Avon Christmas 2015

in Avon Issue 194 18 December 2015 -12 February 2016

Also Family fitness Gifts to go Should kids do chores?

A green space to ...

Download the new Primary Times app, free! Page 3

play!

Two West Country companies, Green Play Project and Outdoor Play and Learning, reveal why they think playing outside is as important as classroom learning. Page 4.

Theatre • Arty Barty • Roundabout • Save money!

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CHRISTMAS 2015

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With Christmas looming, parents have a double challenge ahead. Joyful as I hope they’ll be for everyone, the festivities are never stress free. I hope we at Primary Times have done our bit with a great gift guide for those last minute essential pressies. These are gifts that you can’t order online at this stage, but are available locally so you don’t have to rely on an expensive delivery service (P23).

Following that, families have to readjust to the reality of the New Year, with its often chilly weather and the added burden of a Christmas tummy to lose. So our Sporting Chances feature (P6) offers exciting ways to get back into shape as a family and embrace the New Year enthusiastically.

THEATRE P8 ROUNDABOUT P13 PINBOARD P27 ADVERTISING FEATURES P30 PUPILS’ PAGE P34 CLASSIFIEDS P37 SPORTING CHANCES P6 Eric Blair discovers the many ways families can take exercise together.

PARENTS’ LITTLE HELPERS? P20 When should kids start helping at home?

GO GET ‘EM! P23 the editor

Avon iin A 2015 18 December 2016 ary Issue 194 -12 Febru

Also Family tness Gifts to go Should kids do chores?

A green ... space to

Download the new Primary Times app, 3 free! Page

play!

lay Play P s, Green , reveal anies Learning rtant Country comp Two West Outdoor Play and is as impo ing outside Project and think playing. Page 4. why they learn as classroom ey!

Theatre

Ellen White with some last minute gifts.

PRIMARY TIMES IS NOW AVAILABLE AS AN APP https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/primary-times/id674066003?mt=8

ut • Save mon y • Roundabo • Arty Bart

Primary Times in Avon

Bristol News and Media, 1 Temple Way, Bristol, BS2 OBY. More information at www.primarytimes.net

Editor

Commercial director

Advertising

Distribution

Design Production Sub-editor Proof reader Main office

Mike Gartside mike.gartside@localworld.co.uk Abbie Grant abbie.grant@localworld.co.uk 0117 934 3626 Caroline Stretton caroline.stretton@localworld.co.uk 0117 934 3737 Juliet Hobbs 01242 278053 juliet.hobbs@localworld.co.uk Cath Evans, Mike Gartside Emma Gorton, Ruth Wood Eric Blair Ellen White 0117 934 3000

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

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

While we make every effort to ensure information published is accurate, readers are encouraged to check details of all events in advance and neither Bristol News & Media nor its contributors are liable for the consequences of any errors.

Primary Times would like to thank all the schools in the counties for their assistance in distributing the magazine and their contributions to its contents. We would also like to thank all the advertisers who have supported this publication and therefore made it possible. Please support their endeavours when and where you can. The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by our studio remains with Bristol News & Media.

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

PRIMARY TIMES

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Find these amazing offers this issue!

Bristol Aquarium – Kids go free At-Bristol – 10% off online tickets for ice rink Woolacombe Sands – up to 25% off 2016 holidays Hanham & Downend Taekwon-Do – Two free trial classes Bloc Climbing – Online discount code Perform – Free drama class CHRISTMAS 2015

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A green space to ...

play!

Two West Country companies, Green Play Project and Outdoor Play and Learning, reveal why they think playing outside is as important as classroom learning.

W

Over the past 14 years two companies, Bristol’s Green Play Project and Somerset-based Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL), have been taking an informed approach to creating excellence in primary school play.

Green Play Project specialises in the design and build of bespoke natural play areas, using high quality, sustainable materials and environmentally conscious building practices.

They aim to bring the magic and freedom of natural play to their clients, whether they are situated in a rural haven or a nature-deficient inner city area.

Every design is site-specific with a focus on lots of planted spaces, hills, tunnels, water and sand play, natural and sustainable materials, and long-lasting high play value. Green Play’s director Simon Jackman says, “Our approach is about building a beautiful landscape in which play grows, rather than installing random pieces of unchallenging equipment in a sea of coloured plastic. The ultimate aim is to create an environment that allows creative and challenging play where children can spend time in the fresh air, exert energy, take risks, and have fun.”

OPAL, a not-for-profit company which grew out of a play development programme for schools run by one of the country’s top local government school improvement teams (South Gloucestershire), has much in common with Green Play Project and the two companies often work together.

The OPAL Primary Programme was A school playground before transformation . . . created by school

e all know how much fun play can be. But we don’t always appreciate the profound and lasting influence that quality play can have on a child’s health, wellbeing, long-term development and academic performance. A welldeveloped play area in a school is far more than a space for running around and letting off steam (although these are both important activities). It should be there to provide an extension of the classroom, where play and learning are combined to provide the best possible results. It provides children with the opportunity to engage in enjoyable activities in a stimulating and considered outdoor space that enhance their mathematical, language and literacy skills.

When schools set out to improve their outdoor facilities, many of the most commonly chosen options fail by design to address children’s constantly developing play needs. Low level climbing equipment, often chosen for optimum safety and bright colours, can lack physical challenge, while playground markings, which children stop using after two weeks, do virtually nothing to create sustainably engaging, high quality play opportunities.

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improvement adviser Michael Follett, a former teacher and playworker, during six years of research and development in over 100 schools. The programme helps schools understand how to improve every aspect of play including staffing, planning, risk management, communication, resourcing and environment. The programme has been cited as innovative best practice by three parliamentary reports and two universities.

Michael explains why schools should invest in a strategic approach to play. “If you take morning and lunchtime play, it adds up to an incredible 20% of a child’s time in school, the equivalent of a whole day a week,” he says. “We owe it to children to make the best possible use of this valued part of their childhood.”

An Ofsted report about the play facilities developed by Green Play Project and OPAL at a South Gloucestershire primary school highlights some of the benefits of investing outdoor play. “The school has invested heavily in improving play

facilities and resources, with a designated play coordinator,” it reads. “Pupils enjoy the variety of stimulating opportunities for creative play … this has added to pupils’ enjoyment of school.

High rates of attendance further confirm this enjoyment.”

Green Play Project and OPAL can ensure that such investments are spent in creating engaging, rich and long lasting play opportunities. The process is not child’s play but it is worth the effort, say the companies.

Along with enhancing curriculum based skills and activities, they say, children also gain the opportunity to develop their creativity and initiative, while building social and emotional skills. Having access to an inspiring outdoor play space gives children the best environment to develop these skills, encouraging positive longterm attitudes to discovery and learning.

Green Play Project T: 0117 924 4644 E: admin@greenplayproject.co.uk W: www.greenplayproject.co.uk OPAL Outdoor Play and Learning T: 07870 284517 E: outdoorplayandlearning@ gmail.com W: www.outdoorplayandlearning.org.uk

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PRIMARY TIMES

24/11/2015 10:11:27

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Just 7 miles from Bristol you can discover ‘A Very Victorian Christmas at Tyntesfield’. There’ll be magical music, festive food, twinkling lights, glamorous gifts and much more throughout December. nationaltrust.org.uk/ tyntesfieldchristmas 01275 461900 Tyntesfield, Wraxall, North Somerset BS48 1NX @Tyntesfield TyntesfieldNT Photography: Steve Hayward. Illustrations: R. Boxall. Printed on 100% recycled paper. Please recycle this leaflet after use. © National Trust 2015.

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24/11/2015 12:44:55

Getting fit doesn’t have to mean you have to be a lonely jogger pounding the pavement.

As Eric Blair discovers, exercise is something that families can do together.

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Sporting chances W

ith families leading increasingly busy lives, it can be difficult for parents and children to find time to exercise and keep fit. According to the NHS, though, adults should try to be active every day, do at least 150 minutes of “moderate aerobic activity” every week and do something more rigorous two or more times a week. Children, meanwhile, should be doing at least an hour of physical activity every day and more focused exercise three times a week.

Fortunately, things like walking to school or the shops and playing in the playground count as moderate activity; it’s the more focused, rigorous exercise that can be tricky to fit into busy family schedules.

Keeping fit, though, needn’t be a chore and one answer is to exercise together as a family. Not only is it fun, it can also be a chance for some friendly rivalry – and for parents and kids alike to reveal their inner Olympian. There are, of course, lots of options – from simply taking family walks or going on cycle rides together to trips to the local swimming pool and, if you dare, military-style fitness training – and locally there are plenty of

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together. ‘Anyone for tennis?’ goes the famous phrase and that’s the beauty of it, if you can hold a racket you can play!”

At Mojo Active near Almondsbury, meanwhile, you can take your exercising up a notch – and up into the trees. Their high ropes course will have you crossing rickety bridges, clambering over nets and zipping down zip wires in an adrenaline-pumping 90-minute family session. For those who really want to get serious, they also offer military-style training – but be warned: with that, they say, “there is the option to take things at your own pace and have a giggle, but only if you get down and give us 20!” leisure centres and organisations which offer activities, not just for adults and children, but for families to enjoy together.

Everyone Active, for example, has more than 100 leisure facilities around the UK. Its aim is “to encourage more people to participate in 30 minutes of moderately physical activity five times a week” and its centres offer a range of family-oriented sports and activities. In fact, the organisation says, “more and more of our members are choosing to get active as a family unit” and it’s designed a number of activities, such as Swim4Everyone and Swim4Fun sessions, and offers a number of sports, including badminton, tennis and table tennis, which are specifically aimed at families wanting to get fit and stay healthy together.

In Bristol, for example, Everyone Active runs six leisure centres – in Henbury, Horfield, Kingsdown, St Pauls, Easton and Bedminster. At Henbury Leisure Centre, for example, you’ll find two swimming pools, a fitness suite, exercise studio and sports hall alongside a programme of activ-

ity sessions for all ages. Easton Leisure Centre, meanwhile, has a particular focus on family-friendly activities with swim schools, sports coaching and – a particular favourite – its big water slide. You can find your nearest Everyone Active centre and details of the facilities and activities it offers by visiting the organisation’s website.

Swimming, of course, is an ever-popular form of exercise.

According to Parish Wharf Leisure Centre in Portishead, in fact, it’s “one of the best ... an activity for everybody, whether you want to get healthier, fitter or just have fun and relax” and even a gentle swim can burn more than 200 calories in half an hour. Parish Wharf’s two pools offer lane and casual swimming sessions, as well as swimming lessons, and there are family changing cubicles too.

Swimming’s also on offer in Hutton Moor Leisure Centre’s 25m pool in Weston-super-Mare, where you’ll find a 92-station gym, three squash courts, tennis courts and a specialist cycle workout studio too. Here tennis has proved to be particularly popular with families because, as the centre point out, it’s “perfect for families to play

Everyone Active W: www.everyoneactive.com Hutton Moor Leisure Centre W: www.leisurecentre.com/ hutton-moor-leisure-centre Mojo Active W: www.mojoactive.co.uk/ Parish Wharf Leisure Centre W: www.placesforpeopleleisure. org/centres/parish-wharf-leisurecentre/

PRIMARY TIMES

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PRIMARY TIMES

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

BATH THEATRE ROYAL Theatre Royal, Sawclose, Bath BA1 1ET. 01225 448844, www. theatreroyal.org.uk Jack and the Beanstalk Until Sun 10 Jan, various times, various prices (see website for details) • Nigel Havers stars in this classic pantomime. Jack Trott manages to sell the family’s only valuable possession, Daisy the Cow, for a handful of beans.

He must then go on a quest to defeat the evil Giant Blunderbore, win back his fortune and fight for the hand of the King’s beautiful daughter.

Hetty Feather Tue 19-Sun 24 Jan, various times (please see website), £15-£24.50 • Join Hetty on an adventure across Victorian London in a search to find her family. Based on the book by bestselling author Jacqueline Wilson and featuring original live music, songs, circus skills and lots of heart.

THE EGG Theatre Royal, Sawclose, Bath BA1 1ET. 01225 448844, www. theatreroyal.org.uk Snow Mouse Until Sun 10 Jan, various times (see website for details), £8.50 (adult)/£7.50 (child) • Have you ever seen the snow? Snow Mouse hasn’t, but deep in the wood, roused from his sleep, he awakens to a world of white. Bemused at first, then rather chilly, Snow Mouse soon realises just how much fun you can have keeping warm in the snow. Venture into a magical forest full of play, puppetry, music and movement. Suitable for 18 months-4 years.

Little Sure Shot Until Sun 10 Jan, various times (see website for details), £10-£17 • Based on the

real life rags-to-riches story of little Annie, who befriends Buffalo Bill and goes on to become queen of the Wild West! Bursting with plenty of action, music, comedy and romance for all ages.

KINGSWOOD SCHOOL THEATRE Kingswood School Theatre, Lansdown Rd, Bath, BA1 5RG, 01225 427108, www.bathunityplayers.co.uk The Sleeping Beauty Fri 18-Sun 20 Dec, 7.15pm & 2pm (Sat & Sun), £10 (adult)/£8 (conc) • The Bath Unity Players present this year’s pantomime. Expect the usual fun, silliness and lots of laughs in the race to wake up the sleeping princess. For an extra festive treat there are discounts for parties of 10 or more and free seats for carers who bring a large group of children.

THE RONDO THEATRE St. Saviours Road, Bath BA1 6RT. 01225 463362, www.rondotheatre. co.uk The Snow Child Fri 18-Sun 20 Dec, see website for times, £14 (adult)/£10 (conc) • One night a childless couple sculpt their hearts’ desires out of snow beneath the magical Nights Rainbow and their lives are changed forever. Based on a Russian fairytale, Butterfly Psyche Theatre’s latest Christmas play asks us what it means to love. Expect a distinct, magical style and a ‘Stay and Play’ session exploring the interactive, multi-sensory set with performers after every show.

BRISTOL ARMSTRONG HALL Chapel St, Thornbury, Bristol, BS35 2BJ, 01454 412103, www. armstronghallthornbury.org.

Snow Mouse, the egg, Bath, until Sun 10 Jan

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Aladdin Wed 10-Sat 13 Feb, 7.30pm plus 2.30pm(Fri & Sat), £12 (adult)/£10 (conc) • Thornbury Musical Theatre Group present the famous story of Aladdin as he seeks his fortune, meets the genie of the lamp and races to win the princess’s hand in marriage.

Expect jokes galore, audience participation, slapstick, singing and dancing.

BREWERY THEATRE 291 North Street, Southville, Bristol BS3 1JP. 0117 902 0344, www. tobaccofactorytheatre.com Kid Carpet’s Noisy Nativity Until Sun 3 Jan, 11am/2pm/4pm (see website for dates), £6/£8/family ticket £25/£30 • Ed Patrick aka Kid Carpet gives the Christmas story a radical twist with big-beat songs, wonky carols, live special effects, puppetry and animation. Kid is putting on the local Christmas Nativity show, but no one has turned up to audition. Never fear, The Noisy Animals are next door at band practice and say they can help out. A Christmas journey of silliness and mischief for the whole family. Will the Christmas story ever be the same again?

BRISTOL HIPPODROME St. Augustine’s Parade, Bristol BS1 4UZ. 0844 871 3012, www. atgtickets.com/bristol Snow White ���������������������� Until Sun ���������������� 3 Jan, various times (see website for details), £10-£39.50 • Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest panto of them all? Join film and TV star Warwick Davis as head of the seven dwarves in this year’s dazzling show. Will the Wicked Queen banish Snow White once and for all or will the handsome Prince thwart her plans? Expect spectacular sets and costumes, music, dance and lots of laughs.

The Nutcracker Tue 5 Jan, 7.30pm, £19.40-£47.40 • One of the most famous family ballets begins as night falls on Christmas Eve. Join Clara as she is swept away by the Nutcracker Prince to defeat the dastardly Mouse King in the Land of Snow. Expect stunning sets and choreography set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score.

Hippodrome’s Glee Club Sun 10 Jan, 6pm, £120 per course • Aged 8-18 and love to perform? Come and sing your heart out at Bristol Hippodrome’s new Sunday morning Glee Club.

Learn harmonies and dance routines, improve your singing technique and gain confidence performing. Each term includes workshops from industry professionals and an end-of-term showcase for family and friends. No audition required.

Snow White with Warwick Davis, The Hippodrome, Bristol, until Sun 3 Jan.

BRISTOL OLD VIC King Street, Bristol BS1 4ED. 0117 987 7877, www.bristololdvic.org.uk Sleeping Beauty Until Sun 17 Jan, various times (see website for details), £7.50-£34 • A girl wanders through the forest when she stumbles across a sleeping Prince, cursed to sleep for 100 years. After what doesn’t exactly turn out to be true love’s first kiss, the pair are thrown together on a hilarious adventure of magic and mayhem.

Director Sally Cookson presents a charming role-reversal twist on the classic fairytale for all the family to enjoy.

COLSTON HALL Colston Hall, Colston Street, Bristol BS1 5AR. 0844 887 1500, www. colstonhall.org The Nutcracker and the Snowman Sun 20 Dec, 6pm, £13.50-£26.50 inc booking fee • Classic FM’s Tim Lihoreau and conductor Neil Thomson present a suite of music from Tchaikovsky’s muchloved ballet. After the interval, the soundtrack to ‘The Snowman’ is brought to life alongside a screening of the film.

PLAYHOUSE THEATRE High Street, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset BS23 1HP. 01934 645544, www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk Cinderella Until Sun 3 Jan, various times (see website for details), tickets from £17.95 • Don’t be late for the ball as the Playhouse Theatre presents this year’s pantomime, starring ‘I’m a Celebrity’s Joe Swash as Buttons.

Expect magic, mischief and lots of laughs.

Count Duckula: The Jewels of Duckula Sat 16 Jan, 2pm, £10 (adult)/£8 (child) • The children’s

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PRIMARY TIMES

24/11/2015 10:39:46

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

»

TV classic is live on stage for the very first time. It’s a race against time for Duckula (and the audience) as he searches the castle for a long lost jewel – will he find it in time before the bailiffs take his home?

Join the treasure hunt, solve the clues and have a whole lot of fun.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat Tue 16-Sat 20 Jan, various times (see website for details), £28-£34 • Starring ‘X Factor’ winner Joe McElderry as Joseph, this popular retelling of the classic biblical tale features the hit songs ‘Close Every Door’ and ‘Any Dream Will Do’.

BLAKEHAY THEATRE Wadham Street, Weston-superMare BS23 1JZ. 01934 645493, www.blakehaytheatre.ticketsource. co.uk The 39 Steps Wed 10-Sat 13 Feb, 7.30pm/2.30pm (Sat only), £12 (adult)/£10 (conc)/£8 (child) • Based on John Buchan’s novel and Alfred Hitchcock’s 1935 comedy thriller, ‘The 39 Steps’ is performed by award-winning theatre company Sunshine Productions and features just four actors playing more than 150 roles. Expect all the iconic scenes from the film, including the chase on the Flying Scotsman, the escape across the Forth Bridge and the death-defying finale at the London Palladium.

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

Mother Goose Wed 30 Dec-Sat 9 Jan, call box office for tickets and times 0117 965 8598, £14 (adult)/£11 (conc) • Starlite Productions returns with another favourite family pantomime. Proceeds go to local charities, to which Starlite have already donated over £85,000.

The Ruff Guide to Shakespeare Sat 30 Jan & Sat 6 Feb, 10.30am, all tickets £8 • Bristol Old Vic Theatre School presents this unconventional guide to the life and works of Shakespeare, all crammed into just one hour. Expect silly sketches, dance routines, toetapping songs and extracts from the famous and not-so-well-known plays. Recommended for Year 2 and above.

ST. GEORGE’S BRISTOL Great George Street, Bristol BS1 5RR. 0117 925 3333, www. stgeorgesbristol.co.uk Children’s Christmas Carnival Sun 20 Dec, 2pm & 4.30pm, £15 per ticket (includes one free child’s ticket)/additional child ticket £5 • Get Christmas off to a brilliant start with live music from family favourite ‘The Snowman’. There will also be a sing-a-long to celebrate 50 years since the release of ‘The Sound of Music’, plus festive music and carols.

Bristol Ensemble: Festive Fiesta Wed 23 Dec, 7.45pm, £5-£23 • A feel-good festive evening of carols and Christmas music.

Come and sing all your favourites 10 CHRISTMAS 2015

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with members of the Bristol City Choir, accompanied by the Bristol Ensemble.

TOBACCO FACTORY THEATRE Raleigh Road, Bristol BS3 1TF. 0117 902 0060, www.tobaccofactory. com The Light Princess Until Sun 10 Jan, times vary (see website), £19 (adult)/£15 (conc)/£8 (child) • In a kingdom far away lives an extraordinary princess – she can’t keep her feet on the ground. Cursed with zero gravity, our heroine struggles to stay down to earth and take life more seriously, especially when a prince falls in love with her. Expect a beautiful, immersive set design, theatrical magic and original music from the team behind last year’s smash hit ‘101 Dalmations’. Ages 6+ THE WARDROBE THEATRE Above The White Bear, 133 St Michael’s Hill, High Kingsdown, Bristol BS2 8BS. www. thewardrobetheatre.com The Melody Makers Fri 18-Mon 21 Dec, 10.30am (weekdays)/2pm(weekends), £7 • Pip Christmas hates Christmas.

Her family love it so much they made it their name. Her only saving grace is her best friend, a tiny robin who visits her every morning in December. One morning, he stops singing and Pip has to find out why the music has stopped. She discovers the Melody Makers, who are not happy. A magical, musical extravaganza.

FURTHER AFIELD CHELTENHAM TOWN HALL Imperial Square, Cheltenham GL50 1QA. 0844 576 2210, www. cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk The Snowman & Peter and the Wolf Tue 22 Dec, 1.30pm, £12.50£30 • If panto’s not your scene, then the whole family can enjoy a different Christmas treat this year with a performance of Prokofiev’s chilling tale of ‘Peter and the Wolf’ followed by a screening of ‘The Snowman’ with a live orchestral accompaniment.

EVERYMAN THEATRE Regent Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573, www. everymantheatre.org.uk Cinderella Until Sun 10 Jan, various times (see website for details), £14-£25 • Following the success of last year’s ‘Sleeping Beauty’, Everyman Theatre presents the story of Cinderella, the handsome prince and her wicked stepsisters.

Featuring the return of Tweedy the Clown and no doubt lots of laughs.

Book early to avoid disappointment.

The Gloucestershire Schools Dance Festival Mon 8 Jan, 3pm/5.30pm, £11/£7(conc) • Schools across Gloucestershire have been working hard to choreograph and rehearse dances based on the theme ‘A Night at the Musicals’. An opportunity for family

The Reduced Shakespeare Company, Salisbury Playhouse, Fri 15 Jan & Wyvern Theatre, Swindon, Sun 31 Jan.

and friends to see the children perform on the Everyman’s main stage.

The Tortoise and the Hare Wed 10 Feb, 2pm/4pm, £14(adult)/£9 (child) • Once there was a speedy hare who bet the tortoise to a race. The tortoise couldn’t possibly win – or could he? Aesop’s well-known fable is brought to life especially for little ones and is full of ballet, music and theatre.

ROSES THEATRE The Roses, Sun Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5NX. 01684 295074, www. rosestheatre.org Cinderella Until Sat 2 Jan, various times (see website for details), £11.50-£24.25 • Director Ben Crocker (of 2014’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’) presents this year’s ‘Cinderella’, which promises to be every bit as magical and wondrous as previous pantomimes. The muchloved rags-to-riches tale is told with magic, a fantastic cast, music and dancing throughout and more than a few surprises along the way.

SALISBURY CITY HALL Malthouse Lane, Salisbury SP2 7TU, 01722 434434, www. cityhallsalisbury.co.uk.

Mister Maker Sat 6 Feb, 10am/1pm/4pm, all tickets £13.50 • Mister Maker and his friends, the Shapes, return for another action-packed live show. Full of arty adventures, there’ll be a big ‘make’ to take part in, songs to sing along to and lots of fun from the supporting cast.

SALISBURY PLAYHOUSE Malthouse Lane, Salisbury SP2 7RA. 01722 320333, www. salisburyplayhouse.com Cinderella Until Sat 9 Jan, various times (see website for details), £9.50-£25 • This much-loved tale is brought to life in a sparkling production for all the family to enjoy. With all the traditional elements of pantomime, including a beautiful transformation scene, songs you’ll know and love and dazzling sets and costumes – don’t be late to the ball.

The Reduced Shakespeare Company Fri 15 Jan, 7.30pm, £20 (adults)/£16.50 (conc) • Shakespeare at breakneck speed: prepare to whizz through all 37

plays in just 97 minutes.

Enjoy the full range of comedies, histories and tragedies and prepare to laugh a lot along the way.

TROWBRIDGE ARTS Trowbridge Town Hall, Market Street, Trowbridge BA14 8EQ. 01225 774306, www.trowbridgearts.com The Little Match Girl Wed 23 Dec, 4pm & 6pm, £8/£6 (conc) • It is Christmas Eve and the Little Match Girl is desperate to get warm.

Lighting the matches that she has been selling, she is transported: she meets Father Christmas, plays in the snow and eats the most delicious feast. A magical and mischievous twist on this well-known tale.

THE WYVERN THEATRE THEATRE Theatre Square, Swindon SN1 1QN. 01793 524481, www.swindontheatres.co.uk Santa Claus And The Christmas Adventure Until Thu 24 Dec, various times (see website for details), £12.50-£16.50 • Join Santa at his HQ in the North Pole where the reindeer satnav is programmed, the toys are piled high on the sleigh and Santa is ready to go when chaos strikes! Rudolph is missing and the Elves are up to no good. Santa needs some help from all the good boys and girls in the audience to help him find his way.

Snow White Until Sun 3 Jan, various times (see website for details), £14.50-£29 • Wyvern’s pantomime returns for another year, promising laugh-out-loud comedy, spectacular sets and costumes, dazzling song and dance routines and fun for all the family.

Stars ‘Eastenders’’ Adam Woodyatt as The Evil Queen’s henchman, Chambers.

Great Jaydini Christmas Show Wed 23 Dec, 11am, £15 per child, parent/guardian goes free • Enter the funny, magical world of the Great Jaydini, a professional magician with a unique blend of comedy and magic suitable for ages 4+. A special festive show featuring magic, a buffet and kid’s disco.

The Reduced Shakespeare Company Sun 31 Jan, 7.30pm, £20.50-£21.50 • Shakespeare at breakneck speed. See Salisbury Playhouse listing.

PRIMARY TIMES

24/11/2015 10:40:03

© National Trust Images. Registered Charity Number 205846.

Birthday Parties

Looking for an unusual party idea?

Winter at Prior Park Landscape Garden

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

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

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

watershed.co.uk

frosty adventures

Crisp winter walks and icy adventures. Hunt for animal tracks or go for a welly walk.

Open weekends from 10am, November-February.

Members and under 5s go free.

01225 833977 nationaltrust.org.uk/prior-park

Watershed, 1 Canons Road, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5TX

Calling all thrillseekers! Tighten your harnesses for Mojo Active’s brand new, purpose-built high ropes adventure course opening mid September.

e r u t n e v d a High e v i t c A o j at Mo Swing through the trees using rickety bridges, traverse nets, organ pipes, islands in the sky and zip wires as part of the exciting 15-stage course.

■ Family fun/individuals

■ Team building exercises ■ Corporate events ■ Educational/school activities ■ Sports clubs and groups ■ Stag and hen parties ■ Children’s parties

The high ropes adventure is the latest addition to a range of activities that include a 400m military assault course, 4x4 driving, low ropes course, tunnel maze, climbing wall, archery range, den building and team orienteering.

Open from 10am to 5pm weekends and school holidays. Book your 1.5 hour session online at www.mojoactive.co.uk

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

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24/11/2015 13:56:01

Clearwell Caves Christmas Fantasy

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Visit our magical Santa’s Grotto!

10am – 3pm every weekend from 5th until 23rd December. PLUS Christmas Tree decorating competitions throughout the holidays.

28th -December 24th

November

OPEN 10.00am-5.00pm Clearwell, Nr Coleford Tel: 01594 832535

2015

see our website for more details

www.clearwellcaves.com Reach new heights!

TORWOOD HOUSE SCHOOL

BOOK YOUR TASTER SESSION TODAY!

To book your session please contact the school office on 0117 973 6620 or hello@torwoodhouseschool.co.uk

Come and meet us and see for yourself the difference a small class size can make

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CHRISTMAS 2015

©LW

Just off Durdham Downs in Redland, Bristol BS6 6XE PRIMARY TIMES

24/11/2015 13:01:33

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 February and March: deadline Wednesday 6 January.

If your event is to raise funds for a school, a charity or your community, and is open to the public, please let the editor know at: mike.gartside@localworld.co.uk PLEASE CHECK BEFORE YOU TRAVEL While we make every effort to ensure these listings are accurate and up to date, event information can sometimes change after we’ve gone to press. Please check with the venue or organiser before you set off to an event to make sure it’s going ahead as planned . . . and tell them you saw it in Primary Times!

DECEMBER UNTIL TUE 22 DEC BRISTOL GERMAN CHRISTMAS MARKET Broadmead, Bristol, BS1 3DX. www. bristolgermanchristmasmarket. co.uk, 10am-8pm (beer garden 10am-10pm), free • Bristol’s annual German Christmas Market returns for a seventh year, with 38 festively decorated traditional chalets selling everything from wooden decorations to handmade glass, traditional candles, sugared nuts, gingerbread and German beer. Adding to the magic is the 13m high Christmas pyramid with rotating nativity scene, giant advent calendar and Bavarian music entertainer Der Alpen Klaus.

UNTIL WED 23 DEC WILD BIRD FEED Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Bowditch, Gloucester, GL2 7BT. 01453 891900, www.wwt.org. uk/wetland-centres/slimbridge, various times throughout the day, included in general admission

prices • Don’t miss this winter spectacle: in the comfort of the heated observatory hear the warden’s commentary as he feeds the thousands of wild birds and Bewick swans that have flown all the way from Russia.

UNTIL WED 23 DEC SANTA’S GROTTO AT BRISTOL ZOO Bristol Zoo Gardens, Guthrie Rd, Bristol BS8 3HA. 0117 974 7300, www.bristolzoo.org.uk, 11am-3pm, entrance fees apply plus £4 members/£5 non-members • Dive into a winter wonderland and meet Santa as well as some of his reindeer friends. Don’t forget to look out for the Christmas-shaped animal lights throughout the zoo.

UNTIL WED 23 DEC SANTA’S YURT EXPERIENCE Wild Place Project, Blackhorse Hill, Bristol BS10 7TP. 0117 980 7175, www.wildplaceproject.org. uk, 12-6pm, Santa’s Yurt from £3, if visiting before 4pm you will need to purchase a Wild Place Project ticket also, which will be half-price • This year Santa is flying to the Wild Place Project for the very first time. Visit him in his special Christmas yurt, see the new resident reindeer, climb aboard the Christmas express and even purchase a locally sourced Christmas tree.

UNTIL THU 24 DEC SANTA’S ENCHANTED ICE CASTLE The Mall, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol BS34 5DG. 0117 903 0303, www. mallcribbs.com, prices & time TBA, please see website • See Santa in his magical ice castle right up until Christmas Eve when he has to leave to deliver presents to boys and girls all round the world.

Tickets can be pre-booked online.

UNTIL THU 24 DEC SANTA’S GROTTO AT THE GALLERIES The Galleries Shopping Centre,

Santa’s Enchanted Ice Castle, The Mall, Bristol, Until Thu 24 Dec.

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Floodlit Swan Feed, Slimbridge, Until Wed 3 Jan.

Broadmead, Bristol, BS1 3XD. 0117 929 0569, www.galleriesbristol. co.uk, various times, please see website, £4.50 per child (includes gift) • Santa is looking forward to meeting the children of Bristol as he takes up residence in his magical grotto on the ground floor. Booking recommended as it can get very busy in the run-up to Christmas.

UNTIL SUN 3 JAN GEORGIANS Bath Fashion Museum, Assembly Rooms, Bennett St, Bath BA1 2QH. 01225 477789, www.fashionmuseum.co.uk, 10.30am-5pm (4pm from Nov), included with standard admission • See luxurious Georgian dress from the 18th century alongside Georgian-inspired outfits from our own era.

UNTIL THU 24 DEC SANTA’S GROTTO Puxton Park, Cowslip Lane, Hewish, North Somerset BS24 6AH. 01934 523500, www. puxton.co.uk, 10am-5pm/6pm (Fri)/4pm (Thu), see website for prices • Only a few days left to tell Santa what you want for Christmas, so come along and meet him in Puxton’s very own grotto.

UNTIL SUN 3 JAN (WEEKENDS ONLY) FLOODLIT SWAN FEED Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Bowditch, Gloucester, GL2 7BT. 01453 891900, www.wwt.org. uk/wetland-centres/slimbridge, 6.15pm, adult £6/child £4 • Enjoy the magical spectacle of thousands of winter wild birds and Bewick swans on the floodlit lake.

The warden will be providing commentary as you watch from the comfort of a heated observatory.

UNTIL THU 31 DEC BLUE MARVEL (3D) At-Bristol, Anchor Rd, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5DB. 0117 909 2000, www.at-bristol. org.uk, 12.30pm/2.45pm/4.15pm, £3 plus standard admission • See planet Earth in a whole new light. Created to celebrate Bristol as European Green Capital 2015, ‘Blue Marvel’ reveals our home in space like never before. 3D shows not suitable for under 6s.

UNTIL THU 31 DEC DESTINATION SPACE At-Bristol, Anchor Rd, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5DB. 0117 909 2000, www.at-bristol.org.uk, 10am-6pm, regular shows during weekends & school holidays, included in standard admission prices • At-Bristol’s new family show inspired by British ESA astronaut Tim Peake’s space mission and life on the international space station. Explore what life is like for astronauts, from training to working in space.

UNTIL SUN 3 JAN A VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS Tyntesfield, Wraxall BS48 1NT. 01275 461900, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield. 11am3pm, standard admission prices apply • Immerse yourself in ‘A Very Victorian Christmas’ and experience the life of the family and their servants as they prepare for the festive period. Help the servants decorate and prepare the house or just relax with them and talk about a mysterious chap from London’s Baker Street who is visiting this Christmas.

UNTIL SUN 3 JAN EDRKUNDE: THE STUDY OF THE EARTH Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, Queens Rd, Bristol BS8 1RL. 0117 922 3571, www.bristolmuseums. org.uk/bristol-museum-andart-gallery, 10am-6pm, free • Artists John Wood and Paul Harrison present a new video CHRISTMAS 2015

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Looking for a ‘good’ local school?

Look no further as we celebrate a significant rise of 6% in overall results from last year!

Every day is an open day. Please contact us to book a tour: www.fairfield.bristol.sch.uk

REGISTER FOR YEAR 7 2016 TASTER DAYS ARE TAKING PLACE NOW

Scholarships & bursaries available | Entrance Exam: Saturday 9th January 2016 For further information visit www.colstons.org Email: admissions@colstons.org Telephone: 0117 965 5207

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CHRISTMAS 2015

A dynamic, progressive school with fabulous teachers that are warm & genuine - Prospective parent In the top 15% nationally for Value Added www.fairfield.bristol.sch.uk

...good with outstanding features

PRIMARY TIMES

20/11/2015 12:02:47

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PLEASE CHECK BEFORE YOU TRAVEL . . . AND TELL THEM YOU SAW THE EVENT IN PRIMARY TIMES! inspired by the museum’s geology collections.

Christmas at Bristol Zoo, including Santa’s Grotto until Wed 23 Dec and Enchanted Christmas Evenings, Fri 18-Sun 20 Dec

UNTIL SUN 3 JAN DRESS OF THE YEAR Bath Fashion Museum, Assembly Rooms, Bennett St, Bath BA1 2QH. 01225 477789, www.fashionmuseum.co.uk, 10.30am-5pm (4pm from Nov), included with standard admission • See the latest Dress of the Year as well as past selections from the Dress of the Year Collection.

UNTIL SUN 3 JAN FESTIVAL OF LIGHT Longleat Safari Park, Longleat, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 7NW. 01985 844400, www.longleat. co.uk, 10.30am-7pm, safari last entry 2pm, adult £28.95/child £21.95 • One of Europe’s largest ever displays of Chinese lanterns returns to transform Longleat into a glowing winter wonderland.

Enjoy a traditional Chinese dragon boat, the Santa Express to his snow-covered grotto, ice skating and more.

UNTIL MON 4 JAN SANTA’S INVENTION WORKSHOP At Bristol, At-Bristol, Anchor Rd, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5DB. 0117 915 1000, www.at-bristol.org.uk, drop-in sessions throughout the day, included in general admission prices • Transport yourself to the North Pole in Santa’s workshop and make your own scienceinspired stocking fillers to take home.

UNTIL TUE 5 JAN AT-BRISTOL ICE RINK At-Bristol, Anchor Rd, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5DB. 0117 915 1000, www.at-bristol. org.uk, see website for times, adult £8.50/concs £7.50/child £6.50 • The Harbourside ice rink is back. Fun for all ages including special Disco Boots-themed evenings and Little Boots morning sessions especially for under-8s.

Open every day except 25 and 26 Dec. UNTIL WED 6 JAN VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS ss Great Britain, Great Western Dockyard, Gasferry Rd, Bristol, Julia Donaldson-inspired Stick Man Activity Trail at Westonbirt Arboretum, until Mon 29 Feb

UNTIL SUN 13 MAR DEATH: THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, Queens Rd, Bristol BS8 1RL. 0117 922 3571, , www.bristolmuseums. org.uk/bristol-museum-and-artgallery, 10am-5pm (Mon-Fri), 10am-6pm (Sat-Sun), PWYT (pay what you think) • Major exhibition featuring many spectacular artefacts relating to the Mexican Day of the Dead, Victorian mourning rituals and mummification.

See how other cultures deal with death via displays of coffins, mourning clothes, grave goods and symbols.

BS1 6TY. 0117 926 0680, www. ssgreatbritain.org, 10am4.30pm, standard admission prices apply • Explore a Dickensian wonderland on board this nautical time machine.

UNTIL SUN 10 JAN WINTER WONDERLAND ICE SKATING The Mall, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol BS34 5DG. 0117 903 0303, www.mallcribbs.com, prices & time TBA, please see website • Situated in the heart of the Winter Wonderland and claimed to be the largest outdoor ice rink in the South West – so get your skates on for the festive season. There will also be a smaller rink for little ones or those less steady on their feet.

UNTIL FEB YOU MAKE BRISTOL WHAT IT IS … GREEN M Shed, Princes Wharf, Wapping Rd, Bristol BS1 4RN. 0117 352 6600, www.bristolmuseums. org.uk/m-shed, 10am-5pm TueFri/10am-6pm Sat-Sun, free • M Shed is celebrating Bristol’s status as European Green Capital.

Find out about the 10 most significant people and organisations on Bristol’s green agenda and what the city is doing to stay green.

UNTIL SUN 21 FEB SHERLOCK’S SUPER SLEUTH MYSTERY TRAIL Tyntesfield, Wraxall, BS48 1NT, 01275 461900, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/tyntesfield. 10am-3.30pm, normal admission charges apply plus £2.50 (includes prize) • A mystery on the Tyntesfield estate?

Elementary my dear Watson ... follow in the footsteps of the great Victorian detective and his trusty associate to solve the mysteries around Tyntesfield.

UNTIL MON 29 FEB WINTER KITCHEN At-Bristol, Anchor Rd, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5DB. 0117 915 1000, www.at-bristol.org.uk, drop-in sessions throughout the day, included in general admission prices • Join the At-Bristol team in their festive kitchen as they unravel the chemistry behind warming winter feasts – from sweet treats to savoury delights.

UNTIL MON 29 FEB WINTER IN THE GREENHOUSE At-Bristol, Anchor Rd, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5DB. 0117 915 1000, www.at-bristol.org.uk, drop-in sessions throughout the day, included in general admission prices • Winter isn’t all about hibernation – come and learn how to keep your fingers green during the colder months.

UNTIL MON 29 FEB STICK MAN ACTIVITY TRAIL Westonbirt Arboretum, Westonbirt, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8QS. 01666 880220, www.forestry.gov.uk/ westonbirt, 9am-5pm, trail free, additional activity pack £3 • Join Stick Man on his quest to find the family tree. Enjoy a walk around the arboretum or pick up an activity pack for a trail activity sheet, pencils, pipe cleaners, rubbing sheets and extra games and puzzles.

UNTIL SUN 6 MAR WINTER STARGAZING At-Bristol, Anchor Rd, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5DB. 0117 915 1000, www.at-bristol.org.uk,

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please see website for times, 2D show £2/3D £3 • Discover the wonders of space as a presenter shows you what you can see in our winter night sky.

UNTIL SUN 10 APR WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR M Shed, Princes Wharf, Wapping Rd, Bristol BS1 4RN. 0117 352 6600, www.bristolmuseums.org. uk/m-shed, 10am-5pm, £5/conc £4/under-16s free • The worldrenowned exhibition returns to M Shed with 100 images of wildlife from all over the globe. See animals from big cats to sealife and birds as you’ve never seen them before.

FRI 18 DEC CHRISTMAS CONCERTS: CLEVEDON CHORAL SOCIETY Tyntesfield, Wraxall BS48 1NT. 01275 461900, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield, 6.30-7.30pm, £15/child £10 (includes hot drink & mince pie) • Wrap up warm and enjoy a host of festive favourites in the chapel as the Clevedon Choral Society celebrate their 30th anniversary.

Meet at Home Farm up to 45 mins before to enjoy your refreshments.

FRI 18 DEC CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT Bristol Cathedral, College Green, Bristol BS1 5TJ. 0117 946 8184, www.bristol-cathedral.co.uk, 7.30-9.30pm, free • Join Bristol Cathedral for a very special evening of carols by candlelight.

The concert includes carols sung by the Cathedral Choir, festive readings and a chance for everyone to join in with some seasonal favourites.

FRI 18 DEC TYNTESFIELD ALL AGLOW Tyntesfield, Wraxall BS48 1NT. 01275 461900, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield, 5-8pm, adults £5/under-16s free • Tyntesfield is all aglow this Christmas. Peek through the windows and see the family waltz the night away. See gentlemen playing billiards, ladies escaping the hullabaloo and the servants busy scurrying around, making sure everything is just right at the social event of the year.

Booking essential, please call 0844 249 1895.

CHRISTMAS 2015

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PLEASE CHECK BEFORE YOU TRAVEL . . . AND TELL THEM YOU SAW THE EVENT IN PRIMARY TIMES! website for times, adults £8.50/ child £19.95/under-2s free or £5 for grotto visit • Join the elves for breakfast, visit Santa in his magical grotto, ice gingerbread men, toast marshmallows and enjoy a whole range of arts and crafts with a whole day of festive fun at Slimbridge. Afternoon tea with Santa is also available (entry prices and activities the same) from 3-4.30pm. Please see website for more details.

FRI 18-SAT 19 DEC TWILIGHT BUS TOURS Departs from Stop 1, Broad Quay, City Centre, Bristol BS1. 0117 4031994, www.citysightseeingbristol.co.uk, 4.30 & 6pm, adults £12/child £6 • Take a break from the Christmas shopping and see Bristol all lit up from the top deck. Travel past all the popular sights, including Clifton Suspension Bridge, St Mary Redcliffe and the Harbourside – and wrap up warm with blankets and complimentary hot chocolate.

FRI 18- SUN 20 DEC ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS Westonbirt Arboretum, Westonbirt, Tetbury, Gloucestershire GL8 8QS. 01666 880220, www.forestry. gov.uk/westonbirt, trail opens 5pm/last entry 7.30pm, adults £10/conc £8/child £5/under-5s free • Celebrate winter with a magical mile-long illuminated trail through Westonbirt’s trees.

Each year a new lighting design is created so visitors can experience different species, paths and vistas in the collection.

FRI 18-SUN 20 DEC ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS EVENINGS Bristol Zoo Gardens, Guthrie Rd, Bristol BS8 3HA. 0117 974 7300, www.bristolzoo.org.uk, 4.30-8pm/last entry 6.30pm, adults £8/child £5 • Enjoy an evening of festive entertainment where Santa will be live on stage and joined by the resident compere to play fun festive games. There will also be carol singing, reindeer, storytelling and an enchanting light show plus festive food and drink in the Coral restaurant and Christmasthemed items in the shop.

FRI 18-TUE 22 DEC SUPPER WITH SANTA Puxton Park, Cowslip Lane, Hewish, North Somerset BS24 6AH. 01934 523500, www.puxton.co.uk, 5-7pm, child £12.50/ adult £5 • Back by popular demand: join Santa for supper

Supper with Santa, Puxton Park, Fri 18-Tue22 Dec

and a special Christmas disco.

Includes party hats, crackers and a gift from the man himself.

SAT 19 DEC WILD WESTONBIRT Westonbirt Arboretum, Westonbirt, Tetbury, Gloucestershire GL8 8QS. 01666 880220, www.forestry.gov.uk/ westonbirt, 10am-4pm, free but must be booked in advance, call 0300 0674854 • Aged 14-18 and fancy learning more about bushcraft survival? Wild Westonbirt is a youth club with a difference: learn a range of traditional forest and survival skills, including den building, fire lighting, wildlife watching and woodland crafts.

SAT 19 DEC NATIVITY PLAY Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, Clevedon Rd, Wraxall, Bristol BS48 1PG. 01275 852606, www.noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk, 10.30am-5pm, free with standard admission • Noah’s Ark’s popular nativity is back to get everyone in the festive spirit.

Performed by Nailsea Baptist Church and featuring live animals, a real baby and the chance to take part in the play yourself.

SAT 19 DEC KIDS’ MASQUERADE BALL Christmas Spiegeltent,

Waterfront Square, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5LL. 0844 8871500, www.colstonhall.org, 1.303.30pm, all tickets £8.60 • Little ones don’t have to miss out this year thanks to a special Spiegeltent party especially for ages 5 and up: DJ Ned spinning disco favourites plus live cabaret performers, face painting, bubbles, games and arts and crafts.

SAT 19 DEC SATURDAY ART CLUB: ENCHANTED FOREST Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney St, Bath BA2 4DB. 01225 388569, www.holburne.org, 10.30am12.30pm, £9 per child • Produce your own enchanted Christmas tree hanging inspired by the Holburne’s Christmas theme.

Ages 5 to 13.

SAT 19 DEC CHRISTMAS CONCERTS: OWLS OF PILL Tyntesfield, Wraxall BS48 1NT. 01275 461900, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/tyntesfield, 4-5pm & 6.30-7.30pm, £15/child £10 (includes hot drink and mince pie) • Formed in 1919 by the Pill Owls Debating Society, the Owls of Pill bring the spirit of Christmas together with a slice of local history. The all-male choir will be dressed in traditional Dickensian costume as they sing a host of festive favourites.

SAT 19-SUN 20 DEC MILLENIUM SQUARE CHRISTMAS MARKET At-Bristol, Anchor Rd, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5DB. 0117 915 1000, www.at-bristol.org.uk, opening hours TBA, free • The Harbourside Market is back and bigger than ever. Head on down for over 100 stalls selling a variety of food, gifts and crafts before skating on Millennium Square’s real ice rink or warming up with a mulled cider.

Nativity Play, Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, Sat 19 Dec

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SAT 19-WED 23 DEC BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Bowditch, Gloucester GL2 7BT. 01453 891900, www.wwt.org. uk/wetland-centres/slimbridge, breakfast 9.15-10am, activities throughout the day, please see

SAT 19 DEC-SUN 3 JAN STARFISH IN THE CITY Bristol Aquarium, Anchor Rd, Bristol BS1 5TT. 0117 929 8929, www.bristolaquarium.co.uk, 10am-4pm, included in general admission prices • Go on a festive star trail through the aquarium and enjoy starry night storytelling.

Will you be the shining star who helps Santa Claws? Decorate the Aquarium’s giant Christmas tree with your handmade starfish or take it home with you.

SUN 20 DEC FAMILY CAROL SERVICE Bristol Cathedral, College Green, Bristol BS1 5TJ. 0117 946 8184, www.bristol-cathedral.co.uk, 3.30-4.30pm, free • Come along to this retelling of the nativity story especially for families. Wellknown carols and readings, with music provided by the Cathedral Choristers. Children are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels or shepherds. (Adults too, if you want!)

SUN 20 DEC CAROLS IN THE PARK Ston Easton Park Hotel, Ston Easton, Radstock BA3 4DF. 01761 241631, www.stoneaston.co.uk, 6pm, free • Everyone is welcome to join in traditional festive carols led by the Village Voices Community Choir. Mulled wine, hot chocolate and mince pies will be available to keep you warm.

SUN 20 DEC HOLIDAY HOMECOMING The American Museum in Britain, Claverton Manor, Claverton, Bath BA2 7DB. 01225 460503, www. americanmuseum.org, 1-4pm, included in admission price • Join the museum for an end to their Christmas season. Meet Father Christmas, join the choir for festive carols and create your own pop-up winter scene.

SUN 20 DEC MIDWINTER STONEHENGE WALK Stonehenge, Amesbury, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 7DE. 0844 2491895, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stonehenge-landscape, 1pm, adult £6/ children free • Explore the ancient monuments of Stonehenge on the midwinter solstice. Walk is approx.

3.5 miles.

SUN 20, WED 23 & THUR 24 DEC SANTA SPECIAL Avon Valley Railway, Bath Rd, Bristol BS30 6HD. 0117 932 5538, www.avonvalleyrailway.org, 9am-

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UP TO

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2016 HOLIDAYS if you book before the end of January Please see

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There’s a festive place near you With plenty of activities for you to do Shop at Christmas markets full of hand made gifts Or meet Father Christmas to give him your list Sing festive Carols beneath the fairy lights Or enjoy Christmas lunch and other delights A winter walk on our trails is a must As there’s nothing like a Christmas at the National Trust Find a traditional Christmas near you:

Avebury Manor, Lacock Abbey, Tyntesfield, Prior Park nationaltrust.org.uk/southwest

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©NTI/John Millar. Reg. Charity No. 205846

merry moments

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5pm, adult from £10/child from £5 • Steam into Christmas and visit Santa at the Avon Valley Railway.

Each child will receive a small gift and there are mince pies for the adults too. Trains depart at regular intervals: please see website for times. Booking recommended.

MON 21 DEC FAMILY FUN: CHRISTMAS ORIGAMI Museum of East Asian Art, 12 Bennett St, Bath BA1 2QJ. 01225 464640, www.meaa.org.uk, 2-3.30pm, £3.50 per child • Join an afternoon of origami and Christmas magic: make some decorations, create stars, Father Christmas, reindeers, angels and more.

TUE 22 DEC THE SNOWMAN The Forum, 1A Forum Buildings, Bath BA1 1UG. 01225 443114, www. bathforum.co.uk, 2.30pm, £18/child £12 • Bath Philharmonia will be walking in the air for their annual live performance of music from Raymond Briggs’ ‘The Snowman’.

A great opportunity to see this Christmas favourite on the big screen. The orchestra will also perform Christmas favourites including ‘The Night Before Christmas’, there’ll be a festive fancy dress parade and maybe even a visit from Father Christmas.

SAT 26 DEC-SUN 28 FEB WILD BIRD FEED Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Bowditch, Gloucester GL2 7BT. 01453 891900, www.wwt.org. uk/wetland-centres/slimbridge, various times throughout the day, included in general admission prices • Don’t miss this winter spectacle. In the comfort of the heated observatory, listen to the warden’s commentary as he feeds the thousands of Bewick swans and other wild birds that have flown all the way from Russia.

SUN 27 DEC WINTER WALKIES Tyntesfield, Wraxall, North Somerset BS48 1NX. 01275 461900, www.nationaltrust.org. uk/tyntesfield, 11am-12.30pm, £5 per dog (includes doggie treats & hot drink for humans) • Treat your four-legged friend to a special walk around Tyntesfield. You’ll be led by estate interpreters on a ramble of discovery. Booking essential, please call 0844 249 1895.

MON 28 DEC ROMAN LAMP MAKING Roman Baths, Stall St, Bath BA1 1LZ. 01225 477785, www. romanbaths.co.uk, 11am-3pm, included in general admission prices • Make a Roman oil lamp to light your way into the new year.

Suitable for ages 3+.

TUE 29 DEC ’50 THINGS’: ENGAGEMENT RANGER Leigh Woods, Valley Rd, Bristol BS8 3PZ. 0117 973 1645, www. nationaltrust.org.uk/leigh-woods, 10am-2pm, £3.50 • Visit Leigh 18

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Woods and follow the trail to look for the Bristol Giants as they enjoy a well-earned rest after Christmas.

Collect all the clues for a chance to win a prize.

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

Bristol Slapstick Festival, Thu 21-Sun 24 Jan

THU 31 DEC & FRI 1 JAN NEW YEAR FIREWORKS Longleat Safari Park, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 7NW. 01985 844400, www.longleat.co.uk, times & prices tba, please see website • Welcome in the New Year and celebrate Longleat Safari Park’s 50th anniversary with two nights of spectacular fireworks over the grounds.

JANUARY FRI 1 JAN NEW YEAR’S DAY VIENNESE SPECTACULAR Wiltshire Music Centre, Ashley Square, Winsley Rd, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire BA15 1DZ. 01225 860100, www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk, 7.30pm, adult £15/child or conc £9 • Welcome in the New Year with a programme of music from Viennese composer Johann Strauss. The orchestra is joined by violinist David Adams, leader of the Welsh National Opera Orchestra.

FRI 1 JAN DEERSTALKER DASH FAMILY FUN RUN Tyntesfield, Bristol BS48 1NT. 01275 461900, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ tyntesfield, 1-3pm, £3 • Start the new year as you mean to go on with Tyntesfield’s family fun run. There will be routes for all abilities, from a gentle course around the formal gardens to a more challenging track through the wider estate and woodland. Prizes for best fancy dress.

SUN 3 JAN SECRETS OF SILK WOOD Westonbirt Arboretum, Westonbirt, Tetbury, Gloucestershire GL8 8QS. 01666 880220, www.forestry.gov. uk/westonbirt, 11am, included in general admission prices • A walk exploring Silk Wood’s combination of native woodland and ornamental plantings. Each walk lasts around two hours and is led by experienced volunteer guides.

SAT 9 JAN SATURDAY ART CLUB: SELF PORTRAITS Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney St, Bath BA2 4DB. 01225 388569, www.holburne.org, 10.30am12.30pm, £9 per child • Using the Holburne’s portraits for research, create your own picture of what’s special to you. Suitable for ages 5-13.

TUE 12 & TUE 19 JAN BRILLIANT BABES 0-9 MONTHS Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney St, Bath BA2 4DB. 01225 388569, www.holburne.org, 1-3pm, £27 for 3 sessions • Make a sensory bag for your baby while they explore a safe, colourful environment. Meet other parents for a chat and share creative ideas over a coffee.

SAT 16 JAN MAKE YOUR OWN SOLAR PHONE CHARGER At-Bristol, Anchor Rd, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5DB. 0117 915 1000, www.at-bristol.org.uk, 10am-3pm, £30 • Learn how to harness solar energy and charge your phone anywhere for free.

Develop soldering skills and make your own charger out of recycled materials. Suitable for ages 14+.

THU 21-SUN 24 JAN SLAPSTICK FESTIVAL Various venues including Colston Hall, Bristol. 0117 9870442, www. slapstick.org.uk, Silent Comedy Gala tickets £10-£25, please see website for details • The annual celebration of silent comedy returns with over 20 events spread over four fun-packed days. It kicks off with a triple bill of classic films including Charlie Chaplin’s ‘The Kid’, and you can expect silent masterpieces, a special guest host and many more surprises over the course of the festival.

FEBRUARY SUN 7 FEB SECRETS OF SILK WOOD Westonbirt Arboretum, Westonbirt, Tetbury, Gloucestershire GL8 8QS. 01666 880220, www.forestry.gov.uk/ westonbirt, 11am, included in general admission prices • A walk exploring Silk Wood’s combination of native woodland and ornamental plantings. Each walk lasts around two hours and is led by experienced volunteer guides.

ONGOING EVENTS ONGOING TRAINS, BOATS AND LANES: THE STORY OF TRANSPORT IN RADSTOCK Radstock Museum, Waterloo Rd, Radstock BA3 3EP. 01761 437722,

www.radstockmuseum.co.uk • Transport exhibits tell the story of the town’s links with its neighbours.

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

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

ONGOING THEATRE TOURS Bristol Hippodrome, St Augustine’s Parade, Bristol BS1 4UZ. 0844 871 3012, www. atgtickets.com/bristol, regular Saturday tours, 10.30am, £16.40 • Go behind the scenes of Bristol’s West End for two hours of fun and adventure – from front-of-house history to the stars and gossip backstage. An exciting insight into how this historic Bristol theatrical institution runs.

ROUNDABOUT AND THEATRE LISTINGS BY ELLEN WHITE

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WANT TO EARN IN EXCESS OF £1,500 PER MONTH FROM HOME?

Music HUB

• Are you a young musician? Just starting out or experienced?

• Would you like to meet with other musicians in the B&NES area?

• Why not join one of our Music Centres and extend your skills in ensembles catering for beginners to post-grade 8 standard musicians?

Do you have young children?

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Ever fancied being your own boss?

B&NES Music Hub offers ensemble opportunities for over 400 pupils every week including: Contemporary Music Groups, Choirs, Rock Bands, Clubs for pre-school and primary aged children, Orchestras, Wind Bands, Instrumental Groups, Residential Courses, ForeignTours and Competitions

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

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Your Music Your Way!

B&NES

1ST—23RD DECEMBER **

FESTIVE TREATS ** GIFT FROM SANTA

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SEASONAL CRAFTS ** Image courtesy of One Eye Shut Photography

01594 822170 | www.deanheritagecentre.com | info@deanheritagecentre.com

CHRISTMAS 2015 19

24/11/2015 13:16:26

Parents’ little

When, if at all, should you start to get your children involved in the housework? Ann Marie Scanlon discusses the issues.

S

hould children help around the house? For some parents the answer is a resounding “of course!” Others agree in theory but just don’t have the time or energy to devote to ‘encouraging’ their offspring to tackle domestic tasks. Then there are those parents who think their children will be grown up soon enough and should be left to enjoy a responsibility-free childhood.

But is keeping a child free of all responsibility actually good for them? Not really, if a study by the University of Minnesota is to be believed. It suggests that, if a child has never had to fend for themselves practically, they will grow into a helpless adult.

Knowing how to use the washing machine, boil an egg and stock a fridge are things everyone should know before they leave home, the research indicates. It says that getting children as young as three involved in household tasks benefits them mentally and emotionally as adults. And once your child realises that their tasks contribute to the smooth running of your family life, they will feel valued and needed.

It’s never too early to start assigning your child chores around the house, according to the study. As soon as they start walking you should be able to ask them to tidy their toys at the end of the day, which may come as

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helpers?

a bit of a shock for those of us, including me, who didn’t know this. If your child is already at school there are certain jobs they could be doing already - tidying toys away, putting dirty clothes in the laundry basket, making the bed, preparing cereal for themselves and even unloading the dishwasher.

Whatever your child’s capabilities, if you are giving them chores for the first time, start small. Pick one or two tasks that you expect them to perform daily and/or weekly. Tell them what you want them to do and then show them how to do it. You need to be very specific. Explain how to shake the duvet out and arrange the pillows when making their bed or ask them to carry out the simple task of taking their plate to the sink, something of which all school age children are capable.

Unless your child is a total angel, you can expect some resistance and it can be tempting when you’re stuck in nagging mode to just give up and do the chore yourself as it’s quicker in the short term. But don’t give up. Be consistent with your child: this is their job now and they have to do it. Some parents reward children with pocket money for chores but most parenting experts agree that this is a bad idea. It’s a fact of life that things have to be done

around the home and remind them nobody pays you for doing the laundry. A good way of encouraging children to embrace their new-found responsibilities is to link the chore with something they like doing. For example you can tell your daughter that she’s free to play Minecraft after the dog has been fed, or your son that he can watch that YouTube video once the laundry is put away.

Many parenting experts and websites recommend making a ‘chore chart’. One approach is to list everything that needs to be done to keep the household running. These tasks can be divided into daily, weekly or monthly chores and assigned to each child based on age and ability. For busy parents drawing up a chore chart can seem like an awful lot of work in itself. To save time there are various chore charts you can download but if your children are unused to pitching in then it’s better not to overwhelm them with a variety of ‘to dos’.

When allocating tasks, never forget that they are still only children, so don’t expect or insist on perfection. If you do, you could end up yelling or doing it yourself, which leaves everyone feeling undermined, frustrated and angry. When setting regular tasks for your child, remember it’s about progress not perfection.

Age appropriate chores Children develop at different rates, so only a parent can really know when their kids are ready to take responsibility. But here’s a rough guide to what jobs children are capable of.

BY AGE 5 Dress with minimal parental help; tidy toys; put dirty clothing in the laundry basket; make bed; prepare a bowl of cereal.

AGE 6 TO 7 Sort laundry; set and clean the table; keep bedroom tidy (be specific about what “tidy” means); brush their own teeth.

AGE 8-9 Put groceries away, hoover, put away their own laundry; make toast; complete homework.

AGE 10+ Fold laundry, clean bathroom and kitchen; change bed linen; wash car; iron and cook under supervision.

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25/11/2015 11:41:49

Detail © David Doubilet (United States) Turtle Flight

Sat 28 Nov 2015 – Sun 10 Apr 2016

Sat 28 Nov - Sat 2 Jan Written & directed by Ben Crocker

Have a ball at The Roses’ panto this Christmas!

Tickets: £5/£4 conc.

Under 16s go free bristolmuseums.org.uk Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London

STAY_WELL_SGLO_A4 Landscape 2 193 x 133

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St Bernadete Catholic Secondary School Gr

aith

All Welcome We are celebratng the best GCSE results in the history of the school.

Academic Success - 66% of pupils obtained 5A*-C passes including English and Maths.

• Academic • Good Success Behaviour • High • Traditonal Expectatons Values • Inclusive • Strong Ethos Pastoral Care A Successful Learning Community We serve families across South & East Bristol and welcome all those seeking a quality educaton within a caring Christan environment.

Fossedale Avenue, Whitchurch, Bristol, BS14 9LS

Tel: 0117 377 2050 www.stberns.bristol.sch.uk 22

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©LW

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Go get ‘em!

Forgotten a present for a loved one? Desperate for those final stocking fillers? When it’s too late to order online, Ellen White has the perfect guide to locally available presents.

T

here’s always one . . . or perhaps three or four . . . those presents that have fallen off the gift list in the mad rush at the computer screen or the checkout, as your list of relatives swims in and out of mental focus. The chances are, just when you thought the hard work was all over, you realise an essential present is missing. But fear not, all the items in this list should be physically available from a shop near you, so there’s no need to trust to an online delivery service – placing that treasured gift under the tree in time for Christmas day is entirely in your hands.

with a knight, prince, princess and fiery dragon all in soft plush material and vibrant colours. £17 ASpace 86 Whiteladies Rd, Bristol, BS8 2QN. W: www.aspace.co.uk.

original, it’s fun, loud, and may even help children expand their vocabulary too. £15.99.

John Lewis The Mall, Cribbs Causeway, Merlin Rd, Bristol, BS34 5QU. W: www.johnlewis.com.

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ARTICULATE! KIDS’ EDITION Younger children can join in the fun with a special kids’ version of this fast-paced board game. Race against the clock to describe as many words as possible without rhymes or ‘soundslike’ clues. Over 2,000 cards with the same six categories as the PRIMARY TIMES

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3 EDIBLE CHRISTMAS TREATS Under the guidance of a chef, spend two and a half hours making edible Christmas treats for the family. The class is based around baking and decorating, after which you take your treats home in handmade gift packaging. Classes available on Mon 21, Tue 22 and Wed 23 Dec. 10.30am-1pm or 2-4.30pm. £35 per child.

Bordeaux Quay V-Shed, Canons Way, Bristol, BS1 5UH. W: www.bordeaux-quay.co.uk.

3

GARDEN FAIRIES Meet fairy Orla, Princess Fairybelle and Queen Gardinia, three delightfully crafted garden fairies, all with

individual, detailed costumes.

Featuring lots of ribbons, flowers and brightly coloured satin, they’re bound to look just as magical on the tree or as an addition to the toy box. £17.

ASpace 86 Whiteladies Rd, Bristol, BS8 2QN. W: www.aspace.co.uk

4

RUDI REINDEER A super-soft version of Santa’s favourite reindeer to snuggle up to on cold winter nights. Sure to become a much loved addition to children’s toy collections over the Christmas period and beyond. £16 Jojo Maman Bebe 56 The Mall, Bristol, BS8 4JG. W: www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk.

A BOY CALLED CHRISTMAS Technology may be slowly taking over our homes but you still can’t beat the joy of a really good book. Matt Haig’s ‘A Boy Called Christmas’ tells the “true” story of Father Christmas, long, long ago when he was just an ordinary boy called Nikolas.

With only his mouse friend, Miika for company, Nikolas sets off to the Far North in search of his father and the home of the elves.

A warm, witty modern Christmas classic. £9.99 Foyles Bookstore Cabot Circus, Quakers Friars, Bristol, BS1 3BU. W: www.foyles.co.uk. »

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PALACE PUPPETS Spark little ones’ imagination and encourage storytelling with these medieval themed hand puppets.

Contains all the characters you need for a heroic adventure, CHRISTMAS 2015

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Go get ‘em!

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CHRISTMAS JUMPERS Keep warm in style on Christmas morning with Jojo Maman Bebe’s range of delightful festive knitwear. Most jumpers are a cashmere mix making them super soft, yet still machine washable for convenience. All knitwear pictured £22.

Jojo Maman Bebe 56 The Mall, Bristol, BS8 4JG. W: www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk.

REMOTE CONTROL CAN RACER Taking its name from its nifty and compact packaging, this zippy racing car is surprisingly nimble for a remote control vehicle of its size and easy to store for those short on space. If you’re looking to test its manoeuvrability for yourself, just set out the four cones included to make a course for this racer to weave in and out of. £10 Hawkins Bazaar 40 Stall St, Bath,BA1 1QH. W: www.hawkin.com

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COLOUR CHANGING CLAY ANIMALS An affordable and unusual stocking filler, this neat all-in-one kit comes with everything you need to make a statue including clay and one of four different animal moulds. Simply knead the clay into the mould, using the sculpting tools if necessary, then remove the mould and let your clay animal set in the sunlight. As the clay hardens it changes colour, making this a magical craft project for children. Order more than one to receive multiple animal designs. £3 Hawkins Bazaar 40 Stall St, Bath, BA1 1QH. W: www.hawkin.com

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CUPCAKE CLASSES If your child loves baking then this is the perfect gift for them.

Brush up on your icing skills with a private cupcake party for up to 10 children. Sessions include butter cream piping, royal icing techniques and lots of sprinkles.

All cakes are cooked beforehand so all you have to do is enjoy the decorating process. Aprons and equipment are provided so no mess or fuss, just lots of fun. Each child will make seven cup cakes, six boxed to take home and one to eat during the party time. £10 per child.

Minky Kitten Cakes Lowlands, Chilcompton Rd, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2NP. W: www.minkykittencakes.co.uk.

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JELLYCAT ‘TOOTHIES’ These toothy, grinning animals are bound to put a smile on your face. Made by best-selling soft toy range Jellycat, cuddle up to a range of beaming creatures including a crocodile, cat and even a dinosaur.

There’s bound to be a favourite for everyone. £17.99, large shark £39.99.

Soukous 44a-46 Cotham Hill, Bristol, BS6 6LA. W: www.soukous.co.uk.

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PAINT YOUR OWN TEA SET Have tea time in style as you get creative with a 12 piece, white ceramic miniature tea set using colourful ceramic paints - just follow the suggested designs or make your own. Contains a tea pot, milk jug, cups, saucers and a sugar bowl. £8 The Entertainer 80 High St, Bath, BA3 2DE. W: www.thetoyshop.com

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COMPETITION

5tH & 6tH 12tH & 13tH

Food&drink Arts&CrAFts GiFts&toys 10Am  5.30pm Free pArkinG HiGH QuAlity, FresH Cut, loCAl CHristm As trees tAurus Cr AFts, lydney, Glos, Gl15 6bu www.tAurusCr AFts.Co.uk  01594 844841 Find us on tHe A48 west oF lydney

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BACK IN BATH AFTER A CRITICALLY-ACCLAIMED TOUR AN EGG CHRISTMAS SHOW FOR ALL THE FAMILY the egg & West Yorkshire Playhouse in association with MAC, Belfast & Theatr Iolo present

LITTLE SURE SHOT ««««« «««« «««« «««« «««« THEATRE BATH

THE STAGE

THE PUBLIC REVIEWS

MUSICAL THEATRE REVIEW

YORKSHIRE POST

There’s a new star heading our way this Christmas, when the inspirational Little Sure Shot blazes into Bath in an action-packed adventure fi filled lled with comedy, romance and country music. Based on the real-life rags-to-riches story of how little Annie befriends the famous showman Buffalo Bill and grows up to be the queen of the Wild West, Little Sure Shot will amuse, delight and inspire audiences of all ages.

Sitting between True Grit and Annie Get Your Gun, Little Sure Shot is performed by an exceptionally versatile and talented company of actor/musicians and returns to the egg following a critically-acclaimed UK tour. This updated production features all the magic, theatrical flair and original music that audiences have come to love in the egg’s Christmas productions.

Little Sure Shot is recommended for children aged 6 and above but has been enjoyed by all members of the family.

Cast: John Biddle, Tom Jude, Verity Kirk, David Leopold & Paxsie Vernon.

Written and composed by Lucy Rivers (GabbleBabble) Conceived and Directed by Amy Leach (Storm on the Lawn) Designed by Hayley Grindle (Heidi - A Goat’s Tale, Ben Hur, Around the World in 80 Days, The Nutcracker)

“THIS IS A TRULY GREAT SHOW FOR ALL THE FAMILY” BATH CHRONICLE

“EXUBERANT AND BURSTING WITH ENERGY” THE STAGE

“THE ACTION SKIPS ALONG AT A SPRIGHTLY PACE” GUARDIAN

“WILL DELIGHT YOUNG AND OLD ALIKE...

A PALPABLE HIT” THE PRESS

Mon

7 14 21 2.00 7.00 28 2.00 7.00 4

Tue

8 2.00 7.00 15 2.00 7.00 22 2.00 7.00 29 2.00 7.00 5 2.00 7.00

Wed

9 2.00 7.00 16 2.00 7.00 23 2.00 7.00 30 2.00 7.00 6 2.00 7.00

Thur

Fri

3 DEC 4 7.00 10 2.00 7.00 17 2.00 7.00 24 11.00 3.00 31 11.00 3.00 7 2.00 7.00

11 2.00 7.00 18 25 1 JAN 8 2.00 7.00

Sat

5 2.00 7.00 12 2.00 7.00 19 2.00 7.00 26 2 2.00 7.00 9 2.00 7.00

Sun

6 1.00 5.00 13 1.00 5.00 20 1.00 5.00 27 1.00 5.00 3 1.00 5.00 10 1.00 5.00

£17 adults / £12 children & students All tickets £12 £17 adults / £12 children & students Schools discounts apply to these performances - £8 each plus one free teacher per 10 tickets booked Preview: all tickets £10

3rd Dec 2015 – 10th Jan 2016

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CHRISTMAS 2015

PRIMARY TIMES Box Office: 01225 823409 www.theatreroyal.org.uk/the-egg

20/11/2015 12:45:59

ADVERTISING FEATURE

d r a o b n Pi Get your skates on!

Bath on Ice, Bath’s festive ice rink, is back by popular demand with brand new Glow in the Dark Mini Golf to boot. It’s located in Royal Victoria Park in central Bath.

The indoor Ice Lounge bar and café offers a range of food and drinks, including beers, mulled wine, coffee, hot chocolate and wood-fired pizzas.

Lit-up after dark, this city-centre location is ideal for festive activity.

The rink is open from 10am until 9pm daily (except Christmas Day) from Friday 20 November until Sunday 3 January. Glow in the Dark golf is open from 4.30pm until 9pm.

Prices start from £7.25 pp. Golf is from £4.50 pp. Bath on Ice also welcomes group bookings, including school groups, birthday and Christmas parties where catering can be provided. Group discounts are available.

For further details and to book online visit the website.

Ffi: Bath on Ice W: www.bathonice.com

Parents’ & teachers’

news, education & contacts

Give us a clue

The Detective Project offers fun crime scene investigation events for children aged 7 plus and adults at detective birthday parties, educational workshops and corporate events. The Bristol-based company is celebrating the fifth anniversary of its foundation by Jenny Williams and the appointment of its third franchisee: Tim Marshall covers the Wessex area, from Bath to Dorchester and Salisbury to Taunton.

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

School events include after-school clubs, science week workshops and holiday activities.

“My aim is that The Detective Project will in time run across the UK, giving a wider audience the opportunity to experience the challenge of being a detective.”

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

Have a Cowtastic Christmas The Playbarn at Farrington’s Farm Park is open throughout December for festive fun and games. There’ll be Christmas tree decorating competitions during the holidays and Father Christmas’s grotto will be open for business.

You can find children’s toys and clothing in Berry Barn and Mini Moos or book a festive craft workshop. Learn how to make a door wreath with Amy at The Flower Cabin or handmake your own decorations with Keepers’ Preloved craft workshops. And there are hundreds of gorgeous Christmas goodies and homemade gifts available at Farrington’s Farm Shop too.

Santa’s grotto is open from 10am3pm on 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 December and costs £3 including a gift.

Ffi: Farrington’s Farm Park W: www.farringtons.co.uk

Just do it!

Tae ‘can do’

Pupils at Gracefield School in Bristol recently donned wellies to take part in a special Zulu dance with a group of youngsters from South Africa. The visitors were from the Project Zulu choir, touring the UK to raise money to build new classrooms in KwaZulu-Natal.

The choir taught the pupils traditional songs and dances including The Gumboot Dance, performed in wellington boots. The school has previously supported Project Zulu through various fundraising activities and believes it is important to link with a cause that’s helping the development of education facilities in another country. Gracefield wants to engender a sense of responsibility amongst its pupils toward other children in different circumstances, with Ofsted commenting that “strengths throughout the school include outstanding spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and outstanding behaviour”. Dancing in wellies is just one fun way they can keep up this standard.

Perform is a unique children’s drama school.

Focusing on child development, it uses a specially formulated mix of drama, dance and singing to bring out every child’s potential. Small class sizes ensure lots of individual attention from experienced actor-teachers who focus on developing the 4 Cs: confidence, communication, coordination and concentration. And on having the best fun of the week.

From January, Perform 4-7s will unearth their hidden superhero powers as they go on a top-secret mission in ‘Superheroes’. They’ll rock with ‘Rocketgirl’ and sing along with brainy ‘Branio’ in an adventure to save the world. The 7-12 children are heading to the Hollywood Hills for ‘Jack and the Wonder Beans’, an adaptation of ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ that’s sure to bring out your child’s star qualities.

Venues include Lansdown, Larkhall, Clifton, Redland, Westbury Park and Weston-super-Mare. Perform offers a no-obligation, free trial session.

Hanham and Downend Taekwon-do is a local, friendly and vibrant martial arts school offering classes for all ages and abilities.

The Little Pumas group is aimed at 4-6-year-olds and develops skills like concentration, coordination, balance, memory, teamwork and more.

Junior Taekwon-do, from 6-11 years, is a fun class learning traditional martial arts, with plenty of opportunities for achievement and rewards along the way. Older children aged 12+ in the Senior Taekwon-do class will enjoy the challenges of working through a traditional syllabus and grading system.

Parents and adults are also welcome so you don’t have to sit on the sidelines watching the kids have all the fun.

The school offers two free trial classes so you can come along and find out more or email for more information. Quote Primary Times in your email to receive an additional 20.16% off the school’s introductory package.

Ffi: Gracefield School, Bristol W: www.gracefieldschool.co.uk or www.projectzulu.org

Ffi: Perform T: 020 7255 9120 E: enquiries@perform.org.uk W: www.perform.org.uk

Ffi: Hanham and Downend Taekwon-do E: hdtkd@live.com

Gracefield gives it some welly

PRIMARY TIMES

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LARGEST OUTDOOR

ICERINKIN THE

SOUTH WEST Opens on Thursday 12 November

• • • • • •

Santa’s Enchanted Ice Castle Over 1000m2 Ice Rink Nursery Ice Rink Christmas Train in The Mall Café and Viewing Area Guaranteed Snow!

Details from mallcribbs.com

The Joy of Christmas Shopping 22

p28.indd 2

CHRISTMAS 2015

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

d r a o b n Pi Action stations!

Get your adrenaline pumping this winter by taking on Mojo Active’s new high ropes course, located just off junction 17 of the M5.

Each stage of the course is designed for maximum fun, adventure and challenge, whether it’s swinging through the trees using rickety bridges, traverse nets, organ pipes, islands in the sky or zooming down the 100m zip wire. It’s open every weekend and during school holidays and you can book online or over the phone (see below).

And for more fun, Mojo Active’s Christmas school holiday club is now taking bookings. The club will run on weekdays until 23 December and consistently sells out so please book early to avoid disappointment.

There’s a huge range of activities on offer, including archery, climbing wall, orienteering, tunnel maze, den building, team games and Christmas treasure hunts in addition to special away days.

Ffi: Mojo Active T: 01454 660075 W: www.mojoactive.co.uk

Warm up at Watershed Watershed is offering a selection of warming drinks to get you in the mood alongside some great family films this Christmas.

Check out the gorgeous and unusual animation ‘Zarafa from Africa’ (pictured). Plus there’s a screening of classic feelgood film ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ (from Fri 18 Dec). So come along and get some festive twinkle in your step…

‘Zarafa’ (PG) is screening at 1pm and 3pm from 27-31 Dec. Featuring beautifully hand-drawn animation of land-, sea- and city-scapes, it’s the story of Maki, a boy who befriends a giraffe called Zarafa and how they stick together even when Zarafa is sent to Paris as a gift for the king. Their adventure takes them from Sudan to France via Alexandria and the snow-capped Alps, crossing paths with a pilot, a pirate and a pair of very unusual cows.

Will they succeed in getting Zarafa back to Egypt?

Parents’ & teachers’

news, education & contacts

Good old St Nick!

Experiencing the outdoors

St Nicholas Market has been the traditional centre of Bristol market activity since 1743. Situated in the historic ‘old city’ area, its permanent indoor market buildings and outdoor stalls are home to the largest collection of independent retailers in Bristol.

Offering a variety of quality Christmas crafts, giftware and food, the market is now open seven days a week for the Christmas season.

There will also be a special night market from 6-9pm on 11 December with food stalls, crafts and entertainment all available till late, while 6 December is, of course, St Nicholas’ Day itself, so you can expect to find lots of additional festive happenings all around the market on that special day as well.

Ffi: St Nicholas Market W: www2.bristol.gov.uk/nav/stnicholas-markets

In a nutshell Christmas Eve is a time of waiting. All the lamps are out, and the lights in the tree twinkle like stars amongst its dark boughs, casting deep shadows into every corner. There are secret whispers and rustles and murmurs behind each locked door. On Christmas Eve, anything is possible … It’s the perfect setting for a classic Yuletide tale and Theatre Orchard’s ‘Nutshell Nutcracker’ promises to be just that.

Produced in association with Ballet Central, it’s written and directed by Toby Hulse, with choreography by Ballet Central’s Sara Matthews and Christopher Marney from Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures.

‘Nutshell Nutcracker’ is a magical and darkly enchanting retelling of the story made famous by Tchaikovsky’s ballet and mixes a brand new reimagining of his score with dance and storytelling to cast its festive spell.

Recommended for ages 4+, it runs from Sat 19 Dec to Sat 2 Jan at Theatre Shop in Clevedon, with tickets costing £10/£8.

Ffi: Theatre Shop Clevedon BS21 7HX W: www.theatreshop.org.uk

Children at Hambrook Hedgehogs have started the new school year getting their hands dirty.

With an emphasis on outdoor play, children as young as 2 years old are digging up potatoes and mixing herb and mud pies. Based near Hambrook Common, Bristol, the preschool has the feel of the countryside yet is conveniently located near the Avon Ring Road and the motorway network.

Zoe Hendy, manager and qualified forest school leader says, “We believe we have created a truly nurturing environment for children, where they learn through play, both indoors and out”.

The preschool is located in a welcoming converted house with a cosy environment that allows the children to bloom. Rated ‘Good with Outstanding Contribution to Children’s Wellbeing’, the school was delighted, says Zoe, “That our strong team’s emphasis on teaching strategies, stimulating environment and relationships with children and parents has been recognised in our Ofsted inspection.”

Ffi: Hambrook Hedgehogs W: www.hambrookpreschool.co.uk

Open wide!

Green Dental Practice is a professional and friendly team located in the heart of Sea Mills. It is currently accepting new NHS and private patients from all areas.

Patients of all ages are given a warm welcome and nervous patients are treated with kindness and sensitivity.

Recent comments about the practice include: “Friendly and professional staff’; “Brilliant. Thank you!”; “Always very professional and helpful”; and “Professional, polite, efficient.

Excellent treatment.”

The surgery is situated on one level, offering easy access to all. Same-day appointments are available, with a range of private and NHS treatments on offer, including cosmetic dentistry, crowns, veneers, bridges, dentures, teeth whitening and air polishing.

Home and domiciliary visits are also available.

Ffi: Green Dental Practice T: 0117 968 6394 W: www.greendentalpractice.net

Ffi: Watershed W: www.watershed.co.uk

PRIMARY TIMES

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ng Helping cHildren Have fun learni tHrougH play, indoors and out and Morning, Afternoon

Adver tising Feature le

New Year, new stage

l Sessions Availab

full day Preschoo

We offer funded hours for 2, 3 and 4 year olds Popular Forest School sessions included in curriculum Run by a dedicated team of experienced and highly qualified staff Ofsted rated GOOD with OUTSTANDING contribution to the well-being of children

Currently taking preschool bookings for January 2016 and beyond

©LW

Website: www.hambrookpreschool.co.uk call now for more information on telephone: 0117 9566800 | email: Beccy@hambrookpreschool.co.uk

KIDS

PARTIES

From just £13.95 per head

ICE RINK & LASER QUEST

www.icequest.co.uk

Telephone: 01684 575222 SPRING LANE NORTH, MALVERN WR14 1BU

• In 2016, create a New Year’s resolution for your child that introduces a new sense of fun and discovery into their life. Research carried out last year by Stagecoach Theatre Arts found that parents send their children to the theatre school because they want to help them find their own path, do what they enjoy, and be themselves.

Stagecoach Theatre Arts offers children a chance to explore the performing arts and gain important life skills. Their acting, singing and dance classes boost self-confidence, creativity and curiosity – skills that will stay with them for life. Stagecoach has been providing part-time performing arts tuition for over 27 years, teaching children aged 4-18 in a fun, educational and stimulating environment. Confidence is key. Class sizes are kept small to ensure that each student receives the attention needed to develop as an individual in all aspects of life.

Stagecoach provides students with the opportunity to perform in London’s West End and at many regional events across the country.

Students are able to take LAMDA examinations, which not only contribute towards UCAS points but also boost their ability to present themselves in front of others with confidence and self-belief.

Stagecoach Theatre Arts runs nine sessions across the Bristol/ Bath area on Fridays and Saturdays.

Ffi: Stagecoach W: www.stagecoach.co.uk

Adver tising Feature

Clip ‘n climb confidence Scientifically developed.

Supports brain function* Equabalanced™ essential fatty acids

What clever little capsules *DHA contributes to maintenance of normal brain function.

The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 250mg of DHA.

range available at Boots, Holland & Barrett, Tesco, Waitrose and independent pharmacies.

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• Clip ‘n Climb Bristol is a unique and fun climbing centre in St Werburghs, Bristol, easily accessible from the M4 and M32.

With on-site parking, it offers exciting climbing activities for children aged 4 upwards. The individually designed walls offer your children the opportunity to build confidence and improve agility whilst having fun. The Jungle Gym is great for net climbing and, whilst exceptionally good fun, also tests their co-ordination and core strength. If your children love scrambling, Jungle Gym is one for them.

According to the website 365 Bristol, “It’s always a good sign when the kids are asking to go back before they’ve even left the building. We will definitely be paying Clip ‘n Climb another visit soon.”

For the brave-hearted, the ‘Leap of Faith’ is an amazing test of courage as your child, safely harnessed, jumps from a raised platform to try to reach a suspended grab bag - a winner with competitive adults as well!

The centre uses the very best safety equipment in the form of auto belay systems, with high levels of supervision from the well-trained, friendly staff.

Clip ‘n Climb welcomes families, school groups, clubs and party groups. Don’t worry if your children require extra help or attention, the staff will adapt to their needs allowing you to relax with a coffee or join in the fun.

Ffi: Clip ‘n Climb Unit B, New Gatton Road, St Werburghs, Bristol, BS2 9SH W: www.clipnclimbbristol.co.uk

PRIMARY TIMES

24/11/2015 10:18:43

Adver tising Feature

They’ve got the M factor!

Discover Bath’s Roman treasure

Successful pupils enjoy The Maths Factor “graduation” ceremony.

• The second annual Maths Factor Graduation Day, hosted by television presenter and education author Carol Vorderman, celebrated the achievement of 30 primary school children who have made exceptional progress in the online course founded by the former Countdown star.

Held this October at the London offices of Pearson’s, the leading learning company that owns The Maths Factor, the event saw Carol herself present each child with a certificate and a mortar board.

Two groups of 12 children, known as ‘graduates’ and ‘progress champions’, were commended on the day. They and their families enjoyed the graduation ceremony, as well as a slice of the fantastic Maths Factor cake. Each child also left with a celebratory goody bag and balloon.

Maths Factor Graduates are selected from those who have completed the site’s main course during the last 12 months. Progress champions, selected from Years 1 to 5, are chosen on how much progress they have made compared to others in their year group also using The Maths Factor. Subscription to the site is £9.99 per month, with no minimum contract, and can be cancelled at any time.

www.romanbaths.co.uk

Ffi: The Maths Factor W: www.themathsfactor.com

Adver tising Feature

Fifty years in showbiz!

• This year the Bristol School of Performing Arts (BSPA) celebrate more than 50 years of association with Bristol Hippodrome and the region’s major venues in providing young performers for professional producDick in aring appe ren BSPA child tions. That’s hardly sursor Wind ara Barb with Whittington prising, though, when you realise that all of BSPA’s tutors are industry professionals, many of whom regularly travel to Bristol from their London base every week during term time.

The list of professional productions with which BSPA has been associated over the years reads like a veritable ‘who’s who’ of musical theatre ...

Explore 56 acres of brilliant autumn colour in the Arboretum, browse the selection of pocket money-priced goodies in our gift shop and enjoy a home-baked lunch or a sweet treat in our café. Batsford is a perfect day out for all the family - dog friendly too!

Jesus Christ Superstar, Hello Dolly, Evita, Whistle Down the Wind, The Hobbit, South Pacific, Dr. Dolittle, Never Forget (the Take That musical), Annie, Oliver (West End), Sound of Music (and tour), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (and tour), Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (for over 40 years).

And that’s not to mention more than 50 years of Bristol Hippodrome pantomimes.

Bringing professional tuition and West End opportunities to your doorstep, BSPA offers potential students a free trial and you can find out more on the school’s website. The next opportunity could well be yours!

Ffi: Bristol School of Performing Arts E: info@bspa.biz W: www.bspa.biz

Batsford Arboretum & Garden Centre, Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 9AD T: 01386 701441 E: arboretum@batsfordfoundation.co.uk Visit www.batsarb.co.uk for details on our forthcoming events including Santa's Grotto at Christmas! ©LW

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Adver tising Feature

0844 887 1500* www.colstonhall.org

Choosing your Christmas and New Year health care

sun 20 dec, 6pm

the nutcracker & the snowman with the orchestra of the welsh national opera and classic fm’s tim lihoreau

*Calls cost 5p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge

Contacting the right service can save you time and helps the NHS make the best use of its resources.

• Where would you go for advice or treatment if you or a loved one were injured or felt unwell over the Christmas holidays? Figures suggest that approximately one out of every four people who go to accident and emergency (A&E) could have been treated easily and quickly elsewhere, either through self-care or by using one of the local NHS services available throughout the holiday period.

Choosing the right service for your needs can save you time and effort, and helps the NHS make the best use of its resources. So this Christmas make sure you’re aware of your options, and choose the right service for you and your family’s needs.

• Dial NHS 111 free if you need medical help fast, but it’s not an emergency, or if you’re not sure what service you need. It’s free to call from mobiles and landlines and is available at any time of day or night.

• Visit your pharmacist for confidential, expert advice on a wide range of common illnesses and ailments, without an appointment.

For details of pharmacists open over the Christmas break, dial 111 or check on your local NHS website.

• Make an appointment with your GP if you have an illness or injury that won’t go away. For urgent out-of hours care, contact your practice, or dial 111.

• Visit a Minor Injuries Unit for on-the-spot treatment of minor injuries like strains, sprains and broken bones. There are centres in Bristol, Clevedon and Yate – dial 111 for details.

• Remember, A&E and 999 are for life-threatening emergencies – if in doubt, ring 111 for advice.

Adver tising Feature

Dedicated to achievement

Santa Cruises

December 12, 13 and 19 through till 24

12.00pm, 1.30pm, 3.00pm £9.50 per person Booking essential call: 01452 318200/1 New galleries 2016. The museum will close on Sunday 1 November and reopen Summer 2016. Look out for a pop-up museum in and around Gloucester during this time.

canalrivertrust.org.uk/Gloucester GloucesterWaterwaysMuseum @gloswaterways

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• Colston’s School aims to inspire all children to achieve their best. Small classes and dedicated staff ensure that work is carefully planned to meet the needs of each child. The curriculum is bright and engaging and ensures strong foundations in the core subjects, as well as opportunities for exploration in science, humanities, art and music. The children look forward with great excitement to their weekly Forest School visits.

Colston’s also has dedicated areas in the lower school for science, art and music, but the children are also frequent visitors to the excellent facilities on the upper school site.

As well as a plethora of extracurricular activities, the school offers an excellent wrap-around care programme where parents can drop off pupils from 7.45am and collect until 5.30pm.

Parents and potential pupils are more than welcome to experience the environment at Colston’s for themselves by arranging a visit to the school.

Ffi: Colston’s School W: www.colstons.org

PRIMARY TIMES

24/11/2015 10:20:42

Adver tising Feature

Totally wild • The worldrenowned Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition has returned to Bristol’s M Shed, featuring 100 awe-inspiring images. On loan from the Natural History Museum in London, the exhibition is the most prestigious photography event of its kind, showcasing the natural world’s most astonishing and challenging sights for over 50 years. It has become a firm favourite in Bristol and is the perfect day out for families of all ages during the Christmas holidays.

The competition was launched in 1965 and attracted 361 entries; today it receives more than 42,000 entries from 96 countries. This year’s 100 award-winning images will embark on an international tour during which they will be seen by millions of people across six continents.

Judged by an international jury of photography experts, the images, submitted by professional and amateur photographers, were selected for their creativity, artistry and technical complexity.

The winners of the internationally acclaimed competition will be on display alongside the category finalists at M Shed.

The exhibition continues until 10 April 2016. Tickets cost £5 for adults and £4 concessions while under-16s are free.

Ffi: M Shed, Bristol W: www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/m-shed/

Adver tising Feature

A shot of magic Pic: Farrows Creative

• There’s a brand new family musical heading your way this Christmas, when the inspirational ‘Little Sure Shot’ blazes into Bath’s egg theatre in an action-packed adventure filled with comedy, romance and country music. Based on the real-life rags-to-riches story of how little Annie Oakley befriends the famous showman Buffalo Bill and grows up to be the queen of the Wild West, this inspirational show will amuse and delight audiences of all ages.

‘Little Sure Shot’ is performed by an exceptionally versatile and talented company of actor/musicians (including egg favourite John Biddle) and returns to Bath following a critically-acclaimed UK tour. This updated production features all the magic, theatrical flair and original music that audiences have come to love in the egg’s Christmas productions.

‘Little Sure Shot’ is at the egg theatre until Sun 10 Jan and tickets are on sale now from the Theatre Royal Box Office or online (see below). The show is recommended for children aged 6 and over but will be enjoyed by all members of the family.

The egg’s 10th birthday is marked with a celebratory autumn season which includes wonderful children’s theatre from all over the world. In addition, the egg café now opens seven days a week and has a shiny new birthday party package, while the highly-acclaimed youth theatre for ages 5 to 18 becomes the TRB Theatre School. For full details of shows and activities visit the website.

Ffi: The egg T: 01225 448844 or 01225 823409 W: www.theatreroyal.org.uk/the-egg

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THE COMPLETE “GO WILD” NATIVITY ANIMALS CHRISTMAS TREAT See Santa & meet the donkeys Visit the Enchanted Christmas Cavern Christmas Quizzes and Trails Christmas Play Barn Fun

Dick Whittington Farm Park Little London, Longhope, Gloucestershire, GL17 0PH

Tel: 01452 831000

ONE ADULT

FREE

with this advert VALID UNTIL 4.1.16

NATIVITY ANIMALS

www.dickwhittington.org

Christmas Special 19th-24th December (then open 27th Dec to 5th Jan)

ALSO OPEN

NEW A YE RS DAY

Forest of Dean Tourist Attraction of the Year

INDOOR HEATED PLAYBARN National Farm Park Award Winners

CHRISTMAS 2015 33

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Hello Kids!

Thank you so much for the fantastic pictures you send me. With Christmas and New Year coming up we’ve teamed up with our friends at Bristol Zoo, who are very kindly giving a family ticket to the painters of the three best pictures on the theme of animals in winter. So get your crayons out, let your imaginations run wild and send me your pictures to: Arty Barty, Primary Times, B-N&M, Temple Way, Bristol, BS2 0BY, or email high resolution jpegs to my editor at: mike.gartside@localworld. co.uk

Arty Barty You all drew brilliant Santa’s Farmyard pictures for me and it was very hard to choose, so don’t be downhearted if your entry didn’t get printed. Winners receive a family ticket to Cattle Country Adventure Park, Gloucestershire.

Imogen Granger, 7, Preshute Primary School, e.

Manton, Wiltshir t Imogen has dream up a wonderful combination of domestic farm animals, like the pig in the left corner and the magical flying reindeer. I love the carefully wrapped gifts in all the animals’ pens.

Harikesh Rajanikanth, 5, Fieldcourt Church of England Infant Academy, Gloucestersh Harikesh’s bold blue sky ire. is striking and makes Santa’s red suit sta nd out more.

Don’t forget to put your name, age, full home postal address (or we can’t send you your prize!) and school on the back. Deadline: Wednesday 6 January.

Have fun!

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

Nicholas 9, Locking Primary Sc hool, Weston-super-M ar Nicholas uses rich sh ades of pink in the e sky, with sunbeams breaking through the clouds.

He chosen the dove of peace as the focus fo ’s r hi picture, a lovely mes sage of Christmas go s odwill.

Amy Woodhams, 7, St.Michael’s CE Primary School, Winterbourne, Bristol Amy says her Santa’s farmyard is spectacular and we’d have to agree! I really like the glitter highlights on Santa and his wife’s boots.

There’s so much to see .

Holly Wishart, 8, Elm Park Primary School, Bristol I’m really impressed by Holly’s mixed media picture.

There’s everything from beads to jewels and felt, giving a lovely 3D effect.

Scott Granger, 9, Preshute Primary School, Manton, Wiltshire.

Scott’s version of Santa’s farm has stables for all his reindeer instead of horses. The warm glow of the street lamp and the silvery moon work really well.

Edie Wong, 8, Elm Park Primary School, Winterbourne, Bristol.

Edie has drawn a fantastic variety of animals on Santa’s farm, from ones you’d expect to see like a sheep to more unusual creatures like a penguin and a bear.

WINNER!

WINNER!

Kushal Vijay, 9, St Michael’s on the Mount Primary School, Bristol Kushal has drawn us a lovely colourful barn, the glitter on the path and the door make it look especially inviting. The smiling star on one of the trees gets you feeling festive.

Momoka Foster Momoka has really cap , 7, Elmlea Junior School, Bristol tured the spirit of the No lovely details. I especially rth Pole with some like the what looks like reindee pompoms on the elves’ hats and r hoof prints in the sno w.

WINNER!

34

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a

Sarah Trevelyan and Ellen White review the new releases.

A giant dilemma C

atastrophe! The big day is approaching and Father Christmas is holed up in bed, sniffling and sneezing. Possible saviours such as Big Foot, Nessie and the Tooth Fairy are otherwise engaged. How will the children’s presents get delivered in time?

Luckily Bristol Giants Goram and Ghyston are on hand to save the day in a special festive adventure, the third in the series from local Bristol author Oliver Rigby. With help from Digby the Dragon and Princess Avona, the Giants race to save Christmas. Tom Bonson provides charming, colourful illustrations, and local children are sure to enjoy spotting Bristol landmarks like the Wills Memorial Building and Clifton Suspension Bridge as the giants go about their adventures.

The text isn’t too dense and the vocabulary is nice and simple, making it an accessible stepping stone for younger children starting to read for themselves. There are also some enjoyable rhymes and slapstick action as the Giants fumble their way around the city, sure to amuse little ones. (Ellen White) The Bristol Giants Save Christmas by Oliver Rigby (illustrated by Tom Bonson), published by Oliver Rigby, £6.99, www.bristolgiants.co.uk

Epically yucky

She’s bad

Following his Awesome Book of Awesomeness, Adam Frost, Waterstone’s Children’s Book Prize nominee, has filled this entertaining volume with more amazing and epic facts, clearly illustrated with fun, simple graphics. From the world record for the longest wee (an incredible eight minutes and 28 seconds!) to the most overdue library book (288 years) this treasure trove has many surprises in store. Some may well turn your stomach and hold a strange appeal to youngsters. For example, did you know the average person swallows 1kg of insects each year along with 365 litres of snot, enough to fill two oil drums?

Knowledge is power and information is liberating . . . even literally in the case of this little fact: it’s an act of treason to place a postage stamp upside down if it bears the image of the queen.

This book not only tests your knowledge but provides a great source for quizzes. I’ll certainly be taking my copy on long car journeys with the kids. Now, I wonder what the longest recorded car journey is … (Sarah Trevelyan)

‘Nixie The Bad Bad Fairy’ is a fun mischievous book aimed at youngsters who are able to read and to be read to. My three and four year-olds, a girl and a boy, loved the naughty Nixie. We read all about her outrageous actions, fairy balls, flying lemon-frosted cupcakes and hiccupping chocolate fountains. Catastrophe strikes when her unruly wand doesn’t do as it’s commanded and the author’s imagination runs wild, creating a storyline that children will delight in - rules are broken and Nixie sees the consequences of her actions.

The book starts with Nixie paragliding with the help of a petal and crash landing onto another fairy for a soft landing, covering her in mud! Fabulous fairy names like Blossom Ball, Fidget the Butterfly Fairy and Fizz the Wish Fairy pepper this charming story, creating a world of magic and adventure.

The black and white illustrations are well drawn and full of character, adding a special touch of imagery to an already descriptive book. (Sarah Trevelyan)

The Epic Book of Epicness by Adam Frost, £6.99, Bloomsbury, www.bloomsbury.com

Nixie The Bad Bad Fairy by Cas Lester (illustrated by Ali Pye), £5.99, Oxford University Press, www.oup.com

Online world novelised

Lights out!

Thirteen-year-old Richard ‘Trick’ Hope is running from a trio of school bullies when a mysterious artefact in the British Museum transports him to the Wildlands, an ancient fantasy land ruled by the tyrannical Boneshaker and his Skull Army.

Based on the popular online and trading card game, World of Warriors, this is the first novelised version of the franchise and author/illustrator Curtis Jobling has done a great job of enticing to the written word fans of the game who might, perhaps, have been reluctant to sit down with a book.

As Trick struggles to band together an army of Viking, Aztec and samurai warriors, there’s more than enough action to keep the plot moving at a fast pace. And, with a range of well-rounded characters from Kazumi, the samurai bride, to Toki, the Viking warrior, each child is bound to find a favourite. This is definitely a book for older readers, with a tendency towards fantasy-style violence which some parents may baulk at. But there’s also enough humour and interesting historical fact to make it worthwhile. And, though it may seem overwhelmingly geared towards boys, there are several strong female characters and Trick is a very likeable protagonist, with a strong appeal to both genders. (Ellen White)

The 10th (yes, 10th!) instalment in Jeff Kinney’s best-selling Wimpy Kid series, this ‘Old School’ sees our timid hero Greg Heffley try to adapt to an electronics-free life. As Greg’s mum convinces their town to go without technology for 48 hours, Greg attempts to run a lemonade stand, clean up the park and really rough-it on a camping trip in the wilderness. The Wimpy Kid isn’t convinced and wonders, is he really cut out for an old fashioned world? But there’s plenty of humour along the way and the themes raised chime nicely with the reality of life in the developed world where, for most children, electricity is now simply an unquestioned part of their daily routine.

Kinney makes some well observed comments about social media and camera phones, which offer a light way of discussing these issues within your own family.

Fans of the series will be familiar with the book’s layout, with lined pages like that of a real diary and lots of illustrations to break up the text. While this is a later entry in an already established series, each book is a stand-alone adventure, so there’s no need to invest in the first nine if your child shows an interest. (Ellen White)

World of Warriors: A New Hero by Curtis Jobling, £6.99, Puffin Books, www.puffinbooks.com

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Old School by Jeff Kinney, £12.99, Puffin Books, www.puffinbooks.com

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Classifieds Party Ideas

TO ADVERTISE CALL CAROLINE: 0117 934 3737 E: CAROLINE.STRETTON@LOCALWORLD.CO.UK

Party Ideas

Gymnastics

Tuition

LEGO Parties 3 great LEGO activities for ages 6-11

07771 905157

Kingswood Foundation BS15 8DB

www.awesome-engineers.com/parties

10 - 3pm £12 per day (sibling discounts available) Gymnastics, Trampolining, Airtrack, Bouncy castle Parachute and Disco games. Crafs.

Call to book a space or just come along on the day.

Special Educational Needs

07482723472

Phone 0117 947 6449 e-mail: admin@kingswoodgymnastics.co.uk Visit our new website at www.kingswoodgymnastics.co.uk ©LW

©LW

UNSURE ABOUT

EDUCATIONAL HEALTH AND CARE PLANS FOR YOUR CHILD?

Fabulous Jewellery Making Parties for Girls

Independent Supporters provide free information & support.

“A tojewellery treasure” andparty your friends to tr for you treasure.

Making gorgeous

Contact details 0117 9476111 or IS.SouthWest@kids.org.uk ©LW

and your friends to treasure.

CHRISTMAS FUN-DAYS MONDAY 21ST AND TUESDAY 22ND DECEMBER

Gymnastics Facility Longwell Green, Bristol • Pre-school gymnastics • School holiday clubs • Birthday parties • Freestyle Gymnastics • Saturday morning fun sessions • After School classes

Call Karen on 07899 925218

Visit us at www.lillyinlemon.co.uk or call Denise on 01202 463104 or

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Fabulous Jewellery Making Parties for Girls

QUALITY SWIMMING LESSONS FOR ALL AGES AND ABILITIES. SMALL CLASSES & STROKE TECHNIQUE A PRIORITY AT ST. MARY REDCLIFFE SCHOOL

Sat 19 December - Sat 2 January 2016

CLIFTON HIGH SCHOOL SUNDAY 9-11AM

tel 0117 244 0053 web www.thedetectiveproject.co.uk

Unforgettable parties for ages 6+ at your local venue

JIM JOHNSTON

nerf gun parties

OR CONTACT JENNY 01275 877428/ JACKIE 01275 790457 | CAROLINE 01275 865185

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FULL DETAILS SEE WEB:

www.wavesswimschool.co.uk

07412 797900 www.boystoysparties.co.uk Making swimming lessons fun for all ages & abilites

Clifon: Saturday All Day: All abilites Monday/Friday pm: Non-Swimmers to Improvers Tuesday pm: Non-Swimmers to Advanced

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.

Wapley Riding Stables

Riding Lessons for all ages and abilities • Patient and friendly tuition • Good selection of horses and ponies available • All aspects of riding, horse care and stable management • BHSAI Qualified and Experienced Instructors • Floodlit outdoor riding arenas • Gift vouchers available

Kate Cullin Portbury 01275 371056

Ages 8 upwards - Sat 1.45pm and Tuesday 7.20pm Private individual/pairs lesson available in North Bristol Register online: www.splash-Happy.co.uk E-mail: hazel@splash-happy.co.uk Tel: 01454 228817 ©LW

Dance Parties Fun Dance parties for kids aged 5-11rs.

Piano, Sax, Guitar, Drums, Cello individual lessons and group workshops for children from 3 to adults Studios in central and north Bristol BRISTOL MUSIC SCHOOL www.bristolmusicschool.com

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New Junior Lifeguard Academy

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Horse Riding

www.guitarlessonsbristol.com

Tuesday pm: Advanced Lane classes Wednesday pm: Non swimmer to Improvers Sunday All Day: All Abilites

Limited period only

PRIMARY TIMES

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

Westbury-On-Trym:

Book now for FREE bouncy castle hire

Call Kerry on 07773571420

www.theatreshop.org.uk

• 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

PRE-SCHOOL CLASSES: 2.5YRS SCHOOL AGE CLASSES: 4 YRS UPWARDS MINI SQUAD SESSIONS ADULT LESSONS • DUAL LESSONS INDIVIDUAL LESSONS: ALL AGES

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Tuition

EVERY WEEK DAY 4-6PM & SATURDAY 9AM ONWARDS

Crime scene investigation parties and workshops for children age 7+

*Pop Party *Movie Themed Party *PoM Cheer Party

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Swimming TelePhone: 07956749506 or 07794204446 info@majesticgymnastics.co.uk Unit 7, Aldermoore way,Longwell Green, Bristol, BS30 7DA

et

Theatre

enquiries@wapleystables.co.uk www.wapleystables.co.uk Wapley Hill, Westerleigh, Bristol. BS37 8RJ 01454 321583 or 07860530199 CHRISTMAS 2015 37

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THE WORDS AND THE BEES

B JOIN THE BIG SCHOOLS’ BIRDWATCH

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chools are being invited to take part in Britain’s biggest wildlife survey. The RSPB’s Big Schools’ Birdwatch is running from 4 January to 12 February and aims to get tens of thousands of schoolchildren across the UK counting the birds that visit their school grounds during the course of a single hour. Teachers can choose a time on any day in the first half of spring term and can tie the count in with cross-curricular studies or project work. Many schools, for example, prepare for the event by making bird cake and putting up feeders and nest boxes in advance.

In and around Bristol, schools can also arrange a visit from an RSPB outreach officer who can offer a number of different outdoor sessions. These include helping pupils to map existing habitats in school grounds and

spot opportunities for creating more; accompanying pupils on a plant and minibeast hunt; and using identification guides and binoculars to help pupils identify and record the birds they see around the school. Information about other teaching resources is available on the RSPB website.

“This is a fun and educational activity and is open to every school in the UK,” says James Harding-Morris, the coordinator of the RSPB Big Schools’ Birdwatch. “It’s flexible enough to fit into a lesson or during lunchtime. It also provides valuable information on how some of our familiar birds are doing and everyone who takes part will be learning about how to give nature a home at their school.”

Ffi: RSPB Big Schools’ Birdwatch W: www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch

ritain’s bee population is in decline – and that’s bad news. And not just for the bees themselves.

Bees pollinate three quarters of our main food crops, including apples, strawberries and tomatoes. For the last 60 years, however, much of their natural habitat has disappeared and many species are at risk. As part of their environmental work, Friends of the Earth have been helping to create bee-friendly spaces all over the country and have launched a ‘Bee Cause’ campaign. The organisation has also now published a children’s book to make young children aware of the important role that bees play in nature.

Written by David Greaves in rhyming couplets and illustrated

by Danielle Callaghan, ‘The Homeless Bumblebee and Me’ can be personalised so that the child receiving it will appear as a character in the story, joining the bumblebee on a fun and adventurous journey.

“I’ve always had a soft spot for bees,” says David. “I love their bumbling, slightly comical movements – like clumsy little astronauts who haven’t quite

mastered their rocket suits – and their peaceful droning is, for me, forever synonymous with long summer afternoons in the school holidays. I loved writing this story as I want to encourage others to help save these unsung heroes of the British countryside; they urgently need our support!”

‘The Homeless Bumblebee and Me’ is out now, priced £12.99 (softback) or £16.99 (hardback) and can be ordered online via the website below. Money raised from sales will support Friends of the Earth’s environmental work, including their Bee Cause campaign.

Ffi: Friends of the Earth W: www.foe.co.uk/homelessbee

MAPPING EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

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n interactive game which could help assess the emotional development of children with autism or Asperger’s syndrome has been developed by scientists at Plymouth University. ‘Emodiscovery’ has been designed for children aged 8-12 and aims to enhance the emotional awareness of young people. The game’s aimed at all children, but developers hope it will allow them to compare the responses of whose with conditions such as autism, Asperger’s syndrome and ADHD. The game is available to play for free online and consists of six levels, allowing players to assume the role of a character who encounters different emotional situations and has to identify the most appropriate response.

These include feelings of happiness, sadness, anxiety and fear, and only by correctly answering a series of multiple choice questions can players proceed to the next level.

As well as encouraging children to test their own responses, the 38

CHRISTMAS 2015

15 Avon Features Xmas 2015.indd 12

team behind the game hope to use it in their research into children’s emotional intelligence. “‘Emodiscovery’ could be a vital tool in assessing emotional intelligence and identifying whether children need support to improve it,” says Dr Belén López-Pérez, who developed the game with Daniela Pacella and Laura Howells. “By presenting them with a series of scenarios and several potential courses of action, we can see how different children might respond to certain situations. But by providing explanations, we can also educate them in how to adapt their behaviour both for their benefit and for others around them.”

Ffi: Emodiscovery W: www.emodiscovery.com

ADOPTERS NEEDED FOR OLDER CHILDREN

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doption and Fostering Services in Bristol and North Somerset are encouraging potential adopters to consider adopting older children as part of a national campaign. Information from the National Adoption Register shows that the average age of children waiting to be placed in adoptive families is four years old and the ‘Too Old at 4?’ campaign is seeking to raise awareness that older children are often the ones who wait longest to be adopted.

“We’ve known for some time that potential adopters often prefer to parent a baby rather than an older child,” says Brenda Massey, Bristol’s assistant mayor for people. “What’s surprising is that these so-called older children are as young as four.

Our focus is to find homes for these children and to encourage

prospective carers to consider adopting an older child – many of whom are in sibling groups or who have complex needs. Giving children the love and support they need to grow and flourish is a rewarding experience.”

Bristol adopter Louise had originally wanted to adopt a two-year-old, but when she saw a video of a cheeky six-year-old who’d been waiting for a family for two years she changed her mind: “He looked healthy and tall for his age, but the smile fixed on his mouth never quite reached his eyes,” she says. “The last 18 months have been the best of my life and I thank the universe every day that my son happened to be in one of the films I saw that day.”

Ffi: Adoption and Fostering Services T: 0117 353 4200 W: www.bristol.gov.uk/adoption PRIMARY TIMES

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Our new Performing Arts Centre will be opening in September 2016.

“...excellence in all it does within and beyond the classroom...”

ISI Inspection Report, October 2015

Whole School

Open Morning

re ntu e v Ad

Tuesday 12 January 2016 10.00am–12.00 noon

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

Saturday 9 January 2016 Year 7–10 Entrance Examination

Saturday 16 January 2016 Year 7 Entrance Examination Reception assessments and Year 3–6 tests

Saturday 30 January 2016

Fr ie

Saturday 23 January 2016

s hip s nd

Reception assessments only For further information or to request a prospectus, please call Hollie Skerritt on

0117 933 9885.

Learning

Infant and Junior S Prospectus

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