Primary Times Wiltshire Autumn 2016

in Wiltshire Issue 106 21 October-15 December 2016 Also Anti bullying Thinking festive

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Walking in the

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Experience Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman as you’ve never heard it before, with Bath Philharmonia. Page 4.

Theatre • Arty Barty • Roundabout • Save money!

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We’re all feeling the nip in the air as autumn approaches. In spite of the darkening evenings, it can be a joyful time, with Halloween, Bonfire Night and, of course, Christmas on the horizon. Our features this half term look at preparations for our great winter celebrations (Halloween, P. 17 and Christmas P.18).

On a more sombre note, bullying is a perennial issue for some school children and anti-bullying week this November looks at measures parents and schools can take to prevent this behaviour (P6). It’s a painful experience to live through but there are effective ways to tackle bullying and, as our feature demonstrates, there can be a happy ending.

L THEATRE P8 & BON LOWEEN FIRES P14 ROUNDABOUT P11 PINBOARD P19 ADVERTISING FEATURES P20 PUPILS’ PAGE P22 CLASSIFIEDS P23

THE POWER FOR GOOD P6 One mother describes how her child beat the bullies as anti-bullying week approaches.

AWESOME AUTUMN P17 Fun things to do and make at Halloween.

FESTIVE THINKING P18 iin Wiltshire

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2016 5 December 21 October-1 Issue 106

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Helping parents plan Christmas.

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Primary Times in Wiltshire

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Mike Gartside mike.gartside@localworld.co.uk Tracie Simms tracie.simms@localworld.co.uk 0117 934 3165 Caroline Stretton caroline.stretton@localworld.co.uk 0117 934 3737 Karen Giarratana Karen.giarratana@localworld.co.uk 01179 343 429 Juliet Hobbs juliet.hobbs@localworld.co.uk 01242 278053 Cath Evans, Mike Gartside Emma Gorton, Ruth Wood 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 Trinity Mirror Ltd nor its contributors are liable for the consequences of any errors. Primary Times would like to thank all the schools in the county for their assistance in distributing the magazine and their contributions to its contents. We would also like to thank all the advertisers who have supported this publication and therefore made it possible. Please support their endeavours when and where you can. The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by our studio remains with Trinity Mirror Ltd. Primary Times currently publishes more than two million copies per issue under franchise.

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Find these amazing offers this issue!

Bristol Aquarium – Kids go free French Tuition – Free trial

Bristol Aquarium

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TH BATH E SNOWMAN P THE FHILHARMON IA THURS ORUM, B A DAY 2 2 DEC TH EMBER 3.30P M

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Walking in the Experience Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman as you’ve never heard it before, this December, with Bath Philharmonia.

D

o you have a favourite moment in ‘The Snowman’? Is it the point where the snowman first comes to life? The time when he “warms” his hands by the fridge?

Or, when he takes the boy’s hand and they fly across the sky to the sound of ‘Walking in the Air’?

Bath Philharmonia invites families to discover their own favourite ‘Snowman’ moment at the orchestra’s annual Christmas concert in Bath on Thu 22 Dec at 3.30pm: perfect entertainment for the whole family at the start of the holidays.

The concert is performed at The Forum, a beautifully restored art deco cinema and the perfect place not only to hear but also to see ‘The Snowman’ on the large screen. Bath Philharmonia, Bath’s very own professional orchestra, performs Howard Blake’s score to Raymond Briggs’ magical animated film.

First broadcast on Channel 4 in 1982, ‘The Snowman’ has been an annual favourite ever since. Blake’s reputation rests squarely on the success of the

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acclaimed children’s film, and particularly on its haunting theme ‘Walking in the Air’. The piece has become a Christmas classic both in its animated form on British television, its concert performance, and in its theatrical form as a record-breaking fulllength ballet.

And if that wasn’t enough to tempt you, Bath Philharmonia

will also dazzle and delight all ages, in the first half of the show, with a performance of classical favourites, ‘The Nutcracker Suite’ by Tchaikovsky and ‘The Sorcerer’s Apprentice’ by Dukas, played live to a screening of the classic Disney film ‘Fantasia’.

Music director of Bath Phil, Jason Thornton says, “It’s always a delight to see such a magical response to ‘The Snowman’ from young and old alike. The concert is totally relaxed and The Forum is full of people of all ages. It’s a brilliant way for young children to experience their first live orchestral concert - I can’t wait.”

Bath Philharmonia is one of the leading professional orchestras in the South West and performs concerts of outstanding artistic quality with soloists from a national and international platform. It programmes a rich and diverse repertoire, broadening audiences and promoting the live orchestral experience to all members of the community.

The Snowman The Forum, Bath, 3.30pm, £18 (adults)/£12 (children). Reserved seating available at the Bath Box Office T: 01225 463362 or Ticketline 0844 888 9991 W: www.bathboxoffice.org.uk or www.bathforum.co.uk

PRIMARY TIMES

04/10/2016 11:34:34

Spooktacular Halloween Activities 23rd-30th October Enjoy spooky tours and storytelling, ride the ghost train, and take the mini beasts trail.

An illuminated trail through festive gardens 25th November-2nd January

08716 204 029 blenheimpalace.com/christmas

A precious time, every time. Britain’s Greatest Palace.

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Picture posed by model

This year’s AntiBullying Week is a chance for children and schools to focus on an issue which affects many young people both onand offline, says Eric Blair

Harnessing the power for his paintings Nicholas Nikiforou with

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hether name-calling or ostracisation, fighting or ganging up, bullying can have a devastating impact on a child’s wellbeing. The story of one West Country primary school pupil, Nicholas Nikiforou, typifies the experience of many. Born with a pre-cancerous birthmark on his face, Nicholas underwent eight operations in his early years, both to remove the mark and to reduce the impact of scarring.

Sadly, some of his fellow pupils took a less than healthy interest in his appearance. Initial playground curiosity turned to mockery and physical abuse as he was regularly wrestled to floor in headlocks.

“He was so distressed he couldn’t eat and I had to take him home at lunchtime,” says his mother Melanie Nikiforou. She says the first school he attended denied there was a problem. “I thought I was going to have to school him at home,” she adds.

Sadly, Nicholas’s experience is far from unusual. Research conducted for Ofsted shows that 46% of all children and young people in the UK say they have experienced bullying at school.

Increasing use of the internet also means that bullies now have many more ways to target and harass their victims beyond the playground. According to the Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA), bullying is “the repetitive intentional hurting of one person or group by another, where the relationship involves an imbalance of power”.

National Anti-Bullying Week – which runs from the 14 to 18 November as part of a broader Anti-Bullying Month (from 30 6

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good

October) – aims to help children, parents and teachers tackle it effectively. The theme this year is ‘Power for Good’, with the key messages of helping children and young people to take individual and collective action to stop bullying. It encourages parents, carers, teachers, school support staff and youth workers to help children create safe environments where they can thrive.

Schools can get involved in Anti-Bullying Week by joining the free ABA school/college network, by sharing ideas and plans for activities and events online, by downloading or ordering resources including lesson plans, posters and stickers and by holding fundraising events – such as a dress-as-your-hero day – to support the campaign. Pupils can also nominate a teacher or other member of school staff for a Power for Good award while parents can buy a Power for Good superhero calendar produced by comic book website AP2HYC. Throughout Anti-Bullying Month, schools can also host a 60-minute anti-bullying roadshow by Weston-super-Marebased Actionwork, an educational theatre and film company. The roadshow incorporates films and interactive workshops, showcasing strategies for dealing with bullying while demonstrating ways children can empower themselves.

“There is no one best way to deal with bullying, there are lots of ways,” says Actionwork’s director Andy Hickson. “Drama, performance, creative workshops and social theatre portray a multitude of strategies, ideas and solutions. It also, without preach-

ing, highlights the pitfalls, the bad choices and the lack of awareness around bullying and cyber-bullying, of rights and responsibilities.

Students Children’s posters from show great previous anti-bullying strength and campaigns creativity in the workshops; they learn without thinking they’re learning.”

Cyber-bullying can take many different forms, ranging from threatening or intimidating comments and messages to identity theft, account hacking and online impersonation. According to YouGov as many as one in five 13- to 18-year-olds have experienced some form of it, while 90% of children aged under 10 use the internet and 86% of them communicate with other people online. Nearly a third of 7- to 11-year-olds (31%) also say that comments from others have stopped them enjoying the time they spend online. Anti-Bullying Week’s Internet Matters website includes advice for parents who want to help their children stay safe online by, for example, agreeing boundaries and exploring the virtual world together.

Meanwhile, Nicholas has shown how to escape bullying and take steps to prevent it. His mother withdrew him from his first school and discussed his situation with a new establishment, Locking Primary School in

the West Country.

“Before Nicholas joined, Locking showed its pupils a video about a child having treatment for a birthmark at Great Ormond Street Hospital,” says Melanie. “Class teachers explained that all people are different and we should not call each other nasty names. It made all the difference. He is doing very well and, now aged 9, has become an ambassador for The Diana Award anti-bullying initiative.”

Indeed, Nicholas, who regularly contributes to Primary Times’s Arty Barty page, had one of his paintings accepted by chocolate manufacturer Kinder, as part of its competition “Make Your Little Ones Art Famous” and had his picture featured on a chocolate wrapper.

“Nicholas and other inspirational individuals are proof that you have to embrace who you are and show people you are a special person,” Melanie says.

Internet Matters W: www.internetmatters.org Anti-Bullying Alliance W: www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk Actionwork T: 01934 621890 W: www.actionwork.com PRIMARY TIMES

04/10/2016 11:36:01

TELLING WILTSHIRE’S STORY 25/26 October - Art/Craft workshops Family fun with fossils and dinosaurs

Suitable for age 11 and under £5 per child per session; under 8s accompanied please Ask about Discover & Explore Arts Awards

26 October - Night at the Museum

For age 8 and over - booking essential - bring your torch!

28 October - Walking the Dead

Family friendly tours of the Museum and the Stonehenge Ceremonial Landscape - booking essential

FOR MORE DETAILS & TO BOOK visit www.wiltshiremuseum.org.uk/events

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

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

WILTSHIRE THE ARC THEATRE College Rd, Trowbridge BA14 0ES. 01225 756376, www.arctheatre. org.uk Robin Hood Thu 10-Sun 13 Nov, 7pm/2pm & 7pm (Sat)/2pm (Sun), £9 (adult)/£8 (child) • A traditional family pantomime following Robin and his Merry Men as they try to stay one step ahead of the evil Sheriff of Nottingham. Will he save the day and rescue the two babes from Sherwood Forest?

Lily and the Little Snow Bear Sun 27 Nov, 11am & 2pm, £8 (adult)/£6 (child)/£25 (family) • Blunderbus Theatre presents this tale of friendship as Lily finds a lost little bear just two days before Christmas. A modern-day fairytale featuring puppets and a magical snowy setting.

The Snow Baby Sun 11 Dec, 2pm, £8 (adult)/£6 (child) • The tale of Doris and her Bear Man: how will she cope on the snowy hill when he disappears in a storm? Features tabletop puppetry, imaginative storytelling and music.

Dick Whittington Wed 14-Fri 16 Dec, 1.30pm & 7.30pm, £6 (adult)/£5 (child) • BTEC performing arts present the tale of Dick and his trusty cat.

THE ATHENAEUM 18-20 High St, Warminster BA12 9AE. 01985 213891, www.theath.org.uk Cinderella Sat 17-Sat 24 Dec (no performance Tue 20), 2pm & 7pm, £11 (adult)/£9 (child) • Join Oddity Theatre in a wonderful fairy-tale world where poor Cinderella is doomed to spend her life looking after her ugly stepsisters. Fortunes soon change with the help of Buttons and a magical Fairy Godmother in this festive pantomime.

SALISBURY ARTS CENTRE Bedwin St, Salisbury SP1 3UT. 01722 321744. www.salisburyartscentre. co.uk The Magic Paintbrush Tue 25 Oct, 11am/2pm (relaxed performance), £7.50 (adult)/£6.50 (child) • Once upon a time in a grey, colourless world, someone was scribbling … A brave young heroine leaps, splatters, swirls, boogies and paints her world into a brighter place.

SALISBURY PLAYHOUSE Malthouse Lane, Salisbury SP2 7RA. 01722 320333, www.salisburyplayhouse.com Clare Balding’s Family Morning Sat 24 Sep, 11am, £9 • Join the author and broadcaster for a morning of inspirational stories and family entertainment to celebrate the publication of her first children’s book, ‘The Racehorse who wouldn’t 8

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Gallop’. Suitable for ages 7+.

Shh … Bang! Mon 24 Oct, 11am & 2pm, £9 • Dance-theatre performance exploring sound and silence.

Two characters set out on a journey through a world filled with boings, whooshes, tick-tocks and cacophony.

Their journey is punctuated by silence, and as they are wrapped in stillness, they learn to listen to that silence.

Zombie-rella/Blood Red Hood Tue 25 Oct, 11am & 2pm, £9 • Performance poet Joseph Coelho unravels familiar fairy tales to create fresh contemporary classics. Join a mysterious storyteller with a magical top-hat and coat and discover the true stories behind the happily-everafters when Cinderella falls in love with a zombie prince and Little Red Riding Hood isn’t as innocent as she seems. Suitable for ages 6+.

Grannylocks and The Monstrous Duckling Wed 26 Oct, 11am & 2pm, £9 • More twisted tales from performance poet Joseph Coelho. Discover the truly monstrous ugly duckling and the mean old granny behind the tale of Goldilocks.

The Owl and the Pussycat’s Treasury of Nonsense Sat 29 Oct, 11am & 2pm, £9 • Soap Soup Theatre presents a fun twist on Edward Lear’s nonsense poetry including clowning, puppetry, magic and music. The Owl is trying to write his greatest masterpiece yet, but the Pussycat has different ideas. By turning everyday objects into new friends for their nonsense stories, can they really work together to tell the most important tale of all?

Aladdin Sat 3 Dec-Sat 7 Jan, see website for times, £10.50-£25 • From the writer and director of last year’s smash hit ‘Cinderella’, a family pantomime packed with song, dance, comedy and spectacular sets.

The Night Before Christmas Mon 5-Sat 31 Dec, see website for times, £9/£7 (groups of 6+) • “Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse” …

Join Father Christmas on his journey through the night sky delivering presents on Christmas Eve. THE NEELD COMMUNITY AND ARTS CENTRE The Neeld Community & Arts Centre, High Street, Chippenham SN15 3ER. 01249 446699, www.thelittleboxoffice.com Rapunzel and her Witch Mon 12 Dec, 11am & 2.30pm, all tickets £5 • Comic and child-centred re-telling of the Grimm tale featuring two signing actors from the Krazy Kat Theatre Company. Music, puppet figures and singing as well as fully integrated sign language.

ST MARGARET’S HALL Bradford on Avon BA15 1DE. 01225 864240, www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk Dotty the Dragon Fri 28 Oct, 1.30pm, £7.50 • Meet Dotty, the baby fire dragon, as she tries to make friends with the children in the village. Will she make new friends or will the village folk chase her back to her castle? Suitable for ages 3-7.

SWINDON ARTS CENTRE Devizes Rd, Old Town, Swindon SN1 4BJ. 01793 614837, www.swindontheatres.co.uk Family Fairy Tales Sat 22 Oct, 11.30am, free • Bring a teddy and settle down to enjoy three classic tales: ‘Goldilocks and the Three Bears’, ‘Cinderella’ and ‘The Three Little Pigs’.

Dracula: A Terrifying Comedy Sun 23 Oct, 7.30pm, £12 • The Last Baguettes adapt Bram Stoker’s gothic tale with plenty of comedy, 21 characters, four actors and two sharp fangs. Suitable for adults and courageous children.

The Princess and the Dragon Thu 24-Sat 26 Nov, 7pm plus 2pm Sat, £14 (adult)/£12 (child) • Brand new pantomime promising a funfilled mix of comedy, song, dance and panto mayhem for the festive season.

A Christmas Carol Tue 6 Dec, 7.30pm, £17 (adult)/£15 (conc) • The European Arts Company faithfully recreate Dickens’ famous performance of his classic Christmas tale. Follow Ebenezer Scrooge through his past, present and future as he learns the true meaning of Christmas.

Santa Claus and the Night Before Christmas Wed 14-Sat 24 Dec, see website for times, £14-£17 • It’s Christmas Eve and whilst most children are hanging up their stockings, there are a few boys and girls in Swindon who are not. They don’t believe in Santa and so cheeky elves Charlie and Kara must help Santa prove that he is indeed real. Expect magic tricks, stories, songs and the chance to meet Santa after the show and receive a free gift.

TROWBRIDGE ARTS Trowbridge Town Hall, Market St, Trowbridge BA14 8EQ. 01225 774306, www.trowbridgearts.com Dracula: A Terrifying Comedy Fri 4 Nov, 7.30pm, £10 (adult)/£8 (conc) • The Last Baguettes adapt Bram Stoker’s gothic tale with plenty of comedy, 21 characters, four actors and two sharp fangs. Suitable for adults and courageous children.

The Boy Who Bit Picasso Sat 5 Nov, 3pm, £8 • Meet Tony and his friend Pablo Picasso down on the farm and discover the true story of how a young boy became friends with one of the greatest artists who

The Boy Who Bit Picasso, Trowbridge Arts, Sat 5 Nov

ever lived. This is a ‘messy’ theatre show with lots of interactive fun, so wear old clothes.

Jack Frost Sat 17 Dec, 11am & 3pm, £10 (adult)/£8 (child) • Moon on a Stick bring Jack Frost to life using puppetry, live music and storytelling. Follow him on a snowy adventure as he spreads winter wherever he goes.

THE WYVERN THEATRE Theatre Sq, Swindon SN1 1QN. 01793 524481, www.swindontheatres. co.uk The Wizard of Oz Fri 21-Sat 22 Oct, 7.30pm plus 2.30pm Sat, £16-£23 • SALOS bring their version of the classic MGM film to the stage, including songs ‘Over the Rainbow’ and ‘We’re off to see the Wizard’.

Follow Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion on a journey to the magical Emerald City.

The Great Jaydini Thu 27 Oct, 11am, £10 (child)/adults free • Enter the funny and magical world of The Great Jaydini, a professional magician whose unique style pulls together comedy and magic suitable for ages 4+.

Shakespeare Schools Festival Mon 14-Tue 15 Nov, 7pm, £10 (adult)/£8 (child) • Unique performances by schools and young people from all over Wiltshire.

Contact the box office for a list of schools and which plays they are performing.

The Chinese State Circus Fri 2 Dec, 7.30pm, £27.50 (adult)/£12.50 (child) • New show ‘Dynasty’ sees 30 acrobats, aerial artistes and jugglers interact with martial arts experts, the Shaolin Warriors.

Cinderella Sat 10 Dec-Sun 8 Jan, see website for times, £19£31.50 • Family pantomime starring ‘Coronation Street’’s Ryan Thomas as Prince Charming.

Expect laugh-out-loud comedy, spectacular sets and costumes, dazzling song-and-dance routines and lots of audience participation.

PRIMARY TIMES

04/10/2016 11:39:06

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PRIMARY TIMES

30/09/2016 15:19:01

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

Deadlines: List your school’s events in Primary Times for free. We work a half-term in advance so we’re now collecting information for late December, January and February: deadline Monday 7 November.

If your event is to raise funds for a school, a charity or your community, and is open to the public, we are keen to list it here. Please send all your events information and news/feature ideas to the editor 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!

FOR BONFIRES & HALLOWEEN EVENTS, SEE PAGE 14.

OCTOBER UNTIL SUN 30 OCT ON THE WILD SIDE Longleat Safari Park, Longleat, Warminster BA12 7NW. 01985 844400, www.longleat.co.uk, 10am-6pm, included in all-day ticket prices • An exhibition by the TV wildlife presenter, photographer and cameraman Simon King to mark the 50th anniversary of Longleat Safari Park. King has immersed himself in the world of the Longleat animals, secreting himself in their enclosures, to capture “breathtaking” images.

UNTIL SUN 12 MAR DRAWN TO THE LAND Lacock Abbey, Lacock, Time Team’s Phil Harding demonstrates flint napping at Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre, Chippenham, Sat 22 Oct.

Chippenham SN15 2LG. 01249 730459, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/lacock-abbey-fox-talbotmuseum-and-village, 10.30am5.30pm, included in standard admission prices • Award-winning documentary photographer Sophie Gerrard presents a series of photographs of female farmers in Scotland.

FRI 21 OCT SALISBURY ILLUMINATED CARNIVAL Guildhall Sq, Salisbury SP1 1JH. 01722 342860, www.salisburycitycouncil.gov.uk/c/carnival, from 7.30pm, free • Salisbury’s streets come to life with a procession of illuminated floats and masquerades.

SAT 22 OCT APPLE DAY Stourhead, Stourton BA12 6QF. 01747 841152, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/stourhead, 11am-5pm, free • Taste and buy more than 20 varieties of Somerset orchard apples along with local ciders and speciality cheeses.

SAT 22 OCT OPEN DAY: ‘HOW DID THEY DO THAT?’ Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre, Cocklebury Rd, Chippenham SN15 3QN. 01249 705500, www.wshc. eu, 10am-4pm, free • Join Time Team’s Phil Harding for demonstrations of flint napping, plus Pelham Puppets, conservation activities, talks, behind-the-scenes tours, children’s activities and how to date your house.

SAT 22 OCT BATH GEEK FEST American Museum in Britain, Claverton Manor, Claverton, Bath BA2 7BD. 01225 460503, www. americanmuseum.org, 11am-5pm, included in gardens admission • A day of all things geeky in celebration of ‘An American Toy Story’.

Guests, stalls, talks and lots more from the world of comics, TV, films, games, YouTube and toys.

SAT 22-SUN 30 OCT MUSEUMS WEEK Various locations across Bath & North East Somerset, www.bathmuseumsweek.co.uk • The new name for Heritage Open Week which has been running for more than 30 years during the autumn half term. Holders of a Discovery card get free entry to a range of venues all week, including Bath Fashion Museum, Victoria Art Gallery, Sally Lunn’s House, Bath Abbey and many more.

SAT 22-SUN 30 OCT DRAW LIKE AN ARCHITECT Museum of Bath Architecture, The Countess of Huntingdon’s

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Chapel, The Paragon, The Vineyards, Bath BA1 5NA. 01225 333895, www.museumofbatharchitecture.org.uk, 10.30am (Sat & Sun only)/2-5pm, closed Mon, included in standard admission prices • Discover how architects use drawing instruments to help them create their designs. See if you can reproduce some of the famous buildings in Bath using a set square, protractor and other equipment.

SAT 22-SUN 30 OCT BIZARRE BEASTS Lacock Abbey, Lacock, Chippenham SN15 2LG. 01249 730459, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/lacock-abbey-fox-talbotmuseum-and-village, 10.30am5.30pm, included in standard admission prices • The bizarre beasts from Lacock’s brewery have mysteriously escaped into the abbey grounds. Unravel the clues at the crime scene and follow the trail to find the beasts and bring them back home.

MON 24-FRI 28 OCT THE BIG DRAW: EX LIBRIS The Roman Baths, Stall St, Bath BA1 1LZ. 01225 477785, www. romanbaths.co.uk, 10am-1pm & 2-4pm, included in standard admission prices • Part of Museums Week: learn a bit of Latin and make a Roman bookmark to take home.

MON 24-FRI 28 OCT HOLIDAY ART CLUB Wiltshire Scrapstore, Unit 5, Griffin Farm, Bowden Hill, Lacock, Chippenham SN15 2PP. 01249 730011, www.wiltshirescrapstore. co.uk, 10.30am-12noon, £5.40 per child per session • Creative, messy workshops for all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult and wear old clothing.

MON 24-MON 31 OCT SCARECROW TRAIL Bowood House & Gardens, Bowood, Calne SN11 0LZ. 01249 812102, www.bowood.org, 11am-3pm, standard admission prices apply • Discover scarecrows at work on an autumnal trail through the house and gardens.

TUE 25 OCT HORRIBLE HISTORIES: MAKING REMEDIES WORKSHOP No.1 Royal Crescent Museum, Bath BA1 2LR. 01225 428126, www.no1royalcrescent.org.uk, 11am-3.30pm, included in standard admission prices • Join Dr Andrews and Professor Rogers to mix your own herbal remedies.

Use a quill and coloured ink to take home your own fancy medicine label and discover what unusual cures and hidden killers lurked in the Georgian home.

Expect the unexpected at The Big Draw: The Sky’s The Limit, Salisbury Museum, Tue 25 Oct.

TUE 25 OCT AUTUMN PRINTMAKING Trowbridge Museum, The Shires, Court St, Trowbridge BA14 8AT. 01225 751339, www.trowbridgemuseum.co.uk, see website for times, free • Create printed pictures with an autumn and harvest theme using easy mono-printing techniques. Wear old clothes.

TUE 25 OCT THE BIG DRAW: THE SKY’S THE LIMIT The Salisbury Museum, The Kings House, 65 The Close, Salisbury SP1 2EN. 01722 332151, www.salisburymuseum.org.uk, drop in 10am12.30pm & 1.30-4pm, standard admission prices apply • A day of creative workshops hosted by Mikey Weinkove from pop-up chat show Talkaoke. Learn about the gigantic John Constable painting ‘Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadows’, which will be on display in the main exhibition galleries, and join in a creative workshop led by artist Louise Luton to draw, paint or collage your own sky. There’ll also be a Constable trail and storytelling.

TUE 25-WED 26 OCT HALF-TERM ACTIVITIES Wiltshire Heritage Museum, 41 Long St, Devizes SN10 1NS. 01380 727369, www.wiltshiremuseum.org.uk, 11am12.30pm & 1.30-3.30pm, £5 per child • Dinosaur- and fossil-themed art and craft workshops as part of the Family Arts Festival. Handle, draw and paint real fossils, try printing, make dinosaur masks and create imprints in clay.

TUE 25-THU 27 OCT THE BIG DRAW: LEG ROOM Fashion Museum, Assembly Rooms, Bennett St, Bath BA1 2QH. AUTUMN HALF TERM 2016

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! l o o h c S

£10 Afterschool

Early Years

Club

Join our pre-school club for 0-4 year olds – for free!

Fantastic benefits include: • Midweek prices at weekends and school holidays for 0-4 year olds!

• Free visit for your child’s birthday • 10% off café purchases • 20% off children’s parties

Party!

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

Enjoy our Afterschool Party, Monday - Friday term time for £10 per child! Even better – the Birthday child goes free!

Afterschool Visit Jump after 3.30pm Monday - Friday school term time and children pay £4.50!

Entrance + Hot Meal & Drink only £7.00!

For more information, please give us a call on

0117 931 2733 or visit our website at www.123jump.co.uk Terms and Conditions: Applies to new bookings only and cannot be added retrospectively. Minimum Number of 8 paying children. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.

Applies to Afterschool Parties only and does not include Weekend/Holiday Activity, Laser, Toddler, Teenage or Adult party events.

tel: 01793 251 555 12

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email: swindoninfo@freedog.com

©LW

©LW

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04/10/2016 11:55:04

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

ROUNDABOUT Santa Special at the Swindon & Cricklade Railway, Sat 26-Sun 27 Nov.

01225 477789, www.fashionmuseum.co.uk, 1-3.30pm, included in standard admission prices/ free with Discovery card • Create life-sized leggings with amazing patterns inspired by outfits on display. Part of Museums Week.

SAT 12 NOV YOUNG CURATORS CLUB: MEET JOHN CONSTABLE The Salisbury Museum, The Kings House, 65 The Close, Salisbury SP1 2EN. 01722 332151, www.salisburymuseum.org.uk, 10.30am-1pm, normal admission charges apply, advance booking required • Find out what Constable was really like and why he painted his paintings.

WED 26 OCT NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM Wiltshire Heritage Museum, 41 Long St, Devizes SN10 1NS. 01380 727369, www.wiltshiremuseum. org.uk, 7-9pm, all tickets £8 • Find out what happens in the museum after dark, explore the spooky cellars by torchlight and more.

Popcorn included.

WED 26 OCT AUTUMN COLLAGES Trowbridge Museum, The Shires, Court St, Trowbridge BA14 8AT. 01225 751339, www.trowbridgemuseum.co.uk, 10.30am-3.30pm, free • Drop-in workshop for all ages; please note this activity is in the Sensory Garden.

WED 26 OCT THE BIG BEN PROJECT Museum of Bath Architecture, The Countess of Huntingdon’s Chapel, The Paragon, The Vineyards, Bath BA1 5NA. 01225 333895, www. museumofbatharchitecture.org. uk, 2-4pm, included in standard admission prices • Help draw a huge version of London’s famous clock on the floor of the museum and try using the giant, metre-long compass and protractor.

WED 26 OCT MONSTER TREASURE TRAILS American Museum in Britain, Claverton Manor, Claverton, Bath BA2 7BD. 01225 460503, www. americanmuseum.org, 1-4pm, included with gardens only admission • Explore Dallas Pratt’s map collection, populated with terrifying beasts and monsters; then design your own map of the museum and grounds, filled with scary creatures of your own invention.

WED 26 OCT CINDERELLA PARTY Wyvern Theatre, Theatre Sq, Swindon SN1 1QN. 01793 524481, www.swindontheatres.co.uk, 11am2pm, £12.50 (child)/adults free • Disney-inspired party with DJ for music and party games, bouncy castle, mini buffet and meet and greet with Cinderella.

THU 27 OCT ON THE TRAIL OF BEOWULF Stonehenge Landscape, 3 Stonehenge Rd, Salisbury SP4 7DD. 01980 664780, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/stonehenge-landscape, 2-5pm, £7.50 (adult)/£3.50 (child) • Storyteller Lizzie Bryant leads a walk through the wintry landscape and tells the Anglo-Saxon tale of Beowulf. This story walk is around three miles and ends beside a warming fire for hot mulled apple juice and toasting marshmallows.

THU 27 OCT MAKE SOME NOISE STEAM, Fire Fly Ave, Swindon SN2 2EY. 01793 466637, www.

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times • The festival returns for another year with a brand new theme to light up Longleat.

steam-museum.org.uk, 11am-3pm, included in standard admission • Celebrate the sounds of Swindon by making your own musical instruments in honour of the GWR hooter.

THU 27 OCT MUSEUMS AT NIGHT: LIGHTING THE GREAT BATH The Roman Baths, Stall St, Bath BA1 1LZ. 01225 477785, www. romanbaths.co.uk, 6-8pm, included in standard admission prices • Enjoy late opening and see the Great Bath illuminated by torchlight, plus there’ll be an opportunity to make mini lights.

FRI 28 OCT MAKE A SUNDIAL The Herschel Museum of Astrology, 19 New King St, Bath BA1 2BL. 01225 446865, www. herschelmuseum.org.uk, 1-3pm, included in standard admission prices • Find out more about the sundials on display and make your own to take home.

FRI 28 OCT TRICK OR TREAT TOTES Trowbridge Museum, The Shires, Court St, Trowbridge BA14 8AT. 01225 751339, www.trowbridgemuseum.co.uk, see website for times, £1.50 per person • Discover scary ideas to decorate your own fabric tote bag to take home. Price includes bag and all materials.

FRI 28 OCT UP CLOSE & PERSONAL WITH CORNER EXOTICS Salisbury Arts Centre, Bedwin St, Salisbury SP1 3UT. 01722 321744, www.salisburyartscentre.co.uk, 11am & 2pm, £7.50 (adults)/£6.50 (child) • Meet a variety of real exotic animals under supervision of the Animal Man, including a chinchilla, python, pygmy hedgehog, African land snail and more.

SAT 29 OCT FAMILY FUN DAY Wyvern Theatre, Theatre Sq, Swindon SN1 1QN. 01793 524481,

FOR BONFIRES & HALLOWEEN EVENTS, SEE PAGE 14.

www.swindontheatres.co.uk, 10am-1pm, free • Character appearances and free fun events at the theatre.

NOVEMBER THU 3-FRI 4 NOV MAKE & PLAY FOR UNDER-5S Wiltshire Scrapstore, Unit 5, Griffin Farm, Bowden Hill, Lacock, Chippenham SN15 2PP, 01249 730011, www.wiltshirescrapstore.co.uk, 10-11.30am, £5.50 per session • Sessions to enable exploration, creativity and messy play using a variety of different materials.

THU 3-SUN 13 NOV BATH FILM FESTIVAL Various venues around Bath.

01225 463362, www.bathfilmfestival.org.uk, various prices & times, see website • Film screenings at venues across Bath including Bath City Farm, Little Theatre Cinema and Victoria Hall. Previews, documentary features, F-rated films (highlighting women in film, on and off screen) and Q&As with directors, producers and stars.

SUN 6 NOV AFTERNOON TEA Avebury, Marlborough SN8 1RF. 0370 333 1181, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/avebury, 12noon-3.30pm, £15 (adult)/£10 (child) • A delicious selection of sandwiches, cakes and scones will be on offer as well as hot drinks and cordials.

Booking essential.

THU 10-FRI 11 NOV MAKE & PLAY FOR UNDER-5S Wiltshire Scrapstore, Unit 5, Griffin Farm, Bowden Hill, Lacock, Chippenham SN15 2PP. 01249 730011, www.wiltshirescrapstore. co.uk, 10-11.30am, £5.50 per session • Sessions to enable exploration, creativity and messy play using a variety of different materials.

FROM FRI 11 NOV FESTIVAL OF LIGHT Longleat Safari Park, Warminster BA12 7NW. 01985 844400, www. longleat.co.uk, call for prices &

SAT 12 NOV FINDING DORY (BATH FILM FESTIVAL) Victoria Hall, Church Rd, Radstock BA3 3QG. 01225 463362, www. bathfilmfestival.org.uk, 4.30pm, £6 (adult)/£4 (child) • Pixar’s sequel to the highly successful ‘Finding Nemo’ follows the friendly but forgetful blue fish as she finds her family and learns about friendship.

THU 17 NOV SALISBURY CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON Market Place, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 1JH. 01722 342860, www.salisburycitycouncil.gov.uk, 6-8pm, free • Welcome in the festive season as the town turns on its annual illuminations.

THU 17-FRI 18 NOV MAKE & PLAY FOR UNDER-5S Wiltshire Scrapstore, Unit 5, Griffin Farm, Bowden Hill, Lacock, Chippenham SN15 2PP. 01249 730011, www.wiltshirescrapstore. co.uk, 10-11.30am, £5.50 per session • Sessions to enable exploration, creativity and messy play using a variety of different materials.

SAT 19 NOV AFTERNOON TEA Avebury, Marlborough SN8 1RF. 0370 3331181, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/avebury, 12-3.30pm, £15 (adult)/£10 (child) • A delicious selection of sandwiches, cakes and scones will be on offer as well as hot drinks and cordials. Booking essential.

SAT 19 & SUN 20 NOV LEEKES CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION WEEKEND Leekes, Beanacre Rd, Melksham SN12 AG. 0333 222 4120, leekes. co.uk, 9am-6pm (Sat)/10.30am4.30pm (Sun) • The Melksham department store hosts a weekend of festive activities, including the chance to visit Santa in his grotto, see his real-life reindeer (11am4pm) and enjoy tasty seasonal treats while you shop for presents.

MON 21 NOV HELP DECORATE AVEBURY MANOR Avebury, Marlborough SN8 1RF. 0370 333 1181, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/avebury, 10am-12.30pm & 1-3.30pm, £6 • Help get the manor house ready for Christmas and enjoy a festive drink and mince pie while you decorate.

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broomsticks and Bonfires

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

Halloween Half Term, Old Sarum, Mon 24Fri 28 Oct

YOUR HALLOWEEN AND GUY FAWKES NIGHT INFORMATION, ALL IN ONE PLACE

FRI 28-SAT 29 OCT HALLOWEEN GHOST TRAIN Swindon & Cricklade Railway, Blunsdon Station, Tadpole Lane, Blundson, Swindon SN25 2DA. 01793 771615, www.swindoncricklade-railway.org, 6pm8.45pm, £7 (adult)/£5 (child) • See how many ghosts and ghouls you can spot as they take over the trains. Free light stick for every child.

sion prices apply plus £1 per trail • Discover which ghosts and ghouls are hiding in the garden this year with a family trail.

SAT 22 OCT BONFIRE & FIREWORKS PARTY Roves Farm, Sevenhampton, Swindon SN6 7QG. 01793 763939, www.rovesfarm.co.uk, 4.45-9pm, £8 /under-3s free • Fireworks designed especially for younger children with no big bangs just lots of sparkle, plus children’s disco, fairground rides, play areas and bonfire lit by longbow archers.

SAT 22-SUN 30 OCT PUMPKIN FUN Roves Farm, Sevenhampton, Swindon SN6 7QG. 01793 763939, www.rovesfarm.co.uk, 10am-5pm, included in standard admission prices • Enjoy pumpkin carving without having to clear up the mess, plus tractor rides with Halloween activities.

SAT 22-SUN 30 OCT HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL Longleat Safari Park, Warminster BA12 7NW. 01985 844400, www.longleat.co.uk, 10am-5pm, standard admission prices apply • The park’s Spooktacular festival returns and promises to be bigger and better than ever.

SAT 22-SUN 30 OCT HALLOWEEN AT PRIOR PARK Prior Park, Ralph Allen Drive, Bath BA2 5AH. 01225 833977, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ prior-park-landscape-garden, 10am-4.30pm, standard admis»

WED 23 NOV CHRISTMAS AT AVEBURY PREVIEW Avebury, Marlborough SN8 1RF. 0370 333 1181, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/avebury, half-hour slots from 11am-2pm, £6 • Be one of the first to see Avebury Manor decorated for Christmas, talk to the room guides and enjoy a hot drink and mince pie.

FROM THU 24 NOV CHRISTMAS AT AVEBURY Avebury, Marlborough SN8 1RF. 0370 333 1181, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/avebury, 11am-4pm, standard admission prices apply • Brave a midwinter walk around 14

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SAT 22-SUN 30 OCT HALLOWEEN AT AVEBURY Avebury, Marlborough SN8 1RF. 0370 333 1181, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/avebury, 11am-4pm, included in standard admission prices/trail £2 • Follow the children’s trail in the Old Farmyard to win a spooky prize, enjoy creepy craft activities and visit the manor to discover how beliefs and superstitions influenced the people who once lived there.

MON 24-FRI 28 OCT HALLOWEEN HALF TERM Old Sarum, Castle Rd, Salisbury SP1 3SD. 01722 335398, www. english-heritage.org.uk/visit/ places/old-sarum, 11am-4pm, £4.50 (adult)/£2.70 (child) • Wander the creepy castle and discover some ghoulish goingson, plus spooky crafts tent.

TUE 25-THU 27 & SAT 29-SUN 30 OCT SPOOKY HALF-TERM TRAIN RIDES Avon Valley Railway, Bath Rd, Bristol BS30 6HD. 0117 932 5538, www.avonvalleyrailway. org, 9am-5pm, standard admission prices apply • Expect ghoulish fun aboard the steam and diesel engines, plus free train rides for children in fancy dress.

WED 26 OCT CARVE A PUMPKIN Smallbrook Meadows, Warminster BA12 9LH. 01380 725670, www.wiltshirewildlife. org, 10am-12noon, free but must be booked in advance • Carve your own pumpkin design to take home, then toast and salt the pumpkin seeds to enjoy the henge and stone circles before heading to the manor to see the festive decorations. Manor open to the public Thu-Sun only.

FROM THU 24 NOV SALISBURY CHRISTMAS MARKET Guildhall Sq, Salisbury SP1 1JH. 01722 426582, www.salisburychristmasmarket.co.uk, 10am-6pm (Mon-Wed)/8pm (Thu)/6.30pm (Fri & Sat)/4pm (Sun), free • More than 100 traditional wooden chalets selling everything from handcrafted leather goods to knitwear, wooden ornaments, ceramics, mulled wine and gingerbread.

Scary bats have taken over the historic kitchen: count them all to earn a Halloween treat.

alongside a witch’s brew of warm fruit juice and spices.

THU 27 OCT PUMPKIN CARVING Trowbridge Museum, The Shires, Court St, Trowbridge BA14 8AT. 01225 751339, www. trowbridgemuseum.co.uk, 10.30am-12.30pm & 1.303.30pm, free • Get ready for Halloween with a pumpkin carving masterclass. Tools and templates provided: all you have to do is bring a pumpkin.

THU 27 OCT HAPPY HALLOWEEN American Museum in Britain, Claverton Manor, Claverton, Bath BA2 7BD. 01225 460503, www.americanmuseum.org, 1-4pm, included with gardens only admission • Join Wiltshire Scrapstore for an array of creepy crafts. Fancy dress welcome.

THU 27-SAT 29 OCT FANTASTIC FIREWORKS Longleat Safari Park, Warminster BA12 7NW. 01985 844400, www.longleat.co.uk, call for prices & times • Wave goodbye to Halloween and celebrate the end of the park’s main season with some spectacular firework displays.

THU 27-MON 31 OCT HALLOWEEN BAT LONG WEEKEND No.1 Royal Crescent Museum, Bath BA1 2LR. 01225 428126, www.no1royalcrescent.org.uk, 10.30am-5.30pm, included in standard admission prices • THU 24-FRI 25 NOV MAKE & PLAY FOR UNDER-5S Wiltshire Scrapstore, Unit 5, Griffin Farm, Bowden Hill, Lacock, Chippenham SN15 2PP. 01249 730011, www.wiltshirescrapstore.co.uk, 10am-11.30am, £5.50 per session • Sessions to enable exploration, creativity and messy play using a variety of different materials.

FRI 25 NOV CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL & LANTERN PARADE Market Place, Devizes SN10 1HT. www.docadevizes.org.uk, Christmas market from 10am/

SAT 29 OCT MINICHEFS HALLOWEEN SPECIAL 8 White Horse Business Centre, Hopton Rd, Devizes SN10 2HJ. 01380 530203, www.vaughanskitchen.co.uk, 10.30am-12.30pm, £30 per child • Learn skills and the knowledge to become a competent and confident cook. In this session with a spooky theme, you’ll make garlicky eye balls and ghostly fancies to take home.

SAT 5 NOV CHRISTIAN MALFORD FIREWORK DISPLAY Station Rd, Christian Malford, Chippenham SN15 4BQ. 07795 327720, www.christianmalford.org.uk, 5.30pm-10pm/ fireworks 7.30pm, £7 (adult)/£5 (child) • Bonfire and spectacular fireworks as well as BBQ, mulled wine, toffee apples and free sparklers for children.

SAT 5 NOV CRICKLADE FIREWORKS Cricket field, off Abingdon Court Lane, Cricklade SN6 6AE, time & price TBA • Firework display on the cricket grounds plus best dressed Guy competition.

SAT 5 NOV FIREWORKS TO MUSIC Avon Valley Country Park, Pixash Lane, Bath Rd, Keynsham, Bristol BS31 1TP. 0117 986 4929, www.avonvalley.co.uk, 5.30pm9.30pm/fireworks 7.30pm, £2 per person/£12.50 (with car parking) • Expect spectacular fireworks set to music, plus funfair, food stalls, bar and more.

Christmas lights switch on 6pm/ fireworks 6.45pm, free • One of the region’s biggest lantern processions kicks off the festive season. Father Christmas will be in his grotto on Albion place alongside carol singers, festive food, drink and gifts for sale, fireworks, Christmas lights switch on and more.

FRI 25-SUN 27 NOV ADVENT PROCESSION Salisbury Cathedral, The Close, Salisbury SP1 2EJ. 01722 555120, www.salisburycathedral. org.uk, 7pm/5pm (Sun), free • One of the church’s most popular services featuring the lighting of

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leekes christmas celebration weekend 19 & 20 November th

th

Visit

Santa’s Grotto Livdeeer

Rein

Festive ts ea Fun &allTrthe for family

Father Christmas An audience with Father Christmas at Lacock Abbey Weekends in December

In their cosy Christmas kitchen, Mother Christmas will be telling a story and Father Christmas will be giving gifts and a tasty festive treat to every child.

A cosy Christmas experience with no queues, booking essential.

To book visit nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock Lacock is near Chippenham, SN15 2LG

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Š National Trust Images/National Trust Images / Rob Stothard. Registered Charity Number 205846.

Leekes Melksham Beanacre Road, Wilts. SN12 8AG Tel: 0333 222 4120 | Online: leekes.co.uk

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the Advent candle, music, readings and candlelit processions.

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

Avebury prepares for its Christmas tour on Wed 7 Dec.

SAT 26-SUN 27 NOV SANTA SPECIALS Swindon & Cricklade Railway, Blunsdon Station, Tadpole Lane, Blundson, Swindon SN25 2DA 01793 771615, www.swindoncricklade-railway.org, pre-booking recommended, see website for prices and times • Bring the children to meet Santa in his grotto and receive a special present.

SAT 26 NOV-WED 21 DEC THE CHRISTMAS HOUSE Stourhead, Stourton BA12 6QF. 01747 841152, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/stourhead, 11am-3.30pm, included in standard admission • Discover how Stourhead heir Harry celebrated Christmas and find out about old and new traditions and inspiring ideas for your own home on a festive tour.

SUN 27 NOV BISH BASH BOSH FAMILY CONCERT Wiltshire Music Centre, Ashley Rd, Bradford on Avon BA15 1DZ. 01225 860100, www.musicwiltshire.org.uk, 3pm, £8 (adult)/£4 (child) • Percussionists Olly Cox and Owen Gunnell lead an energetic, interactive concert for all the family. Learn about lots of different composers, as well as the glockenspiel and marimba, and discover different drums and rhythms from around the world.

SUN 27 NOV CHRISTMAS CRAFT MARKET The Commonweal School, The Mall, Old Town, Swindon SN1 4JE. 01793 432373, 11am-4pm, free • A variety of crafts, gifts and produce stalls, Santa’s grotto, café, festive music, raffle and tombola.

DECEMBER FROM THU 1 DEC CHRISTMAS AT LACOCK Lacock Abbey, Lacock, Chippenham SN15 2LG. 01249 730459, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/lacock-abbey-fox-talbotmuseum-and-village, 11am-4pm, included in standard admission prices • Choose your favourite community-decorated tree at the Christmas tree festival in the abbey cloister, follow the family trail around the village and abbey grounds, see the Great Hall beautifully decorated and have an audience with Father Christmas.

THU 1-FRI 2 DEC MAKE & PLAY FOR UNDER-5S Wiltshire Scrapstore, Unit 5, Griffin Farm, Bowden Hill, Lacock, Chippenham SN15 2PP. 01249 730011, www.wiltshirescrapstore.co.uk, 10am-11.30am, £5.50 per session • Sessions to enable exploration, creativity and messy play using a variety of different materials.

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WED 7 DEC CHRISTMAS TOUR OF AVEBURY Avebury, Marlborough SN8 1RF. 0370 333 1181, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/avebury, 1.30pm-3.30pm, £15 • Admire the manor’s decorations and learn more about Christmas through the ages from the house manager. Tour is followed by a cream tea with a special Christmas twist.

WED 7 DEC ST LAURENCE SCHOOL SHOWCASE Wiltshire Music Centre, Ashley Rd, Bradford on Avon BA15 1DZ. 01225 860100, www.musicwiltshire.org. uk, 7.30pm, £6 (adult)/£3 (child) • A musical showcase presented by the students of St Laurence School.

SAT 3 DEC PUPPET MAKING Salisbury Arts Centre, Bedwin St, Salisbury SP1 3UT. 01722 321744, www.salisburyartscentre.co.uk, 2pm-4pm, £3 per child • Drop-in session for children and their families as part of Salisbury Comedy Festival.

SAT 3 DEC CHRISTMAS FAYRE The Athenaeum, 18-20 High St, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 9AE. 01985 213891, www.theath.org. uk, 10am-1pm, free • Festive fun and stalls plus raffle, mulled wine, mince pies and an appearance from Father Christmas.

SAT 3-SUN 4 DEC CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR Stourhead, Stourton BA12 6QF. 01747 841152, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/stourhead, 10am-4.30pm, free • Find that perfect present at stalls selling everything from ceramics and jewellery to original art and local crafts.

SAT 3-SUN 4 DEC AN AUDIENCE WITH FATHER CHRISTMAS Lacock Abbey, Lacock, Chippenham SN15 2LG. 01249 730459, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/lacock-abbey-fox-talbotmuseum-and-village, see website for times £8 (entry for one adult & one child)/standard admission prices for additional adults • Join Mother Christmas for a festive story and meet Father Christmas to receive a gift and a tasty festive treat.

SAT 3-SUN 4 DEC CHRISTMAS AT STEAM STEAM, Fire Fly Ave, Swindon SN2 2EY. 01793 466637, www.steammuseum.org.uk, 10am-5pm, standard admission prices apply • Get ready to feel festive with live music, a Christmas market, Santa’s storytime, a Christmas café and more.

SAT 3-SUN 4 & SAT 10-SUN 11 DEC SANTA SPECIALS Swindon & Cricklade Railway, Blunsdon Station, Tadpole Lane, Blundson, Swindon SN25 2DA. 01793 771615, www.swindon-

cricklade-railway.org, pre-booking recommended, see website for prices & times • Take the children to meet Santa in his grotto and receive a special present.

SAT 3-SUN 4 & SAT 10-SUN 11 DEC MEET FATHER CHRISTMAS Stourhead, Stourton BA12 6QF. 01747 841152, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/stourhead, 11am-2pm, £5 per child • Presents for all the children in the magical grotto, with a special story from Father Christmas. Families can make Christmas crafts, write letters to the North Pole and make festive decoration, plus there’ll be entertainment from local choirs.

SAT 3-WED 21 DEC THE CHRISTMAS GOTHIC COTTAGE Stourhead, Stourton BA12 6QF. 01747 841152, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/stourhead, 11am-3pm, included in standard admission prices • Visit the festively adorned lakeside cottage in the winter garden. Expect a roaring fire and warming drinks.

SUN 4 & SUN 11 DEC FESTIVE FAMILY SUNDAY LUNCHES Swindon Marriott, Pipers Way, Swindon SN3 1SH. 01793 561239, email robyn.stratton@ marriotthotels.com to book, from 12.30pm, £20 (adult)/£12 (child) • Festive carvery for those who simply can’t wait for the big day.

Includes drink on arrival, crackers and three-course lunch.

SUN 4 & SUN 11 DEC SUNDAY LUNCH WITH SANTA Holiday Inn Swindon, Marlborough Rd, Swindon SN3 6AQ. 01793 817083, www.hiswindon.co.uk, 12.30pm-3pm, £19.95 (adult)/£10 (child) • Traditional three-course festive lunch, children’s disco and the chance to meet Santa.

MON 5-MON 19 DEC CHRISTMAS LUNCH Stourhead, Stourton BA12 6QF. 01747 841152, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/stourhead, 12 noon-3pm, call 01747 842006 to book • Get into the Christmas spirit with a seasonal lunch.

SAT 10 DEC

BY GEORGE IT’S CHRISTMAS The Salisbury Museum, The Kings House, 65 The Close, Salisbury SP1 2EN. 01722 332151, www.salisburymuseum.org.uk, 10am-4pm, £2 donation per person • A distinctly Georgian-flavoured festive celebration in honour of famous Georgian John Constable. Expect Father Christmas and his real reindeer; comedy duo The Festive Footmen; seasonal storytelling from Salisbury Library; music from members of Salisbury Baroque; unusual gifts and cards in the museum shop and festive food from The King s House Cafe.

SAT 1O DEC YOUNG CURATORS CLUB: GEORGIAN CHRISTMAS The Salisbury Museum, The Kings House, 65 The Close, Salisbury SP1 2EN, 01722 332151, www. salisburymuseum.org.uk, 10.30am1pm, standard admission prices apply, advance booking required • Celebrate a year of the Young Curators Club and find out what Christmas was like in the past.

SAT 10-SUN 11 DEC SANTA CRUISE ON THE KENAVON VENTURE Devizes Wharf, Canal Centre, Couch Lane, Devizes SN10 1EB. 01380 721279, www.katrust.org.uk, 11am12noon, £7.50 • Take a long trip along the canal including mulled wine and a mince pie for adults and orange juice, sweets and a present from Santa for children.

SUN 11 DEC WILTSHIRE YOUNG MUSICIANS SHOWCASE Wiltshire Music Centre, Ashley Rd, Bradford on Avon BA15 1DZ. 01225 860100, www.musicwiltshire.org.uk, 1.30pm & 7.30pm, £6 (adult)/£3 (child) • Expect Christmas cheer and festive music from local young musicians.

ROUNDABOUT AND THEATRE LISTINGS BY ELLEN WHITE

PRIMARY TIMES

04/10/2016 11:43:41

Ellen White has some quick and easy ideas for decorating your home and cooking up tasty treats for Halloween and Bonfire Night

Awesome

“S

eason of mists and mellow fruitfulness,” wrote the Romantic poet Keats in his ‘Ode to Autumn’, and with Halloween and Bonfire Night fast approaching, there’s plenty of fruitful – though not necessarily mellow – fun to be had during the misty season. From pumpkin carving and seasonal recipes to spooky crafts and colourful firework art, we’ve come up with some ideas to get you in the mood as the nights draw in. And, if you don’t have time to organise anything at home, see our pick of Halloween and bonfire events in your area (Page 14).

There’s a whole host of inexpensive and easy ways to decorate your home for Halloween: homemade cobwebs can be made by pulling apart cotton wool balls and using hairspray to keep them in place or try simple paper chains in black and orange. Drape them over pictures frames, doorways and tables and add a few plastic spiders for effect.

Food can be used to make a fun Halloween guessing game. Put things in a box with a hole cut out so children can reach in and guess what ghastly items are inside.

Spaghetti makes great “worms”, jelly can be slime, peeled grapes can be used as eyeballs and so on.

If you fancy something less gruesome, apple bobbing is great fun for all ages at Halloween or on Bonfire Night and all you need for that are some apples and a large bowl filled with water.

Halloween wouldn’t be complete without a Jack-O-Lantern grinning in the window. Pick a pumpkin with a reasonably flat base to ensure it will stay upright and scoop out as much of the flesh as you can; the thinner the walls PRIMARY TIMES

16 Wilts Features Autumn Half Term 2016.indd 7

autumn

of the pumpkin the easier it will be to carve a design. It can be messy, but it’s usually the bit children really get stuck in to. It’s worth saving all the delicious insides too as there are plenty of options for recipes from risotto to soup to pumpkin pie. If you’re worried about children using sharp knives or have particularly little ones, then painting a design onto a pumpkin can be just as effective.

On the other hand, if you don’t fancy clearing up the mess at home, Tyntesfield is holding pumpkin-carving workshops on the 22, 24, 26 and 28 October, while Farrington’s Farm in Farrington Gurney is hosting its Spookley Pumpkin Festival from 21-31 October. You’ll also be able to practise your Halloween craft skills during half term at the Wild Place Project, the ss Great Britain, Bristol Zoo, the American Museum in Britain and Noah’s Ark. Bonfire Night can be a great source of inspiration, too, and fireworks make for a bright and colourful subject for paintings and collages to put up around the house before the big day. One particularly effective technique is to scribble all over a sheet of paper or card with lots of differently coloured crayons and then cover the whole lot with black crayon before using a lolly stick or similar to scrape away the top layer to create swirly firework shapes and reveal the colours beneath. You can get inventive in the kitchen, too, by making a bonfire cake using chocolate fingers for logs and lots of red and orange icing, while edible sparklers can be made very easily by dipping choccy fingers in hot water then dipping them in hundreds and thousands and leaving them to set.

scary Orange and black are

cakes colours to decorate cup

Ghostly grub T

ried and tested cupcake recipes can be given a spooky Halloween twist using simple food colouring. Try adding green to the sponge and orange or black to the icing – or piping spider web or skull designs on top. Frozen banana ‘ghosts’ are very easy to make as well. Cut the bananas in half and

push a lolly stick into the bottom of each one, melt some white chocolate over a bowl of hot water then roll the bananas in the melted chocolate before sprinkling them with desiccated coconut. Once set, add chocolate drops to make faces and pop in the freezer on a baking tray for at least four hours.

SEE OUR HALLOWEEN AND BONFIRE NIGHT LISTINGS, PAGE 14, FOR DETAILS OF OTHER LOCAL ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS.

AUTUMN HALF TERM 2016

17

04/10/2016 11:36:54

3

1

2

4

Christmas is coming!

With the festive season fast approaching, Primary Times gives you the low down on Santa’s whereabouts, magical Christmas events and the best gifts for children this year.

W

hat with all the shopping to be done, the presents to buy and wrap and the decorations to put up, Christmas is busy for everyone. There’s one person, though, who’s especially busy this year and that, of course, is Santa Claus himself. The cheery chap with the red suit and white beard is certainly getting around in the run-up to the big day itself and there are lots of opportunities for children to pay him a visit and make sure he knows exactly what they want for Christmas this year. As always, he’ll be setting up his grotto in big local shopping centres but you can also track him down elsewhere.

On the last weekend in November, for example, Santa takes to the rails and joins Swindon and Cricklade Railway for their regular Santa Specials (Sat 26-Sun 27 Nov) while two weeks later he’ll be travelling in a different style when he climbs on board the Kenavon Venture at Devizes Wharf for a cruise along the Kennet and

6

Avon Canal – again with presents all round (Sat 10-Sun 11 Dec).

In Melksham, meanwhile, you’ll be able to visit Santa as part of a special Christmas celebration weekend (Sat 19-Sun 20 Nov) at Leekes department store. He’ll have some real-life reindeer to see as well and there’ll be all manner of other festive activities going on as well as seasonal treats to snack on. The following Friday, Santa will be popping up too at Devizes’s Christmas Festival and Lantern Parade (Fri 25 Nov): it’s one of the region’s biggest lantern processions and, as well as Santa in his grotto, you’ll find carol singers, festive food and fireworks as the town’s Christmas lights are switched on.

From Thu 1 Dec, Santa will also be at Lacock Abbey as part of the attraction’s Christmas events. The Great Hall will be specially decorated for the occasion, there’ll be a seasonal family trail to follow around the village and the abbey grounds and you can wonder at the Christmas tree festival with its array of trees decorated by the local community.

Elsewhere you’ll find Father Christmas with his reindeer at Salisbury Museum on Sat 10 Dec for ‘By George It’s Christmas’ – a festive celebration with a gorgeously Georgian twist including storytelling, comedy, music and refreshments.

Swindon and Cricklade Railway W: www.swindon-crickladerailway.org Kennet and Avon Trust W: www.katrust.org.uk Leekes W: www.leekes.co.uk Lacock Abbey W: www.national

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16 Wilts Features Autumn Half Term 2016.indd 8

trust.org.uk/lacock-abbey-foxtalbot-museum-and-village The Salisbury Museum W: www.salisburymuseum.org.uk Devizes Christmas Festival W: ww.docadevizes.org.uk

5

It’s a

gift!

If you’re stuck when it comes to buying presents for your little ’uns, here are some ideas which are bound to go down well on Christmas Day …

1. Selfie Mic Kids can bring out their inner pop star by creating their own music videos using this combined microphone and selfie stick with their mobile phone. £34.99, www.selfiemic.co.uk 2. Turbospoke You can make your push-bike look and sound like an actual motorbike with this bicycle exhaust system which fits all kinds of bike and doesn’t need batteries. £14.99, www.smythstoys.com

3. TellTails From a fantastic fox to a dancing dino, a leaping leopard to a wicked wolf, you can transform yourself into your favourite animal with one of these handmade animal tails. £15-£20, www.telltails.co.uk 4. Adopt an Animal For something more unusual, why not adopt an animal on behalf of your child? Through WWT Slimbridge, you can adopt an otter, a duck or even a flamingo. From £5 per month. www.adoption.wwt.org.uk 5. WowWeeCHiP Robot Dog If the price doesn’t put you off, this could be the ‘must-have’ techie toy this Christmas: how you interact with it determines how your robot dog behaves. £199.00, www.wowwee.com/chip 6. Gromit Unleashed Bristol Monopoly Bristol version of the famous board game themed around the Gromit Unleashed trail around the city. And you’ll be supporting the Wallace & Gromit Grand Appeal when you buy it too. £19.95 www.wallaceandgromitcharity shop.org.uk 7. Christmas Steps sketchbook This is one of the most popular gifts from Made in Bristol, which promotes the work of Bristol artists and artisans (see lots more of their handmade gifts at their fairs in the Colston Hall on Sat 26 Nov, Sat 3, Sat 10 & Sun 11 Dec). £10, www. madein bristol shop. co.uk

7

PRIMARY TIMES

04/10/2016 11:38:06

ADVERTISING FEATURE

d r a o b n Pi Santa comes to town Melksham department store Leekes is holding its special Christmas celebration weekend on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 November. There’ll be lots of festive fun for all the family on both days throughout the store. Santa will be on hand, of course. Children can visit him in his grotto and there’ll be special appearances from his real-life reindeer between 11am and 4pm as well.

There’ll be a host of other activities to keep the kids entertained too and plenty of tasty seasonal treats to enjoy while you choose the perfect presents from the selection of seasonal gifts on offer. Santa’s always kept busy so to avoid disappointment you can pre-book your visit to see him in store.

Ffi: Leekes Beanacre Rd, Melksham SN12 8AG T: 0333 222 4120 W: www.leekes.co.uk

Scary monsters Over the October half term at Bristol Aquarium you can come face to face with a spine-tingling selection of some of the planet’s most feared creatures.

‘Venom … Face Your Fears!’ (22-30 Oct) lets you follow a Toxic Trail and enjoy close encounters with a host of creepy critters including electric eels and deadly poison dart frogs.

You can also explore terrifying touch boxes, feed a shoal of giant vegetarian piranhas, watch a foul fish dissection, go on a tantalising mini tour and make yourself a frightening fish face to take home. There’ll be a family-friendly after-hours Spooky Torchlit Tour on Friday 28 October when a ghoul will guide you through the Harbourside attraction’s spookiest corners as twilight falls while for those brave souls who aren’t afraid of things that go bump in the night (and are aged 15+) there’s a Terrifying Torchlit Tour on Saturday 29 October (prebooking essential).

Ffi: Bristol Aquarium W: www.bristolaquarium.co.uk

PRIMARY TIMES

16 Wilts Pinboard Autumn Half Term 2016.indd 23

Parents’ & teachers’

news, education & contacts

Living history You can bring the past to life with Wiltshire Museum’s Primary School Learning Programme. Located in Devizes, the award-winning museum features spectacular treasures dating from the time of Stonehenge and worn by people who worshipped inside the stone circle. Displays of tools, pottery and jewellery show 500,000 years of Wiltshire’s story laid out before your eyes.

The museum’s exciting education programme gives young visitors the opportunity to discover its collections in a fun and engaging way and supports teaching through themed workshops for the KS1 and KS2 curriculum. Experienced staff can deliver handling sessions with real and replica artefacts, costume, role play, storytelling and creative activities or you can learn how to use a museum collection to explore the past and as a resource for research. You could also visit Stonehenge or Avebury or take a discovery walk in the prehistoric Wiltshire landscape as part of your day.

Ffi: Wiltshire Museum W: www.wiltshiremuseum.org.uk

Wild things

Palace at your pleasure Visit Blenheim Palace for an unforgettable family day out this autumn and winter. October half term sees lots of ghostly goingson in the Palace and Pleasure Gardens.

Families can lurk around the labyrinth, follow the mini-beasts trail or take a ride on the ghost train. There will be spooky tours and classic scary storytelling in the Palace and a whole host of treats in the Pleasure Gardens Deli, including ice-scream and toffee apples, with pumpkin carving too.

From 25 November until 2 January 2017, the formal gardens will be made magical with ‘Christmas at Blenheim’, a fantastically festive after-dark trail of lights. Discover a scented fire garden, Christmas trees that sing, a swaying lawn of fibre optic colour, sparkling hedgerows, glowing cascades and much more. Finish your evening with a warming festive drink while children enjoy the vintage carousel, with latenight shopping and other treats also available. Tickets can be booked online.

Ffi: Blenheim Palace Woodstock OX20 1PP W: www.blenheimpalace.com

This October half term (22-30 October), Wild Place Project is hosting a Halloween Harvest. With child entry at only £5 with a paying adult and lots of onsite activities, it’s the perfect way to keep the kids entertained this half term.

Snap a #ScarecrowSelfie with the scarecrows around the site and take part in the fancy dress and carved pumpkin competitions to win some amazing prizes. You can also follow the story trail to discover a different side to the classic ‘Three Little Pigs’ tale and explore the woodland with the Webb’s Brake trail.

You can of course also visit the animal residents, including cheetahs, wolves, lemurs and the new gelada baboons. With talks and feeds happening throughout the day, you can learn all about the incredible creatures that can be found at Wild Place Project.

Wild Place is just off junction 17 of the M5. Visit the website for more information and tickets.

Wear A Hat Day takes place on Friday 31 March 2017 and is the UK’s premier brain tumour awareness event. Brain tumours kill more children and adults under 40 than any other cancer, yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research is allocated to the disease. Brain Tumour Research is the only national UK charity that invests its funds in long-term research.

Wear A Hat Day is a great way for schools and families to show support and raise money for this research by taking part in hat-filled fundraising events. Schoolchildren maximize their fundraising by selling exclusive hat-shaped pin badges: with new designs each year, they have become collector’s items.

To get involved, register at www. wearahatday.org and start planning your event. Event ideas and fundraising tips can also be found on the website. Many schoolchildren make hats, have hat competitions, parades, fashion shows etc and the charity publishes the best photos on social media.

Ffi: Wild Place Project W: www.wildplace.org.uk

Ffi: Wear A Hat Day W: www.wearahatday.org

Get ahead, get a hat

AUTUMN HALF TERM 2016 19

04/10/2016 11:45:53

Adver tising Feature

A bright future

22nd October 30th October £5 child entry

*

adult with a full paying

Fancy Dress welcome!

Black C

at Trail

Witching Crafts

rd Wiza sting Ca Spell

www.bristolzoo.org.uk

Ffi: Devizes School W: www.devizesschool.co.uk

* Terms and conditions apply. See website for details

Adver tising Feature

Educational Promotion

FACTS • Almost half (48%) of children have difficulty eating anything when they have a sore throat 1 • A third (31%) of children struggle to take in fluids because of a sore throat 2 • Three out of five children miss school (58%) because of a sore throat 3 • More than a quarter {27%) of children cannot sleep when they have a sore throat 4 Sound familiar? You are not alone. Like many parents, you probably worry about the impact this is having on, not only your child’s wellbeing, but also their education.

• Devizes School had a wonderful summer. In August, nearly 200 children attended a week of activities at Camp Xtra – and all those involved described it as a brilliant experience. The school also celebrated an impressive set of examination results at A-level and GCSE. Year 13 students achieved a record set of A-level results, with a 100% pass rate and the school’s best ever year for students achieving the top grades. The year 11 cohort also exceeded their targets, achieving a second successive year of increased results.

The school is very proud of its students’ achievements – they worked really hard to exceed their targets – and appreciates the work done by parents to support and guide them to their success.

Standards are high at Devizes School and staff are committed to making it an outstanding school. The school wants to see students take full responsibility and ownership of their learning and has moved to a year group system to improve the support and guidance offered to them.

The school’s governing body has also unanimously voted for it to become part of the White Horse Federation as of 1 October 2016. It represents a fantastic opportunity for Devizes School to contribute to and benefit from being part of a successful multi-academy trust.

“The future at Devizes School is looking very bright indeed,” says headteacher Phil Bevan. “I look forward to working with parents, staff, the community and most importantly, students, in making our school outstanding.”

Grange of attractions

just seconds and it comes in an easy to use spray format.

The spray action of Children’s Chloraseptic means you can target the trouble-spot directly.

Only one spray 5 is needed rather than getting your little one to gargle, swallow a tablet or suck on a lozenge.

• Studley Grange Garden and Leisure Park near Swindon makes for a perfect destination this autumn half term. There are 30 species of butterflies in a specially designed hot house and a menagerie of animals in the farm park, and with a craft village and soft play area as well, there is plenty of fun for visitors of all ages.

This autumn the farm park hopes to welcome its own lambs and piglets. The flock of Dorset sheep are in lamb, and while lambing time is usually in the spring, Dorsets are the only breed able to give birth all year round. Roger the British Saddleback boar has also been a busy boy and his sows look like they could be expecting piglets.

The popular soft play area at Studley Grange features a newly refitted indoor adventure zone. An exciting range of animalthemed, safe, soft climbing frames, slides and dens keep children occupied and give them plenty of entertainment.

Chocolate Comforts/Cake Creations and Sparkle Dreams in the craft village are another highlight. Chocolate Comforts/Cake Creations is a charming boutique filled with handmade chocolates and freshly baked cakes while Sparkle Dreams is a den of wonderful paper crafts. Both shops run regular workshops, including chocolate and cup cake decorating as well as specific October crafting sessions for children.

Studley Grange is located just off junction 16 of the M4 and is open daily, including weekends and holidays.

Children’s Chloraseptic is sugar free and is available in a pleasant blackcurrant flavour.

Available from Boots, Superdrug, all major supermarkets and independent pharmacies.

Contains benzocaine; always read the label.

Looking for help?

Children’s Chloraseptic, for kids 6 years and above, delivers fast and effective pain relief when your child is suffering from a sore throat.

Children’s Chloraseptic numbs sore throat pain in

Ffi: Studley Grange Garden and Leisure Park W: www.studleygrange.co.uk Fb: Studley Grange Butterfly World, Tw: @ButterflyWorld

(1 - 4) OnePoll Omnibus survey of 1000 parents with children aged 6 to 18 conducted in summer 2016 (5) One spray for children aged 6-12. 3 sprays for teenagers and adults. ©LW

20 AUTUMN HALF TERM 2016

16 Wilts advertising features Autumn Half Term 2016.indd 26

PRIMARY TIMES

04/10/2016 11:53:24

Adver tising Feature

Stagecoach West: new app • Stagecoach West prides itself in providing safe, sustainable and affordable travel for the community.

Locally, it provides employment for over 700 staff and is committed to providing a variety of flexible full time and part time roles. The company works with local businesses, universities and colleges to provide safe, convenient and reliable transport to help improve congestion issues and work towards creating a better local environment. Whether a company has a few or hundreds of employees, Stagecoach West works with organisations to provide incentives for taking the bus to work, providing group discounts, reducing ticket prices and helping businesses to achieve their carbon foot print goals.

Stagecoach West is always looking for ways to improve its service, whether this is improving routes and timetables to consistently improving its buses. It aims to work with its customers by offering a wide range of tickets and fares to suit every pocket. The company has recently launched a new mobile app, giving customers everything they love about Stagecoachbus.com in an easy to use application. Its features include journey planning, live bus information in real time and, coming soon, mobile bus tickets. So now it’s even easier to find your nearest bus stop and plan your journey, all from your phone.

From taking the bus to school to using its great value for money family ticket, Stagecoach West provides a wide range of tickets for any age. The family ticket is all about leaving your car at home and letting the company take you to hundreds of attractions and destinations throughout your area, whether this be a visit to the park a shopping spree, or a night out.

Ffi: Stagecoach West W: www.stagecoachbus.com

APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP AT KINGSWOOD! ACADEMIC, ART, DRAMA, DT, MUSIC & SPORT Deadline for application • Year 12 – 21 October 2016 • Year 7 – 11 November 2016 • Year 9 – 6 January 2017 For an application form contact admissions@kingswood.bath.sch.uk or telephone 01225 734210.

www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk

Adver tising Feature

Christmas comforts • There’s plenty of festive fun on offer at Lacock this Christmas and from 1-31 December you can …

Make yourself comfy by the roaring fire in the beautifully decorated abbey Great Hall and help yourself to a tasty bonbon in front of the enormous Christmas tree, following a 200-year-old tradition begun by the Talbot family in the 1800s.

Meet Mother and Father Christmas in their cosy Christmas kitchen, listen to a story and receive a gift (booking essential). Then see how many of their reindeer you can find in the abbey grounds and village on a fun family trail.

Wander through the medieval cloister and vote for your favourite Christmas tree in Lacock’s annual Christmas tree festival. The trees are all decorated by local schools, charities and community groups.

From 10 to 11 December, the National Trust pop-up Christmas shop in the Manger Barn is the perfect place to pick up some presents and decorations and to taste a sample of Frome-based Friary Vinters’ delicious alcoholic drinks.

There’s so much to do, why not make Lacock one of your Christmas traditions?

Lacock is near Chippenham and is open daily in December from 11am-4pm. The Abbey Great Hall is open Thursday-Sunday from 11.30am-3.30pm (last entry 3pm). Lacock is closed from 25-26 December and on 1 January 2017. National Trust members and under-5s go free.

Ffi: Lacock Abbey, Lacock, Chippenham SN15 2LG T: 01249 730459 W: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock

PRIMARY TIMES

16 Wilts advertising features Autumn Half Term 2016.indd 27

AUTUMN HALF TERM 2016 21

04/10/2016 11:53:47

Hello Kids!

Cattle Country Adventure Park has very kindly donated the prizes to my next art competion. Children who send me pictures on the subject My Favourite Thing at Cattle Country could win one of three family tickets to the Gloucestershire attraction. If you haven’t been there, have a look at the park’s website to see its range of exciting activities.

So get your crayons out and send me your pictures to: Arty Barty, Primary Times, 1 Temple Way, Bristol, BS2 0BY, or email high resolution jpegs to my editor at: mike.gartside@localworld. co.uk

Arty Barty The theme of animals and people obviously struck a chord with budding artists out there. Well done to the three winners who each receive a family ticket to Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm.

Don’t forget to give me your name, age, full home postal address and the name of your school. Deadline: Monday 7 November.

Have fun!

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

Isaac Littlejohn, 5, Westbury on Trym CoE Academy, Bristol Isaac’s drawn himself bravely feeding a very fearsome lookingw crocodile. I love ho k sharp the teeth loo against the bold green.

Ruby Nunes, 9, Hillcrest Primary School, Bristol A fantastic Japanese ‘anime-style’ picture of a girl and her bigeyed husky. The bright blue of his eyes really stands out and I like the cold setting, complete with igloo.

Sophie Haycock, 5, Ellacombe Rd School, Longwell Green Sophie’s drawn a wonderfully vibrant ark. I love the huge waves towering on either side and the sun and rainbow in the corners.

WINNER!

WINNER! WINNER!

Nicholas Nikiforou, 9, Locking Primary School, Weston-super-Mare Nicholas has drawn a fantastically detailed Victorian horse and carriage. He’s thought of everything from the wheel spokes to the driver’s top hat.

Simply Marvel!

Mike Gartside reviews the new releases.

The eyes have it Political cartoonist Chris Riddell, now also a celebrated children’s author and laureate, no less, brings us the latest in his Ottoline series, in which our heroine encounters a purple canine in the streets of Big City. As you’d expect, the story is enchantingly illustrated, complete with luxurious green and purple cover. Riddell maintains his keen observer’s eye creating a world where animals, humans and mythical creatures rub along happily, sorting through the quirky clutter that ends up in Ottoline’s flat.

Children will be enchanted by the eccentricity of Ottoline’s life, although adults may tire of the rather slight tale - in places simple lists of oddball occurrences and objects.

But Riddell’s visual instincts remain impeccable and his status as children’s fiction man-of-the-moment is largely well deserved. Hopefully this is a blip and his future offerings will beef up the story-telling quotient.

Ottoline and the Purple Fox Chris Riddell, £10.99, MacMillan Children’s Books, www.panmacmillan.com

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AUTUMN HALF TERM 2016

16 Wilts Books & Arty Barty Autumn Half Term 2016.indd 34

Emblazoned with the grimacing visage of The Hulk, presumably as he prepares to do battle with one of his many nemeses, this compendium of superheroes traces the myriad stories and characters developed by the US publisher, Marvel.

Originally a publisher of escapist, good vs evil tales for children, printed in inky comics, Marvel has become a global brand, celebrated in television, film and, indeed, luxury hardback encylopedias like this. The fact that educational imprint Dorling Kindersley is behind this edition demonstrates how profoundly Marvel has shaped our culture.

Ideal for nerds and would-be nerds, ‘Absolutely Everything . . .’ catalogues the storylines and vital statistics of the full stable of Marvel characters from Spiderman and The Hulk to less well-known players like Cyborg Rebecca Ryker or the Sinister Six. It’s a universe which mixes modern human imagination, personified by Captain America, with ancient legend, as Thor and Hercules are recruited to the superheroes’ pantheon. Of course, the illustration is as dynamic, colourful and impelling as you’d expect from Marvel, while its stories spell out ever more outlandish sci-fi scenarios. It’s pricey, at £17.99 but could encourage telly-addicts into the world of books, while acting as a useful reference for parents as they attempt to understand the Marvel world.

Marvel: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know Adam Bray, Lorraine Cink, John Sazaklis, Sven Wilson, £17.99, Dorling Kindersley, www.dk.com

PRIMARY TIMES

04/10/2016 11:49:31

Classifieds Party Ideas

Swimming

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OR Are you looking for afterschool children’s classes for SPANISH or FRENCH? Max 8 children Rosa and Nadine are ready to help you. We use LA JOLIE RONDE’S METHOD With GAMES, SONGS AND FUN ROLE-PLAYS. CONTACT us on 07855518102 Or at frenchtuition@gmx.co.uk Free trial lesson ©LW PRIMARY TIMES

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30/09/2016 16:06:40

Thursday 10 November at 6pm at The Mall at Cribbs Causeway

CHRISTMAS LIGHT SWITCH ON AND CHARITY CONCERT And opening of the Winter Wonderland with

FREE

CHARITY CONCERT In aid of BBC Children in Need

Suggested voluntary donation £2 per ticket Ticket only event: details of how to get your FREE ticket at mallcribbs.com © 2007. Registered charity England and Wales no. 802052 and Scotland no. SC039557.

The Joy of Christmas Shopping 10

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30/09/2016 15:22:50