Primary Times Wilt: September 2012

rima ry ptimes for parents, teachers & children

11 12 1 yrs

2 3 4 yrs

in Wiltshire

Issue 77

3 Sep-24 Oct 2012

First term nerves After school fun Food for thought

V for Victorian!

Travel back in time this September with Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre Page 4

Arty Barty • Theatre • Roundabout • Save money!

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With the dampest summer in living memory behind us, the season of mists will be greeted with muted enthusiasm by some. But, seeing children’s paintings chosen by my friend Arty Barty (P20), I was reminded why the start of the school year is so fantastic.

You’re seeing all your friends for the first time in ages. With them you can face the new beginning with its host of exciting new challenges. The children’s paintings have captured this moment so well.

If it’s your child’s first ever term at school, author Sarah Ebner describes how parents and children can get over those initial nerves and make new friends (P6). Have a great year!

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teachers for parents,

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11 12 1 y yrs

2 3 4

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the editor

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Issue 77

3 Sep-24

THEATRE P8 WILTSHIRE’S MOST EXCITING CHILDREN’S PRODUCTIONS ROUNDABOUT P11 HERITAGE OPEN DAY AND OTHER GREAT LOCAL EVENTS IN THE COUNTY PINBOARD P16 ADVERTISING FEATURES P18 WITH LOCAL SCHOOLS AND ACTIVITIES PUPILS’ PAGE P20 ARTY BARTY COMMENTS ON YOUR FANTASTIC PAINTINGS CLASSIFIEDS P22

Oct 2012

ves First term ner fun After schoolught Food for tho

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V FOR VICTORIA

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

e with Wiltshir September in time this 4 tre Page Travel back History Cen and Swindon

ney! t • Save mo 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 Editor: Mike Gartside

Email: mike.gartside@venue.co.uk

Tel: 0117 934 3742 Commercial director: Becky Davis

Email: b.davis@venue.co.uk

Tel: 0117 934 3780 Advertising: Ellie Pipe

Email: e.pipe@venue.co.uk

Tel: 0117 934 3769/01225 429801 Distribution: Simon Butler

Tel: 0117 934 3741

Email: s.butler@bepp.co.uk Design: Cath Evans, Sarah Clark, Mike Gartside 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 is currently publishing more than two million copies per issue under franchise.

PRIMARY TIMES

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FIRST DAY NERVES P6 SARAH EBNER HAS ADVICE FOR THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR

CALL TO ACTION P17 HOW TO KEEP YOUR KIDS ACTIVE AFTER SCHOOL

FOOD FOR THOUGHT P21 FIONA FAULKNER DISPELS E NUMBER MYTHS

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8/22/2012 3:51:56 PM

Victorian Day Sat 29 Sept 10am–4pm Wiltshire and Sw indon History Centre Chippenham Free for all the family

V for Victorian!

Rediscover the ingenuity of 19th century Britain as Wiltshire’s leading archive and archaeology centre invites you back in time.

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iscover Victorian Wiltshire at a fun family event this September as The Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre in Chippenham recreates the era of I.K. Brunel, Florence Nightingale and Charles Dickens. Enjoy the atmosphere of a Victorian travellers’ fair as you listen to the evocative sounds of the barrel organ, join in some traditional Victorian games or visit the fortune teller to find out what the future may hold. Dr Cuttlebung, inventor of the amazing patent cure all, will be there to tell you how his wonderful medicine can cure any illness and to warn you of the many dangers to health that can beset the unwary visitor to these newfangled and unhealthy towns.

Victorians loved machines and toys based on optical illusions, so visitors to the fair can see a selection of the finest, including a camera obscura. Children can join the Wiltshire Scrapstore to make their own Victorian toy to take home.

In the era before radio,

Meet the Victorian conservator

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Early photography was pioneered

television or computers wealthy Victorian families would relax after dinner by singing, playing musical instruments and reading aloud from popular novels. Local performers will recreate these drawing room entertainments so you can sit back, relax and enjoy a selection of favourite Victorian songs, stories and music.

The first museums in the county were founded in the Victorian period and they displayed a curious collection of objects from Wiltshire and around the world. The Victorians were fascinated by items designed as charms to ward off witches or evil spirits, miniature objects and those from newly explored parts of the globe. The new science of geology with its fossils and minerals was also very popular. Visit the cabinet of curiosities and be prepared to be amazed by a display of the weirdest and most amazing objects from Wiltshire museums.

Highly skilled conservators complete years of specialist training in order to repair and restore the fragile, ancient documents in the centre’s collection. You can meet a Victorian conservator to find out how documents were looked after in the past and see some of the worst examples of conservation

in Wiltshire

performed by the conservators of yesteryear. Today’s conservators will also be on hand to show you how it’s done properly. See them demonstrate paper marbling, a specialist technique that applies a coloured finish to paper which was popular in Victorian books.

The Victorian period was one of invention and innovation and local man Fox Talbot invented the process of printing photographs that allowed photography to become a common pastime by the end of the nineteenth century. The centre celebrates this remarkable invention by displaying Victorian photographs from its collection and encouraging children to don Victorian clothes to create their own portrait photograph. Fox Talbot “himself” will be there to tell you about his invention.

Wiltshire’s archaeology team looks after some of the richest archaeological remains in the country. Victorian archaeologists undertook pioneering archaeological work here. Find out what discoveries they made and how they started the work of mapping the area’s numerous ancient monuments and historic finds and see how today’s archaeologists use state-of-theart technology to carry on this vital work.

Local artist Edwin Young captured views of Victorian Salisbury and the surrounding villages. Enjoy an exhibition of his enchanting paintings complemented by early photographs showing the scenes that he painted.

Letters by Florence Nightingale, Thomas Hardy, Hans Christian Anderson and Queen Victoria herself will be amongst the gems from the archive that you can see on the centre’s behind the scenes tour.

Also on display are documents telling the story of rich and poor in the Victorian era. The lives of servants, emigrants, paupers and prisoners will be revealed alongside those of the wealthiest people who enjoyed all the luxuries that life had to offer.

Ffi: Laurel Miller, Education Officer, Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre, Cocklebury Road, Chippenham SN15 3QN T: 01249 705500 E: heritageadmin@ wiltshire.gov.uk W: www.wshc.eu/ events

THE CENTRE Just five minutes’ walk from Chippenham Railway station, Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre cares for documents dating from 1150 to the present, over 35,000 books about Wiltshire and 45,000 photographs. It is the home of Wiltshire Council’s archaeology service, arts service and conservation labs and offers a range of services to schools including Victorian resource packs and local history workshops.

The centre is open to the public Tuesday-Friday 9.30-5.30 and Saturday 9.30-5.00 Hot and cold snacks for sale.

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Sarah Ebner

A NEW MORNING Journalist and author Sarah Ebner explains how parents can deal with first day at school nerves.

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hat should you expect from your child’s first term at school? In a nutshell, it’s likely to be a mixture of early mornings, silence (children are rarely good at telling their parents what they’ve been up to), some anxiety and grumpiness, new friends, and, of course, learning. But if you put it all together, it’s a great new adventure, even though there might be some tears on the way.

Starting school is a big step, for parents and children. But, as the parent, you must try not to let your child see your fears and concerns. Children always pick up on their parents’ moods, so be positive, even if you are a little nervous about this new start.

FIRST TERM TIPS • Make friends for yourself.

You might have to be confident and initiate conversation, but friends make pick-up and drop off time much more fun.

• Make sure your child gets enough sleep. You may have to start an earlier bedtime routine.

• Don’t be scared to speak to the teacher or headteacher if there’s a problem.

• But don’t speak to teachers first thing in the morning when they have 30 children arriving all at once. Instead try to catch them at the end of the day, or make an appointment via the office.

• Weigh up packed lunch vs. school dinners – and go with the one which you think your child will eat. But if time is at a premium for you, try school dinners first.

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The playground awaits

If your child is feeling anxious, try to keep the mood light. I would also recommend reading books about starting school together.

‘Topsy and Tim Start School’ by Jean and Gareth Adams, ‘Kevin Starts School’ by Liesbet Slegers and ‘I’m Absolutely Too Small for School’ by Lauren Child are among my favourites.

Once term starts, you may find that your biggest problem is crying (theirs, not yours) at school drop-off. Most people (especially teachers) agree that you simply need to leave when this happens.

After all, your child is in the hands of professionals and you should trust them.

“It’s always good to get rid of the parents,” confided one headteacher to me, while another experienced Reception class teacher added, “I have never had a child who didn’t settle after his or her parents left.”

That, of course, is all well and good. But the reality is that it can be emotionally draining to have an unhappy child grabbing onto your knees each morning, especially if they haven’t shown behaviour like this before.

If you are planning the “just go” line, then it’s sensible to have a proper plan, rather than perform a simple vanishing act. Don’t say that you will wait and say goodbye, and then not do it. This could inflame the situation, making your child feel even more insecure the next day. Instead, tell them exactly what you are going to do.

Another option, if it’s possible, is not to be the person dropping off. Sometimes children misbehave with one parent, but not with anyone else. If you organise some (hopefully temporary) help, that may prove to be a breakthrough.

“You can set up a vicious cycle, where the child dreads going to school and separating from his mum, and so the mum also begins to dreads it,” says psychologist Lucy Willetts. “The child picks up on that anxiety. It might be that if the dad or a friend can take them, it would be easier for the child.”

Another tip is to give your child what psychologist call a “transitional object”. That way, they have a reminder of you, such as a bracelet or badge, with them for the day.

Children start school when they’re very young and, even if they don’t

find it stressful, it’s often exhausting, both mentally and physically.

So, don’t be surprised by some bad or babyish behaviour (cut them some slack at the beginning). You should also hold off on organising too many after-school activities or playdates, at least at the start.

After about a month or two, school becomes less of a novelty and the excitement fades. This may be when you find that your child develops a reluctance to get up, or starts to talk about tummy aches or headaches. He or she may become clingy or unsettled on a Sunday evening. Whatever happens (within reason) you need to continue taking your child to school. They’ve got years left, and hopefully they’ll enjoy most of them. Good luck!

Sarah Ebner is editor of The Times’s School Gate, @schoolgate and author of ‘The Starting School Survival Guide: everything you need to know when your child starts school’.

PRIMARY TIMES

8/22/2012 3:45:58 PM

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

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FAMILY & CHILDREN’S SHOWS ★ SALISBURY, SWINDON, TROWBRIDGE & BEYOND When Eggy Met Peggy, Salisbury Arts Centre, Sun 30 Sep.

WILTSHIRE THE ARTS CENTRE Devizes Road, Old Town, Swindon SN1 4BJ. 01793 614837, www. swindon.gov.uk Jungle Book Fri 26 Oct. 1pm and 4pm. £10/£8 (family price available) • Be transported to the jungle as you are entertained by the music and antics of Mowgli, Baloo, King Louis and more colourful characters.

SALISBURY ARTS CENTRE Bedwin Street, Salisbury SP1 3UT. 01722 321744, www.salisburyartscentre.co.uk When Eggy Met Peggy Sun 30 Sep. 11am & 2pm, £7.50/£6.50 • Tallulah Swirls display more puppetry magic with a new show that whisks up ‘Humpty Dumpty’ with ‘The Princess and the Pea’ to bring you a show about growing your own food and eating it all up. Characters include Eggy and Peggy the pea, a rock ‘n’ rolling raspberry and cha cha cha-ing carrots.

Circus Bear Sun 7 Oct, 11.30am, £7.50/£6.50 • A non-verbal cinema of shadows by Finger and Thumb theatre promises a magical experience for children aged three and over, as a tiny bear meets a menagerie of cool animals before starring in his own circus.

Portmanteau Sun 21 Oct, 11.30am & 2pm, £7.50/£6.50 • A mix of mime, movement and sign language in which two ushers have to step in and play the characters when the film breaks down.

Compagnie Animotion provide the thrills for children aged 5 – 12 years.

SALISBURY PLAYHOUSE Malthouse Lane, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP2 7RA. 01722 320333, www.salisburyplayhouse.com The Golden Cowpat Sat 8 Sep. 11am & 2pm, £8 • Betty, a moody cow, lives on a run down farm with her owner, Hector, who has given up on a life of success. When Betty lays a golden cowpat, Hector realises that she is the key to prosperity and they set off on an epic quest. Ages 3-9.

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

Chris and Pui Sun 4 Nov. 11am and 2pm • See CBeebies’ favourites, Chris and Pui, as they take their show on the road. Laugh, sing and join in with the ‘Show Me Show 8

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Me’ duo as they perform sketches, rhymes and songs for pre-schoolers and their families.

Aladdin Sat 8 Dec-Sun 6 Jan. £12.50-£26 • A family pantomime starring everyone’s favourite genie, and the young boy who sets him free.

FURTHER AFIELD THE BRISTOL HIPPODROME Saint Augustine’s Parade, Bristol BS1 4UZ. 0844 871 3012, www. bristolhippodrome.org.uk The Lion King Until Sat 17 Nov. 7.30pm/2.30pm, £22.50-£75 • This hugely popular West End stage adaptation of the Disney movie makes Bristol its first port of call in the long-awaited national tour.

BRISTOL OLD VIC King Street, BS1 4ED. 0117 987 7877, www.bristololdvic.org.uk Peter Pan Mon 26 Nov-Sat 19 Jan. 2pm & 7pm (various days). £8-28 • Fly with Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up, on his adventure through Neverland. Joined by Wendy, Tinker Bell and the Lost Boys, they take on the evil Captain Hook in this beloved production.

Recommended ages 6+.

THE EGG Theatre Royal, Sawclose, Bath BA1 1ET. 01225 448844, www. theatreroyal.org.uk Little Red Hen Sat 22 Sep.

11.30am & 3pm. £7.50/£6.50 • Puppetry, storytelling and song tells the famous tale of the Little Red Hen who decides to make a delicious loaf of bread but discovers that good help is hard to find. Ages 2-5.

Ready or Not Sat 29 Sep. 11.30am & 3pm. £7.50/£6.50 • A colourful music and dance performance about playing together, making friends, and how to share and trust one another. Ages 3+.

Little Howard’s Big Show Sat 6 Oct. 11.30am & 3pm. £10 • BBC 1’s Big Howard and Little Howard come alive on stage with songs, sketches, magic, and a brand new invisible character.

The Mysterious Vanishment of Pobby and Dingan Fri 12-Sat 13 Oct. 11.30am & 3pm. £7.50/£6.50 • How do you search for imaginary friends when you can’t even see them? A poignant and funny story about family loyalty based on Ben Rice’s acclaimed debut novel. Ages 9+.

Up Down Boy Fri 19 Oct. 1.30pm & 7pm. £7.50/£6.50 • The uplifting story of a boy with Down’s syndrome and his mother as he learns to take on the real world.

Ages 9+.

Portmanteau Sat 20 Oct. 11.30am & 3pm. £7.50/£6.50 • A mix of mime, movement and sign language in which two ushers have to step in and play the characters when the film breaks down. Compagnie Animotion provide the thrills for children aged 5 – 12 years.

Egg Thu 25-Sun 28 Oct. 10.30am & 1pm (Thu-Fri), 11.30am & 3pm (Sat), 11.30am & 2pm (Sun).

£7.50/£6.50 • The story of two slightly kooky birds who set out on an adventure and stumble across an egg, of all things. Ages 3+.

Clockheart Boy Mon 29-Tues 30 Oct. 11.30am-3pm. £7.50/£6.50 • When a boy with no heart is washed ashore, the Professor and his creations vow to bring him back to life. The Clockheart Boy learns the joys of stargazing, dancing, romance and friendship.

Ages 6+ Woodland Tue 30 Oct-Sat 3 Nov. 10am, 12pm & 3pm daily. £6.50 • Woodland is an interactive world for children and families to explore. There is a new arrival who doesn’t work to routines.

Find out what happens when the excitable creature sets out to find adventure.

EVERYMAN THEATRE Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573, www. everymantheatre.org.uk Tweedy Thu 20 Sep. 7.45pm. £9.50/£8 concessions • Tweedy is a quirky, comic character that stars in his own show full of madcap humour and comic stunts.

Dick Whittington Fri 30 Nov-Sun 13 Jan. £11/family £58 • The story of a local lad made good with a streetwise cat as his companion.

The cast includes familar faces from past shows such as William Elliott and Kelli Maybank.

TOBACCO FACTORY THEATRE Raleigh Road, Bristol, BS3 1TF. 0117 902 0344, www.tobaccofactorytheatre.com Hansel and Gretel Wed 5 DecMon 14 Jan. Various times. £7-15 (family rates available) • See the classic German fairy tale come to life in this performance collaboration between the Tobacco Factory Theatre and award-winning company New International Encounter. Ages 6+.

ST GEORGE’S BRISTOL Great George Street, Bristol BS1 5RR. 0845 402 4001, www. stgeorgesbristol.co.uk Drum Blondes Sun 16 Sep. 3pm, £8/£6 • Emily Morris and Claire Hasted introduce children aged 6 and over to the delights of percussion. Also a workshop at 1pm.

A Musical Mystery Tour Sun 7 Oct. 2pm, £8/£6 • A zany tour of music from around the world featuring a ‘parrot-parrot’ from ‘Hong-Hong-Kong-Kong’ and Children’s BBC classics.

Mandiloquents Sun 7 Oct. 6pm. £12/£6 • This band of ‘off-beat strummers’ promise hot swing and fiery folk music, via Mozart and Vivaldi.

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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 Funky Felt Day, Trowbridge, Sat 8 Sep

Deadlines: List your school’s events in Primary Times for free. We work a half-term in advance so we’re now collecting information copy for November and December 2012: deadline Monday 10 September. If your event is to raise cash for a school, community group or charity, and is open to the public, we want to know. Email mike.gartside@venue.co.uk.

FRI 7 SEP-26 OCT HOLBURNE EARLY YEARS WORKSHOPS Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DB. 01225 388568, holburneeducation@bath.ac.uk, www. holburne.org, 10.30am-12pm and 1-2.30pm, £7.50, toddlealongs 2-5 years • Expert-led weekly workshops held in the Gardener’s Lodge. Sing songs, watch stories come to life and get arty with a new museum related theme each week.

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 8 SEP FUNKY FELT DAY Trowbridge Museum, The Shires, Wiltshire BA14 8AT. 01225 751339, www.trowbridgemuseum.co.uk, 10am-4:30pm, free• A felt making workshop for children aged 4 and over.

SEPTEMBER UNTIL MON 17 SEP SUMMER NIGHT SKY At-Bristol, Anchor Road, Bristol BS1 5DB. 0845 345 1235, www.atbristol.org.uk • Sit back and take a trip to the summer night sky.

Explore amazing constellations, such as Leo the Lion, and learn a couple of DIY star spotting techniques. Daily shows. Check the website for more information.

UNTIL SUN 30 SEP BOTANIC GARDEN University of Bristol Botanic Garden, The Holmes, Stoke Park Road, Stoke Bishop, Bristol, BS9 1JG. 0117 331 4906, www.bristol. ac.uk/botanic-garden, 10am4.30pm every day, £3.50 (adults)/ free (students, staff, under 16s) • Discover exotic species of plants and meander between flowers and ponds, all set against the backdrop of a lovely Victorian house. Guided tours available upon request to the university.

UNTIL 23 OCT QUILTING BEE The American Museum in Britain, Claverton Manor, Bath BA2 7BD. 01225 460503, www.americanmuseum.org, every Tuesday 12noon4pm • Quilting groups from all over the region demonstrate their talents and chat with visitors in our Textiles Room.

SUN 2 SEP LATE SUMMER INSECTS Lydiard House and Park, Lydiard Tregoze, Swindon, SN5 3PA. 01793 770401, www.lydiardpark.org. uk, 2-4pm • An exploratory walk looking at invertebrate wildlife in and around Lydiard Park. Booking required.

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Start your Christmas shopping early and look at all of the wonderful gifts that local craftspeople have made.

MON & TUE 3 SEP-23 OCT HOLBURNE EARLY YEARS WORKSHOPS Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DB. 01225 388568, holburne-education@ bath.ac.uk, www.holburne.org, 10.30am-12pm, £7.50, yearlings 9-24 months • Expert-led weekly workshops held in the Gardener’s Lodge. Have fun with sensory and creative activities while meeting other children and their adults.

TUE 4 SEP CRAFT CLUB Salisbury Arts Centre, Bedwin Street, Salisbury SP1 3UT. 01722 321744, www.salisburyartscentre. co.uk, 11am-12pm, free • Craft Club is a nationwide campaign to get people crafting. Join in with knitting creations intended to be exhibited at London’s Alexandra Palace.

TUE 4 SEPT ‘SEA HEAR’ STORY TELLING Brunel Institute, Great Western Dockyard, Gas Ferry Road, Bristol BS1 6TY. www.ssgreatbritain. org, 11am, free • Storyteller Sarah Mooney captivates the imaginations of young and not so young visitors with original tales and twists on classic legends.

UNTIL FRI 7 SEP TRY-ATHLON IN THE LIVE LAB At-Bristol, Anchor Road, Bristol, BS1 5DB. 0845 3451235, www.at-bristol. org.uk • Drop in to At-Bristol’s Live Lab and try your hand at our sporty activities, ranging from easy-peasy to downright impossible! Are you up for the challenge?

FRI 7-SAT 8 SEP CRAFT EXTRAVAGANZA 100 Church Street, Tewkesbury, Glos GL20 5TT. 01684 855040, www.outofthehat.org.uk, 10am •

SAT 8 SEP PICNIC CONCERT IN THE MEADOW Hawk Conservancy Trust, Visitor Centre, Weyhill, Andover, Hampshire SP11 8DY. 01264 773850, www.hawk-conservancy.org 7pm, £8.50/£6.50 • Fundraising event in association with Sing-for-Fun, Andover. Bring your own picnic and enjoy a summer evening concert and a flying display from the birds of prey.

Book in advance.

SAT 8 SEP FORGE MOTORSPORT ACTION DAY Castle Combe Racing Circuit, Castle Combe, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN147EY. www.castlecombecircuit.co.uk, £12/children free• Forge Motorsport has an array of arranged displays of cars from some of the country’s top suppliers. »

‘Sea Hear’ story telling at the ss Great Britain, Bristol, Tue 4 Sep BACK TO SCHOOL 2012

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PLEASE CHECK BEFORE YOU TRAVEL . . . AND TELL THEM YOU SAW THE EVENT IN PRIMARY TIMES! The Swindon Railway Festival, Sat 15-Sun 16 Sep

SAT 8 SEP ART CLUB FOR 5-7 AND 8-13 YEAR OLDS Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DB. 01225 388568, holburne-education@ bath.ac.uk, www.holburne.org, 10.30am-12.30pm, £8 • A monthly workshop for aspiring young artists with the option to work towards the Arts Award ‘Discover’ and ‘Explore’ Award by doing activities such as ‘Frieze a la De Vries’ mini installations.

SAT 8 SEP FUNKY FELT MAKING Trowbridge Museum, The Shires Shopping Centre, Court Street, Trowbridge, Wiltshire. 01225 751339, trowbridgemuseum.co.uk, tickets issued from 1am for sessions starting at 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.15pm, 2.15pm and 3.15pm, free • Go along and make felt using fragments of wool fibres, joining together to create fabric! Suitable for children 8+ and all must be accompanied by an adult.

Fordingbridge, Hampshire SP6 3PG, 01725 518541. www3.hants. gov.uk, 11am • Roman Food Day with a family drop in with lots of activities. You can also join in with the mosaic tile workshop for a small fee.

SUN 9 SEP GREAT WISHFORD RUN Great Wishford C E Primary School, West St, Salisbury SP2 0PQ. www.greatwishfordrun. co.uk, 3k starts at 10am, 10k starts at 11am • 5th annual Great Wishford Run that will start and finish at Great Wishford C E Primary School. Choice of 3k or 10k run, raising money for The Trussell Trust, helping local people in crisis in Salisbury and across the UK. Runners are encouraged to gather sponsers before completing the run, visit www. trusselltrust.org for more info on the charity.

windfest.co.uk, ticket prices vary, see website for details • The beach of Pylewell Park will become an extreme water and land sports playground for the weekend.

Indulge in yoga, mountain biking and children’s games, and enjoy comedians and musicians providing entertainment FRI 14 SEP UNDER FIVES FRIDAY Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum, The King’s House, 65 The Close, Salisbury SP1 2EN. 01722 332151, www.salisburymuseum. org.uk, 10am-11:30am, £5.40/ Under 5’s free • Explore and create together with themed activities. The theme for September is “Giants and Hobby Horses”.

FRI 14 AND 21 SEP THE FOOD TOUR Stourhead, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 6QD. 01747 841152, www. nationaltrust.org.uk, 11am-1pm, £10/£5 • Learn about the tenant farmers, and finish at the awardwinning restaurant, for an insight into how one of the busiest Trust destinations feeds 350,000 hungry visitors every year.

SAT 15-SUN 16 SEP SWINDON RAILWAY FESTIVAL STEAM, Kemble Drive, Swindon SN2 2TA. 01793 466637, www. steam-museum.org.uk, 10am5pm, £8.50/£5.50 • The Museum welcomes back the impressive displays from model giants Hornby and Bachmann, and celebrity modeller and pop music star Pete Waterman will be at the show.

Saturday

6th October SAT 15-SUN 16 SEP TRIPS ON THE MAYFLOWER M-Shed, Princes Wharf, Wapping Rd, Bristol BS1 4RN. 0117 352 6600, www.mshed.org, 12-5pm, £5 (adults)/ £3 (children). • Explore the harbour in the world’s oldest steam tug. The historic vessel celebrated her 150th birthday last year. Trips last 30mins. »

Market Place 11am — 3pm

Cycle Devizes, Sat 6 Oct

A unique FREE bike event

SUN 9 SEP HERITAGE OPEN DAY Wilton Windmill, Wilton, Wiltshire SN8 3SW. 01672 870266, www. wiltonwindmill.co.uk, 12:30pm5pm, free • Featuring a range of traditional crafts including thatching, blacksmithing and games for the children including a bouncy castle, Punch & Judy, tug of war.

There will also be a barbecue and a refreshment tent.

THU 13, 20 & 27 SEP BRISTOL ZOO’S GARDEN DELIGHTS Bristol Zoo Gardens, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3HA. 0117 974 7300, www.bristolzoo.org.uk, prebooking required, see website for more information.

•Experience the grounds of Bristol Zoo in style with a guided tour of their award-winning botanical gardens accompanied by a tasty cream tea.

Stunts and shows Have-a-go BMX track SAT 15 SEP IDENTIFYING GALLS ON THE (WALK) Cycle powered ScalextricDOWNS On the Downs. www.bristolzoo. org.uk, book with the Avon Gorge Scooter fun & Downs Wildlife Project on 0117 903 0609, mleivers@bristolzoo.

Skills FRI and Games Be inspired 14-SUN 16 SEP org.uk, 2pm-4pm, £4 •Have you WINDFEST RE-TUNED ever marvelled at strange growths Bikes to see and try SUN 9 SEP FESTIVAL on plants and wondered what they HERITAGE OPEN DAY Pylewell Park, Lymington, were? expert Janet Boyd will byGallWiggo!

DoctorHampshire BikeSO41 5SJ. www.

The Roman Villas, Rockbourne, be guiding you.

Freebies and Prizes Join in the fun Stalls and Brass Band Mums, dads, aunties, uncles, Food and drink for health friends, nurses, artists, colleagues,

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

SUN 16 SEP HUNTER GATHERING Meeting on Fargo Road in Larkhill, near to Strangways, Wiltshire SP4 8LN. 01980 664780, www. nationaltrust.org.uk, 1pm-4:30pm, £7/£2 • Hunt for wild foods as you explore hedgerows, fields and woods on this two mile walk.

FROM TUE 18 SEP AUTUMN NIGHT SKY PLANETARIUM SHOW At-Bristol, Anchor Road, Bristol, BS1 5DB. 0845 3451235, www.atbristol.org.uk regular daily shows • Discover the changing constellations of the new season with the Autumn night sky. Learn about the awe-inspiring moons of Jupiter, the effects of gravity on the Milky Way and all about how the hero Perseus rescued Andromeda!

WED 19 SEP GUIDED WALK: ALTON BARNES AND ALTON PRIORS St Mary the Virgin, Alton Barnes SN8 4LE. 01380 727369, www. wiltshireheritage.org.uk, 6:30pm8pm, £12/£8• Local Historian David Carson leads a walk around the village. Learn fascinating facts about the two churches, what the villages used to look like, the Civil War and read eye witness accounts of the machinery riots in 1830.

THU 20 SEP SPIDER PHOBIA COURSE AT BRISTOL ZOO Bristol Zoo Gardens, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3HA. 0117 974 7300, www.bristolzoo.org.uk, see website for booking details (limited spaces available) • Experts at the Zoo will help people with extreme arachnophobia overcome their fear of the creepy crawlies through a combination of education, discussion, relaxation and hypnotherapy.

SAT 22 SEP PONY EXPERIENCE Horseworld, Staunton Manor Farm,Whitchurch Bristol, BS14 0QJ. 01275 461 900, www.horseworld.org.uk 10am-4pm, £25 • Enjoy the experience of caring for a pony with hands-on activities including feeding, grooming, mucking out and a tractor tour around the grounds. Booking is essential.

SAT 22-SUN 23 SEP THE WILTSHIRE GAME AND COUNTRY FAIR Bowood Estate, Calne, Wiltshire SN11 0LZ. 01249 812102, www. bowood-house.co.uk, 10am-5pm, £10/£4 • A large country fair with three main show arenas.

Demonstrations are performed by some of the countryside’s top names and organisations.

SUN 23 SEP MEET THE ARTIST TALK Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DB. 01225 388569, holburne-education@ bath.ac.uk, www.holburne.org, 2.30am-3.30pm, £2.50 • “I’m an 14

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American Civil War Skirmish, The American Museum, Bath, 13-14 Oct

Illustrator…’ with Laurie Stansfield who gives a brief talk/demonstration followed by a hands on workshop where you can create a drawing about your favourite things.

SAT 29 SEP VICTORIAN DAY Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre, Cocklebury Road, Chippenham SN15 3QN. 01249 705500, www.wshc.eu 10am- 4pm, free. (See feature and front cover for more details.)

OCTOBER TUE 2, 9, 16 OCT HOLBOURNE EARLY YEARS WORKSHOPS Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DB. 01225 388568, holburne-education@ bath.ac.uk, www.holburne.org, 1-3pm, £25 block of 3 sessions, brilliant babes 0-5 months • Expert-led weekly workshops held in the Gardener’s Lodge. The sessions help parents and pre-school children to play and learn together through songs, stories, and creative activities inspired by the Museum’s collection, exhibitions and location.

FRI 5-SUN 14 OCT LITERATURE FESTIVAL Cheltenham Literature Festival, Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham GL50 1UW. www. cheltenhamfestivals.com, tickets go on sale to Cheltenham Festivals Members on Mon 13 Aug, public booking Mon 20 Aug • Kofi Annan and J.K Rowling both take centre stage and one of Cheltenham’s biggest annual festivals. Over 600 of the worlds leading writers, actors, comedians will feature

in the event. It is an occasion for everyone displaying a wide range of literature for all ages.

SAT 6 OCT CYCLE DEVIZES Market Place, Devizes, 11am-3pm. www.cycledevizes.org.uk, free • A bike event inspired by our Olympic success featuring stunts and shows, BMX, cycle-powered Scalextric, scooter fun, skills and games. Aimed at all members of the family.

SAT 6 OCT ART CLUB FOR 5-7 AND 8-13 YEAR OLDS Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DB. 01225 388568, holburne-education@ bath.ac.uk, www.holburne.org, 10.30am-12.30pm, £8 • A monthly workshop for aspiring young artists with the option to work towards the Arts Award ‘Discover’ and ‘Explore’ Awards by doing activities such as self-portraits in paint.

SAT 6 OCT FUNGI FORAY Stourhead, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 6QD. 01747 841152, www. nationaltrust.org.uk, 2pm-5pm, £10 • Michael, author of ‘The

Encyclopaedia of Fungi of Britain and Europe’ leads this hunt around the estate, sharing his knowledge of fungi.

SAT 6-SUN 7 OCT GREAT WESTERN LEGO SHOW STEAM – Museum of the Great Western Railway, Kemble Drive, Swindon, SN2 2TA. www.greatwesternlegoshow.com, 10am-5pm • Come enjoy everything LEGO, including massive train layouts, LEGO shops, play tables, a ‘Brick Café’, and the chance to help the Brickish Association create a giant LEGO mosaic.

SAT 13-SUN 14 OCT AMERICAN CIVIL WAR SKIRMISH The American Museum in Britain, Claverton Manor, Bath, BA2 7BD. 01225 460503, www.americanmuseum.org 3:30pm, £9 Adult and £8 child (5-16) • Involving over 100 costumed re-enactors this is the biggest living-history event of the season. See a hillside skirmish complete with infantry, barricades, cannon fire and lots of noise and smoke!

SAT 13-SUN 14 OCT DISCOVERY DAY Bristol Zoo gardens, Clifton,

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The Great Western Lego Show, Sat 6-Sun 7 Oct

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ROUNDABOUT Bristol, BS8 3HA. 0117 974 7369, www.bristolzoo.org.uk £9.25 (adults) £7.25 (children) • Providing a day for rainbows, beavers, brownies and cubs Bristol Zoo offers lots of activities ranging from crafts to hands-on encounters with animals.

Stourhead, a magical setting for a craft fair, 13-14 & 20-21 Oct

SAT 13, 14, 20 & 21 OCT CRAFT FAIR Stourhead, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 6QD. 01747 841152, www. nationaltrust.org.uk, 10am-5pm • Local crafts fair with everything from woollens to woodturnings and paintings to pottery.

SAT 13 OCT-MON 5 NOV GORE BLIMEY! At-Bristol, Anchor Road, Bristol, BS1 5DB. 0845 3451235, www.at-bristol. org.uk • Get up-close and hands-on in the dissection lab. Make your own fake blood to take home and use body paints to visualise your own veins, muscles and bones.

SAT 27 OCT-SUN 4 NOV HALLOWEEN FAMILY FUN TRAIL Old Sarum, Castle Road, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 3SD. 0870 333 1181, www.english-heritage.org.uk, 10am4pm, £3.80/£2.30 • Discover some spooky secrets and ghastly tales as you take on the ghostly trail. Search the grounds and explore all the dark places to find clues and complete the challenge.

Big Draw Discovery Day at Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum, Tue 30 Oct

SUN 14 OCT THE BIG DRAW – THE EMPIRE STRIKES BATH Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DB. 01225 388547, www.holburne.org, 12-4pm, free • The Roman and British Empires all form part of the Holburne’s history. Draw a timeline around the Museum and who knows which futuristic empires you will encounter? Expect wookies, stormtroopers and lightsaber drawing.

Suitable for all ages (and jedi knights).

SUN 28 OCT KIDS STUFF - HALLOWEEN The American Museum in Britain, Claverton Manor, Bath BA2 7BD. 01225 460503, www.americanmuseum.org, 12-5pm • Celebrate Halloween with storytelling, spooky crafts, and owl handling. Costumes are encouraged.

TUE 30 OCT GIANTS DAY Lacock Abbey, Lacock, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 2LG. 01249 730459, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lackock.

11am-3pm, free for National Trust members and children ages 5 and below • Listen to tall-tales recounted by the tallest storytellers of them all – giants Bellever and Albion.

WED 17 OCT TALL TREES AND TERRIFIC STORIES Stourhead, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 6QD. 01747 841152, www. nationaltrust.org.uk, 2pm-4pm, £10/£5 • Join the garden and estate manager for a tour of the magnificent tree collection as autumn colours arrive.

Apple Day at Lacock Abbey, Sun 21 Oct

SUN 21 OCT THE CHUCKERBUTTY OCARINA QUARTET Ashley Road, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire BA15 1DZ. 01225 860110, www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk 3pm, £10/£6 • The Chuckerbutties will be playing classical music from Beethoven to Wagner at breakneck speed. There will also be lots of opportunities for children to take part in the concert. Great for families with children aged 5 and over.

SUN 21 OCT APPLE DAY Lacock Abbey, Lacock, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 2LG. 01249 730459, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/lackock. 10.30am-3pm, free for National Trust members and children ages 5 and below • Enjoy music, dancing, refreshments, hot roast, crafts, apple tasting and orchard tours during this applethemed celebration of autumn.

SUN 21 OCT WOODLAND SEED GATHERING DAY The Buscot and Coleshill Estates, National Trust Estate Yard, Coleshill, Swindon SN6 7PT. PRIMARY TIMES

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SAT 27 OCT ROVES FARM BONFIRE AND FIREWORK PARTY Roves Farm, Sevenhampton, Nr Highworth, Swindon, Wiltshire SN6 7QG. Tel: 01793 763939, www. rovesfarm.co.uk, free hotdog for tickets purchased in advance • Family fireworks party designed for young children with no big bangs.

Bonfire lit by archers shooting fireladen arrows, fire jugglers and a barn dance.

01793 762209. www.nationaltrust.org.uk, 1pm-3pm, £3/£1.50 • A nature walk around rural Coleshill learning about trees and seeds on a guided tour with the National Trust Ranger.

TUE 23 OCT LAND ART WORKSHOP Stroud District Museum Service, Stratford Park, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL5 4AF. 01453 752400, www.museuminthepark.org.uk, 10.30am12.30pm, £3.50 per child, parents free, booking required • Create your own sculpture,

using natural materials in Stratford Park. Explore an area, get immersed, collect materials, choose a spot and design your art work. With guidance and ideas from environmental leader, Fred Millar. The plan is to have fun, and quite possibly get mucky and muddy, so wear suitable clothes and shoes! Children must be accompanied by a parent or carer.

TUE 30 OCT BIG DRAW DISCOVERY DAY Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum, The King’s House, 65 The Close, Salisbury, SP1 2EN. 01722 332151, www.salisburymuseum.org. uk, 10am-4pm • Orchestrated by international man of artistry Jon Hicks. Explore and create ancient symbols and stories with storyteller Lizzie Bryant.

FRI 2 NOV THE BIG DRAW Bemerton Heath Centre, 58-60 Pinewood Way, Bemerton Heath, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP2 9HU. 01722 349271, www.bemertonheathnc. org.uk, 10.30am-12.30pm & 1.30pm3.30pm, free• Salisbury Museum comes to Bemerton Heath Centre for a day of free arts activities.

SAT 3 NOV BATH RAG/ ROTARY FIREWORKS The Bath Recreation Ground, Bath BA2 4ET. 6.30pm • Gates open at 6.30pm, while entertainment is from 7pm and the fireworks display starts at 8pm. Tickets available from Bath Building Society, Queen Square, Bath BA1 2HN and from the Rugby Club at the Recreation Ground.

LISTINGS BY SOPHIE SHORLAND, LAUREN WEYMOUTH AND LEANNE DREW

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

d r a o b n Pi King Edward’s excellence King Edward’s School is one of the top academic independent day schools in the UK for girls and boys aged 3 to 18. This success has been achieved through the very highest standards in teaching and the individual guidance given to pupils to realise their full potential.

The school provides a stimulating learning environment where children are encouraged to strive for excellence and to acquire a lifelong passion for knowledge, discovery and adventure.

There is a broad and dynamic curriculum underpinned by ‘outstanding’ pastoral care and an exceptional range of extra-curricular activities to interest and enrich the lives of all pupils.

The school looks forward to welcoming parents and pupils to its Open Events on Saturday 13 October which will provide an opportunity to meet the welcoming teachers and talk to pupils, see the excellent facilities and find out how the school can give your child the best start in life.

Ffi: www.kesbath.com

Rugby excitement for 2 to 7s

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Parents’ & teachers’

news, education & contacts

Help with Fees

Independent schools have not traditionally been the exclusive preserve of the very wealthy. The Dragon School in Oxford, for example, was founded by university dons and for many years taught the children of academics, teachers and clergymen.

The school today is keen to welcome pupils from a wide range of backgrounds but acknowledges that the cost of fees puts it beyond the reach of many. For this reason bursaries are offered.

At the Dragon, needs-based bursaries can cover all or a substantial portion of the fees for boarding or day places, for children starting in Year 4.

Awards of up to half the fees are also made to candidates chosen on the basis of significant promise in their academic, sporting or cultural abilities.

Neither of these types of grant has to be repaid. Applications are invited each autumn for the following year.

Ffi: W: www.dragonschool.org

Splish, Splash, Splosh to At-Bristol

Rugbytots was started in 2006 to fill a gap in the child development sector by offering a specifically designed noncontact Rugby play programme for boys and girls aged 2 to 7 years.

Parents who have enrolled their children in Rugbytots have been amazed at how quickly their children learn through the fun, enjoyable classes, and continue to build on their skills week after week.

All lead coaches are paediatric first aiders, RFU qualified Rugby coaches, CRB checked and are trained to a very high standard to ensure your children enjoy their time at Rugbytots in a safe and organised environment.

Classes are always very popular, so it is recommended to enrol your child early.

Bring your tiny explorers to the At-Bristol science centre on 28 September for a fun-filled day designed for the under 5s! The ‘Splish, Splash, Splosh!’ Toddler Takeover features a whole host of hands-on activities based on the theme of water. Toddlers can splash about with wet and wonderful experiments in the PlayLab, water the plants, and join in with a special interactive adventure with storytelling. Plus, take your littlest ones on a journey into space with the Little Stars Planetarium show.

With special reduced entry and lots of toddler-friendly facilities including a breastfeeding room, high chairs, a picnic area and nappy changing facilities, enjoying your day couldn’t be easier.

2012/13 Toddler Takeover dates: 23 November Colour Spectacular 17 & 18 January Crazy Creatures (with the special Beautiful Bug Ball) 11 March Super Senses 17 May Come rain or shine

Ffi: T: 0845 313 3240M: 07718 995663 W: www.rugbytots.co.uk

Ffi: T: 0845 345 1235 W: www.atbristol.org.uk

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Strike a chord “It’s been 25 years since I decided to leave a philharmonic orchestra and throw away a decade of hard classical training in the pursuit of my dream to become the best guitar player in the world,” says guitar teacher Petros Margaris.

“Since then I have played over 1,000 gigs all over the world, supported some big music industry names, played in pubs, weddings, functions, and stadiums, as well as recording, and had immense fun doing so.

“I still play occasionally, as my two children keep me busier than ever, although, for most of the last 10 years, I have had fun passing my knowledge and experience to others.

“I never managed to become the best guitar player on the planet but I learned one thing; the process of learning to play an instrument teaches everyone how to be creative and artistically disciplined in life in general. Its never too early or too late, so get started.”

Ffi: T: 01225 819740 M: 07504 382715

Learning can be fun Whether your child is struggling at school or they need an extra push, there is something you can do as a parent to help.

A new Kip McGrath education centre is opening in Trowbridge which offers specialist tuition in maths and English. The centre is run by Matt and Jill Hughes. Matt, who tutors at the centre is an experienced and fully qualified teacher.

All children are given a free initial assessment to identify areas where learning needs to be concentrated.

Children follow an individual programme designed around their own strengths and weaknesses. Small class sizes of between three and five students mean that each child receives individual attention, and can be accelerated most quickly at the rate they can manage themselves.

“We emphasise the positive aspects with every child so that outright failure is eliminated,” says Matt Hughes. “Kip McGrath Education Centres provide an opportunity to repair self-esteem and confidence, in an atmosphere of encouragement where learning can be fun.”

Ffi: T: 01225 777514 W: www.kipmcgrath.com

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8/22/2012 3:54:45 PM

CALL TO ACTION

Parents can fight the lure of the screen by enrolling children in after school activities say Leanne Drew and Sophie Shorland

T

he kids come home from school and switch on the TV or grab a console to play their latest game.

You urge them to get outside and kick a ball about or read a book, but you’re busy with the tea and your calls fall on deaf ears. Sound familiar? A study by the University of Montreal, reported by the BBC this July, will only confirm most parents’ suspicions. It showed that a child in the UK watches an average of 14.8 hours of television per week by the age of 4 1/2 years old, while 15% per cent of children watch 18 hours at that age. This latter group, said the study, will gain an extra 7mm of waistline by the age of 10 as a result of their physical inactivity.

The need to challenge the remorseless rise of screen-based entertainment, and encourage children into the great outdoors is clearly more compelling than ever.

Happily, after school clubs can be the saviour of the stressed parent as well as introducing children to structured exercise and new

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activities that will stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives. They can contribute to the 60 minutes of activity a day children need for their basic development, while in turn improving their confidence and social skills.

Art classes, social clubs or trying out a sport are a great way for kids to get stuck into something they wouldn’t normally do. One time-honoured activity for children, The Scouts, is more popular than ever, providing fun activities for 400,000 children (some 60,000 of them girls) throughout the UK. The Wiltshire Scouts, part of the 31 million-strong worldwide movement, offers over 200 activi-

ties from abseiling to archery and drama to water zorbing. In a statement on its website, the group says it, “Puts special emphasis on bringing the programme to young people, as kids do more adventurous activities as Scouts than with any other organisation.”

The value of this type of activity is backed up by hard facts. A 2011 survey by economic consultancy PACEC found that 88% of young people felt scouting improved their key skills, among them social skills, teamwork ability, leadership and confidence. An even higher 92% found that scouting helped

them build good relationships and long-lasting friendships.

Girlguiding UK is an equally venerable institution and offers activities for about half a million girls in the UK. Its Rainbows section offers activities for girls aged five to seven, while the Brownies range from 7-10 and offer equivalent activities to the Scouts.

Of course, there are plenty of fun ways to stimulate the brain as well as the body and lots of after school activities are dedicated to making subjects like language or science enjoyable to children. For instance language club LCF runs a ‘Fun French Club’ around the UK aimed at children aged 3 to11,

promising kids a “stimulating and engaging experience which helps develop their self-esteem and selfconfidence”.

Alternatively, if your child is excited by things like outer space or loud bangs, after school science might be worth a try. “We supply science parties, workshops and shows to parents and schools,” says Mike Sweeney from Sublime Science, the after school science club founded by physicist and popular science guru Marc Wileman. “The aim is to show people that science can actually be fun. We do things like making slime, making sweets, noisy

experiments, making things fly and even launching rockets using basic chemistry and physics.

“Sublime Science is important because the number of students entering science disciplines is in decline and without science the world would be a very different place. Children come to our parties, events and workshops and go away telling their parents they want to be scientists when they grow up!”

Activity Kidz www.activitykidz. co.uk Girlguiding UK www.girlguiding. org.uk National Health Service www.nhs. uk/Change4Life LCF www.lcfclubs.com The Scouts www.scouts.org.uk Sublime Science www. sublimescience.com Wiltshire Scouts www. wiltshirescouts.org.uk BACK TO SCHOOL 2012

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Adver tising Feature

A sense of belonging St Margaret’s is an independent day preparatory school for boys and girls aged 3 to 11, sharing a site with St Mary’s School, Calne. The children benefit from the excellent facilities including sports pitches, gymnasium, 25m indoor swimming pool, purpose built theatre, chapel and dining hall.

Children generally start life in the Kindergarten which offers a safe and stimulating nursery environment for 3 and 4 year olds. The focus is on nurturing and building their confidence to make the move to Reception classes the following year far less daunting. The purpose-built accommodation is bright and airy and is situated in the ‘Early Years’ area of the school.

St Margaret’s aims to be as flexible as possible to fit in with family and work demands and can offer full or part day sessions in the Kindergarten as well as an after-school club until 6pm for all children in the school. Holiday clubs are also offered to provide additional support to parents.

St Margaret’s prides itself on its high standard of pastoral care.

Every effort is made to ensure that the children never feel lost or bewildered, and that they quickly find their feet and are given a sense of belonging.

If you would like to visit St Margaret’s, the school holds an Open Morning on Thursday 11 October, 9.30am. Call the school if you’d like to visit, or see the website to request a prospectus or view inspection reports.

• Ffi: T: 01249 857379 W: www.stmargaretsprep.org.uk

Adver tising Feature

It’s got to be purrrfect The Everyman Theatre’s annual pantomime opens in November with the tale of a local lad who became the Lord Mayor of London – Dick Whittington!

With a streetwise cat as his companion, Dick defeats the evil Queen Rat, finds his fortune, marries Alice and becomes Lord Mayor!

Join the theatre’s cast of familiar faces, which this year is joined by the delightfult Tweedy the Clown, fresh from Gifford’s Circus, for a festive feast of laughs, thrills and spills, underwater kingdoms and far away lands.

Book your seats now – Dick Whittington is sure to be the cat’s whiskers!

Running throughout December in the much smaller Studio Theatre is The Enormous Turnip, presented by the Everyman Theatre Company. This is a magical alternative to the main panto for children aged 3-7.

Enter the world of Farmer Ted; his friends and his vegetables.

Some of them are ENORMOUS! Help him keep his seeds safe and watch them grow – and perhaps even take some home.

• Ffi: T: www.everymantheatre.org.uk

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8/22/2012 1:43:07 PM

Adver tising Feature

Shaftesbury students benefit from personalised approach Shaftesbury School’s head teacher, Mark Blackman, who joined the school in January 2012, is looking forward to meeting parents at the school’s Open Evening on Thursday 27 September from 6-8.30pm.

He says, “I am really enjoying working with parents and the wider community in Shaftesbury and beyond to achieve the best for all our young people. As a parent myself I understand fully the challenges and rewards of supporting young people as they go through their school years. I believe a real partnership needs to exist between school and parents to make sure that we work together to get the best outcomes for every student.”

Shaftesbury School provides a first class education for students from the local community as well as from around the globe.

Students benefit from a truly personalised approach to teaching and each and every one is encouraged to be the very best that they can be.

Studying and socialising with boarders from Europe, Asia and Africa gives day students a wider view of the world, and a unique insight into how people from other countries see Britain. Facilities for the boarders at Barton Hill House were rated “outstanding” by Ofsted and students can choose to board on a weekly, termly or full boarding basis.

Interested parents can meet the staff and students on 27 September. Contact the school if you would like to visit at another time.

• Ffi: T: 01747 854498 W: www.shaftesburyschool.com E: office@ shaftesburyschool.co.uk

Adver tising Feature

STEAM goes LEGO LEGO fans of all ages are in for a treat when the Great Western LEGO Show comes to the STEAM Museum, Swindon on 6 and 7 October. Billed as the largest display of models built by LEGO fans in the UK, the Great Western LEGO Show has an impressive line up.

Models, displays and presentations include the amazing Thunderbird characters, Xbox LEGO game themes, Star Wars and many surprise character models and layouts – most of them built exclusively for the Great Western LEGO Show at STEAM. Garry Perkins, deputy leader of Swindon Borough Council and Cabinet Member responsible for museums says, “This Show is now firmly in the calendar for LEGO enthusiasts and families who have a fascinationion for these well-loved bricks. Organised by STEAM and the Brickish Association, the Show attracts visitors from all over the country and promises to be a great day out for all ages.”

Among the many stunning and super-sized models will be models of 2012 Olympic Games stadiums built in London for the 30th Olympiad.

Martin Long, president of the Brickish Association, says, “We aim to inspire children and all LEGO fans to get creating themselves.”

There will be plenty of hands-on fun for children, including a giant 100,000 brick mosaic and the LEGO Show team expect to have a webcam link to the mosaic so that visitors will be able to visit the website and see the mosaic as it is completed over the weekend.

Tickets are £10 (adults)/£8.50 (children/concs)/£26, £34 or £40 (family).

• Ffi: W: www.greatwesternlegoshow.com

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8/22/2012 1:45:43 PM

Hello Kids!

I was amazed by the quality of the pictures you sent me for this issue’s challenge. You have perfectly captured the joy and excitement of meeting your friends again at the start of the new term. Well done!

This term I am teaming up with my friends at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, near Bristol, which has seen the arrival of lots of new babies including a giraffe, a zebra and a beautiful snow white reindeer. To celebrate, they have generously offered a family day ticket to five of the best pictures sent to me on the following theme: “My favourite baby animal”.

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 to put your name, age, email, full postal address and school name on the back: Deadline Monday 17 September.

Have fun!

Arty Barty Last issue, I asked you to send in your pictures about “Seeing my school friends again after the summer holidays”. Well done to everyone who’s been published. They win a children’s book.

rd, 8, St Eloise Mountfo Oldland ol, Annes CE Schoon Comm . I love Well done, Eloise and the your bold colours u’ve drawn confident way yo ’re clearly your friends. They u again. pleased to see yo

sell, 6, St Hermione Lloyd Bus , Cricklade ool Sampsons Infant Sch ed a

includ Hermione has cleverly embellished it photo of her school andof lots of pupils with her own drawings iting and and teachers. It’s an exc original idea.

Arty

Macy Scott, 11, Tyndal e Primary School I love this beautifully draw n picture of two best friends meeting of term. Their warmth andup at the start wonderfully communicat happiness is style drawing, while the ed in a Mangaidea artfully suggested by theof school is pencil.

Stately secrets

From the winner of the Waterstone’s children book prize 2010 comes ‘The Great Dog Disaster’, the fourth title in the series. Written from the perspective of Anna, a young girl with an inquisitive mind, it follows her life in a frank yet funny storytelling style. After Suzanne, her next door neighbour adopts Beatrice, a smelly old Newfoundland, from her great great aunt Deidra, they both devise a plan to turn Beatrice into a proper dog.

This is a guaranteed laugh-out-loud book with comical illustrations making it an easy, accessible read for the seven and older age group and will also keep the whole family chuckling. Author Katie Davies brings to life the everyday troubles a nine year old has to face. With themes of friendship, pet ownership and the mysterious world of adults explored amusingly throughout, this fabulous addition to the series is sure to be a hit with all who read it.

Meet Paige Owens a bright, cheeky pupil who cannot wait to go to secondary school. Then there’s Curtis Okafor, wary and less confident, who is not so sure. The only thing they share in common is the first letter of their surnames, which ensures they are forced together on a school trip to Wickworth Manor, the local stately home.

Curtis finds a hidden portrait and suddenly there is a mystery to solve. Together, in their own unique ways, they begin to unravel the secrets of the house. Author Elen Caldecott delivers an exciting adventure with lots of humour and action, which also explores the history of the slave trade. Aimed at the more advanced primary school reader, she takes you on a mysterious journey in this sterling example of the kids’ detective fiction.

The Great Dog Disaster by Katie Davies, Simon and Schuster, £5.99. www.katiedaviesbooks.com

The Mystery of Wickworth Manor by Elen Caldecott, Bloomsbury. £5.99. www.bloomsbury.com

Leanne Drew reviews the new releases.

Pet chuckles

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PRIMARY TIMES

8/22/2012 12:51:49 PM

Fiona Faulkner

EASY ON THE E’S?

E numbers have had a bad press over the years. But food expert Fiona Faulkner believes a few myths need to be dispelled.

H

ands up how many parents have banned the Haribo from their child’s party bag or secretly judged others who festoon theirs with all manner of sweets and treats? Equally, teachers, how many of you offer a box of raisins as a ‘healthy snack’ for kids at break time?

As a family food expert, I’m increasingly expected to speak out against E numbers in particular as well as talk about what constitutes a healthy lunchbox.

Increasingly people are surprised by my response. Many parents I speak to believe that E numbers are all a bunch of toxic chemicals to be avoided. The name alone sounds ominous, I admit.

But did you know that some E numbers are naturally occurring, or even organic? If you look at the list of ingredients in Ribena for example you’ll see that it contains something called anthocyanins (E163). This is a completely natural colouring, extracted from grape skins.

E412, meanwhile, is a plant extract – guar gum, quite often

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with our kids’ teeth.

Dr Kathy Harley, dean of the dental faculty at the Royal College of Surgeons, was quoted earlier this year that instead of giving children the apparently healthy snack of fruit juice and a box of raisins, “it would be better for their teeth if they were given a glass of water and a handful of chocolate buttons.”

If it sounds like I’m asking more questions than I’m answering, I apologise. There’s a lot of information out there and I’m just skimming the surface. In conclusion all I can do is re-visit one of my most overused phrases: everything in moderation, including moderation. I’d also love to hear your thoughts.

found in your child’s ice cream.

The point is, each E is different, derived from a variety of sources, and each plays a variety of roles.

As food writer (and kids’ TV favourite) Stefan Gates says, when it comes to E numbers, “Don’t be afraid, understand.”

Let’s take an average lunchbox as another example of what we think we know about healthy food for kids. Child One has a ham sandwich, a sugar-free yoghurt, and a smoothie. Child Two has a packet of crisps, a ropey looking banana, and a processed cheese snack.

Would you be surprised if I said that Child 2’s lunchbox was arguably healthier?

Hula Hoops for example have additives including E508, potas������ sium chloride. But this is a lower sodium alternative to salt, so not without its merits.

The nitrates in that ham sandwich however are a trickier one to navigate. Nitrates are added to processed meats, such as ham and sausages, to protect against botulism. On the other hand nitrates also have links to particularly nasty diseases (the NHS now

advises we limit our consumption of processed meats for this very reason). Gets complicated, doesn’t it?

As for the reduced sugar yoghurt, next time you pick one of these up, take a look at the label.

Chances are there might be some artificial sweeteners in there to compensate for the sugar. It’s still open to debate whether artificial sweeteners are good for us or not.

My personal reason for disliking them is they make me feel nauseous and headache-y.

Interestingly, in May 2011, the European Food Safety Authority was asked by the European Commission to bring forward a new investigation into the safety of aspartame which has been linked in some studies to various health issues.

The debate goes on and, personally, I opt for sugar over sweeteners. But that’s not straightforward either.Take dried fruit, juices and smoothies. Many parents and teachers still don’t realise that these are rammed with sugar – albeit fruit sugar – and harmful fruit acids which are playing havoc

Fiona Faulkner is a children’s food expert for businesses including ITV to Morrisons and is the author of ‘25 Foods Kids Hate and How To Get Them Eating 24.’ You can contact Fiona via her website.

Fiona Faulkner W: www.fionafaulkner.co.uk

BACK TO SCHOOL 2012

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8/22/2012 3:48:35 PM

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