Primary Times Wiltshire: Easter

i r ma ry ptimes for parents, teachers & children

11 12 1 yrs

2 3 4 yrs

in Wiltshire

Issue 74

• The Olympic Torch • Easter fun • Online safety

Go Bowood!

It’s playtime at one of Wiltshire’s leading family attractions. Page 4.

Arty Barty • Theatre • Roundabout • Save money!

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Whatever your creed, the Easter holidays are a chance to enjoy the warmer weather and all the benefits it brings. Children will undoubtedly get excited by the abundance of chocolate, but, while risking the ire of the under 11s, there are lots of imaginative gifts and activities which don’t necessarily involve the sticky sweet stuff.

Books make great Easter presents, while the region’s attractions are running all sorts of trails, workshops and craft activities - see Roundabout for details. And, as our feature points out, The Olympic Torch comes to our region in May, offering a fantastic way for kids to get involved in global sport.

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for parents,

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the editor

Issue 74

ic Torch

Olymp • The ter fun • Eas ty • Online safe

THEATRE P8 ROUNDABOUT P11 PINBOARD P17 ADVERTISING FEATURES P18 PUPILS’ PAGE P20 CLASSIFIEDS P22 OLYMPIC TORCH ARRIVES P6 How to get involved in The Games EASTER FUN P15 Francesca Gibbens has some crafty ideas ONLINE SAFETY P21 Dan Ryan’s tips for parents helping children to understand virtual boundaries

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

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Go Bowoo

family s leading of Wiltshire’ me at one It’s playti s. Page 4. e money! attraction t • Sav Roundabou • Theatre • Arty Barty

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 Publishing director: Dave Higgitt Editor: Mike Gartside

Email: mike.gartside@venue.co.uk

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Ellie Pipe

Email: E.Pipe@venue.co.uk

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Tel: 0117 934 3741

Email: s.butler@bepp.co.uk Design: Sarah Clark, Mike Gartside, Tom Germain 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.

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Find these amazing offers this issue!

Bluestone

– Free hamper when you book online

Roves Farm –

Free tractor and trailer rides around the farm

Bluestone

Love British Food - win the

chance to cook for the Queen to celebrate her diamond jubilee.

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Advertising Bowood House and Gardens Open from 28 March 11am-6pm daily (last entry 5pm) Ffi: 01249 812102 www.bowood-house.co.uk

It’s playtime at Bowood!

W

iltshire’s Bowood House & Gardens has just opened for its 2012 season and youngsters visiting its popular Adventure Playground over Easter can count upon long-standing favourites and new treats to boost their holiday weekend fun.

There’ll be Easter-themed arts and crafts activities from Friday 6 April through to Bank Holiday Monday. The high point will be the Easter bonnet competition on Easter Sunday while the House Restaurant is a great idea for Sunday family lunching. Book by 5pm Maundy Thursday and get free entry to Bowood House & Gardens.

The scene will then certainly be set for the Diamond Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend (2-5 June) when its various arts and crafts activities and competitions feature a definite

‘Kings and Queens’ flavour.

As the 2012 season rolls out (through to Sunday 4 November), other half-term and holiday breaks, special dates and events will lead families back to Bowood again and again.

There’ll be the 7th annual Bowood Charity Dog Show & Summer Fair (Sunday 10 June) and the Wiltshire Game & Country Fair (22 & 23 September), for instance. (Separate admission charges apply).

Concealed within the Adventure Playground you will find the life-size pirate ship. As children clamber on board, they enter a world of fantasy. Boat builder Alastair Guy designed the pirate ship complete with its rigging and crow’s nest. There’s further excitement in store, too, thanks to a tantalising complex of slides and catwalks above a play area of swings and trampolines. The real adrenalin kicks in on the thrilling Space Dive with its almost sheer drop!

For under 7s, the Partridge Play Pen designed by head groundsman Geoff Partridge is a mini version of the Adventure Playground. Estate timber has been used for log bridges, swinging log steps, stepping stones (spot the animals carved out of wood) and balancing beams. Here youngsters can test their mettle before graduating to the more challenging Adventure Playground.

This year Geoff and his team have created a new pendulum swing, also from estate

Prices

From £5.25 per child (2-4) to £10 per adult (13+). Family £30. Season tickets, £24 (children) £43 (adults) £130 (family).

There may be a small additional charge for Easter themed activities.

Tickets can be purchased online at www. bowood-house.co.uk

timber, with 7-12 year olds in mind, while very young children can look to the Soft Play Palace offering slides, ball pools, net bridges, squeeze rollers and much more, all under cover on two levels.

The estate’s 100 plus acres of gardens and grounds makes the most of nature’s playground. Behind the man-made Cascade at the bottom of Capability Brown’s lake (and not far from the Hermit’s Cave), the more adventurous child or parent can venture into the Scary Tunnel. It’s not long but it’s pitchblack! Look out, too, for Bowood’s Monkey Puzzle tree - one of the tallest in the country.

ESCAPE

Families planning a complete escape to Bowood this season might also think about staying overnight and checking into Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort - just a mile and golf-buggy ride away from the House & Gardens. Look out for family offers at www.bowood-hotel.co.uk/info/ special-offers Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort Ffi: 01249 822228, www.bowood.org

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PRIMARY TIMES

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

PONY PARTIES Call now for details or to book.

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

HORSE RIDING LESSONS Now Taking ADULTS & CHILDREN who are Nervous, Novice or Beginners who want to have ago at horse riding.

Weight limit 12 stone, Children from age 4.

All riding in an enclosed arena.

For more info see web site

www.breachlaneequinecentre.co.uk Phone Alison on 01793 854 660 or Mobile 07855 755 831

PRIMARY TIMES

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THE TORCH’S ROUTE THROUGH WILTSHIRE

DAY 5 - 23 MAY Bristol FFlax Bourton F Backwell FNailsea F Failand FLeigh Woods F Bristol F Filton F Chippenham F Calne F Marlborough FChiseldon FWroughton F Royal Wootton Bassett F Swindon F Cirencester F Stroud F PainswickF Brockworth F Shurdinton F Cheltenham DAY 54 - 11 JULY Reading FThealeFThatcham FNewbury F Basingstoke FKings Worthy F Winchester F Andover FLudgershall F Tidworth FAmesbury FThe Winterbournes FSalisbury DAY 55 - 12 JULY Salisbury F Wilton F Barford St Martin FFovant FLudwell F Shaftesbury

There is a light

With the arrival of the Olympic Torch in our area soon, Sarah Ponsford takes a look at ways to celebrate London 2012

G

et the bunting out, dust off the best china and defrost the mini sausages as the Olympic Games makes its way to Blighty. We have been preparing for what seems a lifetime (seven years, in fact) for one of the world’s largest sporting competitions to grace our shores.

Before the Games themselves begin, we have the excitement of the Olympic Torch making its way to London. With the route designed to come within 10 miles of 95% of the population across 70 days, with 8,000 bearers, there are plenty of opportunities to see it as it crosses the South West.

(See panel for the local route).

Already, over 1,500 primary schools in the South West are taking part in the Olympics’ ‘Get Set’ programme. This encourages pupils to be inspired through sport and supporting activities which also improve health and well-being.

A National School Sport Week from 25-29 June also encourages schools to be involved in their own Olympic-inspired events.

West country kids get a chance to go for gold

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of the Games with a Greek god or goddess themed party. Serve food from across the globe and have a quiz based on the countries taking part.

For a more understated stance on the gold theme, plant some gold marigolds in the front garden, or for a larger splash, organise a mass planting event on your street or along the route of the flame. Children will love getting their hands dirty.

Whatever you do to mark the occasion, make sure you make the most of this unique opportunity.

On your marks, get set, go!

Judy Edwards, Chippenham Partnership of Schools manager, revealed the plans she is overseeing. “From March all 17 primary schools and St Nicholas Special School will begin to study a country they have been allocated, and will receive input from Chippenham’s Museum and Heritage Centre staff. We will then deliver Olympic-assemblies based on the histories and cultural identities of the nation the schools have been allocated.

Those assemblies will be the starting point for the children to create an Olympic-themed artwork that will be installed in Chippenham in time for 23 May, when the torch arrives. Our Olympic Arts Trail will then be available for the children and families of Chippenham to enjoy all through the summer. On 23 May we plan to have as many children and young people in Chippenham, cheering the torchbearers through the streets and be part of this once in a lifetime opportunity.”

If you want to do something

special to celebrate the Olympics, there are so many ways to make the most of them which are perfect opportunities to bring your community together.

Hold a mini sports day for your street, with each house allotted

“We plan to have as many children as possible cheering the torch-bearers,” Judy Edwards, Chippenham Partnership of Schools a country and medals given out to the winners. Combine it with a street party and encourage people to dress up, either using the Olympics’ ‘gold’ theme or in costumes relating to the countries taking part.

Take inspiration from the origin

Torch Relay map www.london2012.com/olympic-torch-relay London 2012 www.london2012. com/get-involved - ideas and inspiration for your own Olympic event Get Set education programme www.getset.london2012.com Youth Sport Trust www.2012. youthsporttrust.org Lloyds TSB National School Sport Week (25-29 June) www. schoolsportsweek.org The Cultural Olympiad www. london2012.com/culturalolympiad Big Screen events www.london2012.com/live-sites

Apology - Smallprint

In our feature ‘Mum’s the Word’ last issue we incorrectly associated Marie Harkin, and comments made by her, to another company.

We apologise wholeheartedly for this mistake and any confusion caused. See feature on Page 19 for more information about the company.

PRIMARY TIMES

Pig racing, large indoor play area, interaction with animals and MUCH MORE! 4H 70 beds in our newly finished Youth Hostel (open all year round) and Tipi hire throughout the summer Cholderton Charlies Farm & Youth Hostel Amesbury Road, Cholderton Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0EW Tel: (01980) 629 438

www.choldertoncharliesfarm.com www.facebook.com/choldertoncharliesfarmpark www.twitter.com/charliesfarm

PRIMARY TIMES

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

wiltshire CITY HALL Malthouse Lane, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP2 7TU. 01722 434434, www.cityhallsalisbury.co.uk A Bird in Your Ear Tue 3 Apr. 2pm. £5 • Theatre group Snail Tales has teamed up with Bromsgrove venue the Artrix and Arts Council England to bring this collection of stories to Salisbury City Hall. Enjoy stories by children aged 7 – 11 featuring genies in teapots, hat-munching squirrels and other fantastical characters, brought to life with puppetry and song. Families with children aged 3-11 years get plenty of opportunities to jump on stage and join in.

SALISBURY ARTS CENTRE Bedwin Street, Salisbury SP1 3UT. 01722 321744, www.salisburyartscentre.co.uk Kid Carpet and the Noisy Animals Thu 5 Apr, 11.30am12.15pm, £7.50 (adults), £24 (families) £24 • Rock out with four music-loving toy animals at this new musical, featuring popular songs, dancing and animation. For 3 to 8 year olds.

SALISBURY PLAYHOUSE Malthouse Lane, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP2 7RA. 01722 320333, www.salisburyplayhouse.com Wolf Tales Tue 10 Apr. 2.45pm & 7.45pm • Little Red Riding Hood is out on stage telling the same old story about Grandma and The Big Bad Wolf. Puppets, shadows and songs create a hilarious and spectacular expose of the truth behind classic fairy tales.

Splosh! Tue 10 Apr-Fri 13 Apr. 11am & 1pm • It’s Mr Bath’s birthday and you are invited to his party. Jack and Laura have got their friend a very special present to say thank you for keeping them clean all year round. But what could it be?

Splish, splash, splosh!

The Enormous Turnip Thu 12-Sat 14 Apr • In a tiny house the size of a shed, Mr and Mrs Chickweed live on their allotment surrounded by vegetables. But they can’t resist planting one more seed and as their turnip grows it threatens their house with disaster.

The Crowstarver Tue 17 Apr–Sat 21 Apr. 7.30pm, Thu & Sat, 2.30pm. £8.50 • From the book by Dick King-Smith, Theatre Alibi bring this inspiring and heart-warming story, set on a Wiltshire farm, to the stage, promising powerful performances and beguiling animal puppets.

The Elves and the Shoemaker Fri 11 May-Sat 12 May. Fri 1.30pm.

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Sat 11am & 2pm. £8. • No one makes shoes like an elf. This familiar and well-loved tale has been re-heeled with a carefully crafted set and puppets, music, miniature shoes and a comic mouse.

WHARF THEATRE Sidmouth Street, Devizes, Wiltshire SN10 1LD. 01380 725944, www.wharftheatre.co.uk Cold Comfort Farm Wed 16 & Thu 17 May. 7.30pm. £12 • An adaptation of Stella Gibbons’ well-loved novel by Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. Parodying the romantic stories of DH Lawrence and Mary Webb, enter a world where there’s something nasty in the woodshed and the Skuebind draws you ever closer into a comic intrigue.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Wed 18-Sat 21 July. 7.30pm. £7 • The internationally renowned and acclaimed musical has been given the Wharf Youth Theatre makeover and promises bags of energy and pizzazz. A timeless tale of brotherly jealousy and parental foolishness, set alongside some of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s most memorable songs.

WYVERN THEATRE Theatre Square, Swindon, Wiltshire SN1 1QN. 01793 524 481, www.wyverntheatre.org.uk Come Dancing Thu 26 Apr. 7.30pm. £22.00 • Stars of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing Katya Virshilas and Pasha Kovalev are joined by aspiring talent on stage for an evening of dance routines, featuring the rumba, waltz, foxtrot, tango and jive.

Extravaganza on Ice Sun 6 May. 7.30pm. £17.00 • Experience high-energy skating routines complemented by the glamour of Bollywood, Africa, Spain and Ireland. With glittering costumes and a Las Vegas style showgirl finale, comedy clowns and an award-winning magician, this show is packed with variety – and all on simulated ice.

Barry and Stuart: Show & Tell Fri 11 May. 7.30pm. £15/£13 • Stars of BBC 1’s ‘The Magicians’, warlocks Barry and Stuart will be wowing audiences with their new show. Expect their trademark innovative tricks and devious illusions, and prepare to be amazed when they reveal the secrets.

Bob the Builder Sun 27 May. 1pm & 3pm. £15/£13 • Local talent Dickie Olivier needs Bob’s help to fix up the stage for his brand-new musical at the ‘Fixham Theatre.’

But when Spud decides he wants

Kid Carpet and the Noisy Animals, Salisbury Arts Centre, 5 Apr and the egg, Bath, 4 Apr.

to be the star of the show, the job doesn’t go exactly to plan. A fun-packed show filled with song, dance and plenty of fixing.

further afield THE BREWERY THEATRE 291 North Street, Southville, Bristol BS3 1JP. 0117 902 0344, www.tobaccofactorytheatre.com Storytelling Sundays: Shearwater Sun 1 Apr. 7.45pm.

Adults £10, concs £8 • Storyteller Malcolm Green spent three months studying seabirds off the coast of Iceland; now he and musician Tim Dalling welcome the audience into their world with a mixture of story and song.

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 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, ice-skating winter wonderland to the scrumptious

candy kingdom of Sweetieland.

Monty Python’s Spamalot Mon 23-Sat 28 Apr. Matinee 2.30pm, evening 7.30pm. £12-£45 • Spamalot tells the legendary tale of King Arthur and the knights of the round table, with a classic Monty Python twist.

Recommended for over eights, this show will have you in stitches.

THE EGG Kid Carpet & The Noisy Animals Tue 3-Weds 4 Apr. 11.30am & 3pm. £7/£5.50 • Kid Carpet & The Noisy Animals follows the adventures of the charismatic singer and his animal band, (made up of a gorilla, a bear, a hedgehog and a badger) as they make friends, play games, contemplate the world and finally rock out at a grand dance contest.

Lively and enchanting new show with a mix of theatre, comedy, animation and original live music.

Landscapes Fri 6-Sat 7 Apr. 10am, 12pm, 2pm & 3.30pm. £7/£5.50 • The sun rises over a buzzing desert, a chick hatches. The eagle leaves the nest in search of food.

Below, the meerkats are alert. The journey begins. Performed inside a white canvas dome this show takes children on a journey from desert to rainforest, from beneath the sea to Antarctica. Using no words, Mimika combines beautifully crafted puppets with original musical score to capture the natural world.

Me & The Sea Fri 13 Apr-Sat 14 Apr. 11.30am & 3pm. £7/£5.50 • Have you ever wanted things to slow down and the world to stop changing? Craig’s hot on the trail of his very own mystery and his investigation takes him out to sea, into undergrowth and into the starry sky, delving into fisherman’s tales, butterfly migrations and our own hearts.

PRIMARY TIMES

Junior Quad Parties

• Ages: 6yrs to 13yrs • Group sizes: Min 6 Max 8 • 2x 70cc quads with one instructor • Duration: 90 minutes • Cost: £150.00 • Helmets provided

Archery Parties

• Ages: 6yrs and up • Group sizes: Min 6 Max 8 • Junior recurve bows and arm guards • Duration: 1 hour • Cost: £100.00

Combined Quad / Archery Party

• Ages: 6yrs to 13yrs • Group sizes: Min 6 Max 12 • 2 instructors • Duration: 2 hours • Cost: £200.00 T: 01249 730388 M: 07775 706754 E: info@teampursuits.co.uk www.teampursuits.co.uk

Frederica at Trowbridge: 0844 335 1705 Sheryll at Swindon: 01793 791746 Natalie at Melksham: 0118 967 8505 07861 391598

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ROUNDABOUT Your ultimate family diary of what’s on, where & when The eggs are in there somewhere. Easter Family Fun at Old Sarum, Sun 15 Apr

Deadlines: List your school’s events in Primary Times for free. We work a half-term in advance so we’re now collecting information for June and July 2012: deadline Monday 30 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.

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!

mARCH 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. With over 60 vintage photographs, this portfolio evokes glamour, beauty and elegance.

Also featuring original ‘50s and ‘60s clothing from the museum’s collection.

UNTIL SUN 15 APR EASTER FAMILY FUN TRAIL Old Sarum, Castle Road, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 3SD. 01722 335398, £3.70/£2.20 • Spend the day outside hunting for hidden Easter eggs at this remarkable iron age fort. Find enough and win a prize!

UNTIL SUN 15 APR EASTER FAMILY FUN TRAIL Old Wardour Castle, Tisbury, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP3 6RR. 01722 335398, £4/£2.40 • Follow the hidden clues around the castle to find a yummy prize.

Until Mon 30 Apr Cook for The Queen www.lovebritishfood.co.uk • All UK schools are invited to create a best of British menu. The winning schools will see their recipes served at a Buckingham Palace reception.

THROUGH APR AND ONGOING HISTORIC BOAT RIDES M Shed, Princes Wharf, Wapping Rd, Bristol BS1 4RN. 0117 352 6600, www.mshed.org, 12pm5pm, £5/£3 • Each weekend M PRIMARY TIMES

Shed is offering a ride along the harbour on a different historic boat, from diesel tugs to firefighting boats. You can even ride a crane.

UNTIL SUN 10 JUN TEN DRAWINGS BY LEONARDO DA VINCI Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Queen’s Road, Bristol BS8 1RL. 0117 922 3571, 10am-5pm, free • As part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations Bristol Museum displays 10 of Leonardo da Vinci’s finest drawings on loan from the Royal library.

SAT 31 MAR-SUN 15 APR AVEBURY EASTER EGG HUNT National Trust Estate Office, High Street, Avebury, Wiltshire SN8 1RF. 01672 539250, www. nationaltrust.org.uk/avebury.

Children £1.50. supervising adults free • The gardens of the recently refurbished Avebury Manor House have beautiful flowers, amazing topiar and some tasty chocolate eggs just waiting to be found. Join the Easter fun.

SAT 31 MAR & fortnightly to end may STONEHENGE SPRING ARCHAEOLOGY WALK Stonehenge car park, Stonehenge, Wiltshire SP4 7DE. 08442 491895, www. nationaltrust.org.uk, 2pm4.30pm. Adults £3, children free • Explore the land surrounding Stonehenge and learn the ancient mysteries of the barrows on this three mile walk. Sensible shoes and pre-booking essential.

Sat 31 Mar–Sun 22 Apr Golden Egg Hunt at Bristol Zoo Gardens Bristol Zoo Gardens, Bristol, www. bristolzoo.org.uk • Ten ‘golden’ eggs are hidden around the zoo for visitors to find. Children who complete the trail will receive a tasty treat. Over the Easter weekend (6 – 9 Apr) visitors can

also meet Bristol Zoo’s mascot, Larry the Lemur, who’s wandering around the Zoo. If you attend this Bristol Zoo event, please tell them you saw it in Primary Times.

April SUN 1 APR DISCOVER DRUMMING WITH THE DRUM BLONDES Wiltshire Music Centre, Ashley Road, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire BA15 1DZ. 01225 860100, www. wiltshiremusic.org.uk, 2.30pm3.30pm. £10 (adults)/£6 (children) • Children ages 6 and up can beat their own drum and learn about snare drums, marimbas and more at this fun, noisy workshop and concert.

SUN 1 APR ‘SPOT THE ODDITY’ TRAIL Dyrham Park, near Bath SN14 8ER. 01179 372501, www. nationaltrust.org.uk, 10am4.30pm. Free with admission • It’s April Fools’ Day at Dyrham Park, and the house is getting into the spirit with this weird and wonderful trail. Can you spot the silliness hidden in the collections?

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

SUN 1 & SUN 22 APR DEN BUILDING DAY Fargo Road, Larkhill, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 8LN. 08442 491895, £3 (children)/free (supervising adults) • Go wild in the woods near King Barrow Ridge, build a shelter, toast marshmallows and make things to take home. Book ahead.

Mon 2-Wed 4 Apr Get Sported - Multi Sport Day Camp Ralph Allen School, Claverton Down Road, Bath BA2 7AD. www. getsported.org. 9.15am. £17-£54 (sibling discount available) • All children aged 5-12 years are welcome to enjoy football, cricket, rugby, basketball, ultimate frisbee, baseball and more at a multi-sport day camp. You will improve your sports skills and develop your confidence through group activities.

Tue 3 Apr Bunny Ears and Rocking Rabbits Lydiard House & Park, Lydiard Tregoze, Swindon SN5 3PA. 01793 770401, www.lydiardpark.org.uk, 12pm-3pm. £3 • Spring into Easter by making your own bunny ears and Easter decoration.

Tue 3 Apr Sea Hear Brunel’s ss Great Britain, Great Western Dockyard, Bristol BS1 6TY. 0117 926 0680. www.ssgreatbritain.org, 11am • Join professional storyteller Sarah Mooney for adventures of the high seas.

Stories are tailored for pre-school children aged 3-4 years old, but younger and older siblings are welcome too.

TUE 3 APR BACK GARDEN BUSHCRAFT: TREE FROGS The Courts Garden, Holt, near Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, BA14 6RR. 01225 782875, www. nationaltrust.org.uk, 2pm3pm and 3.15pm-4.15pm. Free with admission to the garden • No time for an Australian holiday? This Aboriginal-themed adventure may be the next best thing. Trek through the arboretum and learn how to map your journey and track animals.

TUE 3 APR A BIRD IN YOUR EAR City Hall, Malthouse Lane, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP2 7TU. 01722 434434, www.cityhallsalisbury. co.uk, 2pm. £5/£18 (family) • The Snail Tales group enthusiastically re-enacts stories created by children, for children. Laugh at the puppets, dance to the songs, or jump on stage and join in. Suitable for ages 3–11. » At-Bristol - Apology Last issue we listed incorrect times and a misleadingly low price for several events at At-Bristol. Our sincere apologies for any misunderstanding and inconvenience caused by this mistake.

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ROUNDABOUT Kev F Sutherland holds a comic art masterclass at Bath Central Library, Sat 7 Apr.

TUE 3 APR BUNNY EARS AND ROCKING RABBITS Lydiard House & Park, Lydiard Tregoze, Swindon SN5 3PA. 01793 770401, www.lydiardpark. org.uk, 12pm-3pm. Children £3, supervising adults free • Hopping with excitement at Easter? Make your own bunny ears and Easter decorations at this creative dropin session.

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.

TUE 3-FRI 6 APR EASTER CHALLENGE Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire GL8 8QS. 01666 880220, 10.30am-3.30pm, £8/£3 • See if you can solve the trail of clues leading you around the beautiful spring arboretum and win a tasty reward. You can also make a spring mask, magic wool flowers and an Easter themed card.

TUE 3 APR–SUN 15 APR CRAZY CRITTERS TRAIL CHALLENGE 1 Royal Crescent, Bath BA1 2LR. 01225 428126, www. bath-preservation-trust.org. uk, 10.30am-4.30pm • No.1 Royal Crescent has a secret: the Georgians left hidden animals in its paintings, furniture, and kitchen collection. Track them down and win a chocolate egg.

FRI 6 APR-MON 9 APR PRIOR PARK EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA Prior Park Landscape Garden, Ralph Allen Drive, Bath BA2 5AH. 01225 833422, www. nationaltrust.org.uk, 10am • Egg hunters will be happy to scour the grounds of this 18th century garden for clues, while parents can take in the amazing views.

SAT 7 APR WINGS OVER STONEHENGE Stonehenge, near Amesbury, 12

EASTER 2012

Wiltshire SP4 7DE. 0844 249 1895, www.nationaltrust.org.uk, 10.30am-1pm. Adults £5, children free • Discover the pioneering aviators of Larkhill in a historical walk around their early hangars and crash sites. A great day out for children studying World War I in school. Pre-booking essential.

SAT 7 APR CHASE THE RABBIT AND BEAT THE EGG Stourhead, near Mere BA12 6QD. 01373 836552, www.ecofitness. co.uk, 10.30am-12.30pm. £8/£3 • Looking for something more strenuous than the standard egg hunt? While grown-ups tackle the Beat the Egg 8k run, under-16s can take on the Chase the Rabbit 1K run and win a chocolate egg.

Book early to ensure a place.

SAT 7 APR KEV F SUTHERLAND’S COMIC ART MASTERCLASS Bath Central Library, The Podium, Bath BA1 5AN. 01225 463362, www.bathboxoffice.org.uk, 2pm. £6 • Young comic creators can learn the tricks of the trade from Bash Street Kids artist Kev F. Draw superheroes, newspaper strips, manga and more, then see your work in the finished comic.

For ages 7 and over.

Sat 7-Sun 8 Apr Bristol Chocolate Festival Cascade Steps, next to the fountains on the Centre Promenade, The Great Lydiard Park Easter Trail, Sun 8 Apr.

Please check before you travel . . . and tell them you saw the event in primary times!

Bristol City Centre, St. Augustine’s Parade, Bristol BS1 4UZ. www. festivalchocolate.co.uk. 10am • Bristol’s Harbourside will be transformed into a chocolate lover’s paradise. With a selection of stands selling and showcasing chocolate in all its forms, an Easter Egg Trail and other family friendly activities, live acoustic music and special chocolatey offers at many of the Harbour’s well-known businesses and attractions.

SUN 8 APR THE GREAT LYDIARD PARK EASTER TRAIL Lydiard House & Park, Lydiard Tregoze, Swindon SN5 3PA. 01793 770401, www.lydiardpark. org.uk, 11am-3pm. Children £2, supervising adults free • Calling all egg-hunters! Search the grounds of Lydiard Park for clues, solve the puzzles and claim your prize.

Sun 8-Mon 9 Apr Meet Robin Hood Old Wardour Castle, Tisbury, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP3 6RR. 01747 870487, www.english-heritage.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.

Sun 8-Mon 9 Apr Easter Egg Trail 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.

SUN 8 APR-MON 9 APR DYRHAM PARK EASTER TRAILS Dyrham Park, near Bath SN14 8ER. 01179 372501, www. nationaltrust.org.uk, 10am • Follow the clues to explore Dyrham Park and find a chocolate egg, then have fun with the face-painting.

SUN 8-MON 9 APR EASTER TRAIL Brokerswood Country Park, Westbury, Wiltshire BA13 4EH. 01373 822238. www. brokerswoodcountrypark.co.uk, 50p plus park entry • Annual trail promises great fun for adults and kids.

TUE 10 APR BACK GARDEN BUSHCRAFT: TREE FACES The Courts Garden, Holt, near Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, BA14 6RR. 01225 782875, www. nationaltrust.org.uk, 2pm-4pm.

Free with admission to the garden • Craft funny clay faces to liven up the trees in the Courts Garden at this drop-in workshop.

TUE 10 APR MONSTER MASH-UP Theatre Royal Bath, Sawclose, Bath BA1 1ET. 01225 448844, www.theatreroyal.org.uk, 10am4pm, £85 • This whole day workshop has kids working with directors, designers and dancers to create a monster-themed performance in just one day.

Suitable for 8-12 year olds.

Tue 10 Apr Finger Puppets and Peg Dollies Lydiard House & Park, Lydiard Tregoze, Swindon, SN5 3PA. 01793 770401, www.lydiardpark. org.uk, 12pm • Make a traditional finger puppet or peg doll to take home.

TUE 10-THU 12 APR JURASSIC PLANTS AND OTHER ANCIENTS Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire GL8 8QS. 01666 880220, 10.30am, £8/£3 • Meet the trees that have barely changed since the time of the dinosaurs, make your own leaf fossil and contribute to a project to make a giant picture of ancient plants in pre-historic paint.

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. £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.

WED 11 APR ARCHERY Brokerswood Country Park, Westbury, Wiltshire BA13 4EH. 01373 822238. www. brokerswoodcountrypark.co.uk • An ideal chance for 8 to 12 year olds to learn this ancient sport.

THU 12 APR BREAK IT, RE-MAKE IT WORKSHOP Salisbury Arts Centre, Bedwin Street, Salisbury SP1 3UT. 01722 321744, www. salisburyartscentre.co.uk, PRIMARY TIMES

»

ROUNDABOUT » 10.30am-12.30pm, £7 • This unconventional workshop will let you break all the art rules.

For 6-12 year olds.

Thu 12 Apr KIDS’ COMBAT ADVENTURES Woodland Battlefield, two mins from Junction 17, M4, nr.

Chippenham, Wiltshire. 01249 721196, www.jcompany.co.uk • Outdoor laser games for ages 9–13 featuring state-of-the-art equipment including Halo Shield technology. This Easter School Holiday event features Corporal Spike’s two hour Tour of Duty: ration packs available. Prebooking essential.

FRI 13 APR FAMILY ‘80s ROLLER DISCO M.E.C.A, Regent Circus, Swindon, Wiltshire SN1 1PR. 01793 466454, www. mecaswindon.co.uk, 5.45pm – 9pm. £5.50 ticket, £2 skates • Dress up, dance and skate to the sounds of your favourite 80’s pop hits, from Duran Duran to Spandau Ballet.

The Chinese State Circus, City Hall, Salisbury, Fri 20-Sun 22 Apr

Swindon SN1 1QN. 01793 524481, www.wyverntheatre. org.uk • This year’s summer youth project is looking for 9-21 year olds to take part in their next all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza.

From Mon 23 Apr Goatacre Cricket Club Goatacre Cricket Ground, Goatacre Lane, Goatacre, Near Calne, Wiltshire SN11 9JA. www.goatacre.play-cricket. com, goatacrecc@ hotmail.co.uk. 6.30-8pm • Goatacre Cricket Club has achieved the ECB Clubmark Standard and is a focus club for Wiltshire. It is also a welcoming and friendly place to make new friends and for the children to have fun while they learn.

Training night is Monday for both boys and girls from the ages of 6 to 15 and the first training session of the year is due to start on 23 Apr, weather permitting.

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 • A great chance for young children to make new friends and build their confidence and skills. Children will spend a day working with directors and technicians, using props, costumes and lighting to make their own special show based upon the theme of magic islands.

FRI 20-SUN 22 APR CHINESE STATE CIRCUS City Hall, Malthouse Lane, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP2 7RA • 01722 434434, www. cityhallsalisbury.co.uk, Fri: 7.30pm Sat, Sun: 2.30pm and 7.30pm, £15 -£24. The world famous Chinese State Circus will wow you with their acrobatic expertise. From parasol juggling to the legendary bicycle act this production has it all.

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 21 APR SUMMER YOUTH PROJECT 2012 AUDITIONS Wyvern Theatre, Theatre Square, PRIMARY TIMES

SUN 29 APR WARM UP FOR THE OLYMPICS! Wiltshire Music Centre, Ashley Road, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire BA15 1DZ. 01225 860100, www.wiltshiremusic. org.uk, 3pm. Free • Get a move on for the Olympics at this mass participation event.

Choreographer Anna Olejnicki teaches a 15 minute routine, with live music from Ensemble 360. Advance booking required.

may TUE 1 MAY THE SECRET BLACKBIRD AND OTHER BIRD MYSTERIES Bristol Zoo Gardens, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3HA. 0117 903 0609, www.bristolzoo.org.uk, 7pm8pm, £3 • Authors Geraldine Taylor and Dru Marland introduce their new book ‘The Secret Blackbird’ and entertain you with the bird mysteries of the Downs. If you attend this Bristol Zoo event, please tell them you saw it in Primary Times.

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ROUNDABOUT

Please check before you travel . . . and tell them you saw the event in primary times!

Pic: Daniel st leger

Le Concert de Feu, Salisbury Fri 25 May.

Olympic Torch Relay, Wiltshire 23 May & 11-12 July.

Sat 5 May Plays in a Day, Jungle Adventure (7-10 years) Salisbury Playhouse, Malthouse Lane, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP2 7RA. 01722 320333, www.salisburyplayhouse.com,10am-5pm. £20 • A fantastic opportunity for anyone interested in any aspect of theatre. Children will spend a day working with directors and technicians, using props, costumes and lighting to make their own special show based upon the theme of jungle adventures. Friends and family can see the resulting show.

Sat 19-Sun 20 May Keevil School Scarecrow Trail Keevil School, Keevil, Trowbridge, Wiltshire. 10am4pm • More than 40 scarecrows on the theme of ‘Pairs’ will be spread throughout Keevil village. Quiz sheets for £2 with a prize for the quiz winner. Also available is a BBQ, tea and coffee, cakes, ice cream, plants, second-hand books and more in the school playground.

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Wed 23 May OLYMPIC TORCH RELAY Chippenham to Cirencester. www.london2012.com/olympictorch-relay • As part of its journey around the British Isles in the build up to The Olympics, the widely celebrated flame enters the north-west corner of Wiltshire, passing through Chippenham, Calne, Marlborough, Chiseldon, Wroughton, Royal Wootton Bassett and Swindon before leaving the county before Cirencester. It returns to Wiltshire on 11-12 July, calling at Ludgershall, Tidworth, Amesbury, The Winterbournes and Salisbury, where it rests overnight, setting off the next day through Wilton, Barford St Martin, Fovant, Ludwell and Shaftesbury. See feature, Page 6.

FRI 25 MAY LE CONCERT DE FEU Ageas Salisbury International Arts Festival, Venue TBC. www. salisburyfestival.co.uk, 9.15pm, free • The opening ceremony of the Salisbury Festival is set to go off with a bang, flash and flame too. The world renowned Les Commandos Percu’s dazzling music and pyrotechnic show is not to be missed.

JUNE Sat 2 Jun Gandidni JugglingSmashed!

City Hall, Malthouse Lane, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP2 7TU. 08452 419651. www.salisburyartsfestival.co.uk, 7.30pm. £17.50/£14.50/£10.50/£10 • Smashed! combines nine performers, 80 apples and crockery galore. An exciting performance

£19 U5s free • The closing ceremony of the Salisbury Festival is set to be a treat.

Spend an evening outside listening to live music, watching fireworks and having fun, just be sure to wrap up warm. Book early for the best deals.

as part of the Salisbury Arts Festival.

Sat 2 Jun Diamond Jubilee Evening Picnic Lacock Abbey, nr Chippenham SN15 2LG 01249 730459 www. nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock extended opening to 9pm • A street party on the beautiful South Lawn. Take picnic and drinks and enjoy an evening of music celebrating Elizabeth II. Featuring The Redfords. A prize for the best jubilee-themed silly hat.

Tue 12-Sun 17 Jun Cheltenham Science Festival Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, Cheltenham. www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/science • The Times Cheltenham Science Festival will transform Cheltenham Town Hall and Imperial gardens into the ultimate venue for discovery, debate and hands-on fun with thousands of people taking part in hundreds of events and activities.

Sun 3 Jun Meet Henry VIII Lacock Abbey, nr Chippenham SN15 2LG 01249 730459 www. nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock 10.30am-4.30pm • Your chance to ‘meet’ one of history’s most famous characters. Hero or villain? You decide. Audiences hourly from 11am.

Thu 7 Jun Explore & Draw with Leonardo!

City Museum and Art Gallery, Queens Road, Bristol BS8 1RL, 10am & 1.30pm • Make your own sketchbook with artist, Julie Roberts, and fill it with drawings inspired by the museum’s collections and Leonardo da Vinci.

Thu 7 Jun-Fri 8 Jun Bee-utiful world Lacock Abbey, nr Chippenham SN15 2LG 01249 730459 www. nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock 11am-3pm • Join the abbey’s garden team and explore the fascinating world of the bee.

SAT 9 JUN PARTY IN THE CLOSE Cathedral Close, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 2EJ. 0845 241 9651, www.salisburyfestival. co.uk, 7pm-10pm, £8.50-

Thanks to Dan Ryan, Iris Faraway and Francesca Gibbens for their help with Roundabout listings this issue.

The Royal Collection© 2012, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

SAT 5 MAY DOWNTON CUCKOO FAIR Downton, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP5 3NG. www.cuckoofair. co.uk, 10am – 4.30pm. Free • The 33rd Downton village fair features music, Morris dancing, a farmers market, craft demonstrations and over 250 stalls.

Ten Drawings by Leonardo da Vinci at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery is the focus of several family events this Spring. This is Leonardo’s ‘The head of Leda’ c. 1505-6.

PRIMARY TIMES

Spring into action!

Wielding scissors and chocolate, Francesca Gibbens offers some creative Easter ideas.

W

hatever your creed, the Easter holidays are a chance to celebrate new life and the coming of spring. For small children, it’s a chance to use their hands to understand these ideas in a very practical way. Craft activities can be done both at home and in the classroom and are a great way to get children using their imaginations. Here are just a few possibilities...

both sides of your basket to create a handle before padding the bottom with tissue paper and filling it with your choice of decorated or chocolate eggs. The basket can then be decorated using paints, felt-tips, glitter and any other craft materials at hand.

Easter Nests For truly edible yet authentic looking Easter nests, follow this recipe and give your mini eggs a little home. See how long you can refrain from eating your egg-filled nests.

Easter Basket For kids, Easter can revolve around chocolate eggs and Easter Bunnies. Tradition calls for a basket to carry your eggs in and this simple take on a basket is great for ages 4 to 7. Children can decorate it however they want.

To make these you will need: Shredded Wheat (or similar cereal) Melted milk chocolate Mini eggs Cake cases

To make this you will need: Coloured card Tissue paper Decorated or chocolate eggs.

On a rectangular piece of cardboard draw another rectangle about two inches inside and carefully score (don’t cut) along the lines with the point of a pair of scissors so it can bend easily. Then fold along the scored lines, snipping out the extra card at the corners to form a basket shape. Secure firmly with glue.

Take another long thin strip of cardboard and secure it with glue to

and glue the card to secure it.

Then cut out two large, identical ears from the card, and either cut two smaller pink ears and glue them to the centre of the original ears, or draw and colour them onto the ears. Glue the ears inside the headband. Leave the headband to dry and you are ready to bounce!

Bunny Ears Once you’ve got your basket made, you’ll need your Easter bunny costume. These bunny ears are quick and easy to make and will keep your imaginative children entertained for hours.

To make a pair of bunny ears you will need: A large sheet of card Pink paper or felt tip pens/crayons Glue Cut a strip of card long enough to go around your head. Measure around your head with the card

Crush the Shredded Wheat and melt the chocolate. (Get your parents’ help with this). Then mix them together to create a paste.

Shape this mixture into little nests using cake cases, when the chocolate has set and is hard, fill them with mini eggs.

Events Once the kids have made their bunny ears, and have their baskets ready, it’s time for an Easter egg hunt. Easter egg hunts are an ever popular Easter activity for all ages (even parents). There are plenty of organised ones throughout Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, (check our Roundabout listings for ones near you) but they’re also a great activity for teachers to organise in schools, or for parents to organise around the house and garden. It’s a fantastic opportunity to get your young ones thinking and learning, so try and challenge them with the clues and make them work for their chocolaty treats. Other activities include Bristol’s Chocolate Festival over the Easter weekend in central Bristol, on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 April, in which the promenade fountains become a chocolate lovers’ paradise.

Avebury Easter Egg Hunt 31 Mar-15 Apr T: 01672 539250 Bristol Chocolate Festival 7-8 Apr W: www.festivalchocolate.co.uk Easter Egg Trail 8-9 Apr T: 01249 730459 W: www.nationaltrust. org.uk Easter Trail 8-9 Apr T: 01373 822238 W: www.brokerswoodcountrypark.co.uk Easter Challenge 3-6 Apr T: 01666 880220 Easter Eggstravaganza 1 Apr T: 01225 388569 Easter Family Fun Trail Until 15 Apr T: 01722 335398.

Golden Egg Hunt 31 Mar-22 Apr W: www.bristolzoo.org.uk Prior Park Easter Eggstravaganza 6-9 Apr T: 01225 833422 W: www.nationaltrust. org.uk Swindon Children’s Scrapstore T: 01793 513982 W: www.scrapstore.co.uk EASTER 2012

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kids combat adventures

outdoor laser games

Join Cpl. Spike for a GREAT BIRTHDAY PARTY at his Woodland Battlefield 2 mins Chippenham Jct 17 M4 Recruits must be minimum age 9

Hey Kids! Our Hi-Tech Equipment has Halo Technology.

Hey Mum! No Projectiles so No Bruising when shot Unlimited Ammo. FOC

ration packs available Open All Year Round—Pre-Booking Essential For More Information Please Call 01249 721196

www.jcompany.co.uk

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EASTER 2012

PRIMARY TIMES

3/14/2012 10:18:44 AM

ADVERTISING FEATURE

d r a o b n Pi Join Salisbury’s jubilee Salisbury City Council has organised a wonderful family day out on Bank Holiday Monday 4 June at Hudson’s Field, Salisbury, to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

The free family fun day, which starts at 2pm, promises lots of things to see and do for all the family including displays from the Animal Bike Tour, battling knights, archery, craft demonstrations and live music from a whole host of local talent, all of which culminates in an up-beat set from the Counterfeit Beatles followed by a firework finale and a lighting of a jubilee beacon at 10pm.

More information about this event will be added to the Council’s website over the coming weeks.

Ffi: T: 01722 342860 W: www.salisburycitycouncil.gov.uk

Tell ‘em about the Bunny By popular demand Roves Farm’s Easter Bunny is back! The Easter Fun takes place daily from Sat 31 Mar-Sun 15 Apr. Free tractor and trailer rides take visitors on an adventure to find Easter Bunny, who is busy training for the Olympics. You’ll have to run fast to beat him to the finish line and receive your treat!

Andrea, a season ticket holder from Swindon said ‘I don’t think my three year old will ever forget the Easter Bunny racing the Tractor Ride on the quad bike! We cannot wait for this year, it is so much fun!’

Children’s Craft Sessions offer visitors the opportunity to snip, stick and decorate Easter cards, pictures and fluffy chicks to take home.

There are a large range of farm animals at Roves Farm, along with chicks, guinea pigs and rabbits to hold and stroke. Daily events include: feeding the lambs and goats, animal racing, pedal tractors, a willow maze and indoor and outdoor adventure play areas.

Ffi: Roves Farm Visitor Centre nr Highworth SN6 7QG. Open daily, 10:30am-5pm. T: 01793 763939 W: www.rovesfarm.co.uk

PRIMARY TIMES

Paddington says, ‘Bring your bear!’

Paddington Bear is encouraging primary schools across the UK to register in his annual Bring your Bear event this summer to raise vital funds for children’s charity, Action Medical Research.

The Bring your Bear concept is simple and fun and this year is extra special as Action Medical Research celebrates its 60th anniversary. It’s easy to join in. Schools just need to choose a day in May or June when the children bring their teddy bear, or a favourite soft toy, along with them for the day.

Each child brings in a £2 donation to support research to help sick babies and children.

Many schools organise a whole day of fun, such as reading Paddington stories and holding a teddy bears’ picnic where, of course, the children eat Paddington’s favourite – marmalade sandwiches! Every school that registers gets a free fundraising kit with all the resources to run a fun-filled Bring your Bear event.

Parents’ & teachers’

news, education & contacts

Wychwood rocks for families

Ffi: www. action.org.uk/bringyourbear

Much more than just a music festival, Wychwood leads the way for family celebration in the UK, with programming designed to entertain children and parents alike.

Since launching in 2003, it has become one of the most successful independent arts events in the UK. Interactive workshops include Roald Dahl’s story centre, art exhibitions, The Cheltenham Poetry Festival, and E-Festival’s comedy club.

This year sees acts such as British indie-rockers James, punk superstars The Damned, folk group Bellowhead, and 80’s sensation Doctor & The Medics, wow audiences with performances of their hits.

Additionally the BBC Introducing Stage places local talent in the spotlight. If you’re planning a festival weekend for you and your family this summer, Wychwood is not to be missed.

Put a spring in your step at Brokerswood

Ffi: Wychwood Festival Cheltenham Racecourse, Gloucester GL50 4SH. Fri 8-Sun 10 Jun. Weekend tickets £90£115 (£15-£55 children 5-15, Under 5s free but need ticket). Day tickets £24 (children 5-15 from £10, under 5s free).

W: www.wychwoodfestival.com

With the longer days returning and the weather beginning to warm up it’s time to get out and about and enjoy the West Country Springtime.

Brokerswood Country Park provides the perfect rural retreat for outdoors types, with beautiful woodland to explore, barbecue and picnic areas to enjoy with the family, adventure play areas for children and a narrow gauge railway.

Sun 8-Mon 9 Apr Easter Trail The annual Easter Trail through the park is great fun for children and adults. 50p per person plus standard Park entry fee.

Wed 11 Apr Archery Sessions for 8-12 year olds. Please call 01373 822238 to book.

Ffi: www.brokerswoodcountrypark. co.uk

Fabulous kids’ events at Tewkesbury’s Heritage Centre Out of the Hat, Tewkesbury’s Heritage Centre, has a great selection of children’s events starting this holiday and throughout the rest of the year. For Easter it has Hop into Heritage (held on 4 & 11 Apr), a children’s craft workshop, and fun trails around the centre. Its drop-in workshops continue on 21 Apr with dragons and shield/princesses and crowns.

Ffi and regular event updates: W: www.outofthehat.org.uk E: anna.sanders@tewkesbury.gov.uk

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Ad ver tising Feature

Pop up school for Salisbury Local teacher Mark Osmond (pictured) is passionate about maths and has set up Salisbury’s first ‘pop-up school’. First Class Learning aims to offer additional support in English and Maths to all young people, in line with the National Curriculum.

Mark set up the after-school programme in recognition of the need for parental as well as pupil engagement in the learning process. “We aim to help children of all ages and abilities from primary and 11 plus through to GCSE,” says Mark.

An exciting new development has been the establishment of an after-school Maths Club in one local primary school whose head teacher was eager to offer the First Class Learning programme to her pupils. “The Maths Club is a great way for pupils to learn at their own pace, outside of the pressures of the classroom,” says Mark. “Feedback from parents has been fantastic. Typically I hear comments such as, ‘Jo is really making progress and retaining her Maths’ or ‘Henry has jumped two National Curriculum bands in four months’. Mathematics develops reasoning, problem-solving, logic and visualisation skills, all of which are so important today.”

Mark had a successful business career before going into teaching, supporting ‘Young Enterprise’ programmes and becoming a mentor for the Prince’s Trust.

“The learning programmes have been designed by a team of mathematics and English specialists with a wealth of experience in primary, secondary and special needs education, supported by the British Dyspraxia Foundation,” he says.

• Ffi: Mark Osmond T: 01722 322201

Adver tising Feature

Kids Combat Adventures comes to Wiltshire Having started outdoor laser combat in Bristol in 1995 for ages 13 through to 65 and over, Brian Cox found a permanent battlefield location near Chippenham in 2001, conveniently located two m i n u tes f ro m Junction 17 of the M4.

Over the years it has entertained boys and girls from numerous schools, colleges and various youth groups at the woodland battlefield and, on the odd occasion, Brian has run the event within schools’ grounds.

He received so many requests from the younger age group that, finally, in April 2010, he launched Kids Combat Adventures for ages 9 to 13. The new state-of-the-art equipment is fully programmable to reflect the different games for this age range.

Unlike paintball, there are no projectiles, so no one gets bruised when shot. No masks are required - good news for those who wear glasses - as full safety vision is maintained.

The event is run by Brian and another experienced marshal to ensure the games are played in a safe manner but at the same time ensuring the children have fun.

If you are looking for a great birthday party idea or an event for your school group, Kids Combat Adventures offers a fun activity in the fresh air. Open all year round. Prior booking is essential.

• Ffi: Kids Combat Adventures Upper Seagry SN15 5HB. T: 01249 721196 W: www.jcompany.co.uk

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easter 2012

PRIMARY TIMES

Adver tising Feature

Easter fun at the Bristol Aquarium There’s a whole host of fun activities, events and new features for visitors to enjoy at Bristol Aquarium over the Easter holidays. There will be a special fishy-themed Easter egg and baby hunt around the displays, with the opportunity to spot everything from shark and ray egg-cases to stickleback eggs, baby seahorses and clownfish.

Among the native shark species laying eggs are a number of dogfish that were themselves hatched at one of Bristol’s sister aquariums several years ago. As well as egg and baby hunts, visitors will be able to come face to face with the aquarium’s shocking new arrival. Bolt is a giant electric eel from South America who is capable of generating more than 600 volts of electricity – enough to knock a horse off its feet! He has gone on display in his own tank alongside the aquarium’s shoal of bizarrelooking blind cave fish.

New for 2012: toxic frogs opens at Easter The aquarium will also unveil its deadly new feature, Toxic Frogs featuring some of the smallest, deadliest amphibians on the planet. Although tiny, poison dart frogs are among the animal kingdom’s most deadly killers. Found throughout the world, they use poison to keep predators from eating them, and are so named because some native South Americans use their poison to make toxic darts, which are so poisonous they will kill monkeys and other big animals.

• Ffi: Bristol Aquarium, Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5TT. Open daily from 10am. T: 0117 929 8929 W: www. bristolaquarium.co.uk .

Adver tising Feature

Smallprint preserves big memories Set up in October 2004, Smallprint was the first company in the UK to specialise in the creation of silver fingerprint jewellery and keepsakes. Smallprint jewellery is made from a product called precious metal clay (PMC), which allows babies’ fingerprints to be taken straight onto a piece of jewellery.

This means that each piece of fingerprint jewellery has actually been touched by someone you love, making it a very precious gift.

As the company has grown, it has extended its range to include hand and foot prints. These perfect miniature prints of chubby little hands and feet look great on its range of silver jewellery. Treasure those first steps, or Daddy’s first high five.

Why let children’s drawings crumple and fade when you can wear them with pride? Mini masters create perfect replicas of older children’s drawings and doodles. You can even celebrate the first time they write their name by capturing their careful letters, mistakes and all.

All items can be made into charms, pendants, key rings, cufflinks or Christmas decorations. Smallprint Scribes is the latest range to be introduced with name tags, ingots and birth tags in fine silver.

Each item is hand finished, providing customers with a unique piece of jewellery. Most importantly, Smallprint is a specialist in its field – that of creating silver keepsakes for parents, family and friends to treasure those precious milestones forever.

• Ffi: Smallprint T: (Bristol & South Gloucestershire) Marie, 07527 600677, (Clifton, N. Somerset & N.E. Somerset), Lisa, 07515 374054 W: www.smallp.co.uk or contact your local franchisee direct.

PRIMARY TIMES

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Hello Kids!

Thank you so much for the wonderful pictures of Bristol seen from an open top bus.

You interpreted the idea beautifully, and the standard was very high, so try again if your picture didn’t get published this time.

Next month I have teamed up with ss Great Britain which is offering a family ticket to the the five best pictures imagining the life of a sailor or a passenger on Bristol’s historic steamer.

Try to imagine the people on board, rather than simply drawing the boat. Please 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 30 April . Have fun!

Arty Barty Last issue, I asked you to send in your pictures of Bristol seen from an open top bus. Well done to the winners, who win a family pass for a tour of Bristol on City Sightseeing, Bristol’s open top bus.

Consolation prizes of a free book go to other published pictures.

WINNER! Sophia Wyman, 10, Ellwood Community Primary School, Coleford

A black and white sketch of Bristol’s Victorian architecture. A good use of hatching and shading to create depth and interest.

WINNER!

Imogen Granger, 3, Manton Pre-School, Marlborough A mixed media piece in bold colours depicts a bus driving along on a sunny day. The use of sparkly paper for the bus wheels, house and sun shows Bristol as a fabulous place to see from a bus!

Arty

Celina Stibbard Kings Junior Sc , 8, Charlton I loved this beau hool, Cheltenham of the river and tifully drawn view bri famous hot air badge with Bristol’s lloons. talented artist. A very Alicja Derdzinska, 7, St John’s Primary School, Cheltenham Alicja has used wax crayons and felt tips in this zingy picture of Bristol at New Year. Brilliant energy and verve.

Shiver me timbers!

Helen Dorritt reviews the new releases.

Games for a laugh If you ever wanted to know which Olympic swimmer had to train in a crocodile infested river, then this is the book for you. With the 2012 Olympics coming up this July, there’s never been a better time to learn more about the Games, both past and present. From finding out what the Ancient Greeks wore to wrestle to which contestant listed eating chicken nuggets as part of their preparation, this hilarious book is full of anecdotes, facts and quizzes, all beautifully illustrated.

There is also an interactive section which gives you tips on how to put on your own mini Olympics, which is perfect for any budding athletes considering a greater involvement in sport.

Fitter, Faster, Funnier Olympics

by Michael Cox, A&C Black (paperback), £4.99. www.acblack.com

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With pirates, vanishing ladies, a trip to the zoo and a grisly murder, this comedic novel is guaranteed to keep readers entertained from start to finish. The Pirates! is being re-issued to coincide with the release of the Aardman Animation film version this spring. Follow the Pirate Captain and his rag tag crew as they decide to leave behind weevil racing and have an adventure, which takes them to London where they have to save Charles Darwin from the scheming of an evil bishop.

The Pirates! In an Adventure With Scientists! by Gideon Defoe, Bloomsbury (paperback), £6.99. www. bloomsbury.com PRIMARY TIMES

A tangled web

With the internet now an everyday part of our lives, Dan Ryan looks at ways to keep your children safe while they surf.

N

o parent enjoys not knowing what their children are up to, whether that’s outside the house or in the virtual world.

The thought of them being at risk in any environment is anathema.

But with children getting online younger, the internet can take them far out of your sight, even when they’re sitting right in front of you.

Social networks and the web are integral parts of life for children today, and are as natural as any real-world interaction. Recent research has found that 44 per cent of British children between 8 and 12 are regularly logging onto Facebook, despite its minimum age limit of 13. The social nature of these online platforms means that if their friends sign up, there is a lot of pressure for your kids to join and a slim chance that they will leave. If you don’t want your

children to miss out on this aspect of modern social life, you’ll need to set a few ground rules.

Proper discipline in regards to your child’s activities online and on social networks is, like most

“Get involved in your children’s online life, just as you would their real one.” David Wright, UK Safer Internet Centre things, a delicate balancing act.

The key to online safety is getting in early, establishing rules and teaching your children not just how to be safe but why it’s important. There are two fundamental basics to instil in your children: PRIMARY TIMES

the understanding that the web is a public space and a healthy suspicion of the content they are browsing.

Some children will find it difficult to understand differences in the interactions they have online and those they have in real life. It’s important for them to realise that, generally, something you post on the internet is visible to everyone in the world, and will be recorded forever. It can be useful to talk to your child about how other people might think of them if they post mean or silly things on the internet. Another important aspect is to ensure your child knows never to put their address, telephone number or any other identifying details online. Best practice is to get them to ask you before entering this information so you can explain why it is, or most usually isn’t, appropriate.

The other aspect of safe surfing is

to instil a critical eye in your children.

They have to learn why the advertisements that appear are tailored to their likes, and how to resist them; that lots of things they might read aren’t necessarily true; and, most importantly, that they should be suspicious of any people who they haven’t met in person.

There is a temptation to control the issues by spying on your children or trying to block them from certain sites. But this attitude is more likely to breed distrust between you and your kids and, as they turn to more covert methods of communication, you’ll find it’s nearly impossible for the parents to keep up in the escalating virtual race.

“Get involved in your children’s online life, just as you would their real one,” advises David Wright of the UK Safer Internet Centre. “Make sure they know about the three problem Cs: content, contact and conduct.

They should feel comfortable talking to you about it if they come across these issues.”

The best approach is to give your children the tools to look after themselves online, so you don’t need to intrude on their privacy to do it for them. Engaging with them from a young age over their internet use, joining them in their first forays into social networking and then ceding responsibility to them as they grow up is something that they’ll ultimately thank you for.

Ins@fe internet safety guidance www.saferinternet.org SPLICT Project promoting ICT in early years www.playthinklearn.org Kidsmart www.kidsmart.org.uk Childnet www.childnet.com Safer Internet Centre www.saferinternet.org EASTER 2012

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Junior success

Q TV presenter Holly Willoughby highlights the work of Together for Short Lives

Short and sweet

S

eriously ill children who are not expected to reach adulthood - and the families who care for them - face one of life’s most heartbreaking journeys. But professional organisations and charities who work with them, offer so much to make their time together fulfilling.

One Bristol-based charity, Together for Short Lives, is asking pupils and staff to celebrate Children’s Hospice Week (18-25 May) by going into school on Friday 25 May dressed in superhero fancy dress. The initiative is part of Superhero Friday which celebrates the work of children’s hospices.

Together for Short Lives has created a special fundraising pack specifically for primary schools.

The pack, which is available to

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download at www.childrenshospiceweek.org.uk/resources.asp, encourages teachers and children to help raise funds for local children’s hospices who help the seriously ill children and their families.

The fundraising pack contains posters and invitations as well as a raft of ideas such as showing a superhero cartoon at lunchtime, holding a cake sale, decorating superhero masks or holding special comic reading sessions to develop core ITC skills linked to the National Curriculum. Schools can also upload pictures of their classes in fancy dress and potentially also invite a local hospice in to the school to talk more about the cause.

ueen Elizabeth Hospital Junior School only opened in 2007 but has proved immensely popular in Bristol with boys and their parents. QEH Juniors Headmaster, Martin Morris, says, “Such is the popularity of QEH Junior School that we have expanded it from our original 80 pupils to over 110. It has successfully reacted to intense demand from local parents while remaining small enough to guarantee a happy educational experience for the boys.”

The school introduced its new

‘QE Award’ last year – the equivalent for Year 6 boys of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award activities.

Boys are encouraged to immerse themselves in extra-curricular activities including public performance, community work and physical recreation, as well as taking part in expeditions and camps.

QEH Juniors Open Morning Mon 30 Apr, 10am-12noon.

Ffi: Mrs Carolyn Matthews, admissions registrar T: 0117 930 3068 W: www.qehbristol.co.uk E: admissions@qehbristol.co.uk

Ffi: T: 0117 989 7820 W: www. togetherforshortlives.org.uk/ www.childrenshospiceweek.org.uk PRIMARY TIMES

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