Primary Times Avon Oct 2014

In association with

Also

Heritage Open Week Winter wonderlands Autumn games

in Avon Issue 186 24 Oct-19 Dec 2014

Bow, wow,

wow!

Tobacco Factory Theatres, Bristol, give you 101 reasons to be cheerful as the dalmatians come to town. Page 4

Download the new Primary Times app, free! Page 3

Theatre • Arty Barty • Roundabout • Save money!

14 Avon Cover Autumn Half Term 2014.indd 1

08/10/2014 11:07:23

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL FOR BOYS 7–18 FOUNDED 1590

Entrance Examinations

YEAR 7 entrants Saturday mornings 10 & 17 January YEAR 9 entrants Saturday morning 17 January 2015

Experience life at Redland High by attending one of our open events Open Morning – Saturday 18 October Visiting Morning – Friday 25 November

Redland High School for Girls JUNIOR

Contact Mrs Carolyn Mathews 0117 930 3068 www.qehbristol.co.uk 2

p2.indd 2

AUTUMN HALF TERM 2014

SENIOR

SIXTH FORM

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

PRIMARY TIMES

03/10/2014 11:47:14

As the evenings draw in and the temptation to slump in front of a tablet, PC or old fashioned television screen grows proportionately, we look at ways to encourage children to get back to the real joys of autumn and winter. Our feature on traditional autumn games (P.21) shows how much family fun can be had with just a bowl of water and some apples. Bath’s Heritage Open Week promises another exciting and active week for the city’s residents and our feature (P.6) explores some highlights.

And, with Christmas just round the corner, we discover the West’s best winter wonderlands (P.33). Have a great half term!

In association

wi with

Avon iin A Dec 2014 24 Oct-19 Issue 186

the editor

Also Week Bath Heritagetos Santa’s grot es Winter gam

THEATRE P8 ROUNDABOUT P13 PINBOARD P23 ADVERTISING FEATURES P26 PUPILS’ PAGE P34 CLASSIFIEDS P36 HERITAGE OPEN WEEK P6 Culture is free for Bath locals this half term .

AUTUMN GAMES P21 Jayne Randall gets real with seasonal fun.

SANTA IS COMING P33 Ellen White charts Father Christmas’s journey through the West’s grottos.

PRIMARY TIMES IS NOW AVAILABLE AS AN APP Bow, wow,

wow!

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/primary-times/id674066003?mt=8 Download

you the new tol, give ary atians Prim atres, Bris Times app, 3 l as the dalm Factory The free! Page Tobacco s to be cheerfu e4 101 reason town. Pag ey! come to t • Save mon

Theatre • Arty

ndabou 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 942 8491 Primary Times is independently published and distributed free in Primary, Junior, Infant and Middle Schools throughout the former Avon area, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire. It is also available by subscription at £10 per year.

Its aims are to inform families and children of current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses and attractions, and to give teachers, pupils and parents the opportunity to participate in the magazine by adding to its contents or joining in the competitions which we run. It is NOT our intention to publish any racist, sexist or politically 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

14 Avon contents Autumn Half Term 2014.indd 3

Find these amazing offers this issue!

The Mall, Bristol – Free Union J Christmas concert.

Cattle Country Adventure Park – 20% off with advert.

Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm - £2 off admission.

Puzzlewood – One free pumpkin trail.

Richardson Hotels – Kids go free for the school holidays.

Museum of East Asian Art – Free for under 16s.

Table Table – Children eat free.

Bristol Aquarium – Kids go Free.

Bristol Hippodrome – Children’s tickets £10 off.

AUTUMN HALF TERM 2014

3

08/10/2014 13:19:22

101 D Toba almatian c Thea co Facto s ry tres, Wed B 2 tobac 6 Nov - ristol cofac S toryt un 11 Ja n 0117 h 902 eatres.co 034 m 4

Bow, wow,

wow!

Tobacco Factory Theatres and Travelling Light take audiences on a canine caper this Christmas with their latest creation ‘101 Dalmatians’.

Director Sally Cookson and designer Katie Sykes show Primary Times behind the scenes.

M

r and Mrs Dearly love dogs, especially their two dalmatians, Pongo and Perdita. Cruella De Vil loves fur and doesn’t have much time for anything living. When Pongo and Perdita’s fifteen newborn dalmatian puppies go missing it doesn’t take a genius to work out who has kidnapped them – and now the clock is ticking before they’re gone forever.

Tobacco Factory Theatres and Travelling Light have a track record for creating warm-hearted, much-loved productions especially for Christmas, from ‘The Last Voyage of Sinbad the Sailor’ and ‘Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves’ to ‘Cinderella: A Fairytale’, which was nominated for a 2013 Olivier Award.

This year will be no exception, with renowned director Sally Cookson at the helm of an extraordinary cast and creative team. The cast stars familiar faces from productions at both Tobacco Factory Theatres and Bristol Old Vic – Lucy Tuck, Felix Hayes, Tristan Sturrock, Saikat Ahamed - and a new face to Bristol, Carla Mendonça. Original music is by Benji Bower and performed live during the show, while Katie Sykes designs the “world” of the ‘101

Look out! It’s Cruella De Vil. Drawings

by Katie Sykes and Marc Parrett

4

AUTUMN HALF TERM 2014

14 Avon Features Autumn Half Term 2014.indd 2

Previous productions: Cinderella: A Fairytale and (right) Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves (images by Farrows Creative).

Dalmatians’, plus the costumes, with the help of puppeteer Marc Parrett.

“When the director of Tobacco Factory Theatres, Ali Robertson, came up with the idea of turning ‘101 Dalmatians’ into a Christmas show and invited me to direct it, I jumped at the chance,” says Sally Cookson.

“It’s been a favourite book of mine since childhood and it has all the ingredients for a perfect Christmas show; it’s a great adventure with an enormous heart and wonderful characters!”

But bringing the original story by author Dodie Smith to life on stage has its challenges, not least the global popularity of the two Disney movie versions of 1961 and 1996.

“Adapting an iconic story like this is exciting but also scary,” says Sally.

“It is adored by so many and the weight of responsibility to not muck it up is huge! It is my responsibility to make sure our show lives up to high expectations. But I also like to surprise an audience, reminding them that they are watching theatre

not film! One of the big challenges with this show is how to depict all those dalmatians! Immediately one’s imagination starts working overtime; releasing all the creative juices of the company and together

GET INVOLVED!

T

obacco Factory Theatres is asking audiences to knit a dalmatian by the end of October to donate to decorate the theatre for the show. So if you’re nifty with a needle or want to have a go, they need you! All dalmatian donors enter a free prize draw to win a family ticket to the show. If you’re interested, email Jojo Townsend at jojo@ tobaccofactorytheatres. com. Or, if you have an old dalmatian cuddly toy you can donate, or are crafty in another way, they’d love to hear from you!

we collaborate to create something playful, fun and magical.”

Katie Sykes has enjoyed coming up with the design for the show, including some delightfully dotty costumes.

“Most of my inspiration for the production design comes from the colours and textures of the 1950s,” she says. “The explosion of design in that post war period overflows with energy and vigour.

The beautifully illustrated books from that period are full of colour – rich greens, browns and rusty reds. And of course then there’s the dogs – we’re fusing that ‘50s feel with spots galore!”

“At its heart,” adds Sally, “‘101 Dalmatians’ celebrates the importance of ‘family’ and all things ‘doggy’. It’s a beautiful story of a family finding their way back together just in time for Christmas. My tail is wagging in anticipation.”

101 Dalmatians Wed 26 Nov–Sun 11 Jan. Tobacco Factory Theatres, Raleigh Road, Bristol, BS3 1TF. Suitable for ages 6+ and their families. Times vary (contact Box Office or see website for more details). Tickets £8 - £19 (£8 - £15 conc.), family tickets £45-£60 (two adults and two children or one adult and three children) Running time: approx. two hours (inc. interval).

Box Office: 0117 902 0344. Book online: www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com PLUS! In the Brewery Theatre, North Street, Bristol, this Christmas, Pickled Image presents ‘Santa’s Little Trolls’ from Wed 10 Dec-Sun 4 Jan, a wonderful new show with silliness, laughter and stunning puppets for ages 2 – 6 and their families.

PRIMARY TIMES

07/10/2014 10:02:35

PRIMARY TIMES

p5.indd 3

AUTUMN HALF TERM 2014 5

03/10/2014 11:52:12

Herit age O Sat 2 Week pen 5 Muse Oct – S ums throuun 2 Nov www .bathBath ghout opennes.gov.u week k/

The why, the where and the Over the half term week Bath residents get to explore the city’s many museums completely free. Mike Gartside discovers the highlights of Heritage Open Week (HOW).

T

here can be few cities with such a wealth of history and culture to explore than Bath.

From its roots in antiquity and Roman times, through to the Georgian era and the heyday of Jane Austen, Bath showcases its history, both architecturally and in its museums, more comprehensively than almost any other conurbations of its size. Not only that, a range of other cultures and activities await discovery in the city, at institutions like the Museum of East Asian Art, The American Museum or Herschel Museum of Astronomy.

To unlock these treasures, if you live locally, all you need is your Residents’ Discovery Card (see website below on how to get hold of one).The hard part for any city explorer is where to start. Of course, the Roman Baths, the centrepiece of any tourist’s visit, are home to the bubbling baths and a brilliant explanatory audio tour well worth reacquainting yourself

The Roman Baths

with, even if you’ve been before.

Likewise the Fashion Museum’s current show ‘Georgians: 18th Century Dress for Polite Society’ shows how you could expect fashionable Bathonians to turn out for

HOW museums and attractions American Museum in Britain (gardens and grounds only) T: 01225 460503 W: www.americanmuseum.org Bath AbbeyT: 01225 422462 W: www.bathabbey.org Bath Postal Museum T: 01225 460333 W: www.bathpostalmuseum.co.uk Building of Bath Collection T: 01225 333895 W: www.bath-preservation-trust.org.uk Fashion Museum T: 01225 477789 W: www.fashionmuseum.co.uk Friends of Bath Jewish Burial Ground T: 07761 586728 W: www.bathjewishburialground.org Herschel Museum of Astronomy T: 01225 446865 W: www.herschelmuseum.org.uk Holburne Museum T: 01225 388569 W: www.holburne.org Museum of Bath at Work T: 01225 318348 W: www.bath-at-work.org.uk Museum of East Asian Art T: 01225 464640 W: www.meaa.org.uk No. 1 Royal Crescent T: 01225 428126 W: www.no1royalcrescent.org.uk Prior Park Landscape GardenT: 01225 833422 W: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/priorpark Roman BathsT: 01225 477757 W: www.romanbaths.co.uk Saltford Brass Mill T: 01225 872954 W: www.brassmill.com Sally Lunns T: 01225 461634 W: www.sallylunns.co.uk The Mayor’s Parlour T: 01225 477411 W: www.mayorofbath.co.uk Victoria Art Gallery T: 01225 477233 W: www.victoriagal.org.uk

®

14 Avon Features Autumn Half Term 2014.indd 4

HOW

the type of ball Jane Austen wrote about.

But equally, there’s much fun to be had at the Museum of East Asian Art (MEAA), which hosts a workshop on two days over the week, the MEAA Conservation Lab, which explains to children and families how important it is to conserve ancient metal work.

“The workshops teach children how to use a microscope and some principles in conserving metal art,” says MEAA’s Rachel Yuan. “It ties in closely with our current exhibition, ‘To Be Treasured for Generations’.

We’re a small museum and Heritage Open Week helps us provide fun workshops and activities for local residents.”

Another highlight for families and children is the Heritage Open Week Children’s Trail with clues and stickers for children who find specific objects in attractions including the Museum of Bath at Work, Prior Park Landscape Gardens, No 1 Royal Crescent, Bath Abbey and the Holburne Museum.

Elsewhere there’s ‘Tasting Sally Lunn’s Buns’ at the famous eponymous tea shop, Animal Trackers at the Victoria Art Gallery, ‘Spooks Galore’ at the Building of Bath Collection and much more.

According to Patricia Dunlop of Bath’s Heritage Services, “20,000

local people take part in Heritage Open Week each year, both children and adults. It’s the most comprehensive celebration of its kind in the country, with all of the local museums and many other related organisations taking part. It has been going for nearly two generations, so many of the adults who bring children now were themselves participants when they were young.

“It has encouraged many thousands of local people to develop their knowledge and creative skills in a wide range of different areas. It has helped to foster a life-long curiosity among local people about their past and inspired them for the future.”

Heritage Open Week W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/openweek Discovery Card W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/services/ tourism-and-heritage/discovery-

To Be Treasured for Generations, Museum of East Asian Art

Sunshine in your bowl 08/10/2014 13:20:14

First Steps and Carly Elizabeth SCHOOL OF DANCE

All England Dance Final Winners w w w. f i r s t s t e p s d a n c e . c o . u k

with over 25 years of experience

CLASSES HELD AT STANBRIDGE SCHOOL, DOWNEND OR ST. STEPHEN’S CHURCH HALL, SOUNDWELL 2 ½ to 18 years

Ballet Modern Tap Jazz

National

Song & Dance

Exams ★ Shows ★ Displays ★ Competitions ★ TV work Or just for fun!

Please contact: Kathryn Pearce AISTD.DDE Tel: 0117 9495357 Email: info@firststepsdance.co.uk

The stage is set for the best exam results - and much more Red Maids' perform A Seussification of A Midsummer Night's Dream at the 2014 Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Visit us

Open Morning Saturday 8 November

Top 100 Independent School

For more information contact

Senior School, Mrs Liz Bamber 0117 989 8252 Junior School, Mrs Lynn McCabe 0117 962 9451 Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol BS9

PRIMARY TIMES

p7.indd 3

@RedMaidsSchool /redmaidsschool

redmaids.co.uk

AUTUMN HALF TERM 2014 7

07/10/2014 10:34:24

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

BATH BATH FORUM Bath Forum, 1a Forum Buildings, St James Parade, Bath, BA1 1UG. 0844 888 9991, www.bathforum. co.uk The Snowman Tue 23 Dec, 4pm. £16.50 (adult)/£8.80 (child) • Experience Raymond Briggs’ wonderful film classic with Howard Blake’s score performed by a live orchestra. With carols, lots of audience participation, a visit from Santa and a Christmasthemed fancy dress parade for children.

THE EGG Theatre Royal, Sawclose, Bath BA1 1ET. 01225 448844, www.theatreroyal.org.uk The Falcon’s Malteaser Until Sat 25 Oct, various times. £11 (adult)/£8 (child/student)/£30 (family)/£7.50 (schools) • Follow the adventures of the hopelessly inept private detective Tim Diamond and his sharp-witted brother Nick as they set off on a thrilling case to discover just what is so important about a box of Maltesers. Anthony Horowitz’s book is adapted for the stage by New Old Friends. Ages 8+.

Little Howard and the Magic Pencil of Life and Death Tue 28-Wed 29 Oct, 11.30am, 3pm. £7.50 (adult)/£6.50 (child/student) • Little Howard has discovered the magical pencil that drew him but also, on the other end, is the eraser of death. If that wasn’t enough, Big Howard has a reallife baby who is getting a little too much attention. An interactive stand-up show with 3D animation and lots of songs for the whole family. Ages 5+.

The Assembly of Animals Sat 1-Sun 2 Nov, 11am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm, 4pm (ages 3+), 5.30pm (ages 7+), £7.50 (adult)/£6.50 (child/student) • Puppetry, magic and scientific-demonstration combine as young audiences and families experience the delicate inner workings of this new performance by Tim Spooner.

Mucky Pup Fri 7- Sun 9 Nov, various times, £7.50 (adult)/£6.50 (child/student) • A funny and touching story about a tidy boy, a scruffy dog and a very special friendship. Suitable for 5+.

Rumpelstiltskin Thu 27 Nov– Sun 4 Jan, various times, £17 (adult)/£12 (children and students) • A musical show for the family. This modern production retells the Grimm Brothers’ classic tale with plenty of magic, mischief and menace. Ages 8+.

8 AUTUMN HALF TERM 2014

14 Avon Theatre listings Autumn Half Term 2014.indd 8

Swallows and Amazons, Bristol Old Vic, Thu 27 Nov-Sat 17 Jan

THE RONDO THEATRE St. Saviours Road, Bath BA1 6RT. 01225 463362, www.rondotheatre.co.uk The Christmassy Christmas Show of Christmassy Christmasness! Sat 6 Dec, 2pm, £5/£8 • Squashbox Theatre’s new show is a celebration of everything Christmassy, from fir trees, fairy lights, sleigh bells and snowflakes to crackers, carols, presents and puddings! Meet a snowman who lives in the fridge, spot some naughty elves, play hunt the brussel sprout, endure the world’s worst Christmas jumper and gaze at the “beautiful” Christmas fairy... Learn about Yuletide traditions old and new, hear the story of the first Christmas Tree and explore some festive science.

Twelfth Night Thu 11-Sun 14 Dec and Tue 16-Sat 20 Dec, 2.30pm/7.30pm, £10/£12 • A special Christmas version of Shakespeare’s hilarious comedy.

Featuring Christmas songs, quick changes, mistaken identity, crossdressing and gags a-plenty, this is the proto-panto you won’t want to miss this Yuletide.

THEATRE ROYAL Sawclose, Bath, BA1 1ET. 01225 823409. www.theatreroyal.org.uk.

Cinderella Thu 11 Dec-Sun 11 Jan, various times, £8-£29 • Classic fairy tale starring Tracy Beaker’s Dani Harmer as Cinderella.

Treated as a servant by her wicked (not to mention ugly) stepsisters, Cinderella needs all the magic her fairy godmother can muster, along with help from her best friend, Buttons, if she is to meet

her Prince Charming and find true love before the clock strikes midnight.

BRISTOL BLAKEHAY THEATRE Wadham Street, Weston-superMare, BS23 1JZ. 01934 645493 www.blakehaytheatre.ticketsource.co.uk Nutcracker Sweet Wed 17-Mon 22 Dec, various times, £7.50 • A family Christmas musical by David Wood. Follow the struggles of the nuts as they fight against the villainous confectioner Professor Jelly Bon Bon who wants to use them in his chocolate assortments.

THE BREWERY THEATRE 291 North Street, Southville, Bristol BS3 1JP. 0117 902 0344, www.tobaccofactorytheatre.com Arabian Nights Tue 28 OctSun 2 Nov, 11am and 2pm, £7 • Storypocket Theatre introduces families to Sheherazade, the greatest storyteller of them all.

She has a feast of adventures and fantasies to tell involving genies, villains, heroes and princesses.

Enjoy Ali Baba’s encounter with the forty thieves along with Aladdin and his lamp, the Little Beggar, and the Fisherman and the Genie, and be transported to a wonderful world of mysterious marvels and tales retold with music, puppetry and theatrical magic.

An Elephant in the Garden Tue 4-Sat 15 Nov, 2.15pm (Sat

only)/7.30pm (no show Sun), £8/£10 • Simon Reade’s new adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s best-selling children’s novel is set in 1945 Dresden, Germany, at the time of the Allied bombing. Lizzie, her mother and an elephant from the zoo, flee the fires in the last days of the Second World War. Although this is Lizzie’s story, Marlene the elephant is the heroine. Plodding, obdurate, opportunistic, loadbearing, indestructible and cheering, she embodies the stubbornness needed to survive drastic circumstances.

Santa’s Little Trolls Wed 10 Dec-Sun 4 Jan, 11am/2pm/4pm, £8/£9 • A magical extravaganza from Pickled Image especially for the festive season. Jeremy really loves Christmas. All he wants is for each Christmas to be perfect: mince pies, stockings, mistletoe and especially lots of snow. Little does he know, it’s not Santa or the elves, but the Trolls of Winter who bring the snow, and they’re fed up of getting none of the credit.

Expect silliness, laughter and stunning puppets.

THE BRISTOL OLD VIC King Street, Bristol BS1 4ED. 0117 987 7877, www.bristololdvic.org. uk Bristol Family Arts Festival Until Sat 1 Nov, various times • Over the October half term, the Bristol Old Vic is a hub of excitement and activity. The Bristol »

Dani Harmer is Cinderella, Theatre Royal, Bath, Thu 11 Dec-Sun 11 Jan

PRIMARY TIMES

07/10/2014 10:14:58

FAMILY FUN WITH E.T. THE EXTRA TERRESTRIAL Just supply the birthday boy or girl (and some energetic friends) and we’ll do the rest to ensure a unique and memorable celebration.

All activities and obstacles are supervised by fully trained, experienced staff who know just how to make everyone feel like a hero.

New to Bristol, MoJo Active has a children’s party theme to suit everyone including sports skills and military assault course challenges.

www.mojoactive.co.uk

We’re taking bookings for new recruits aged 8+ so enrol today.

AT SAT 25 OCT – FRI 31 OCT

Steven Spielberg’s all time classic sci-fi family adventure sees a little alien, abandoned by his pot-bellied extra terrestrial friends, navigate life on Earth with the help of 10-year-old Elliott.

EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL FAMILY WORKSHOP SAT 25 OCT Join us for a world family workshop at 3.15pm in the Pervasive Media Studio. Expect galaxy paintings space animation and intergalactic jelly!

MoJo Active, Over Court Farm, Over Lane, Almondsbury, Bristol BS32 4DF T 01454 660075 M 07770 925022 E info@mojoactive.co.uk

or

sf g in ok club o b g iday ! n l ow ki Ta ho n

ROP-IN AND DRAW MON 27 OCT – FRI 31 OCT

Join us in the Café/Bar for FREE drop-in drawing sessions – sketch your vision of the future on a giant scroll – to be displayed at Arnolfini on Sat 1 Nov, for The Big Picnic.

BOX OFFICE: 0117 927 5100 | WATERSHED.CO.UK

a tail of wags to riches

as alIce FItzwarren and her dog cBeebies Mr Bloom as dIck whIttIngton

as Idle Jack

6 Dec 2014 4 Jan 2015 0844 871 3012 group sales 0844 871 3032 atgtickets.com/bristol

chilDreN

£10 off

top 3 staNDarD prices AWARD-WINNING

PANTOMIME

FEATURING AN

AMAZING

fre

ice cree aM

to s c h oo groUps l

PRIMARY TIMES

p9.indd 3

AUTUMN HALF TERM 2014 9

07/10/2014 11:38:08

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

quacking oboes, fluttering flutes and prowling horns. After the interval the classic animated film The Snowman

by Raymond Briggs, shown on the big screen, will become even more enchanting as classics like ‘Walking in the Air’ are sprinkled with some spine-tingling magic by the live orchestra.

THE PLAYHOUSE THEATRE High Street, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, BS23 1HP. 01934 645544, www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk Peter Pan Thu 11 Dec-Sun 4 Jan, various times, £13.95 (group/school/ family rates available) • Be transported to Neverland in this production of the classic children’s family favourite.

Coppelia, The Hippodrome, Bristol, Tue 4-Sat 8 Nov.

»

Family Arts Festival features daily shows including ‘The Great Big Story Mix Up’ (see below) and foyer performances. Suitable for children of all ages.

The Gruffalo Mon 27-Wed 29 Oct, various times, £12.50/£45 (family) • Based on the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, this Tall Stories production full of songs and laughs brings the beloved children’s tale to life.

The Great Big Story Mix Up Wed 29 Oct- Sat 1 Nov, various times, £12/£7 • What do you get if you cross a dressing up box, musical instruments and a treasure trove of extraordinary objects with a group of actors brimming with storytelling and silliness? This unique treat in the half term break allows children to create their own story. Special Halloween performance on 31 Oct. Ages 7+.

War Game Tue 11 Nov-Sat 22 Nov, various times, £7.50-£12 • Inspired

by Michael Foreman’s novella for young readers, this production tells the story of the opening months of World War I through the eyes of a village football team which signs up and is despatched, before playing in the famous Christmas Day match with the enemy in No Man’s Land.

The Magic Elves Wed 26 Nov-Sun 3 Jan, various times. £13/£7.50 • Life is a party for the Magic Elves. They love to play, dance and be very silly! But they get a shock when they move to an old shoe shop and realise not everyone is as happy as they are. The Magic Elves must help put a smile back on the shoemaker’s face in time for the Christmas Disco. Ages 3+.

Swallows and Amazons Thu 27 Nov-Sat 17 Jan, various times, £5-£30 • Back by popular demand, this family musical is a story of an idyllic era of endless summer evenings and the beauty of youthful imagination. Follow Captain John and his able crew as they set sail to Wildcat Island on an exotic adventure to encounter savages, capture pirates and defeat mortal enemies.

THE BRISTOL HIPPODROME St. Augustine’s Parade, BS1 4UZ. 0844 871 3012, www.atgtickets.com/ bristol ®

14 Avon Theatre listings Autumn Half Term 2014.indd 10

Calamity Jane Until Sat 25 Oct, 2.30pm/7.30pm, £12.90-£38.90 • Calamity Jane can outrun and outshoot any man in Deadwood.

Hard, boastful and desperate to impress, she travels to Chicago to recruit a star, Adelaide Adams, for the Deadwood Stage. But things don’t go too smoothly for Calamity, as everyone in town favours the new girl and she struggles to keep her jealousy and pride in check. It takes her long-standing enemy Wild Bill Hickok to make her see sense, and realise her secret love.

Sister Act Tue 28 Oct–Sat 1 Nov, 7.30pm, 2.30pm (Wed & Sat) £14.40£28.40 • When a criminal boss puts her on his “hit list”, lounge singer Dolores disguises herself as a nun and takes refuge in a nunnery. While evading the unwelcome attentions of the underworld, Dolores also performs miracles with the nunnery choir.

Coppelia Tue 4-Sat 8 Nov, 7.30pm (Tue, Wed, Fri), 2pm, 7.30pm (Thu), 2.30pm, 7.30pm (Sat). £11.90-£48.90 • A comic family ballet about an eccentric toymaker and his mechanical doll. Love triumphs over all in this tale of mistaken identity set to Delibe’s melodic score, performed

by English National Ballet’s full orchestra.

That’ll Be The Day Mon 24 Nov, 7.30pm, £26.40/£28.40 • Rock and roll variety show with classic hits from the 50s to the 80s.

Dick Whittington Sat 6 Dec-Sun 5 Jan, 2pm & 7pm, £10-£39.50 • Britain’s Got Talent winners Ashleigh and Pudsey star in this year’s family pantomime. Also starring CBeebies star Ben Faulks and popular panto dame Eric Potts.

COLSTON HALL Colston Street, Bristol BS1 5AR. 0844 887 1500, www.colstonhall.org Peter and the Wolf and The Snowman Sat 13 Dec, 6pm, £13.44£26.88 (incl booking fee) • Delight your family this Christmas with a double bill of well-loved festive family stories accompanied by a live orchestra and narrated by Sanjeev Bhaskar. Hear the characters of Prokofiev’s Peter and The Wolf come to life, from dancing strings,

THE REDGRAVE THEATRE Percival Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3LE. 0117 315 7000. The Redgrave has no box office so please book directly with the visiting companies listed below.

Alice in Wonderland and What She Found There Fri 28 Nov-Thu 18 Dec, 10am, 2pm & 7pm, £8-£17 • Following last year’s sell-out production of ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School presents the adventures of Lewis Carroll’s Alice and her encounters with the White Rabbit, Mad Hatter, Queen of Hearts and many more. T: 0117 973 3955.

THE TOBACCO FACTORY Raleigh Rd, Avon, Bristol, BS3 1TF. 0117 902 0060. www.tobaccofactory.com 101 Dalmations Wed 26 Nov-Sun 11 Jan, various times, £8/£11/£15/£19 • Mr and Mrs Dearly love dogs, especially their two dalmatians, Pongo and Perdita. Cruella De Vil loves fur and doesn’t have much time for anything living. When Pongo and Perdita’s fifteen new-born dalmatian puppies go missing it doesn’t take a genius to work out who has kidnapped them – and now the clock is ticking before they’re gone forever.

Warm hearted and playful, told with creative storytelling, original live music and lots of laughs. See feature, Page 4.

THE WARDROBE THEATRE Above The White Bear, 133 St Michael’s Hill, High Kingsdown, Bristol, BS2 8BS. www.thewardrobetheatre.com Handmade Tales Mon 27 Oct-Sat 1 Nov, 2pm, £5 • Tap Tap Theatre presents a delightful and enchanting family show for the young and the young at heart. Handmade Tales tells six original children’s stories, with live music, some household items and a lot of creativity. They ask the audience to embrace the power of their imagination.

FURTHER AFIELD THE ARC THEATRE College Road, Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 0ES. 01225 756376. www.arctheatre.org.uk .

Dick Whittington Thu 20-Sun 23

Nov, 2pm (Sat and Sun) and 7pm, £8/£7 • The Footlights are back with their traditional annual pantomime.

THE BACON THEATRE Dean Close School, Shelbourne Road, Cheltenham GL51 6HE. 01242 258002, www.bacontheatre. co.uk The Nutcracker Sat 8 Nov, 7.30pm, adults £18.50/children £13 • The acclaimed Vienna Festival Ballet returns with Tchaikovsky’s exquisite classical ballet. Clara’s nutcracker doll magically transforms into a princely soldier. Their adventures see the Prince and Clara combat the Mouse King and join the Sugar Plum Fairy on a trip to a kingdom made entirely of sweets.

EVERYMAN THEATRE Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573, www.everymantheatre.org.uk Sleeping Beauty Fri 28 Nov-Sun 11 Jan, various times, £13-£21 • The classic fairy tale features the hilarious antics of Tweedy the Clown.

ROSES THEATRE The Roses, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire GL20 5NX. 01684 295074, www.rosestheatre.org The Story Giant Wed 29 Oct, 2.30pm. £6.25-7.50 • Explore folklore, myth and fairytale from around the world and meet ghosts, talking skulls, monsters and dragons in an adventure to find the last story on earth. Adapted from the book by Liverpool poet, Brian Patten. Suitable for 7+.

Beauty and the Beast Sat 29 Nov-Sat 3 Jan, various times. £10£23 • Complete with a host of “it’s behind you’s” and “Oh yes he did, Oh no he didn’ts”, this pantomime about falling in love with the most unlikely of beasts is a perfect Christmas family treat.

SALISBURY PLAYHOUSE Malthouse Lane, Salisbury, SP2 7RA. 01722 320333, www.salisburyplayhouse.com Hansel and Gretel Tue 4 Nov, 1.30pm, £9 • This is the deliciously scary story of a tango dancing witch and her irresistible recipe for an edible house. This show has special appeal for deaf, disabled and learning disabled audiences.

It’s also great for children whose first language is not English.

THE WYVERN THEATRE Theatre Square, Swindon SN1 1QN. 01793 524481, www.swindontheatres.co.uk The Sooty Show Sun 26 Oct 11am & 2.30pm, £12/£11 • Richard Cadell is the foil for Sooty, Sweep and Soo’s mischief in a chance to see the televised show in the flesh, or perhaps fabric.

Private Peaceful Mon 3 Nov, 7.30pm, £13/£16.50/£18 • By the award-winning author of ‘War Horse’, Michael Morpurgo, this tale relives the life of Private Tommo Peaceful, a young First World War soldier awaiting the firing squad at dawn. During the night he looks back at his short but joyful past.

Love your Cereal 07/10/2014 11:55:19

Halloween Cookery Classes

27 Nov-17 Jan Box Office 0117 987 7877 bristololdvic.org.uk/swallowsandamazons

register now to secure your place!

SPECIAL RATES f oR SChooL S

• Afterschool Thursday Club for childres (7 and 11 years old), • Mini Chefs Thursday Club for 3 to 5 year olds, • Holiday Clubs for children, • Weaning babies for new mums, • Spanish Tapas cooking courses and supper club • University “Survival Club for Teenagers” • The Little Kitchen Helper (for when you do not want to cook).

10% DISCOUNT

when you mention Primary Times at the time of booking, valid until 1st December 2014

TIME FOR TEA is our very own POP UP TEA ROOM. Let us bring the party to you for any event (marquee, bunting, vintage cups and saucers and more). And, of course, we bring the food too!

Bristol Cooking School

See our website: www.bristolcookingschool.co.uk, Call us 07765844763, Let us on Facebook or bristolcookingschool@rodneylodge.co.uk

A Bristol Old Vic production

The Daily Telegraph

The Guardian

Image: Smith & Milton

The Independent

“warm-hearted, affectionate and fun” The Daily Telegraph

look who’s coming to colston hall this christmas... peter and the wolf and the snowman with welsh national opera orchestra narrated by sanjeev bhaskar sat 13 dec, 6pm 0844 887 1500 www.colstonhall.org colston street, bristol BS1 5AR

PRIMARY TIMES

p11.indd 3

AUTUMN HALF TERM 2014 11

07/10/2014 10:39:16

Colston’s School, Stapleton, Bristol BS16 1BJ Enquiries: 0117 965 5207 admissions@colstons.bristol.sch.uk

Educating for life

Exams for Year 7 entry

Saturday January 10th 2015 (9.30am-12.30pm)

1 Free

27th Oct to 2nd Nov

Pumpkin Trail*

Junior Entry Assessments

Saturday January 24th 2015 (9am-12.15pm)

Lower School Open Morning

Friday January 16th 2015 (9.30 -11.30am)

Perrygrove Road Coleford GL16 8QB 01594 833187

www.colstons.bristol.sch.uk Registered Charity No 1079552

www.puzzlewood.net

Scholarships and bursaries available

*Valid 27.10.14 - 2.11.14. 1 Free Pumpkin Trail per original coupon. Does not include admission charge.

An inspirational independent school for boys and girls aged 5—11 years

0117 973 6620 hello@torwoodhouseschool.co.uk Durdham Park, Redland, Bristol, BS6 6XE 12

p12.indd 2

® 2014 AUTUMN HALF TERM

Rich in Vitamins and Minerals PRIMARY TIMES

08/10/2014 11:50:51

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

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 December 2014, January and February 2015: deadline Mon 10 Nov. 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.

this trail to find horses in art in six different collections around Bath, including the Roman Baths, Victoria Art Gallery and the Museum of East Asian Art. SAT 25 OCT E.T. FILM SCREENING AND WORKSHOP (BFAF) Watershed, 1 Canon’s Rd, Bristol, BS1 5TX. 0117 927 5100. www.watershed.co.uk. 1pm-4.30pm. Screening £3.50/workshop £2 • Enjoy a special screening of classic sci-fi movie ET, followed by an extra-terrestrial puppet and animation workshop.

There’s more space-inspired activity for all the family throughout half term as part of the BFI Sci-Fi season.

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!

OCTOBER UNTIL THU 30 OCT BRISTOL HARBOURSIDE WILD PLAY TRAIL 16 Narrow Quay, Bristol, BS1 4QA. www.arnolfini.org.uk, 0117 917 2300, 11am-6pm, free (donations welcome) • Parents 4 Play, Playing Out and the Arnolfini have grouped together to produce the wild play trail which offers a great way to see the Harbourside as a family.

UNTIL SUN 2 NOV BRISTOL FAMILY ARTS FESTIVAL www.familyartsfestival.com.

Various locations and prices • A national event with a range of activities taking place locally over the half term period, including a big family picnic (1 Nov) theatre, art, music, dance, literature, film, storytelling and more. A selection of events are listed below and marked (BFAF) UNTIL MON 10 NOV DISSECTION LAB At-Bristol, Anchor Rd, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5DB. 0117 9092000. www.at-bristol.org.uk. 10am4pm/5pm(weekends and school holidays). Free with general admission • Take a closer look at anatomy by joining in with expert-led, handson dissection sessions, using real animal organs to get up close and personal to hearts and eyeballs.

Picture what’s under your skin as you draw your veins or sketch your bones with body paints, and discover what’s in your blood by making your own fake blood sample!

Suitable for ages 7+.

UNTIL WED 12 NOV AUTUMN KITCHEN At Bristol, Anchor Rd, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5DB. 0117 909 2000, www.at-bristol.org.uk, 10am-5pm PRIMARY TIMES

14 Avon Roundabout Autumn Half Term 2014.indd 13

E.T. film screening and workshop, The Watershed, Bristol, Sat 25 Oct.

(6pm weekends & school holidays), free with standard admission • With drop in sessions throughout the day, join the At-Bristol team in their interactive kitchen and really get under the skin of this year’s crops.

UNTIL FRI 28 NOV TRAVEL TRAIL AT LACOCK Lacock Abbey and Fox Talbot Museum, Lacock, Wiltshire, SN15 2LG. 01249 730459. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock. 10.30am5.30pm. Admission prices apply, under 5s free • Search for hidden suitcases with surprises inside on this self-led family trail around the abbey grounds. The trail is inspired

by Fox Talbot’s love for exploring different European countries. NB this trail is not available from 25 Oct-2 Nov, when you can try your hand at Wizard School instead.

UNTIL SUN 14 DEC PORTRAIT OF A LADY? No.1 Royal York Crescent, Bath, BA1 2LR. 01225 428126. www. no1royalyorkcrescent.org.uk.

10.30am-5.30pm (12pm opening on Mondays). £4 or free with standard admission ticket • Subtitled ‘Ruin And Reputation In The Georgian Era’ this exhibition of Georgian mezzotints portrays women from different levels of society including actresses, courtesans and duchesses. Learn how women of the 18th century viewed themselves and how they were seen by society.

UNTIL THU 18 DEC BEING CAROLINE – A SECOND SELF Herschel Museum of Astronomy, 19 New King Street, Bath, Avon, BA1 2BL. 01225 446865, www. herschelmuseum.org.uk • An exhibition exploring the life of a

truly remarkable woman, Caroline Herschel. Told by her father that she was too poor and unattractive to marry, Caroline became a world class astronomer. She was the first woman who was paid for her contribution to science and she was presented with the Gold Medal for Science by the King of Prussia on her 96th birthday. As fascinating and inspirational for children as it is for parents.

UNTIL WED 24 DEC AMPHIBIANS Slimbridge Wetlands Centre, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT, 01453 891223, www.wwt.org. uk. 2.15pm (also at 12.30pm Sat and Sun). Free with general admission • Visit Toad Hall, where amphibian expert Jay Redbond gives an insight into the world of these semi water-dwelling creatures and their habitats. Hold frogs, toads and newts from his collection.

UNTIL WED 31 DEC GEORGIANS: 18TH CENTURY DRESS FOR POLITE SOCIETY Bath Fashion Museum, Bath Assembly Rooms, Bennett Street, Bath, BA1 2QH, 01225 477789, www.fashionmuseum.co.uk, £7.75 (adults)/£5.75 (child) • The museum’s special exhibition this year includes over 30 original 18th century costumes from its world-class collection and Georgian-inspired outfits from top fashion designers.

UNTIL WED 18 FEB HORSE TRAIL AROUND BATH Museum of East Asian Art, 12 Bennett St, Bath, BA1 2QJ. 01225 464640. www.meaa.org.uk. Book at least five days in advance • According to the Chinese Zodiac, this is the Year of the Horse. Join

SAT 25 OCT DROP-IN CREATIVE WORKSHOP (BFAF) Lawrence Weston Community Farm, Saltmarsh Dr, Bristol, BS11 0NJ. 0117 938 1128. www.lwfarm. org.uk. 1pm-4pm. Free admission • Help Bristol’s Architecture Centre and the Children’s Scrapstore create a vision for Bristol as a childfriendly city of the future. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

SAT 25-SUN 26 OCT MUD PLAY (BFAF) Leigh Woods, Bristol. 0117 973 1645. www.nationaltrust.org. uk/leigh-woods. 10am-4pm.Free admission • Join artist collective Assemble as they explore play through interactive workshops to create their ‘Spirit of Play’ toolkit.

SAT 25-SUN 26 OCT HERE, TODAY (BFAF) Arnolfini, 16 Narrow Quay, Bristol, BS1 4QA. 0117 917 2300. www. arnolfini.org.uk. 1pm-5pm. Free admission • Join artist Andy Field and children from local primary schools as they take you on a journey into the future of Bristol. See the city through a child’s eyes, imagining the city that we will leave for them.

SAT 25 OCT-SAT 1 NOV CRAFT WORKSHOPS AND ACTIVITIES Ora et Labora, 3 Church St, Bath, BA1 1NL. 01225 481111. www.ora-etlabora.co.uk. Various times, prices from £2.50 • Craft workshops and activities for all ages. Enjoy candle making with natural beeswax, brass rubbing or apothecary skills, all set in the medieval-themed undercroft.

SAT 25 OCT- SUN 2 NOV WIZARD TRAIL Fox Talbot Museum & Lacock Abbey, Lacock, Wiltshire SN15 2LG. 01249 730459. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock, 10.30am5.30pm. Standard admission applies • Do you have what it takes » AUTUMN HALF TERM 2014

13

08/10/2014 11:10:02

‘a great underground experience for all the family!’

O C T O B E R H A L F T E R M H O L I D AY

*

Kids go FREE for the School Holidays.

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

Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd November Horse and Bamboo Theatre Co. present: (suitable ages 5+)

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

…see our website for details www.clearwellcaves.com

SATURDAY 25TH OCTOBER - SUNDAY 2ND NOVEMBER Walk through an underground forest, following cupcakes, before arriving at the witch’s candy house!

Enter our free competition to win a wicked witch puppet.

The Grand Hotel TORQUAY

The Falmouth Hotel FALMOUTH

The Grosvenor Hotel TORQUAY

Please contact us on

0800 005 2244

OPEN 10.00am 10.00am-5.00pm 5.00pm Clearwell,Nr Coleford Telephone: 01594 832535 www.clearwellcaves.com

Quote Ref: PT05 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.

try our new

KIDS EAT

KIDS MENU Hobbs Boat Bridgwater Road Lympsham Weston-Super-Mare Somerset BS24 0BP 01934 812782 Till Code: 14553945

14

p14.indd 2

AUTUMN HALF TERM 2014

E FRkE days w ee

m BEFORE 5p Tˆ†† AS AND BREAKF

^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

PRIMARY TIMES

03/10/2014 12:03:32

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

to be a wicked witch or a wise wizard? From broom racing to spell making, test your spooky skills on this self-led family activity course.

SAT 25 OCT-SUN 2 NOV THE BUTTERFLY GARDEN 1 Royal York Crescent, Bath, BA1 2LR. 01225 428126. www.no1royalyorkcrescent.org.uk. 10.30am5.30pm. Free with standard admission • In association with The Big Draw, be inspired by artists in the museum’s collection and create your own butterfly picture.

Showcase your work on the garden display board or take it home.

SAT 25 OCT-SUN 2 NOV PUMPKIN TRAIL Slimbridge Wetlands Centre, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT. 01453 891900. www.wwt.org. uk/slimbridge_centre. 9.30am5pm. Standard admission applies • A whole gang of scary pumpkins have invaded the wetlands and it’s up to you and your family to rescue them!

SAT 25 OCT-SUN 2 NOV HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL AT BRISTOL ZOO Bristol Zoo Gardens, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 3HA. 0117 974 7305. www.bristolzoo.org.uk. 9am5.30pm. Standard admission for adults, 45% off child entry during half term • Get your broomsticks and pumpkins at the ready because Bristol Zoo Halloween Festival is back! Join a bewitching spider trail, meet some of the zoo’s most fearsome creepy crawlies, create ghostly lanterns and have your face ghoulishly painted.

SAT 25 OCT-SUN 2 NOV HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL AT THE WILDPLACE PROJECT Wildplace Project, Blackhorse Hill, Bristol, BS10 7TP. 0117 980 7175. www.wildplace.org.uk. 10am-4pm.

Standard admission applies • Get ready to be spooked in the witches’ woodland trail, enjoy fang-tastic face painting, create a wolf mask in the creepy craft activity hut and watch your favourite animals enjoy their own pumpkin treats.

SAT 25 OCT-SUN 2 NOV HALLOWEEN AT TYNTESFIELD Tyntesfield House, Project Office, Tyntesfield, Bristol, BS48 1NT. 01275 461900. www.nationaltrust. org.uk/tyntesfield. 10am-6pm (house and chapel closed on Thu).

Standard admission prices apply • From a spooky trail and eerie arts and crafts to a torchlight tour and pumpkin carving workshops.

Fearsome fancy dress is highly encouraged.

SUN 26 OCT THE BIG DRAW TO THE BIG MAP (BFAF) M Shed, Princess Wharf, Wapping Rd, Bristol, BS1 4RN. 0117 352 6600. www.mshed.org, 10am-4pm, free • Create your own Bristol places gallery with artist Luci Gorell Barnes. Explore the big map and use drawing to tell your own stories. Suitable for all ages. ®

14 Avon Roundabout Autumn Half Term 2014.indd 15

SUN 26 OCT LOVE FOOD FESTIVAL Paintworks, Bath Rd, Bristol, BS4 3EH. 0117 971 4320. www. lovefoodfestival.com. 10.30am-4pm.

Free entry • Grab a cup of mulled cider or hot chocolate and explore the fantastic local produce stalls, selling everything from meat to cheese to seasonal fruit and veg, chutneys and cakes.

SUN 26 OCT HALLOWEEN THEMED FUN DAY Helicopter Museum, Locking Moor Rd, Weston-Super-Mare, BS24 8PP. 01934 635227. www. helicoptermuseum.co.uk. 10am-5pm (flights from 2pm). Standard admission prices apply/free entry for children in fancy dress • Dare you enter the haunted graveyard and climb aboard the hell-i-copter? Meet real owls, bats and creepy crawlies alongside spooky facepainting, Halloween fancy dress competition and games, helicopter flights and a horror arts and crafts corner.

MON 27 OCT COMEDY CLUB 4 KIDS the egg, Theatre Royal, Sawclose, Bath BA1 1ET. 01225 448844, www. theatreroyal.org.uk. 11.30am, 3pm. £7.50 (adult)/£6.50 (child/student).

Suitable for 6+ • Cracking entertainment for all ages with comedians from the UK and world circuit doing what they do best… without the rude bits.

MON 27 OCT MAGICAL SCREEN PRINTED CHARACTERS AND CREATURES Prema Arts Centre, South St, Uley, Nr Dursley, Gloucestershire, GL11 5SS. 01453 860703. www.prema.org.uk.

10am-1pm. £20 • Design and screenprint your own colourful scary characters and creatures. Spend a morning with artist Karoline Rerrie to experiment with simple cutting techniques to create paper stencils of different odd folk then print with them using silk screens and squeegees. 7+.

MON 27-FRI 31 OCT DROP IN AND DRAW (BFAF) The Watershed, 1 Canon’s Rd, Bristol, BS1 5TX. 0117 927 5100. www.watershed.co.uk. Drop-in throughout the afternoon. Free • Inspired by much-loved sci-fi film E.T, join the Watershed team for drop in drawing activities in the café bar.

TUE 28 OCT HERITAGE OPEN WEEK – ROMAN BATHS Roman Baths, Stall St, Bath, BA1 1LZ. 01225 477785. www.romanbaths. co.uk. 4pm-7pm. Standard admission applies • Treasure – unearthed! The Roman Baths’ torch-lit late opening celebrates the Beau Street Hoard of Roman coins. Explore romantic couples on Roman coins and handle real Roman silver coins.

TUE 28 OCT FALCONRY DEMONSTRATION American Museum, Claverton Manor, Claverton, Bath, BA2 7BD. 01225 460503, www.americanmuseum.org, 12.30pm & 2.30pm •

ROUNDABOUT Halloween at the Helicopter Museum, Weston-super-Mare, Sun 26 Oct

Falconer Ray Prior shows off owls, eagles, hawks and falcons.

TUE 28 OCT PLASTICINE PETS Victoria Art Gallery, Bridge St, Bath, BA2 4AT. 01225 477233. www.victoriagal.org.uk. 10.30am-12 noon. Free admission • Make your own pet using plasticine invented in Bath by William Harbutt.

TUE 28-THU 30 OCT HERITAGE OPEN WEEK-A FLARE FOR FASHION Bath Fashion Museum, Bath Assembly Rooms, Bennett St, Avon, Bath, BA1 2QH. 01225 477789. www.museumofcostume. co.uk. 2pm-4pm. £8 (adult)/£6 (children) • Use a variety of simple shapes to create amazing outfits and take inspiration from the museum’s Georgian costume collection.

WED 29 OCT SPOOKY STORIES Claverton Manor, Claverton, Bath, BA2 7BD. 01225 460503, www. americanmuseum.org • Join storytellers at Claverton Manor for tales of ghouls, ghosts and things that go bump in the night. Drop in sessions are held at 1.30pm for under 8s, and 2.30pm for 8-12 year olds.

WED 29 OCT TUDOR HISTORY DAY Yate Heritage Centre, Church Rd, Yate, Bristol, BS37 5BG. 01454 862200. www.yateheritage.co.uk.

10.30am-3.30pm. Free admission • Discover the world of the Tudors in this exciting history day. Find out what Tudor people were doing at home and make some of your very own Tudor objects.

WED 29 OCT MEET THE EXPERT: APPLE PRESSING At-Bristol, Anchor Rd, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5DB. 0117 909 2000. www.at-bristol.org.uk. 10am-4pm.

Free with standard admission prices • Join the National Trust Apple Pressing Tour as they stop off in At-Bristol for one day only!

Take fresh apples and get stuck in as experts show you how to trans-

form them into delicious juice in a matter of minutes, using traditional methods and equipment. Part of the National Trust’s ‘50 Things to do before you’re 11 3/4 campaign.

WED 29 OCT CAPTAIN BARNACLE PIRATE PANTO The Matthew, 51 Redcliff St, Bristol BS1 6LP. 0117 927 6868. www. matthew.co.uk. 2pm-3pm. £15 (adults)/£35 (family)/free (under 5s) • Join legendary Captain Barnacle, the Bristol pirate, for a rip roaring trip aboard The Matthew. This pirate pantomime show features lots of pirate props, puppets, comedy and lashings of audience participation. Watch out for Blackbeard the baddie, a giant sea dog, a crocodile, treasure and a bucket full of silliness, all rounded off with a singsong to sail home to.

WED 29 OCT MASK MAKING Victoria Art Gallery, Bridge St, Bath, BA2 4AT. 01225 477233. www.victoriagal.org.uk. 10.30am-12 noon. Free admission • Make amazing masks using characters from the Gallery’s collection of portraits.

WED 29-FRI 31 OCT HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR Farrington Farm Shop, Home Farm, Main Street, Farrington Gurney, North Somerset, BS39 6UB. 01761 452266. www.farringtons.co.uk.

From 11am. Free • Join the team at Farrington’s in the Playbarn for some spooky fun and ghoulish games. Home grown pumpkins available from the farm shop to take home and create your own devilish designs.

WED 29 AND FRI 31 OCT CREW CAPERS STORYTELLING (BFAF) ss Great Britain, Great Western Dockyard, Gas Ferry Rd, Bristol, BS1 6TY. 0117 926 0680.www. ssgreatbritain.org. 12pm and 2pm.

Standard admission prices apply • Join resident storyteller Sarah Mooney to hear tall tales of life on board for the ss Great Britain’s crew. Expect mayhem, mischief, practical joking, fun and games.

»

Enriched with the goodness of 5 essential Nutrients 08/10/2014 11:10:46

ROUNDABOUT

Bonfires and fireworks bow archers. Gates and play areas open at 5pm, followed by the lighting of the bonfire at 6pm and a children’s disco from 7pm.

MON 27 OCT FIVE VALLEYS FIREWORK DISPLAY Marling School Field, Stroud, GL5 4HE. 01453 762251. 6pm-9.30pm, bonfire at 6.20pm, fireworks start at 8pm. £6/£3 (adv.), £7/£4 (door) • This year’s display features more fireworks than ever, all synchronised to music.

FRI 24-SAT 25 OCT & FRI 31 OCT-SAT 1 NOV FIREWORKS AT LONGLEAT Longleat Safari Park, Longleat, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7NW. 01985 844400. www.longleat. co.uk. Fireworks start at 6.30pm.

Standard admission prices apply • A spine tingling display to celebrate Halloween on the first set of dates, with fireworks to the theme ‘Spooks and Spells’. An equally spectacular display the following weekend sees fireworks set to classic movie music and a bonfire.

SAT 25 OCT FIREWORKS AND BONFIRE PARTY Roves Farm, Sevenhampton, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN6 7QG. 01793 763939. www.rovesfarm. co.uk. 5pm onwards. £7 per person, under 3s free/£3 (if eating) • A family fireworks party designed especially for young children. No big bangs but lots of sparkle and fire-laden arrows shot by long»

THU 30 OCT THE MYSTERY OF THE MISSING TEA CADDY 1 Royal Crescent, Bath, BA1 2LR. 01225 428126. www.no1royalcrescent.org.uk. 10.45am,12.15pm,1.45pm and 3.15pm. Free with standard admission • Lady Catherine is expecting guests but the Tea Caddy has disappeared – who has stolen it?

Once as expensive as Champagne and smuggled by sailors, this tale about tea will amaze you. Solve the riddles in each room and discover the culprit to win a prize.

THU 30 OCT CLAY WORKSHOPS Yate Heritage Centre, Church Rd, Yate, Bristol, BS37 5BG. 01454 862200. www.yateheritage.co.uk.

10.30am-3pm. Free • Come and make your very own clay objects in a classic clay workshop. Sessions start at 10.30am or 1.30pm. Ideal for children aged 5-12. Booking essential.

16

AUTUMN HALF TERM 2014

14 Avon Roundabout Autumn Half Term 2014.indd 16

SAT 1 NOV SPEECH HOUSE BONFIRE AND FIREWORK DISPLAY Speech House Field, Speech House, Coleford, Forest of Dean, Glos, GL16 7EL. 01594 822607. www.fernbonfire.org.uk. 5pm9.30pm. Adults £5/children primary school age and younger go free • Annual firework display to raise money for local good causes. There’s a large bonfire and firework display, a funfair, burgers, hotdogs and other fairground favourites.

SAT 1 NOV THORNBURY FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA Mundy Playing Fields, Thornbury High Street, Bristol BS35 2AR. 5.30pm-9pm. £5 (adults)/£3 (child) • Annual display organised

by Thornbury Round Table, for good causes.

SAT 1 NOV PUXTON PARK BONFIRE NIGHT Puxton Park, Cowslip Lane, Hewish, Weston-s-Mare, Somerset BS24 6AH. 01934 523500. www.puxton.co.uk.

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

Gates open 5pm, main display 7pm. £5-7 • Bonfire, fireworks and much more, including an inflatable helter skelter, hog roast, tombola, face painting, candyfloss and children’s rides.

TUE 4-THU 6 NOV FAMILY FRIENDLY FIREWORKS Bristol Zoo Gardens, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 3HA. 0117 974 7300. www.bristolzoo.org.uk. Gates open 5pm, display starts at 5.45pm, £6.75 (adult)/£5.25 (child)/free (under 2s) • Beautiful, low noise fireworks without the loud bangs which might startle the zoo animals or little ones.

Also fun and games for all ages and hot drinks and wintery treats to keep you warm.

WED 5 NOV BRIDGE FARM PRIMARY SCHOOL FIREWORKS DISPLAY Bridge Farm Primary School, East Dundry Rd, Whitchurch., Bristol, BS14 0LL. 0117 903 0420. www. bridgefarm-pri.bristol.sch.uk.

From 5.30pm. Advance tickets - £3 (adult)/£2 (child)/£8 (family) • Enjoy a variety of colourful fireworks at Bridge farm Primary.

Refreshments available.

FRI 31 OCT TUDOR RAT CATCHER WORKSHOP Yate Heritage Centre, Church Rd,

SAT 8 NOV FIREWORKS AT CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE Cheltenham Racecourse, Cheltenham, GL50 4SH. 01242 513014. Gates open 5pm, display starts 7pm. Ticket prices TBA • This Round Table display is among the largest in the South West, attracting a crowd in excess of 10,000 people. In addition to a spectacular firework display there will be a fun fair, street performers and a range of food and drink.

SAT 8 NOV BATH ROTARY FIREWORKS DISPLAY The Bath Recreation Ground, Bath BA2 4ET. 6pm for 7.30pm. £5/6 (adult)/£3/4 (children) • Annual display hosted by the Bath Rotary Club. This year’s beneficiary is Julian House and the Bath Opportunity Pre School.

FRI 7 NOV DOWNEND FIREWORK SHOW King George V Playing Fields, Sutherland Avenue, Downend, Bristol BS16 6QW www.downendfireworks.co.uk. Gates open from 5.30pm, main display at 7.30pm. £6 (adults)/£5 (children)/£4.50 (online) • With over £0.5 million raised for charity over the past 40 years, one of Bristol’s biggest firework displays is back for another year. Organised by the Round Table, expect a spectacular show and a fully licenced bar.

SAT 15 NOV FIREWORKS AT SEA Grand Pier, Marine Parade, Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset BS23 1AL. 01934 620238, www. grandpier.co.uk. Doors open 5pm, show starts 6.30pm. £5 (standard ticket)/£10 (ticket plus food) • Enjoy fabulous views from the Grand Pier as fireworks explode over the water. Each ticket includes unlimited rides for the evening and a hot meal if you upgrade.

SAT 8 NOV FIREWORK EXTRAVAGANZA AT LOCKING PRIMARY SCHOOL Meadow Drive, Locking, Weston

FIREWORKS LISTINGS BY ELLEN WHITE DISCOVERY DAY (BFAF) Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Queens Rd, Bristol, BS8 1RL. 0117 922 3571. www.bristol.gov.uk/page/ bristol-museum-and-art-gallery, 10am-4pm. Free admission • Explore Mexican artefacts from the museum stores; discover fascinating facts; create your own Day of the Dead crafts and contribute to building the collaborative Day of the Dead Shrine.

THU 30 OCT PLASTICINE BUGS AND BUTTERFLIES Victoria Art Gallery, Bridge St, Bath, BA2 4AT. 01225 477233. www.victoriagal.org.uk. 10.30am-12 noon. Free admission • Mould your own mini beasts using the material invented

by Bath’s own William Harbutt.

THU 30 OCT AUTUMNAL ANTICS The Downs, Bristol or Bristol Zoo, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 3HA. 0117 903 0609. www.wildplace.org.uk. 10am3.30pm. £10 per child • Use seeds, nuts and berries to create your very own autumnal art before making a magical autumn leaf lantern in the afternoon. Children should bring their own packed lunch.

Super Mare, BS24 8BB. 01934 822867, gates open at 6pm, £4(adult)/£3(child) • Locking Primary School holds a fabulous firework display with live band and BBQ. Fireworks start at 6.30pm.

y, The mystery of the missing tea cadd 1 Royal Crescent, Bath, Thu 30 Oct

Yate, Bristol, BS37 5BG. 01454 862200. www.yateheritage.co.uk.

10.30am and 1.30pm. Free • Discover the world of the Tudor Rat Catcher and make your very own rat and rat trap. Book to guarantee a place.

FRI 31 OCT MEXICAN DAY OF THE DEAD

FRI 31 OCT PRINT PERFECT Victoria Art Gallery, Bridge St, Bath, BA2 4AT. 01225 477233. www.victoriagal.org.uk. 10.30am-12 noon. Free admission • Try mono-printing and make prints you can turn into cards or pictures.

FRI 31 OCT HALLOWEEN FRIGHT NIGHT AND FIREWORKS DISPLAY Town Square and Winter gardens, Weston-Super-Mare. 01934 427225.

»

PRIMARY TIMES

08/10/2014 11:11:53

Small classes Affordable fees Caring environment 4 -11 year old boys and girls Before & after school care

ce to grow! a l at p e r ag

CORONAT

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

es....

Other activiti

rket Christmas Ma ee Sales Christmas Tr g Animal Handlin

Bo Onl ok ine

Father

Christmas

Grotto

Meet Father Christmas & a present hand delivered Free Photo opportunity Reindeer / Tractor Ride ��� o� Christmas Trees �or every �amily �rotto experience �oo�in� �ll day entry into the par� �arm Mu� o� �ot Chocolate Mulled �ine & Mince Pies ��xtra Char�e� FR�� �rotto Bad�e Boo� online to �et the �est price & chec� availa�ility

Contact us T: 0117 986 4929 Pixash Lane, Bath Road, Keynsham, Bristol BS31 1TP

www.avonvalleycountrypark.com

School holiday offers at TeamSport Bristol!

Go Karting 8+ £10 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 £4.50 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.

CAB16205TIMES Teamsport ® Holidays Ad Bristol_Birmingham_AW.indd 1 PRIMARY

p17.indd 3

To discover more, visit Kelloggs.co.uk 02/10/2014 AUTUMN HALF TERM 201417:02 5

03/10/2014 14:17:12

ROUNDABOUT Super-Mare. 01934 629888. www. northsomersetcarnival.co.uk.

7.15pm, free (donations welcome) • More than 140 illuminated floats, marching bands, fancy dress walkers and entertainers light up Weston in a fantastic spectacle of light, music and colour.

FRI 7-SAT 8 NOV SECOND HAND BOOK SALE Longwell Green Primary School, Ellacombe Rd, Longwell Green, Bristol, BS30 9BA. 01454 866460. www.longwellgreenprimaryschool. co.uk. 3.15pm (Fri) and 10am-12 noon (Sat), free • Second hand books for everyone from pre-school to adult. All profits aid school funds.

Refreshments available.

Bath Christmas Market, Thu 27 Nov-Sun 14 Dec

»

4pm-8pm. Free • A range of entertainment includes fire performers, scary storytelling and close up magic. Meet creepy crawlies from Bristol Zoo and have fun with arts and crafts. There will also be a ghost train, helter skelter, balloon modelling and face painting.

NOVEMBER SAT 1 NOV DESH PROJECT (BFAF) M Shed, Great Western Dockyard, Gas Ferry Rd, Bristol BS1 6TY. 0117 926 0680. www.mshed.org. 10am6pm. Free • A day of talks, artists’ performances and family friendly activities to celebrate the launch of the Desh project trail, an intergenerational creative heritage project exploring and celebrating South Asian culture.

SAT 1 NOV THE BIG FAMILY ARTS PICNIC (BFAF) The Arnolfini, 16 Narrow Quay, Bristol, BS1 4QA, 0117 917 2300, www.arnolfini.org.uk. 12 noon-4pm, free admission • Take part in exciting Big Draw activities with Artrageous, Architecture Centre and Playing Out and imagine what the city would look like if families were in charge.

Work with fantastic local artists and take your lunch along to be part of this huge family picnic.

FOR BONFIRES & FIREWORKS, SEE P.16 THU 6 NOV SEA DRAGONS Bristol Museum, Queens Rd, Bristol, BS8 1RL. 0117 922 3571. www.bristolmuseums.org.uk. 1.15pm-1.45pm.

Free admission, advance booking advised • Meet some amazing marine reptiles in the museum collection on this guided tour of the Sea Dragons gallery with curator Deborah Hutchinson.

FRI 7 NOV WESTON SUPER MARE CARNIVAL Town Centre and Seafront, Weston®

14 Avon Roundabout Autumn Half Term 2014.indd 18

SAT 8 NOV HOW TO MAKE IT FLY Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution, 16-18 Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2HN. 01225 312084, www. brlsi.org, 1-4pm, £6 • An Airbus employee explains the “hows and whys” of flight before you make things fly yourself.

SAT 8 NOV CHILDREN’S NEARLY NEW TOYS AND CLOTHES SALE Sea Mills Primary School, Riverleaze, Bristol, BS9 2HL. 0117 903 0088. www.seamills.bristol.sch.uk.

10.30am-12 noon. £15 per table, adults entrance 50p, children free • Stalls of good quality, second-hand clothes and toys. Find a bargain.

SAT 8 NOV CHRISTMAS SHOPPING AND AUCTION Filton Community Centre, Elm Park, Filton, Bristol, BS34 7PS. 0117 983 6500. www.filtonca.co.uk. 7pm9.30pm. £2 (adults)/£1 (child) • A showcase of over 40 stalls offering unique gifts and handmade items.

Indulge in a pamper treatment, bid for something at the auction and enjoy a drink at the bar. All proceeds go to charities BRACE, the National Autistic Society and Filton Park Pre School Playgroup.

SAT 8 NOV-WED 7 JAN AT-BRISTOL’S ICE RINK At-Bristol, Anchor Rd, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5DB. 0117 909 2000. www.at-bristol.org.uk. 10am-5pm. £8.50/£7.50/£6.50 • Whether you fancy yourself as the next Torvil or Dean, or you just want to have a laugh with friends and family, give skating a whirl on real ice under the At-Bristol Planetarium.

FROM THURS 13 NOV WINTER KITCHEN At-Bristol, Anchor Rd, Harbourside, BS1 5DB. 0117 9092000. www. at-bristol.org.uk. Drop in sessions throughout the day. Free with standard admission • Join the team in At-Bristol’s festive kitchen as they unravel the chemistry of warming winter feasts – from sweet treats to savoury delights.

SAT 15 NOV FRENCHAY CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAYRE Frenchay Village Hall, Beckspool Rd, Frenchay, Bristol, BS16 1NU. 01454

PLEASE CHECK BEFORE YOU TRAVEL . . . AND TELL THEM YOU SAW THE EVENT IN PRIMARY TIMES! 868181. www.frenchayprimary. ik.org/home.ikml. 11am-3pm. Free • Frenchay CofE Primary School holds its annual Christmas Fayre.

Large and varied selection of gifts, cards and local crafts for sale, plus a raffle, refreshments and the chance to meet Santa. All proceeds go to Frenchay CofE Primary.

SUN 16 NOV TOY SALE Hotwells Primary School, Hope Chapel Hill, Hotwells, Bristol, BS8 4ND. 0117 903 0044. www.hotwells. bristol.sch.uk. 11am-1pm. Adults £1/ children free • Hotwells Primary’s toy sale is back and hoping to be bigger and better than before. Good quality second hand toys for ages 0-14.

SAT 22–SUN 23 NOV CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR American Museum , Claverton Manor, Claverton, Bath, BA2 7BD. 01225 460503, www.americanmuseum.org, 12 noon-4.30pm, free • A diverse array of ceramics, textiles, jewellery and prints on show: a perfect place to do some unique Christmas shopping and admire true craftsmanship.

SAT 22 NOV ROUTES TO ADOPTION CSS Adoption Offices, 162 Pennywell Rd, Easton, Bristol, BS5 0TX. 0117 935 0005. www.cssadoption.org, info@ccsadoption.org, all day session, free • A chance to learn about becoming an adoptive parent.

THU 27 NOV CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON Italian Gardens, Weston-Super-Mare.

01934 624404. 4pm-9pm, free • Weston’s official Christmas lights switch on with the Town Mayor, VIP guests and Father Christmas. Live music, entertainment and a spectacular firework display.

THU 27 NOV-SUN 14 DEC BATH CHRISTMAS MARKET Various locations throughout Bath. www.bathchristmasmarket.co.uk.

10am to 7pm (Mon-Wed), 10am to 8pm (Thu), 10am to 9pm (Fri and Sat) and 10am to 6pm (Sun), free • More than 150 traditional wooden chalets selling unique, handmade gifts, decorations and a variety of food: everything you need for a wonderful Christmas.

SAT 29 NOV A VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS Peace Memorial Hall, North Bradley, BA14 0SH, 01225 765644, www. northbradleypeacememorialhall.wordpress.com. 7.30pm. £7 (adult)/£4.50 (child) • A fun and festive celebration of the Yuletide our ancestors would have known and loved.

SUN 30 NOV-WED 24 DEC MEET SANTA! Bath Road, Bristol BS30 6HD. 0117 932 5538, www.avonvalleyrailway. org, various times, from £9 (adult) • Steam in to Christmas with Avon Valley Railway. Every weekend until Christmas Eve, Santa makes an extra special visit to the steam trains of the Avon Valley.

DECEMBER FRI 5 DEC CHIPPING SODBURY VICTORIAN DAY Chipping Sodbury High Street and surrounding areas. 1.30pm-9.30pm.

Free • Chipping Sodbury’s annual Victorian day with plenty to see and do for all ages. Attractions include school choirs, hog roast, charity stalls, fairground rides, mulled wine and mince pies, and an appearance from Santa from 3pm.

SAT 7 DEC CHRISTMAS FAYRE The Museum of Bath at Work, Camden Works, Julian Road, Bath, Somerset BA1 2RH. www.bath-atwork.org.uk, 01225 318348, 10am4pm, free • The perfect place to buy a diverse selection of Christmas gifts, plus talks from the museum’s curator on historical topics.

FRI 12 DEC CHRISTMAS FAYRE AT BRIDGE FARM PRIMARY Bridge Farm Primary School, East Dundry Rd, Whitchurch, Bristol BS14 0LL. 0117 903 0420. www.bridgefarm-pri.bristol.sch.uk. 5.30pm7.30pm, 50p (adult)/free (children) • Visit Santa for some festive fun. A variety of stalls and refreshments available.

SAT 13 DEC WATER WORKS Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution, 16-18 Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2HN. 01225 312084, www. brlsi.org, 1-4pm, £6 • Join Hajira from Bristol Water to find out all about the dirty and the clean, from sludge to sparkle. Plus, find out how to help children who have to walk miles to find water just to stay alive.

SUN 14 DEC A GEORGIAN CHRISTMAS 1 Royal York Crescent, Bath BA1 2LR. 01225 428126. www.no1royalyorkcrescent.org.uk. 10.30am-5.30pm.

Free with standard admission • Wonderful Christmas floral displays illustrate how the Georgians celebrated Christmas. Each room is beautifully dressed, ready for the festive season.

SUN 14 DEC CHRISTMAS WITH THE SALVATION ARMY Colston Hall, Colston St, Bristol BS1 5AR. 0844 887 1500. www.colstonhall.org.uk. 3pm. Tickets £6.45 incl. booking fee • Join the Salvation Army for its 40th annual Christmas spectacular. Special guests join The Salvation Army’s own band and choir to present an afternoon of carols, readings and festive music, alongside a depiction of the Christmas story. All proceeds go to The Salvation Army’s work in the city.

LISTINGS BY ELLEN WHITE

Sunshine in your bowl 08/10/2014 11:13:02

JUST £22 FOR A FAMILY OF 4!

Now

Join us for a half-term Halloween Spooktacular & 1st Birthday Celebrations! Weds 29th to Fri 31st October NEW Fun-Family-Food Evenings!

Diner-style menu featuring delicious home-made dishes.

Book tickets:

Kids Play for FREE

Open every day from 9am

when ordering main meal from evening menu

Menu available from 5pm Wed - Fri

Plus explore the Outdoors at Cowtastic Farm Park

at-bristol.org.uk/food

For full details visit

www.farringtons.co.uk & facebook

Ge t yo ur kid s to tu rn of f th eir sc re en s th is ha lf te rm a nd ‘Go Wi ld’ wit h Pe ckis h Too often, children are spending their time in front of screens instead of with their families. So give your wild ones something more fun to do instead and get them to switch off and ‘Go Wild’ with Peckish. We’ve got lots of FREE fun-filled activities to keep the whole family chirpy and help you tempt more birds into your garden.

So flock to peckishbirdfood.com/gowild to download activities today!

FR E E

Fun- filled bird activ ities

PRIMARY TIMES

p19.indd 3

WI N

a fab fam ily priz e

AUTUMN HALF TERM 2014 19

07/10/2014 11:35:49

Hello

Welcome to The Royal High Junior School at Cranwell House.

We're building the brightest future for your daughter.

A leading independent day and boarding school for girls

Cranwell House, Weston Park East, Bath BA1 2UZ Tel: 01225 422931 Email: royalhigh@rhsb.gdst.net www.royalhighbath.gdst.net

Cathedral Primary School A new school in the heart of Bristol

Since it opened in September 2013, Cathedral Primary School has already become one of Bristol’s most popular schools. Our vision is to provide an outstanding education, with a special emphasis on music.

Interested in a Reception place for September 2015?

Tours take place most Tuesdays this term at 9.15am; other days may be available.

Please phone to arrange a visit.

Tel: 0117 353 2052

Together with Bristol Cathedral Choir School, Bristol’s oldest and most-oversubscribed secondary school, Cathedral Primary School forms a new family of state-funded schools.

Applications now open online Deadline 15th January 2015

Places at Cathedral Primary School are open to children living in the following postcodes: BS1 to BS25, BS29 to BS37, and BS40 to BS49.

Please visit: www.cathedralprimaryschool.org 20

p20.indd 2

AUTUMN HALF TERM 2014

PRIMARY TIMES

08/10/2014 11:51:27

Real autumn fun Apple bobbing

Telephone whispers

In the days before television children had lots of enjoyable games to fill those darkening evenings. Jayne Randall rediscovers some traditional seasonal activities for kids.

T

PENNY FOR THE GUY

he autumn and winter months are packed with celebrations, starting out with Halloween and Bonfire Night, which conjure up an array of wonderful childhood memories for most of us. Parents will want to offer the same experiences to their own children, so why not teach them a few great ideas, recreating those family moments you enjoyed while growing up? The great joy of traditional games is they cost very little but can bring endless family fun. And, as most professionals point out, encouraging children away from the mobile phone or television has huge benefits for skills such as team building and Penny for the Guy communication.

APPLE BOBBING

Fill a large bucket or bowl with water and float a handful of apples on the surface. Children should keep their hands securely behind their back as they try to catch an apple with their teeth.

The winner is the child who catches an apple in the shortest time. If you prefer, you can use individual bowls of water with apples for each player. The game is a fun way to encourage co-ordination and balance skills. Have towels and hot chocolate ready for children who get thoroughly soaked in the process!

MEMORY GAME

A great game to play with several children at a party or gathering, the memory game is simple to organise. There are two versions.

In the first, lay out a variety of autumn or holiday-related objects such as leaves, fruit or decorations. Some infamous Halloween treats you could use include toffee apples, cinder and treacle toffee, cookies and cakes decorated with jelly spiders and scary gums. Give the children 30 seconds to look at the items and then remove the tray from sight.

They have to write down as many PRIMARY TIMES

items as they can remember from the tray.

The second version is similar but instead of asking children to write down items, you secretly remove one item from the tray and the children have to work out which item has gone. Decide on the theme and repeat the game as many times as you like.

The game helps children’s memory and improves concentration.

TELEPHONE WHISPERS

This is a fun game to play at a fireworks display, in the often interminable wait before the festivities start. Children and adults sit or stand close together in a line or circle. The first child starts by whispering a sentence or a phrase to the person next to them. This goes round the group until the last child has to say it out loud. You can end up with some hilarious results.

Some parents frown on this activity because children have been known to misuse the money they raise. But, properly supervised, building a guy for bonfire night is a great seasonal way for children to exercise their creativity and even raise money for a local community project or charity. Simply stuff some old clothes with straw or newspapers, using an old hat and stuffed stocking for the head and fruit or rags for facial features. Approach the organisation for which you are raising money and ask them for branding materials (stickers, buckets etc) for your collection.

Finally, if parents have misgivings about throwing the guy on the fire, why not re-use him as a garden scarecrow?

LOCAL EVENTS

Lots of local attractions offer fun, educational children’s games over the winter months. The Slimbridge Wetland Centre in Gloucestershire has everything from Pumpkin Trails at Halloween to Decoy Dog demonstrations in October. National Trust properties including Lacock Abbey, Newark Park and Dyrham Park have activities such as wild bird feeds, photography, and trick or treat trails. For plenty more game ideas, check out some of the activities they offer and find out how traditional games can be an exciting and educative diversion from the ubiquitous screen.

Slimbridge Wetland Centre W: www.wwt.org.uk/wetlandcentres/slimbridge/whats-on The National Trust W: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ visit/whats-on/find-an-event AUTUMN HALF TERM 2014

®

14 Avon Features Autumn Half Term 2014.indd 7

21

Love your Cereal 07/10/2014 10:53:49

Thursday 13th November at 6pm at The Mall at Cribbs Causeway

we’re switching on our

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS! with

and opening the Winter Wonderland

www.unionjofficial.com

FREE CHRIST

MAS CO

NCERT

Tic Deta il s o ket only t ic k e f h o w t o event t at m a ll c g e t y o u r ib b s r F R E E .com Sugg e dona sted v olun tion

per t t ®Wa icket of £2 ary llac .

Regis e & Gro mit’s tered ©/TM Charity Grand A ppea No. 1 Aard l.

04 m & Gr omit an/Walla 3603 c Ltd 2 e 014

The Joy of Shopping

p22.indd 1

03/10/2014 13:32:33

ADVERTISING FEATURE

d r a o b n Pi Blooming brilliant Dick Whittington, Sat 6 Dec–Sun 5 Jan, The Hippodrome, Bristol Join ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ 2012 winners Ashleigh & Pudsey, Ben Faulks, AKA Mr Bloom, and Bristol pantomime legend Andy Ford in this year’s spectacular family pantomime.

Dick Whittington tells the rags to riches tale of a young man and his cat on an exciting quest for fame and fortune, but will the evil King Rat thwart his plans or will Fairy Bowbells (Brenda Edwards) save the day? Featuring all the traditional ingredients: sensational songs, a live band, magic, dazzling dance routines, a fantastic 3D underwater scene, magnificent slapstick comedy and bags of audience participation, Dick Whittington is guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages. As Ashleigh and Pudsey say, “This show really is great fun for all the family so I hope to see you all at Christmas time.”

New 10.30am performances for 2014.

Ffi: Bristol Hippodrome T: 0844 871 3012 W: www.atgtickets.com/bristol

Forum for dance It is with great pleasure that the Classical Dance Studios announces a new step forward in its development. From autumn 2014, it will work with the Forum, Bath, on a new project called The Forum School of Dance.

The venue is already known as a centre for the performing arts. It incorporates an auditorium with seating for just under 1,700 people and one of the largest stages in the West of England.

The studio is located on the first floor and is already fitted with a sprung floor. It has a wonderful atmosphere created by a tradition of dance involvement which goes back over 50 years.

Additionally, a new coffee shop on the ground floor provides a comfortable place where parents can relax while waiting.

Classes are in place for children aged under 5 and up to senior school age.

Also, adults’ ballet for fun is available.

Of course, the Bristol branches continue to offer a similar curriculum.

Ffi: Classical Dance Studios T: 01225 310218 W: www.classicaldancestudios.org.uk

PRIMARY TIMES

14 Avon Pinboard Autumn Half Term 2014.indd 23

On track for a degree at University of Bristol The Foundation Year in Arts and Humanities offers a route to a degree for local people who have not followed the traditional path through education.

Foundation Year students are of all ages: they probably don’t have A-Levels and may have been out of education or work for a while. Many have been raising families or have had other life issues to deal with. United by their obvious potential to achieve and flourish, they are guided through the arts and humanities, studying subjects as varied as the songs of Bob Dylan, public art and the abolition of slavery, gradually building up their knowledge and ability to analyse critically.

Students who satisfactorily complete the course will be able to progress automatically to a degree in the Faculty of Arts at Bristol University and will also be in a strong position to apply for a degree elsewhere.

Ffi: Open Evening Thu 15 Jan, Bristol University. Deadline for applications Sat 31 Jan. W: bristol.ac.uk/arts/foundation

Parents’ & teachers’

news, education & contacts

Bubbletastic parties!

How about this for a new idea - a hands-on creative workshopstyle party, that runs in your kitchen? There’s no mess, no fuss, just lovely smells!

Each girl (and lots of boys, too) selects their own scents, colours, petals, sparkles, shapes and glitter. They pour, mix, mould and wrap their creations; making soaps, bath-bombs, bubble bath, lip balms and a personalised party bag to take home. It’s a great way to occupy a group of children aged 5+ for about two hours.

Bubbletastic has been running in Bristol for four years and the feedback has been brilliant. “If all your parties are as good as this one, no wonder you are busy,” said the mum of Taryn age 7, “Thanks so much for today, we had a great time. Lottie said it was the best party she’s ever had,” said the mum of Lottie age 10.

What’s new for 2014? A Wizards’ Potion Making Workshop. If you want an easy, creative and no fuss party – bring in the expert.

Ffi: Bubbletastic W: www.bubbletastic.co.uk

Michael Morpurgo opens Red Maids’ library Award-winning poet, playwright and author Michael Morpurgo OBE opened The Red Michael Morpurgo Maids’ School’s innovative new library on Monday 6 October.

The library is named in memory of former English teacher Michael Pearson who taught at Red Maids’ between 1983 and 2000.

Anthropologist and TV presenter Alice Roberts, herself a former Red Maid, said, “Mr Pearson was a fantastic English teacher. I think he thought he’d ‘lost’ me to sciences when I chose my A levels, but I always loved literature and writing. It’s fantastic that Red Maids’ is remembering an inspiring teacher in this way.”

The library is built in a two-storey void in the centre of the historic main school building where the old, red-brick external walls now create a new living space within.

Headmistress Isabel Tobias said, “We have used our imagination and vision to create a learning environment that blends the old with the new and meets the needs of our students now and in the future.”

Ffi: Red Maids’ School W: www.redmaids.bristol.sch.uk

Walking in the air This Christmas, Bath Philharmonia presents Howard Blakes’ wonderful version of ‘The Snowman’. This film classic, based on the book by Raymond Briggs, is screened with a live orchestra.

They also play lots of other seasonal favourites, host a fancy dress parade (any seasonal costume is welcomed) and a visit from Father Christmas!

The Snowman Tuesday 23 December, 4pm, The Forum, Bath. Tickets: £15 (adults), £8 (children).

Ffi: Bath Box Office T: 01225 463362 W: www.bathboxoffice.org.uk or Ticketline T: 08448 889991 W: www.bathforum.co.uk

AUTUMN HALF TERM 2014 23

08/10/2014 11:18:35

20%off

Valid for up to 4 persons with this voucher

Offer Expires 02|11|14 Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer

For a spooktacular

Halloween OPEN THIS OCTOBER HALF TERM and weekends throughout October...

The UK’s LARGEST

Take a terrifying trip on our

GHOST TRAIN throug h our Tunnel of Doom!

To book your tickets online please visit

www.cattlecountry.co.uk or call on 01453 810 510 for further information Cattle Country Adventure Park, Berkeley Heath Farm, Berkeley, Glos, GL13 9EW

24

p24.indd 2

AUTUMN HALF TERM 2014

PRIMARY TIMES

07/10/2014 11:36:21

ADVERTISING FEATURE

d r a o b n Pi Bristol Cooking School has arrived Bristol Cooking School owner Monica Worsley has been messing around in the kitchen for as long as she can remember.

She’s a great lover of cooking, feeding people and eating food. “I believe that cooking is an important basic skill,” she says. “Children of all ages simply love spending time in the kitchen.

Frustrated by the lack of cookery in schools and working parents not having the time to teach cooking to their own children I decided to start the school.”

The Bristol Cooking School offers: After School Children’s Clubs, Mini Chefs Clubs (where small children can cook without leaving your home in a mess) School Holidays and Half Term Clubs The Teenagers Survival to University Children’s Parties.

Weaning Babies- lessons for new mums.

Cooking in Primary Schools.

TAPAS workshops for adults.

The Tapas Supper Club.

The school runs a Holiday Club in October Half Term.

Ffi: Bristol Cooking School T: 07765844763 W: www.bristolcookingschool.co.uk

Santa of attention Join in the Christmas magic at Wyevale Garden Centres this December. Enjoy a delicious, freshlyprepared breakfast or tea and meet Father Christmas and his team of elves who are preparing for the big day!

Each little guest, accompanied by a grown-up, will have an individual chat with Santa. But the fun doesn’t stop there – with Santa’s help, his special guests choose their very own present and receive a Christmas tree cookie to decorate.

The programme of events runs from Mon 1 Dec to Wed 24 Dec throughout this nationwide group of centres but dates may vary at each centre. Avon members of the garden centre group include Cadbury Garden & Leisure and Keynsham Garden Centre.

Ffi and to book: Wyevale Garden Centres W: www.thegardencentregroup.co.uk/ events

®

14 Avon Pinboard Autumn Half Term 2014.indd 25

Parents’ & teachers’

news, education & contacts

Close encounters 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 what’s believed to be Britain’s biggest jumping pillow, the climbing net, a huge adventure castle, trampolines, rides on mini tractors, a willow maze, mini golf, ice rink and a boating lake to name just a few.

The mini train takes visitors through the park to the Animal Encounters area where children can get up close to the many animals including new born Gloucester Old Spot pigs. 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 T: 01453 810510 W: www.cattlecountry.co.uk

Going to the zoo?

The colourful shades of autumn are now abundant at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, Bristol, the perfect season to watch nature at its beautiful best.

With its impressive host of animals enjoying the crisp days outside including the park’s newest arrival, Janu the elephant – why not join them for a great value family day out?

The new ‘Elephant Eden’, sees Janu and fellow African Elephant Buta exploring their impressively-sized home. Families can get within a trunk’s length of nature’s biggest land mammal and learn about the importance of conserving elephants.

Noah’s Ark offers other up-close experiences with a range of animals.

Lions and tigers are fed during the ‘Big Cat Talk’, or meet the popular giraffe family.

Kids can enjoy 12 exciting adventure play areas including a heated indoor jungle den soft-play barn, the indoor Animal Village and covered Animal Show Pens. Daily events include tractor rides across the farm with views of South Wales.

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

Dance for all ages

First Steps and Carly Elizabeth School of Dance, based in Bristol’s Downend and Soundwell areas, hold classes in ballet, tap, modern and jazz dance for the ages of infancy to 18 years.

Many of the children have achieved amazing results in their recent summer dance exams, some gaining 90% and over.

Pictured are four dancers from the school attending the Abby Lee Dance Company Master Class at The Hilton Hotel, London. According to the school, it was a wonderful experience for the girls who thoroughly enjoyed the day.

Ffi: First Steps & Carly Elizabeth School of Dance T: 0117 9495357 E: info@firststepsdance.co.uk

Gretsch expectations A guitar teacher writes: “Hi, my name is Jim Johnston and I’m a Bristol-based professional guitar tutor.

I’ve been successfully teaching children and adults in schools, colleges and privately in the Bristol area, fulltime, for the past six years. I have over 30 years’ experience of playing guitar in many different styles of music, including, blues, rock and pop.

“Whether it’s learning a few chords to play your favourite Oasis songs, fingerpicking your way through the latest Ed Sheeran track or developing your lead playing to become the next Jack White, I can help you on your quest!

“Children’s lessons are usually 30 minutes, and can be individual or up to three children at a time.

“I have full enhanced CRB/DBS clearance and hold current public liability insurance. For more information or to book a lesson, give me a call or drop me an email.”

Ffi: Jim Johnston T: 07870 887242 or 0117 974 4250E: jim@jimjohnston music.com W: www.jimjohnstonmusic. com/guitarlessons

Rich in Vitamins and Minerals 08/10/2014 13:23:24

Adver tising Feature

Net safety - one less headache

A familyfriendly career opportunity! for business minded people who share a passion for music and young children.

SPECIAL

OFFER 1 CHILD FREE WITH A PAYING ADULT

Valid until 21st December 2014

PT OCT GL

A TOTAL COUNTRYSIDE EXPERIENCE

T 01582 766464 or E jointheteam@monkeymusic.co.uk www.monkeymusicfranchise.co.uk

1 voucher per adult. No cash alternative. Please present voucher on admission.

www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk

• If the children are old enough for computers or smartphones you need strong e-safety at home. Everybody says so. Even Ofsted now expects schools to help families become “e-safe”.

But it’s much harder to do than talk about. Internet service providers (ISPs) have tools: some are free, some you pay for. All have limitations, either in how well they work, how fiddly they are to set up, or how much they interfere with grownups’ net use. They’re awkward. Busy parents need e-safety that’s quick and easy to use.

Enter NetGenie from Cyberoam: it plugs into your home network, and does just what the family needs - protects children, without making them feel constrained. And parents can still work, or watch movies after bedtime!

Cyberoam is part of UK security giant Sophos, global experts in internet safety. Typically, their stuff lives in high-tech data centres, but NetGenie makes the same technology available and affordable to home users. With all the geeky stuff hidden it’s really easy to use, too.

Local firm, Bristol IT Company, likes NetGenie so much that they’ve set up a special buying scheme for schools and parentteacher associations, giving discounts to parents and a chunky cashback for school funds. What’s not to like?

Check out the Bristol IT Company scheme and see if your school is involved. If it isn’t, you can easily get it started.

Ffi: Bristol IT Company W: www.bristolitcompany.com/netgenie

Adver tising Feature

Outdoor and in

© National Trust Images. Registered Charity Number 205846.

Heidi Hughes, head at Bath’s Royal High Junior School, writes:

Hallowe'en half-term fun Sat 25 Oct - Sun 2 Nov

Hallowe'en

Terrifying Tyntesfield is the place to be for plenty of autumnal fun.

From a spooky Hallowe'en trail and eerie arts and crafts, to a tourchlight tour and pumpkin carving workshops.

Fearsome fancy dress is a must.

01275 461900 nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield

• “At the Royal High Junior School we create memorable and powerful learning experiences, which help our girls to develop a sense of place and a relationship with the environment. In this beautiful 11 acre setting, the practical, hands-on nature of learning outdoors also supports children’s academic development in the classroom.

“Inside and out, Cranwell House is an incredible place to be. I am so proud to be the head of the school and to nurture, celebrate and develop girls’ learning. From Nursery School right through to Year 6, I can see our pupils developing in confidence, ready for their transition to The Royal High Senior School. Cheerful, considerate, capable girls are the hallmark of our school. It’s heart-warming to see them making the most of our facilities and our grounds. Our girls are actively involved in creative learning across the curriculum; they have the freedom to learn using all of their senses and it encourages truly imaginative thinking.

“Recently, our older classes learnt how to use a knife and hammer for bush craft. We also built fairy classrooms and mini beast habitats using natural materials. The younger pupils made a variety of knots when tying ribbons to the trees. As part of a history theme, Year 4 has also built a life-sized Celtic round house, with materials foraged from the grounds. Every day brings something new and exciting for our girls and we look forward to being able to share that with you.”

Ffi: Royal High Junior School W: www.royalhighbath.gdst.net

26 AUTUMN HALF TERM 2014

14 Avon advertising features Autumn Half Term 2014.indd 26

PRIMARY TIMES

08/10/2014 12:18:52

Adver tising Feature

Free museum fun • Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives will be putting on a special programme of events for families this October. Keep your little ones entertained with the following activities, which form part of the Bristol Family Arts Festival: Sun 26 Oct: The Big Draw to the Big Map M Shed, 10am-4pm. Get involved in the Big Draw at M Shed with artist Luci Gorell Barnes! Use drawing to tell your own stories about where you live and your interests. Use M Shed’s giant map and neighbourhood displays to inspire you. Free event, just drop in.

Fri 31 Oct: Mexican Day of the Dead Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, 10am–4pm. On Halloween, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery celebrates the annual Mexican festival where families gather to remember the dead. Create your own Day of the Dead crafts, help build a shrine and visit the museum’s very first Death Café.

Free. Suitable for all ages Sat 1 Nov: Desh M Shed. Enjoy talks, performances and familyfriendly activities to celebrate the launch of Desh, a new creative project exploring and celebrating South Asian culture in Bristol and beyond. Produced by Asian Arts Agency. Free.

All Aboard!

The kids can let off steam with M Shed’s regular programme of boat and train rides too. Rides run all day from 12pm–5pm lasing approximately 20-30 minutes. Enjoy the Bristol Harbour Railway and trips around the harbour on the Mayflower tug and the Pyronaut Fire Boat. See website for latest timetables. Small charges apply.

Ffi: Bristol Museums W: www.bristolmuseums.org.uk

Exciting new buildings at QEH • The team at the leading Bristol independent school QEH is celebrating the announcement that planning permission for its new £2.7 million Science and Art accommodation has been granted.

The creation of a new block of three science classrooms, plus an art room, will provide much-needed new accommodation. It will enable the school to enhance its teaching spaces and continue to deliver outstanding education for the boys of Bristol.

Headmaster, Stephen Holliday, says, “The news that permission has been granted is very exciting after all this time. The new science laboratories and art room are an essential addition to QEH.” The school which this year marks 425 years as what many Bristolians call ‘The City School’ has been located at its Brandon Hill site for the last 167 years. Throughout its history it has provided some of the best academic results for the city.

It offers a first-class education to 670 boys aged 7 to 18 from across Bristol and now needs to create new science and art accommodation to meet the increasing demands of modern education.

QEH offers academic scholarships as well as scholarships in sport and music. Entry is by assessment, usually at ages 7, 11, 13 or 16 although occasionally vacancies occur in other year groups.

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

PRIMARY TIMES

14 Avon advertising features Autumn Half Term 2014.indd 27

Do you have young children?

Struggling to balance your job and parenting?

Ever fancied being your own boss?

Mummy do you have to go to work again?

With childcare costs at an all-time high, would you like the opportunity to work flexible hours on a full time income?

“Become a mumpreneur?”

Connect to Julianna www.facebook.com/Forever Ignite international www.youtube.com/JuliannaWoods Message on 07584 302759

Family fun at Bristol’s

free museums

r be m to er Oc lf-t ha

Adver tising Feature

Want to earn in excess of £1,500 per month from home?

Mexican Day of the Dead

The Big Draw to The Big Map Sun 26 Oct 10am – 4pm M Shed Use drawing to tell your own stories about where you live and your interests with artist Luci Gorell Barnes.

Use M Shed’s giant map and neighbourhood displays to inspire you!

Event sponsor

Fri 31 Oct 10am – 4pm Bristol Museum & Art Gallery Join us for a celebration of the Mexican Day of the Dead festival.

Create Day of the Dead crafts, help us build a shrine, and visit our Death Café.

Desh – an Asian Arts Agency event Sat 1 Nov M Shed Talks, performances and family-friendly activities to celebrate the launch of Desh, a new creative project exploring and celebrating South Asian culture in Bristol.

Take a ride on M Shed’s Boats & Trains

See bristolmuseums.org.uk for details. Small charges apply.

Events are free and drop-in unless stated otherwise. £2 donations welcome.

For more details on these family events and more see bristolmuseums.org.uk

AUTUMN HALF TERM 2014

27

08/10/2014 11:23:53

Adver tising Feature

© National Trust Images/85986. Registered Charity Number 205846.

A sense of belonging

Hallowe'en trail

Sat 25 Oct - Sun 2 Nov, 10am - 3.30pm

spooky trails

Come dressed in your best Hallowe'en costume and take part in our spooky trail around Prior Park Landscape Garden. Follow clues to find our scary scarecrows and plump pumpkins to receive your treat. £1 per trail. Please note that normal admission charges also apply.

01225 833422 nationaltrust.org.uk/priorpark

• St Bernadette Catholic Secondary School is a vibrant and ambitious school located in Whitchurch, Bristol. The school prides itself on being a community of faith and of learning, where everyone is valued and has a part to play.

Strong relationships, high expectations and making the most of every opportunity are key features of the school.

This August 68% of pupils achieved five A* to C passes in English and Maths, while 40% gained at least one A*/A. These results are the best in the history of the school and are testimony to the hard work of students and staff.

As well as academic success St Bernadette’s pupils take part in many extra-curricular activities and are supported to develop the many talents they have. Claudia Fragapane, who won four gold medals at the Commonwealth Games, attended the school.

Positive relationships underpin life at St Bernadette’s. Students are optimistic and value their sense of belonging to the school.

Their good manners and forward-looking outlook are frequently commented upon by visitors.

St Bernadette’s welcomes applications from families seeking a quality education for their children within a caring and supportive environment.

Ffi: St Bernadette Catholic Secondary School W: www.stberns.bristol.sch.uk

Adver tising Feature

Celebrating the foster family

Win a share of

£10,000 for your community

www.bathchronicle.co.uk/cash

• This autumn the Five Rivers Fostering Service joins the Fostering Network’s campaign ‘Sons & Daughters: Celebrating the foster family’ to highlight the phenomenal contribution the birth children of foster carers make to fostering.

Fostering involves the whole family. Sons and daughters of foster carers can find it difficult to deal with the added responsibility of being part of a foster family and sharing their parents’ attention. However many sons and daughters of foster carers enjoy being part of a foster family and thrive on becoming good role models.

“I have loved being a big brother,” says Ben, aged 13. “I enjoy teaching fostered children how to build blocks, throw a ball and play hide and seek. Saying goodbye is hard but there is always another ‘hello’ around the corner.”

Fostering relies on the support, patience and co-operation of everyone in the household. It presents challenges but with those challenges come many rewards. Does your family have space in their hearts and home to foster? Do you have a spare furnished bedroom? Are you over the age of 21 and able to communicate effectively in English? As one of Five Rivers’ fabulous foster carers, you will benefit from generous foster carer allowances, paid holiday entitlement, extensive training and support.

Ffi: Five Rivers Fostering Service T: 01858 412765 W: www.five-rivers.org or (campaign website) www.fostering.net/ policy-and-campaigns/campaigns/sons-daughters

Terms and conditions apply. Token collect.

28 AUTUMN HALF TERM 2014

14 Avon advertising features Autumn Half Term 2014.indd 28

PRIMARY TIMES

08/10/2014 12:19:15

Adver tising Feature

Spooky zoo • Get your broomsticks and pumpkins at the ready because the Bristol Zoo Halloween Festival is back!

This October half term (Sat 25 Oct to Sun 2 Nov) join the zoo on a bewitching spider trail, before meeting the creepiest of all its crawlies, being told spooky stories, creating ghostly lanterns and joining the lantern parade, and having your face freakishly painted.

The zoo’s activity centre will be transformed into a Halloween Den, where the lanterns will be made, while tricks and treats are in store for all guests who follow the spider trail around the grounds. The trail also reveals exciting, fun secrets about the “scariest” animals at the zoo. Guests go face to face with some of these animals – including snakes, spiders and bugs - at the Animal Encounter talks.

The zoo’s animals will be out and about too, including a troop of Western lowland gorillas, a mob of meerkats, a colony of penguins and many more, with Halloween-themed enrichment to get some of them into the ‘spirit’ of things.

Bristol Zoo offers £5 entry for children (with a full paying adult) during half term. All witches, ghosts, little devils and zombies welcome!

NOAH’S ARK

Ffi: Bristol Zoo Gardens Clifton, Bristol, BS8 3HA T: 0117 9747389 Tw: twitter.com/BristolZooGdns Fb: www.facebook.com/BristolZooGardens W: www.bristolzoo.org.uk

Adver tising Feature

A family-friendly career opportunity If you dream of a career which fits around your family then Monkey Music could be your answer. The award winning Monkey Music franchise business model, whose mission statement is “nurturing a lifetime of music” has been established for 21 years and it attracts highly motivated, creative and business-minded people who want to run their own business.

Every year since classes first opened, Monkey Music has reported year-on-year growth. Even more impressive is the fact that over the last five years, the average sales income per franchisee has increased by nearly 50%.

With over 50 franchisees running classes in over 300 venues across the UK, Monkey Music is now looking for new business owners in the Bath and Bristol area who would like to join the Monkey Music franchise family!

Monkey Music founder Angie Coates explains, “We have grown our franchise network mainly as a result of people first hearing about us through attending our classes. With lots of areas in the UK now operating successful franchises we are now actively looking for new franchisees in those areas which do not offer Monkey Music classes!”

New franchisee Amy Thatcher says, “I am enjoying every minute of running my own business. I work flexible full time hours doing a job that I really enjoy and I manage to meet my children from school – perfect!” With 700,000 babies born in the UK every year, this really is a growing market.

Ffi: Monkey Music T: 01582 766464 W: www.monkeymusicfranchise.co.uk E: jointheteam@monkeymusic.co.uk

PRIMARY TIMES

®

From Toddle To Woggle Pre-School Swimming Lessons

Learn to swim at Parish Wharf or Strode Leisure Centre Give your child a head start with this vital lifesaving skill and start them now on their swimming journey.

Swim 4 life = Fit 4 life Bookings now being taken.

STRODE LEISURE CENTRE Strode Way, Clevedon

01275 879242

www.strodeleisurecentre.co.uk

PARISH WHARF LEISURE CENTRE Harbour Road, Portishead

01275 848494

www.parishwharfleisurecentre.co.uk

Operated by Places for People Leisure Ltd. on behalf of North Somerset Council

Enriched with the goodness of 5 essential Nutrients

14 Avon advertising features Autumn Half Term 2014.indd 29

AUTUMN HALF TERM 2014

29

08/10/2014 11:27:24

Adver tising Feature

Win tickets to Peter and the Wolf and The Snowman

Looking for a ‘good’ local school?

Look no further!

72% 5+ GCSEs A*-C 98% attendance

...good with outstanding features

Something rather special is emerging on Allfoxton Road - Prospective parent

• Delight your family this Christmas with a double bill of well-loved festive family stories at Bristol’s Colston Hall.

First, the Welsh National Opera Orchestra brings the characters of Prokofiev’s Peter and The Wolf to life with dancing strings, quacking oboes, fluttering flutes and prowling horns. This is followed by a big-screen airing of the classic animated film ‘The Snowman’ by Raymond Briggs, which is sprinkled with spine-tingling magic by narrator Sanjeev Bhaskar and the live orchestra. Build the excitement to Christmas Day and introduce your little ones to the thrill of live music with this spellbinding show.

COMPETITION To be in with a chance of winning four tickets to Peter and the Wolf and The Snowman at the Colston Hall on Saturday 13 December at 6pm, simply answer the following question.

What is the name of the famous song from The Snowman? a) Deck the Halls b) Walking in the Air c) Jingle Bells

Every day is an open day.

Please contact us to book a tour: www.fairfield.bristol.sch.uk

Answers should be submitted via email with ‘Snowman competition’ as the subject to competitions@colstonhall.org Don’t forget to include your name and telephone number. Entries should be received by midday on Friday 28 November. Two winners will be drawn at random and contacted that day. Good luck!

Ffi: Colston Hal W: www.colstonhall.org

Adver tising Feature

Think inside the box Santa’s coming to Slimbridge...

Join the elves for breakfast or afternoon tea, visit Santa in his magical grotto, ice gingerbread men, toast marshmallows, relax with Christmas storytelling – and don’t forget to send a letter to the North Pole at our post office.

It’s a full day of festive fun for the whole family.

The whole experience is £7.95 for adults and £19.95 for children (includes admission, meal and special gift for child).

Available weekends 6/7, 13/14 and 20/21 December.

Book your tickets online at wwt.org.uk/SlimbridgeSanta Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT t 01453 891900 e info.slimbridge@wwt.org.uk

Pull on your wellies, get your coats on and play outside this autumn!

• If a Mud Kitchen isn’t messy enough, the Green Play Project’s Messy Kitchen allows you to cover yourself in whatever comes to hand. Water, sand, soil, leaves, sticks and flowers are the cooking elements of nature and easy to get hold of. Add some spare kitchen utensils and you have a child sized space where children can discover and investigate the world around them through play. Mixing nature with art and science in messy play is creative, inspiring, educational and fun.

“Mud play is one of the most valuable and vital experiences we can provide for children,” says author and children’s play expert Jan White. “It certainly should be a core offer outdoors in all early years’ settings.”

Green Play’s Messy Kitchen has just been installed at Hartcliffe Children’s Centre, Bristol, as part of a larger design by the project for the school. The company says it’s Bristol’s leading outdoor play equipment company and it designs and builds early years foundation stage (EYFS), school and public play spaces which are bespoke, handmade, innovative and sustainable.

As the head teacher of Bristol’s The Dolphin School puts it, “Green Play Project listen and adapt to the requirements of the client with ease and it has been a pleasure to work with them on several projects to date.”

Ffi: Green Play Project The Picton Street Centre, 10–11 Picton Street, Bristol, BS6 5AQ T (and free site visit): 0117 924 4644 W: www.greenplayproject.co.uk

® 2014 30 AUTUMN HALF TERM

14 Avon advertising features Autumn Half Term 2014.indd 30

To discover more, visit Kelloggs.co.uk PRIMARY TIMES

08/10/2014 11:26:53

advertisement FeatUre

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

®

O

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.

Kellogg’s makes balanced cereals for your kids, that taste good and are also a

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.

Your kids will also love getting involved in thinking up their own variations, such as warm milk in the winter, and in the summer using cold milk or yoghurt, or adding some fresh fruit. a fun way to ensure they get a balanced breakfast.

Who knows? they could even make their own cereal,

B VITAMINS are found in wholegrain and help your body make energy from food. Some cereals contain 6 B vitamins .

IRON Infants, teenage girls, pregnant women and the elderly are those most at risk of iron deficiency.

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

FROM CEREALS

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

®

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

p31.indd 1

© 2014 Kellogg Company

03/10/2014 14:05:56

Spooky Bake & Play.

Perfect for the little horrors.

27–31 October at your local Wyevale garden centre

This half term, kids aged 3-8 can make a glorious mess and bake all sorts of cookie horrors with lots of ghoulish games too, for only £4.95 per little monster. Meanwhile, you can take advantage of the great deals on fireworks for Bonfire night. Book online now for the Spooky Bake & Play, and you can also get ahead for Christmas by booking the kids in to meet Father Christmas in his grotto or join him for Breakfast or Tea in the restaurant. He’s got a very busy diary.

Book online now at thegardencentregroup.co.uk/events or find us at: Cadbury Garden & Leisure As this is a cookie making event, product shown is not indicative of what your children will make.

p32.indd 1

03/10/2014 14:18:15

Westonbirt

Welcome to a Winter

Wonderland

Children should get their lists ready this winter as Santa and his elves visit a wealth of retail centres and attractions around the region. Ellen White dons her tinsel and bobble hat to find the best.

I

opportunities and receive a handdelivered present from Father Christmas.

t’s that time of year again, when nights are drawing in, temperatures are dropping and Christmas is on its way. Primary Times has the pick of local events to get you and your family into a thoroughly festive mood, from Winter Wonderlands to Santa’s Grottos, traditional Christmas markets, ice skating and much more. So dive in, enjoy, and don’t forget to tell Santa what you want for Christmas.

FRI 7 NOV-MON 22 DEC Bristol German Christmas Market Broadmead, Bristol, BS1 3DX. www. bristolgermanchristmasmarket. co.uk. 10am-7pm (6pm close Sun) • Bristol’s festive German Market is back for the sixth year running, with 38 traditional chalets bringing Christmas spirit to the heart of the city. Expect traditional German Christmas decorations, lights, wooden toys, jewellery and a range of delicious winter treats from stollen to gingerbread. Adding to the magic is the 13 metre high Christmas Pyramid with rotating nativity scene, skate rink, and giant advent calendar.

THU 13 NOV Christmas Lights Switch On The Mall, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol, BS34 5DG. 0117 903 0303. www. mallcribbs.com. 6pm-7.30pm. Free (suggested donation £2) • The Mall welcomes boy band and 2012 X Factor semi-finalists Union J to switch on this year’s Christmas lights and launch the opening of their Winter Wonderland. Lights will be switched on at 6pm followed by an exclusive outdoor concert.

FRI 14 NOV-SUN 4 JAN Christmas At Longleat Longleat Safari Park, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7NW. 01985 844400. www.longleat.co.uk. 10am-5pm.

Standard admission applies, additional charges for some activities • Get in the festive mood as Longleat hosts what it believes is Europe’s largest display of giant Chinese lanterns, some of them over 40ft high. Explore the glowing winter wonderland, jump aboard the train to Santa’s grotto, enjoy ice skating, a winter safari and much more.

SAT 22 NOV-WED 24 DEC Santa’s Grotto Between Topshop & Debenhams, SouthGate, Bath, www.southgatebath.com, 11am-5pm. Price via online

German Christmas Market, Broadmead, Bristol PRIMARY TIMES

booking system • Meet Santa and his elves in his grotto and receive a wonderful gift. Either book online or queue on the day.

THU 27 NOV-SUN 14 DEC Bath Christmas Market Bath City Centre (between Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths) Avon. www.bathchristmasmarket.co.uk. 10am-7pm (Mon-Wed)/8pm(Thu)/9pm(Fri and Sat)/6pm(Sun). Free • Bath Christmas Market is back, transforming the town centre with over 170 traditional wooden chalets offering a range of gifts from Christmas decorations and food, to toys and festive drinks. Enjoy a mulled wine in the Après Ski bar or visit the charming Victorian carousel in Small St. FRI 28 NOV-TUE 23 DEC Christmas At Avon Valley Avon Valley Country Park, Pixash lane, Bath Rd, Bristol, BS31 1TP. 0117 986 4929. www.avonvalleycountrypark.com. Fri 3pm-7pm,Sat and Sun 11am-7pm, Wed 11am-5pm (also open Tue Mon 22 and Tue 23 Dec).

Child £12.50, one free adult ticket per child • Enjoy all day entry to the park and magical festive fun. There will be tractor rides to meet the reindeer, warm hot chocolate, free photo

FRI 28 NOV-SUN 21 DEC Enchanted Christmas At Westonbirt Arboretum Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8QS. 01666 880220. www.forestry.gov.uk/ westonbirt. Every Fri, Sat and Sun 5pm-8.30pm. Adults £10/concs £8/children £5 • A spectacular, mile long illuminated trail through Westonbirt’s vast range of trees and winding paths. Also featuring stilt walkers, the Christmas Fairy, giant reindeer, Father Christmas, carol singing and festive refreshments.

MON 1-WED 24 DEC Breakfast And Tea With Father Christmas Wyevale Garden Centre Group (various locations, please see the website for your nearest centre).

0344 2723000. www.thegardencentregroup.co.uk. Times vary by centre. Children £9.99/adults £7.99/adult mini ticket £3.99 • Enjoy a tasty, freshly-prepared cooked breakfast or tea and watch the excitement build until everyone joins in to help the elves welcome Father Christmas. A delight for children of all ages and grown-ups too, as the little ones meet Father Christmas and, with his help, choose their very own present!

Union J at The Mall, Cribbs Causeway

AUTUMN HALF TERM 2014

®

14 Avon Features Autumn Half Term 2014.indd 9

33

Sunshine in your bowl 07/10/2014 10:52:52

Hello Kids!

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

Pressure of space means I can’t publish them all but please keep trying if you weren’t successful this time.

Next issue we will all be in the run up to the biggest holiday of the year, so I would like you to send me pictures about getting ready for Christmas.

Please send them 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 and school on the back: deadline Monday 10 November.

Arty Barty Last issue you sent me pictures of ‘My favourite thing about autumn’. Well done to the winners who receive an exciting book from the editor’s collection.

WINNER!

Have fun!

Amber Smith, 5, Birdwell Primary School, Long Ashton What a truly scary picture! The witch is ragged, with a wobbly smile, while the pumpkin looks as if something terrible has just happened. Well done, Amber, for getting so much energy and expression into your painting.

Arty NB. PARENTS AND GUARDIANS: Please read our entry conditions at www. primarytimes.net/avon/ home-intro/tcs

ton Joe Hourne, 4, Ash , Gate Primary School Bristol Leaves are falling from some quite solid looking trees, under a cloudy sky. And that looks like a smiley Mummy m. standing between the An excellent picture for someone so young.

WINNER!

Nicholas Nikiforou, 7, Kewstoke Primary School, Weston-super-Mare Nicholas continues to experiment with shape and colours and has produced this picture full of life and energy. The brown figure of the deer is a little bit lost against the brown background, but it still a lovely, vivid autumnal composition.

34

Sophie Mansbridge, 7, Helen Alveston Prima St. ry School, Bristol I love this beautifully tho out picture of autumn leaught so precisely and geome ves, cally ordered. Of course trileaves are in big, messy , real so Sophie has created piles, a vis “joke” by making them ual regular. Her self-portraitso fun and the colours are is bea tifully balanced, too. u-

AUTUMN HALF TERM 2014

14 Avon Books & Arty Barty autumn half term 2014.indd 34

Age 8, Mary Nyirenda, Junior Harnham CofE bury School, Salis Mary e, In this busy picturher own is about to light autifully firework on a be night. starry autumn real life, (don’t do this in it to the children! Leave e her is a grown ups). Besid dy floss, friend making canppy, waits while her dog, poher. It is loyally behind and full of vividly imagined re. atmosphe

WINNER! WINNER!

WORD PUZZLE

Autumn is upon us so try to find the following seasonal words in the grid below: leaves, brown, chill, apple, bonfire, conker, pumpkin, trick, treat.

S D G A E L S S T H C X R A F

H F P O L

I P C O N

L B E H U

L R F T Z

B N O W N M F Y I E

A N I K P

E B S F

F F T K

K E R C

R C R N M Y I E S U C K Y O P I R T E R

R S E L A M T S W E H A V D

V A E L

PRIMARY TIMES

08/10/2014 11:34:49

Cassandra Regan and Mike Gartside review the new releases.

Repackaging the Boxtrolls Whether it’s The Borrowers, the Gruffalo or the publishing wizardry of Harry Potter, the children’s entertainment industry is constantly in search of its next successful franchise. It appears we have the next phenomenon in the Boxtrolls, a society of cute, rubbish collecting mini-ogres who live beneath the streets. As ever in these (potentially) long-running series, there is inbuilt misunderstanding between our odd looking protagonists and the humans above them, who unfairly believe the underground creatures steal children.

In one fell swoop, we not only have the reissue of Alan Snow’s original 2005 Boxtrolls novel, ‘Here be Monsters’ but this year’s film ‘The Boxtrolls’ and a spin off book ‘The Boxtrolls’ by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel based on the screenplay of the movie.

Set in the town of Ratbridge, the original novel introduces us to the dilemma of Arthur, the young

Messy Max

orphan, with a richness of storytelling which obviously endeared it to Hollywood. Over 500 illustrations by the author himself evoke the Boxtroll’s gloomy home while still giving young readers the chance to explore the world of their own imaginations. Cody Kimmel’s version is elegantly written and perhaps more sanitised – Cheesebridge is the new setting. We’re introduced to the privileged Winnie, key to the dramatic climax, while Arthur is refashioned as the character Eggs.

Both novels provide a fascinating insight into how the film industry reimagines talented raw material, while the tensions between the trash dwellers and the townies above is fertile territory, surely, for many a lucrative yarn to come.(MG/CR) Here Be Monsters! Alan Snow, Oxford University Press, £6.99, www.oup.com The Boxtrolls Elizabeth Cody Kimmel, £6.99, Oxford University Press, www.oup.com

Shock absorber

Come to Max’s Monster party! It’s creepy-crawly, stinky fun – don’t miss this scary treat! Max’s party features monster pass-the-parcel, a hairy green magician that can make frogspawn disappear, and Max’s favourite party food, monster jelly which is scarily hot to eat!

This is tremendous fun for little monsters of both the real and fictional kind. As a sequel to author Claire Freedman and illustrator Sue Hendra’s previous offering ‘Spider Sandwiches’, it doesn’t disappoint, with its silly, colourful characters and playful monsterthemed fun. (CR)

Bristol-based author Charlotte Olson devised the ‘Suzie’ series in response to her own experiences with her son, who has Asperger’s. It is designed to give simple, uncluttered accounts of new situations that a child with this condition will encounter, and to prepare them for circumstances that commonly cause anxiety.

Suzie herself is a wonderful character whose stories aim to help young children deal with many of life’s fundamental functions including using the big toilet, flying on an aeroplane and going to a funeral. ‘Suzie’s Dressing Up Day’ , for example, offers simply-drawn, unthreatening images, easily understood by its target readers. Suzie becomes different people including a princess and a builder. The text has a wonderful rhyming flow, easy to share with any child. And for those with Asperger’s it should ease the shock of the new. (MG/CR)

Dragon Jelly Claire Freedman and Sue Hendra, £6.99, Bloomsbury, www.bloomsbury.com

Suzie’s Dressing Up Day Charlotte Olson, £5.99, The Choir Press, www.suziebooks.co.uk

Rhymes reinvented Reacquaint yourself with Jack and Jill, Humpty Dumpty, the man in the moon, and many more in this treasury of over 100 nursery favourites. This book has all the classic rhymes, most that you’ll remember but some you may have forgotten. They are accompanied by beautiful illustrations and also come with action suggestions to keep children moving as they join in the fun.

Incy, Wincy Spider has an easy-to-follow diagram at the bottom of the page for you to teach your little ones, so you can both sing the rhyme and do the dance too.

This is a beautiful tome, the perfect way to pass an hour, teaching young children traditional rhymes. With its stimulating, practical instructions, it’s probably more of a daytime entertainment than a night time read, but this treasury is a welcome repackaging of many of our childhood favourites, which, no doubt your children will eventually pass on to the next generation. (CR) The Oxford Treasury of Nursery Rhymes illustrated by Ian Beck, £9.99, Oxford University Press, www.oup.com

PRIMARY TIMES

®

14 Avon Books & Arty Barty autumn half term 2014.indd 35

Agony Aunt You may have an awful auntie but she’ll never be in the same league of awfulness as Stella Saxby’s awful Aunt Alberta. Comedian David Walliams is back with this marvellous children’s story, aimed at a rather older readership than his recent ‘The Slightly Annoying Elephant’.

Our heroine, Stella wakes up one morning realising all is not well. Her Auntie Alberta has moved in to look after her following an injury. Stella has never liked her much – she always bullied her daddy as he grew up - but with no one else around she’s going to have make the best of it.

But Auntie Alberta is up to something very naughty indeed.

You’ll gasp as Alberta’s wickedness dawns on you, you’ll root for Stella as she strives to save herself, with the help of Soot, the young chimney sweep, and Gibbon the ancient butler. And you’ll cheer when you find out that Stella has a spooky secret of her own. Walliams clearly embraces the Roald Dahl tradition of nasty characters in children’s fiction, and children over six are sure to be enthralled by this latest baddie. (CR) Awful Auntie David Walliams, Harper Collins, £12.99, www.harpercollins.co.uk

Love your Cereal AUTUMN HALF TERM 2014

35

08/10/2014 11:36:07

Could you see yourself as a student?

It doesn’t matter who you are or what you do, a new route into higher education could turn your dream of studying into a reality.

Photograph: Bhagesh Sachania

Deb’s story...

Deb Wheeler lives in Easton with four of her five children. A former nurse, she is now a student at the University of Bristol, studying history after successfully completing the University’s Foundation Year in Arts and Humanities.

“I came across the Foundation Year when I was doing some training with Single Parent Action Network,” Deb explains.

“I thought I’d apply, even though I didn’t think I would be good enough as I’d been out of education for 34 years.”

A single mum who had spent the last 14 years looking after her children, Deb not only got an interview, she was offered a place and, just a few months later, became part of the first cohort of Foundation Year students at the University.

“The course was fantastic,” she said. “I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to take on any more information, as I’m so busy with the children, but I’ve proved to myself that I can!”

Find out more about the course and how to apply at: bristol.ac.uk/arts-foundation or call: 0117 954 6631 or email: arts-fyah@bristol.ac.uk Open evening 6 pm to 8.30 pm 14 January 2015 Deadline for applications 31 January 2015

The Foundation Year in Arts and Humanities is a one-year flexible programme that offers a route to an arts degree for people who don’t have the usual qualifications or who may have been out of education or work for a while.

“My kids think I have become the most boring person on the planet as I spout on about everything,” she adds, laughing.

“But they are also seeing some changes as I’m helping them to think about providing evidence to back up statements in their homework. I think they’re really proud of me. I’m going to encourage my daughter to apply! This has been truly life changing.

Now I know I can do a degree.”

Photograph: Nick Smith

bristol.ac.uk/arts-foundation p36.indd 1

03/10/2014 14:19:25

Classifieds Party Ideas

Party Ideas

Soap and bath bomb making parties Creative and fun, hands-on parties.

Mobile party leader comes to you and runs a session making beautiful practical gifts to take home.

Ages 5 to adult

BRYAN THE MAGICIAN • PRE-SCHOOL • PARTIES • • FETES • SCHOOLS • • BALLOON MODELLING • • PUPPETS • GAMES • • PARTY PRESENTS • COMPLETE PARTIES ARRANGED

TELEPHONE

01761 439696

www.bryanthemagician.co.uk CRB Approved

Crime scene investigation parties and workshops for children age 7+ tel 0117 244 0053 web www.thedetectiveproject.co.uk

Tel: 0117 908 1291 www.ezzomagic.co.uk

Swimming

WWW.WAVESSWIMSCHOOL.CO.UK QUALITY SWIMMING LESSONS FOR ALL AGES AND ABILITIES

AT THE PARK CENTRE FRIDAY 31st OCTOBER 1pm – 2.30pm Up to 11 years old: £2.50 per child: Booking required (children must be accompanied by an adult)

The Park Centre Kingswood High Street Kingswood BS15 4AR T: 01454 862190

JIM JOHNSTON

Tel: 0787 0887242 E-mail: jim@jimjohnstonmusic.com www.guitarlessonsbristol.com

Dial-a-Violin-lesson! on violin and recorder • Tuition offered for all ages (of any age) and more • Beginners advanced players are welcome.

• I will visit if this is more convenient.

Kate Cullin Portbury 01275 371056

BABY/TODDLER CLASSES: 8 WEEKS - 2.5 YEARS PRE-SCHOOL CLASSES: 2.5YRS SCHOOL AGE CLASSES: 4 YRS UPWARDS MINI SQUAD SESSIONS ADULT LESSONS • ADULT FITNESS SESSIONS INDIVIDUAL LESSONS: ALL AGES FULL DETAILS SEE WEB: www.wavesswimschool.co.uk OR CONTACT JENNY 01275 877428/ JACKIE 01275 790457/CAROLINE 01275 865185

Making swimming lessons fun for all abilities

Clifton:

Friday Evening: Non-swimmers to Improvers Saturday Daytime: Non-swimmers to Improvers Saturday Evening: Lane Classes, Adult Learn to Swim, Adult Improvers, Youth Swim for Fitness & Adult Swim for Fitness Monday Evening: Non-Swimmer to Improvers Tuesday Evening: Non-Swimmer to Advanced Lane Classes Tuesday Evening: Advanced Lane Classes Wednesday: Non swimmer to Improvers Sunday All Day: All abilities Register online: www.splash-happy.co.uk Email: hazel@splash-happy.co.uk Tel: 01454 228817

Tuition

Martial Arts HANHAM & DOWNEND TAEKWON-DO

Modern martial arts in a fun and friendly environment • Little Puma’s 4-6 yrs • Juniors 6-12 yrs • Cadets 12-16 yrs • Adults 16+ For information or to book TWO FREE trial classes contact instructor Ms Tiina Elise 07729 358691 or hdtkd@live.com (please quote Primary Times)

Foster Care Could you? Or someone you know Foster with us?

Book now for FREE bouncy castle hire Limited period only

KIDS HALLOWEEN DISCO AT THE PARK CENTRE SUNDAY 2nd NOVEMBER 2pm - 4pm. Booking required.

Children up to 11 years old: £2.50 per child (children must be accompanied by an adult)

The Park Centre Kingswood High Street Kingswood BS15 4AR T: 01454 862190

PRIMARY TIMES

classifieds A OctHT 14.indd 3

®

Gymnastics

SMALL CLASSES & STROKE TECHNIQUE A PRIORITY AT ST. MARY REDCLIFFE SCHOOL EVERY WEEK DAY 4-6PM & SATURDAY 9AM ONWARDS CLIFTON HIGH SCHOOL SUNDAY 9-11AM

Westbury-on-Trym:

KIDS HALLOWEEN CRAFT ACTIVITIES

Tuition • Tuition on Acoustic and Electric Guitar • Beginners to advanced (any age welcome!)

• Enhanced CRB/DBS clearance • Available to teach in school holidays • Discounts available for teaching small groups • Able to travel city wide

No mess, no fuss, just lovely smells 07595 350 764 www.bubbletastic.co.uk

TO ADVERTISE CALL CAROLINE ON: 0117 934 3737 OR EMAIL: CAROLINE.STRETTON@B-NM.CO.UK

Here’s five reasons why YOU or someone YOU KNOW could be the perfect person to become a foster carer with the Five Rivers Fostering Service……….

One, you have room in your home Two, you want to make a difference Three, you know it’s not just a job, it’s a vocation Four, you are over 21 And five, fostering is something you were always going to do one day.

Today’s the day!

To find out more Visit at www.five-rivers.org/fostering Call us on 01858 412765

To reach 66,000 families in your area advertise in the next issue of Primary Times.

Call Caroline 0117 934 3737 or email caroline. stretton@b-nm.co.uk

Rich in Vitamins and Minerals

AUTUMN HALF TERM 2014 37

08/10/2014 11:52:20

HEALTHY AND WATER WISE

I

f your children are thirsty what do they reach for? Chances are it’s a sugar laden fruit juice or fizzy drink that wins out over humble tap water. A survey of 500 children aged 7-9 for the Natural Hydration Council (NHC), which represents bottled water producers, found that almost one in 10 (9.4%) believed that the human body could survive without water, while more than a third (38.4%) thought their bodies needed fruit juice to survive. This ties in with children’s other health and nutrition assumptions, according to

the survey, which shows that over half (52.6%) believe that pasta is essential for the body’s survival, while one in five boys (19.9%) believe that the body needs sweets to survive.

The NHC’s ‘Wise up with Water’ campaign aims to educate children to the benefits of water and make it their first choice for hydration. It includes curriculum-based lesson plans designed to creatively educate children on the role of water in the body and healthy hydration. Dr Patricia Mucavele, head of nutrition for the Children’s Food Trust, the charity which supports schools in helping children eat healthily, says, “We’d like to see water much more available in schools and in public places, ensuring children and adults have an easily accessible, healthy alternative to buying sugary drinks.

Tooth decay and obesity are ever growing threats to our children’s health and helping them to develop good habits from a young age is essential to their wellbeing.” Schools wishing to take part in the campaign’s ‘Wacky Water Challenge’ can find out more on the website Ffi: Wise up with Water W: www.childrensfoodtrust.org. uk/schools/wise-up-with-water.

Pic: Chris Cooper

L

®

14 Avon Features Autumn Half Term 2014.indd 10

Ffi: Swallows and Amazons Choir Competition Bristol Old Vic, King St, Bristol, BS1 4ED T: 0117 987 7877 E: aadams@bristololdvic.org.uk Pic: Simon Annand

ove to sing? Bristol Old Vic is launching its biggest Christmas Competition yet, open to all school choirs in the Bristol area.

Taking inspiration from its Christmas production ‘Swallows and Amazons’, and the love of all things seafaring, the Old Vic is calling all school choirs, primary and secondary, big or small, to send in any recording of a song that takes its inspiration from life on the open waves. The song can be any style, from nursery rhymes, folk or pop songs, to choral works; the choice really is all yours.

The winner will be chosen by the lead singer of the genteel pop and rock group The Divine Comedy (and composer of the music to this production), Neil Hannon (pictured, above). “I can’t wait to hear

what these choirs do with their song choices,” Neil says. “A less conservative approach usually helps catch the ear of a judge, though not at the expense of the tune! My main problem is that I’m jealous of people in choirs.

I can just about remember the awesome feeling of being part of that great noise.”

Send your recordings (either audio or visual) via email or post by Monday 10 November.

‘Swallows and Amazons’ runs from Thu 27 Nov-Sat 17 Jan at the Bristol Old Vic. Tickets are £5-£30.

E

ver wondered what the world would be like without telephones, light bulbs or television? Well they all came from somebody’s imagination and now you could be the brains behind the next brilliant invention. Education supplier Rapid Online has launched the Rapid’s Young Inventor Competition to find the next big inventor in primary schools throughout the UK. The challenge is to draw your very own creation, with marks awarded for the design’s creativity, the practicality of the invention and the quality of the drawing (applicants’ ages will be taken into account).

Teachers are advised to set

aside 30 minutes to one hour of class time to allow children to really have fun with their inventions. This is a great opportunity to boost children’s creativity as well as come up with practical solutions as to why or how their inventions might work.

The competition, with a deadline of 12 noon on Fri 21 Nov, can be entered online and the company has five Lego WeDo Construction sets, as well as software and activity packs, to give away to the lucky winners. So what will you invent?

Ffi: Young Inventors Competition W: www.rapidonline.com or E: competition@rapidlec.co.uk.

Pic: Steve Maskell

SING, PRIMARY CHOIRS!

CALLING ALL BRIGHT SPARKS

SMALL TORTOISESHELL IS BACK

O

ne of the UK’s best-loved butterflies, the small tortoiseshell, has fought back this summer after years of decline. Despite the coldest August since 1993, results from the Big Butterfly Count have revealed that the tortoiseshell’s numbers are on the up. After a population decline of 78% since the 1970s, numbers have risen by almost a quarter since summer 2013, making the small tortoiseshell the fourth most commonly seen species in the count.

Nearly 45,000 people took part in this year’s survey, spotting almost 560,000 butterflies over the three week period. Butterfly conservation surveys manager Richard Fox explains, “After a good summer in 2013, the big question this year was whether butterflies would continue to recover or slip back again. The small tortoiseshell

had a good year in 2013 and this seems to have acted as a springboard for the species, enabling it to increase massively again this summer. It’s fantastic news for a species that has lost three-quarters of its population since the 1970s. But sadly, many common butterflies appear to have sunk back from last year’s peak in numbers.”

According to the Butterfly Conservation society, butterflies and moths are vital flagship species for conservation in general, and are indicative of healthy environments and eco systems.

Summer may be over, but you and your family can still look out for and enjoy a wide range of these beautiful insects, and perhaps think about getting involved next year.

Ffi: Big Butterfly Count W: www.bigbutterflycount.org

Enriched with the goodness of 5 essential Nutrients 08/10/2014 11:39:28

BATH PHILHARMONIA presents THE SNOWMAN

The film classic with live orchestra! £15 adults, and only £8 for children

Tickets: Bath Box Office 01225 463362 www.bathboxoffice.org.uk or by phone or online at Ticketline 08448 889991 www.bathforum.co.uk

p39.indd 1

First broadcast on Channel 4 in 1982, The Snowman has been an annual favourite ever since.

Bring the whole family to enjoy the experience of the film with live orchestral accompaniment, as well as lots of other seasonal favorites, a Christmas fancy dress parade (any costume related to Christmas) and a visit by Santa!

PIC CREDIT: ©SNOWMAN ENTERPRISES LTD 1982, 2013

Tuesday, 23 December, The Forum, Bath, at 4:00pm

03/10/2014 14:24:21

www.bristolgrammarschool.co.uk

Whole School

Open Morning Ad ve

Thursday 13 November 2014 10.00am–12.00 noon

e ur nt

Experience Days allow your child to sample life at BGS first-hand.

Entrance Examinations and Assessments for entry in September 2015 are being held on:

Saturday 10 January 2015 Year 7–10 Entrance Examination

Saturday 17 January 2015 Year 7 Entrance Examination Reception assessments and Year 3–6 tests

Tuesday 27 January 2015

Fr ie

Saturday 24 January 2015

s hip s nd

Reception assessments only To book your place or to request further information, please call Hollie Skerritt on

0117 933 9885

or e-mail recruitment@bgs.bristol.sch.uk.

Learning

Infant and Junior S Prospectus

Life changing p40.indd 1

03/10/2014 14:26:33