Primary Times Wilts Easter 2013

i r ma ry ptimes

11 12 1 yrs

2 3 4 yrs

in Wiltshire

Issue 81 22 Mar-24 May 2013

DARING TO

CARE

Also Easter Fun Make a splash in the pool

Support is available from Wiltshire Council for families who would like to foster . Page 6 Theatre • Arty Barty • Roundabout • Save money!

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In spite of the retailers’ use of mountains of chocolate eggs to ratchet up pester power, Easter remains a welcome pause, and not nearly so pressurised as Christmas.

Which gives parents that much more opportunity to be creative with their children. So our Easter activities feature (P4) offers a few ways to keep the clan occupied away from the screen , with crafty and outdoor ideas.

Foster Care Fortnight highlights the urgent need for more carers in the region as local authorities encourage families to get involved (P6). Finally, with summer on the way, there’s no time like the present to teach your kids to swim (P16).

a ry ptriim mes 11 12 1 yrs

2 3 4

the editor

yrs

e in Wiltshir

May 2013 22 Mar-24 Issue 81

TO DARING

CARE

THEATRE P8 ROUNDABOUT P11 PINBOARD P15 ADVERTISING FEATURES P18 PUPILS’ PAGE P20 CLASSIFIEDS P22 EASTER FUN P4

Different ways to be creative with your family this holiday.

DARE TO CARE P6

Alex Saunders explores fostering.

MAKING A SPLASH P16

The West’s efforts to improve our children’s swimming skills.

Also Easter Fun sh in Make a spla the pool

VIEW THE MAGAZINE ONLINE AT www.venue.co.uk/early-times-primary-times www.primarytimes.net • www.facebook.com - Arty Barty

from available Support is ncil for families who Cou Wiltshire Page 6 to foster . would like

Theatre • Arty

Save money! ndabout • Barty • Rou

Primary Times in Wiltshire

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 Editor: Mike Gartside

Email: mike.gartside@venue.co.uk Commercial director: Becky Davis

Email: becky.davis@b-nm.co.uk

Tel: 0117 934 3780 Advertising: Nejla Unal

Email: nejla.unal@b-nm.co.uk

Tel: 0117 934 3776/01225 429801 Distribution: Simon Butler

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Email: simon.butler@b-nm.co.uk Design: Cath Evans, Dan Srokosz Mike Gartside Sub-editor: Helen Dorritt Production: Ruth Wood, Emma Gorton Main Office: 0117 942 8491 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.

While we make every effort to ensure information published is accurate, readers are encouraged to check details of all events in advance and neither Venue Publishing nor its contributors are liable for the consequences of any errors. 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 currently publishes more than two million copies per issue under franchise.

PRIMARY TIMES

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Find these amazing offers this issue!

Cattle Country Adventure Park – 25% off for up to four people Farmer Gow’s – 20% off all day tickets Chippenham Museum – Free entry

Cattle Country Adventure Park

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LEAP INTO

spring Alex Saunders shares his ideas for eggsellent activities this Easter.

A

s a new season shakes off the frosty remains of winter, Easter signifies growth, regeneration and a mountain of chocolate eggs! For children, there are many ways to celebrate the coming of spring, so here are just a few ideas to kickstart inventive young minds into action.

Events No Easter would be complete without an egg hunt and there is certainly no shortage of egg trails to be found all around your area. Check out Roundabout listings for events taking place in your locality.

Egg hunter’s mask Before heading out into the garden for an Easter egg hunt, young explorers will need an egg hunter’s mask in the shape of a wily rabbit.

This simple design is quick and easy to make and will add to the excitement of the hunt for those delicious eggs.

You will need:

Two lightweight paper plates Pink coloured card and crayons Glue Stapler Hole punch Narrow elastic Start off by cutting one of the paper plates in half to make the ears. Cut half-moon shapes from the pink card and trim them down to size, then glue one half-moon to the centre of each plate half. Position the ears on the other plate and staple in place. Cut out openings for the eyes and trim around the mouth to shape cheeks.

Decorate the mask with nose and whiskers. Punch holes on the sides near the ears and secure a length of elastic so the mask fits snugly on the child’s head and then get hunting!

Easter bunny biscuits For a perfect snack to fuel young egg hunters, this recipe for Easter bunny biscuits is sure to leave mouths watering. Once out of the oven let the children use pink icing to design the biscuits themselves.

Easter Egg Cards Pop-up cards are an imaginative twist on the ordinary greeting card, plus it’s a great way of getting the kids creative this Easter.

With a little help from parents, your young ones will soon be experimenting with all sorts of different styles to send out to friends and family.

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Step-by-step guide:

1

Cut out a rectangular piece of coloured paper and fold in half.

For best results, ensure that the actual card is twice the height of the envelope and the inner pop up shape half its height.

Make two cuts about 3cm in length in the folded edge of the card to make a flap.

Fold the flap over and then pop through so when the card opens it juts out towards the reader.

Now get creative!

Experiment with different designs that can be glued to this central pop up. Use paint to make thumb bunnies or other designs for the message.

2 3

4

Ingredients:

225g plain flour 175g margarine 115g caster sugar 1 medium egg yolk Coloured icing 1. Preheat the oven to 180C/160C fan/Gas mark 4.

2. Sift the flour into a bowl and rub in the margarine until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the sugar, add the beaten egg yolk and knead into a smooth dough.

3. Roll out the mixture and cut into bunny shapes with a cutter or into 7.5cm rounds with a fluted cutter.

4. Place on a greased baking sheet and bake for about 25 minutes until pale golden brown. Leave to cool on a wire rack.

5. To decorate, pipe the pink icing onto the biscuits to make noses and mouths.

Easter egg trail, Lacock Abbey

Easter at Bowood 29 Mar-1 Apr T: 01249 812102 W: www. bowood-house.co.uk Great Easter Hunt in Slimbridge 29 Mar-1 Apr T: 01453 891223 W: www.wwt.org. uk/visit/slimbridge Easter at Dr Jenner’s House 29 Mar–1 Apr T: 01453 810631 W: www.jennermuseum.com Noah’s Easter Egg Hunt 30 Mar & 1 Apr W: www.noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk The Great Lydiard Park Easter Trail 31 Mar T: 01793 770401 W: www.lydiardpark. org.uk Easter Egg Hunt at Queen’s Park Swindon 31 Mar T: 01793 490150 Easter Lunch and Egg Hunt at Bowden Hall 31Mar T: 0844 815 9077 Superhero Eggheads Easter Egg Trail, Lacock Abbey 31 Mar-Apr W: www. nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock PRIMARY TIMES

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Frederica at Trowbridge: 0844 335 1705 Sheryll at Swindon: 01793 791746 Natalie at Melksham and Chippenham: 0118 9429297

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DARING TO

CARE

As Foster Care Fortnight approaches Alex Saunders discovers how your family could help a young person in difficulty.

C

lare Marshall was two years old when she was first placed in care. Over the following five years she was moved between many different homes, unable to find a suitable fit during the early stages of her life. When she turned 8, however, Clare went to live with a longterm foster carer and prospered, recently graduating in fashion from Northumbria University. “My foster carer, who I now see as my mum, always instilled good values in me,” says Clare. “She’s encouraged me to go for everything I want to achieve and has been the biggest inspiration in my life.”

Although Clare’s story has a happy ending, the issues it raises concerning foster care in the UK are all too clear. This February, The Fostering Network revealed an urgent need for around 9,000 new carers across the UK in 2013, in spite of the fact that the number of fostering households has reached 50,000 in the last year.

At any one time there are almost 62,000 children living in foster care in the UK and it is essential to try to find the right home for them the first time round, according to the network, as children should live with foster families whose skills and experience meet their specific needs. Simply put, the more carers available, the more likely a suitable match will be found. As shown by Clare’s story, it can take some time to find the right home but when a compatible carer is found it changes a young person’s life for the better.

Statistics released by the Department of Education show that, as of March 2012, there were 415 children in care within Wiltshire. Of these, 77% are placed in foster care while they are unable to live at home.

Children go into care for a number of reasons that can include a family member’s short-term illness or a parent’s depression, drug or alcohol abuse. According to the March 2012 figures, 19% of these children are aged 5-9 whereas 38% are aged 10-15 showing that a great deal of primary age children are in need of temporary homes.

Wiltshire Council runs monthly information sessions on fostering at Salisbury City Hall (forthcoming dates are 30 April, 14 May, 25 June, starting at 7pm) and Trowbridge, County Hall (30 April, 21 May, 16 July also at 7pm).

Gill Burtwell, fostering services manager at the council says, “We are keen to hear from anyone

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Can’t commit to full time fostering?

Provide a short break for a child with disabilities Wiltshire Council operates a short break scheme, Family Link, where people care for a child with a learning or physical disability for a day or weekend on a regular basis to give the child’s family a break. New carers can make a big difference to local families by giving a little time. Full training, allowances and support provided. interesting in caring for children.

We can provide a generous allowance, excellent on-going training, 24 hour support and we will match the child to you and your family.

So, if you’ve been thinking about fostering for a while then please contact us to find out more or come along to one of our information evenings. It could be the start of a really rewarding future in fostering.”

She adds, “We are particularly looking for people who can care for sibling groups (in order to keep brothers and sisters together), teenagers and people who have the skills to care for both ‘parent and child’ while assessments are made to establish if the parents can manage to look after their baby on their own.”

This springtime, the UK’s biggest annual foster carer recruitment campaign kicks into action. Organised by The Fostering Network with additional support from the BAAF (British Association for Adoption and

Fostering), Foster Care Fortnight from 13 – 26 May aims to shine a spotlight on the shortage of foster carers in the UK. This year’s theme is ‘Get in the frame’, which recruits celebrities, politicians and current foster families to post photographs on Facebook and other media in an awareness-raising social networking campaign. Thousands of photographs and personal stories will be shared in a series of online galleries that hope to encourage others to step forward and make a commitment to foster caring.

Gareth Gates, Jacqueline Wilson and Fern Britton were among those supporting the campaign last year.

Fostering is a major undertaking but as Robert Tapsfield, chief executive of The Fostering Network says, “It offers the opportunity to make a huge difference to children’s lives and can be a very rewarding experience.” You never know, you might just make the life-changing decision to foster, yourself.

The Fostering Network www. couldyoufoster.org.uk Wiltshire Council T: 0800 169 6321 W: www.wiltshire.gov.uk/ fostering Wiltshire Short Break Scheme T: 0800 1636 321 W: www.wiltshire.gov.uk/shortbreakscheme

FOSTER CARE FORTNIGHT 13 - 26 MAY PRIMARY TIMES

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Foster carers urgently needed in Wiltshire

Could you make a difference to a child’s life?

Do you have the time to care?

Wiltshire Council provide: • Placements to suit you and your family • A generous allowance • Excellent on-going training • Your own support worker and access to 24 hour help Contact us today at fostering@wiltshire.gov.uk or 0800 169 6321 or visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk/fostering Or come along to one of our information evenings, all at 7pm: Salisbury City Hall: 30 April, 14 May, 25 June / Trowbridge – County Hall: 30 April, 21 May, 16 July

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FAMILY & CHILDREN’S SHOWS ★ SALISBURY, SWINDON, TROWBRIDGE & BEYOND

WILTSHIRE THE ATHENAEUM 18-20 High Street, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 9AE. 01985 213891, www.theath.org.uk The Adventures of Mr Toad Thu 4 Apr. 7pm. £9, £32 (Family ticket two adults & two children under 16) • While Mole, Ratty and Badger enjoy the first rays of spring on the riverbank, Mr Toad is busy with far more exciting pursuits.

SALISBURY PLAYHOUSE Malthouse Lane, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP2 7RA. 01722 320333, www.salisburyplayhouse.com The Elves and the Shoemaker Wed 27 Mar-Sat 30 Mar. 2.15pm. £8 • Sam Lacey makes terrible shoes that no-one wants until two tiny visitors pay him a visit one night. Expect stunning puppetry, music and plenty of surprises when the Stuff and Nonsense Theatre Company return to the Main House this month.

The Snow Baby Sat 30 Mar. 11am. £8 • A story of castles in the air, weathering the storm and dreams coming true in the most unexpected of ways. Skillful puppetry and imaginative storytelling to entertain ages 5+.

You’re Not My Friend Anymore!

Tue 2 Apr. 11am. £8 • A funny, delightful and poignant look at the ups and downs and ins and outs of friendship.

Stone and Bones Wed 3 Apr. 11am. £8 • Mixing history and mystery, this new show takes audiences on a journey to an ancient Cornwall filled with fiery volcanoes and stone-age ancestors.

SALISBURY ARTS CENTRE Salisbury Arts Centre, Bedwin Street, Salisbury, SP1 3UT. 01722 321744, wwwsalisburyartscentre. co.uk Ready or Not Fri 5 Apr. 11am12pm. £7.50 (adult)/£6.50 (concessions)/£24 (family of 4) • A fun performance that uses dance, music and props to show how children play, make friends and learn to trust each other. Ages 3-7.

SWINDON ARTS CENTRE Devizes Road, Old Town, Swindon, SN1 4BJ. 01793 614837, www.swindon.gov.uk/artscentre The Elephant Bridesmaid Tue 26 Mar. 7.30pm, £8 (adult)/£7.50 (child)/£28 (family) • Nessie the Elephant and her animal friends are on a search for an outfit fancy enough (and large enough) to make her the jungle’s first elephant bridesmaid. Wearing your 8

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own fancy clothes or fancy dress, take part in a live fashion show on stage with the actors.

The Nightingale Thu 4 Apr. 2pm, £9 (adult)/£7 (child)/£28 (family) • The Little King feels like something is missing, despite having the best things money can buy.

Follow his journey as he becomes enchanted by the most beautiful sound in the world, and finds friendship in the most unexpected place.

My Brother The Robot Sun 5 May. 2pm. £7.50 (adults), £5.50 (children), £24 (family) • Presented by Tall Stories, this new show from the company that brought you ‘The Gruffalo’ combines futuristic humour, music and toddler-friendly storytelling.

THE WYVERN THEATRE Theatre Square, Swindon, Wiltshire SN1 1QN. 01793 524481, www.wyverntheatre.org.uk.

James and the Giant Peach Tue 26 Mar-Sat 30 Mar. 2pm & 7pm. £13/£15/£17/children and over 60’s £2 off/family ticket £44 • The Birmingham Stage Company presents Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s tale about a boy whose magic leads him on an unbelievable adventure.

Guiness World Records Officially Amazing Science Live Tue 2 Apr. 7pm. £16.50 (adults), £14.50 (children) • Explore the weird and wonderful world of record breaking with the ‘Brainiac Live!’ gang. Learn more about the mysteries of science and maybe even become a Record Breaker yourself.

The Gruffalo’s Child Thu 25–Sun 28 April. Thu 1.30pm, Fri 11am & 2pm, Sat 10.30am & 1.30am, Sun 11am & 2pm. £11 • One wild night, the Gruffalo’s child heads off into the wilderness in spite of her father’s warnings. Will the Big Bad Mouse get her?

FURTHER AFIELD THE BRISTOL HIPPODROME Saint Augustine’s Parade, Bristol, BS1 4UZ. 0844 871 3012, www. bristolhippodrome.org.uk Starlight Express Tue 26 MarSat 6 Apr. 2.30pm and 7.30pm. £19.50-£45 • This much- loved and long running musical brings a futuristic tale of love and hope to the Bristol stage, all performed on roller-skates. With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Sing-a-long-a Grease Sun 7 Apr. 7.30pm. £15 • Sing and dance your way through this cherished musi-

cal. With a vocal warm up and free goody bag you will be entertained throughout. Fancy dress is encouraged and full audience participation is a must. Grease has never been so much fun.

Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty Tue 7-11 May. Evenings 7.30pm, 2.30pm (Matinees Wed & Sat), £15-£38.50 • A gothic fairy tale for all ages, this production tells the traditional tale of good versus evil and rebirth is turned upside-down, creating a supernatural love story, across the decades, all told through ballet.

Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom Wed 15-Thu 16 May. 1pm & 4pm (Wed), 10am & 1pm (Thur), £12.50£16.50 • The makers of Peppa Pig bring this television animation to the stage for the first time.

THE BRISTOL OLD VIC King Street, BS1 4ED. 0117 987 7877, www.bristololdvic.org.uk The Curious Scrapbook of Josephine Bean Tue 28 MaySat 1 Jun. 11am and 2.30pm. £8 • Delve into the pages of Josephine Bean’s scrapbook and discover the secrets within. Recommended for ages 7+.

Lionboy Wed 29 May-Sat 1 Jun. 7pm & 2pm Sat matinee. £8-£28 (all tickets £10 on Wed 29 May) • The award-winning Complicite theatre company brings its first show for families and young people to Bristol. Charlie Ashanti can speak to cats and when his parents are kidnapped, he sets off on a rescue mission helped by a pride of performing lions.

THE EGG Theatre Royal, Sawclose, Bath BA1 1ET. 01225 448844, www. theatreroyal.org.uk Rumpelstiltskin Thu 28 MarFri 29 Mar. 11.30am & 3pm both days. £7 (adults)/£6.50 (children and students) • This heroine has until sunrise to outwit the greatest trickster of them all, Rumpelstiltskin. The talented entertainers of Hiccup Theatre spin live music, puppetry and storytelling into a contemporary version of the classic fairy-tale.

Ages 3+.

The Wobbly World of Opera Sat 30 Mar. 11.30am & 3pm both days. £7 (adults)/£6.50 (children and students) • A troupe of professional musicians use improvisational comedy and original concepts to make opera fun for children aged 8+.

The Nightingale Tue 2 Apr-Wed 3 Apr. 11.30am & 3pm both days. £7 (adults)/£6.50 (children and students) • Horse and Bamboo present a show in which the little King has everything that money

You’re Not My Friend Any More! Salisbury Playhouse, Tue 2 Apr & the egg, Bath, 19-20 Apr.

can buy. Yet he still feels that something is missing . . .until he is enchanted by a beautiful sound that leads to an unexpected but fulfilling friendship. Ages 4+.

Knick Knack Doo Dad Fri 5 AprSat 6 Apr. 11.30am & 3pm both days. £7 (adults)/£6.50 (children and students) • Doo Dad attempts to cheer up Knick Knack who has forgotten how to smile. Audience interaction and recycling wizardry are the only ways to turn that frown upside down! Ages 3+.

Nice Sat 13 Apr. 11.30am & 3pm both days. £7 (adults)/£6.50 (children and students) • Puppetry, live animation, music and sounds are employed to deliver an innovative play that explores the vast possibilities of the imagination.

You’re Not My Friend Anymore!

Fri 19 Apr-Sat 20 Apr. Fri 10.30am & 1pm. Sat 11.30am & 3pm. £7 (adults)/£6.50 (children and students) • Shoofly Theatre takes a closer look at what makes a good friendship work. Funny and poignant show for ages 3+.

Spraoi (Let’s Play) Fri 26 AprSat 27 Apr. Fri 10.30am & 1pm. Sat 11.30am & 3pm. £7 (adults)/£6.50 (children and students) • Two boys must learn how to communicate with each other.

Maneki Neko, The Waving Cat of Japan Sat 4 May. 11.30am & 3pm. £7 (adults)/£6.50 (children and students) • Krazy Kat Theatre celebrates its 30th birthday with a Bunraku puppet-style theatrical fantasy that draws upon traditional Japanese theatre practices.

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Breach Lane Equine Centre Breach Lane, Wootton Bassett, Wilts SN4 7QR

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PONY DAYS Each Tuesday of School holidays. (Except Christmas)

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Phone Alison on 01793 854 660 or Mobile 07855 755 831

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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 June and July 2013: deadline Mon 22 April. 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.

Tractor Ted and the Bowood team welcome you over Easter

PLEASE CHECK BEFORE YOU TRAVEL While we make every effort to ensure these listings are accurate and up to date, event information can sometimes change after we’ve gone to press. Please check with the venue or organiser before you set off to an event to make sure it’s going ahead as planned . . . and tell them you saw it in Primary Times!

SAT 23 MAR SWINDON CHORAL SOCIETY PERFORM ST JOHN’S PASSION Marlborough College Chapel, Marlborough, Wiltshire, SN8 1PA. 01793 466454, www.swindonchoral.org.uk, 6.30pm (doors open), 7.30pm (concert starts), £15 (adults)/£13 (concession) • Swindon’s amateur choral society stages this beautiful piece of music.

MARCH ONGOING BOWOOD HOUSE & GARDEN- TRACTOR TED/ RHODODENDRON WALK Bowood Estate, Calne, Wiltshire, SN11 0LZ. 01249 812102, www.bowood-house.co.uk, normal opening times apply, normal administration charge applies • Children will be able to meet friendly farm animals such as pygmy goats, Gloucester Old Spot pigs and ewes with lambs, whilst also being able to handle rabbits, guinea pigs and hens, plus lots more activities.

ONGOING THE SINGING TREE Various locations across Bristol, Wiltshire, East Sheen and Somerset. 07905 786447/07747 745675, www.thesingingtree. co.uk, various times available, free trail lesson/enquire for prices • The Singing Tree offers music classes held by experienced, professional musicians and teachers.

Children are surrounded by music and singing, which the group believes is the key to helping children grow in confidence and musical ability. Free trial lessons available.

ONGOING GOOD VIBRATIONS At-Bristol, Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5DB. 0845 345 1235, www.at-bristol. org.uk, drop-in sessions throughout the day, £35.50 (family)/£12.50 (adult)/£8.00 (child) • Discover how sound is produced by making music with some interesting instruments and find out about sound waves.

UNTIL SUN 24 MAR ROMANS AS ENGINEERS TRAIL Roman Baths, Abbey Church Yard, Bath, BA1 1LZ. www.romanbaths.

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SAT 23 MAR MEET THE RAILWAY WORKERS Steam Museum, Kemble Drive, Swindon, SN2 2EY. 01793 466646, www.steam-museum.org.uk, 10am-4pm, £6.60 (adults)/£4.40 (child 3-16)/£4.40 (OAP) • Take a step back in time and meet the engine drivers, firemen and railway workers who worked on the locomotives and in Swindon works.

co.uk • Follow a trail round the museum demonstrating the Romans’ skill as engineers.

UNTIL SUN 7 APR EASTER FAMILY FUN TRAIL Old Wardour Castle, Nr Tisbury, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP3 6RR. 01747 870487, www.visitwiltshire.co.uk, 10am-5pm, £4 (adult)/£2.40 (child) • Search for the clues around the grounds to be rewarded with a special Easter prize.

UNTIL MON 6 MAY CHOCOLATE! EXHIBITION M Shed, Princes Wharf, Wapping Road, Bristol, BS1 4RN. 0117 352 6600, www.mshed.org, Tue-Fri 10am-5pm, weekends and bank holidays 10am-6pm, closed Mon, £5 (adult)/£4 (concessions)/£3 (children) • Step into the delicious world of chocolate to find out all about the history, science and magic of one of the nation’s most popular treats. Discover Bristol’s connection to the production of chocolate and take part in chocolate-related events.

UNTIL SUN 21 JUL PHARAOH: KING OF EGYPT Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Queens Road, Bristol, BS8 1RL. 0117 922 3571, www.bristol.gov. uk/museums, 10am-5pm, £5 (adults), £4 (concessions), £3 (children 5-16), free (under 5s) • This ancient exhibition presents the extravagance and opulence of the kings and queens of Egypt. Discover life-size statues, stone reliefs and intricate jewellery that explore the

challenges of ruling this dynamic and unique civilisation.

UNTIL TUE 31 DEC FIFTY FABULOUS FROCKS EXHIBITION Fashion Museum, Assembly Rooms, Bennett Street, Bath, BA1 2QH. 01225 477789, www.fashionmuseum.co.uk, open 10.30am-4pm through Feb, 10.30am-5pm from Mar-Oct, admission for Fashion Museum and Assembly Rooms £7.75 (adult)/£5.75 (child)/free (children 5 years and under) • A classic collection of fashion throughout the ages, including iconic names in 20th century fashion.

FRI 22 MAR YOUR WILDLIFE GARDEN Stanton Park, Swindon. 01793 490150, www.swindon.gov.uk, 10am-1pm • Creating your very own mini nature reserve can be fun for all the family, great exercise and incredibly rewarding.

From ponds, log piles and compost bins to bird feeders, bug boxes and planting for wildlife, everyone will be able to take ideas away that they can recreate at home. Please book in advance.

SAT 23 MAR HERONS IN THE TREE TOPS Coate Water Country Park, Marlborough Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN3 6AA. 01793 490150, www.swindon.gov.uk, 10am-12pm • See the young herons hatch and watch them being fed by their parents while learning more about these beautiful birds. Book in advance.

SAT 23 MAR EASTER EGG HUNT Rose Cottage, All Cannings, Wiltshire.

07761 402942. www.allcannings. net, 10am-12pm • Fun Easter Egg Hunt raising money for All Cannings Pre-school featuring refreshments, face painting, a raffle and children’s activities.

SAT 23-SUN 24 MAR MEET BOB THE BUILDER At Bristol, Anchor Rd, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5DB. 0845 345 1235, www.at-bristol. org.uk, normal opening times apply, normal admission applies • At-Bristol will be welcoming a very special visitor – Bob the Builder!

He’ll be taking a well-earned weekend off from all his hard work to visit At-Bristol.

SAT 23-SUN 24 MAR KIDS GO FREE WEEKEND Swindon & Cricklade Railway, Blunsdon Station, Tadpole Lane, Blunsdon, SN25 2DA. 01793 771615, www.swindon-crickladerailway.org, 11am-4pm, Sat £6 (adult)/£5 (OAP), Sun £7 (adult)/£6 (OAP) • The railway’s passenger line offers a round trip of over four miles. With every paying adult/OAP a child goes free.

SAT 23 MAR-SUN 7 APR TOP TRICKS At-Bristol, Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5DB. 0845 345 1235, www.at-bristol. org.uk, £36.50 (family)/£12.90 (adult)/£8.25 (child) • Join the gang down at At-Bristol for a countdown of the top ten science tricks.

SAT 23 MAR–SUN 7 APR EASTER BUNNY HUNT Roves Farm, Sevenhampton, Nr Highworth, Swindon, Wiltshire, EASTER 2013

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ROUNDABOUT SN6 7QG. 01793 763939, www. rovesfarm.co.uk, open daily 10am-5am. £8 (adults)/ £7 (children 3-16yrs) • Join the Easter Hunt to catch the elusive Easter bunny.

Tractor rides, animal feeding and craft workshops are all on offer for a wide range of ages.

SAT 23 MAR-SUN 7 APR CADBURY’S EASTER EGG TRAIL Stourhead, Near Mere, Wiltshire, BA12 6QD. 01747 841152, www. nationaltrust.org.uk/stourhead, 11am-4pm, house or garden only £7.70 (adults) £4.20 (child) plus £2.50 per trail • Supported by Cadbury, Stourhead offers springtime activities to celebrate Easter with new trails, giant games, face painting and a healthy supply of chocolate.

SAT 23 MAR–SUN 3 NOV GANGSTERS AND GUNSLINGERS – THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE MEMORABILIA Claverton Manor, Bath, BA2 7BD. 01225 460503, www. americanmuseum.org, £9 (adult)/£8 (concessions)/£5 (child)/£25 (family) • Bringing together two chapters in American history – the Wild West (1860s-1880s) and

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Prohibition (1920s-1930s) – this exhibition looks at how facts gave way to popular fiction with famous characters such as Al Capone, Bonnie and Clyde, and Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp. Personal items on display for the first time include the armoured vest found in Bonnie and Clyde’s bullet-riddled car.

SUN 24 MAR MAD MARCH HARE EVENT Lydiard Park, Lydiard Tregoze, Swindon, SN5 3PA. 0845 680 8064, www.madmarchhare.org.uk • Participants can run, jog or walk around the picturesque park and raise funds for Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

SUN 24 MAR THE ROTARY CLUB OF CALNE BOWOOD 10K CHARITY FUN RUN Bowood Estate, Calne, Wiltshire, SN11 0LZ. 01249 812102, www.bowoodhouse.co.uk , 10am, booking in from 8:30am • Test your fitness at the Rotary Club of Calne Bowood 10k Fun Run. Funds raised will support Wiltshire Blind and Calne welfare charities.

MON 25 MAR LIGHTING UP SPRING Roman Baths, Abbey Church Yard,

PLEASE CHECK BEFORE YOU TRAVEL . . . AND TELL THEM YOU SAW THE EVENT IN PRIMARY TIMES!

Bath, BA1 1LZ. 01225 477785, www. romanbaths.co.uk, normal admission charges but then free on site • Children of all ages can find out about life in Roman times and get involved with craft workshops such as making a Roman lamp out of clay.

MON 25-SUN 31 MAR NATIONAL SHOE FITTING WEEK 01275 843399 • The Society of Shoe Fitters are arranging a National Shoe Fitting Week to combat the increasing number of people suffering problems due to ill-fitting shoes at an earlier age. In order to raise the profile of how important it is to wear correctly fitting footwear from those first steps onwards, they are running in store competitions.

TUE 26 MAR IGOR, THE BIRD WHO COULDN’T SING Wiltshire Music Centre, Ashley Road, Bradford on Avon, BA15 1DZ. 01225 860100, www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk, £12 (adults)/£8 (child) • Polly Ives and Ensemble 360 present a special children’s show, with

music by Luke Bedford inspired by birds in flight. The popular children’s book is retold in this joyful experience, with plenty of audience interaction.

WED 27-THU 28 MAR EASTER HOLIDAY SMILEY CATS CLUB Steam Museum, Kemble Drive, Swindon, SN2 2EY. 01793 700221, www.smileycats.co.uk, 9.30am1pm, £12/£9.50 with SwindonCard • You’ll be busy creating masks and other fun things with the theme of the ‘Over the Hedge’ film. All craft materials, healthy mid-morning snacks and a supervised tour of the museum are included in the price.

WED 27 MAR-TUE 9 APR MOSHI MONSTERS COME TO LONGLEAT Longleat, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7NW. 01985 844400, www. longleat.co.uk/moshimonsters, 9.30am-7.30pm, £25.07

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ROUNDABOUT special Deadly Safari activity book full of information and tasks to test their spotter skills as they explore the park.

APRIL There’s a Deadly Adventure at Longleat, 31 Mar-1 Apr

(adult)/£17.85 (child) • Lots of Moshi Monsters activities, thousands of Code Breakers cards to swap, Mash-Up master tournaments, meet and greet Katsuma and Poppet monsters plus complete the Moshi Egg Hunt to win an exclusive in-game item.

FRI 29 MAR MEET THE RAILWAY WORKERS Steam Museum, Kemble Drive, Swindon, SN2 2EY. 01793 466637, www.steam-museum. org.uk, 10am-4pm, standard admission applies • Meet the people behind the scenes including engine drivers, firemen and railway workers who worked on the locomotives and in Swindon Works, and listen to their stories of the steam age.

FRI 29 MAR–MON 1 APR EASTER EGG SPECIALS Swindon & Cricklade Railway, Blunsdon Station, Tadpole Lane, Blunsdon, SN25 2DA. 01793 771615, www.swindon-crickladerailway.org, 11am-4pm, Fri and Mon £6 (adult)/£5 (OAP)/£6 (child)/£22 family, Sat and Sun £7 (adult)/£6 (OAP)/£7 (child)/£26 (family) • Ride the train, meet the Easter Bunny and each child will receive a nut free chocolate egg.

FRI 29 MAR-MON 1 APR EASTER AT BOWOOD Visitor Department, Bowood Estate, Calne, Wiltshire, SN11 0LZ. 01249 812102, www.bowood-house.co.uk, 11am-5.30pm, £10.50 (adults)/£8 (juniors 5-12)/£6 (children 2-4)/family (£31.50) plus a small additional charge for activities may apply • This Easter take a trip to Bowood where an adventure playground, Tractor Ted’s Little Farm, Easter arts and crafts and an Easter egg hunt will keep the young ones busy all day. For those wanting a bite to eat there will be a Sunday lunch served in the House restaurant.

SAT 30 MAR SPRING RABBIT CHILDREN’S PARTY Old Down Country Park, Foxholes Lane, Tockington, Bristol, BS32 4PG. 01454 414081, www.olddowncountrypark.co.uk, 2-4pm, £8 per child + 1 adult, booking required • Set in the beautiful grounds, enjoy party games, decorating Easter biscuits and a treasure hunt.

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SAT 30 MAR BEAT THE EGG AND CHASE THE RABBIT Stourhead, Near Mere, Wiltshire, BA12 6QD. 01373 836552, www.ecofitness.co.uk, www. nationaltrust.org.uk/stourhead, 10am-1am, £10 (adult)/£3 (child), booking essential • Join the Eco Fitness team to either ‘Beat the Egg’ over 8km or ‘Chase the Rabbit’ for a 1k run for U16s.

SUN 31 MAR THE GREAT LYDIARD PARK EASTER SUNDAY TRAIL Lydiard House and Park, Lydiard Tregoze, Swindon, SN5 3PA. 01793 770401, www.lydiardpark.org.uk, 11am-2.30pm, drop in, no booking required, £2 including a small gift and sweets • Enjoy a leisurely stroll around this historic parkland on the western edge of Swindon while the children discover clues and solve the Easter trail puzzle. Prizes await successful young explorers.

SUN 31 MAR EASTER EGG HUNT Café Terrace, Queen’s Park, Swindon, SN1 2NE. 01793 490150, www.swindon.gov.uk/events, 11.30am-2pm • Back for another year, this popular event gives you a chance to explore the idyllic Queen’s Park and hunt out clues to claim your prize at the Community Café.

SUN 31 MAR-MON 1 APR SUPERHERO EGGHEADS – EASTER EGG TRAIL Lacock Abbey, Fox Talbot Museum and Village, Lacock, near Chippenham, SN15 2LG. 01249 730459, www.nationaltrust.org. uk/lacock, 10.30am-4pm, free event but normal admission charges apply • This self-led family trail (trail sheers cost £1 per person) introduces children to the Superhero Eggheads – a group of chocolate crime fighters who always save the day. Chocolate surprises await young detectives who un-mask the ‘bad egg’ of the team.

SUN 31 MAR-MON 1 APR DEADLY ADVENTURE AT LONGLEAT Longleat, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7NW. 01985 844400, www. longleat.co.uk, normal opening hours apply, normal admission fee applies • Visitors to the park will be invited to go on a Deadly Safari to discover some of the deadliest creatures within the park. Deadly 60 TV Presenter Steve Backshall has also voiced a special guide to the safari and visitors will be given a

TUE 2 APR CRAFT CLUB Salisbury Arts Centre, Bedwin Street, Salisbury, SP1 3UT. 01722 321744, www.salisburyartscentre. co.uk, 11am-12pm, free • Craft club is a nationwide plan to get people crafting using knitting, stitching and crochet in a relaxed environment.

TUE 2 APR CHILDREN’S ACRYLIC PAINTING WORKSHOP Salisbury Arts Centre, Bedwin Street, Salisbury, SP1 3UT. 01722 321744, www.salisburyartscentre. co.uk, 10am-2pm, £20 (per child), bookings art@angelacorben.com • Become a painter for the day using expressive brushstrokes and colour mixing to create your own masterpiece. Suitable for children aged 5-11 years.

WED 3 APR-FRI 5 APR ARCHAEOLOGY DISCOVERY DAYS M Shed, Princes Wharf, Wapping Road, Bristol, BS1 4RN. 0117 352 6600, www.mshed.org, 11am, 12pm, 1pm (sessions last about 30-40 mins), free (£2 suggested donation) • Put on your discovery hat and become an archaeologist for the day with the opportunity to take part in a mini-excavation and handle real archaeological objects.

THU 4 APR CHILDREN’S PLANT WORKSHOP Old Down Country Park, Foxholes Lane, Tockington, Bristol, BS32 4PG. 01454 414081, www.olddowncountrypark.co.uk, 1-4pm, free with normal admission price • Decorate a pot and plant some seeds.

THU 4 APR PARENT AND CHILD WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Slimbridge, GL2 7BT. 01453 891900, www.wwt.org.uk/visit/ slimbridge, 10am- 4pm, £50 for one parent and child • A practical and enjoyable day for budding young wildlife photographers (aged 8 or above) and their parents to learn how to get great shots of wildlife. This event is suitable for all skill levels and camera types (compact or SLR).

FRI 5 APR READY OR NOT Salisbury Arts Centre, Bedwin Street, Salisbury, SP1 3UT. 01722 321744, www.salisburyartscentre. co.uk, 11am-12pm, £7.50 (adults), £6.50 concessions, £24 (family of four) • An imaginative and engag-

ing show with a positive message for young children aged 3-7. Using expressive movement and music, the dancers create a lively playground on stage that shows children the importance of being kind to others and making friends.

SAT 6-SUN 14 APR RHINO WEEK Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens, Burford, Oxfordshire, OX18 4JP. 01993 823006, www. cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk, 3.30pm daily, normal entry price applies • A week of rhino based talks and activities to highlight the park’s work with Tusk Trust, the UK based conservation charity which funds projects to help protect African wildlife.

SAT 6 APR & SAT 20 APR MEET THE RAILWAY WORKERS Steam Museum, Kemble Drive, Swindon, SN2 2EY. 01793 466637, www.steam-museum.org.uk, 10am-4pm, £6.60 (adults)/£4.40 (children aged 3-16) • Popular with all ages, this unique day transports visitors back in time as former GWR workers show how the old locomotives worked and narrate the history of the steam age.

TUE 9 APR MAKE A BIRD FEEDER WORKSHOP Lydiard House and Park, Lydiard Tregoze, Swindon, SN5 3PA. 01793 770401, www.lydiardpark.org.uk, 12pm-3pm, £3 per child, must be accompanied by an adult • A drop in craft activity to teach children how to make a bird feeder to hang up in the garden, windowsill or bird table.

SAT 20 APR ST GEORGE CELEBRATIONS Yate Heritage Centre, Church Road, Yate, Bristol, BS37 5BG. 01454 862200, www.yateheritage.co.uk, 10.30am-4.30pm, free • There will be numerous activities including Punch and Judy performances, storytelling from St George himself and various stalls with activities and games.

Performances of youth dancing and musical groups will also take place plus morris dancing, folk singing and brass band music.

FRI 26 APR-SUN 28 APR SCHOOL SWIMATHON Various locations. 0845 36 700 36, www.swimming.org/asa, free • The event will incorporate the 5k, 2.5k, 1.5k and Team 5k/1.5k challenges for Marie Curie Cancer Care. Nearly 4,000 school children up and down the country have already signed up to ‘swim their best’ in the first ever school swimathon.

FRI 26 APR-SUN 16 JUN RHODODENDRON WALKS Visitor Department, Bowood Estate, Calne, Wiltshire, SN11 0LZ. 01249 812102, www.bowood-house.co.uk, 11am-5.30pm, EASTER 2013

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£6.25 (adults)/free (children aged 12 and under) • This beautiful attraction offers breathtaking vistas of colour which stretch over 60 acres.

Tudor Falconry at Lacock Abbey, 19 May

MAY

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(adults free) • An evening of mysterious, spooky and weird stories from John Girvan – a blacksmith at the Canal Forge, Devizes. A guided tour around the museum will reveal all the weird and wonderful objects that have been collected over the years.

Suitable for 7-14 year olds.

SAT 18-SUN 19 MAY KEEVIL SCHOOL SCARECROW TRAIL Main Street, Keevil, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 6LU. 10am-4pm • Every year the village of Keevil is overrun by more than 40 scarecrows dressed up in the theme of children’s book characters.

Follow the trail and discover the different scarecrows’ identities.

Book stalls and a BBQ can be found in the school playground.

SAT 4 MAY NGS OPEN DAY Stourhead, Near Mere, Wiltshire, BA12 6QD. 01747 841152, www. nationaltrust.org.uk/stourhead, 9am-7pm, house or garden only £7.70 (adults)/£4.20 (child) • Enjoy the tranquil landscape garden in spring and support the charities that the National Gardens Scheme (NGS) raises funds for. All admission charges will be donated to NGS scheme to benefit charities.

SAT 11–SUN 12 MAY GRILLSTOCK Lloyds Amphitheatre, Bristol Harbourside. 0117 230 6328, www.grillstock.co.uk, Sat 11am10pm, Sun 11am-5pm, weekend £15/Saturday £10/Sunday £7.50/under 16 years old free • The American Midwest takes over Bristol with plenty of mouth-watering steaks and ribs grilled all weekend. And there’s lots of fun for children, too.

PLEASE CHECK BEFORE YOU TRAVEL . . . AND TELL THEM YOU SAW THE EVENT IN PRIMARY TIMES!

FRI 17 MAY JOHN GIRVAN’S NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM Wiltshire Heritage Museum, 41 Long Street, Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 1NS. 01380 727369, www. wiltshireheritage.org.uk, 7pm, booking essential, £10 per child

SUN 19 MAY TUDOR FALCONRY AT LACOCK ABBEY Lacock Abbey, Fox Talbot Museum and Village, Lacock, near Chippenham, SN15 2LG. 01249 730459, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock, 10.30am4pm, normal admission charges apply • See majestic birds of prey circle the river Avon and talk with falconer Jonathon Marhsall as his birds display their feathers in the beautiful setting of the medieval cloisters.

FRI 24-MON 27 MAY GLOUCESTER TALL SHIPS 2013 The Docks, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL1 2ER. 01452 396572, www.thecityofgloucester.co.uk/tallships, free • Over the Spring Bank Holiday a fleet of ships dock in the city’s Victorian Docks. Aside from the impressive vessels, living history characters and swashbuckling pirates entertain while live music, arts, crafts, food stalls and kids’ activities line the water.

FRI 31 MAY-SUN 2 JUN WYCHWOOD FESTIVAL Cheltenham Racecourse, Prestbury Park, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 4SH. www.wychwoodfestival.com, opening hours vary (check website for details), wide variety of tickets available (check website for derails) • A fabulous range of music and a family-friendly atmosphere. Family friendly bands confirmed so far include the Human League, plus lots of daytime entertainment.

LISTINGS BY ALEX SAUNDERS AND LEANNE DREW

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

d r a o b n Pi

Parents’ & teachers’

news, education & contacts

Bob’s At-Bristol!

Simply First Class First Class Learning provides tuition in Maths, English and Science outside school at its centres in Salisbury and Amesbury. The proprietor, Mark Osmond, a qualified teacher says, “Most of our parents want their children to get their confidence back in a subject, but we achieve that and more.”

Mark’s tuition and materials are based on the National Curriculum so they support, supplement and extend a pupil’s learning. As he says, “Each pupil has a personalised learning programme so they start at a place that suits their current level, and develop at a speed that suits their learning style.”

The First Class Learning team are all qualified teachers and can support pupils who are academically ambitious, those who intend to sit the 11+, those who are home schooled, and those who want to improve and achieve results.

Ffi: Mark Osmond T: 01722 322201 or 07831 778567

Adventures at Cholderton Charlie’s Bertie the piglet says, “Come and see how the racing pigs are trained at Cholderton!” Team leader at Cholderton Charlie’s Farm, Caroline, says, “It takes a few weeks teaching the pigs how to follow, to sniff for food, not get distracted, not to give up, to jump our special ‘fences’ and then be first through the ring.

Piglets love to have fun and learn something new. Our animal carers handle them several times daily while they get used to having their ‘jockeys’ put on them.

They especially love having an audience - the more you cheer them on the faster they race!”

Cholderton Charlie’s Farm has lots of family fun activities such as Easter egg trails and competitions. The more you visit the farm, the more in touch with nature you become. With nature trail, bird feeding platforms, chick handling and egg collecting you get the run of the whole farm!

And every few weeks it all changes help your children love nature, grow food and cook natural food and veg.

Ffi: T: 01980 629438 W: www.choldertoncharliesfarm. co.uk

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Calling all budding builders!

Opening just in time for the Easter holidays in the At-Bristol science centre is Build It!, a brand-new permanent exhibit for under-8s. Whether your little one has dreams of becoming an architect or just enjoys dressing up, they’re bound to love this interactive construction site, complete with hard hats to wear, scaffolding to climb, and giant building blocks to stack.

Plus, on 23-24 March, At-Bristol will welcome a special visitor, Bob the Builder! He’ll be taking a well-earned weekend off from all his hard work to visit At-Bristol and nobody can wait to meet him. Bob the Builder will be making personal appearances at intervals over both days. There will also be photo opportunities, so don’t forget to bring your camera! Meeting Bob the Builder is included in At-Bristol’s admission price. For this, and everything else going on in At-Bristol this Easter, contact them or visit the website. Open 9am-5pm, Mon-Fri excl. bank holidays.

Ffi T: 0845 345 1235 W: www.at-bristol.org.uk

Meet Peppa at the races What better way to entertain the children on a boring bank holiday Monday than meeting their all-time favourite television pig, Peppa Pig? New to the 2013 season at Bath Racecourse, this Bank Holiday Fun Day features one of Channel 5’s most endearing and loved characters who’s sure to be a hit with children and adults alike.

As well as experiencing thrilling flat racing in the picturesque surroundings of Bath, Peppa Pig will meet and greet visitors around the racecourse throughout the day, giving children the perfect opportunity for a photo. A variety of ticket options are available, including a Centre Course ticket, starting from just £10: you can be in the middle of the action and enjoy a picnic in the centre of the course. Even better still, children under 16 get in free, making it the perfect day out that won’t break the budget.

Ffi: T: 01225 424629 W: www.bath-racecourse.co.uk

It’s a record!

Guinness World Records Officially Amazing Science Live!

Guinness World Records arrives on stage with its officially amazing, record-breaking, science-mad, all new live show. This exciting event is at City Hall, Salisbury on Friday 5 April, 7pm.

From the producers of ‘Brainiac Live!’ comes a new show which explores the best, the worst, the weirdest and the unbreakable world records and the extraordinary talents in each and every one of us. You may not be the world’s tallest man, but have you got the loudest voice?

Join the Official Guinness World Records adjudicator and team of presenters in genuine audience record attempts, unleash your inner skills, understand the world we live in and see if you too can be a record breaker.

Ideal for ages 7 upwards. Tickets are £15 (£13 u16s).

Ffi and to book: T: 01722 434434 W: www.cityhallsalisbury.co.uk

Growing a family tree From her base in Chippenham, Judi Buchanan is running after-school clubs and workshops in primary schools to enable children to research their family tree.

The activities involve looking at families from the past to the present day, introducing visual elements as well encouraging the detective work needed to trace a family history. Resources are provided to make the sessions interesting and fun. Each afterschool club child receives a tree chart to start them on the adventure of finding out who their ancestors were.

Junior genealogy after-school clubs for 7 to 11 year-olds run for six hours over six weeks at £4 per child per session.

Workshops consist of a two hour practical session at £8 per child to make their own family history collection to pass on to their future generation.

Ffi: T: 07541 746967 E: judi@theirpastmypresent.co.uk

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MAKING A SPLASH

There are few physical activities more important to children than learning to swim. Leanne Drew looks at efforts encouraging them to dive in.

E

very parent wants what’s best for their child, whether it’s teaching them how to cross a road, wait for the green man or always wear a helmet when riding a bike. These little things give us peace of mind when we’re out and about with the children. So why aren’t we teaching enough of them how to swim?

On average one in three children are leaving primary school unable to swim, according to a report by the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA). This report also revealed that of the children that cannot swim, 39% were not offered swimming lessons in school. That’s a staggering 200,000 children who will leave primary school this summer unable to swim.

Children can benefit enormously from learning to swim and being confident in and around water, as it isn’t about just keeping fit but having an essential life skill. Chief Executive of the ASA David Sparkes rightly states that

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“Swimming is a vital skill for any child and is the only sport a child will learn in school that could save their life.”

In order to try and tackle this problem, an innovative programme Pools 4 Schools has recently been launched as a collaboration between the ASA, Total Swimming and British Gas. Pools 4 Schools aims to install temporary swimming pools to “aquatically deprived” schools across England, for the length of a school term. By constructing the pools in school buildings such as gyms and sports hall, schools are able to offer swimming lessons for pupils, and the pool can also be available after school hours to be used by the wider community.

Another swimming initiative has been developed by one of the UK’s best known athletes.

British Olympic swimmer Rebecca Adlington is following the 2012 Games’ mantra of “inspire a generation” and has recently announced her retirement from competitive sport to focus on a teaching programme designed to ensure every child in the country enters secondary school able to swim. In her online diary she says: “When you hear the statistics of people that can’t swim in the UK they shock me. Not only have I had so much fun within the sport, but I firmly believe it’s

a life skill. Knowing how to swim can save lives.” Over the last two years Adlington has developed the Becky Adlington SwimStars initiative, a foundation that aims to achieve greater participation by children in swimming, whether at school, at the local leisure centre or in other locations such as hotels.

It isn’t only the celebrities who are trying to make an impact - people closer to home are also giving it a go. Swim Stars in Wiltshire was founded

by Zoe Brine who thinks the Olympics had a significant impact. “Children now love doing ‘Olympic style’ push offs from the wall or ‘Olympic’ tumble turns,” she says. “They have so much enthusiasm for the swimming, which is great. This for me was the most successful part of the Olympics, allowing everyone to see what hard work, commitment and dedication can bring.”

Zoe’s style of teaching allows only four children to one instructor which means the children have a lot of personal tuition.

“Swimming is most definitely a popular sport not just for the fitness aspect. We encourage fun and games in every lesson.

Children leave with a smile on their face and keep sessions positive and full of enthusiasm,” she says.

The Easter holidays are the perfect time to get in the water.

Swimming is also a great way for families to get moving and have fun together, and there are plenty of local pools available with designated family sessions.

If you’re looking for activities for the whole family to enjoy, the website Change4Life has lots of simple, fun games that will help you get your kids into the pool and moving around. Whether it’s doing handstands in the water or swimming to the bottom of the deep end, there are so many things you can do they’ll never get bored. The best bit of all? You can get into the water and join in the fun too!

Swim Stars T: 07738 382856 E: zoebrine@me.com W: www. swimstars-uk.co.uk Amateur Swimming Association W: www.swimming. org/asa Becky Adlington SwimStars W: www.beckyadlingtonsswimstars. com Pools 4 Schools W: www.totalswimming.co.uk/pools-4-schools Change4Life W: www.nhs.uk/ Change4Life/pages/swim-for-life Oasis Leisure Centre W: www. oasisleisure.co.uk Olympiad Chippenham W: www. dcleisurecentres.co.uk/centres/ olympiad-leisure-centre

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Adver tising Feature

Rome sweet Rome See history come to life at the Roman Baths. Walk where Romans walked on the ancient stone pavements around the steaming pools.

Listen to the awardwinning audio guides, including a special one for children narrated by Michael Rosen. See Roman characters every day from 10am to 5pm. Some of these characters feature on the children’s audio tour, but now you can meet them in the flesh.

The Roman Baths is a place for all the family to enjoy and in March it hosts special events for National Science & Engineering Week between Saturday 16 and Sunday 24 March.

Families can explore the science trail and take part in a variety of science and engineering investigations in the Science ‘Busking’ evening on Saturday 16 March, between 6pm and 9pm.

Get hands-on with science and engineering by trying the object handling activities between Monday 18 and Friday 22 March, 2pm-4pm. From Friday 15 to Sunday 24 March, investigate different types of Roman engineering in a special trail available at the reception. On Monday 25 March, make a Roman lamp out of clay in the ‘Lighting up Spring’ activity.

All sessions are free once on site, but normal admission charges apply. Local residents gain free entry with a Discovery Card. If you live in B&NES, find out more at www.bathnes.gov.uk/ discoverycard. If you live outside the area, consider buying one a season ticket, valid for 3 years.

• Ffi: The Roman Baths T: 01225 477785 W: www.romanbaths. co.uk

We have lots of family fun activities and ! The more you come the more in touch with nature you will be... our nature trail, bird feeding platforms, chick handling, egg collecting.... you get to have all the farm - we clean up their poo!

Every few weeks it all changes... help your children love nature, grow food, cook natural food and veg!

www.choldertoncharliesfarm.co.uk tel: 01980 629438

Adver tising Feature

Farmer Gow’s Easter Fun It’s raining lambs!

Farmer Gow’s is full of Easter family fun as all the mummy ewes including Grace, Big Mamma and Gwendolyn have lambed (mostly twins). There are lots of adorable little woolly faces, plus some sweet little goat kids and lots of little chicks, not to mention Pollyanna pig and greedy Gertie, just one of the Duroc piglets.

All through the Easter school break, including Good Friday, Easter and Easter Monday, Farmer Gow’s has Easter games and treasure hunts: • Cuddle and bottle feed a Spring lamb or kid • Go egg collecting and box free range eggs • Walk with a ferret on a lead • Play in the all-weather pedal tractor yard and play areas • Handle a little chick and hear its tiny ‘eep’.

Easter Fun: Meet the Animals 29 Mar–14 Apr, 11am-2pm. With lamb cuddling and bottle feeding.

Egg hunts and Easter Games 31 Mar- 1 Apr (Easter Sunday and Monday). Name the lamb and colouring competitions, Farmer Gow’s Tractor game, quizzes and more.

The farm is open daily 10am–5pm, every day of the week.

• Ffi: Farmer Gow’s Fernham Road, Longcot, nr Faringdon, SN7 7PR T: 01793 780555 W: www.farmergows.co.uk E: enquiries@ farmergows.co.uk Fa: www.facebook.com/FarmerGows

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PRIMARY TIMES

3/6/2013 3:33:07 PM

COMPETITION

GOLDENTIME WONDERS! Angleside School Adventure helps children learn which discipline? a) Algebra b) French c) Geometry

T

here can be few situations more satisfying to both child and parent than when the kids are having fun and learning at the same time.

GoldenTime Toys provides educational games and activities that are fun to play, with significant educational benefits, while offering great value for money. All resources are designed to help children learn in a happy environment. In fact, most of the time, children don’t even realise they are learning, they are having so much fun!

Primary Times has teamed up with GoldenTime Toys to give three lucky readers the chance to win a set of educational games and activities worth £100 each!

To be in with a chance of winning, just answer the following question:

Please send your answers to the editor at mike.gartside@ venue.co.uk with GoldenTime Toys Comp in the subject line

by Monday 22 April. Don’t forget to include name, address and daytime phone number.

Visit the company website for a wide variety of activities that reinforce key learning skills and support the National Curriculum, as well as a fabulous range of brainteasers and strategic games that will help build communicative, critical thinking and creative abilities. GoldenTime Toys also helps schools raise funds – just email for details.

W: www.goldentimetoys.co.uk E: diane@goldentimetoys.co.uk

Prizes are: Science Stadium, PDQ, Smencil, Hot Dots Pen, Hot Dots Vowels, Pairs in Pears, Fashion Angels LB, Angleside.

Adver tising Feature

Helping to save rhinos Rhino Week 6 - 14 April A week of rhinoceros-based talks and activities takes place at Cotswold Wildlife Park, Oxfordshire, in April to highlight the park’s work with Tusk Trust, the UK based conservation Crashed out rhinos Monty, Ruby and Nancy charity which funds some 40 projects helping to protect African wildlife.

During the week there will be daily Rhino Keeper talks at 3.30pm. To raise money for Tusk Trust, the park will sell educational trail sheets and have a ‘Guess the Weight’ competition of a replica rhino horn.

There will also be a children’s drawing competition so, throughout the week, the park and gardens invites you to give them your children’s drawings of a rhino. These will go on display in the rhino house and will be judged at the end of the week for the chance to win a prize.

Tusk Trust funds projects on the ground to help protect the few rhinos still left in the wild. Rhinos have become endangered due to poaching for their horns, which are used in traditional Chinese medicine. These projects work closely with local communities and governments in Africa to protect the animals and their environment, through education and anti-poaching campaigns.

The Park is open daily at 10am.

• Ffi Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens Burford, Oxfordshire, OX18 4JP T: 01993 823006 W: www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk Tusk Trust W: www.tusk.org

PRIMARY TIMES

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3/6/2013 3:17:02 PM

Arty Barty

Hello Kids!

Thank you so much for your wonderful pictures of winter fun. The standard was particularly high, so don’t worry if your entry didn’t get published. Try again and hopefully you’ll have better luck next time.

This Easter I have teamed up with our friends at Bristol Aquarium, who have very kindly offered an annual family pass to three lucky artists who send me their best painting of Merlin the Octopus and his friends.

Please send your pictures to: Arty Barty, Venue Publishing, BN&Media, Temple Way, Bristol BS99 7HD, or email high resolution jpegs to my editor, mike.gartside@venue. co.uk. Don’t forget to put your name, age, full home postal address and school on the back: Deadline Monday 22 April.

Have fun!

Last issue, I asked you to send in your pictures of ‘having fun in winter’. Well done to the winners who will receive a book in the post.

Stephanie Shroll, 11, Bellefield Infant and Primary School, Trowbridge, Wiltshire Bright, bold colours and w well-drawn figures sho that Stephanie has a great eye for outdoor scenes.

WINNER!

Arty

Rose and Christian Blanchard, 11 and 8, Bishop Road Primary School, Bristol This scene really has the “wow” factor, cleverly cutting out faces from photos and adding them to sculpted figures.

This is “outside the box” art . . . literally!

Imogen Granger, 4, Preshute Primary School, Manton, Wiltshire This image displays tremendous fun and energy and the glitter adds a wonderful texture. I love the snowman’s happy face.

6, Sophie Mansbridge, ool, St Helen Primary Sch Alveston, Thornbury te, whi This picture is black andA cute but colourful all over. ryone eve g family group showin lves. having enjoying themse

Hark at Chu Reviewed by Alex Saunders and Mike Gartside

Fizzing with action Author A.F. Harrold brings us the second instalment of Fizzlebert Stump, the boy who, in his first novel, ran away from the circus. Here, our hero is back in the travelling entertainment show, fielding all sorts of problems from confused, rampaging sea lions to the strange bearded family whose arrival is not everything it first seems.

Told Lemony Snicket-style, direct to reader and in the manner of a confused uncle, the tale unfolds with a pleasingly chaotic sequence of missing teeth, unruly beards and mislaid clowns’ noses. It’s far too nice to be Roald Dahl, but the breakneck action and confabulated descriptions will captivate youngsters, especially those who are starting out on their own reading journey.

This is ideal as accompanied, bedtime reading for younger children or as an easy reader for the up to 8s. (MG) Fizzlebert Stump and the Bearded Boy by A.F. Harrold, Bloomsbury, £5.99, paperback, www.bloomsbury.com

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Meet Chu, a small panda with a very big sneeze that can cause mayhem if unleashed. This bizarre but brilliant picture book will fascinate children with its silly message and imaginative drawings. The most impressive aspect is the illustrations by Adam Rex, as each of the three key scenes in the book are eye-catching and immersive in their vibrancy and content.

Toddlers will be sent into hysterics as Chu builds up to his climatic sneeze. A quirky, witty book, that will be devoured by young minds. (AS) Chu’s Day by Neil Gaiman and Adam Rex, Bloomsbury, £10.99, www.bloomsbury.com

Horse whispers This sensitively written novel by Canadian-born Troon Harrison is set in 19th century Canada. Amelia Otterchild and her younger half-sister Charlotte embark on an adventure to find their long lost father. The writing is engaging with lots of thoughtprovoking metaphors which young girls will easily connect with.

Seeing the heroine develop into a determined, loyal and protective sister is well handled. This follow up to The Horse Roadwill be a sure-fire hit with horse-loving ‘tweens’. (AS) River Red Stallion by Troon Harrison, Bloomsbury, £5.99, www. bloomsbury.com

PRIMARY TIMES

3/6/2013 3:43:57 PM

PRIMARY TIMES

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PRIMARY TIMES

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