Xmas Wilts 2012

rima ry ptimes

for parents, teachers & children

11 12 1 yrs

2 3 4 yrs

in Wiltshire Issue 79

21 Dec 2012-8 Feb 2013

Holding the

Keeping chickens A Longleat Christmas Winter baking

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Learn to ride at Breach Lane Equine Centre. Page 4

Arty Barty • Theatre • Roundabout • Save money!

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Most parents will be in the thick of their Christmas preparations as Primary Times reaches them. But amidst the scrunch of wrapping paper and the cacophony of ringing phones, they may not yet have considered the empty days between the end of the festivities and the start of term.

That’s where our Roundabout section comes in (p. 11) highlighting the region’s many attractions and wonderful family treats this season; much easer to sell to the kids than those chilly winter walks.

We also explore keeping chickens (p.16) and teaching your children to bake (p.15). Merry Christmas and happy New Year!

maesry prtiim

for parents,

& children teachers

11 12 1 y yrs

2 3 4

the editor

y yrs

e in Wiltshir Issue 79

THEATRE P8 ROUNDABOUT P11 PINBOARD P17 ADVERTISING FEATURES P18 PUPILS’ PAGE P20 CLASSIFIEDS P22

CHRISTMAS AT LONGLEAT P6 Exciting winter activities at this leading Wiltshire attraction.

GET BAKING! P15 Making cakes with Francesca Clifford.

A STROKE OF CLUCK P16 Sarah Ollington on raising chickens.

8 Feb 2013 21 Dec 2012-

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

Page 4

ney! t • Save mo • Roundabou

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

Tel: 0117 934 3780 Advertising: Nejla Unal

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

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

Tel: 0117 934 3741

Email: simon.butler@b-nm.co.uk Design: Cath Evans, Sarah Malone Main Office: 0117 942 8491

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

Its aims are to inform families and children of current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses and attractions, and to give teachers, pupils and parents the opportunity to participate in the magazine by adding to its contents or joining in the competitions which we run. It is NOT our intention to publish any racist, sexist or politically based material whatsoever. We also undertake not to carry any advertising which we would consider to be offensive to young families or harmful to the best interests of young children.

While we make every effort to ensure information published is accurate, readers are encouraged to check details of all events in advance and neither Venue Publishing nor its contributors are liable for the consequences of any errors. Primary Times would like to thank all the schools in the county for their assistance in distributing the magazine and their contributions to its contents.

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

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

PRIMARY TIMES

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Find these amazing offers this issue!

Salisbury Museum – free entry and fun for all the family Bristol Aquarium – one child goes free

Holiday activities at Salisbury Museum

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There are few better ways of getting a child excited about horse riding than booking a party at Breach Lane Equine Centre.

Francesca Clifford reports.

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Holding the M

ost children are fascinated by horses and ponies, so offering them a good experience at an early stage will cement their relationship with their four-legged friends for life. One of Wiltshire’s friendliest stables, The Breach Lane Equine Centre, offers a number of ways to get your youngster interested in riding.

Along with its well-established riding lessons, Breach Lane offers Pony Parties for adventurous children who want a unique birthday experience, while Pony Days teach children about the care and preparation of horses.

The centre has five beautiful ponies and one stately horse, all of which are incredibly friendly and accustomed to being ridden by inexperienced riders on a daily basis. Tipsy Lady, Rosie, Sherbert and Magic are among the sociable ponies children can meet and ride, with instruction, of course. Most children who visit the centre for the first time have only encountered horses briefly

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under the watchful eye of a parent or guardian and so many visitors to Breach Lane Equine Centre have never even sat on a horse.

Instructors Alison and Tricia Haskins are familiar with helping inexperienced and often nervous children conquer their fears and enjoy their experience.

Each Pony Party can cater for up to 12 children, who are divided into teams of four (three

children to each pony). Children enjoy a full list of gymkhana activities throughout their day, including ball and spoon races, flag races and skittles relay races all involving their new four-legged friends! All riding is done at walking pace to ensure the greatest care is taken and any children who decide it’s not for them, can still enjoy the day by taking part on foot and cheering on their teammates.

“The ponies enjoy the games as much as the children,” says Alison. “They know the games inside out and, as soon as the whistle blows, they’re off!” The Pony Parties take place over a two hour slot, about oneand-a-quarter hours of which is spent on the horse. Most parents bring a picnic and party food to refresh the hungry new riders. One parent told Alison that her daughter had had the best party ever, while one of her friends who’d previously been terrified of animals really enjoyed herself. Some party-goers have even gone on to become regular

horse-riders and compete at the centre’s events.

The Pony Days are a great opportunity for children who are interested in horses to learn about their upkeep, especially for those inspired to continue by a Pony Party. During the day, children of 6 and older learn how to groom and feed a pony and get to prepare it for riding. They will even be shown how to catch hold of a pony in the field. It’s a great experience which helps children understand the hard work required in keeping a pony - especially useful to parents who are constantly being pestered for one!

Breach Lane Equine Centre is currently booking parties six weeks in advance, but they advise from February to book between two and three months ahead.

The centre promises a unique day out and a fabulous party experience. But be ready for your children to want to go back again and again.

BREA EQUI CH LAN E NE C BREA E N C T H LA BASS NE, W RE ETT, OO W: w SWINDON, TTON w S equin w.breach N4 7QR T: 01 ecentre. lane co.u 793 0785 854660 k 5 75 5831 or

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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

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

07861 391598

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Long Chris leat tm open as ing: Daily u

ntil M onda Janu y7 ary ( exclu Chris ding tmas Day) .

Christmas at Longleat Longleat Safari & Adventure Park’s Christmas Spectacular is set to be even better this year with more to see and do than ever before.

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there’s the chance to meet the stars of the show afterwards.

Many of Longleat’s other attractions are also open throughout the festive season. Visitors can embark on the Safari Drive Adventure at Christmas, get up close to the animals in Jungle Kingdom, explore the Adventure Castle and lots more!

unning until Monday 7 January Christmas at Longleat brings together all the magic of the festive season in one amazing day out.

Visitors to the award-winning Wiltshire attraction can enjoy the experience of skating on real ice on a huge Outdoor Ice Rink.

There’s a Festive Fayre close by with everything from decorations to fun stocking fillers, winter woollies plus delicious Christmas food and drink.

The interior of Longleat’s Elizabethan stately home has been transformed into an

For full details of Christmas at Longleat and to book online visit:

www.longleat. co.uk/christmas or call

01985 844400 enchanted world where favourite Pantomime Tales including Jack and the Beanstalk, Peter Pan, Aladdin, Snow White and many more come magically to life.

A giant Singing Christmas Tree, which has close to one million individual lights and has been specially made for the Wiltshire attraction, forms the centrepiece of Christmas celebrations in the Stable Yard.

Plus there’s the opportunity to hop on board the magical Santa Express to take an unforgettable journey deep into the woods to meet Father Christmas himself in his snowy log cabin home.

New this year is the Owls by Moonlight show which features Longleat’s very own amazing owlery; home to everything from tiny burrowing owls to stunning barn owls and the great grey owl.

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As well as watching them in flight in a special illuminated show,

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Best Driver Trophy Safe Driver Awards Fun and Games

For more information please contact

07810 113 457 or aim@go-kartparty.co.uk www.gokartpartywiltshire.com www.go-kartparty.co.uk

PRIMARY TIMES

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

WILTSHIRE THE ARC THEATRE College Road, Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 0ES. 0845 2990476, www.arctheatre.org.uk Aladdin Thu 10-Sun 20 Jan. See website for specific dates and times. £8.50/£6 (concessions and under 16s) • The Trowbridge Players transport you to Arabia with this special performance. Will Aladdin finally win the love of the Princess, despite King Abanaza’s best efforts to stop him?

THE ATHENAEUM 18-20 High Street, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 9AE. 01985 213891, www.theath.org.uk Jack and the Beanstalk Until Mon 24 Dec. Various times. £8 • Enjoy a festive treat before Christmas with Jack, Buttercup and the beanstalk that reaches up to the heavens.

SALISBURY PLAYHOUSE Malthouse Lane, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP2 7RA. 01722 320333, www.salisburyplayhouse.com Sleeping Beauty Until Sat 5 Jan. Various times. Tickets from £11-£19 • In a new take on this wellknown tale, the audience follows the fortunes of dashing Prince Dylan and the treacherous journey he faces. Will he reach his destination in time to save the beautiful Princess Rose? Traditional panto sing-a-longs and audience participation accompany the gripping tale.

A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings Tue 22-Sat 26 Jan. TuesSat evenings 7pm/Sat matinee 2.30pm. £12/£8 • Enjoy an ingenious performance of puppetry and storytelling with a fantastical and unusual storyline. Things will never be the same when a very old man with enormous wings crashes to the ground in a flurry of feathers.

THE WYVERN THEATRE Theatre Square, Swindon, Wiltshire SN1 1QN. 01793 524481, www.wyverntheatre.org.uk Aladdin Until Sun 6 Jan. Various times. £12.50-£26 • Starring Keith Chegwin, this production of Aladdin promises to dazzle audiences with sparkling wit, colourful costumes and everyone’s favourite genie.

FURTHER AFIELD THE BRISTOL HIPPODROME Saint Augustine’s Parade, Bristol BS1 4UZ. 0844 871 3012, www. bristolhippodrome.org.uk Aladdin Until Sun 6 Jan. Various performance times. £10-£35. The classic tale of Aladdin dazzles and glitters its way to Bristol, with sets which promise to wow and hilarious lines to please parents and children alike. Dance troupe Flawless of ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ fame also makes a special appearance.

A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings, Salisbury Playhouse, 22-26 Jan. 8

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Russian State Ballet’s Swan Lake Tue 8-Wed 9 Jan. 7.30pm. £13-£39.50 • A breath-taking love story promises audiences a memory to cherish. Children will marvel at the beauty of the dazzling costumes and extraordinary dancing.

Russian State Ballet’s The Nutcracker Thu 10 Jan. 2.30pm & 7.30pm. £8-£39.50 • A ballet for the whole family, promising to capture the Christmas spirit in one magical evening. Children’s toys come to life in a ballet spectacular.

Oliver! Tue 22 Jan-Sun 24 Feb. (Matinee and evening performances Tue-Sun). £17.50-£52.50 • Neil Morrissey stars as Fagin in what promises to be a sensational production. The audience will be shouting, ‘More please!’

THE BRISTOL OLD VIC King Street, BS1 4ED. 0117 987 7877, www.bristololdvic.org.uk Hey Diddle Diddle Until Sat 5 Jan. 10.30am and 1.30pm (until Fri 21 Dec), 11.30am and 3pm (all Saturdays and weekdays from Wed 26 Dec-Fri 4 Jan). £13/£7 • The Bristol Old Vic transforms into a Christmas playground for young audiences to enjoy the re-telling of classic nursery rhymes. Ages 3-6.

Peter Pan Until Tue 29 Jan. See website/call box office for dates and times. £8-£28 • The classic story of Peter Pan takes flight at the Bristol Old Vic, combining the well-loved tale of Peter, Wendy and Captain Hook with laughter, fun and music. Ages 6+ A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings Tue 5-Fri 15 Feb. 7pm/2pm Sat matinee, £14/£8/see website for offers • Puppetry and storytelling with a fantastical storyline.

Things will never be the same when an old man with enormous wings crashes to the ground in a flurry of feathers.

THE EGG Theatre Royal, Sawclose, Bath BA1 1ET. 01225 448844, www. theatreroyal.org.uk Heidi: A Goat’s Tale Tail. UntilSun 13 Jan. Various times. £10£18 • The egg’s version of Heidi offers the audience a unique twist, a full cast of goats! The sets give the illusion of a stunning Alpine landscape, and there will be yodelling, clog dancing, and Alpine treats. Ages 6 +.

Rapunzel Sat 19 Jan. 11.30am and 3pm. £7 (adults)/£6.50 (children and students) • A playful adaption of the classic tale, Rapunzel continues to captivate audiences from her tower where she is held captive wondering when she will escape. Ages 3-7.

Little Red… You Know Who! Fri 25-Sat 26 Jan. Fri 10.30am

and 1pm/11.30am and 3pm. £7 (adults)/£6.50 (children and students) • The story of Red Riding Hood is reworked with the specialist use of puppetry and original music. Watch a forest grow before your eyes and discover a new character, a very endearing bear!

Miki Fri 1-Sat 2 Feb. Fri 10am and 1.30pm/Sat 11.30am and 3pm. £7 (adults)/£6.50 (children and students) • A stage adaption of the fantastic children’s book Miki, by Stephen Mackey, featuring Miki, Polar Bear and Penguin. On a crisp winter night, they make a wish and embark on a magical adventure in search of a star. Beautiful sets accompany a heart-warming story.

There’s a Rabbit in the Moon Sat 9-Tue 12 Feb. Sat-Mon 11.30am and 3pm/Tue 11.30am. £7 (adults)/£6.50 (children/concessions) • Thomas Snout collects nights; he captures them with his bare hands, a dangerous and messy job. He has long nights and short, moonlit and pitch black, nights of his own and nights belonging to others. Be transported on an adventure through his collection of the strangest and most wonderful nights.

Ages 4 plus.

THEATRE ROYAL Theatre Royal, Sawclose, Bath BA1 1ET. 01225 448844, www. theatreroyal.org.uk Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Thu 13 Dec-Sun 13 Jan. 2pm, 5pm & 7pm (various days). £16-£100 • The classic tale is performed by a talented cast of actors including seasoned pantomime dame Chris Harris.

Join Snow White as she meets seven new friends, takes on the wicked queen and finds her prince.

Guaranteed to entertain.

TOBACCO FACTORY THEATRE Raleigh Road, Southville, Bristol BS3 1TF. 0117 902 0344, www. tobaccofactorytheatre.com Hansel and Gretel Until Sun 13 Jan. Various times. £7-15 (family rates available) • The classic Brothers Grimm fairy-tale is adapted in this new production, enchanting audiences with beautiful wintry sets as well as lots of fun, live music, humour, and storytelling. Ages 6+.

You’re Not My Friend Anymore Wed 13-Sun 17 Feb. 11am and 2pm. £6 • A comical and poignant look at the highs and lows of young friendship. Questions and issues are tackled in a light-hearted manner; what to do when a friend who makes you happy also makes you sad. Can it ever work having two best friends?

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Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland daily from 15th to 24th. Meet santa in our stunning wendy house, collect a free gift for every paying child, enjoy over 2.5 miles of twinkling lights, have faces painted, visit our christmas fairy and enchanting gypsy caravan and meet Rudolph & Prancer our reindeer. All this and more for ÂŁ8.50 a head.

Join us for Christmas at Winter Wonderland.

Sit in the hand crafted ash sleigh, meet Santa and who knows, maybe Comet the young reindeer will come to say hello. Twinkling lights, shimmering water, hooting owls, fairies and magic are found in abundance at the Bird Park where hosting Christmas events has become an art form.

The Bird Park was nominated in the top 10 rural attractions to visit at Christmas by the Sunday telegraph in 2010 and for good reason. There are resident Reindeer with this years calf, a Christmas fairy in a Gypsy Caravan and Santa in one of the most famous follies in England. To mark the special occasion, why not take a photo of the children with Santa on his beautiful sleigh.

Prinknash Abbey Nr Painswick, Glos. GL4 8 EX Open seven days a week 10am - 4pm

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

Deadlines: List your school’s winter events in Primary Times for free. We work a half-term in advance so we’re now collecting information copy for February and March 2013: deadline Mon 7 January. 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!

DECEMBER ONGOING THE SINGING TREE Various locations across Bristol, Wiltshire, East Sheen and Somerset.

07905786447/07747745675, www.thesingingtree.co.uk, various times available, free trail lesson/ enquire for prices • The Singing Tree offers music classes held by experienced, professional musicians and teachers. Children are surrounded by music and singing, which the group believes is the key to helping children grow in confidence and musical ability. Free trial lessons available.

UNTIL SAT 22 DEC DICKENSIAN CHRISTMAS GROTTO Trowbridge Museum, the Shires, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 8AT. 01225 741339, trowbridgemuseum.co.uk, 10.30-12.30 and 1.30-

3.30, £4/£5 • Pay a visit to a traditional Victorian Father Christmas, and receive a special gift and a sepia-toned photograph of your encounter.

UNTIL SAT 22 DEC HARBOUR WONDERLAND M Shed, Princes Wharf, Wapping Road, Bristol BS1 4RN. 0117 352 6600, www.mshed.org, 5pm-7pm, free • Enjoy a unique pre-Christmas evening at the waterfront.

The harbour area is abuzz with seasonal and historic films, projections and animations to watch, while visitors sip on a warm drink and eat hot mince pies. Also performances from local choirs in Museum Square bring the Christmas spirit to life.

UNTIL SUN 23 DEC SWINDON AND CRICKLADE RAILWAY SANTA SPECIALS Blundson Station, Tadpole Lane, Swindon, SN25 2DA. 01793 771615, www.swindon-cricklade-railway. org, trains running 11am-4pm, £32 (family)/£7 (adults)/£10 (children, inc. present)/£5 (children under 3, inc. present)/£6 (seniors) • Journey to see Father Christmas on a special steam train. All children receive an age-appropriate present.

UNTIL SUN 23 DEC SANTA’S GROTTO The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Wetland Centre, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT. 01453 891223, www.wwt.org.uk, general admission £27.91 (family)/£9.95 (adult)/£7.86 (concessions)/£5.41 (child)/children under 4 free • Visit Father Christmas grotto in Slimbridge’s picturesque wintry setting. Tell him your Christmas wish and he will present a gift to every child. Additional cost of £4 for entry into Santa’s Grotto.

ONGOING OTTER TALK The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Wetland Centre, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT. 01453 891223, www.wwt.org.uk, 11.30am & 3pm. Admission: £27.91 (family)/£9.95 (adult)/£7.86 (concessions)/£5.41 (child)/children under 4 free • An introduction to the residents of the wetlands, the otter family of Flo, Minnie and Ha Ha. Wildlife experts explain all, as the otters tuck into their tasty fish supper.

Harbour Wonderland, M Shed, Bristol, until Sat 22 Dec PRIMARY TIMES

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Meet the railway workers at Steam, Swindon, until Sat 29 Dec

ONGOING GUIDED WALK The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Wetland Centre, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT. 01453 891223, www.wwt.org.uk, twice daily - check times on arrival, cost included in admission, £27.91 (family)/£9.95 (adult)/£7.86 (conces-

sions)/£5.41 (child)/children under 4 free • Join the trust’s volunteers as they guide visitors through the grounds explaining the history of the area and the local wildlife.

Spot local and visiting birds as you look out on to the nature reserve.

Not suitable for under 2s.

ONGOING TOAD HALL TALK The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Wetland Centre, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT. 01453 891223, www.wwt.org.uk, 12.30pm and 2.15pm, cost included in admission, £27.91 (family)/£9.95 (adult)/£7.86 (concessions)/£5.41 (child)/children under 4 free • Expert Jay Redbond offers insights into amphibians and their habitats.

Visitors also have the opportunity to hold the frogs, toads and newts.

WED 26 DEC-WED 2 JAN CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS – MIGRATION The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Wetland Centre, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT. 01453 891223, www.wwt.org.uk, cost included in admission £27.91 (family)/£9.95 (adult)/£7.86 (concessions)/£5.41 (child)/children under 4 free • Visitors are invited to take part in a series of activities relating to bird migration. Children can follow a trail with tasks to complete along the way, games, paper activities and a crafting session.

UNTIL SAT 29 DEC MEET THE RAILWAY WORKERS Steam Museum of the Great Western Railway, Kemble Drive, Swindon SN2 2TA. 01793 466637,

www.steam-museum.org.uk, 10am-4pm, tickets from £4.40£20.80 • Spend a day on the railway and learn about the beautiful steam trains from retired engine drivers, signalmen, firemen and railway workers. They explain how steam trains work and how the different roles evolved.

UNTIL SUN 30 DEC CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS TRAIL Steam Museum of the Great Western Railway, Kemble Drive, Swindon SN2 2TA. 01793 466637, www.steam-museum.org.uk, 10am-5pm, £4.40-£20.80 • Take part in Steam’s novelty Christmas trail, a fun addition to a day at the railway.

UNTIL SUN 30 DEC VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS AT LYDIARD PARK Main Hall of Lydiard House, Lydiard Tregoze, Swindon SN5 3PA. 01793 770401, www.lydiardpark.org.uk, 11am-4pm, £1.75-£8.75, see website for 2for1 offer • Celebrate Christmas the Victorian way. See how the State Rooms would have been decorated, what old Christmas cards used to look like, and how their Christmas table was laid out.

UNTIL MON 31 DEC THE ROYAL ROAD Steam Museum of the Great Western Railway, Kemble Drive, Swindon SN2 2TA. 01793 466637, www.steam-museum.org.uk, 10am-5pm, tickets from £4.40£20.80 • This special exhibition celebrates the year of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, and looks to the Great Western Railway’s royal con- » CHRISTMAS 2012

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Want to do something different with your children? Then Gloucester Ski & Snowboard Centre is the ideal place for you.

Offering activities from age 3 upwards, there is something for the whole family to enjoy.

Why not try out our Holiday Ski School’s to keep the kids busy during the school holidays.

We teach children to learn to ski from age 3 upwards, all in a controlled safe environment.

Come along and try our fabulous tubing & snoxross bike sessions……

For more information:

Visit our Website www.gloucesterski.com or call the Centre on 01452 501438

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

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

» nections. Children can also follow the Royal Road Children’s Activity Trail, downloadable from the website or purchased at the ticket desk for 75p.

UNTIL SAT 5 JAN HEY DIDDLE DIDDLE Bristol Old Vic, King Street, Bristol, BS1 4ED. 0117 987 7877, www. bristololdvic.org.uk, see website/ call box office for dates and times. £40 (Sat family ticket)/£7-£13 • The studio of the Bristol Old Vic is transformed into a Christmas playground for the kids. Children will meet a number of classic nursery rhyme characters as they play instruments, games and sing songs, plus seasonal surprises. Ages 3-6.

UNTIL SUN 6 JAN CHRISTMAS FANTASY 2012 Clearwell Caves, Near Coleford, Royal Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, GL16 8JR. 01594 832535, www.clearwellcaves. com, 10am-5pm daily/Christmas Eve 10am-4pm, £8 before Christmas/£6.50 (adults)/£6 (concessions)/£4.50 (children) after Christmas • A real-life Christmas grotto! Follow the underground cave system and see the story of The Very Hungry Polar Bear unfold before your eyes. Father Christmas makes an appearance and children receive a special gift. Closed on 25/26 Dec, reopens 27 Dec without Father Christmas.

UNTIL SUN 6 JAN THE MALL’S WINTER WONDERLAND The Mall at Cribbs Causeway, Bristol, BS34 5DG. www.mallcribbs.com, from 7.30pm, tickets from £4-£22 • Visit the Winter Wonderland for a variety of activities suitable for the whole family, enjoy a visit to the Enchanted Ice Castle, Christmas train ride, and the largest outdoor ice rink in the South West, there’s even a nursery ice rink for the really little ones. Plus animal statues and hourly light displays.

UNTIL SUN 6 JAN ONCE UPON A CHRISTMASCHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL Lacock Abbey, Lacock, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 2LG. 01249 730459, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/lacock, 11am-3pm, normal

admission fee • How would you decorate a Christmas tree on the subject of Christmas stories, poems, songs and plays? Find out how local groups have risen to the challenge. Take a stroll through the cloisters to the sound of carol singing.

UNTIL MON 7 JAN BIRDS OF PREY SHOW Longleat, Warminster Wiltshire, BA12 7NW. 01985 844400, www. longleat.co.uk, 11am-8pm, safari park 10am-3pm, general admission £14 (adult)/£10 (child) • Watch owls swoop and complete awesome stunts overhead by moonlight. Dramatic props form the background to their display as they amaze the audience with their flying agility. Performances take place after darkness each evening of the Christmas period.

UNTIL MON 7 JAN CHRISTMAS CRACKER FAMILY TRAIL Lacock Abbey, Lacock, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 2LG. 01249 730459, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/lackock, 11am-4pm, normal admission fee • Find sparkly crackers in the grounds and cloisters of Lacock Abbey and discover the punch lines to some truly awful festive jokes.

UNTIL MON 7 JAN CHRISTMAS AT LONGLEAT Longleat Safari & Adventure Park, Longleat, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7NW. 01985 844400, www. longleat.co.uk, 16 Nov-21 Dec 11am7.30pm, 22 Dec-7 Jan 11am-8pm, £14 (adult)/£9 (child 3-14yrs), additional charges apply for ice skating and Santa Train • See Santa, take a ride on the Santa Express train, skate on real ice, visit the Christmas Fayre and see fairy tales come to life.

UNTIL WED 9 JAN EXHIBITION BY PHILIP LEDBURY North Corridor, Art at the Heart, Estates and Facilities Directorate, Royal United Hospital NHS Trust, Combe Park, Bath BA1 3NG. 01225 824987, www.ruh.nhs.uk/art, free • Visit the gallery to witness Philip Ledbury’s vibrant use of colour.

Diagnosed with leukaemia and

Once Upon a Christmas, Lacock Abbey, Until Sun 6 Jan

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ROUNDABOUT

It’s Christmas at Longleat until Mon 7 Jan

given a term of three to five years, Ledbury believes the secret of his longevity is art and the support at the RUH. SAT 15 DEC THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS Salisbury Museum,The King’s House, 65 The Close, Salisbury SP1 2EN. www.salisburymuseum. org.uk, 01722 332151, 10am-4pm, free • Meet a family of reindeer, enjoy a festive show from Punch and Judy, storytelling, seasonal handbell music from the Junior Belletones and recorder music from the Rossignol Recorders.

TUE 18-SAT 22 DEC FREE FESTIVE FAMILY FUN Salisbury Museum, The King’s House, 65 The Close, Salisbury SP1 2EN. www.salisburymuseum. org.uk, 01722 332151, 10am-5pm, free • Visitors to the museum can enjoy a whole week of free entry.

Take part in gallery activities and a Christmas trail with prizes.

FRI 21 DEC SANTA STORY TIME FOR UNDER-FIVES Moredon and Rodbourne Cheney Library, Church Walk North (off Moredon Road), Swindon SN25 3DJ. 01793 618230 • Taking time out of his hectic pre-Christmas schedule, Santa Claus joins the under 5s for a special story and rhyme time session.

SAT 22 DEC ‘ON ANGEL WINGS’ BY MICHAEL MORPURGO Salisbury Cathedral, 33 The Close, Salisbury SP1 2EJ. www.salisburycathedral.org.uk, 5.30pm, £29 (family ticket)/£12 (adult)/£6 (child) • Michael Morpurgo, former Children’s Laureate visits the cathedral for a seasonal performance of ‘On Angel Wings’. A perfect opportunity to introduce children to the story of Christmas.

Tickets 01722 320333 or visit the website.

SAT 22 DEC FAMILY CHRISTMAS CRACKER The Link Centre, Whitehill Way, Westlea, Swindon, SN5 7DL. 01793 445566, 10am-1pm, £2.10-£6.10, additional skate hire £1.60 • Enjoy a longer-than-usual festive ice-

skating session. Over three hours, children and parents alike can enjoy Christmas themed ice-skating games. Penguin stability aids available.

SAT 22 DEC FROZEN FOREST Salisbury Arts Centre, Bedwin Street, Salisbury SP1 3UT. 01722 321744, www.salisburyartscentre.co.uk, 10am-1pm, free • Visit Salisbury Arts Centre to witness an icy installation stretching across the building, and join in with resident artists as they instruct in film, pottery and dance activities.

SAT 22 DEC WINTER WONDERLAND Salisbury Arts Centre, Bedwin Street, Salisbury SP1 3UT. 01722 321744, www.salisburyartscentre. co.uk, 6pm-7.30pm, £5 • Bringing the season of the Frozen Forest to a close, Salisbury Arts Centre and Salisbury Playhouse welcome an annual celebration filled with dancing, fun, snow and magical surprises.

SAT 22 DEC CRAFT ACTIVITIES AT TROWBRIDGE MUSEUM Trowbridge Museum, the Shires, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 8AT. 01225 741339, trowbridgemuseum. co.uk, 10.30-12.30 and 1.30-3.30, free • Visit the museum for the drop-in craft session and make a Christmas angel to take home and decorate your tree.

SAT 22 DEC MINI MESSIAH FAMILY CONCERT Hall 1, Colston Hall, Colston Street, Bristol BS1 5AR. 0117 922 3686, www.colstonhall.org, 4.30pm, £5 (adults)/under 18s free when accompanied by an adult • Enjoy a child-friendly taster of Handel’s Messiah, reworked to include the highlights of the full piece in an easily digestible, under-an-hour performance.

SAT 22 DEC-SUN 6 JAN BRITAIN’S BIGGEST WALKING FESTIVAL Walks depart from various locations and times. 01275 541773/0207 339 8531, www.bristolramblers.org.uk/ www.ramblers.org.uk/walksfinder, » CHRISTMAS 2012

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ROUNDABOUT

PLEASE CHECK BEFORE YOU TRAVEL . . . AND TELL THEM YOU SAW THE EVENT IN PRIMARY TIMES! Chippenham, SN15 2LG. 01249 730459, www.nationaltrust.org. uk/lacock, 11am-4pm, tickets £3.90 to £27.30, National Trust members and under-5s free • As the architecture of the medieval cloisters is illuminated, witness the magic of Lacock Abbey light up before your eyes.

Swindon Scalextric Swapmeet, Sun 6 Jan.

FRI 18 JAN WASSAIL NIGHT Lacock Abbey, Lacock, near Chippenham, SN15 2LG. 01249 730459, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ lacock, 7pm-8.30pm, £8 (adults)/£4 (children) • Lacock Abbey’s first ever wassail promises to be a night to remember! Take pots, pans and wooden spoons to frighten off evil spirits and wish for a fruitful year ahead. Live music, warming soup and punch included. Booking essential.

» free • The Ramblers offer a festive season of winter walks across the region. Walks range from short ambles to lengthier hikes, suitable for all levels of ability.

MON 24 DEC FOLLOW THE STAR! FAMILY SERVICE FOR CHRISTMAS Salisbury Cathedral, 33 The Close, Salisbury SP1 2EJ. www.salisburycathedral.org.uk, 4pm, free • Join Lilibet the donkey from Farmer Giles Farmstead, the Salisbury Cathedral Junior Choir and Salisbury Cathedral Choir for a family nativity service on the eve of Christmas. Sing seasonal carols and enjoy the festive spirit.

WED 26 DEC BOXING DAY CITY WALK Salisbury Tourist Information, Fish Row, Salisbury, SP1 1EJ. 01722 324860, www.salisburycityguides. co.uk, 2pm, £4 (adult)/£2 (child) • Join Salisbury’s city guides for a festive Boxing Day walk of the city.

SAT 29 DEC YOUNG @ ART Victoria Art Gallery, Bridge Street, Bath BA2 4AT. www.victoriagal. org.uk, 01225 477244, 10.30am12pm, £3.75 per session per child • The art club for children aged 3 to 11. Pre-booking essential.

SUN 30 DEC FARMERS AND ARTISAN MARKET Lamb Yard, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, BA15 1FG. 01225282801/07942890149, 10am-2pm • Unique produce from the Bradford on Avon area, local farmers and artisans will be in attendance.

MON 31 DEC NEW YEAR’S EVE FAMILY DISCO St Stephen’s Place, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 8AH. 01225 765072, www.trowbridgecivic.co.uk, 7pm-1am, £14 (family or group of 4)/£5(each)/under 5s free • This family-oriented event offers a unique opportunity for parents with children to celebrate the new year in a safe and child-friendly environ14

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ment. Children will be entertained by games, competitions and prizes and there will be a fully serviced bar for the adults as well. Visitors are welcome to bring food and snacks.

JANUARY TUE 1 JAN NEW YEAR’S DAY WALK Stourhead, near Mere BA12 6QD. 01747 841152, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/stourhead, 11am-1pm, £10/£7 • Join the estate ranger and garden and estate manager on a New Year’s walk through the garden, woods and parkland. Wear sensible footwear and warm, waterproof clothing as the walk will cover stiles and fields. Dogs on leads welcome.

THU 3 JAN KEEP YOUR FEATHEREDFRIENDS WARM Coate Water Country Park, Marlborough Road, Swindon, SN3 6AA. 01793 490150, 10am-12pm, £4 per box • For those who own chickens or other feathered friends, this helpful session teaches visitors how to make a warm home for them to place in your garden, ready for when they begin nesting in the spring. Advance booking advised. Meet at Coate Water Information Centre.

SUN 6 JAN SWINDON SCALEXTRIC SWAPMEET Oasis Leisure Centre, North Star Avenue, Swindon SN2 1EP. 01793 445401. 10.30am-3.30pm, £2.50/£1 • Attend one of the biggest and longest-running Scalextric events in the UK, suitable for all levels of interest. Enjoy browsing the latest models at discounted prices, as well as classic models of the past. Take models to sell and swap and enjoy a great day out with other Scalextric enthusiasts.

FROM MON 7 JAN EXPLORE OUR WORLD At-Bristol, Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5DB.

0845 345 1235, www.at-bristol.org. uk, drop-in sessions throughout the day • The Live Lab area will be transformed into an electrifying earthquake and volcano zone.

Take part in a tense volcano eruption experiment, examine the microscopic beauty of volcanic rock and design a building to withstand At-Bristol’s own mini earthquake stimulator.

FRI 11 JAN UNDER FIVES FRIDAY 2013 Salisbury Museum, The King’s House, 65 The Close, Salisbury SP1 2EN. www.salisburymuseum. org.uk, 01722 332151, 10am-4pm, free • Get creative and explore the wealth of activities on offer.

Suitable for 2-5 year olds. A baby play area is available.

FRI 11 JAN HOME EDUCATOR DAY At-Bristol, Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5DB. 0845 345 1235, www.at-bristol. org.uk, 10am-2.30pm • Home educators are invited to a participatory science-based day examining materials and chemicals. Activities include a science theatre show, changing materials workshop and creative chemistry lab workshop. Lab activity not permitted for under 10s. Booking required on 0845 345 3344.

SAT 12 JAN 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 awards ‘Discover’ and ‘Explore’ through activities such as ‘Birds and Bugs’ fabric applique.

SAT 12-SUN 27 JAN INTO THE LIGHT – ILLUMINATING LACOCK ABBEY Lacock Abbey, Lacock, near

SUN 20-SAT 26 JAN FARMHOUSE BREAKFAST WEEK Held at schools across the country, www.shakeupyourwakeup.com • Take part in Farmhouse Breakfast Week’s 14th year, which educates children about the importance of starting the day with a hearty balanced breakfast and encourages healthy eating habits from a young age. Schools can take part in a variety of ways, by hosting a breakfast club activity, having a local farmer or chef visit, or including children in classroom activities or games.

SUN 27 JAN FARMERS AND ARTISAN MARKET Lamb Yard, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, BA15 1FG. 01225282801/07942890149, 10am2pm • With unique produce from the Bradford on Avon area, provided by local farmers and artisans.

FEBRUARY SAT 2 FEB-MON 6 MAY EXHIBITION: CHOCOLATE M Shed, Princes Wharf, Wapping Road, Bristol BS1 4RN. 0117 352 6600, www.mshed.org, Tue-Fri 10am-5pm/weekends and bank holidays 10am-6pm/closed Mon, £5 (adult)/£4 (concessions)/£3 (children) • Step into the delicious world of chocolate to find out all about the history, science and magic of one of the nation’s most popular treats. Discover Bristol’s connection to the production of chocolate and take part in chocolate-related events.

TUE 5 FEB SEA HEAR STORYTELLING Ss Great Britain, Great Western Dock, Bristol, BS1 6TY. 0117 926 0680, www.ssgreatbritain.org, 11am, free • Storyteller Sarah Mooney captivates the imaginations of young and old.

LISTINGS BY FRANCESCA CLIFFORD PRIMARY TIMES

12/5/2012 5:09:24 PM

Get baking!

Teaching your children some kitchen basics can give them confidence and pay dividends round the Christmas tree, says Francesca Clifford.

T

he suggestion of children’s home cookery often fills parents with foreboding.

While there will inevitably be a certain amount of clearing up, baking with your kids can be a rewarding and bonding experience. Not only that, it can teach children some valuable skills without it feeling like a lesson.

The baking process encourages children to take responsibility for what they eat, appreciating the ingredients included in their food. Developing this awareness at a young age will help to instil a sense of balance in their diets.

Search out some alternative recipes to classic children’s favourites to promote creativity in baking.

For example, using beetroot in brownies is a great way to include more vegetables in your child’s diet: it has even been described as ‘the new carrot’, providing a moist and velvety texture. Producing a selection of root vegetables and telling your child you can transform them into tasty brownies will make you seem as magical as Dumbledore. Most beetroot brownie recipes are much healthier, too, using around half as much

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12 Wilts Features Xmas 2012.indd 7

fat as regular brownies.

Cooking with children promotes an understanding of measurements, giving them the chance to use the skills they are learning in school. They will be able to see exactly what 500ml of milk looks like, feel the weight of 250g of Makes 24 decorative gingerbread cookies flour, crack an egg without getting shell in the mix and pour the batter into a cake tin. Following a rec75ml black treacle ipe can also help children appreci60g dark soft brown sugar ate the value of doing things in a 60g butter, softened particular order to achieve a spe3/4 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda cific result. Using mixing spoons, 1/4 teaspoon ground mixed spice, cinnamon, scales and baking trays improves cloves and ginger motor skills and dexterity, improv1 egg ing control of their movements.

About 325g plain flour If this all seems like a lot of extra work, then consider asking your Preheat oven to 180oC/gas mark 4. children to take part in preparing In a large bowl, mix all ingredients and 100g of the evening meal. Often gathering the flour until combined. all of the ingredients and equipment With a wooden spoon, stir in enough of the necessary for baking can seem like remaining flour to make a stiff dough. a chore, but the convenience and Wrap in cling film and chill for 15 minutes. regularity of cooking dinner is the On a lightly floured surface, roll the perfect opportunity to get them dough to 3mm thick, and cut out your involved. Even if it is just weighing, shapes. grating or stirring, the kids will be Place shapes 1cm apart on a baking sheet. excited to be a part of the process.

Make a small hole a centimetre below the The chance to decorate and top of each biscuit before cooking. make something look pretty is Bake for 12 minutes, or until edges are guaranteed to raise excitement firm. Remove immediately onto a wire in children. This recipe for edible cooling rack. gingerbread Christmas tree When cooled, be creative and decorate decorations is so simple and with writing icing. When dry, thread some offers plenty of fun as your kids festive ribbon through the hole, tie firmly personalise each one. And, if and hang on the tree! you’re stuck for finding the right shape, a range of local and online companies offer a great selection of child-friendly bakeware and Christmas-shaped cookie cutters W: www.kitchenscookshop.co.uk The Cook’s Kitchen W: www. for your tree decorations. thecookskitchen.com Pro Cook Unit 67, Gloucester Kitchens, Bath 4&5 Quiet Street, Quays Designer Outlet, St Ann Once you’ve taken them out Way, Gloucester GL1 5SH T: 01452 Bath BA1 2JS T: 01225 330524 of the oven, enjoy the best part 501575 of all, hanging them on your Kitchens, Bristol 167 Whiteladies Christmas tree in time for the big Road, Bristol, BS8 2SQ T: 0117 973 Lakeland 3-4 Market Walk, day!

9614 Salisbury, SP1 1BT T: 01722 338769

Works Every Time

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WHAT A STROKE OF CLUCK! Keeping chickens can get a bit messy, says Sarah Ollington, but the pros far outweigh the cons.

M

without fail, which can be a concern if you are away on holiday.

They can also make a mess of the garden if you don’t protect your plants.

ore people are starting to keep a few chickens in their backyard or garden; even schools are starting to see the many benefits they can bring to their pupils, especially primary school children. They’re educational, therapeutic and fun. They show kids where their food comes from, teach them responsibility and provide great educational opportunities.

Expert advice

If you’re thinking seriously of starting a chickens coop, there’s no better place to learn than Mark Burrows’ book ‘So You Want to Start Keeping Chickens?’ It’s a great tool for those schools and parents who have never kept chickens before .Packed full of common sense and a no nonsense approach, it clearly explains all aspects of chicken-keeping not easily found all in one place.

Chickens at home

There is no doubt that children adore chickens as they make super friendly pets. Hens are very docile creatures and will introduce children to the world of responsibility. There is nothing more gratifying than watching your happy chickens roaming free, scratching around without a care in the world. They just seem to add that little bit of magic to the garden. Each chicken has its own little character and can be very amusing. They come with the added bonus of fresh eggs, and you can be happy in the knowledge of what has gone into each egg and that it has been laid by a happy hen.

Chickens are very easy to keep and should remain healthy and active as long as a few basic rules are followed. They’re also inexpensive. After the initial cost, it is cheaper to keep a few hens for

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your own eggs than it is to buy them from shops or supermarkets. Surplus eggs can be sold at the gate or given to family and friends. If you sell some of your eggs it will help with the cost of the feed.

Chicken poo and the soiled straw or wood shavings that are cleared from the coop provide valuable material for the compost heap.

Rotted down it is high in nitrogen and can be used on your vegetable or flower garden.

Chickens in schools

More primary schools up and down the country are starting to keep a few chickens on the school grounds, because of the lack of outdoor space many families have at home. There are lots of educational benefits and extra teaching opportunities. It has been shown that keeping chickens can be of great benefit to children with learning difficulties, or those with behaviour problems.

To start with, the children learn how to look after the hens and dis-

cover what it entails to take care of living creatures. It is a job they relish and often the teacher will have to set up a rota for looking after the hens so all the children get to have a go.

Children can keep a special ‘chicken book’ noting down what the hens are fed, how many eggs they lay and notes on the chickens behaviour. Studies can be made on things like the lifecycle of an egg and also the lifecycle of the chicken itself.

The chickens’ eggs also provide an opportunity for children to learn how food gets to their plate and the opportunity to gain cooking skills as the eggs laid can be used for baking cakes and simple recipes.

Chickens can be a great way in developing children’s social skills, teach them empathy and improve self-esteem.

As with all pets, chickens are a big commitment. They are dependent upon you for their well-being; you will need to ensure they are locked up in their coop each evening

So You Want to Start Keeping Chickens? is available on Kindle from Amazon.co.uk at £3.04.

Paperback copies are available from Lulu.com for £8.95.

PRIMARY TIMES

12/5/2012 12:27:00 PM

ADVERTISING FEATURE

d r a o b n Pi Does your child want to train for television?

Sonnets Theatre Arts School provides classes in acting, singing, dance and recorded arts for 4 to 15 year olds.

New Sonnets television and radio skills are being introduced to all classes from January 2013. During the April term, the school gets ready for live showcases in a professional theatre in July. All pupils, whether beginner or experienced, take part!

Classes run in Salisbury, Swindon, Marlborough and Chippenham.

Spaces are limited and you can enrol your child for a taster class or see them in action online. LAMDA Acting examination classes are also available.

A Fab way to make LEGO® your own Love LEGO®? FabBricks was born when, one day, the son of the company owner said he would like a LEGO® brick with his name on.

Fab-Bricks.com is now believed to be the UK’s No.1 site for personalised LEGO®. The company can customise bricks and key rings in a host of different colours and even make ‘minifigs’ with your name on the torso. It also stocks minifigs which sit on personalised bricks, to make your birthday cake extra special.

If it’s made of LEGO®, Fab-Bricks wants to put your name on it. Have a browse on the company’s website and you will find perfect stocking fillers and fab, inexpensive and unique gifts for friends and family.

Fab-Bricks also supplies bulk orders for company promotions and would love to work with you to help you raise funds for your school.

LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO group of companies which does not sponsor, authorise or endorse the FabBricks website.

Ffi: Fab Bricks W: www.fab-bricks.com E: info@fab-bricks.com

Ffi: W: www.sonnetstas.co.uk

Go-Kart parties for 4 to 9 year olds Say ‘My Name’ for Christmas If you have family or friends overseas, or elsewhere in the UK, and need to send gifts for the children, then personalised name labels make the perfect gift.

And if you like to fill your own children’s stockings with practical things they need for the year ahead, why not add some name labels for your own children?

You can order now by phone or online.

Ffi: My Name Label T: 0870 850 7897 W: www. mynamelabel. co.uk

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Parents’ & teachers’

news, education & contacts

Winter with At-Bristol For some festive fun with a twist, head to the At-Bristol science centre where, until 6 January, the whole family can get hands-on in Santa’s Invention Workshop and make their own science-themed stocking fillers. Then join in with some silly seasonal experiments, including the Flaming Pudding Tornado!

If your littlest ones are feeling the post-Christmas slump come the New Year, the Crazy Creatures Toddler Takeover (17 & 18 January) is guaranteed to beat the January blues! Two days of animal activities for the under5s feature the fabulous Beautiful Bug Ball: a disco for toddlers complete with music, light and bubbles. Little ones (and their grown-ups!) can get creative during the day and make elements of their creature costumes, then throw some shapes on the dancefloor!

Toddlers can also meet woodland critters during interactive storytime, take a trip into outer space, and play on At-Bristol’s hundreds of hands-on exhibits. Reduced entry prices apply.

Ffi: T: 0845 3451235 W: www.at-bristol.org.uk

The Magic of Christmas!

Go Kart Parties holds parties indoors or outdoors at a leisure centre near you.

The karts are electric so there are no fumes and the little ones can use them safely, under supervision in an organised party.

In tough economic times why not have a joint party and halve the cost?

The company has fully insured and CRB checked operators and only closes on 25-26 December and 1 January. It is taking bookings now for the holiday period and next year. It also attends fetes, carnivals and family corporate days, so, Event Organisers, don’t miss out on attraction that will bring in children/ families to your event!

A festive extravaganza at the Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum launches a week of free entry to the museum in the run-up to Christmas.

The Magic of Christmas on Sat 15 Dec features a family of live reindeer, seasonal music from the Junior Belletones and the Rossignol Recorders and a host of family activities including traditional Punch & Judy and storytelling.

From Tue 18–Sat 22 Dec there’s a Christmas trail with prizes, as well as gallery activities, all completely free.

Into the New Year, there’s an Under Fives Friday on the second Friday of every month, or 11 January, 8 February and 8 March in 2013.

“We want people to experience the fun of the museum and to get into the festive spirit,” says museum director Adrian Green. Museum closed Mon 17 Dec.

Ffi: T: 07810 113457 W: www.gokartparty wiltshire.com

Ffi: T: 01722 332151 W: www. salisburymuseum.org.uk E: museum@ salisburymuseum.org.uk

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12/5/2012 5:08:14 PM

Adver tising Feature

Learning is fun with Golden Time Toys Playing games is an essential part of growing up. It develops important social, imaginative and cognitive skills which benefit a child for the rest of their life.

GoldenTime Toys was set up exclusively to sell fun, yet educational, toys, games, activities and learning resources.

Founder Diane Etheridge has been working with children for many years as a primary school teaching assistant, Cub Scout officer and Sunday school teacher. She says, “Children learn best when they are having fun, and even better when they are having so much fun, they don’t even realise that they are learning! As they progress, they are motivated to practice, develop and improve key skills.”

As a specialist retailer GoldenTime Toys seeks out games that are fun to play, provide real educational benefits and offer good value for money. On their website you will discover games that support Early Years and the National Curriculum in numeracy, literacy, foreign languages, science, history, geography and art and craft. The site also offers a range of brainteasers and strategic games that will help build important problem solving and critical thinking skills in your child.

Diane adds, “Many of our products offer additional benefits for children coping with dyslexia and dyspraxia and other special education needs. They prove the maxim that learning can be fun!”

• Ffi: Golden Time Toys W: www.goldentimetoys.co.uk

Adver tising Feature

Ice skating in Swindon Swindon’s Link Centre is home to one of the only ice rinks in Wiltshire.

The facility is open to the public seven days a week during school holidays and six days a week during term time. Its Skoolz Out SK8 sessions run after school on Tuesdays and Fridays, 4.30pm–6pm, while the Cool Kids Club is a fun session with popular chart music aimed at children up to 12, held on Saturday mornings, 10am–12 noon.

Each week the session has a different theme game to keep the kids entertained. Children who come regularly can also join the Cool Kids Club for free. Dedicated ‘Family Skate’ sessions run every Saturday and Sunday afternoon, 2.45pm–4.45pm. To make life easier for little ones you can also hire the centre’s Penguin stability aids on a half hourly basis.

These help the under 5s gain skating confidence as well as giving parents’ arms a rest.

See the skating advert on Page 12 for details of Christmas skating sessions and visit the website to download a regular ice rink timetable.

• Ffi: W: www.swindon.gov.uk/iceskating

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PRIMARY TIMES

12/5/2012 5:12:29 PM

Adver tising Feature

Heywood Prep opens its doors After an exciting and wellreceived first term in charge, Heywood Prep’s new headmaster is opening the doors of the school for a whole week, inviting prospective parents and their children to see just what Heywood Prep has to offer.

The Corsham school has undergone something of a transformation in recent months. Parents have been singing the praises of Guy Barrett, who joined as headmaster in September, and the fresh approach he has brought to the school. In addition to a programme of investment in facilities, the school undertook a consultation process with parents. A series of changes have already been implemented - improved sports, better communication and more flexible opening times. More change and investment is in the pipeline for the rest of the year.

“Heywood Prep has always been a school that performed well, with an ‘Outstanding’ report from the Independent Schools’ Inspectorate just last March,” says Guy. “But we have been given the opportunity to take this a step further, which is really exciting.

“We are hosting a whole week of open days in February to give parents the chance to see the school in action, and understand what a difference Heywood Prep, with our small class sizes and friendly culture, could make to their child’s future.”

Heywood Prep is an independent prep school and nursery for boys and girls aged 2 to 11. The school and nursery are holding their week of open days from Monday 25 February.

• Ffi: Heywood Prep T: 01249 713379 W: www.heywoodprep. com E: office@heywoodprep.com

Adver tising Feature

Take a breath to prevent COPD Wiltshire’s Public Health team is highlighting the dangers of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and the benefits of quitting smoking as part of a regional Smokefree South West campaign. COPD is a debilitating and irreversible disease which accounts for more deaths every year in the UK than breast, prostate or bowel cancer. It is caused mainly by smoking.

As many as 90,000 people are currently registered with this condition in the South West, with an estimated 55,000 remaining undiagnosed. Many smokers do not realise they could have the disease; a survey shows nine out of 10 British people have never heard of it. ‘Take a Breath’ aims to raise awareness of the dangers of COPD by challenging the assumption among many smokers that being short of breath or having a wheezy chest is ‘normal’. COPD sufferers all too often dismiss the vital, early warning signs.

Although any damage that has already occurred to your lungs cannot be reversed, you can prevent COPD from developing or getting worse by giving up smoking.

Maggie Rae of NHS Wiltshire and Wiltshire Council says, “COPD remains a disease that very few people have heard of.

We’re hoping this hard hitting campaign will raise local awareness of COPD and reinforce the dangers of continuing to smoke.

COPD can limit or strip away simple freedoms like a walk in the crisp autumn air or playing footie with your kids or grandkids.

We want local smokers to act now, to check out their health and to quit.”

• Ffi: W: www.takeabreathandquit.co.uk or www.wiltshire�������������� stopsmoking.co.uk

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CHRISTMAS 2012

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Hello Kids!

Thank you so much for your wonderful pictures of aliens.

You were so clever and the standard was very high, so don’t worry if your entry didn’t get published. Try again and hopefully you’ll have better luck next time.

I’ve teamed up with my friends At-Bristol for the theme next issue, which is “Crazy creatures and beautiful bugs”, to mark their Toddler Takover on 17-18 January, two days of special animal activities including costume crafting and the Beautiful Bug Ball. They have a family ticket to give away to the three best paintings I publish.

Please send your pictures to: Arty Barty, Venue Publishing, BN&Media, Temple Way, Bristol BS99 7HD, or email high resolution jpegs to my editor, mike.gartside@venue.co.uk.

Don’t forget to put your name, age, full postal address and school on the back: Deadline Monday 7 January.

Arty Barty Last issue, I asked you to send in your pictures of ‘Spaceships and Aliens’. Well done to the winners who win a family painting session at Flying Saucers, the painting and pottery cafe in Bristol.

Millie Thomas, 7, St Sampson’s C of E Junior School, Cricklade Earth is just a tiny dot in the background of g. this deep space drawin Great perspective from Millie.

WINNER!

Have fun!

Arty

Jozef Russell, 9, Rosary Catholic Primary School, Stroud This neatly drawn picture cleverly ties in the Olympics with aliens: very creative!

Aliya Rekucka, 10, Hillview Primary School, Gloucester d Aliya has create a dazzlingly silver starry scene for her two aliens to fly around in. Best friends forever in space!

Scott Granger, 6, Preshute Primary School, Marlborough The 3D silver foil elements make the alien’s eyes really stand out. He is definitely out of this world!

WINNER!

Watch with wolf Francesca Clifford reviews the new releases.

Shivering timbers Bristol is the spooky setting for the chilling tale of Shiverton Hall, home to much more than a few cobwebs. As Arthur Bannister starts life at a new school, he discovers an ancient tale deep at the heart of its history. George, the resident ghost expert and Arthur’s newest companion, takes it upon himself to enlighten Arthur of the frightful history surrounding the school, and the more he finds out the more he feels that George’s ghost stories are not just tales…

Occurrences of the supernatural, interwoven with dark magic and unexplained events build up a suspense-filled narrative which will leave the young reader compelled to turn the pages. The perfect book to promote solo reading in the older child.

Shiverton Hall by Emerald Fennell, Bloomsbury (paperback), £6.99

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Debi Gliori re-invents Mr Wolf as a central character linking a number of different, well known fairy stories. Here, he encounters a number of beloved nursery rhyme characters throughout his day, but they all make him feel grumpy because he just can’t seem to get any peace.

His day goes from bad to worse when he sees a huge crowd rush past, seemingly on their way to a party. But will his spirits be lifted when he finally returns home to a bit of a surprise?

This enchanting picture book is perfect for bedtime reading; children will love to spot well-known characters. It also reinforces children’s understanding of time with continual references to clocks and the language of time-telling. Suitable for ages 3 and over.

What’s the Time, Mr Wolf? by Debi Gliori, Bloomsbury (hardback), £10.99

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