Primary Times Avon Feb 2015

in Avon Issue 188 13 Feb-24 Mar 2015

Also

Mother’s Day World Book Day Children’s parties

SATs ahead?

Exam Ninja focuses on Year 6 with its new SATs Special. Page 4

Download the Primary Times app, free! Page 3

Theatre • Arty Barty • Roundabout • Save money!

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INDEPENDENT SCHOOL FOR BOYS 7–18 FOUNDED 1590

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Experience life at Redland High by attending our Visiting Morning on Friday 13 March

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PRIMARY TIMES

23/01/2015 15:11:29

February Half Term is always a fun period for families as traditional celebrations can take a back seat to plans parents and kids have made together.

Children, if you’re lucky enough to have a birthday in the next few months, make sure the folks read our Children’s Party feature (P21) for all the best ideas.And, Mothers, point your partner and children in the direction of P31 for a full range of Mothering Sunday ideas.

March is always a boom time for children’s literature events, with Shakespeare Week and World Book Day following in quick succession (P6). So read all about it here!

THEATRE P8 ROUNDABOUT P13 PINBOARD P23 ADVERTISING FEATURES P26 PUPILS’ PAGE P34 CLASSIFIEDS P37 BROUGHT TO BOOK P6 We turn the pages on the various literature events this spring.

CHILDREN’S PARTIES P21 The do’s and don’ts of a kids’ gathering.

A TIME FOR MUM P31 Avon iin A 2015 -24 Mar 11 12 Feb Issue 188

the editor

Also Mother’s Day Day k World Boo ies Children’s part

PRIMARY TIMES IS NOW AVAILABLE AS AN APP

SATs ahead?

ja Exam Nin Year 6 focuses on SATs with its new Page 4 Special.

Theatre • Arty

Things to make and buy for Mother’s Day.

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/primary-times/id674066003?mt=8 Downloadary the Prim Times app, 3 free! Page

Save money! ndabout • Barty • Rou

Primary Times in Avon

Bristol News and Media, Temple Way, Bristol BS99 7HD. More information at www.primarytimes.net

Editor Mike Gartside

mike.gartside@venue.co.uk Commercial director Abbie Grant

abbie.grant@b-nm.co.uk

0117 934 3626 Advertising Caroline Stretton

caroline.stretton@b-nm.co.uk

0117 934 3737 Distribution Simon Butler

0117 934 3741

simon.butler@b-nm.co.uk Design Cath Evans, Mike Gartside Production Emma Gorton, Ruth Wood Proof reading Ellen White Main office 0117 934 3000 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 biased 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 Bristol News & Media nor its contributors are liable for the consequences of any errors. Primary Times would like to thank all the schools in the counties 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!

Swimstart - Learn to swim: buy five lessons and get two extra free Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm - £2 off admission M Shed + Bristol City Museum & Art Gallery - U16s free (suitable ages 10+) Parish Wharf Leisure Centre - Save £15 with advert: book before 31 Mar Cattle Country - 20% off (valid for up to six people) Bristol Aquarium - Kids Go free PW Media & Publishing - Join in Feb for two weeks’ free tuition 123 Jump - £10 Party. After school, Mon-Fri in term time.

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SATs ahead?

Exam Ninja can provide Year 6 pupils preparing for the forthcoming 2015 Key Stage 2 SATs tests with everything they need to know.

T

he 2015 Key Stage 2 (KS2) SATs tests start on Monday 11 May and will be taken by all children in Year 6.

Many parents and children are unsure about exactly what these important English and Maths tests involve or how to prepare for them. Thankfully, Exam Ninja is ready to help.

For the English tests, children take an English Reading paper and a separate Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling paper (often known as the SPaG or GaPS paper).

The English Reading paper is a tricky reading comprehension test. Children are given 60 minutes to read through a booklet containing a number of texts and answer all the questions within a separate reading answer booklet. The paper starts off with fairly easy questions, simply asking children to retrieve facts.

It quickly progresses to more difficult questions, testing their understanding of tense, layout

and context. This paper is a real challenge!

The SPaG paper consists of two separate tasks. Task 1 is a 45 minute test that stretches children’s grammar and punctuation skills to their limit.

The questions are short, plentiful and sometimes puzzling. Do you know your prepositions from your pronouns and prefixes?

Task 2 of the SPaG paper is a listening test. This involves your child correctly spelling 20 words read aloud by their teacher. Some words are simple whilst others can be really tough!

In Maths, children take three separate tests: Paper 1, Paper 2 and a Mental Maths Test.

Maths Paper 1 and Paper 2 are both timed at 45 minutes and are similar in nature. Both papers contain roughly 25 separate questions and are equally challenging. Thorough practice is essential, especially since pupils are unable to use a calculator.

E Ninja xam a Leve lso has l6 exam SATs pack s The Mental Maths Test, like the Spelling Task, is a 20 minute listening test. Here, children listen to a pre-recorded CD of twenty questions and write their answers down on an answer sheet. For some of the questions, children are only given five seconds to calculate the answer in their head and write it down. It’s a short and intense test that’s particularly demanding since children only hear the questions once!

HOW EXAM NINJA CAN HELP If you want your child to perform well in their KS2 SATs this May, work on their weaknesses and address their anxieties, thorough preparation is essential. For KS2 SATs, practice truly does make perfect. After all, Exam Ninja should know: over 80% of its customers’ children achieved straight level 5s in both 2013 and 2014.

Start off by downloading and working through the past KS2 SATs papers. They are all available free of charge from www.SATs-Papers.co.uk.

Be aware that, while there are plenty of papers available, the specifications changed significantly in 2013 and again in 2014, rendering most of them out of date.

Thankfully, Exam Ninja has the perfect solution, the Exam Ninja 2015 KS2 SATs Practice Papers Book.

Written especially for the 2015 KS2 SATs tests, its book contains everything your child needs: three full sets of English and Maths papers and full, detailed answers.

To make it even more realistic, they have included professionally produced audio downloads for the Spelling and Mental Maths tests completely free of charge.

They even include Online Marks Compare, an online tool that lets you accurately measure your child’s performance and compare their marks against those of other children from across the country.

The Exam Ninja 2015 KS2 SATs Practice Papers Book is the best preparation tool available for the 2015 tests and at only £14.95 represents amazing value for money.

To order your copy, go to www.ExamNinja.co.uk/SATs or call them on 0117 214 0031.

KS2 SATs Exam Week Timetable MON 11 MAY ENGLISH READING TUE 12 MAY GRAMMAR, PUNCTUATION AND SPELLING WED 13 MAY MATHS PAPER 1 & MENTAL MATHS TEST THU 14 MAY MATHS PAPER 2

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PRIMARY TIMES

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a an ll t “M h y d W so w e in ki e’ m er te ds l e r a lo Vi l d e o f a c ve sit or efi f s ti d to n th ci n ve th it e e e e s at xh ly t ed bits o ibi t io g o r i b e n at b s. y M a Sh ck ed .”

Until 1 Mar 2015

MOVED BY CONFLICT Bristol and the First World War Lives changed forever May Norton Under16s go free Suitable for 10+

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EXHIBITION DEVELOPED IN ASSOCIATION WITH BRISTOL OLD VIC Exhibition sponsor

PRIMARY TIMES

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23/01/2015 15:12:35

Books, glorious books!

From World Book Day to Shakespeare Week, Mike Gartside and Ellen White explore the many events coming up that encourage children to get stuck in to the written word.

D

id you know that books were once considered as dangerous to learning as some consider computer games today? About 600 years ago, the German abbot Johannes Trithemius feared that the newlyinvented printing press would make his monks lazy if they no longer had to write out the scriptures by hand.

Of course, today, the printed book is viewed, still, as the world’s principle vehicle of learning and entertainment, although, with the internet and new media, its role is undeniably changing.

World Book Day (WBD) on Thursday 5 March is a celebration of this cornerstone of our education, inspiring children to discover books and reading for themselves. And that’s not the only celebration of literature coming up. Shakespeare Week introduces children to arguably the English language’s greatest playwright, while Bath Literature Festival – although mainly adult in content – hosts workshops for young writers. There has never

The printing press: the end of civilsation as we know it? Abbot Trithemius thought so.

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Gill Lewis

been a better time for children to engage with the written word.

Primary schools throughout the South West have always been eager participants in WBD, traditionally encouraging children to dress up as characters from their favourite story, and this year is no exception. In Bristol, for example, Headley Park Primary School has a great list of costume ideas on its website and how you can recreate them (see below). The Kings School in Gloucester hosts several WBD events including a WBD Fair with publisher Usborne, plus KS 1 & 2 creative writing workshops. Again, Prestbury St. Mary's CofE School, Cheltenham, encourages pupils to dress up as their favourite book character, while Hullavington CofE children can either dress up or just bring along their favourite book.

In the run up to WBD, on Thu 26 Feb, Bath Pavilion hosts ‘The Biggest Book Show on Earth’, part of a nationwide tour, giving local children the chance to see up to six popular writers and illustrators in person. Bath’s special guests will be Martin Brown, Sophy Henn, Gill Lewis, Jeremy Strong, and Jonathan Stroud. You can also stream the event from your computer (see official WBD website below for full details).

WBD also supports Readathon, the UK-wide sponsored reading event that encourages children to read for pleasure. As well as raising money to help seriously ill children, participating schools get free book

Jeremy Strong

vouchers from Scholastic Book Clubs. Free packs are available from the WBD website and contain everything teachers need to get started.

Meanwhile, Shakespeare, frequently referred to as The Bard, offers delights aplenty during Shakespeare Week (SW) from Mon 16-Sun 22 March. As Matthew Williams, a teacher at Weston All Saints Primary School in Bath, puts it, “Who said Shakespeare isn’t for primary schools? At the school, we were buzzing with excitement about Shakespeare during last year’s celebrations, from Reception right up to our Year 6 ‘Gifted and Talented’ pupils. We have found the resources from the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust to be absolutely invaluable in helping us put on a fabulous Shakespeare Week in school.” Other SW participants include King’s Lodge Primary, Chippenham, which

is planning drama workshops and word games inspired by The Bard, and Monkton Park Primary, also in Chippenham, which is hosting a visit

by Freshwater Theatre Company to explore Shakespeare’s life and times. In Bristol, the respected theatre company Shakespeare at The Tobacco Factory runs educational workshops for primary schools on the theme of 'friends and foes', focusing on his two tragic characters Romeo and Juliet and the gang rivalries that drive their story.

Finally, Bath Literature Festival, which runs from Fri 27 Feb-Sun 8 Mar, stages a workshop for young writers, with author Alice Maddicott, called The Chancery of Lost and Found, which encourages new ways of looking at the world.

So, if Abbot Trithemius got it wrong about the effects of books on learning, he was right to recognise that the printing press was an enduringly powerful tool in spreading ideas. Let’s hope children all over the region get stuck into a book this season and find out what he was so worried about!

World Book Day W: www.worldbookday.com Shakespeare Week W: www.shakespeareweek.org.uk Bath Literature Festival W: www. bathfestivals.org.uk/literature/?s=c hancery+of+lost+and+found Headley Park Primary School W: www.headleypark.bristol.sch.uk The Kings School W: www.thekingsschool.co.uk

Romeo & Juliet at the Tobacco Factory, Bristol, forms the basis of educational workshops during Shakespeare Week PRIMARY TIMES

27/01/2015 10:27:06

Now

Book tickets: at-bristol.org.uk/food

OUTDOOR FUN FOR ACTIVE KIDS Get outdoors, get active and have a blast! Our instructors are experienced, fully qualified and CRB checked, and are there to ensure your child gains confidence and enjoys every experience to the maximum.

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Children’s parties SchOOl educational programmes Holiday clubs Sports clubs Scouting, guiding, youth club activities

Look out for our exciting away days including mountain biking, canoeing, mountaineering and raft building!

What is your next adventure?

■ Military assault course ■ Low ropes course

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■ Orienteering ■ Tunnel maze

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■ Archery ■ Cryptic treasure hunt For more information visit www.mojoactive.co.uk Mojo Active, Over Court Farm, Over Lane, Almondsbury, Bristol BS32 4DF T 01454 660075 M 07770 925022 E info@mojoactive.co.uk www.mojoactive.co.uk

PRIMARY TIMES

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

BATH THE EGG Theatre Royal, Sawclose, Bath BA1 1ET. 01225 448844, www.theatre� ������������ royal.org.uk Arabian Nights Thu 12-Sat 14 Feb, 7pm (Thu & Fri) 10am, 2pm & 7pm (Sat), £6.50-£7.50 • The Royal Shakespeare Company offer Dominic Cooke’s adaptation of this traditional tale: King Shahrayer has decreed that, whenever he marries, his new wife must die the following morning. On her wedding night, Shahrazad’s only hope is to enchant the King with her tales of magic and adven� ture. Bewitched by characters like Ali Baba, Es-Sindibad the Sailor, scheming thieves and talking birds, the King defers the execution for a thousand and one nights. Will he spare her life forever? Ages 6+ The Cat in the Hat Tue 17-Sat 21 Feb, 11am & 1pm (Tue-Thu) 11am, 1pm & 3pm (Fri & Sat), £6.50-£7.50 • With the trickiest of tricks and craziest of ideas, Dr Seuss’s comic creation turns a rainy afternoon into an amazing adventure. But

what will Mum find when she gets home? Ages 3+ If Only Rosa Could Do Magic Thu 26-Sat 28 Feb, 10.30am & 1pm (Thu & Fri) 11.30am & 3pm (Sat), £6.50-£7.50 • She has the sweet� est dress, the loveliest hair, lots of pink toys and as much candy as she could wish for, so why is Rosa still sad? With no friends to play with and her parents constantly away, Rosa creates her own dream world filled with dragons and frogs and parents who understand and have time to be with her. Ages 5+ King John Wed 4-Thu 5 Mar, 7pm (Wed) 1pm & 7pm (Thu), £6.50£7.50 • England’s green and pleasant land is torn with conflict in Shakespeare’s history play.

Hammerpuzzle’s version captures the dynamism of this compelling tale remaining true to the original text. Ages 8+ Sammy and the Snow Leopard Sat 14 Mar, 11.30am & 3pm, £6.50£7.50 • Sammy loves animals, but his mum won’t let him have any pets. When Sammy thinks he’s found a way around it with an ‘Adopt a Snow Leopard’ pro� gramme, he finds himself on an adventure that spirals out of control. This Travelling Light

Review Dick Whittington Bristol Hippodrome

Pantomime has survived the twin scourges of television and the internet because it successfully combines archetypal fairy tales, song and dance with bawdy humour designed to fly over children’s heads. And if anyone hoists the flag for traditional panto locally, every year, it’s the Bristol Hippodrome.

This year’s Dick Whittington comes packed with the usual glitz and glamour, from the twinkling backdrops and costumes to the pop hits, played by a live orchestra . . . not forgetting, of course, a hefty sprinkling of kids’ TV fame courtesy of Ben ‘Mr Bloom’ Faulks from CBeebies and Ashleigh Butler and her dog Pudsey from ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ (pictured).

The tale is told (and wagged) wonderfully, as Dick (Faulks) jauntily arrives in London and wins the gratitude of the local store owner, for the services of his rat-catching cat, not to mention the heart of his daughter Alice Fitzwarren (Butler). The story takes a sinister turn, of course, when Dick is framed for theft by Queen Rat, splendidly played and sung by Lara Denning.

A few things niggle, though. Andy Ford– who I’ve enjoyed tremendously in other productions – plays a self-congratulatory Idle Jack. The humour depends too much on in-jokes and the punch lines are sometimes swallowed, while some gags take bawdy to a new level of obviousness. Faulks, who ought to be driving the action, sometimes seems a bit swept up in it all, falling in with the dance sequences when perhaps he should be master of ceremonies.

But the shouty hilarity of it all is adored by the many under 10s (and possibly older) in the audience, while the choreography and singing is top notch. And when I ask my four-year-old his favourite bit of the panto he unhesitatingly says, “Mr Bloom”. So what do I know? (Mike Gartside)

8 FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2015

15 Avon Theatre listings Feb Half Term 2014.indd 8

production involves evil neigh� bours, school projects and stuffed animals.

Little Sure Shot Thu 26 Mar-Fri 3 Apr, 11.30am, 2pm & 7pm, £10-£12 • At age 21, Annie was the most famous female sharpshooter in the Wild West. Her journey to suc� cess was a turbulent one; full of hardship and human endeavour.

Promises wit, magic, death-defy� ing shoot-outs, live Country and Western, blues and ballads and added girl-power.

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Tue 27 Mar, 10am & 11am, £2.50 • Join Jackie and Pooja from the ever popular Dinkies Storytime group as they bring your favourite stories to life in this fun storytell� ing session for pre-schoolers and their parents.

Up in the Attic Fri 10-Sat 11 Apr, 11.30am & 3pm, £6.50-£7.50 • Although this story involves a bedtime exploration of the loft in a mysterious old house, there’s no need to be afraid of the dark.

Co-operation and friendship come to the fore as fears are over� come, in a production promising enchanting music and puppetry for ages 3 to 6.

Shh…Bang Fri 17-Sat 18 Apr, 10am & 1pm (Fri) 11.30am & 3pm (Sat), £6.50-£7.50 • Are people always telling you to ‘be quiet’? Explore silence and noise in this interac� tive theatre works, with strong visuals, physical movement and music. Ages 4+ THEATRE ROYAL Sawclose, Bath, BA1 1ET. 01225 823409. www.theatreroyal.org.uk.

Peter Pan Goes Wrong Mon 16 Feb-Sat 21 Feb, 7.30pm (Mon-Wed), 8pm (Thu-Sat), 2.30pm (Wed & Sat), £17.50-£33.50 • The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society aim to present J.M. Barrie’s classic story of the boy who wouldn’t grow up.

But everything that can go wrong does, as the accident-prone thes� pians embark on a thrilling adven� ture to Neverland with hilarious results.

Hairspray Tue 24-Sat 28 Feb, 2.30pm & 7pm, £16-£29 • The ultimate feel-good production, Tracy Turnblad (with big hair and an even bigger heart), had dreams of making it onto her favourite television show. Based in the 1960s, the production is full of catchy songs such as ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’ and a heart-warm� ing story of overnight stardom.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat Tue 24-Sun 29 Mar, 7.30pm (Tue-Thu), 2.30pm, (Wed & Thu), 5pm & 8pm (Fri & Sat), 2pm (Sat), 1.30 & 4.30pm (Sun), £17-£34 • A star-studded performance featur�

Little Red Riding Hood, Tue 17-Sun 22 Feb, Brewery Theatre, Bristol

ing two X-Factor finalists retells the biblical story of Joseph, his 11 brothers and his stunningly colourful coat. A Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber production.

BRISTOL THE BREWERY THEATRE 291 North Street, Southville, Bristol BS3 1JP. 0117 902 0344, www.tobaccofactorytheatre.com Little Red Riding Hood Tue 17-Sun 22 Feb, 11am & 2pm, £7 • Norwich Puppet Theatre’s inge� nious puppetry tells the story of a little girl made famous for her red cape. On the way to her Grandmother’s house through a forest filled with howling wolves, Red Riding Hood must stay alert to the danger surrounding her. When she meets a hungry wolf, events unravel in unexpected ways.

Two, Four, Six, Eight! Mon 30 Mar-Thu 2 Apr, 11am & 2pm, £7 • Numbers are all around us, every� day. But using music, balloons and too much wrapping paper, Shoofly Theatre shows how much fun numbers can be with your friends.

Help Craig make his friend’s birth� day party the best it can be. Ages 4-7.

Lorraine and Alan Mon 13-Sat 18 Apr, 8.15pm, £8-12 • Hundreds of plastic bottles play the lead role in this re-telling of a popular Scottish myth. Alan discovers a mysteri� ous young woman lying amongst the seals. Their lives become entwined as Alan tries to figure out, who is Lorraine? Where does she come from? And why does she take so long in the bath? » PRIMARY TIMES

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PRIMARY TIMES

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FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2015 9

27/01/2015 11:17:57

PLEASE CHECK BEFORE YOU TRAVEL . . . AND TELL THEM YOU SAW THE EVENT IN PRIMARY TIMES! The Amazing Bubble Man, The Tobacco Factory, Bristol, Sun 12 Apr

»

THE BRISTOL OLD VIC King Street, Bristol BS1 4ED. 0117 987 7877, www.bristololdvic.org. uk Room on the Broom Tue 31 MarThu 2 April, 10.30am (Wed & Thu) 1.30pm (Tue-Thu) 4.30pm (Tue), £12.50-£45 • The witch and her cat are flying happily along on their broomstick when a stormy wind blows the witch’s hat, bow and wand away into the night.

Julia Donaldson’s tale is brought to life beautifully, animating the characters who help our heroine escape the hungry dragon. Ages 3+ Detective O and the Cold Case Caper Mon 16-Sat 21 Feb, 2pm, £7-£12 • Calling all detectives!

Join Detective O and her latest batch of rookies in the police department to solve the toughest case yet. Will the evidence lead you to the missing person? A fastpaced puppetry show.

Young Company Spring Show Wed 15-Sat 18 Apr, 3pm & 8pm, £8-12 • A new play written by Silva Semerciyan and directed by Lisa Gregan about girls who might one day make history. The showcase is packed full of bright, budding actors and actresses.

THE BRISTOL HIPPODROME St. Augustine’s Parade, BS1 4UZ. 0844 871 3012, www.atgtickets. com/bristol Jersey Boys Tue 26 May-Sat 13 Jun, 7.30pm, £21.90-£58.40 • Starring Tim Driesen as Frankie Valli (also with Matt Corner as Frankie at certain performances).

This remarkable true story charts the rise of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons from the wrong side of the tracks to stardom. These four New Jersey boys became one of the most successful bands in pop history, selling 175 million records worldwide, before they turned 30.

THE PLAYHOUSE THEATRE High Street, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, BS23 1HP. 01934 645544, www.parkwoodtheatres. co.uk Little Red Riding Hood Mon 16 Feb, 7.30pm, £11.50 • A Magic Light Production, the little girl famous for her red cape travels through the woods towards her Granny’s house. A suave and sophisticated fox waits nearby in the forest, looking for something to eat. The Big Bad Wolf and Little Red Riding Hood as we know them are adapted for this new 10 FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2015

15 Avon Theatre listings Feb Half Term 2014.indd 10

pantomime show with bright new sets and costumes, magic, special effects and lots of humour. iMagician Fri 17 Apr, 7.30pm, £15.50-£20 • A new age of magic sees Jamie Allan exploring some of history’s greatest illusionists and adding modern technology to make the tricks even more magical. He’s recently appeared on TV’s ‘The Alan Titchmarsh Show’, BBC’s ‘The One Show’, ‘BBC Breakfast’ and CBBC’s ‘The Slammer’.

Dinosaur Zoo Wed 29-Thu 30 Apr, 10.30am, 1.30pm & 4.30pm, £14.50-£17 • Straight from the West End, prehistoric creatures roam the earth once more, except this time in an imaginative and intriguing live show. From cute baby dinos to teeth-gnashing giants, these extraordinary lifelike dinosaurs invite you to interact with them. You can even get the chance to meet them after the show before they become extinct again.

THE TOBACCO FACTORY Raleigh Rd, Avon, Bristol, BS3 1TF. 0117 902 0060. www.tobaccofactory.com Romeo and Juliet Thu 19 Feb-Sat 4 Apr, £16-£24 • Shakespeare’s most famous tale of young lovers. Romeo and Juliet from rival families the Capulet’s and the Montague’s, are star-crossed lovers. Tragedy is the only thing that will bring them together. Directed

by Polina Kalinina, co-produced by the Tobacco Factory.

The Amazing Bubble Man Sun 12 Apr, 11am & 1.30pm, £9 • An international show with art, science, magic and lots of bubbles. The world’s leading Bubbleologist, Louis Pearl has been working with the medium and entertaining families for over 30 years. From square bubbles to bubbles inside bubbles, Louis has got it all.

Around the World in 80 Days Wed 1-Sat 18 Jul, £7-£13 • Phileas Fogg and his faithful servant Passepartout plan an audacious voyage around the globe in just 80 days. One of the best-known literary journeys is undertaken with only a bag full of money, a pocket watch and a wager to win.

FURTHER AFIELD THE BACON THEATRE Dean Close School, Shelburne Rd, Cheltenham, GL51 6HE. 01242 258002. www.bacontheatre.co.uk Puss in Boots Tue 17 Mar, 4.45pm, £10-£5 • A Cheltenham Schools Drama Festival production brings the cat in the boots and hat, most recognisable from the Shrek films, to life in this Dot to Dot Drama performance of the original tale.

Sleeping Beauty Sun 22 Mar, 5pm, £13-£18.50 • Experience Vienna Festival Ballet���������� ’s beautiful rendition of Sleeping Beauty, the ultimate tale of the struggle

between good and evil. The only way to save Princess Aurora is a kiss from Prince Florimund.

But first, he must overcome the dreadful obstacles in his way.

EVERYMAN THEATRE Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573, www.everymantheatre.org.uk The Sooty Show Sun 15 Feb, 11am & 2.30pm, £16 • Long-standing national favourites, Sooty and Sweep decide to plan a birthday party, but things get messy baking the Birthday cake and Soo just can’t decide which dress to wear.

“Izzy wizzy, let’s get busy!” Fresh from CITV, there’s also a chance to meet Sooty after the show.

Bath Time Wed 18-Fri 20 Feb, 10.30am & 2pm, £8.50 • Splashing around, making bubble beards and singing into the shower head. These are all some of the things we love to do at bathtime, and exactly what the Oxford Playhouse loves to do too. With storytelling, music and comedy, there’s lots of chances to join in with Ernie the Duck and friends.

Ages 2 to 6 King John Tue 10 Mar, 6pm & 8pm, £9-£10.50 • Originally a Shakespeare text, a compelling tale of England’s war and conflict is readapted with high energy performances and live music. Ages 8+ THE PLAYHOUSE THEATRE 47-53 Bath Road, Cheltenham, GL53 7HG. 01242 522852 www. cheltplayhouse.org.uk/ Family Fun Day Sun 22 Mar, 11am-3pm, £1 (children go free) • Experience traditional Punch and Judy theatre and appearances from Mr Wobbles, and get involved with dressing-up, craft corner and face-painting. An all-round theatrical experience for the whole family.

ROSES THEATRE The Roses, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire GL20 5NX. 01684 295074, www.rosestheatre.org Treasure Island Wed 18 Feb, 7pm (22 Jan), 2.30pm (18 Feb), £5-£15 • In this version, Jim, the inn-keeper’s granddaughter, opens the door to a terrifying stranger. At the old sailor’s feet sits a huge sea-chest, full of secrets. Jim invites him in and a dangerous voyage begins. Ages 10+ Pop! Tue 31 Mar, 2.30pm, £7-£7.75 • His bags packed for a day at the seaside, Christian Lee finds that things don’t quite work out as planned.

Uttering not a single word, this clown and magic show resembles Mr Bean meets Charlie Chaplin. The fate of his seaside trip is uncertain, but lots of fun and the appearance of a big balloon is guaranteed.

SALISBURY ARTS CENTRE Bedwin Street, Salisbury, SP1 3UT, 01722 321744. www.salisburyartscentre.co.uk Yeh Shen Sat 14 Feb, 11am & 2pm, £7.50/£24 (family) • An enchanting tale for children aged 5 and over about an orphaned girl, a magical fish, a nasty stepmother, and a lost shoe. Will Yeh Shen be able to

attend the New Year Festival? Will she ever find happiness? Find out in this timeless tale, featuring puppetry, live music and all the excitement of the Chinese Spring Festival.

The Polar Bears Go Wild! Thu 19 Feb, 1.15 & 3.15pm, £7.50/£24 (family) • A polar adventure for children aged 5 and under featuring two friendly but slightly naughty polar bears. The polar bears are off on the adventure of a lifetime and are in search of brave explorers to join them. Will you join them on a journey? With music, comedy and quite a lot of cheekiness, The Polar Bears Go Wild is the perfect treat for young audiences.

Pitschi, the Kitten with Dreams Sat 14 Mar, 11am, £5.50-£6.50 • An original family show that mixes storytelling, physical theatre, music and song to tell a tale of Pitschi the kitten’s adventures. The little kitten goes off on an exciting adventure around the farm to meet the other animals, dreaming of what life might be like as a goat, pig or a bunny.

SALISBURY PLAYHOUSE Malthouse Lane, Salisbury, SP2 7RA. 01722 320333, www.salisburyplayhouse.com Old Macdonald Had a Farm Tue 17 Feb, 12pm, £7-£9 • This fun-filled farmyard tale brings to life all the best loved characters from the original nursery rhyme, along with a magical medley of games, giggles and sing-a-long songs. Promises to be a captivating combination of live action, puppetry and animation.

Ages 4+ Robin’s Winter Adventure Fri 20 Feb, 11am & 2pm, £7-£9 • A young boy sets off on an incredible journey with a feathered friend.

But will facing his fears turn out to be the greatest adventure of all?

An uplifting tale of change, bravery and friendship told with puppetry, poetry, music and magical design.

Ages 4+ Bath Time Sat 21 Feb, 11am & 2.30pm, £7-£9 • Bath time is for splashing about, singing down the plug hole, shouting up the taps and making bubble beards! Oxford Playhouse has created this magical and perfectly silly show celebrating the games we all play in the bath.

Ages 2 to 6 THE WYVERN THEATRE Theatre Square, Swindon SN1 1QN. 01793 524481, www.swindontheatres.co.uk Basil Brush Sun 15 Feb, 11am & 2.30pm, £12-£14 • This most recognisable orange fox arrives in Swindon with his cheeky, scheming ways. He’s been entertaining the nation on BBC TV since 1968 and now you can enjoy his live show before meeting him and sidekick Mr Stephen after the show. In Basil’s words, “boom boom!”

Robin’s Winter Adventure Mon 16 Feb, 2pm, £8-£10 • Forget “a dog is a man’s best friend”! This young boy has a feathered friend as his companion in an adventurefilled tale of change, bravery and friendship, told with puppetry, music and magical design. Ages 4+ PRIMARY TIMES

27/01/2015 10:47:06

JUNIOR SCHOOL OPEN MORNINGS Open Mornings are the best way to understand what Badminton Junior School has to offer. You will have the opportunity to tour the School, meet the staff and pupils and get a true feel for what our School is about.

Contact our Admissions Team to book your place.

Wednesday 4th March Saturday 7th March

e: admissions@badmintonschool.co.uk

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t: 0117 905 5271

www.badmintonschool.co.uk

23/01/2015 15:38:46

Birthday Parties

Looking for an unusual party idea?

Take a look at one of our Children’s Party packages - enjoy two hours in the cinema.

Watch a film or play games on the big screen and then sit down and have a delicious Watershed Burger and chips, plus a drink.

So if you are looking for a totally different party experience - call us on 0117 927 2082 or email: events@watershed.co.uk to discuss your needs.

watershed.co.uk Watershed, 1 Canons Road, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5TX

Limited places available for girls and boys.

Now also accepting registrations for entry in 2015 and 2016.

at Redland High

Visiting Morning Friday 13 March INDIVIDUAL VISITS AVAILABLE BY APPOINTMENT

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Redland High Infants with QEH Redland Court, Bristol BS6 7EF 0117 924 5796 | admissions@redlandhigh.com www.redlandhigh.com

PRIMARY TIMES

23/01/2015 15:15:53

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

• JRCS Falconry will bring a selection of birds of prey for children to learn about the feathered creatures. From Barn Owls to Buzzards, a falconer is on-hand to answer all questions.

Deadlines: List your school or community group’s events in Primary Times for free. We work half a term in advance so we’re now collecting information for March, April and May 2015: deadline Mon 23 Feb. If your event is to raise funds for a school or charity, and is open to the public, please let us know.

E: 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!

FEBRUARY UNTIL SAT 28 FEB DECOY DOG DEMONSTRATIONS Slimbridge Wetlands Centre, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT. 01453 891900. www.wwt. org.uk/slimbridge_centre. 2pm.

Standard admission applies • How do you catch a duck with a dog?

Watch Slimbridge’s own fourlegged friend assisting with conservation work as birds are caught and ringed in the decoy nets. Book your place at the admission desk.

UNTIL SAT 28 FEB GRUFFALO CELEBRATIONS Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8QS. 01666 880220. www.forestry.gov.uk/ westonbirt. 9am-4.45pm, £5 (adults)/£2 (child) - activity pack for Gruffalo Trail £2 • The self-led trail encourages children to search for animal tracks, create Gruffalo and animal footprints, pretend to grow tall like trees, build animal homes and find materials that animals can use to keep warm in winter.

SAT 14 FEB BE A ZOOLOGIST Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution, 16 Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2HN, 01225 312084, www. brlsi.org, 1pm-4pm, £6 • Use the tools of the trade to find out more about what a zoologist does and you could be a zoologist too. Ages 8+.

Winter Kitchen, At-Bristol, until Wed 25 Mar

UNTIL SAT 28 FEB WILD BIRD FEEDS Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Wildflower and Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT. 01453 891223, www.wwt. org.uk, 4pm, normal admission charges • See thousands of wild birds and enchanting Bewick’s swans feed by floodlight at Slimbridge Wetland Centre’s Swan Lake, and experience one of winter’s most breathtaking wildlife spectacles.

UNTIL SUN 22 MAR FAIRYTALE SOS II At-Bristol, Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5DB, 0845 345 1235, www.at-bristol. org.uk, free with general admission • With a new cast of fairy godmothers, dragons and heroes, the live science show returns. The characters plan their own rescue with a little bit of science knowhow.

UNTIL WED 25 MAR WINTER KITCHEN At-Bristol, Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5DB, 0845 345 1235, www.at-bristol. org.uk, free with general admission • While the weather stays cold, learn the science behind these winter-warmer dishes such as breads, tasty spice blends and edible oils.

UNTIL WED 25 MAR WINTER IN THE GREENHOUSE At-Bristol, Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5DB, 0845 345 1235, www.at-bristol. org.uk, free with general admission • Gardening isn’t just a ‘summer thing’. Discover sweet chestnuts and other natural treats, along with the science behind the processes of their growth and us eating them.

Arboriculturalist Jerry Dicker talks about spiders in Come into My Parlour, Baptist Church Hall, Keynsham, Fri 13 Feb

PRIMARY TIMES

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UNTIL DECEMBER MUD, TRACK & TARMAC Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection, The Old Mill, Bourton-

on-the-Water, Gloucestershire, GL54 2BY, 01451 821255, www. cotswoldmotoringmuseum.co.uk, 10am-6pm, £5.25 (adult)/£3.75 (child) • With a selection of sports motorcycles and rally cars, this exhibition tells the story of the CSMA Club, which hails back to the early 1920s.

UNTIL DEC 2015 DREAM A LITTLE DREAM Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection, The Old Mill, Bourtonon-the-Water, Gloucestershire, GL54 2BY, 01451 821255, www. cotswoldmotoringmuseum. co.uk,10am- 6pm, £5.25 (adult)/£3.75 (child) • Sixties nostalgia is in the air, with this exhibition featuring the Zephyr Mk3 and a range of motorcycles. Enjoy original Radio Caroline sounds while exploring the collection.

FRI 13 FEB COME INTO MY PARLOUR Baptist Church Hall, Keynsham, BS31 1DS, 01179 869722, www. wildlifetrusts.org, www.avonwildlifetrust.co.uk, 7.30pm-9.30pm, £2.50 (adult)/£1 (child) • Learn about the creepy crawly behaviour of 600 common spider species, with arboriculturist Jerry Dicker.

FRI 13 FEB-SUN 23 FEB PERO’S BRIDGE FOG Pero’s Bridge, Narrow Quay/ Canon’s Wharf, Harbourside, Bristol, www.ibt15.co.uk, regularly throughout the day, free • To celebrate Bristol’s status as European Green Capital, arts group In Between Time has invited Japanese artist Fujiko Nakaya, who “conjures up” unusual weather, to shroud Pero’s Bridge behind a changing veil of fog.

SAT 14 FEB BIRDS OF PREY John Moore Museum, 41 Church Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5SN, 01684 297174, www.johnmooremuseum.org, 10am-1pm & 2-5pm

SAT 14 FEB HAVE A HEART Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution, 16 Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2HN, 01225 312084, www.brlsi.org, 1pm-4pm, £6 • As it’s Valentine’s Day this is a good opportunity to find out all about the heart and what it really does.

Ages 8+.

SAT 14 FEB FOLK CLUB King Edward’s Junior School, Bath, BA2 6JA, www.bathfolkclub. org, 10am-12.30am, £8 per session • Meeting on the second Saturday of each month, the band’s junior section of Bath Folk Club (grade 1-4) welcomes budding new musicians to develop their skills and learn new tunes. Mention Primary Times to receive 50% discount on the first workshop session. Ages 8+.

SAT 14 FEB GRAMMAR SCHOOL INFORMATION MORNING Cheltenham (venue on registration), 01242 572392 ,info@ cotswoldeducation.co.uk, www. cotswoldeducation.co.uk, 9.45am11.45am, £35 • Private tuition company Cotswold Education hosts a talk about Gloucestershire’s Grammar School Entrance Test, offering a mock test for children in Years 4 and 5, plus an information session for parents about education resources.

SAT 14 FEB & SAT 28 FEB ARNOLFINI STRANGE WEATHER WORKSHOP 16 Narrow Quay, Bristol BS1 4QA, 0117 917 2300, www.arnolfini. org.uk, 1pm (Sat 14), 1.45pm (Sat 28), free • Create the sounds of a storm, become a weather forecaster, listen to tempestuous tales and build shelters to protect you from the elements.

SAT 14 FEB-SUN 1 NOV CATTLE COUNTRY ADVENTURE PARK Berkeley Heath Farm, Berkeley, Gloucester, GL13 9EW, 01453 810510, www.cattlecountry.co.uk, » FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2015

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*

Kids go FREE for the School Holidays.

OPEN MORNING Saturday, 25th April 10.00am-12.30pm

Book a family stay during the school holidays at one of our 3 hotels in Devon & Cornwall and your kids go FREE! The Grand Hotel TORQUAY

The Falmouth Hotel FALMOUTH

The Grosvenor Hotel TORQUAY

ce to grow! a l at p e r ag

CORONAT

Please contact us on

Gracefield School

0800 005 2244

266 Overndale Road, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 2RG Telephone: 0117 956 7977 enquiries@gracefieldschool.co.uk www.gracefieldschool.co.uk

Quote Ref: PT08 email: reservations@richardsonhotels.co.uk *Rates are based on 2 adults & 2 children sharing a standard inland family room. Supplements apply for upgrades.

This offer is subject to availability & applies to new bookings only. Excludes Christmas and New Year.

£10 Party!

ears Club Early YLaunching in March!

Children Aged 0-4 years

Is your child celebrating a birthday or just wanting to enjoy some fun with their friends?

Enjoy our After School Party, Monday to Friday Term Time for £10 per child! Birthday child goes free.

To book or for more information, call our party advisors on 0117 931 2733

Terms & Conditions apply.

22 Concorde Road, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol, BS34 5TB

Benefits include: •

Midweek prices at weekends

•

Free visit for your child’s birthday

•

10% off café purchases

•

20% off children’s parties

Contact your local centre for more details on how to join!

www.caerleonchildcare.co.uk

www.123jump.co.uk

Caerleon is a established purpose built Childcare Centre with custom designed garden.

After over £350,000 of investment, Caerleon has the most modern equipment and facilities.

Daily supervised visits to Jump before it opens and exclusive Jump benefits.

Conveniently located within only 5 minutes of Aztec West Business Park and The Mall Cribbs Causeway.

Flexible, free government places accepted and limited term time only contracts available.

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If you would like to visit our wonderful new facility or would like more information you can either send us an email on info@caerleonbristol.co.uk or call 0117 9798980.

PRIMARY TIMES

27/01/2015 11:18:27

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

ROUNDABOUT to Aardman Animations, sculpt ceramic sheep with artist Geg Fayle.

Design, create and decorate. Ages 6-10, book for places.

10am-4pm, £8.60 (adult)/£9.45 (child) • This popular attraction reopens its doors for the year, allowing families to get up-closeand-personal with the resident goats, enjoy a round of mini-golf and test out the giant bouncy pillow. The indoor playbarns mean that even the unpredictable British weather won’t stop the fun.

WED 18 FEB VICTORIAN SCHOOL DAY Yate Heritage Centre, Church Road, Yate, Bristol BS37 5BG, 01454 862200, www.yateheritage.co.uk, 11am,1.30pm & 3pm, free • Ever wondered what it was like to be a student in the Yate National school in the 1890s? Children will discover life in a Victorian classroom with singing, drill, morality and discipline.

Book to guarantee a place.

ONGOING FROM SAT 14 FEB LAMBING Cotswold Farm Park Limited, Guiting Power, Nr. Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 5UG, 01451 850307, www.cotswoldfarmpark. co.uk, normal admission charges apply £9.25 (adult)/£8.40 (child) • Listen out for the pitter-patter of tiny feet as lambing season returns and the park reopens.

SAT 14 FEB, SAT 21 FEB & SAT 14 MAR REMIX SESSIONS Remix Studios, Colston Hall, Colston Street, Bristol, BS1 5AR, 0844 887 1500, www.colstonhall. org, 10.30am–1.30pm, £4 • This MixRadio Remix Academy will bring music to your ears. Aspiring songwriters, vocalists, bands and DJ’s between the ages of 7 and 21 can get involved. No booking required.

SAT 14-SUN 22 FEB ROMAN ROMANCE WEEK Chedworth Roman Villa, Yanworth, near Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 3LJ, 01242 890256, www.nationaltrust.org. uk,10.30am-3.30pm, free event (normal admission charges apply) • Find out how a Roman Valentine’s Day was celebrated.

There are beauty makeover demonstrations and themed craftmaking all week.

SUN 15 FEB FIREWORKS AT SEA Grand Pier, Marine Parade, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, BS23 1AL, 01934 620238, www. grandpier.co.uk, 6.30pm, £5 • Half-term with a bang! Watch the pyrotechnic display over the sea from the Grand Pier. Each ticket includes unlimited rides for the evening.

SUN 15 FEB LOVE FOOD FESTIVAL’S CHINESE NEW YEAR Paintworks, Bath Road, Bristol, Bristol Rocks, Bristol Museum, Wed 18 Feb

Love Food Festival’s Chinese New Year, Paintworks, Bristol, Sun 15 Feb

BS4 3EH, 0117 971 4320, www. lovefoodfestival.com,10.30am4pm, free • Celebrate the new Chinese Year of the Sheep with activities such as origami and authentic Chinese dumplings.

Local produce will also be available, fusing all cultures together under one roof.

SUN 15 FEB-MON 16 FEB PAUL WHEELER’S PUNCH AND JUDY SHOW Puxton Park, Cowslip Lane, Hewish, BS24 6AH, 01934 523500, www. puxton.co.uk, 11am & 2pm, General admission £4.70 (adult)/£6.10 (child) • Puxton Park hosts Paul Wheeler’s traditional-style Punch and Judy show. “That’s the way to do it!”

MON 16 FEB-FRI 20 FEB HISTORY WEEK Weston Museum, Burlington Street, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1PR, 01934 621028, www.westonmuseum.org, 11am-4pm, free • A week filled with curious history events.

Travel back to meet your ancient ancestors.

MON 16 FEB-FRI 20 FEB MEDIEVAL MAYHEM CRAFT ACTIVITIES Ora et Labora, 3 Church Street, Bath, BA1 1NL, www.ora-et-labora. co.uk, 10am, £5 per workshop • Activities to delight all ages including brass rubbing, apothecary skills, quill and ink and natural beeswax candle making.

MON 16 FEB-FRI 20 FEB HOLIDAY DROP-INSDRAGONS, DOGS & DONKEYS The Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath, BA2 4DB, www.holbourne.org, 10.30am1.30pm • Activities inspired by both real and mythical animals in art.

TUE 17 FEB FAMILY DEN BUILDING WORKSHOPS Leigh Woods, Bristol, 0117 973 1645, www.nationaltrust.org.uk, 10am, 12am & 2pm, £3.50 • Enjoy a funpacked day in the great outdoors.

Activities include fire-lighting and den-building.

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TUE 17 FEB INKED UP Prema, Bethesda Chapel, South Street, Uley, Gloucestershire, GL11 5SS, 01453 860703, www.prema. org.uk, 10am-12.30pm, £20 • Printmaker Ruth Broadway brings her charming illustrations to Prema in the form of an exhibition and workshop class to inspire budding artists. Experience lino printing on an authentic printing press with bold colours, lines, shapes and images. Ages 5-7, book for places.

TUE 17 FEB PRESERVING & PERFORMING Dr Jenner’s House & Garden, The Chantry, Church Lane, Berkeley, Gloucestershire, GL13 9BN, 01453 810631, www.jennermuseum.com, 7.30pm, £5 • Experience an authentic performance of Gloucestershire folk music, delivered with illustrated talk and performance. Performers and collectors Gwilym and Carol Davies are working to keep the tradition alive with backing from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

TUE 17-THU 19 FEB BARKING MAD! Westonbirt Arboretum, Learning Centre, Westonbirt, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8QS, 01666 880220, www.forestry.gov.uk/ westonbirt, 10.30am-3.30pm • Explore the natural beauty of Westonbirt’s trees and the history hidden in their textured and patterned barks. Get creative and have a go at some bark-inspired crafts too.

WED 18 FEB BRISTOL ROCKS! Bristol Museum, Queens Rd, Bristol, BS8 1RL, 0117 922 3571, www.bristolmuseums.org.uk, 11am-4pm, free • Rocks, fossils and minerals can tell us the most amazing things about our planet. Explore the museum collections and chat with geologists throughout the day.

WED 18 FEB SHORN & SHEEPISH Prema, Bethesda Chapel, South Street, Uley, Gloucestershire, GL11 5SS, 01453 860703, www.prema. org.uk,10am-1pm, £20 • With a nod

THU 19 FEB FAMILY WOODLAND SURVIVAL DAY Leigh Woods, Bristol, 0117 973 1645, www.nationaltrust.org.uk, 10.30am, £14 (adult)/£12 (child) • Find your inner Bear Grylls. Learn the skills to make a den from only the materials found on the woodland floor with guidance from an experienced instructor.

THU 19 FEB DISCOVERY ZONE: WRITING THROUGH TIME Corinium Museum, Park Street, Cirencester, Gloucester,GL7 2BX, 01285 655611, www.coriniummuseum.org, 11am-12.30am, included in admission fee • Heather Dawson and James Harris take a close up look at the fascinating written material and writing equipment from the museum’s collections, including sketchbooks from the founding collections, personal letters and writing implements from Roman times to the present day.

THU 19 FEB TEXTILE CRAFT DAY Yate Heritage Centre, Church Road, Yate, Bristol BS37 5BG, 01454 862200, www.yateheritage.co.uk, 10.30am-12pm or 1.30-3pm, free • Using knitting, sewing and embroidery skills, create anything you like at this workshop session.

THU 19 FEB ROCKETS & RACERS Prema, Bethesda Chapel, South Street, Uley, Gloucestershire, GL11 5SS, 01453 860703, www.prema. org.uk, 10am-4pm, £25 • Work with wood and cardboard alongside illustrators Imogen Harvey-Lewis and Simon Mills to create vehicles and transport from your imagination.

The possibilities are endless. Ages 7+, book for places.

FRI 20 FEB BRISTOL’S UNSEEN NATURAL TREASURES Bristol Museum, Queens Rd, Bristol, BS8 1RL, 0117 922 3571, www. bristolmuseums.org.uk, 11.30am3pm, free/suggested donation £3 • Explore the secret collection of animals in the basement of the museum. Guided tours are available throughout the day. Advance booking recommended.

FRI 20 FEB MONSTER MASH-UP Prema, Bethesda Chapel, South Street, Uley, Gloucestershire, GL11 FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2015

»

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ROUNDABOUT

PLEASE CHECK BEFORE YOU TRAVEL . . . AND TELL THEM YOU SAW THE EVENT IN PRIMARY TIMES! (adult)/£6.30 (child) • This one mile, family-friendly addition to the larger Bath Half Marathon is open to all abilities. There’s a free t-shirt for signing up and a medal and goody bag to all finishers.

Runners must register online prior to the event.

THU 12-SUN 22 MAR BRAIN LAB At-Bristol, Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5DB, 0845 345 1235, www.at-bristol. org.uk,10am-4pm, free with general admission • Follow a fictional patient’s brain surgery, learning about and diagnosing tissue samples. Meet the experts from University of Bristol. Booking required, ages 7+.

See Lacock Abbey Gardens, Lacock, carpeted in snowdrops, Wed 25 & Sat 28 Feb

»

5SS, 01453 860703, www.prema. org.uk, 10am-4pm, £25 • Create a crazy crochet creature in this textiles workshop to help master machine embroidery and other popular techniques. The bogeyman never looked so plush. Ages 8+.

SAT 21 FEB FAMILY PORTRAIT Prema, Bethesda Chapel, South Street, Uley, Gloucestershire, GL11 5SS, 01453 860703, www. prema.org.uk, 2pm-5pm, £35 • Ever thought that your family photo looked, well, a bit boring?

With illustrator Simon Mills, reinvent it as a colourful portrait masterpiece using your imagination and some cutting and sticking.

SAT 21 FEB MODEL SHOW Fleet Air Arm Museum, RNAS Yeovilton, Ilchester, Somerset, BA22 8HT, 01935 840565, www. fleetairarm.com, 10am, £14 (adult)/£10 (child) • Perfect for any model enthusiasts.

Workshops with Airfix are available and a flying display (weather permitting) will see Spitfires and other aircraft take to the skies.

SAT 21 FEB-SUN 22 FEB CHINESE NEW YEAR Bristol Museum, Queens Rd, Bristol, BS8 1RL, 0117 922 3571, www.bristolmuseums.org.uk, 10am-5pm. Free for families/suggested donation £2 • Recognise Chinese tradition by trying your hand at paper folding, learning Chinese calligraphy and tasting special tea. Activities and workshops throughout the day for the whole family.

WED 25 FEB GAMELAN Michael Tippett Centre, Newton Park College, Bath Spa University, Newton Saint Loe, Bath, BA2 9BN, 01225 876133, www.michaeltippettcentre.org, 7.30pm, £5 (adult)/£3 (child) • Storytelling, puppetry, song, music and drama fuse together the new and the traditional for an authentic Indonesian Gamelan experience.

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WED 25 & SAT 28 FEB LACOCK ABBEY GARDENS – NGS WILTSHIRE Lacock, Chippenham, SN15 2LG, 01249 730459, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/lacock, £5.50 (adult)/£2.75 (child), 10.30am-4pm • The abbey boasts a woodland garden with carpets of aconites, snowdrops, crocuses and daffodils and a botanic garden with greenhouse, medieval cloisters and magnificent trees.

THU 26 FEB THE BIGGEST BOOK SHOW ON EARTH Bath Pavilion, Bath, 10am-11.15am, www.worldbookday.com • Children’s authors visit Bath as part of a nationwide tour celebrating World Book Day on Thu 5 Mar. Authors Martin Brown, Sophy Henn, Gill Lewis, Jeremy Strong and Jonathan Stroud give readings and meet their fans. As part of the initiative, some authors are selling their books at just £1.

FRI 27-SAT 28 FEB WILD BIRD FEED WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT, 01453 891223, www. wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/ slimbridge, 4pm, general admission applies • From the warmth of the heated observatory, watch as a warden feeds thousands of wintering wild birds. These include hundreds of Bewick’s swans which have flown from arctic Russia.

SAT 28 FEB DIGIMAKERS At-Bristol, Anchor Road,

Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5DB, 0845 345 1235, www.at-bristol. org.uk, 10.30am-4pm, free with general admission • A series of community technology events introducing the digital world to young people. Inspiring aspiring technical innovators and engineers.

SAT 28 FEB CHARITY FASHION SHOW Commodore Hotel, Sand Bay, Kewstoke, Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset, BS22 9UZ, 01934 415778, www.westonhospicecaregroup.org.uk, 12am, £10 • In aid of Weston Hospicecare, attendees can expect to see a fashion show using clothing from the charity shops. There will be a chance to purchase items afterwards.

Tickets include lunch.

SAT 28 FEB RESEARCH YOUR FIRST WORLD WAR ANCESTORS M-Shed, Princes Wharf, Wapping Rd, Bristol, BS1 4RN, 0117 352 6600, www.bristolmuseums.org. uk, 10.30am-4pm, free with a ticket to Moved by Conflict exhibition • Find out how to research your family history linked to World War I.

MARCH SUN 1 MAR BATH HALF FAMILY FUN RUN Great Pulteney Street, Bath, BA2 4BU, 01225 422255, www. bathhalf.co.uk, 11am, £10.30

Michael Tippett Centre, Bath, hosts a Gamelan workshop on Wed 25 Feb.

SAT 14 MAR BRAINWAVE WITH DR SARAH Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution, 16 Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2HN, 01225 312084, www.brlsi. org, 1pm-4pm, £6 • As part of brain awareness week, this workshop looks at how the brain works over four fun sessions. Students from the University of Bath Pharmacology and Pharmacy Departments help Dr Sarah. Ages 8 +.

SAT 14 MAR THE SCIENCE OF EXPLORATION WITH THE LATE CAPTAIN SPEKE Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution, 16 Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2HN, 01225 312084, www. brlsi.org, 1pm-4pm, £6 • This workshop reveals the things explorers need to know if they are to be successful scientists. After all, there is little point in exploring unless you can discover new things and accurately record all you find.

SUN 15 MAR MOTHER’S DAY MUSIC AND JOY OF SINGING WORKSHOP Tyntesfield, Wraxall, Bristol, North Somerset, BS48 1NX, 0844 800 4966, www.nationaltrust.org. uk, 11am-12.30pm, £10 • See the spring blooms and listen to the music around the estate. Jules Olsen leads her Joy of Singing workshop in the Orangery in the morning.

MON 16-SUN 22 MAR BRILLIANT BRAIN WEEK At-Bristol, Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5DB, 0845 345 1235, www.at-bristol.org. uk, 10am-4pm, free with general admission • Further to the brain lab investigations, get the chance to create a model brain cell. With the opportunity to talk with Bristol brain researchers, discover why there is still so much to learn about what’s inside our heads.

SAT 21 MAR MOJO MUDDY MADNESS Mojo Active Ltd, Over Court Farm, Over Lane, Almondsbury, Bristol, BS32 4DF, 01454 660075, www. mojoactive.co.uk, 9.30am • Put your fitness to the test in this 5k trail running and obstacle course. There will be a rescue challenge, ghillie suit (camouflage) and navigation, » PRIMARY TIMES

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ROUNDABOUT

PLEASE CHECK BEFORE YOU TRAVEL . . . AND TELL THEM YOU SAW THE EVENT IN PRIMARY TIMES! Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 1NS, 01380 727369, www.wiltshiremuseum.org.uk,10am • Take a walk, guided by Roy Canham, experienced Wiltshire archaeologist, to see what you discover.

THU 30 APR-THU 29 OCT GHOST BOATS National Trust, Leigh Woods, Bristol, 01594 833057, www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/leighwoods • Renowned artist Luke Jerram and the National Trust stage this landmark art project, in which a flotilla of abandoned fishing boats has been installed in the depths of the woodland.

Night Time Glow in the Dark, Royal Victoria Park, Bath, Sat 18 Apr.

»

as well as the fun stuff like zip wires and getting stuck in the mud.

FRI 20 MAR WEAR POLKA DOTS TO SCHOOL FOR NATIONAL LYNCH SYNDROME DAY Nationwide www.lynch-syndromeuk.org • Lynch syndrome, an inherited syndrome increasing the risk of bowel cancer, causes about three out of every 100 colon cancers. A new organisation, Lynch Syndrome UK, currently awaiting charitable status, supports families affected by this condition. It is organising this national awareness day which encourages children in Primary School to wear clothing covered in polka dots on the last school day before National Lynch Syndrome Day on Sun 22 Mar. See website for more information.

SAT 28 MAR BUBBLE BLAST At-Bristol, Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5DB, 0845 345 1235, www.at-bristol. org.uk, 12.15pm & 3.15pm, free with general admission • Bubbles are curious: bubbles, how do they float and pop? Investigate and mess with mixtures to make the perfect bubble, but maybe not the bath-time version.

SAT 28 MAR-SUN 12 APRIL EASTER BUNNY Roves Farm, Sevenhampton,Swindon, Wiltshire, SN6 7QG, 01793 763939, www.rovesfarm.co.uk, £9 (adult)/£7 (child), 10am • Look out for the Easter bunny while creating Easter cards and fluffy chicks in the craft sessions.

SAT 28 MAR-SUN 12 APR THE BIG BATSFORD CHICKEN HUNT Batsford Arboretum and Garden Centre, Batsford, Moreton-inthe-Marsh, Gloucestershire, GL56 9QB, 01386 701441, www. batsarb.co.uk, 10am-5pm, £2.50 plus general admission • A unique take on the classic Easter egg hunt, this time you’ll search for the chickens that have laid them.

They’re all hiding in the arboretum 18

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so make sure you mark their location. Prizes to be won, no booking required.

SUN 29 MAR WHIRLY BIRDS FUN DAY The Helicopter Museum, Locking Moor Road, Weston-super-Mare, BS24 8PP, 01934 635227, www. helicoptermuseum.co.uk, 10am5.30pm, £6.50 (adult)/£4.50 (child) • Helicopters won’t be the only things taking flight during this day of live demonstrations, with an emphasis on nature and wildlife.

APRIL MON 13-THU 30 APR LAMBING Roves Farm, Sevenhampton,Swindon, Wiltshire, SN6 7QG, 01793 763939, www.rovesfarm.co.uk, £9 (adult)/£7 (child) • Get to see the newborn lambs in the animal barns, all white, fluffy and cute.

TUE 14 APRIL BENEATH THE WATERLINE FILM SCREENING Folly Farm Centre, Pensford, Bristol, BS39 4DW, www.avonwildlifetrust.co.uk, 7pm-9pm, free • Film-maker Jack Perks reveals an unknown world in his film of the freshwater fish dwelling in rivers throughout the UK. SAT 18 APR NIGHT TIME GLOW IN THE PARK Royal Victoria Park, Marlborough Lane, Bath, BA1 2NQ, www.glowinthepark.co.uk, 7pm–10.30pm, £20 (early bird individual)/ £25 (post early bird individual) • Light up Royal Victoria Park while running, jogging or walking five kilometres in your brightest neon colours.

Bring head-torches, glow-sticks and anything else that will light your way on this safe family event.

Pre-book for places.

SAT 25 APRIL ARCHAEOLOGY WALK ON SALISBURY PLAIN Wiltshire Museum, 41 Long Street,

ONGOING EVENTS TRAINS, BOATS AND LANES: THE STORY OF TRANSPORT IN RADSTOCK Radstock Museum, Waterloo Road, Radstock, BA3 3EP, 01761 437722, www.radstockmuseum. co.uk, • Transport exhibits tell the story of the town’s links with its neighbours.

STINGRAY BAY Longleat Safari & Adventure Park, Longleat, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7NW, 01985 844400, www.longleat.co.uk, normal admission charges apply • See the new aquatic attraction and get-up-close-and-personal with the stingrays gliding around the pool.

JUNGLE TOTS AT NOAH’S ARK ZOO FARM Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, Clevedon Road, Wraxall, Bristol. 01275 852 606, 10.30am-12pm, free for season ticket holders or £10 for one adult and up to two children • Every Monday morning during term time, Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm hosts a parent and toddler group.

LIVE SCIENCE SHOWS At-Bristol, Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5DB, 0117 909 2000, www.at-bristol. org.uk, general admission applies • Get hands-on and take an At-Bristol look at classic cake ingredients: how stretchy can you make flour, and how foamy can you make eggs? Discover more about the science behind smell - all with plenty of audience participation. Regular shows at weekends and daily during school holidays.

CREW DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? Brunel’s ss Great Britain, Great Western Dockyard, Bristol, BS1 6TY. 0117 926 0680, www.ssgreatbritain.org, daily, free with general admission • Would you have made the grade as a Victorian crew member? Pick up an activity wheel from the ship’s visitor centre and try out a series of challenges as you explore Brunel’s famous ship.

SOUNDS OF THE 1800s Brunel’s ss Great Britain, Great Western Dockyard, Bristol, BS1 6TY. 0117 926 0680, www. ssgreatbritain.org, daily, free with general admission • Transport yourself 170 years into the past as the First Class Dining Saloon comes bursting to life. A Victorian three-course dining experience is vividly recreated with gossip, clinking cutlery and even a spot of gambling; inspired by true stories taken from passengers’ accounts.

THEATRE TOURS Bristol Hippodrome, St. Augustine’s Parade, BS1 4UZ. 0844 871 3012, www.atgtickets. com/bristol, regular tours on Saturdays, 10.30am, £16.40 • Go behind the scenes of Bristol’s West End for two hours of fun and adventure - from front of house history to the stars and gossip backstage. An exciting insight into how this historic Bristol theatrical institution runs PRIOR PARK LANDSCAPE GARDEN Ralph Allen Drive, Bath, BA2 5AH. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ prior-park, 01225 833422, cost of general admission • Prior Park Landscape Garden offers arguably the most picturesque views in Bath. Parents can enjoy the gorgeous surroundings while kids can get stuck into the National Trust’s current ‘50 Things To Do Before You’re Eleven And Three Quarters’ initiative.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES AT AVON VALLEY RAILWAY Bath Road, Bristol, South Gloucestershire BS30 6HD. 0117 932 5538, www.avonvalleyrailway. org, 11am or 2:45pm, from £5.50 per child • Avon Valley railway offers the chance for children to have their birthday party on a real 1950s steam engine. There is an option to have a catered party, or you can provide your own food.

FOOD! At-Bristol, Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5DB, 0117 909 2000, www.at-bristol.org.uk • Get your taste buds ready! The new major exhibition by Bristol’s handson science centre demonstrates how to pop corn using nothing but light energy, grind your own grain, create sugar explosions, and converse with a robot waiter. Lose yourself in this sensory arcade, explore the experimental kitchen and interactive greenhouse, and journey on some surprising foodie adventures.

THEATRE AND ROUNDABOUT LISTINGS BY ALICE FREEMAN

PRIMARY TIMES

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Free Trial

Try our two week Free Trial and see what your child can achieve with the Kumon Maths and English Study Programmes.

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PAINTED POTTERY MAKES PERFECT PRESENTS! 9 Byron Place (off the Clifton Triangle) Tel: (0117) 927 3666

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‘a great underground experience for all the family!’

9 impressive caverns Caving activities Giftshop Café Ochre & blacksmith workshops Picnic area Ample free parking Educational groups welcome Educating for life

OPEN 10.00am5.00pm Clearwell, Nr Coleford Telephone: 01594 832535 www.clearwellcaves.com PRIMARY TIMES

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Independent

Educating for life

Co-Educational 3-18yrs www.colstons.bristol.sch.uk

DOSOMETHINGDIFFERENT! unusual and exciting activities see our website for more details

Colston’s School, Stapleton, Bristol BS1 1BJ Enquiries: 0117 965 5207 admissions@colstons.bristol.sch.uk Registered Charity No. 1079552

Scholarships and bursaries available

FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2015 19

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Spring Open Events Open Evening: Wednesday 18th March 7:00-8:30pm Open Mornings: Tuesday 17th, Thursday 19th, Tuesday 24th & Thursday 26th March 9:15-10:30am

HALF TERM WORKSHOPS 45 minute workshops building LEGO® machines.

Available in Bristol, Cardiff, Guildford, St. Albans and Manchester.

Something rather special is emerging on Allfoxton Road

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Call 07963 564466 | 0787 261 0750 or visit: awesome-engineers.com to reserve your place

...good with outstanding features

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On site catering Train Rides through the park

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Berkeley Heath Farm, Berkeley, Glos. GL13 9EW Anyone under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult

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Memories are made of this Ellen White talks to local experts to discover what makes the perfect children’s party.

F

or primary school children there are few more exciting occasions than their birthday celebration.

While Christmas brings its own great excitement, a birthday is the one day a year when your child has the chance to be the absolute centre of attention.

Anticipation builds weeks in advance, leaving parents with the challenge of organising a party which fulfils your child’s expectations but still leaves you in one piece!

One of the first things to consider is the venue. It may sound obvious but there are many options, some of which could lower the stress levels dramatically. Should you stick to the family home or hire a designated venue? If your home is on the small side or you can’t face the thought of mess and breakages, an independent venue is a good choice. Consider whether your child would prefer an indoor or outdoor party: there are a host of great outdoor venues such as zoos, farms or adventure parks.

Or, if the weather is good, you could consider heading to a local park for a picnic and outdoor games.

It is also vital to set a realistic limit regarding how many children to invite. This will depend on your budget and venue size, but agree a number with your child and stick to it. Parents of invitees can also help out if you return the favour at a later date! A leading children’s party organiser has these tips: “In our experience, mixing friendship groups (school, drama, sports etc.) doesn’t work that well . . . everyone wants to the birthday boy/girl’s friend and there can be tears!” If you have room, it’s worth PRIMARY TIMES

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Bubbletastic

allowing the siblings to invite one friend. “It helps with the jealousy and they can either join in the party or go off and do something together.”

Themed parties are also increasingly popular. These days you can pick up themed items from paper cups and plates to costumes and the birthday cake itself.

Perhaps ask your child if there’s any theme they would like, from pirates or dinosaurs to fairies, princesses or popular film and TV characters. Coherent decorations and fancy dress can really pull a party together and make it that touch extra special.

The next vital thing to consider is the entertainment. You could hire a professional such as a magician or clown or even a bouncy castle if you have a big enough garden.

If you’re providing the entertainment yourselves, it’s wise to start gathering all the materials you need well in advance. Another popular Bristol-based children’s entertainment company tells us, “It’s all about keeping the kids engaged. When your job is to be a bastion of fun for two hours,

you want to have games, jokes and tricks galore up your sleeve!”

Traditional party games are always a hit, from pass the parcel to musical chairs. You could also provide arts and crafts activities such as painting or jewellery making. Another fun option is an ice cream sundae station: let children build their own dessert with wafers, sprinkles and fresh cream or fruit. There are plenty of companies available to hire who provide activities from cupcake making to homemade bath bombs, and even pre-made party bags to save you the hassle.

One leading children’s party service has these tips. “On the day, keep any pets, especially dogs, separate from the party. There’s usually one child who’s terrified of dogs, and tears don’t get the party off to a good start!” Also, don’t forget the camera! “You’d be amazed how many people we have to remind to take photos.”

You don’t need to be intrusive but documenting key moments like blowing out the birthday candles are a lovely reminder of the special day.

So, have an unforgettable day with your child and their friends, and ensure they’re tired out at the end so you can enjoy a welldeserved rest!

Amazing Eric Entertainments 183 Rodway Rd, Bristol, BS34 5EB T: 0117 908 1291 W: www.ezzomagic.co.uk.

Billy and Bobby 6 Elton Rd, Weston-Super-Mare, BS22 7UR T: 01934 522222 W: www.billyandbobby.co.uk Bristol Zoo Bristol Zoo Gardens, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 3HA T: 0117 974 7399 W: www.bristolzoo.org.uk.

Bubbletastic T: 07595 350764 W: www.bubbletastic.co.uk Bryan the Magician T: 01446 500221 W: www.bryangunton.co.uk CSI Kids (The Detective Project) T: 0117 244 0053 W: www.thedetectiveproject.co.uk Park Centre Kingswood The Park Centre, Kingswood, Bristol, BS15 4AR T: 01454 862190 W: www. theparkcentrekingswood.co.uk Pirate Attack T: 0117 939 4311 W: www.pirateattack.co.uk Red Fox Craft Bags T: 07733 024940 W: www.redfoxcraftbags.co.uk Sunshine Clowns 10 Burnett Rd, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 0QA T: 01225 352005 W: www.sunshineclowns.co.uk

CSI Kids

Red Fox Craft Bags

FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2015

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27/01/2015 10:34:30

OEXMANN ART AWARD COMPETITION 2015 CASH PRIZES: Age Groups 6 - 11: 12 - 18 : Adult (over 18) (Free entry for up to 18s - Adult entry £3) ANYONE BORN OR LIVING IN WILTSHIRE CAN ENTER The competition and exhibition are held to commemorate Theophilia Joan Oexmann who loved art and Wiltshire

Entries welcome from school classes or individuals.

A selection of pictures will be displayed in the exhibition.

There is no restriction on topic, but suggested themes: WILTSHIRE LANDSCAPES * PORTRAITS * FOSSILS Pictures (portrait or landscape) in any two dimensional medium (painting, drawing, collage or printmaking), preferably on card/heavy paper and unframed. 3D entries also accepted Artworks should be submitted to Wiltshire Museum during opening hours from 3 - 8 March.

Judging will take place on 11 March.

Prize-giving: 28 March The Oexmann Art Exhibition runs from 29 March - 31 May

Information, full rules and application form available from the Museum or www.wiltshiremuseum.org.uk

41 Long Street, Devizes. SN10 1NS T: 01380 727369 E: oexmann@wiltshiremuseum.org.uk

Choose Clifton High School. 10 reasons why: 1

Co-educational – because in life, men and women work together

6

Excellent sports facilities including an indoor heated pool on-site

2

Boys and girls taught separately – when it matters most

7

Spacious grounds in a sunny aspect to play, socialise and learn

3

Small enough so everyone is known but big enough to offer a wide variety of opportunities

8

Nursery school with fully-qualified and trained teaching staff

4

Small class sizes with excellent pupil:teacher ratios

9

5

Outstanding support and guidance for university selection and applications

Outstanding teacher-pupil relationships based on trust and respect

10

Forward looking, embracing change and providing an education relevant for the 21st Century

Nursery School and Reception Open Morning: Thursday 23rd April

0117 933 9087

www.cliftonhigh.bristol.sch.uk 22

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

d r a o b n Pi Learning brought to life Sam Browning, Red Maids’ Junior School’s Year 3 class teacher, is also its director of music. She leads the class Sam Browning at an exciting time in which the school is expanding to two classes each in Years 3 and 4.

“The Red Maids’ way is to make learning fun,” she says. “All of Year 3 have their own iPads and I combine this technology with an exciting range of traditional resources, role play and topical themes to bring the girls’ learning to life.”

In the autumn term, she set a mathematics challenge around budgeting for Christmas, while in history she organised a Tudor banquet with period costume, an authentic feast and dance.

The new school classes are in response to demand for more places and will create a two-class structure throughout the school. Lisa Brown, the school’s new headteacher, says, “Assessments for September 2015 entry are well under way. Families can still register their interest but we recommend they do so now.”

Ffi: Red Maids’ Junior W: www.redmaids.bristol.sch.uk/junior

Real games mean real fun Are you planning a lesson, an afterschool or holiday club session, an activity camp programme or a weekend activity for the children?

Invaluable help is at hand courtesy of The Real Game Guide app from the Google Play Store. It contains hundreds of games and activity ideas with full instructions on how to play and what you’ll need. Not only that, the app allows you to select criteria such as age range, group size, equipment, space and the type of games you’re looking for. Once you’ve found what you want, you simply save it to your favourites list and come back to it later. And the best bit – it’s always close at hand on your mobile phone. You’ll never be caught without a game or activity again.

Download the app at the website below.

Ffi: The Real Game Guide W: www.playup-bath.co.uk/app.

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Look out for Pirates Attack!

If your kids love pirates, they’ll probably love Pirate Attack, a birthday party experience for children aged 4 to 7 years. Parents have commented: “such a hit with the children and the parents”, “best party ever”, “couldn’t recommend them more highly”, “fantastic, professional and entertaining”, and “great value for money”.

A highlight of the parties is the Pirate Pillory, where the children throw wet sponges at the naughty pirate. Other activities include a pirate bouncy castle, making pirate hats or spy-glasses, walk the plank, skittles, quoits, sword-fighting, and a treasure hunt. Pirate Attack parties can take place in most church or community halls in and around Bristol and Bath.

Ffi. Pirate Attack T: 0117 939 4311 W: www.pirateattack.co.uk

Playing detective The Detective Project offers fun crime scene investigation events to children aged 7+ and adults, through detective birthday parties, educational workshops and corporate events.

“Customers love the originality of The Detective Project and our parties are educational as well as entertaining,” explains Jenny Williams, from the project. “They are a great option when children are too old for soft play or younger party ideas.”

School events include after-school clubs, science week workshops and holiday activities.The concept has proved so successful that it has already won several awards, most recently the NatWest Venus Award for Home Based Business in Bristol & Somerset. The 2015 national finals are coming soon.

The Bristol-based company is four years old and already has two franchises in the South East. “My aim is that The Detective Project will in time run across the UK, giving a wider audience the opportunity to experience the challenge of being a detective.”

The Detective Project T: 0117 244 0053 W: www.thedetectiveproject.co.uk

Parents’ & teachers’

news, education & contacts

South West party people Weston-super-Mare-based children’s entertainers Billy and Bobby offer a range of services and packages, tailored to suit your entertainment needs. They have over 20 years of experience, providing parties for every age group from 2 to 102! Their specialties include disco, party games, face painting and themes including ‘Frozen’ or swashbuckling pirates. Typical children’s party activities might include dress up characters such as Yogi Bear or Robbie the Dog, karaoke, pamper princess parties, inflatables, including bouncy castles, race nights and much more.

Billy and Bobby cover Westonsuper-Mare, Bristol, Bath and Somerset and can travel further afield if necessary. Both performers are CRB checked and are licensed chaperones.

As one parent enthused, “Thank you for providing the entertainment for my son Jack’s fourth birthday party. A wonderful time was had by all and he can’t wait until he turns 5.”

Ffi: Billy and Bobby Children’s Entertainment T: 01934 510283 M: 07831 200020

Pure saucery Based just off the Clifton Triangle, Flying Saucers is a hugely popular pottery painting cafe – a place where you pick a plain piece of ready made but un-glazed pottery such as a plate, mug, piggy bank or vase. You then sit and paint the piece however you want using a range of paints, stamps and stencils, and leave it with them for firing. It is perfect for capturing baby footprints, and toddler handprints. A week later you collect your professionally glazed masterpiece, and treasure it forever. The company have also recently launched clay imprints for feet and hands.

Pottery Painting is for people of all ages, from newborns to adults, talented artists and complete non artists alike. It is a popular activity for Father’s and Mother’s Day, birthday gifts. Pottery is such a unique and original gift and the sentimental value is incalculable.

Ffi: Flying Saucers T: 0117 927 3666 W: www.flyingsaucers.co.uk

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12th July - 8th August 2015

With over 500 courses on offer there’s Something for Everyone

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Kids eat

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Hobbs Boat Bridgwater Road Lympsham Weston-Super-Mare Somerset BS24 0BP 01934 812782

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TERMS AND CONDITIONS ^ 1. This offer entitles one child to a free kids’ main meal per adult purchasing a main meal from the main restaurant menu at the same time. Breakfast, Light Bites, Bar Snacks, Daytime & Evening Value menu meals and all Set Menus are excluded. 2.

Junior Meals are excluded. 3. This offer is valid Mondays to Fridays before 5pm. For full terms and conditions go to tabletable.co.uk/ termsandconditions Horrible Histories® is a registered trademark of Scholastic Inc. and is used under authorization. All rights reserved. Based on the bestselling books written by Terry Deary and illustrated by Martin Brown. Illustration © Martin Brown

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27/01/2015 15:34:22

ADVERTISING FEATURE

d r a o b n Pi Encouraging young engineers Awesome Engineers Ltd is running workshops around the country, encouraging science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills through model making programmes.

Each workshop involves building an original Lego machine, which demonstrates a key maths or science idea, encourages creativity and other life skills and is great fun to make and play with. Girls and boys aged 6 to 12 will love it. There will even be a freeplay area with Lego and Duplo bricks for brothers and sisters (and mums and dads).

Awesome Engineers takes place on Mon 16 Feb in Bristol at St Werburgh’s Primary School, Bristol BS2 9US, and in Cardiff on Tue 17 Feb at Rumney Methodist Church, Cardiff, CF3 3HD. Ffi: Awesome Engineers W: www.awesome-engineers.com

Get the best start with Swimstart With dedicated, experienced and individualised tuition for your child, learning to swim will be a journey of discovery and a holistic experience for everyone. New this year, Swimstart offers individual parentand-child swim support classes dedicated to self-help tuition for nervous parents.

The company also provides more dedicated and group sessions for children with MLD and SLD conditions. It specialises in helping those children and their families get the best out of the swimming experience and urges parents and carers to talk to them about their needs. Free consultations are available.

With a few remaining spaces in its programme Swimstart can offer 12 sessions for the price of 10 until the end of February. In addition, the company still gives its usual discounts on multiple bookings, friends and family referrals and loyalty bonuses.

Ffi: Swimstart T: Mark on 07776 292813

Make a big difference for South Glos children The NSPCC’s ChildLine Schools Service visits primary schools in South Gloucestershire to talk to chilPic: Jon Challicom. dren about how Image posed by models. to stay safe.

The service talks to 9 to 11 year olds about increasing their understanding of abuse, bullying, how to protect themselves and where to go for help. By talking to children at this crucial age and stage, the service not only protects those who need it, but also prevents it from ever happening.

The ChildLine Schools Service is looking for volunteers to help protect every child in South Gloucestershire, one primary school at a time. No previous experience is needed, as full training and support is provided.

So, if you are a sensitive, supportive person with a strong focus on protecting children, please contact the charity. This role could help you make a big difference to the lives of children and young people.

Ffi and to apply: W: www.nspcc.org.uk/ childlineschoolsservice E: childlinevolunteerrecruitment@nspcc.org.uk

Go dotty for LS Day A new UK organisation is inviting teachers and children to raise awareness of the genetic disorder Lynch syndrome by wearing polka dots to school on Friday 20 March. Lynch Syndrome UK, which is currently awaiting charitable status, explains that the condition predisposes those who have it to several types of cancer, including bowel cancers, and affects whole families. It says the condition could affect 55,000 people in this country.

The organisation is asking children to dress in dots that day, in readiness for National Lynch Syndrome Day on Sunday 22 March and donate £1.

Among the campaign’s aims are to bring together information about the condition and present it in an easily understood way and to provide clinical professionals with the training to identify LS early.

Ffi: W: www.lynch-syndrome-uk.org

PRIMARY TIMES

15 Avon Pinboard Feb Half Term 2015.indd 25

Parents’ & teachers’

news, education & contacts

Help with infertility

Until you’re faced with the prospect of infertility, it is difficult to appreciate what a blow it can be to someone desperate for a family.

The Bristol Centre for Reproductive Medicine supports patients through their investigations, diagnosis and treatment. Offering guidance and support throughout, the centre provides a range of services including IVF, ICSI, sperm and egg donation, treating both NHS and self-funded patients. It also recruits its own egg donors. If you wish to discuss these issues further or are interested in becoming a donor yourself, please contact the centre on the number below, leaving your name, number, and where you saw this appeal. The centre will then contact you.

Ffi: Bristol Centre for Reproductive Medicine T: 0117 414 6880

Hospice seeks shop helpers Do you have a couple of hours to spare each week? Are you looking for an enjoyable and rewarding role that will really make a difference to other people’s lives? Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) is looking for volunteers to help out with the day to day running of its high street shops.

You may be a student looking for CV-building retail experience or retired and looking to contribute to a worthwhile local charity. Whatever your age or background, CHSW would love to hear from you.

CHSW offers help and support to the families of children with life-limiting conditions throughout the region and it relies almost entirely on voluntary contributions.

Being part of the CHSW volunteering team is a social activity and a great way to meet and interact with like-minded people, as well as learn new skills. CHSW has shops in Oldfield Park in Bath, Southville, Redland, Portishead and Nailsea around Bristol and in Trowbridge, Wiltshire.

Ffi: CHSW T: 01271 325270 W: www.chsw.org.uk/our-shops

FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2015 25

27/01/2015 10:55:34

taurus

Adver tising Feature

Fairfield’s Shaun winner

Crafts

Childrens

Creative aCtivities

throughout

sChool

holidays Cafe, Deli, Gift Shop Arts,Crafts,&Events

01594 844841 tauruscrafts.co.uk

Lydney - Forest of Dean - Gloucestershire - GL15 6BU

• Hundreds of students from Fairfield High School (FHS) in Horfield flocked to take part in a competition to design a sculpture linked to next summer’s Shaun the Sheep Aardman Animation’s senior extravaganza. In partnership designer Gavin Strange (left), with PACE, a local design agency, with FHS pupil Abida Khatun and FHS purchased a blank 70cm Aardman colleague Jim Parkyn high Shaun the Sheep sculpture to coincide with the release of Shaun the Sheep Movie in February and Aardman’s ‘Shaun in the City’ trail, set to be even bigger than 2013’s Gromit trail.

A total of 75 designs were submitted for the contest, some from individuals and others from groups, with an estimated 250-300 students involved. The winning design, by FHS Year 9 pupil Abida Khatun, is a colourful collection of flags, reflecting FHS’s diverse community. She says, “I’m really excited to see my design on Shaun in real life!’

Abida’s prize is the chance to spend time at design agency PACE plus see the design transferred to the Shaun sculpture. Her tutor group and the runners-up will have a model-making workshop with Aardman Animations. Prizes were presented by Aardman’s Gavin Strange, who has designed one of the Shauns for next summer’s trail, and Jim Parkyn, who will run the model-making workshops.

Chris Long, FHS’s head of design and technology says, “The aim of the competition was to inspire students to use their design talents and to leave a lasting legacy for the school.”

The completed Shaun will be taken ‘on tour’ to the local primary schools and will be placed in the school’s reception area between providing learning opportunities for FHS students using Aardman’s lesson plans as the basis.

Ffi: Fairfield High School W: www.fairfield.bristol.sch.uk

Adver tising Feature

open all year

Little London, Longhope, Glos. GL17 0PH

FEBRUARY HALF TERM FUN Daily 10am - 5pm • Mother & Toddler sessions on Friday’s during term time

FOREST OF DEAN - Tourist Attraction of the year!

ONE FREE ADULT valid until 1st March 2015 not to be used in conjunction with any other offer

Free entry for one adult per paying child

As seen on TV!

Tel: 01452 831 000 www.dickwhittington.org 26 FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2015

15 Avon advertising features Feb Half Term 2015.indd 26

Adventure, come rain or shine • Cattle Country in Berkeley, Gloucestershire, is a great day out come rain or shine for children and adults, too. Best known for its indoor and outdoor play equipment, Cattle Country has a whole range of things to do and many animals to see.

Two huge barns house giant slides and loads of soft play equipment. Outdoor activities include probably Britain’s biggest jumping pillow, the climbing net, a huge adventure castle, trampolines, ride on mini tractors, a willow maze, mini golf, ice rink and a boating lake to name just a few.

When the brand new Animal Experience Centre opens in spring, you will be able to get up close to the animals through a seasonal shows and events programme plus experience favourites like guinea pig handling.

The mini train takes you on a circular train ride through the park, past Animal Encounters where you will be able to spot your farmyard friends as well as seeing the rare breed cattle up close.

A restaurant provides full on-site catering and a gift shop offers a wide range of souvenirs for all ages and pockets.

Ffi: Cattle Country W: www.cattlecountry.co.uk T: 01453 810510.

PRIMARY TIMES

27/01/2015 10:59:03

Adver tising Feature

425 years of confidence • Stephen Holliday, headmaster of QEH for 15 years, is justifiably proud of his school and its history. “QEH celebrates its 425th anniversary as the ‘City School’ this year,” he says. “It is thriving more than ever, with 675 boys aged 7 to 18.”

Perhaps the top performing day school in Bristol, QEH is firmly amongst the leading schools nationally. Most pupils go to their first choice of university including 10% to Oxford and Cambridge.

Mr Holliday continues, “Our record results are part of the much greater package that we offer to boys, preparing them for higher education and successful careers. We promote the importance of good values, producing young men with opinions, who know themselves and who respect and help others.”

Mr Morris, headmaster of the Junior School points out, “A new feature of QEH Juniors is that boys can now join Redland High School Infants in readiness to join us at Year 3. Twice the expected number of boys has signed up to this.”

According to Mr Holliday, exam success is a by-product of a school where building confidence comes first. Boys leave QEH with not only the qualifications but the confidence to meet the challenges of the world ahead, he says.

Entry is by assessment, usually at ages 7, 11, 13 or 16. In addition to academic scholarships, QEH offers scholarships in sport and music. See website for information about Senior School Entrance Examinations in January or Junior School Open House.

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

EITHER Day out highlights e.g. bottle feeding OR For Primary Times readers

with a paying adult Valid until 27th March 2015

Voucher must be presented at the time of admission and child must be accompanied by a paying adult. 1 voucher per adult. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

Reader Offer Depending on what Jenni (editor) comes back with

Guiting Power, Cheltenham GL54 5UG

Adver tising Feature

• As part of the network providing perhaps the UK’s largest indoor play centres, Jump Bristol is confident that you and your child will have heaps of fun and will want to go back time and time again. Remember, all its equipment is designed with adults in mind, so there’s nothing to stop grown-ups joining in too!

Not only is Jump fun whatever the weather, but it is also packed with free activities, with lots of new ideas planned for this year, from colouring to races and dancing to painting.

During February half term, Jump turns up the fun with additional external entertainment. What’s more, join in with any of the free activities to be entered in to its free prize draw: a family pass will be given away every day!

New for 2015, Jumping Beans club launches by spring. Tailored to parents with babies through to pre-schoolers, the Jumping Beans club is free to join and includes exclusive benefits. Keep an eye on the Facebook page and website for details on how to join.

Benefits will include: midweek prices at weekends; 10% off café purchases; 20% off children’s parties; free visit in the month of your child’s birthday. It’s a great year to visit Jump and don’t forget the After School Parties are now only £10 per child!

Ffi: Jump Bristol Patchway Trading Estate, 22 Concorde Road, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol, BS34 5TB T: 0117 931 2733 W: www.123jump.co.uk

PRIMARY TIMES

15 Avon advertising features Feb Half Term 2015.indd 27

© National Trust Images. Registered Charity Number 205846.

Jump in to 2015

Roman romance half-term Sat 14 - Sun 22 February Matronalia - Mothering Sunday 15 March

Chedworth Roman Villa

Easter half-term activities Sat 28 March - Sun 12 April Cadbury's eggsplorer trails Fri 3 - Mon 6 April For many more events visit: nationaltrust.org.uk/chedworth

FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2015 27

27/01/2015 10:59:33

© 2001 J Donaldson/A Scheffler

Adver tising Feature

Children in Divorce may be able to help!

Divorce or separation is one of the most painful experiences for parents and their children. It is often diffcult for parents to make decisions about their children’s future when they are themselves in emotional turmoil. The main purpose of Children in Divorce is to help you support and care for your children.

Children in Divorce can: • Help you and your partner agree where the children should live after you separate and how much time they need to spend with each of you.

• Understand how your children are likely to feel and behave and how to talk to them about the breakup.

• Resolve confict with your partner and avoid court proceedings that can be emotionally damaging to you and your children and can be expensive.

Children in Divorce employ qualifed professionals who have extensive experience of working with children and confict in families.

If you think we can help please phone for a free consultation on 01453 832 107 or email us on info@childrenindivorce.co.uk or visit our website at www.childrenindivorce.co.uk

©LW

Are you divorcing and do you need help with your children?

Lords consult Redland High pupils on Arctic • Redland High School was recently selected as one of only seven schools in the UK to take part in a House of Lords debate on environmental protection in the Arctic. A House of Lords select committee, chaired by Lord Teverson, has been established to consider the recent changes in the Arctic and will be exploring a wide range of themes associated with this region, from climate change to the opening up of shipping routes, from the environment to tourism and from security to indigenous peoples. As part of its inquiry, the committee invited pupils from seven schools across the country to debate the issues in the House of Lords this January.

Eight girls from Redland High School voiced their views on this important and complex subject. Year 12 students Alice Jerrome, Elinore Barrett-Rees, Madeleine Potter Wood and Georgina Jarman, along with Year 11 students Tilly Guthrie, Olivia Platt, Lily Huang and Mouna Abdullahi, have been working with the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) Team on this project, attending workshops run by scientists from the team.

Caroline Bateson, headmistress of Redland High School, said, “We were delighted to hear that Redland High had been selected to participate in this debate as it is such a unique opportunity for our girls.

The changes taking place in the region will also impact everyone living in the northern hemisphere so I am pleased that the committee plans to incorporate the views of young people in its report.”

Ffi: Emily Down, marketing and development manager, Redland High School T: 0117 916 6706 E: e.down@redlandhigh.com

Adver tising Feature

Half Term Fun In Tewkesbury National Theatre Live:

Treasure Island A pre-recorded live screening, from The National Theatre, of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale of mutiny, murder and money. The perfect swashbuckling adventure!

Wed 18 Feb 2.30pm

Adults: £12.75, Children: £5.75 Suitable for ages 10+

Robin’s Winter Adventure

An uplifting tale of bravery and friendship from the charming Pied Piper Theatre Company.

A young boy’s incredible journey turns out to be the greatest adventure of his life.

Thurs 19 Feb 2.30pm

Full price: £7.75, Family of 3: £21, Family of 4: £28

01684 295074 • www.rosestheatre.org Sun Street, Tewkesbury, Glos GL20 5NX • Reg Charity No: 1051708 All ticket prices are inclusive of a 75p booking fee

28 FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2015

15 Avon advertising features Feb Half Term 2015.indd 28

Half Term Fun at Watershed • Join The Watershed for family fun with Paddington Bear!

Adapted from Michael Bond’s beloved books, the 2014 movie ‘Paddington’ follows the comic misadventures of a polite young bear with an endearing talent for comic chaos. Paddington has grown up deep in the Peruvian jungle with his Aunt Lucy who, inspired by a chance encounter with an English explorer, has raised her nephew to dream of an exciting life in London. When an earthquake destroys their home, Aunt Lucy decides to smuggle her young nephew on board a boat bound for England, in search of a better life.

Arriving alone at Paddington Station, Paddington soon finds that city life is not all he had imagined - until he meets the kindly Brown family, who find him with a label tied around his neck which reads, “Please look after this bear. Thank you.”

They offer him a temporary home while he searches for the explorer who impressed Aunt Lucy all those years before. But when Paddington catches the eye of a sinister, seductive taxidermist, it isn’t long before his home - and very existence - is under threat. Paddington has picked up 2 BAFTA Nominations. Book now for the Watershed’s Cinekids workshop on Sat 14 Feb, featuring label and suitcase making for children ages 6-11 – what would they take with them?

Ffi: The Watershed Box Office T: 0117 927 5100 W: www.watershed.co.uk

PRIMARY TIMES

27/01/2015 11:01:25

Adver tising Feature

Stagecoach confidence • At Stagecoach Theatre Arts your child will build confidence from age 4 to 18 through learning the performing arts of singing, dancing and acting. No auditions are required to join and the teaching is delivered by highly trained, child protectionregistered staff.

Early Stages is aimed at 4 to 6 year olds, offering 90 minutes of fun packed performing arts-based learning. The Main School caters for 6 to 18 year olds, with three hours of high energy, fun training in singing, dancing and acting, to give your child physical, mental and artistic stimulation.

Stagecoach Theatre Arts started in 1988 and is now one of the largest part time theatre training schools in the world, running in the greater Bristol area since 1995.

If you are considering a starting point for a career in the performing arts for your child, or just somewhere to have a lot of fun while learning important life skills, then Stagecoach is the place for you. If you are already confident, Stagecoach can help channel that confidence even more effectively.

There are opportunities for performance both inside and outside Stagecoach and the chance for parents to see how its teachers train their children. The company also achieves outstanding results when its students take exams in musical theatre. Many go on to careers in the performing arts, while others find more confidence and poise as their communication and life skills blossom.

Call Stagecoach now to book your trial session.

Ffi: Stagecoach T: 0117 953 2500 W: www.stagecoach.co.uk

COTSWOLD

MOTORING MUSEUM & TOY COLLEC TION

Bourton-on-the-Water

It’s an enchanting adventure, a nostalgic journey and a great day out for the whole family Seven galleries • Over 50 vehicles Original enamel signs Motoring curiosities TV’s superhero car - Brum Toy collection • Gift shop

Call 01451 821255 Visit cotswoldmotoringmuseum.co.uk

Adver tising Feature

Warming up with Noah’s Ark • Spring is almost upon us, the perfect season to watch nature come alive at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm in Bristol, as a host of impressive animals enjoys the brighter weather, including the three African elephants Buta, Janu and M’Changa.

New for 2015 at the farm are its extensive warm play barns, now with full heating for all the indoor play and eating areas. Take the family along to Bristol’s award-winning “all day, all weather” attraction to enjoy 12 exciting adventure play areas, an indoor Animal Village and covered Animal Show Pens. Noah’s Ark now offers over 25,000 square feet of heated areas and hotspots around the 100 acre park to make your visit enjoyable whatever the weather.

The farm provides incredible up-close experiences with amazing animals, including lions and tigers being fed during the ‘Big Cat Talk’, the giraffe family at the daily encounter and birds of prey in the daily display. The action-packed daily program also includes a morning meerkat feed and the popular, educational Animal Show ends with a chance to bottle feed baby lambs.

Looking for a reputable venue for a school or group trip? Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm holds the Quality Badge from the national ‘Learning Outside the Classroom’ scheme in recognition of its national curriculum-based education program. From KS1 upwards, it offers learning resources for all ages supervised by qualified education officers.

Enjoy a jumbo experience with Noah’s Ark’s impressive new ‘Elephant Eden’. Families get within a trunk’s length of nature’s biggest land mammal, take part in the daily elephant presentation and learn about the importance of conservation.

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Ffi: Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm W: www.noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk

PRIMARY TIMES

15 Avon advertising features Feb Half Term 2015.indd 29

FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2015

29

27/01/2015 11:01:38

School holiday offers at TeamSport Bristol!

Go Karting 8+ ÂŁ10 GE A

15 Min race session racewear, insurance and lap reports included

S FRO

M

Laser combat 6+ buy one get one free!

GE A

S FRO

M

Buy one 15 min laser session for just ÂŁ4.50 and get a 2nd absolutely FREE!

Limited spaces available so grab them quick!

TeamSport Bristol Avonmouth Way, Avonmouth, Bristol, BS11 9YA

To book please call

0844 998 0844

or visit

www.team-sport.co.uk/bristol

*To receive this offer you must quote Primary Times when booking and take this voucher with you to the track when racing. This offer can not be used in conjunction with other offers. All karting sessions must be pre-booked. Offers available every weekday during the School holidays. Offers not available at weekends. 1 voucher per booking. Please call for availability. Offer expires 30th April 2015.

CAB16205 Teamsport Holidays 30 FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2015Ad Bristol_Birmingham_AW.indd 1

p30.indd 2

02/10/2014TIMES 17:02 PRIMARY

23/01/2015 15:45:13

4

A time for

Mum

Whether you give her something made by your own fair hand, or buy her something lovely, there are so many ways to make Mum feel special on Mother’s Day, as Ellen White discovers.

W

before placing in a container of your choice. Now for the fun bit!

Create a plain base with ivy, moss or any other green leaves, leaving gaps to place your flowers. You can use anything from your garden (but make sure you get permission before picking anything).

Try using mum’s favourite flowers or even just her favourite colours.

Alternatively, see our step by step guide to making a beautiful bouquet out of tissue paper (below).

Homemade cake is always a win-

hile most will say they can never relax completely, mothers throughout the South West will be looking forward to a day when they can let the rest of the family take the strain on Sunday 15 March. Mothering Sunday is the time when children thank their Mum for all her hard work throughout the year, while partners orchestrate treats such as a lie in, breakfast in bed or a relaxation day, with no pressure on her. So, for those who haven’t already made their plans, here are some ideas to show your appreciation.

PRIMARY TIMES

15 Avon Features Feb Half Term 2015.indd 11

»

Make your own:

Things to make Get ready to gather your materials, hit the shops and show mum how special she really is. Before you get started you may need help from Dad or an older family member: they’re likely to have some great ideas and can help you gather materials, especially if you need anything from the shops.

If you’re going for something homemade try thinking about what your mum likes best and base your cards or other creations around that. This can be anything

ner and there are endless options for decoration. You could use fresh fruit, sweets, chocolate or even icing to draw your own special message.

Don’t worry if it isn’t possible for you to make something at home.

A variety of locally based arts and crafts workshops, gift shops and florists can help you choose that perfect gift. Check out our pick of local gifts and events for inspiration, and get ready to show Mum just how much you care.

Beautiful bouquet of flowers from hobbies, flowers, pets, books or even just her favourite colour.

Hand print pictures are always wonderfully personal and quick and easy to make, all you need is paper, paints and newspaper to protect the floor. Let your imagination run wild using glitter, sequins, feathers and even ribbons or other fabrics to make a special Mother’s Day card.

If you’ve got enough time, how about making a scrapbook that can be treasured for years to come? Plain scrapbooks can be found in most stationery shops and you’ll need spare copies of your favourite family photos and decorating materials.

If you want to go a step further, why not try a handmade flower arrangement or table decoration?

Shop bought florist bouquets can be very expensive but oasis, a type of florist foam, is cheap, mess free and available from most flower shops or online. Soak the oasis in clean water for 10-20 minutes

Make mum her very own bouquet of tissue paper flowers with this easy step-bystep guide and don’t forget to ask Dad or an older family member for help.

You will need: 12 pipe cleaners 12 sheets of tissue paper 1 pair scissors 1. Lay three sheets of unfolded tissue paper on top of each other on a flat surface, portrait style (taller, rather than wider). We suggest using three different colours for the best results.

2. Take the bottom edge and fold it over roughly one inch. Flip the tissue paper over and fold another inch, continuing until you have used all the tissue paper. When you’ve finished it should look like an accordion.

3. Attach three pipe cleaners at evenly spaced intervals around your length of tissue paper. Fold the pipe cleaners round to secure and leave a long piece hanging down for the ‘stem’.

4. Cut the length of paper into 3 even sized pieces (the pipe cleaners should be in the centre of each piece). Trim the edges so that they are rounded to look more like petals.

5. Holding the ‘stem’ begin to gently open up your flower accordions, pulling the top layer of tissue straight up around the flower and the bottom layer straight down. If you like you can attach ‘leaves’ made from green card.

6. Fluff up your flowers then arrange in a vase!

FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2015

31

27/01/2015 10:37:29

6 A time for

continued Things to buy »

1

Cox and Baloney gift voucher A great gift for those who love all things vintage, or simply want to indulge in a cup of tea and delicious cake. Experiences on offer include cream tea for two or an afternoon tea tasting.

Vouchers priced from £10-£35.

182-184 Cheltenham Rd, Bristol, BS6 5RB. W: www.coxandbaloney.com

2

Self-decorated ceramics Why not give Mum a unique piece of art to treasure by decorating one of over 100 pottery items? Flying Saucers has everything from teapots to plates, clay dinosaurs to unicorns. They’ll glaze and fire your finished piece for a truly professional finish.

Pottery pieces from £7. Studio fee (includes use of all paints, brushes and materials), £4 per child. Flying Saucers, 9 Byron Place, Bristol, BS8 1JT. 0117 927 3666.

W: www.flyingsaucerscafe.co.uk

1

Mum

3

Delectable cupcake Don’t have time to rustle up a homemade cake?

How about a delicious delicacy from the Bath Cake Company?

It has a whole range of flavours, from the familiar lemon or vanilla sponge to more exotic creations like pistachio and coconut or even bubblegum.

Cupcakes around £2.50.

Bath Cake Company, 14 Fountain Buildings, Lansdown Mews, Lansdown Rd, Bath, BA1 5DX. W: www.bathcakecompany.co.uk

4

Bluebells cup and saucer Treat Mum to a well-earned cuppa in this beautiful bone china cup and saucer. Delicate bluebells and a gold handle mean having that morning cup of tea just got a touch more special. £12.99. Bath Tea House Emporium, 22 New Bond St, Bath, BA1 1BA. W: www.teahouseemporium.co.uk

5

Flower shop bouquet Flowers are a classic for a reason: which mother doesn’t adore a beautiful bouquet? Among the wealth of florists in the Avon area, standouts include The Flower Shop, Bishopston, Bristol, Ivory Flowers, Southville, Bristol, Tallulah Rose Florist, Bath, and Pulteney Bridge Flowers, Bath.

W: www.theflowershopbristol.com W: www.ivoryflowers.co.uk W: tallulahroseflowers.com W: pulteneybridgeflowers.co.uk

6

Guilbert’s chocolates Delicious, handmade chocolates locally produced in the heart of Bristol. Guilbert’s sticks to

32

FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2015

15 Avon Features Feb Half Term 2015.indd 12

2 5

3

4 the same chocolate making techniques used since the first shop opened back in 1910. Treat mum to a delicious piece of local history with traditional treats like English rose and violet creams or luxurious pink champagne truffles. Boxes from £9-£18, chocolate bars £3.25. Guilbert’s Chocolates, 16-17 Small Street, Bristol, BS1 1DE. W: www.guilbertschocolates. co.uk

Things to do SUN 15 MAR Mother’s Day Music And Joy Of Singing Workshop Tyntesfield, Wraxall, Bristol, North Somerset, BS48 1NX, 0844 800 4966, www.nationaltrust.org.uk, 11am-12.30pm, £10. See the spring blooms and listen to the music around the estate. Jules Olsen leads her Joy of Singing workshop in the Orangery in the morning.

SUN 15 MAR Matronalia: Roman Mother’s Day Chedworth Roman Villa, Yanworth, near Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 3LJ, 01242 890256, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chedworth-romanvilla,10.30am-4pm, free event (normal admission charges apply). In ancient Roman tradition, Matronalia was the festival to celebrate the goddess of childbirth, Juno Lucina. Celebrate mother’s day with authentic demonstrations and themed craft sessions to create a special gift.

PRIMARY TIMES

27/01/2015 10:43:06

Spring Open Mornings Friday 13th March ages 3-11 Saturday 14th March ages 11-18

©LW

Meet

herd on down for

at timed intervals each day

Arts&crafts Farmyard

FREE FAMILY FUN 17TH - 19 TH FEB

© and TM Aardman 2015

FIND the sheep CHAllenge

Prizes to be won!

Flock to the release of Shaun the Sheep Movie

at

Grab a Baa-gain Keep you and your family warm with up to 70% off outlet shopping GLOUCESTERQUAYS.CO.UK

PRIMARY TIMES

p33.indd 3

Search Gloucester Quays

FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2015 33

23/01/2015 15:28:54

Hello Kids!

Thank you so much for the lovely pictures you send me.

Lack of space means I can’t publish them all but please keep trying if you weren’t successful this time. This Easter we’ve teamed up with Cattle Country Adventure Park, Gloucestershire, which is offering free family admission to three lucky winners of next issue’s art competition. So get your crayons out and send me pictures on the spring-like theme of Looking after baby animals. Please send your pictures to: Arty Barty, BN&Media, Temple Way, Bristol, BS99 7HD, or email high resolution jpegs to my editor, mike.gartside@ venue.co.uk. Don’t forget to put your name, age, full home postal address (or we can’t send you your prize) and school on the back: Early deadline alert!

Thursday 26 February.

Arty Barty It was great to get your pictures of your favourite things to do in the February holidays. It was fun to see the variety of activities you all get up to.

Well done to the winners, who receive a book from the editor’s cupboard.

WINNER!

7, St Amélie Cocks, ary Mary’s RC Primham School, Chippen this Amélie has sent brilliantly drawn snow scene, which es perfectly capturof the excitement the o int t running ou e. snow with a sledg The look of alarm r, cte on one chara as covering his face hit he is about to be is with a snowball, hilarious.

Have fun!

Arty NB. Please see T&Cs at primarytimes.net/avon/ home-intro/tcs

WINNER!

Sophie Mansbridge, St Helen Primary sch 7, ool Alveston, Bristol. , How clever of Sophie to draw a picture of the Chinese New Year, which takes place on 19 Februa ry.

The dragon is beautifully drawn, and full of energy while the lanterns are so, realistic.

Noah Green, 4, Ashton Gate Primary School, Bristol Noah has drawn a big, smiling figure looking generally happy with life and about to give the viewer a big hug.

This is quite a ray of sunshine on a dark, winter’s afternoon.

William Layla Green, 7, Ashton Gate Primary School, Bristol A cyclist is whizzing along merrily in the long grass, below a colourful rainbow.

Layla cleverly hints that spring is on its way with the lush grass and the bird flying high above.

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FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2015

15 Avon Books & Arty Barty Feb Half Term 2015.indd 34

Joe Hourne, 4, Ashton Gate Primary School, Bristol Joe obviously loves a trip to the pool in his February holidays and this picture of him swimming captures the movement of the swimmer’s arms beautifully, especially for such a young artist.

WINNER! dford Primary Lloyd Carosi, 9, San mbe School, Winsco equipment is very This picture of skiing ng the patterns precisely drawn, includi et. I feel like on the skis and the helm to a ski hire shop, I’ve been transported the slopes! ready to head for

4, Parson Street Prim ary School, Bedminst Bristol er, Unusually, William ha s sent us a picture of his snail money box, which he has decora ted in lots of vibrant co lours. It’s very orig inal and I always love se eing pictures of co lourful sculptures.

PRIMARY TIMES

27/01/2015 11:08:16

Mike Gartside reviews the new releases.

The unstoppable Carta

I

t’s with a shock of recognition that ‘King John and Magna Carta’ falls from the package on my desk. It’s not often that I review books from my own childhood, and this one comes with memories verging on Proustean. This version is eerily pristine, reissued by Ladybird to celebrate the company’s centenary. It’s crisp and complete with dust cover, while its vivid if traditional depictions of key scenes take me back decades. The jacket is even marked with the original pre-decimal price of 2’6 (12.5p in modern money, but sadly now retailing at £5.99).

This book also marks the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta, a charter of basic rights, which John was forced to sign and which is now a pillar of the British constitution. The story of the “bad king” who inadvertently hastened the arrival of democracy is told in swashbuckling style, laden with value judgements that a history teacher would probably frown on.

But it brings a complicated story to life, explaining in simple language the rivalries between English and French kings and their various nobles,

Real awe Time, strength, distance and energy . . . ‘The Awesome Book of Awesomeness’ puts some of the fundamental properties of our world and our universe into real perspective for the older primary-aged child. It’s clearly and entertainingly illustrated by Dan Bramall in a way that makes a potentially complicated idea such as exponential growth easily understood.

Did you know, for example, that one of the oldest living things on earth, a tree called Methuselah, is nearly 5,000 years old, older than the Pyramids and Stonehenge? Or that Canada has 10 people per square mile, while Singapore has 19,863?

This is a splendid book which children and parents can dip into time and again, always learning something new. It’s so splendid, in fact, that I can even forgive the awful Americanism, “awesome”.

After all, the facts in this book really do live up to the word’s meaning in that they inspire awe.

The Awesome Book of Awesomeness Adam Frost and Dan Bramall, Bloomsbury, £6.99, www.bloomsbury.com

Houdini whodunnit

which helped form the nations we know today.

The original certainly left an impression on me, and I would recommend this as a starting point for discussions, although elder primary children might be encouraged to take issue with its “good versus evil” approach.

King John and Magna Carta L. Du Garde Peach (ill. John Kenney), Ladybird Books, £5.99, www.vintageladybird.com Also re-issued are ‘Napoleon’ and ‘Nelson’.

The whole sleuth In ‘Diamonds and Daggers’ Bristolbased author Elen Caldecott introduces us to a cast of characters who look set to give the Famous Five a run for their money. With a strapline “The Marsh Road Mysteries”, she seems intent on establishing a new franchise, with lots of potential for intrigue between Piotr, Minnie, Andrew, Flora and Sylvie.

This nicely multicultural children’s mystery features all the classic elements of its genre: glamour, precious gems, a false-accusation and some diligent legwork by our trainee detectives. It will transport young readers in Years 4 to 6 right into the working theatre in which it’s set and keep them hovering on the edge of its flip up seating.

A great introduction to crime fiction, with a fresh contemporary feel, long may The Marsh Road Mysteries continue to baffle and entertain.

The Marsh Road Mysteries: Diamonds and Daggers Elen Caldecott, Bloomsbury, £5.99, www.bloomsbury.com

Spectrum positive

In spite of the success of contemporary magicians like David Blaine or Derren Brown, Harry Houdini retains a grip on the public imagination that his counterparts today can only dream of. His story and fame are cemented at the start of the modern era, when newspapers and radio were the only media outlets, and his achievements retain a slightly boyish quality, untainted by the prying scepticism of the internet age.

Simon Nicholson has put his own spin on the Houdini myth, conjuring an adventure that the teenage escapologist might have encountered, but one that’s only loosely linked to his actual history.

So, although, Houdini is a historical figure, this interpretation of his early years is more akin to a young Sherlock Holmes or James Bond yarn. Nonetheless, the story is told with pace and verve, with the young magician’s growing talent offering plenty of opportunity for twists and turns.

As the mother of two children with Asperger’s Syndrome, Sarah Sprules provides a more optimistic view of life with the condition than other well-known books on the subject, which often feature family breakdown. Sprules recounts her experiences with her children Jamie and Hope, which are often funny, embarrassing, poignant and undeniably tough for the parents.

She recounts individual incidents with a vivid attention to detail but, as with many self-published books, the presentation is unprofessional. Tenses are switched, apostrophes dropped and - horror of horrors - question marks left hanging at the start of lines. At times, too, it’s more a series of strung-together stories than a coherent narrative.

Nonetheless, this is book packed with humanity and humour.

All parents will relate to the situations here, no matter where their children lie on the autistic spectrum, and there’s plenty to move you to tears of both laughter and sadness. Sprules has packed a huge amount into her life, not least turning out this 180-odd page account, while caring for two unusually demanding but rewarding children. There’s not much wrong with this book that a professional editor couldn’t put right.

Young Houdini, The Magician’s Fire Simon Nicholson, Oxford University Press, £6.99, www.oxfordchildrens.co.uk

Looking at Stars at Three in the Morning Sarah Sprules, selfpublished, £5, www.amazon.co.uk

PRIMARY TIMES

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FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2015

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FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2015 37

27/01/2015 13:40:05

A TOP UP FOR TEACUP

A

café which aims to provide work experience and vocational training for young people with special needs in Bath and the surrounding areas has been given the go ahead, having raised £200,000. But a further £150,000 is still needed Three Ways pupils celebrate to complete the Teacup the go-ahead for Teacup Café Café project at Three Ways School, Bath, which provides a stimulating learnAccording to Maria Amesbury, ing environment for 191 pupils with concert organiser and former special needs. Planning permisItalian teacher at the centre, “I sion for the new café was awarded really want to see all young people

by Bath & North East Somerset with additional needs at Three Council and building work will start Ways have the same opportunities this March. City of Bath College for training and employment as will provide nationally recognised, the students at the University. The accredited training at the café, Teacup Centre hopes to offer a step while the Foreign Languages towards this.”

Centre at Bath University has been Lucy Beattie, project manager actively involved in the fundraisat Three Ways says, “The Teacup ing: one event, a concert featuring Cafe will provide the school with The Nadeshiko Japanese Women’s a unique facility to offer young Choir and other musicians raised people with disabilities and spe£1,180 at the end of last year. cial needs the opportunity to Isabella Stefanutti, parent at gain experience and vocational Three Ways and director of the qualifications. All we need now is Foreign Languages Centre, says, your help to raise the additional “This concert was a great way to £150,000!” celebrate the international nature Ffi and to donate: www.justgiving. of the centre. I was very touched by com/ThreeWaysTeaCupAppeal the generosity of our students.’

CAUDWELL CALLING

A

charity is reaching out to families living with disabled children in Bristol and the surrounding area following the launch of a new Family Support Service. The service, provided by Caudwell Children, the national children’s charity that provides practical and emotional support to families living with disabled children, will help parents to access statutory support and funding.

Coordinated by Caudwell Children’s Katie Hedger, the service will also provide equipment, treatment, therapies and short breaks to children with a range of conditions and is already helping families in the area to access the support they need.

“I’m very excited to be launching our Family Support Service in Bristol,” says Kate. “There is a particular need for this service in Bristol to help families living with disabled children access

the support they need. Caudwell Children can provide a range of services and help transform lives. My work ranges from crisis intervention to sitting down with families and helping them complete the necessary paperwork to access support they’re entitled to, an often daunting task.”

Katie is also striving to develop a network of volunteers in the area to aid in the delivery of services and is calling on volunteers aged 18 and over, with or without a background in caring and teaching, to see how they can help disabled children in their community. “Volunteering with Caudwell Children is a vastly rewarding experience,” she adds.

As well as helping disabled children, it is a fantastic opportunity to learn, develop skills and make new friends.”

Ffi: Caudwell Children W: www.caudwellchildren.com

FAMILIES, GET MUDDY AT MOJO ACTIVE!

I

t’s that time of year when the sofa works overtime. Family time at home is great, but if it means everyone is plugged into different screens, why not balance it with some outdoor adventure? That’s the idea behind Mojo Active’s Muddy Madness race.

Entering a race is great for fitness motivation, but not everyone can go straight from the sofa to a marathon or “Tough”-style event. It’s about setting realistic goals. The added perk with Muddy Madness is you can recruit your whole family as training buddies.

The race takes place on Saturday 21 March, starting and finishing at Washingpool Farm in Easter Compton but running across Mojo Active’s land and obstacles. There’s a 10km race open to adults (£25 per entry) and a 5km race open to families (£15 adults, £5 children, £30 family ticket).

“We have carefully designed the

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course so that people can try out the muddy waters of Tough racing but also have fun with family and friends,” says race organiser and Mojo Active co-founder Mark Johnson. “It combines trail running with obstacles that will test strength, speed and endurance.

You’ll navigate our military style assault course and mud pits, tunnels, walls, ditches and water jumps – and don’t assume the adults hold the advantage, I’ve seen kids fly through the Leopard Crawl.”

The focus is on fun, but this doesn’t mean the 10km course won’t challenge seasoned athletes

and battle-scarred Tough men and women. There’s plenty for hardcore elite racers to sink their trainers into.

Mojo Active is the brainchild of Joanna McConnell, a Bristol-based mum of three with a passion for health and fitness. The race celebrates Mojo’s third anniversary, and the company is going from strength to strength.

“Our instructors dream up new adventures every day, and we have just finalised plans for a high ropes course. As well as our outside facilities we have indoor meeting and education facilities, so can cater for schools, team building and corporate events. Our holiday club is proving popular, a combination of on-site activities and away days for surfing, orienteering and mountain climbing.”

Mojo Muddy Madness is about the glory of finishing the course.

The first step is to get off the sofa and into one of the fitness training sessions that are open to all ages and fitness levels. For more information, including details about the new after school children’s programme, and to book your race entry, visit the website below.

Ffi: Mojo Active W: www.mojoactive.co.uk PRIMARY TIMES

27/01/2015 10:44:56

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What children need for

NUTRITIONNEWS

MARISA PEER is a leading nutritionist who is passionate about educating people to feed their children real and natural food for both their physical and mental development and well being.

Sunshine in a bowl for breakfast: the goodness of cereal to help them learn, plus a taste they’ll love

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ur kids are often bundles of energy, both at home and at school. But when they’re learning, it’s important to give them the right fuel. studies show that those pupils who have a good breakfast regularly perform better at school compared with those who skip their morning meal.* Breakfast is the first chance children have to eat anything after going for hours without food while asleep. so they need to refuel before a busy day ahead at school. it’s not just their bodies, their brains need the right food too. their little brains work better with about 25 grams of glucose in their bloodstream**. But often it can be difficult for parents to get the right balance between the nutrition that they want their kids to have, and the taste their kids enjoy. a serving of Kellogg’s cereal and milk provides five nutrients that experts agree children need to grow – protein, calcium, iron, vitamin B and the ‘sunshine vitamin’, vitamin d. they’ll enjoy the sunshine in a bowl, while you

can feel reassured you’re giving them a heathy start to their day.

Cereals like oats, rice and corn release glucose slowly so that children have steady glucose levels, giving children better focus and attention levels. it also sends a message of fullness to the brain helping growing bodies feel satisfied for longer.

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and breakfast can be so quick and easy to prepare, especially if you live in a busy household where the mornings are often a rush.

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giving you a few more precious minutes in bed…

We all want to send our children to school happy with enough fuel inside them to keep them healthy, alert and ready to learn. Giving them sunshine in a bowl is one great way to do it. to find out more visit kelloggs.co.uk Brought to you by

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VITAMIN D This ‘sunshine vitamin’ helps us absorb calcium so is essential for healthy bones.

A balanced breakfast sets your children up for the day ahead source of nutrients and vital vitamins. a good breakfast that will help a child do their best in class contains protein, cereals and milk to keep students full and alert for several hours. they also need carbohydrates in the form of cereals served with milk and or yoghurt and some healthy fats coming from seeds, milks and yoghurts.

These are the nutrients in cereals and milk that your children need to sustain them throughout the day

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FROM MILK PROTEIN is essential for growth. A lack of protein can cause poor muscle maintenance.

CALCIUM maintains strong teeth and bones, nerves, muscles and the secretion of certain hormones and enzymes.

For more information visit kelloggs.co.uk * Rampersaud GC, Pereira MA, Girard BL, Adams J, Metzl JD. (2005) Breakfast habits, nutritional status, body weight, and academic performance. J Am Diet Assoc. 105:743-760 **Gibson, E. L. (2007), Carbohydrates and mental function: feeding or impeding the brain?. Nutrition Bulletin, 32: 71–83. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-3010.2007.00606.x

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