Wilts Primary Times

i r ma ry ptimes

11 12 1 yrs

2 3 4 yrs

in Wiltshire

Issue 89

23 May-22 July 2014

A few small

steps Discover the joys of a journey by foot during Walk to School Week. Page 4

Also Father’s Day Family friendly festivals Making a maestro

Theatre • Arty Barty • Roundabout • Save money!

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As summer approaches, May Half Term is a chance to finalise plans for the season ahead and explore the many attractions that the West has to offer families.

We look at the burgeoning range of festivals coming up, which have become increasingly child-friendly this year (P21) . Look out, too, for multi-cultural Father’s Day ideas (P6) as our correspondent travels the globe to see how they celebrate dads elsewhere. For those who would like music to be part of their child’s education, we look at schemes which supplement the efforts of the area’s schools (P16). Finally, if in doubt what to do of a weekend, it’s always worth checking our packed listings!

a ry ptriim mes 11 12 1 yrs

2 3 4

the editor

yrs

e in Wiltshir

2014 -22 July 4 23 May Issue 89

steps Theatre • Arty

FATHER’S DAY P6 Alex Hurley takes us around the world to get inspiration for Dad’s treat this year.

MAKING A MAESTRO P16 Find the musical training your child needs.

FESTIVAL FEVER! P21 The best music and kids’ fun in the West

PRIMARY TIMES IS NOW AVAILABLE AS AN APP

all A few sm

of a the joys Discover foot during Walk journey byWeek. Page 4 to School

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

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/primary-times/id674066003?mt=8 Also Father’s Daydly Family Frien Festivals

Save money! ndabout • Barty • Rou

Primary Times in Wiltshire

Find these amazing offers this issue!

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

Commercial director:

Advertising:

Distribution:

Design: Production: Main Office:

Mike Gartside mike.gartside@venue.co.uk Paul Kimberley paul.kimberley@b-nm.co.uk 0117 934 3780 Caroline Stretton caroline.stretton@b-nm.co.uk 0117 934 3737 Ellie Pipe eleanor.pipe@b-nm.co.uk 0117 934 3730 Simon Butler simon.butler@b-nm.co.uk 0117 934 3741 Cath Evans, Mike Gartside Emma Gorton, Ruth Wood 0117 942 8491

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

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

While we make every effort to ensure information published is accurate, readers are encouraged to check details of all events in advance and neither Bristol News & Media nor its contributors are liable for the consequences of any errors. Primary Times would like to thank all the schools in the county for their assistance in distributing the magazine and their contributions to its contents. We would also like to thank all the advertisers who have supported this publication and therefore made it possible. Please support their endeavours when and where you can. The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by our studio remains with Primary Times or the relevant contributor.

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

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Bristol Aquarium – Kids go free Laserquest – Great discounts (see advert) Primary Times has a smashing, new-look website, a portal to all the 60 regional editions of the magazine including Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire.

The new site is brighter, cleaner and easier to navigate, so go ahead and explore what’s on in your area on: www.primarytimes.net

MAY HALF TERM 2014

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Walk to Scho Mon ol Week 19-F r May i 23

A few small

steps

Walking to school offers benefits which are far from pedestrian, says Swindon Borough Council’s school travel advisor, Jane Deeley. Walk to School Week will demonstrate how a daily stroll can enhance a child’s ability to learn and offer valuable quality time.

E

ach May schools across the UK participate in Walk to School Week, which this year takes place from Mon 19 to Fri 23 May. The initiative, organised by campaign group Living Streets, aims to increase the number of children who walk for at least part of their journey to school. Schools and local authorities can organise special events and competitions to highlight the week and emphasise the benefits of walking.

However, time pressures, safety concerns and sheer convenience all affect our daily travel choices and many parents may think, “It’s a lovely idea, but it’s not really for us.” Despite this, 64% of primary children in Swindon regularly walk to school, so what advantages does this give them?

The majority of families who choose to take the car to school say the lack of time in the morn-

The dream . . .

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ings is the deciding factor. With children to get to school and/or childcare by a set time, and perhaps an onward journey to work, there may seem no other option.

However, if you live within 800 metres of the school, it can often be quicker to walk. This is especially true in urban areas with oneway systems, traffic queues and little parking near schools. Several schools in Swindon have mapped out ‘Five minute walk zones’ with their pupils, and provide leaflets showing alternative parking areas and footpaths to the school, so even if you live further away from school you can walk at least part of the way.

The time taken to walk a regular journey, such as to school, is also pretty consistent – there are unlikely to be traffic jams, accidents or road works to hold you up. This also means that the journey can be much less stressful than driving, leaving you with time to focus on your child en route.

How many of us have tried to test spelling while keeping an eye out for a parking space, or times tables whilst trying to negotiate a

roundabout? Just think how much more pleasant the journey could be!

Research has shown that children who regularly walk or cycle to school have much better spatial awareness of their local area.

Unlike children who spend their journey time in the back of a car, they are able to create effective mental maps and learn to navigate, which helps to prepare them for safer independent travel.

You can also use the opportunity to practise vital road safety skills with your child, such as finding a safe place to cross the road.

Children’s brains do not develop the capacity to accurately judge the speed of approaching traffic until they are around 11 years old.

So they need plenty of practice with adult supervision before crossing busy roads on their own.

Depending on their age and maturity, you can also teach your child how to cope if things do go wrong – what if they get lost, fall over, or lose their bus fare, or think they are being followed?

Even very young children can

benefit from watching adults and older siblings using the roads safely. One mum from Swindon describes how her three-year-old son disappeared while she was settling her daughter into school for the day. She discovered that he had safely used the pelican crossing on the busy road outside the school to cross back to his preschool so he could tell his teachers he couldn’t find her. “After I had calmed down and thought about it, I realised I had never actually made a conscious effort to teach him how to use the crossing, but every day our routine was the same and I would talk to them about stopping, pressing the button, waiting for the traffic to stop.

I probably aimed it more at my daughter, being the older one at school, but of course he was with us every day and listened and followed the same routine.”

Walking, scooting and cycling to school are great ways to build regular exercise into your family’s everyday routine, especially if you struggle to find time for other physical activity. Research from the US has found that children who are active on their journey to school arrive wide awake and ready to learn, and achieve higher grades in standard tests.

Lastly, a survey in August 2013 found that the average mother drives 1,248 miles a year ferrying her children around, adding £1,714 to the family’s annual fuel bill.

Don’t forget, walking is entirely free. Happy walking!

Living Streets W: www.livingstreets.org.uk Swindon Borough Council E: stars@swindon.gov.uk

. . . the nightmare

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Breach Lane Equine Centre Breach Lane, Wootton Bassett, Wilts SN4 7QR

PONY PARTIES Call now for details or to book.

PONY DAYS Each Tuesday of School holidays. (Except Christmas)

HORSE RIDING LESSONS Now Taking ADULTS & CHILDREN who are Nervous, Novice or Beginners who want to have ago at horse riding.

Weight limit 12 stone, Children from age 4.

All riding in an enclosed arena.

For more info see web site

www.breachlaneequinecentre.co.uk Phone Alison on 01793 854 660 or Mobile 07855 755 831

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Around the

world

on Father’s Day

As children prepare to treat their fathers this Father’s Day, Alex Hurley says families could look at the traditions in other countries for new ideas.

W

hile Dad will almost certainly be delighted if the kids serve him breakfast in bed this Father’s Day, he may suffer a twinge of well hidden disappointment unwrapping yet another pair of ‘super dad’ socks. Children might want to look to other cultures for inspiration to make this year’s Father’s Day on Sunday 15 June that extra bit special.

Following (roughly) in the footsteps of Jules Verne’s ‘Around the World . . .’ hero Phineas Fogg, we travel to Germany, where dads entertain themselves on ‘Männertag’ by embarking on an extensive hike, hauling wagons filled with food, beer and wine.

However, this is probably (and rightly) beyond the capabilities of most children in this country to organise so we head east to Romania, which was until relatively recently the only country in the European Union not to hold an official Father’s Day. But now the second Sunday in May is set aside

A canna flower is a traditional Father’s Day gift in Thailand

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Canoe Safari at Slimbrid ge

for dads and Romanians believe the day should showcase responsible fathers, encouraging the menfolk to step up proudly to their parenting role.

Leaping continents we discover that India celebrates the day by exploring the true meaning of being a father. Schools and community groups, especially in the larger cities, set out to inspire children to pay respect to and take care of their dads.

On to Thailand, where fathers share their special day with the King’s birthday, 5 December, a public holiday allowing the family a day off. Traditionally, Thai children used to present their dads with a flower called the ‘canna’, which signifies masculinity, although sadly this tradition has faded and Thai people now usually wear a colour associated with the King.

Further north, the people of Taiwan celebrate the Baba holiday in appropriately 21st century fashion by sending fathers e-cards wishing them eternal peace, health and joy from the president of the

Wetlands Centre

republic. Father’s day falls on the eighth day of the eighth month, chosen because eight in mandarin Chinese sounds much like ‘bà’, meaning ‘papa’.

Across the Pacific Ocean, Brazil blazes with all-you-can-eatbarbeques called ‘churrascos’, welcoming the whole family to applaud dad’s fathering skills, not to mention his abilities at the grill, as they tuck into a feast of beef, pork, chicken and sausages.

From there we head to what could be described as the parent of Father’s Day itself, the USA, where the story goes, one Sonora Smart Dodd, daughter of an American Civil War veteran, celebrated the day in her Washington State home town in 1910 and campaigned for the idea to spread nationally. Fifty years later, in 1966, it was declared a national celebration by President Johnson.

Back home in England, it remains an all but forgotten gesture for children to wear a rose: the tradition has a bittersweet flavour

as a white rose signifies respect for a living father while a red rose honours a deceased one.

In addition to a gift or a symbol, there are lots of events geared towards father’s day in the West, such as at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm near Bristol, where Dad could be King of the Jungle for the day (see website for downloadable £5 admission voucher). Alternatively, you could take him on a canoe safari at Slimbridge Wetland Centre, where visitors discover water voles, ducks and dragonflies and much more, while roaming the waterways themselves.

But, you may decide to follow a well-respected tradition of your own, after all, dads can never have enough socks.

Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm: T: 01275 852606 E: info@noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk W: www.noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk Slimbridge Wetlands Centre: T: 01453 891223 E: enquiries@wwt.org.uk W: www.wwt.org.uk Father’s Day at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm

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from 4 to 9 years

Best Driver Trophy Safe Driver Awards Fun and Games

For more information please contact

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

PRIMARY TIMES

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

WILTSHIRE THE ARC THEATRE College Road, Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 0ES, 01225 756211, www.arctheatre.org.uk Misfits Mon 7-Tue 8 Jul, 7pm, £9/£7 (concs) • New youth group, Characters Stage Company, made up of children aged 10 to 17, present a brand new play about what it is to be different and go against the norm.

SALISBURY ARTS CENTRE Salisbury Arts Centre, Bedwin Street, Salisbury, SP1 3UT. 01722 321744, www.salisburyartscentre. co.uk Logic of Nothing Tue 3 Jun, 7.30pm, £12 (adult)/£10 (under 16s) • Step into the world of Oscar Boffin – an obsessive hoarder and inventor who has a home filled with gadgets, but not all of them work the way they’re supposed to. A live soundtrack sets the stage for a blend of clown, juggling, magic and invention. Ages 10+ Monski Mouse’s Baby Disco Hall Sat 7 Jun, 2pm, £5 • The friendliest of discos for parents and under 5s. DJ Monski Mouse brings highenergy smiling to Salisbury. Her team will have your heads and shoulders, knees and toes bopping along to lashings of retro dance tracks, pop favourites and funky nursery rhymes.

A Real Fairy Story Sat 28 Jun, 11am-2.30pm, £7.50/£6.50 (concs)/£24 (family) • Expect to see comedy, shadow puppetry, wonder, mayhem and close encounters with fairies. Join Mrs. Buttersnap on her journey into another world to find out how she can help the fairies and capture one in a photograph. Ages 3-7 years.

Summer Stage Fri 15 Aug, 7.30pm/Sat 16 Aug, 6.30pm, £6 • A multi-media performance on the theme of ‘Artificial Things’ created by a group of young people, during a two-week residency. Actors, musicians and technicians are brought together to create a performance from scratch. Children aged 11 to 18 who would like to take part should email simon@salisburyarts.co.uk.

Moon Man Sat 5 Jul, 11am, £4 • A bored Moon Man hitches a ride to Earth on the tails of a passing comet and starts to explore the fantastical creatures and sights of a new planet. But with the Moon Man absent from his post, the world’s children are unable to sleep. Can inventor Bunsen get the Moon Man back to his rightful place before the megalomaniac president catches him?

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A Real Fairy Story, Salisbury Arts Centre, Sat 28 Jun

SALISBURY PLAYHOUSE Malthouse Lane, Salisbury, SP2 7RA. 01722 320333, www.salisburyplayhouse.com The Boat & the Moon Tue 27 May, 10am • This tale from Italian theatre company La Baracca follows a little boat and its extraordinary dream to leave the sea and sail to the moon. The boat asks for help from fish, stars, pelicans and whales, but the moon is far away and the boat can’t fly. Using music, performance and puppetry, The Boat and the Moon promises a magical theatrical experience for children about dreams, imagination and adventure.

The Frog and Princess Wed 28 May, 12pm • A poignant re-telling of the Brothers Grimm tale, the frog prince uses “exquisitely manipulated” puppetry to explore the meeting of cultures. A princess who deems a frog unworthy of being her friend, starts a journey from rejection to friendship.

They discover that, deep down, they are not so different after all.

Sir Charlie Stinky Socks Thu 29 May, 10am • Let local author Kristina Stephenson take you on Sir Charlie’s most fearsome quest yet: along a treacherous track, through a spooky wood and into a deep dark cave to find a black sack which he must bring back to the Wizard! But there are ogres, scallywags and an old redeyed crone to reckon with along the way. This is musical storytelling complete with sound effects and puppets.

Winter’s Tale: Lari Don Thu 29 May, 12pm • Author Lari Don shares her latest collection of stories, a magical collection of folk tales from around the world about winter, snow and ice. Find out how spiders invented tinsel, why snow is really eagles’ feathers and how a hero with hairy trousers used ice to kill a dragon.

Pinocchio Sun 1 Jun, 12.30pm,

3.30pm • Follow Pinocchio and his grasshopper friend as they set out on an adventure. But if only his nose would just stay still. Live music, puppetry, storytelling and, of course, longer and longer noses combine in this magical family adventure.

Arthur’s Dreamboat: Long Nose Puppets Fri 6 Jun–Sat 7 Jun, 1.30pm (Fri), 11.30am (Sat) • One night, Arthur has an amazing dream about a beautiful pink and green boat with a stripy mast. He can’t wait to tell everyone about it, but no one (not even his dog!) is interested. They don’t even notice that this very same boat is growing on his head, getting larger and larger by the minute... Soon, Arthur is bouncing along the waves in his very own dream boat.

Maybe now his family will listen!

Charlie and Lola’s Best Bestest Play Sat 14 & Sun 15 Jun, 11am & 1.30pm, 4pm (Sat), 11am (Sun), £12 • Don’t miss everyone’s favourite brother and sister, Charlie and Lola, in their “ever so wonderful” stage show! Suitable for 3+ years.

SWINDON ARTS CENTRE Devizes Road, Old Town, Swindon SN1 4BJ. 01793 614837, www. swindon.gov.uk/artscentre Theo’s Crazy Circus Tue 27 May, 2pm, £10/£8 (child)/£32 (family) • Theo the mouse is back and he is joined by Wendy Abrahams (ITV’s Sooty Show) and Wink Taylor.

Don’t miss Theo’s new family show bursting with more magic, laughter and music!

A Handful of Songs Wed 2-Sat 5 Jul, £9/£8 (concs) • Ray Dance and Judith Sharp serve up an evening of song and dance in aid of the Goldenhar Family Support Group. A compilation of popular music which sees friends and family join pupils from the Gemma Short School of Dance and Theatre Arts on stage.

WARDROBE MUSEUM GARDENS The Wardrobe, 58 The Close, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 2EX, 01722 419419, www.thewardrobe. org.uk George’s Marvellous Medicine Sat 31 May, 3.30pm • George’s grandma is coming to stay, but George’s grandma is horrible, shouting, “George, do this!

George, do that!” The grumpy granny gets her comeuppance at the hands of her grandson and his dastardly concoction. Festival favourites Illyria return with yet another Roald Dahl classic full of (literally) larger-than-life characters. Picnics are welcome.

THE WYVERN THEATRE Theatre Square, Swindon SN1 1QN. 01793 524481, www.wyverntheatre.org.uk Monday Night Magic Mon 2 Jun, Mon 7 Jul, Mon 4 Aug & Mon 1 Sep, 7pm, £10 • Evening of entertainment with Bill Masters, whose magical skills promise to delight and captivate even the most sceptical of audiences.

Teresa’s School of Dance Sat 14 Jun, 7.30pm, £9.50 • A cast of 150 dancers, ranging from 2 years to adults, performs dance pieces in styles ranging from ballet, tap, jazz and musical theatre to break dance, to the music of stars of yesteryear.

Bananas in Pyjamas Sun 22 Jun, 1pm, £13.50 • It’s party time in Cuddlestown Park, but the guest of honour has gone missing. Help the Banana detectives solve the case in this interactive singing and dancing show.

Aliens Love Underpants Sun 13 Jul, 1.30pm-3.30pm, £13.50 • The book by Clair Freedman and Ben Cort is brought to life on stage for the first time. Effects, madcap action, original music, and lots of aliens, create an entertaining production for the whole family.

Old Macdonald Had a Farm Sat 26 Jul, 2.30pm, £10.50 (adult)/£9.50 (child)/£9.50 (family) • Old Macdonald’s animals have gone missing, can you help a friendly scientist and his time machine get them back?

Farmyard tale combined with nursery rhymes, games, and sing along songs including Heads, Shoulders Knees and Toes and of course Old Macdonald Had A Farm.

Treasure Island Sun 27 Jul, 1pm4pm, £13 (adult)/£11 (child)/£11 (family) • Action-filled magical trip into the world of pirates and princesses with cannonballs, singing, cheering and booing, puppets, colourful costumes and maybe even a custard pie.

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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 August and September: deadline Mon 16 Jun. If your event is to raise funds for a school or charity, and is open to the public, please let us know.

E: mike.gartside@venue.co.uk.

PLEASE CHECK BEFORE YOU TRAVEL While we make every effort to ensure these listings are accurate and up to date, event information can sometimes change after we’ve gone to press. Please check with the venue or organiser before you set off to an event to make sure it’s going ahead as planned . . . and tell them you saw it in Primary Times!

ONGOING AND REGULAR EVENTS ARE NOW LISTED AT THE END OF ROUNDABOUT

MAY UNTIL SUN 1 JUN SUMMER EXHIBITION St. Peter’s Church, High Street, Marlborough. www.guildofwiltshire.com, Mon-Sat 10am-5pm/ Sun 1 Jun 11am-2pm • A group of

Salisbury International Arts Festival, Fri 23 May-Sat 7 Jun

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practising Wiltshire artists regularly exhibit and hold monthly meetings and workshops.

UNTIL SAT 5 JUL ANIMAL MAGIC - NATURAL HISTORY COLLECTION Swindon Museum & Art Gallery, Bath Road, Old Town, Swindon, SN1 4BA, 01793 466556, www. swindon.gov.uk, 11am-4pm • With a display comprising preserved animals, birds, fish, eggs, shells, horns and antlers, as well as insects, plants and seeds, many from Swindon and the surrounding countryside, this exhibition showcases the diversity of creatures in the area. It also highlights species which have since become rare or extinct.

UNTIL SUN 14 SEP VICTORIAN SCHOOL SUMMER SUNDAYS Sevington, near Chippenham, SN14 7LD. www.sevingtonvictorianschool.co.uk, every Sun, 2pm5pm • Dress up and take part in a Victorian school experience.

Try your hand at Victorian playground games plus a homemade tea in the schoolroom parlour.

UNTIL SAT 27 SEP MOCKINGBIRD Trowbridge Museum, The Shires Shopping Centre, Court Street, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 8AT, 01225 751339, www. trowbridgemuseum.co.uk • An exhibition that debuts new work from Holt-based artist Jan Lane, who’s part of the Cloth Road Artists group. Her small flocks of papier mâché, ceramic and needle felt birds are inspired by textiles from Trowbridge Museum’s archive. The exhibition includes a flourishing programme of free craft activities for children and adults.

UNTIL SAT 27 SEP WILTSHIRE FARMERS’ MARKETS Venues across Wiltshire. www. wiltshirefarmersmarkets.co.uk • Around 11 farmers’ markets present food from local producers, who grow and rear most of their produce within the county’s borders. These include: Bradford on Avon Westbury Gardens, third Thu every month until 18 Sep, 9am-1pm Devizes Market Place, first Sat of the month and third Sat from Jul onwards until 20 Sep, 9am1pm.

Salisbury Poultry Cross, every Wed, 9am-2pm.

Calne The Pippin, second Sat of every month until 13 Sep, 9am1pm.

Royal Wootton Bassett High Street, fourth Sat of every month until 27 Sep.

Knights’ Tournament, Old Sarum, Sun 25-Mon 26 May

TUE 20 MAY-TUE 15 JUL CRAFT CLUB Salisbury Arts Centre, Bedwin Street, Salisbury SP1 3UT. 01722 321744, www.salisburyartscentre.co.uk, Tuesdays 20 May/3 & 17 Jun/1 & 15 Jul, free • Craft sessions open to everyone as part of a nationwide initiative to get people crafting - enjoy knitting, stitching and crochet.

TUE 20 MAY–TUE 22 JUL BAT WATCH Lacock Abbey, Lacock, Wiltshire, SN15 2LG, 0844 2491895, www. nationaltrust.org.uk, 8.30pm, £8 (adults)/£4 (child) • Join bat expert Tony Brazier and learn about bats living in and around the abbey. One spectacle includes the bats swooping out of the gargoyles’ mouths to hunt for bugs on summer nights.

Booking essential.

WED 21 MAY WILTSHIRE GARDEN VISIT Hazelbury Manor Gardens, Wadswick, Box SN13 8HX. 07813 452008, www.ngs.org.uk, 11am3pm, £5 (adult)/free (child) • Explore eight acres of Grade II landscaped organic gardens.

The Edwardian gardens offer hedges, topiary a laburnum tunnel and a pleached lime avenue.

A large variety of plants and shrubs fill 5,000 square metres of planting including many herbal and native species. See productive vegetable gardens, orchards and a wild flower drive from a butterfly rich common.

Plants for sale. Refreshments available.

WED 21–FRI 23 MAY FRIENDS OF TREGOZE PLANT SALE Sleaford Close, Grange Park, Swindon, SN5 6JU, 01793 876800, www.tregozeprimaryschool.org. uk, 3.15pm • Selling a variety of vegetables, perennials, shrubs, climbers, ferns, annuals, bedding and basket plants. Planted up hanging baskets can also be purchased. All profits go towards the school.

FRI 23 MAY WILTSHIRE GARDEN VISIT Windmill Cottage, Kings Road, Market Lavington, SN10 4QB. 01380 813527, www.ngs.org.uk, £3 (adult)/free (child) • Meander around one acre of cottage-style wild-life garden. Explore mixed beds and borders, roses on pagoda, a large vegetable patch, polytunnel and greenhouse.

Dogs welcome. Plants for sale.

Refreshments and coaches available.

FRI 23 MAY-SAT 7 JUN SALISBURY INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL Venues throughout Salisbury, Wiltshire. 01722 332 241, www. salisburyfestival.co.uk. The annual 16-day Ageas Salisbury International Arts includes a wealth of theatre productions for children (see Theatre section), plus original performances from different artistic media, including fine art, literature, dance and music. The festival begins with the family oriented Close Encounters on Sat 24 May-Sun 25 May (see below). » MAY HALF TERM 2014

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ROUNDABOUT

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

FRI 23 MAY–TUE 2 SEP RISE OF THE DINOSAURS Marwell Wildlife, Thompson’s Lane, Colden Common, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 1JH, 01962 777407, www.marwell.org.uk, £19(adult)/£15(child) • This summer dinosaurs inhabit a quiet corner of Colden Common, transforming it into a Jurassic jungle. Adventurers will be enthralled by the awesome beasts, including the deadly Tyrannosaurus Rex, as they come to life with animatronics, roaring or spitting at anyone who dares to get near them.

SAT 24 MAY BATH FOLK CLUB King Edwards Junior School, North Road, Bath, BA2 6HU. 07881 646633, rachel@bathfolkfestival. org, 10am-12.30pm, £8, ages 8-18 yrs • An opportunity for young people to get involved in folk music and learn about the music business.

SAT 24 MAY-SUN 1 JUN SCARECROWS Roves Farm Visitor Centre, Sevenhampton, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN6 7QG. 01793 763939, www. rovesfarm.co.uk, free with standard admission • Scarecrow hunt on the free tractor rides. Help the special scarecrow scare away the birds and make a miniature scarecrow during craft.

SAT 24 MAY–SUN 1 JUN MAY BANK HOLIDAY AND HALF TERM FUN Bowood House and Gardens, Calne, Wiltshire, SN11 0LZ, 01249 822422, www.bowood.org • Enjoy the adventure of Bowood House and Gardens and its famous and outdoor playground this May Bank holiday and Half Term. Special bank holiday activities include clowns performing circus skills, a balloon artist, face painting and a butterfly nature trail.

If you don’t have chance to visit at the weekend, have fun on the butterfly nature trail throughout the whole of half term.

SUN 25 MAY OPEN DAY AT REIN & SHINE Rein and Shine, 1 Buryhill Farm, Braydon, SN5 0AD, 01666 860068, www.reinandshine.co.uk • Free horse riding open days for anyone who wants to experience riding a horse. Twenty minute rides are available for children aged over 4. There are also stable tours and a chance to groom the horses. Pre-booking essential.

Open Days are 25 May, 14 June, 20 July, 16 August, 14 September and 4 October.

SUN 25–MON 26 MAY KNIGHTS’ TOURNAMENT Old Sarum, Castle Road, Salisbury, Wiltshire , SP1 3SD, 01722 335398, www.english-heritage.org.uk, £5.30 (adult)/£3.20 (child) • It is the 15th century and pride is at stake. It’s every man for himself in the ultimate skillat-arms tournament. Lend the knights your support as you visit their encampments and enjoy the sights and sounds of medieval life. Let your little knights feel the weight of real armour and burn off some energy in the kids’ battles.

TUE 27 MAY MEET THE ARTIST American Museum in Britain, Claverton Manor, Claverton, Bath, Avon BA2 7BD, 01225 820866, workshops@americanmuseum. org, www.americanmuseum.org • Join paper craft artist Jessica Palmer and learn to make fabulous boxes from vintage books.

Included in garden-only admission. Ages 6+ TUE 27-FRI 30 MAY ORA ET LABORA WORKSHOPS Ora et Labora, 3 Church Street, Bath, BA1 1NL. www.ora-et-labora. co.uk, daily, 11am, £5 per workshop, booking advisable • Feeling crafty? Have a go at brass rubbing, apothecary skills and candle making.

TUE 27 MAY-SUN 1 JUN THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT SPIEGELTENT CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL (BATH FRINGE) The Recreation Ground, off North Parade Road, Bath, www. bathfringe.co.uk • A programme of shows, performers and activities for all ages staged as part of the city’s alternative festival, The Bath Fringe. Attractions include The Talent Show (Tue-Fri, 4.30pm) activities in the food tent (Tue-Fri, 4.30pm) and Bath puppet theatre Fly in a Pie (at 44AD artspace, 7-8 Jun).

Corsham Food & Drink Festival, Sat 21 Jun

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THU 29 MAY MARVELOUS MAPS American Museum in Britain, Claverton Manor, Claverton, Bath, Avon BA2 7BD, 01225 460503, www.americanmuseum.org, 1-4pm (drop in), included in garden admission • Explore the museum’s collection of historic maps, complete with sea monsters and mysterious lands, and create your own map inspired by a journey you make every day.

Popeye’s Banjo Circus, part of Bath Fringe, Tue 27 May-1 Jun

SAT 31 MAY MEET THE RAILWAY WORKERS Steam Museum Of The Great Western Railways, Fire Fly Ave, Swindon, SN2 2EY, 01793 466637, 10am-4pm, www.steam-museum. org.uk • Take a step back in time as you meet engine drivers, firemen and railway workers who worked on the locomotives and in Swindon works. Former GWR workers show you how the locos worked and bring stories of the steam age to life. You’ll also be invited to ‘climb aboard’ famous steam locomotives such as No. 4073 ‘Caerphilly Castle’ and No. 4003 ‘Lode Star’.

JUNE SAT 7 JUN MONSKI MOUSE’S BABY DISCO DANCE HALL Salisbury Arts Centre, Bedwin Street, Salisbury SP1 3UT. 01722 321744, www.salisburyartscentre. co.uk, 2pm, £5 • Monski Mouse will have your head, shoulders, knees and toes bopping along to retro dance tracks, pop favourites and nursery rhymes. Ages 0-5 years.

TUE 10 JUN THE COURTS (NGS) Holt, Trowbridge BA14 6RR. 01225 782875, www.nationaltrust.org.uk, 11am-5.30pm, £6.55 (adult)/£3.25 (child) • An eclectic garden that comprises a water garden with two pools, temple, conservatory and small kitchen garden split by an apple allée, all contained within colour themed borders and topiary. Plants for sale and refreshments.

FRI 13 JUN UNDER FIVES FRIDAY Salisbury & South Wiltshire Museum, The King’s House, 65 The Close, Salisbury, SP1 2EN, 01722 332151, www.salisburymuseum.org.uk, 10am-11.30am, £5 (adult)/£2 (child) under 5’s free • Creative activities with the theme of Solstice sun printing’.

fish and many other fossils from the BRLSI Collection. Booking essential.

SAT 14-SUN 15 JUN KINGTON LANGLEY SCARECROW FESTIVAL Kington Langley, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN15 5NN, www.scarecrows.biz • A family day out, with over 50 scarecrows on display and the chance to win £100 if you guess them all. This year’s theme is ‘Musicals’. There are children’s rides and trail, plus a free performance from ‘Nutty Noah’ on Saturday (1.30-2.30pm). Have a go at building your own scarecrow in the ‘Scrapheap Challenge’ event on Saturday, 3pm (teams of four). Refreshments include a barbeque, cream teams and the ‘Crow Bar’. There is also a Craft Fair and stalls plus live music from the Sound Stage.

MON 16–SUN 22 JUN RSPB BIG WILD SLEEP OUT RSPB reserves, camp sites and parks in the West, www.rspb.org. uk/sleepout • With only 1-in-4 children playing outdoors, this event encourages family groups to discover nature together, as children encounter the wildlife on their doorstep.

SAT 21 JUN CORSHAM FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL High Street, Corsham. 07541 762497, www.wiltshirefarmersmarkets.co.uk, 10am-3pm, free • A chance to sample local produce and support the producers.

SAT 21 JUN PATCHWORK WORKSHOP American Museum in Britain, Claverton Manor, Claverton, Bath, Avon BA2 7BD, 01225 820866,

»

Kington Langley Scarecrow Festival, Sat 14-Sun 15 Jun

SAT 14 JUN THE JESBI FOSSILS PART ONE BRLSI, 16 Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2HN. www.brlsi.org/ youthaactivitiesgallery, £6, coolbookings@brlsi.org • Have a close encounter with prehistoric MAY HALF TERM 2014

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ROUNDABOUT »

workshops@americanmuseum. org, www.americanmuseum. org, 9.30am-4.30pm, £135 (nonmembers)/£120 (members) • An exciting opportunity to work with renowned textile designers Kaffe Fassett and Brandon Mably.

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

Tractor Ted, a regular attraction at Bowood House

SAT 21 JUN SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL FAYRE: BATH GOES BIKETASTIC Victoria Park, Bath. www.betterbybike.info • Ride your bike along traffic-free Royal Avenue and try an electric bike. The ‘multi-mode travel race’ tests how different modes of travel compare including electric cars, electric bikes, hybrid park and ride and new hire bikes.

SAT 21- SUN 22 JUN CORSHAM OPEN GARDEN Middlewick House, Middlewick, Corsham, Wilts, SN13 0PX. 11.30am-4.30pm, free • Pink Floyd singer Nick Mason and his wife, actress, Annette Lynton Mason, open their home to the public in aid of local charities. A mix of beautiful gardens, animals, stalls and the much anticipated Celebrity Cake Auction are on the menu.

SAT 28-SUN 29 JUN ARMED FORCES & VETERANS CELEBRATION Trowbridge Park, Wiltshire BA14 8AH.,Free • Action packed weekend with flypasts, marching bands, re-enactors, field gun run, trade stalls, serving and veteran military displays. Have a go at solving the secret code with the enigma machine and take part in WW1 drill exercises. On Sat at 10am, Trowbridge Council will be awarding Freedom of Town to The Royal Artillery, who will parade through the town centre at 11am led by The Royal Artillery Band. If you miss the band on Sat they will be parading again on Sun at 2pm with the veterans and cadets.

JULY WED 2-SUN 13 JUL CHELTENHAM MUSIC FESTIVAL Various venues throughout Cheltenham. 0844 880 8094 www.cheltenhamfestivals.com • Promises to have something for everyone, from live events, handson activities and the chance to meet authors and TV characters.

Percussion Extravaganza Sat 5 Jul, Parabola Arts Centre, 11am12.15pm, £8 (adult)/£5 (child) • Percussionists O Duo perform music with marimba, vibraphone and handheld percussion.

The Family Prom with Michael Morpurgo Sun 6 Jul, Town Hall, 12.30pm, £15 (adult)/£7.50 (child) • Michael Morpurgo narrates ‘Private Peaceful’ story accompanied by English a cappella trio Coope, Boyes & Simpson.

James Mayhew Paints Carnival of The Animals Sat 12 Jul, Parabola Arts Centre, 11am-12pm, £8 (adult)/£5 (child) • Author and illustrator of the Bella Ballerina 14

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series brings a carnival of animals to life painting them live to music from Saint-Saëns’ suite.

Party in the Park Sat 12 Jul, Pittville Park, 1pm-4pm, free • Music, craft activities and refreshments with a hint of international flavour in the form of Indonesian gamelan, Surround Sound Great Animal Orchestra education project, and local choirs and theatre groups.

SAT 5 JUL BATH OPERA SUMMER CONCERT American Museum in Britain, Claverton Manor, Claverton, Bath, Avon BA2 7BD, 01225 460 503, www.americanmuseum.org, 7.30pm, £12 (non-members)/£10 (members) • Join Bath Opera for a whistle-stop tour through twentieth-century music from the American stage and concert hall.

FRI 11 JUL UNDER FIVES FRIDAY Salisbury & South Wiltshire Museum, The King’s House, 65 The Close, Salisbury, SP1 2EN, 01722 332151, www.salisburymuseum.org. uk, 10am-11.30am, £5 (adult)/£2 (child) under 5’s free • Young parents and children can explore and create together with these lively, themed activities. Today’s theme is Heavenly Hats.

SUN 13 JUL- SAT 2 AUG SUMMER SCHOOL AT MARLBOROUGH COLLEGE Marlborough College, Bath Road, Marlborough, Wiltshire, SN8 1PA, 01672 892388, www.mcsummerschool.org.uk, prices dependent upon package • This successful annual event has grown into one of the largest summer schools of its kind. Courses this year include Young Clayshot, Theatre Making, Rock School, Ultimate Frisbee, Squash Academy, Making a Film, Design and Make your own Cyber Pet, Lacrosse and the Art of Jewellery Making.

WED 30 JUL IMAGINATION ADVENTURES BOOK CLUB Salisbury Arts Centre, Bedwin Street, Salisbury SP1 3UT. 01722 321744, www.imaginationadventuresforall.com, moore.carolines@ gmail.com, 10.15am-11am, free • Delve into imaginative stories,

swap books and borrow from a unique library, encountering many different adventures along the way.

Ages 3-7.

AUGUST TUE 19 AUG PRINTING Salisbury Arts Centre, Bedwin Street, Salisbury SP1 3UT. 01722 321744, www.salisburyartscentre. co.uk, 10am-1pm, £15 • Learn basic textile design skills, such as, wax resist and stencilling, working initially on paper and finally printing a finished design on fabric. Ages 8-13 years.

WED 20 AUG WEAVING Salisbury Arts Centre, Bedwin Street, Salisbury SP1 3UT. 01722 321744, www.salisburyartscentre. co.uk, 1pm, £15 • With a range of media to try out, from ribbons and feathers to raffia and wire, create a sculpture, woollen pot, tapestry or scarf. Try weaving on peg looms and working with weave techniques off the loom. Ages 8-13 years.

THU 21 AUG FELTED CREATURES Salisbury Arts Centre, Bedwin Street, Salisbury SP1 3UT. 01722 321744, www.salisburyartscentre.co.uk, 10am-12pm, £10 • Imagination is a key factor in this workshop. Create any animal you can think of by using a stone and wet felt technique. Ages 4-7

ONGOING EVENTS ONGOING STOP, LOOK & LISTEN TRAIL Steam Museum of the Great Western Railway, Fire Fly Avenue, Kemble Drive, Swindon, SN2 2TA. 01793 466637, www.steammuseum.org.uk, 10am-5pm daily, free with standard admission • Discover fun facts, intriguing objects and great stories as you travel through time to climb aboard famous locomotives, ‘drive’ a train simulator and be a signalman for the day.

ONGOING COLERNE MILITARY WIVES CHOIR Community centre, Azimghur Barracks, Colerne, SN14 8QY. colerne@militarywiveschoirs. org, www.militarywiveschoirs.org, 7pm • A choir for wives, fiancées, co-habiting partners, mothers and daughters of serving or retired personnel, and for MOD support workers. Every Wednesday from 7-9pm, childcare available.

ONGOING TRACTOR TED’S LITTLE FARM Bowood House, Wiltshire, SN15 9NF. www.tractorted.co.uk, entry to Tractor Ted’s Farm is included in tickets to Bowood House & Garden, £10.75 (adult)/£9.95 (senior)/£8.25 (child 5-12)/£6.25 (child 2-4)/£32.50 (family) • Tractor Ted is brought to life at this educational farm where little ones can engage with the fun of the countryside and farming, while learning the real life farm lessons introduced in Tractor Ted’s books.

ONGOING FAIRYTALE SOS At-Bristol, Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5DB. 0845 345 1235, www.at-bristol.org.uk, regular shows at weekends and school holidays, free with general admission • Science comes to the rescue of well-known fairytale characters.

Discover how science could help with the problems faced by children’s favourite heroes and heroines by watching explosive live demos and even becoming a gravity-defying volunteer.

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 • 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 PLANETARIUM SHOWS At-Bristol, Anchor Rd, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5DB. 0117 909 2000, daily shows, £1.50 in addition to standard admission • Travel into Space, learn about myths and legends behind constellations, and discover what you can see from your own garden.

ONGOING CANOE SAFARIS Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Wildflower & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT. 01453 891223, www.wwt.org.uk, daily throughout summer, from 11am4pm • Keep an eye out for water voles, ducks and dragonflies on this one kilometre wetland trail.

LISTINGS BY ALEX HURLEY AND CASSANDRA REGAN

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06/05/2014 11:30:52

Making musical

maestros

Don’t let the lack of resources available in schools prevent you from including music in your child’s education, says Anne Marie Scanlon.

W

hen I started writing this piece I knew very little about music or music teaching. There’s quite a lot of music in my son’s primary school and, rather naively, I thought they were all like that.

But now I realise my son is in a lucky minority. I also discovered that almost everyone - parents, teachers, child-care experts, behavioural therapists, speech therapists and even government experts – are in agreement about the importance of music to school age children and the numerous benefits of learning to play an instrument.

Depending on the study or survey (and they are numerous), those benefits can include increased development in the areas of the brain involved in language and reasoning; a causal link between learning music and increased spatial intelligence and increased success academically (especially for children with learning disabilities). Findings also suggest that learning music

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imbues students with discipline and a better work ethic. If children who study music are also part of a choir or an orchestra they learn early on the disciplines and advantages of teamwork.

Yet despite the many surveys, studies and reports emphasising the importance of music in the classroom, parents, teachers and childcare experts are all frustrated with the lack of resources and money directed towards music in education. And no wonder: musical guidance from ‘The National Curriculum in England’ for 2014 is limited to the ‘Subject Content’ quoted verbatim in our panel.

Teachers are given just those two short paragraphs, without any further guidelines or support. You can see how music can easily get side-lined or ignored.

There is no specific funding for teaching music, either, and it is up to each individual school to decide how much of their budget they will spend. Laura Reineke is a parent and a music teacher who, frustrated after years of government cuts to music education, began the Henley Music School in Oxfordshire, to help children who can’t afford one-on-one lessons.

She says that the impact of sustained cuts to music funding has not only stopped children from stretching themselves creatively but has begun a culture of children shunning music lessons, when they do get a chance to do them, as somehow ‘uncool’. Laura is in no doubt that learning to sing or to play an instrument is esteembuilding. “Not all children can be good at the academic subjects,” she points out. Laura’s daughter is dyslexic but “plays violin beautifully, and that gives her strength and confidence.”

Families can access music education programs either through local government or funded by charities. The main problem facing parents looking for such initiatives is that, again due to funding,

they’re not widely advertised or particularly well-known. If you would like to find out what is available to you and your family, the first step is to ask your child’s teacher or head teacher. If they can’t recommend a programme for your child, get in touch with your local council, who might fund an initiative to help less privileged children learn music.

Finally, check out what music groups, clubs and choirs there are in your area. In the West Country, organisations such as the Out There Children’s Choir in Bristol, Gloucestershire Music, Wiltshire Music or Remix based at Bristol’s

Colston Hall offer a range of schemes for schools and primaryaged children.

Gloucestershire Music www. gloucestershiremusic.co.uk Henley Music School www.henleymusicschool.com The Nokia MixRadio Remix Academy www.colstonhall.org/ bristol-plays-music/7-10-year-olds Out There Children’s Choir www.outtheremusic.net Sing Up www.singup.org Wiltshire Music www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk/learning Youth Music www.youthmusic.org.uk

What the National Curriculum says: Subject content Key Stage 1 Pupils should be taught to: • use their voices expressively and creatively by singing songs and speaking chants and rhymes • play tuned and untuned instruments musically • listen with concentration and understanding to a range of highquality live and recorded music • experiment with, create, select and combine sounds using the inter-related dimensions of music.

Key stage 2 Pupils should be taught to sing and play musically with increasing confidence and control. They should develop an understanding of musical composition, organising and manipulating ideas within musical structures and reproducing sounds from aural memory.

Pupils should be taught to: • play and perform in solo and ensemble contexts, using their voices and playing musical instruments with increasing accuracy, fluency, control and expression • improvise and compose music for a range of purposes using the inter-related dimensions of music • listen with attention to detail and recall sounds with increasing aural memory • use and understand staff and other musical notations • appreciate and understand a wide range of high-quality live and recorded music drawn from different traditions and from great composers and musicians • develop an understanding of the history of music.

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

d r a o b n Pi Freedom ceremony celebration An action packed, free weekend takes place in Trowbridge on Sat 28 & Sun 29 June, with flypasts, marching bands, re-enactors, field gun run, vehicles and trade stalls, plus displays by serving and veteran military personnel.

Try your hand at solving the secret code with the enigma machine, take part in WW1 drill exercises and watch the skirmish in the arena.

On Saturday at 10am, Trowbridge Council awards the Freedom of the Town to The Royal Artillery who have a long established link with the county town. They will then parade through the town centre at 11am led by The Royal Artillery Band.

On Sunday at 2pm the same band parades through the town with the veterans and cadets before playing at the Drumhead Service in front of the Bandstand.

Wiltshire Armed Forces & Veterans Celebration Sat 28 and Sun 29 June, Trowbridge Park, BA14 8AH. Free entry

Ffi: Brokerswood Country Park W: www.brokerswoodcountrypark. co.uk

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news, education & contacts

Magical worlds Salisbury Arts Centre explores magical worlds this summer with events that are just a little bit out of the ordinary.

Join Mrs Buttersnap on Saturday 28 June for A Real Fairy Story at 11am or 2.30pm as she finds herself in fairyland where all is not well. Go on a journey into another realm full of shadow puppetry, wonder, mayhem and close encounters to find out if Mrs Buttersnap can help the fairies and capture one in a photograph.

On Saturday 5 July at 11am the Moon Man (U) comes crashing to Earth. He starts to explore the fantastical creatures and sights of a new planet. But with the Moon Man absent from his post, the world’s children are unable to sleep. Can inventor Bunsen get the Moon Man back to his rightful place?

Ffi: T: 01722 321744 W: www.salisburyartscentre.co.uk

Park re-opened Brokerswood Country Park reopens its gates for a summer of fun in the fantastic Wiltshire countryside.

Although the park’s woodland has been closed to the general public in recent years, it is now open again, and Brokerswood has developed its range of outdoor pursuits in conjunction with the Wiltshire Outdoor Learning Team. Activities on offer include a 55ft high tree climb, archery, bushcraft, canoeing, kayaking, raft building, survival camps and, new for 2014, a 14ft high tree-top course. They are suitable for anyone from 6 years upwards and fully supervised by qualified instructors.

Brokerswood Country Park is also open at weekends and during school holidays (weather permitting) for anyone wishing to simply enjoy the woodland walks and adventure playgrounds.

Park director Sue Capon says, “We’re pleased to be able to reopen our gates to the general public after allowing the woodland to recover following several wet summers. I’m sure plenty of people will enjoy rediscovering and exploring Brokerswood over the summer.”

Access to the park is weather dependent so check the website before visiting.

Parents’ & teachers’

Every brick counts!

Family luxury Enjoy a luxury stay in Devon and Cornwall, home of the cream tea. The five Richardson hotels in Torquay, Falmouth, Fowey and Padstow, including Torquay’s Grosvenor Hotel, offer you the cream of Devon and Cornwall.

All enjoy beautiful waterside settings, sumptuous child friendly accommodation, and excellent AA-rosette restaurants.

The hotels are perfectly placed for visiting many fun attractions such as Flambards, the Eden project or Paignton Zoo to name but a few.

If it’s a more relaxing stay you’re after, enjoy the spa facilities and indoor pools. The hotels’ commitment to offering mouth-watering food remains high and their talented teams of chefs work hard to produce delicious menus, featuring the best local produce, whether you want to treat yourself to fine dining in the restaurants or enjoy a more relaxed dining experience in the brassiere and lounge bars, you have the choice Ffi: Grosvenor Hotel Belgrave Road, Torquay TQ2 5HG E: reservations@ richardsonhotels.co.uk W: www.grosvenorhoteltorquay.co.uk

Your Quest shot 2

e Young Engineers ‘Beyond the Brick’ Lego Exhibition and Workshops, 15-20 July ‘Beyond the Brick’ is a collection of LEGO activities for children of all ages, organised in association with (and held at) the University of South Wales City Campus. Things for children to see and do include: • Fantastic LEGO model displays • Regular LEGO workshops held every day • Voting for your favourite LEGO model • Fairy Bricks Lego Children’s Charity • ‘Build your own’ competition • LEGO building play area • Mini Figure hunt competition • Watch LEGO films • Lego art • Photo opportunities • ‘Draw and colour your favourite model’ section • Refreshments • LEGO shop • and much, much more!

Ffi: W: www.beyondthebrick.org.uk Fa: www.facebook.com/groups/beyond

LaserQuest is Swindon’s premier laser-tag centre. It’s safe and clean, and whether you’re 6 or 66, you’ll love the adrenalinepumping exhilaration of stalking your opponents and unleashing a volley of laser fire in the battle-zone of the next century. The experience is exhilarating and immersive – and there’s fun lurking around every corner. It’s no surprise that this interactive entertainment is a number one choice with adventurers young and old.

Located at Shaw Ridge Leisure Park in West Swindon, LaserQuest is less than five minutes’ drive from junction 16 on the M4. With a fantastic new arena, its newly improved facilities include a soft play area and free car parking. There’s a bus stop a short walk away at the Link Centre/ASDA supermarket in West Swindon. Visit the website for details of party packages, youth group discounts and the Sunday Kids’ Club.

Ffi: LaserQuest, Shaw Ridge, Whitehill Way, Swindon SN5 7DN T: 01793 758758 W: www.lqswindon.co.uk

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Adver tising Feature

Talk PANTS! says Alex OPEN EVERY DAY 10-5.30

• It is vital that children are equipped to recognise the wrong kind of behaviour and keep themselves safe, so CBeebies star Alex Winters is helping the NSPCC is re-run its ‘Underwear Rule’ campaign.

The initiative provides parents of children aged 5 to 11 with resources to talk to them about staying safe from abuse. The charity emphasises that we must help children to understand that it’s not right for anyone to touch the places that are private to them, no matter who they are.

The Underwear Rule is an important part of this process and is already striking a chord with some parents. But the NSPCC is urging more to get involved and has developed an easy-to-remember guide – Talk PANTS – that helps children understand the key points of the rule: Privates are private.

Always remember your body belongs to you No means no Talk about secrets that upset you Speak up, someone can help “The PANTS campaign is a fantastic child friendly way to introduce an important topic that can often be tricky for parents to talk about,” says Alex. “It’s great that the NSPCC have approached the subject in a way young children can understand. I have used it and had a chat with my own young son and it worked brilliantly.”

Free supportive materials for parents are available online.

Ffi www.nspcc.org.uk/underwear

Adver tising Feature

Preparing students the SABIS way • SABIS International School UK (SIS-UK) believes in preparing students for the challenges they face at university and beyond by providing them with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills.

The school promises a superior learning environment in a caring, international community.

Through the SABIS Educational System, SIS-UK provides a cohesive, motivational and exciting programme for all its students. The system has been developed, refined and tested for over a century and draws on a comprehensive, rigorous curriculum that emphasises a well-balanced body of knowledge, skills and experiences.

Situated in 148 acres of pristine British countryside, the school’s campus provides an environment in which students from the UK and around the world can form lifelong friendships.

The excellent on-site facilities such as a football pitch, squash and tennis courts and an indoor swimming pool are available for student use at evenings and weekends, along with the option of trips and activities off campus. Houseparents are at the heart of the excellent pastoral care network at SIS-UK, providing students with a supportive, caring environment in which to flourish.

The SABIS Student Life Organisation (SLO) is an integral part of school life which provides students with the opportunity to develop life skills, empowering them to make a commitment to their own personal development, and that of their community.

SABIS International School UK is a member of the global SABIS School Network, established in 1886, which has been preparing students with the knowledge and skills for success for over 127 years. SABIS graduates have attended the world’s most prestigious universities and distinguished themselves in a wide variety of professions.

Ffi W: www.sabis.net

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Adver tising Feature

Bigger, better and wilder!

• The Festival of Nature returns this summer and promises to be bigger, better and wilder than ever, featuring more than 20 events across Bristol and the West of England.

The Festival of Nature Wild Weekend takes Author Hugh Warwick with place across Bristol’s hedgehog. Pic: Bob Coombe Harbourside on the weekend of Sat 14 and Sun 15 Jun. It is the UK’s biggest free celebration of the natural world, bringing together over 150 organisations for two days of free interactive activities. Highlights include the chance to see if you’ve got what it takes to be a wildlife presenter with the BBC Natural History Unit, and to discover Bristol’s wildlife secrets with Avon Wildlife Trust and the Wild Bristol tent. Visitors can also meet famous faces, including CBeebies’ Andy Day, and Mike Dilger of ‘The One Show’. With a market packed full of local produce, a free talks programme and even a pop-up planetarium, there’s something for the whole family.

In 2014, the festival spreads its wings beyond Bristol for the first time, with a programme of events across the region, including Bath Goes Wild, a day-long festival in Bath’s Queen Square on Sat 7 Jun, and Wild About Chew on Sun 8 Jun. For those who want to get out in the field, the festival’s community events programme offers families the chance to discover their local patch with wildlife events on green spaces across Bristol from May to July. Check the website and get ready for a wild summer of discovery!

Ffi: W: www.festivalofnature.org

Adver tising Feature

A school for your daughter’s future • Cranwell House, the outstanding new home of Bath’s Royal High Junior School and Nursery School, is a perfect blend of old and new.

The school’s girls love it there, as they explore the beautifully renovated building and extensive parkland, discovering, imagining and creating new learning experiences.

It’s a fact that girls learn differently from boys and, from Nursery through to Year 6, everything in Cranwell is designed to serve its girls’ individual educational needs.

Experience and evidence has taught the school, a specialist in girls-only education, that girls not only work better but develop socially and academically in a mutually supportive environment. They have more self-esteem and more confidence to stretch themselves.

Cranwell’s grounds give pupils the chance to explore, challenge and discover, connecting with the environment in the process, and the school aims to develop more of these opportunities for them. At Cranwell, girls can look ahead with a sense of history, as the house has been part of the fabric of Bath for 150 years.

Location, landscape and learning work together to complement and enhance each other: an irresistible combination.

Your daughter can enjoy learning and excel there in this Girl’s Own adventure storybook.

Ffi The Royal High Junior School, Bath Cranwell House, Weston Park East, Bath, BA1 2UZ T: 01225 422931 E: d.rejiester@ rhsb.gdst.net W: www.royalhighbath.gdst.net

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07/05/2014 12:35:42

Hello Kids!

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

The standard is always high so please try again if your entry didn’t get published.

This summer I have teamed up with our friends at City Sightseeing, Bristol, who have generously offered a family ticket to the five lucky winners of our art competition.

Inspired by the beautiful views of the city, our subject next issue is ‘A red open top bus in my favourite Bristol location’.

Please send your pictures to: Arty Barty, BN&Media, Temple Way, Bristol, BS99 7HD, or email high resolution jpegs to my editor, mike.gartside@venue. co.uk. Don’t forget to put your name, age, full home postal address and school on the back: deadline Monday 16 June.

Arty Barty It was especially difficult to judge the picture selection this issue on the subject of ‘an octopus’s garden’. Well done to the winning artist who has earned an annual family pass to Bristol Aquarium. Runners up receive a fun book from the editor’s cupboard.

Hermione Lloyd Bussell, 8, St Sampsons CE Junior School, and Ursula Lloyd Bussell, 6, St t Sampsons Infan e School, Crickladm A joint entry fro these talented sisters, who use mixed media to create an ne entertaining sce in enjoyably muted colours.

Have fun!

Arty

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

RUNNER UP

Satya Putreau, 8, Holy Trinity School, Bradley Stoke Satya has created a beautifully expressive octopus, complete with details such as treasure, bushes and friendly fish in this magical composition.

RUNNER UP

Amy Newell, 10, Manor C of E Primary School, Bristol I love the fishy sculpture portrait that Amy’s Octopus has created in its garden. This picture shows lots of wit and promise.

WINNER!

Patrick Smith, 9, Sefton Park Junior School, Bristol What a fantastically evocative shipwreck Patrick has drawn, while his octopus is splendidly real.

A fateful Quirk Alex Hurley and Cassanda Regan with the new releases.

Body beautiful A discovery book packed full of lift-up flaps, My Body takes primary school-aged children through the fundamentals of the human body, explaining clearly and humorously how its systems work together.

Illustrator Joelle Dreidemy not only brings the inner workings of our bodies to life with her vibrant, detailed drawings but also portrays some of the more sensitive things they do in a light-hearted yet informative way. There can be no better introduction to the human anatomy for children than this volume, which manages to encompass a huge spectrum of information in very limited space. It’s probably not bed time reading but parents will enjoy sitting with their children and filling in some of the details that the authors haven’t managed to include. (Cassandra Regan) My Body Bloomsbury Discovery, £9.99, Bloomsbury, www. bloomsbury.com/uk

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The second in this series sees the Quirks settle into ordinary town Normal, the 27th town the family have moved to in the 10 years since Molly and Penelope were born. They hope they can keep their family secrets hidden but their efforts to fit in are complicated by their own magical powers and the snooping Mrs DeVille. For example, the ability of Mum, Bree, to make people believe anything she tells them might work on her customers, but can she use her powers on Mrs DeVille?

The Quirks have to work together as a family to keep their magic hidden, creating an enjoyable read not just for children, but for adults who share the book with them. Children as young as five will fall in love with Erin Soderberg’s characters making this book a transitional platform towards more advanced reading and learning.

(Alex Hurley) The Quirks: In Circus Quirkus Erin Soderberg, £5.99, Bloomsbury, www.bloomsbury.com

PRIMARY TIMES

07/05/2014 12:37:30

festival fever!

Get your flip flops (or wellies) ready, says Beth Middleton. The West’s festival and outdoor show organisers are offering more for families than ever before.

T

side treasure hunt, lots of music and stalls and Bristol’s biggest bike ride, with 8,000 families. attending.

E: info@biggreenweek.com W: www.biggreenweek.com

he long awaited summer is cautiously edging over Britain’s countryside. Cue festival season, a great, affordable way for families to experience the West Country and really make the most of the sunshine. And what is summer about if not getting out there, trying new experiences and making new memories with the rest of the family? To that end, we’ve pulled together a selection of child-friendly events so smear on that sun cream (or, if more appropriate, put on that kagoule) and become a part of Britain’s great festival tradition.

Clockwise from top right: Chilling at Womad; Bristol Mayor George Ferguson with festival-goers at Big Green Week; Children’s theatre (The Frog & The Princess) at Salisbury Arts Festival; and Cheltenham Science Festival (pic. Anna Lythgoe)

SALISBURY ARTS FESTIVAL Fri 23 May-Sat 7 Jun With a lively mix of comedy, film, workshops, music, dance and theatre, it’s no wonder Salisbury Arts Fest has been referred to as “one of the most respected festivals in the UK”. The festival brings to life children’s classics such as Pinocchio, the Princess and the Frog and George’s Marvellous Medicine.

T: 01722 321744 W: www.salisburyartscentre.co.uk

WYCHWOOD FESTIVAL Fri 30 May-Sun 1 Jun This “laid back, homely and family-friendly” festival is celebrating its 10th birthday this year, and there are dozens of reasons for you to celebrate with it. There’s an array of music, comedy and workshops for everyone, while the children can indulge in kids’ literature, fairground rides and children’s entertainers.

T: 01993 772580 W: www.wychwoodfestival.com CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL OF SCIENCE Tue 3-Sun 8 Jun Cheltenham boasts an impressive line-up of festivals every year and the festival of science stands out as one of the most unique and exciting in the West. Enjoy learning alongside your little ones at Kaboom! The science of explosions, create a Lego robot and much more.

T: 0844 880 8094 W: www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/science/ LET’S ROCK BRISTOL Fri 6-Sun 8 Jun Promises to be the ultimate ‘80s festival! With names like

PRIMARY TIMES

14 Wilts Features May 2014.indd 7

Bananarama, Tony Hadley and Boney M, this is the place for fans who were either there first time round or who just want to discover what the fuss was all about.

Look out, too, for the big top mania circus, funfair rides and children’s entertainment.

E: info@letsrockbristol.co.uk W: www.letsrockbristol.co.uk BRISTOL FESTIVAL OF NATURE Sat 14-Sun 15 Jun Join the 12,000 people that visit every year to celebrate Bristol’s wildlife. This year, get lost amongst the stars at the portable planetarium and enjoy the excited flutter of hundreds of butterflies in the pop up butterfly garden.

The BBC Natural History Unit will also be there, to see if you have what it takes to be a wildlife presenter.

W: visitbristol.co.uk/things-to-do/ bristol-festival-of-nature-p1484133 BIG GREEN WEEK Sat 14-Tue 22 Jun As the “UK’s festival of eco ideas, art and entertainment” the BIG Green week consists of over 150 events. This includes a harbour-

CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL OF MUSIC Wed 2-Sun 13 Jul A rich programme featuring many musical genres, headlined by internationally renowned performers including Tony Banks of Genesis and Nicola Benedetti, as well as up and coming talent, all framed by the beautiful city of Cheltenham. Children will love many of the events including the Percussion Extravaganza and James Mayhew Paints the Carnival of Animals.

T: 0844 880 8094 W: www.cheltenhamfestivals. com/music WOMAD Thu 24-Sun 27 Jul Immerse yourself in the joy of diverse cultures at “the worlds festival” and enjoy talent from, unsurprisingly, all around the globe. Turn your hand to beat boxing, graffiti, t-shirt making or circus skills. Seeing as children under thirteen go free it’s a win win situation for the entire family.

E: info@womad.org W: www.womad.co.uk SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE SHOW Sat 2-Sun 3 Aug Farm show meets festival at South Gloucester Show with shooting, fishing, gold competitions and a car exhibition. The music is all locally sourced, as is the food and, for families, the Kid’s Zone offers safe, interactive entertainment.

T: 01454 222959 W: www.southglosshow.co.uk MAY HALF TERM 2014

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07/05/2014 12:49:28

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To reach 40,000 families in your ar in the next issue of Primary Times 06/05/2014 13:25:38

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06/05/2014 11:36:13

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