.”

Ffi: Tuesday’s Child 27a Walcot Street, Bath BA1 5BN. 01225 311992

Parents’ & teachers’

news, education & contacts

Two, four, six, eight!

Craig is getting ready for his best friend’s birthday. But there’s a lot to prepare and will there be enough balloons?

His preparations form the basis of a greatly acclaimed show by Shoofly Theatre aimed at encouraging numeracy among Reception and Key Stage One children.

The touring production runs until May this year and has already been a resounding success, described by Bristol and Bath what’s on magazine, Venue, as, “A ceaselessly entertaining, wide-eyed little gem.” Perfect for families and schools, it’s a great platform to show how maths can be fun and entertaining. Check the website for tour dates or to book.

Ffi: www.theatrebristol.net/shooflytheatre, craigandkatie@blueyonder. co.uk

Red Maids’ is expanding Say it in silver St George’s is a real gem. The minute you walk through the doors you know you’re somewhere special, where impossible, magical and brilliant things happen.

This spring St George’s celebrates the playfulness and the pleasure of music, with timeless gypsy tales (‘The Gypsy’s Tale’, Fri 17 Feb); a show-stopping percussion extravaganza (‘Spring Beats’, Sun 26 Feb); a whirlwind, brasscelebrating world tour (‘Around The World’, Sat 10 Mar - pictured); a dazzling exploration of the weird and wonderful world of the recorder (‘Noyses, Sounds And Sweet Ayres’, Sun 1 Apr); and a fascinating insight into the string instrument family (‘Summer Serenade’, Sun 6 May).

Ffi: St George’s Bristol (box office) 0845 40 24 001, www. stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

PRIMARY TIMES

Bristol-based partnership Angel Traces specialise in capturing adult or children’s fingerprints, handprints or footprints, as well as pet prints or artwork in 99.9% pure silver charms, pendants, cufflinks and more, making personalised keepsakes to be treasured forever!

With creative flair and contemporary style, Angel Traces creates bespoke fine silver jewellery for clients worldwide, and has been featured in both Vogue and Tatler magazines. Along with a friendly and personal service, each high quality piece of jewellery is completely handmade by partners Liz and Kim. Its fingerprint wrap bead, a tubular bead personalised with a fingerprint and hand engraved name, suitable for Pandora style bracelets or leather cord is a unique personal and exclusive gift.

Give a lasting impression this Mother’s Day. Ffi: Liz on 0117 949 2307 or 07811 287139, www.angeltraces.co.uk

In the last year, demand for Year 9 places at The Red Maids’ School, Bristol, has increased to the point that it is now planning a new Year 9 class in September 2012.

Traditionally, the school’s main points of entry have been in Years 3, 5, 7 and 12.

However, due to growing interest in the school, it plans to offer four rather than three tutor groups in Year 9 this autumn.

The school will continue to offer places on the basis of academic performance in an entrance examination, a headteacher’s reference from the student’s current school and an interview with Red Maids’ headmistress Isabel Tobias.

“Parents recognise that our fees provide great value for money because they include text books, stationery, curricular trips and examination fees,” says Mrs Tobias. “There are no ‘extras’.

Also, our free, extended day programme allows girls to relax at After School Club or get their homework done in the library with a teacher around.”

This development reflects the fact that student numbers in the Sixth Form have grown, prompting the construction and opening in 2011 of the school’s brand new Sixth Form Centre.

Ffi: Year 9 Taster Day Tuesday 13 March. Tel: admissions registrar Mrs Bamber on 0117 989 8252.

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Where were...

The Bristol School of Performing Arts over the Christmas season?

• Ellie Simons...Matilda...Cambridge Theatre, London • Felicity Lloyd...Pantomime Season...Theatre Royal, Bath • Leilah Boukhedenna...South Pacific...Hippodrome Theatre, Bristol • Maia Tamrakar...The French Detective and the Blue Dog...Theatre Royal, Bath • Ava May Llewellyn...The French Detective and the Blue Dog...Theatre Royal, Bath + 38 children appearing as John, Michael, Lost Boys and the Juvenile Chorus in Peter Pan, Hippodrome Theatre, Bristol

Wherever you were, why not make your new years resolution to join BSPA - Bristol’s largest and most successful performing arts academy.

T: 07714495373 24

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Email: info@bspa.biz

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

d r a o b n Pi Fish that make you go ‘Ughh!!’

Discover some of the ocean’s smelliest, squidgiest and slimiest marine animals at Bristol Aquarium this February half term (1317 February) during its ‘Ughh!!’ week.

The event highlights the creatures’ disgusting habits and why they are essential for surviving in the depths.

Hands-on workshops, talks and feeding demonstrations will explain why some fish eat poo, while starfish can throw up their own stomachs.

In March, Bristol Aquarium hosts National Science Week (9-18 March) to celebrate science and its importance in our everyday lives. All week the aquarium is offering you the chance to become a marine biologist and take part in observational and practical experiments around the displays.

With 12 indoor and outdoor adventure play areas including tube slides and heated soft play, Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm is fun for all the family.

The 100 acre Bristol attraction also offers a truly hands-on experience for children and their parents, where you can feed and stroke a variety of exciting animals including donkeys, camels, deer, goats and lambs. As well as the small and furry, Noah’s Ark is also home to big zoo animals – watch the lions and tigers being fed during the daily Big Cat Talk and then take a stroll up to the giraffe and rhino houses to see them up close. Swing by the gibbons and let the little ones monkey around with the lemurs.

With the indoor Animal Village, play areas and exhibition rooms, there is plenty to do whatever the weather.

Events include the Animal Show, Meet the Reptiles and bumpy tractor rides across the farm. After all the activity, you can relax in the popular cafe for lunch and drinks.

Ffi: www.noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk

PRIMARY TIMES

Creative saucery Flying Saucers, based just off the Clifton Triangle, is Bristol’s largest and only dedicated pottery painting cafe – a place where you go and pick a plain piece of ready made but un-glazed pottery such as a plate, mug, piggy bank, vase or even a fairy or dragon, and paint it with your own design!

Hand painted pottery makes perfect presents so it’s ideal for a totally unique and personal Mother’s Day gift.

For the little ones, hand or footprints are ideal, while older children will be able to paint their own unique masterpieces. All functional items such as mugs, bowls, tea pots and vases are fully usable as they are professionally glazed and fired (allow up to seven days). Gift vouchers can also be purchased to give to loved ones, so great for mums who would like to come in and get creative themselves.

Ffi: 0117 927 366 www.flyingsaucers.co.uk

Magic moments

Ffi: 01380 850453 www.jackstephens.co.uk or jackstephens@abra-cadabra.co.uk

news, education & contacts

Going to the zoo tomorrow?

Ffi: 0117 929 8929 www.bristolaquarium.co.uk

Looking for a children’s entertainer for a party or event? Look no further than Jack Stephens, a close up magician and entertainer who is a proud member of the Magic Circle.

Jack is an entertainer of consummate skill. More than just a magician, Jack brings real variety to his live performances. His close up magic entertainment has kept him in constant demand all around the country.

Jack’s fun children’s show features magic, puppets, singing with the guitar, games, paper tearing and lots and lots of audience participation. He has performed at parties, playgroups, schools, shopping centres, fetes, restaurants, libraries and carnivals.

He is also a skilled balloon artist and will make balloon animals for all children at the party. These multicoloured sculptures make great giveaways at the end rather than a standard party bag.

Parents’ & teachers’

Shakespeare unscrambled Get Shakespeare savvy at the egg theatre in Bath this February with the Shakespeare Unplugged festival.

Events kick off on Sunday 12 February (11am-4pm) with ‘Much T’Do’, a free family open day including Shakespearian dance workshops, mask and ruff making, live entertainment, a masked ball, hog roast, backstage tours, and a treasure hunt. The Shakespeare Unplugged festival continues at the egg until Sunday 4 March.

Ffi: 0122 5 823409 www.theatreroyal.org.uk/the-egg

Fair and fowl Visit your local WWT Wetland Centre at Slimbridge during February half term for a day that will introduce the entire family to the wonders of wetland birds, with stunning scenery and nose-to-beak encounters. Wednesday 15 February sees Slimbridge host a children’s introduction to bird watching, in which you can find the best starting point for your new hobby and share some expert tips. Minimum age: 7 years old. 9.30am. £12.

Ffi: 01453 891900 www.wwt.org.uk/visit-us/slimbridge

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open all year Little London, Longhope, Glos. GL17 0PH

FEBRUARY HALF TERM FUN Daily 10am - 5pm

• Mother & Toddler sessions on Friday’s during term time

FOREST OF DEAN - Tourist Attraction of the year!

ONE FREE ADULT valid until 31.03.12 Free entry for one adult per paying child

As seen on TV!

Tel: 01452 831 000 www.dickwhittington.org

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Clifton High Nursery & Reception get creative Shrieks of delight and sounds of splashing water fill the air as children ervently fetch and carry an array of pipes and poles.

The construction takes shape, requiring frequent adjustment and lively discussion. When finished, it is a wonder to behold. the water runs smoothly from top to bottom and the children admire their creation; their excitment and pride are tangible.

Children at play? Yes, but so much more. The seemingly simple activity of finding a way to funnel water from one place to another has involved the children in high level learning through activity.

Together they have used imagination, creativity, deduction and discussion to achieve their goal.

This typifies the many activities at Clifton High School. Highly skilled teachers and nursery nurses engender a genuine thrill in learning, supporting small groups of children in spacious and wellresourced environments both inside and outside. Valuing children’s ideas, allowing them ownership and working alongside them ensures a passion for learning that will last a lifetime.

The excited chatter and proud smiles are testament to the unique leaning experience Clifton High School provides for Nursery and Reception children. Why not allow your child the opportunity to experience a taste of life in Clifton High at its Foundation Stage Open Morning in March? There will be an array of activities for children and opportunities to meet staff.

• Ffi: Foundation Stage Open Morning Friday 2 March. Kate bolton-Jones, admissions registrar. T: 0117 9339087 W: www.cliftonhigh.bristol.sch.uk .

Pic: University of Bristol/

Dane Comerford

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Mission invisible at Discover

What do university researchers get up to in their laboratories and libraries? the short answer is, they think about new ideas and try them out. for a longer and more fun answer visit the hands-on Discover exhibition this March in Bristol. Hundreds of people from Bristol University will be in the Galleries shopping centre, Broadmead, exploring the world we live in. Aimed at families – particularly those with children of primary school age – there’s something for everyone.

People at the university of bristol work around the globe, visiting australia, brazil, China and beyond to learn more about our world. Their research is connected to almost everything you can think of. For the Discover exhibition they have developed dozens of activities and games for people of all ages.

Dig up a dinosaur and piece together the secrets hidden in ancient fossils. Interpret the wartime messages carved into ancient trees or visit the world of atoms by building a giant molecule a billion times its real size. At the last Discover, one teacher said, “Classroom learning was put into the real world in a very exciting way.”

This free exhibition is a special opportunity to visit the world of science fiction and talk about the reality of science fact. Suitable for children and adults, it’s a whistle-stop tour of real research with its roots in bristol.

• Ffi: Discover Thu 8 – Sat 10 March. Bristol primary schools are invited to attend on Thursday and Friday, and it’s open Saturday for the general public. T: 0117 331 8318 W: www.bristol.ac.uk/publicengagement/events/discover-2012 E: cpe-info@bristol.ac.uk

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New Head for Badminton School Badminton School has announced that Rebecca Tear will succeed current headmistress Jan Scarrow who is retiring next summer after 15 successful years.

Mrs Tear is currently deputy head of Wycombe Abbey School, Buckinghamshire. Prior to that she spent many happy years at St. George’s Ascot, where she held academic and pastoral responsibilities.

She read Chemistry at Exeter university before undertaking a PGCe at The Institute of Education, University of London, where she is now completing an MA in Educational Leadership. mrs tear is passionate about helping girls to develop a broad and balanced set of skills and interests. She is equally supportive and understanding of boarding having run a Sixth Form Boarding House and having first hand experience of boarding herself.

“The friendly atmosphere and my conversations with students, staff and Governors left me with a really positive impression of badminton,” she says. “The girls showed an enormous pride in their school, as well as the ability to be reflective and analytical in their thoughts. It is an exciting prospect to lead such a strong and distinctive community and I am looking forward to taking up the post in September 2012.”

“I am absolutely delighted that the Governors have found such an excellent candidate as my successor,” says Jan Scarrow. “We are all confident that Badminton will continue to flourish under Rebecca’s leadership. I am looking forward to working with her to facilitate a smooth handover for next September.”

• Ffi: www.badmintonschool.co.uk

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Join the patrol!

Many of you see school crossing patrols on your journey to and from school, fondly referring to them as lollipop people. every day, come rain or shine, they are there to make your journey safer. have you ever wondered what being a school crossing patrol person entails? It sounds easy, doesn’t it, just stopping traffic to allow people to cross? Actually patrols have a very responsible job. Patrollers receive training to ensure that they do not endanger themselves or the people they are crossing. They have to judge when it is best to signal for traffic to stop. This is done by holding the sign out in the road so that drivers can see that the patrol wants them to stop. The sign is a legal instruction and must be obeyed in the same way that drivers must stop at a red light. the patrol person must then position themself in the road and check that all is safe before telling the people waiting that it is safe for them to cross. They wait until everyone is safely on the other side before returning to the pavement and allowing the traffic to flow. They must judge the need for people to cross and the need to keep traffic flowing – not an easy task when everyone seems to be in such a hurry! So, whether you are a driver or waiting to use the patrol, please be patient.

South Gloucestershire area has several vacancies for school crossing patrol people so if you would like to help the local children travel to school safely and become a vital part of the local community, contact South Gloucestershire Council for an application form or an informal discussion.

• Ffi: 01454 863611

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Warm welcome at BGS Infants & Juniors

Having now completed his first full term as headmaster of Bristol Grammar School (BGS) Infants and Juniors, Peter Huckle reflects on how well he has been welcomed into this warm community.

“It has been a great privilege to join BGS Infants and Juniors this year. The children’s infectious enthusiasm energises me on even the busiest of days. there is a wonderful family feel about the school, which was immediately apparent as last term commenced.

“The Infant and Junior School is a very special place where girls and boys aged 4-11 discover a sense of fun, fulfilment and purpose that will help them get the most from their early learning.”

The school has an ethos of encouraging students to try something new while ensuring that they have the confidence to question and experiment..

Mr MacKinnon, headmaster of Bristol Grammar School, says, “We have many wonderful teaching staff who are prepared to approach things in new and innovative ways. They encourage their students to push their own boundaries, to extend their horizons and achieve their goals.”

• Ffi: www.bristolgrammarschool.co.uk

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Take the Stagecoach to confidence

To reach 72,000 families in your area... advertise in the next issue of Primary Times Contact Caroline tel 0117 934 3737 email c.stretton@bepp.co.uk or Ruth tel 0117 934 3730 email r.morris@venue.co.uk

Stagecoach teaches children and teenagers how to sing, dance and act, not only to perform on stage and beyond, but more importantly to perform better in life. for almost 25 years it has seen young people gain confidence, stretch themselves, and build essential life skills while learning the tools to sing, dance and act and, most importantly, have fun.

Stagecoach caters for the needs of young performers - whether they are budding talents or reserved and shy. Because they concentrate on class work in singing, dance and drama and spend less time rehearsing for end of term presentations every child has their chance to shine, to learn and to develop.

Stagecoach’s dance classes build strength and co-ordination and are a fun way to get great exercise. Singing lessons can be daunting for shy children which is why Stagecoach uses a mixture of musical theatre and contemporary songs as well as vocal exercises to build confidence gradually. Drama is an excellent outlet for a child’s imagination and the group’s drama classes boost self esteem and encourage teamwork.

Suitable for all abilities, Stagecoach offers the chance for kids to pursue a career in the arts or simply just to learn new skills to share with friends and family.

• Ffi: T: 0117 953 2500

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Royal High Junior leads girls’education Inspiring and achieving, The Royal High Junior School, Bath, provides a stimulating learning environment for both day and boarding girls that encourages and supports them to go ‘beyond education’. The school’s girls learn to be confident and capable, ready to take risks, adventurous in their learning and undaunted by exploring a rich, creative curriculum.

The school nurtures the spirit of openness, curiosity and enquiry that lies at the heart of educating the whole person. This is reflected in the school’s excellent academic results, which see its girls outperforming their independent and maintained sector peers at all ages and stages, particularly beneficial when they make the easy transition to The Royal High Senior School, which last year produced the best GCSE results in Bath. The school is dedicated to making your daughter’s experience there a happy and rewarding one. In a calm and friendly environment with a dynamic and inspirational new head, outstanding teachers and a wealth of facilities, the girls settle in, have fun with their learning and start to excel very quickly.

The school offers a high value, affordable independent education, made possible by being part of the Girls’ Day School Trust. Its standards and achievements are among the highest in the country, but its fees are among the lowest. Feel free to make an appointment with The Royal High Junior School at any time.

You will receive a warm welcome.

• Ffi: The Royal High Junior School, Lansdown Road, Bath BA1 5eS T: 01225 422931 W: www.royalhighbath.gdst.net E: royalhigh@bat.gdst.net

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Unlock your child’s learning potential Enrol your child at a local Kumon study centre and watch them benefit from this unique method of learning, tailored to their individual needs.

At your local study centre, leading supplementary education provider Kumon offers individualised maths and english study programmes tailored to all ages and abilities.

Once enrolled on a Kumon programme, your child will visit the centre every week and have daily worksheets to keep up with their studies at home. With guidance and support from their instructor, children acquire not only a strong grounding in Maths and English but fundamental tools such as self-motivation and independence in study, helping to achieve their potential at school and beyond.

Over 62,000 children study with Kumon at more than 600 study centres across the UK, and these numbers continue to grow. Call your nearest study centre for a free assessment and find out how your child can reap the benefits of the Kumon study programme.

• Ffi:

Bath South Jan Pring T: 01225 333696 Bristol, Ashton Chris Ireland T: 0117 966 0312 Bristol, Bradley Stoke Sarah Nutchey T: 0117 908 1992 Bristol, Downend tina Goodwin T: 0117 969 5915 Bristol, Redland al Shaw T: 0117 966 0312 Bristol, Westbury-On-Trym Michele Browse T: 01275 839231 Keynsham Clare lovell T: 0117 969 9247 Portishead & Nailsea Vicky West T: 01275 371510 Thornbury trina taylor T: 01454 281037 Yate Ann Pinnock T: 01454 775858

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Read all about it In the run up to World Book Day, Francesca Gibbens remembers how she fell in love with reading

A

s someone who caught the reading bug at a young age, I know firsthand that if you fall in love with books early on, you will become a lifelong reader. It’s occasionally said that reading is merely an escape from real life, and some parents have even decided, controversially, not to let their children read fiction for this very reason. However, reading not only gives the book lover the distraction they crave, but also helps them make sense of reality.

As the novelist Julian Barnes wrote, “Books are where things are explained to you; life is where things aren’t.”

In a fast-moving world where technology forces us to make a string of instantaneous decisions, it’s important to allow room for that explanation and escapism.

But how many children these days would lovingly pick up a paperback instead of a Wii remote? With recent reports claiming that less than half of those aged eight and above read a book once a month, clearly we need to do more to ensure that reading remains an integral part of children’s lives.

This is where World Book Day steps up to the mark. For one day a year a partnership of publishers, booksellers, local authorities and schools work together to promote reading and put a specific emphasis on developing children’s interest in the written word, purely for enrichment and enjoyment.

World Book Day this year is on Thursday 1 March, and ensures that every child in full time education gets a £1 book token which can be used to buy one of eight World Book Day books, or can be exchanged for a £1 reduction on any full price book. The official World Book Day website has a list of participating stores.

Julia Ball, young people’s manager at Bristol Libraries, says “World Book Day is a great chance to learn about books and reading in a world which is ruled by computers and technology.”

She believes that, despite the domination of computers, books 30 FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2012

are still important in children’s lives. “Although children apparently own fewer books than they did 10 years ago,” she says, “we find that a lot of children borrow books from our libraries and not always novels. We put an emphasis on reading in general whether its comics, magazines or non-fiction.”

In celebration of World Book

Day, all Bristol libraries will be putting on a special ‘library themed’ story time, and local author Anna Wilson will be visiting a selection of schools to read some of her books.

Year Four teacher Heather Dallimore feels that writing activities are important in developing a range of literacy skills and, by getting pupils to write and illustrate their own books, they discover the joy of storytelling in an entertaining, relaxed way. This year she’s planning to make the day fun by dressing up as book characters.

As a year-round learning tool Heather uses an online resource called Myths and Legends, in which children can create their own stories and illustrate them using special effects. She declares, “My pupils love this, even those who aren’t particularly keen readers.”

Julia Ball says that once children have caught the reading bug on World Book Day, there is so much adults can do to get kids reading throughout the year.

“One way parents can encourage their children is by model reading.

The material doesn’t matter, be it cookbooks or newspapers, by seeing their parents reading, and also being read to themselves, children

will come to see it as an everyday part of their lives.”

Julia claims she became a lifelong reader after discovering ‘Fungus the Bogeyman’ by Raymond Briggs. “That’s where it all began for me and why I have the job I do now,” she says. My own childhood memories are a scatter of Enid Blyton and Dick King-Smith books. So whatever you do to get your child reading, start by making sure they use that £1 voucher on 1 March to buy a book which will thrust them into that wonderful place where imagination has no limit; the world of literature.

Bath Libraries W: www. bathnes.gov.uk/leisureandculture/libraries Bristol Libraries W: www.bristol.gov.uk/page/libraries Myths & Legends Story Writing W: www.myths.e2bn.org Gloucestershire Libraries W: www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/ libraries South Gloucestershire Libraries W: www.southglos. gov.uk/leisureculture/libraries Wiltshire Libraries W: www. wiltshire.gov.uk/artsheritageandlibraries/libraries World Book Day W: www.worldbookday.com

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Alice Ferguson (left) and Amy Rose, co-founders of Playing Out, show how much fun it can be organising street play

Streets alive!

Zoe Melegari and Francesca Gibbens look at how communities are making our streets safer for play, and raising children’s road awareness.

T

PRIMARY TIMES

Could schemes like Playing Out see a return to . . .

residents where there’s popular demand for street play so if you and your neighbours have a strong application there’s a high probability it will succeed. If your local council doesn’t have a TPS scheme, you could apply for a street party road closure and/or lobby your council to introduce a similar scheme to Bristol’s.

Playing Out suggests that you advertise the event in your street with flyers and posters, ensuring that as many children as possible gain from it: find out more from Playing Out’s free workshops for residents in February and March (see website).

Of course street play is just one element of road safety. If you live in South Gloucestershire, there are plenty of ways to get your children learning about road safety. The enthusiastic team at the local council are doing all they can to offer schools a number of schemes.

Its Bikeability scheme teaches children to control and master their bikes in an environment away from cars or traffic before . . . the good old days? moving on to practise on the road, giving them a real cycling experience and enabling them to deal with traffic on short journeys such as cycling to school. Children are presented with a certificate when completing the scheme which gives them a sense of achievement.

Alan Hale, senior road safety officer at South Gloucestershire, says, “The scheme has had great feedback and it’s really important that as many schools as possible get involved. It not only presents the children with the skills to ride their bikes, but it also gives them road awareness and confidence, which is a huge factor in staying safe.”

The council also offers road safety workshops involving three

traffic (residents still have vehicle access), giving children the freedom of the street. It shows parents how volunteer stewards at each road closure can redirect traffic and create a safe environment for children. “In the city, space is lacking and the street is a valuable and easily accessible place for children,” she says. “It’s not always possible for parents to take their children to the park, so the street is a more immediate space, allowing independent access to play. We wanted to get people thinking: showing them how the street should and could be used by everyone.”

If you like the sound of a playing out scheme in your street, it’s easy to get involved. The first step is to liaise with neighbours, get their agreement and decide on a date. If you live in Bristol you can apply to Bristol City Council for a Temporary Play Street (TPS) order, which permits residents to close a road on a regular or scheduled basis for up to a year.

The council is keen to support

Pic: Hugh Warwick

he image of a group of children kicking a ball around in the street, or playing hide and seek behind the dustbins, is an ideal preserved in the memories of our grandparents and occasionally glimpsed in images from the 1960s and before. But changes in lifestyle over the last 50 years have seen a sharp decline in children’s outdoor play as parents have become ever more protective of their offspring.

According to statistics published by the Department of Education, more than one-third of today’s children never play outside. Yet, for most of us, the freedom for children to run out into the street to play with their neighbours should be one of the great pleasures of growing up.

That’s certainly how an increasing number of parents feel and some are taking active steps to bring back the ethos of street play.

Alice Ferguson, who set up the Bristol-based project Playing Out, believes, “The decline in street play is largely due to the increase in car ownership, the constant stream of traffic and our busier, more hectic lives. Children are often put into more organised after-school activities, which is different to free play where they are able to use their environment and imagination rather than being dependent on adults to provide the rules.” Instead, she believes, the emphasis should be on free, unstructured play, which teaches important life skills, encouraging a sense of belonging and independence.

Playing Out supports residents who want to turn their streets into safer places for children to play, and enables them to organise after-school street events. It offers them the knowhow to temporarily close, or partially close, a residential road to through-

individual sessions on cycle, pedestrian and car safety. The workshops are popular due to their interactive nature and have reached almost every school in the area.

Be Safe, Be Seen assemblies are given to children during October, highlighting the importance of being seen to drivers during the dark winter months. Year Six children are also given Young Voyager books, which address the issues that occur in the transition to secondary school. “For many, it’s the first time they’ve gone to school alone,” says Alan. “At a time when they may be more vulnerable than they might otherwise be, it is important they are prepared.’’

Finally, of course, there are many ways parents can take matters into their own hands and get involved with their child’s road safety education. The walk to school is an opportunity to talk to children about the dangers of the road. Try taking them on different routes so they can experience a range of different roads. It is the small things that get your child started: learning about road safety means they really need to get out there and do it practically, so get your coats on and enjoy a walk in the spring sunshine.

Bristol City Council T: 0117 903 6857 W: www.bristol.gov.uk Children’s Traffic Club W: www.trafficclub.org Get Street Wise W: www.getstreetwise.com Play 4 Life W: www.nhs.uk/ Change4Life/Pages/play-for-life Playing Out T: 07896 957141 W: www.playingout.net E: alice@playingout.net South Gloucestershire Council T: 01454 868009 W: www.southglos.gov.uk

Road safety education in South Gloucestershire

FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2012

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Arty Barty Hello Kids!

Thank you so much for the brilliant baby animal pictures you sent to celebrate spring.

The standard was very high.

Next month I have teamed up with City Sightseeing, Bristol who are offering prizes to two lucky winners of a family pass for a fabulous tour of Bristol on their wonderful bus, valid throughout the 2012 season.

Please send me your pictures inspired by Bristol seen from an open top bus. And to help you, here’s a picture of City Sightseeing, Bristol’s bus with some piratical friends aboard: Send your pictures to: Arty

Barty, Venue Publishing, 4th Floor, BN&Media, Temple Way, Bristol BS99 7HD, or email high resolution jpegs to my editor, mike.gartside@ venue.co.uk. Don’t forget, put your name, age, address and school on the back: Deadline Monday 27 February .

Have fun!

Arty

Amelie Wong, 5, Hambrook Primary School, Hambrook Amelie has drawn a number of baby animals under the spread of a tree. The night time setting is created well, especially the moon and stars.

Last issue, I asked you to send in your pictures of baby animals. Well done to everyone whose picture is published here. They win either a book or a ticket to the ss Great Britain.

Samuel Chilton, 4.

Ellwood Community rd, efo Primary School, Col Gloucestershire r” Sam’s “little bea has a wonderful sense of a movement, resulting in very jolly creature.

Chiara Carr-Saunder s, 8, Primary School, Chi St Mary’s RC ppenham Two rabbits tend to the ir offspring in a vegetable patch filled with rows of carrots and cabbages. A lovely, happy picture that evokes spring.

Sophie Wyman, 10, Ellwood Community rd, efo Primary School, Col Gloucester r dee e squ A Bambi-e feet. wobbles gently to its g A well-executed drawin with wax crayons.

Vanessa Carr-Saunders, 6, St Mary’s RC Primary School, Chippenham A sleepy kitten stretches out under a blazing sun after chasing a ball of wool. I like the soft shading in the sky and grass.

Shreekar Puran Elmbridge Junio ik, 9, r School, Glouc The bright greenester bring spring to s of this picture contented sheepmind, as do the an Excellent use of d her lambs.

I also like the de colour, and licacy of the animals’ woolly co ats.

Iman

ol, Gloucester 9, Calton Junior Scho e of a young lion, tailed pictured A simple yet de pencil. ur lo co sensitively shaded in

Harvey Wong, 7, Elm Park School, Winterbourne Good use of bold colour and shading techniques especially on the tiger.

Junior Caitlin Teggert, 9, Chester Parkol School, Fishponds, Brist of baby animals The artist has depicted a numberal idea! Vibrant aboard a train – what an origin a fun picture. this colours and clean lines make

34

FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2012

PRIMARY TIMES

, y ford,

er feet. wing

g, 7, hool, rne d colour hniques e tiger.

Francesca Gibbens reviews the new releases.

The cow that clucked The first week at cow school is difficult for Daisy. She just doesn’t fit in; she can’t hoof print or chew cud or make cow pats like the others. In fact, she doesn’t even look like a cow. Marjorie the cow is rather upset when people begin gossiping about her daughter, that is until the chickens get involved and set matters straight.

Daisy soon discovers a new talent and realises she is rather a special kind of cow after all. ‘First Week at Cow School’ is the sequel to the equally madcap stories, ‘The Cow That Laid an Egg,’ and ‘The Best Cow in Show.’ A delightful story full of big, bright illustrations, which will really tickle children’s funny bones, and show them how much fun reading can be.

First Week at Cow School by Andy Cutbill & Russell Ayto, Harper Collins (paperback), £6.99. www.harpercollins.co.uk

The great escape

Puzzle power

The late, great Diana Wynne Jones’ final book, ‘Earwig and The Witch’, follows the story of Earwig, who lives at St Morwald’s Home for Children and is completely used to getting her own way . . . until Bella Yaga the witch takes her home to be a slave. With the help of Thomas the cat, Earwig manages to mix some magic of her own to overcome Bella Yaga and her evil scheme. Accompanied by humorous drawings and a playful cover, this tale of magic, monsters and talking cats will draw in any child who dreams of escaping to another world. Quicker readers will enjoy it for the light-hearted read it is, while it will stretch younger readers with its plot twists and vocabulary.

All children need play which motivates and develops their brain power. Playing games with their family can help children build on their social and creative skills and give them mental stimulus.

This book offers a huge selection of games for children aged 0-9 and over which aims to do just that.

From games involving music and movement, to number and language activities, all areas of a child’s intellectual development are covered.

Old favourites such as ‘I Spy’ are included, as well as an extensive number of new games designed to progress your child positively. All the games involve interaction rather than learning via a computer screen, which will help raise a happier, more sociable child.

Earwig and The Witch by Diana Wynne Jones, Harper Collins (hardback), £6.99. www.harpercollins.co.uk

Brain Games for Your Child by Robert Fisher, Souvenir Press, £15. www.souvenirpress.co.uk

Furry fun to read out loud

Percy’s heart-warming capers

Have you ever wanted a puppy? Then ‘Coming Home’ is the perfect read.

The first book in the new ‘Peggylicious’ series is a bundle of rhymes and rhythmic storytelling by Claire Harrison, mingled with cute and colourful illustrations

by Elinor Geller, which will be a joy for children and parents to read aloud. In her first book Harrison introduces us to the playful Peggylicious as she settles into her new home, explores the local park and meets a new furry friend. Younger children will fall in love with the beautiful black cocker spaniel who has a penchant for squeaky toys. An entertaining yet easy-tofollow story with vibrant pictures which children will love.

Children’s favourite Percy the Park Keeper is back in a new story with his creature companions. In this tale, Percy sets up a treasure hunt for the animals, leaving them a trail of picture clues around the park, but mistakenly ends up eating the prize.

Amidst all the confusion, clever Fox leads the animals in the wrong direction, resulting in a scare and a new friend. With over seven million books sold, Percy the Park Keeper is a classic for all children, (and admittedly even adults too) full of soft, beautiful illustrations and heart-warming stories. The autumnal colours will have parents reaching for a hot drink while children enjoy the funny mishaps of the characters.

Coming Home: Peggylicious & The Do-Good Dog Clan by Claire Harrison & Elinor Geller, Vision Marketing (paperback), £5.99. www.peggylicious.com

The Treasure Hunt by Nick Butterworth, Harper Collins (paperback), £6.99. www.harpercollins.co.uk

PRIMARY TIMES

FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2012

35

Classifieds Holidays

Horse Riding

Opticians

Party Ideas

Wapley Riding Stables

Riding Lessons for all ages and abilities • Patient and friendly tuition • Good selection of horses and ponies available • All aspects of riding, horse care and stable management • Experienced Instructors • Floodlit outdoor riding arenas

Wapley Hill Westerleigh Bristol 01454 321583 07860530199 enquiries@wapleystables.co.uk www.wapleystables.co.uk

LESSONS AVAILABLE ON OUR RIDING SCHOOL HORSES/PONIES OR YOUR OWN HORSE/PONY

Holiday Lets

Keepsakes

Specific Tints for Dyslexia, Visual Stress & Migraines Friendly Independant Opticians in Bristol and Bath. Full range of frames, lenses & contact lens fitting. Varilux specialist.

Kingswood 9673789 Brislington 9776202 Staple Hill 9569255 Henbury 9501868 Easton 9557625 Bath 466110 07554 430911

www.opticians-bristol.com

Party Ideas

For rent at 20% less online price Deluxe two-bedroom Bay House in Martinhal, weeks starting 23/06, 14/07 & 18/08.

Martinhal is a contemporary luxury family beach resort in Portugal: www.martinhal.com

If interested please email: anna.jones007@o2.co.uk

www.bryanthemagician.co.uk

Holiday Activities Mobile paint your Kids Scuba diving!

Weekly courses in Bristol Birthday parties available Age 8 + Contact Subaquaholics 0117 977 6227 www.subaquaholics.co.uk

Martial Arts

own ceramics workshop H Childrens birthday parties H Babies hands + feet impressions H Mother + Toddler groups, Brownies H School fundraising events

2 hours of fun filled games and dancing, sweets, prizes and much more www.childrens-disco-parties.co.uk Tel: 01275 474 976 Mobile: 07890 744 295 Email: chris@childrens-disco-parties.co.uk

ANGEL TRACES will capture your child’s fingerprint, hand print or drawing in pure polished silver. t: 0117 949 2307 or 07811287139 e: angeltraces@yahoo.co.uk www.angeltraces.co.uk

Vintage VW Ice Cream Van Perfect for Parties www.veedoublemoo.co.uk

Music, Lights, Magic, Games, bubbles but most of all....FUN!!

TEL: 01275 880 427 MOB: 0779 695 8164 EMAIL: thediscoco@hotmail.co.uk WEB:www.thediscocosouthwest.co.uk Follow us on facebook

Parties In Nature Den building • Stream dipping Pond dipping • Fairy & Elf parties Pirate parties Parties held at Willsbridge Mill call Alexandra: 07982 198195 www.partiesinnature.com

the amazing eric Birthday Party Magic and More

Tel: 07412 238 324

Call 0117 908 1291 // 0781 239 9467 www.amazingeric.co.uk

Opticians

HANHAM & DOWNEND TAEKWON-DO

Modern martial arts in a fun and friendly environment • Little Puma’s 4-6 yrs • Juniors 7-11 yrs • Cadets 12-15 yrs • Adults 16+ Contact instructor Ms Tiina Elise 4th Degree to book TWO FREE trial classes 07729 358691 or hdtkd@live.com

Nursery Abbeywood Tots Day Nursery Ltd

0-11 Years New nurseries now open Free nursery places available Open from 7am to 6pm

Tel 0117 969 3990

Email: info@abbeywoodtots.com www.abbeywoodtots.com 36 february half term 2012

Classifieds Avon.indd 2

Cooking birthday parties for kids

191 Redland Road Bristol BS6 6XP

“Stop The Words Moving”

No need to shop for party food or hire an entertainer! The children will make their own fun and make their own food too!!!

We will: • Plan the menu • Provide all the ingredients • Bring cooking equipment • Clean and tidy away www.thegoodcookschool.co.uk Ffi: sophie@thegoodcookschool.co.uk Tel: 07769665020/0117 9031201

Dyslexia? Reading Difficulties?

Visual Stress?

We provide colour overlays & coloured glasses

Book now for FREE bouncy castle hire Limited period only

call us on

0117 973 5600 Family friendly and here to help.

Crime scene investigation parties and workshops for children age 7+ web www.csikids.co.uk email csikids@me.com tel 0117 968 3892

PRIMARY TIMES

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NEW s d gehan e n Hillsid Hall, ity un m m Hillside Rd,

field, rk, Bath. field Pa ys Monda 30pm 7.

15pm –

to advertise call caroline Or ruth on: 0117 943 3737 / 0117 934 3730 Or email: C.STRETTON@BEPP.cO.UK / r.morris@venue.co.uk

Party Ideas Comedy Magic to enhance your event!

Magic workshops for older children

Call for free information pack

01934 418 184

www.richard-ballinger.co.uk Insured and CRB checked

Rugby The UK’s first rugby specific play programme for young children.

Rugbytots ® is a weekly play programme for boys and girls aged 2 to 7.

Tuition DISCOVERY LEARNING

TUTORING

LEARNING SUCCESS FOR ALL • Maths & Literacy 5-11 yr olds • Preparation for SATs & Common Entrance • Help with Dyslexia

Tel: JENNY MADDERN 0117 9290813 jenny@discoverylearning.co.uk

Separated into 3 age groups, Rugbytots® combines the multiple skills used in rugby with a fun, energetic and structured play programme.

Expanding rapidly, we currently have weekday, weekend & after school classes in: Bradley Stoke, Downend, Henbury, Henleaze, Horfield, Kingsdown, Long Ashton, Portishead, Redwood Lodge (Failand), Staple Hill & Westbury-on-Trym. More classes coming soon...

All Rugbytots lead coaches are RFU qualified, first aid trained and CRB checked.

For further information please call 0845 313 3250 rob@rugbytots.co.uk www.rugbytots.co.uk

Tuition

• • •

Tuition on violin and recorder offered for all ages Beginners (of any age) and more advanced players are welcome.

I will visit if this is more convenient.

Kids African Drumming Beat the drum, feel the pulse, perform in a band.

Learn, explore and enjoy the fundamentals in music.

Weekly workshops in Bristol for primary aged children and adults.

Swimming

Call Ben Lawrence on 0117 9354132 or 07977 904195 ben@ghanagoods.com ghanagoods.com

Theatre Schools ✰ Stagehands✰ Hanham Methodist Church, Bristol Singing, Dancing and Drama For 4 - 13 years Fridays 5.30pm-7.00pm Fees - Price per week £8.50 Pupils work towards two yearly shows with the option of vanguard exams in speech & Drama.

Dance classes in Brislington...

Ballet, tap, modern and hip-hop - From 4 years NEW Hip Hop classes Mondays 5-14 years

For more information Tel. 01761 472109

WWW.WAVESSWIMSCHOOL.CO.UK SWIMMING LESSONS FOR ALL AGES WITH QUALIFIED SWIMMING TEACHERS

Roller Skating

Let’s Sk8

Roller disco for all ages Venues throughout Avon, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.

Fridays, Saturday and Sundays.

Please see website for dates and times at www.letssk8.co.uk or telephone 07766335799.

Including FREE skate hire £4.50.

PRIMARY TIMES

Classifieds Avon.indd 3

To reach 72,000 families in your area advertise in the next issue of Primary Times.

PRE-SCHOOL CLASSES FROM 2.5 YEARS 2 CHILDREN TO 1 TEACHER Saturdays at St. Mary Redcliffe School GROUP LESSONS STARTING AGE CONFIDENT 3.5 YEARS + (20/30 minute lessons) St. Mary Redcliffe School Every week day 4-6pm & Sat 9am onwards Clifton High School, Sunday 9-11am MINI SQUAD 1 HOUR SESSIONS– THURSDAYS & SUNDAYS SMALL CLASSES A PRIORITY ALWAYS WORKING TOWARD STROKE TECHNIQUE FOR FURTHER INFO & ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT JENNY 01275 877428 OR JACKIE 01275 790457 CAROLINE 01275 856185 ALL DETAILS ON WEB SITE

Call Caroline 0117 934 3737 or email c.stretton@bepp.co.uk

Call Ruth 0117 934 3730 or email r.morris@venue.co.uk

february half term 2012 37

1/25/2012 2:44:03 PM

IMages of afrICa

T Cook for the Queen!

W

ould you like your school to prepare a special Diamond Jubilee menu for the Queen at Buckingham Palace?

As part of the British Food Fortnight and in celebration of the Diamond Jubilee, the organiser, Love British Food, is inviting all UK schools to create a special menu to be served to Her Majesty and The Duchess of Cornwall at a reception in Buckingham palace in June.

Schools are asked to design a menu fit for The Queen which reflects the best of British food. This is an opportunity to celebrate the food produced in your part of the country, using ingredients that strongly repre-

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sent your region and include both savoury and sweet dishes.

All your dishes need to be easily produced in the form of canapés.

For example, mini toad in the holes, little Cornish pasties, vegetable soup espresso or Caerphilly tarts might work well.

The top four winning schools will be invited to Buckingham Palace in June to see their menus prepared by palace staff and will help serve their dishes.

The competition is open to 10-15 year olds in all primary and secondary schools in the UK. To enter, complete the online entry form by Monday 30 April.

Ffi: 0207 840 9292 www.lovebritishfood.co.uk

he charity for orphans, SOS Children, has created a visual and comprehensive learning resource for children in the UK that gives a unique perspective on life in Africa. The ambitious project, ‘Our Africa’, gives African children the chance to film their lives the way they see them, and the project has ammassed an evolving collection of hundreds of video clips from countries throughout the continent.

The charity’s website houses dozens of short videos from each country in which children of different ages talk about what matters most to them, from games they play; to aspirations they have for jobs; to how they would like things changed fundamentally in their societies.

“Children talk about what matters most to them.”

Andrew Cates, chief executive at SOS Children, says, “‘Our Africa’ gives you the opportunity to experience something much deeper and closer to the reality of actually being there. The child-generated content gives authentic, uncomplicated perspectives. It captures

what Africa is all about.”

Accompanying the videos is accessible and straightforward information on subjects such as the economics of each country, healthcare, welfare of children, history and politics. Most recently the team has visited Namibia and Mozambique. Keep up to date with its journey and progress on the blog.

Ffi: www.soschildrensvillages.org.uk

PRIMARY TIMES

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