Wiltshire Easter 2016

in Wiltshire Issue 102

24 March-26 May 2016

Also World Autism Day Easter egg hunts Spring food

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summer to remember!

Download the Primary Times app, free!

Page 3

Treat your family to an unforgettable holiday experience this year at Marlborough College Summer School. Page 4.

Theatre • Arty Barty • Roundabout • Save money!

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THE PAULINE QUIRKE

ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS IS ENROLLING NOW IN SWINDON! With outstanding performing arts tuition for 4-18 year olds, your very own movie screened at the cinema, free Trinity exams and our West End show - what are you waiting for?

FREE OPEN DAY Saturday 16th April Starts 1.45pm Ends 5pm Find us at Nova Hreod Academy, Akers Way, Swindon, SN2 2NQ Call FREEPHONE 0800 531 6282 Visit www.pqacademy.com 2

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EASTER 2016

PRIMARY TIMES

04/03/2016 11:52:59

Autism has long been a source of both sadness and wonder. Children with the condition find it hard to empathise with others yet some possess remarkable abilities, inspiring books and films. Our feature (P6) looks at ways of helping kids on the autistic spectrum engage with the world.

Elsewhere, as Easter looms, there are few things more pressing on a child’s mind than . . . chocolate. We plant our feet firmly either side of the fence by looking at the perfect Easter egg hunt on one hand (P21), while trying to steer families towards the range of healthy seasonal food now available (Spring Greens, P15) on the other. Whichever you opt for, there’s sure to be a nearby foodie event for you this year. the editor

iin Wiltshire Issue 102

May 2016 24 March-26

THEATRE P8 ROUNDABOUT P11 PINBOARD P17 ADVERTISING FEATURES P18 CLASSIFIEDS P19 PUPILS’ PAGE P20 UNDERSTANDING AUTISM P6 Alice Freeman looks at new ways parents can engage with their autistic children.

SPRING GREENS P15 The West’s seasonal food and foodie events

GETTING WARMER P21 How to plan the perfect Easter Egg hunt.

Also m Day World Autis hunts Easter egg g food Sprin

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Download the new Primary Times app, 3 free! Page

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

ay able holid an unforgettugh College family to boro Treat youre this year at Marl experiencSchool. Page 4.

Summer

Theatre • Arty

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Primary Times in Wiltshire

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

Editor

Commercial director

Advertising

Distribution

Design Production Proof reader Main office

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 Meloney Rodney-Nguéma meloney.rodney@localworld.co.uk 0117 934 3076

Juliet Hobbs 01242 278053 juliet.hobbs@localworld.co.uk 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.

PRIMARY TIMES

16 Wilts contents Easter 2016.indd 3

Find these amazing offers this issue!

Blenheim Palace Buy one day’s entry, get 12 months free!

IET Engineering Free family event Bristol Aquarium – Kids go free

Bristol Aquarium

EASTER 2016

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08/03/2016 11:37:15

Marlb oroug Summ h Sun 1 er ScCollege www. 0 Jul– hool summ Sat 6 ersch Aug ool.c o.uk

summer

A to remember!

For a family break that combines physical activity with mental stimulation, why not consider Marlborough College Summer School?

L

aunched in 1974, this highly anticipated annual event has grown into the largest multigenerational summer school of its kind in the UK. Expanding from three to four weeks for the first time last year has enabled the school to offer a wealth of new and exciting courses and an enhanced entertainment programme. With a record 600 courses now available, never has the phrase “something for everyone” been more appropriate.

The comprehensive schedule for young people continues to prove a winning formula and is once again packed full of inspirational and diverse activities that youngsters may not easily find as part of their normal school curriculum. With courses divided into four age bands, the structure and content is carefully designed to provide an exciting experience for each child in a safe environment. Junior Troopers (aged 3 to 6 years) and Children’s Activities (aged 6 to 9 years) adopt the multi-activity approach with sports, art and crafts, swimming and outdoor adventures.

Meanwhile older children and teenagers can choose a morning and afternoon course which they continue all week. Horse riding, netball, fashion marketing, industrial design, football camp and samba drumming are just a few of the welcome new additions.

During the week, teenagers and young adventurers (aged 9 to 17 years) attending courses can also enjoy a supervised evening programme from 5pm to 7pm. During this time the school offers a wide choice of activities. Their week will culminate in a BBQ supper, farewell show and disco on the Friday evening, finishing at 9pm.

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The Marlborough College Summer School formula makes for a perfect family holiday, where parents and grandparents can choose their own courses and entertainment knowing that the children are blissfully happy, yet never far away.

Evenings can be spent together or, if preferred, taking part in the numerous entertainment options on offer. Summer School is about being independent together, where the problems of pleasing all the family are sorted out for you.

Not only are there courses available for children and young people, but the school offers plenty of courses to keep the adults entertained as well. New courses for grown-ups include rural skills, teddy bear making, modern conflict archaeology, an adult Rock School, a Get Fit Bootcamp … the list goes on.

The Summer School team have surpassed themselves with this

year’s entertainment programme.

The gala performances which take place every Tuesday and Friday evening include An Evening with Michael Palin, Illyria’s outdoor production of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, plus concerts from legendary jazz singer Natalie Williams and ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ winners Collabro. Additionally, there are captivating daily lectures and recitals that have become a popular feature of the entertainment scene, as well as evening entertainment in the main marquee.

Summer School offers an excellent dining experience with a range of cuisines to suit the most discerning palate. Residents have all their meals included and non-

residents are able to purchase meal tickets on a weekly or daily basis. In addition, customers may visit the Café in the Court which offers a wide range of sandwiches, paninis and other lunchtime delights. As always, afternoon tea is a joy to behold with cakes and pastries aplenty!

The college facilities are available to all members of Summer School, when they are not in use for courses. The superb sporting facilities include an indoor swimming pool, tennis courts, an athletics track and much more.

Additional evening classes are available throughout the week and can be booked through the Summer School office each day.

For those arriving from further afield or overseas, the school provides accommodation in the college boarding houses. The price includes full board for six nights, as well as attendance at all afternoon lectures, recitals and gala performances. The residential week begins on Sunday evening before dinner and finishes the following Saturday after breakfast.

Marlborough College Summer School looks forward to welcoming you!

Prices: Junior Troopers (aged 3 to 6 years) from £155 per child per week. Children’s Activities (aged 6 to 9 years) start from £315 per child per week. Young Adventurers courses (aged 9 to 12 years), Teenagers (aged 13 to 17 years) and Adult courses start from £185 per person per week.

Accommodation starts from £349 per person per week (full board with all entertainment free).

Ffi: Marlborough College Summer School T: 01672 892388 W: summerschool.co.uk PRIMARY TIMES

08/03/2016 11:40:50

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04/03/2016 14:04:50

autism Understanding

Bluebells by Iris Grace

World Autism Awareness Day this April highlights the ways parents can develop social skills of children with the condition. Alice Freeman reports.

A

utism spectrum disorder (ASD) isn’t rare. In fact the National Autistic Society (NAS) reports that at least 700,000 people in the UK have the lifelong condition which affects how you communicate, interact and relate to other people. The chances are that most of us will encounter children with ASD at home, in the playground and on the street on a regular basis. But, as the term “spectrum” suggests, no two cases of autism are the same, so how do we understand what it’s like for children living with the condition, and help them make sense of the world?

World Autism Awareness Day on Saturday 2 April aims to provide some answers to that question.

Research suggests that the causes of autism are genetic.

Although there is currently no ‘cure’, funding and research means we now have a better understanding of how the disorder works, including how the activities of ASD children can be used to improve their social awareness.

The special interests that ASD children develop are often

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Iris Grace at work

something to be encouraged.

One much vaunted attribute some people with autism have is the ability to remember facts and data, a central feature of the Hollywood movie ‘The Rain Man’.

But not all ASD children have the card-counting ability to win you the casino jackpot. When they say there are different strokes for different folks, for some it’s brush strokes.

Take 6-year-old Iris Grace who was diagnosed with Autism in 2011. She is now a Monet-inthe-making since her mother, Arabella Carter-Johnson, nurtured Iris’s interest in painting, resulting in a considerable improvement in her social skills.

“Iris’s painting was a key into her world,” says Arabella, who has published a book about her experiences. “Painting was a wonderful way for her to release her emotions, for her to practise certain social skills with me and to build her confidence. She loved showing us details of her paintings and she changed quite dramatically.”

She points out that other children may have a fascination with buttons or watering cans.

“They may seem trivial and meaningless to us but these passions can be incredibly

valuable as we try to connect with our children on the spectrum,” she says.

The NAS recommends many activities to aid learning and development of autistic children, which can take place at school or in free time. The society is optimistic that this year’s World Autism Awareness Day will boost its fundraising for such projects, following last year, when it raised over £235,000 to help autistic people and their families across the UK. To help people get involved, the NAS provides general information and fundraising ideas with downloadable packs via its website. It also has local support branches with advice for diagnosis and support services in Wiltshire.

In spite of all the good work so far, NAS research has found that “Eighty-seven per cent of autistic people and their families say they still don’t think the public understand autism in a meaningful way.” This is something they are hoping to change with the launch of their latest campaign.

If you want to get involved with World Autism Awareness Day and World Autism Awareness Week (Sat 2–Fri 8 Apr), there are plenty of autism-friendly activities and

places to visit around Wiltshire.

So have fun and get those creative juices flowing!

Splash of Colour Ceramic and Craft Cafe offers activities in all things creative throughout the year. The whole family can try their hand at pottery, mosaics and glass painting or get involved with one of the guided workshops over the Easter holidays.

Wiltshire Scrapstore is an award-winning environmentallyfriendly warehouse stacked to the ceiling full of craft and DIY materials. Visit to stock up on supplies for when those April showers arrive.

Penny Hooks Farm is a breath of fresh air when the weather cheers up. Run by the Otter family for over 50 years, this organic beef farm gives young people with ASD a chance to muck in and get their hands dirty.

Pound Arts theatre has autismfriendly performances with multisensory adaptations. They’ve even raised over £100,000 in the past three years for their Creative Futures Fund.

National Autistic Society (NAS) W: www.autism.org.uk NAS West Wiltshire Branch W: www.autism.org.uk/directory/ resources/9083.aspx NAS South Wiltshire Branch W: www.southwiltshire.webeden. co.uk NAS North Wiltshire Branch W: www.northwiltsnas.org Penny Hooks Farm W: www.pennyhooks.com Pound Arts W: www.poundarts.org.uk Splash of Colour Ceramic and Craft Cafe W: www.splashofcolourcafe.co.uk Wiltshire Scrapstore W: www.wiltshirescrapstore.co.uk Iris Grace by Arabella CarterJohnson, is published by Penguin, priced £16.99, W: www.penguin.co.uk PRIMARY TIMES

08/03/2016 11:45:03

Pewsey Vale Riding CentRe approved BHs / aBRs Pony Club Centre stanton st Bernard, Marlborough • tel. 01672 851400

Lessons & trail riding for children and adults of all ages

spring 2016 events 29th March - Have A Pony Day 3rd April - Easter Show 5th April - Have A Pony Day

www.pewseyvaleridingcentre.com email: info@pewseyvaleridingcentre.com

PRIMARY TIMES

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04/03/2016 12:00:45

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

WILTSHIRE THE ARC THEATRE College Road, Trowbridge BA14 0ES. 01225 756376, www.arctheatre.org.uk Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Tue 29-Thu 31 Mar, 10am-4pm, £75 per course • Easter holiday drama club for ages 7-15.

Come along and help create a crazy TV talk show hosted by the Arc’s very own Mary Poppins. Create your own scenes through drama, dance, songs and fun, followed by a special performance on the final day for family and friends.

The Owl Who Was Afraid Of The Dark Sun 24 Apr, 11am & 2pm, adult £8/child £6 • Plop the baby barn owl is afraid of the dark. One day Mrs Barn Owl suggests that Plop flies down into the world to find out about the dark for himself. Join Plop as he journeys into the night-time world of campfires, fireworks, starry nights and moonlit adventures.

Brought to life with an irresistible blend of music, puppetry and storytelling by Blunderbus Theatre.

Annie Tue 17-Sat 21 May, 7.30pm & 2.30pm (Sat only), adult £11/conc £10/child £8 • The heart-warming tale of Annie’s adventures as she escapes from an orphanage and the wicked Miss Hannigan to start a new life with Daddy Warbucks.

Includes the songs ‘You’re Never Fully Dressed without a Smile’, ‘It’s a Hard-Knock Life’, ‘Easy Street’ and ‘Tomorrow’.

THE ATHENAEUM 18-20 High Street, Warminster BA12 9AE. 01985 213891, www.theath. org.uk Shelia’s Stars Sat 9 Apr, 8pm, adult £12/conc £10 • Gala in aid of the Shelia Toomey Award featuring song and dance performances from previous winners, plus a host of local music professionals. In aid of Stars of the Future.

The Witches Thu 5-Sat 7 May, 7.30pm & 2.30pm (Sat only), adult £10/child £8.50 • The Athenaeum Masqueraders Youth present Roald Dahl’s wickedly entertaining tale of a young boy, his grandmother and a convention of witches. When the boy overhears a plot by the Grand High Witch to turn all children into mice, it’s a race against time to save the day.

SALISBURY ARTS CENTRE Bedwin Street, Salisbury SP1 3UT. 01722 321744, www.salisburyartscentre.co.uk The Bear Sat 2 Apr, 11.30am & 1.45pm, adult £10/conc £8/family £32 • A heart-warming and humorous adaptation of the story 8

EASTER 2016

by Raymond Briggs. One night when Tilly is fast asleep, a white bear climbs through her bedroom window. But Tilly isn’t scared.

With puppetry, music, storytelling and laughs, this promises to be a delightful experience.

Meadow Sat 7 May, 11am & 2pm, adult £7.50/conc £6.50/family £24 • Time changes everything. In a post-human world, only the grass remembers the way things used to be. Meet the animals and insects that lived in the meadow and see their stories come to life. Told with handcrafted puppets and an original score by Paul Mosely.

SALISBURY CITY HALL Malthouse Lane, Salisbury SP2 7TU, 01722 434434, www.cityhallsalisbury.co.uk Hairy Maclary and Friends Thu 31 Mar, 1.30pm, £9/family ticket £32 • Featuring many of the characters from Lynley Dodd’s iconic books including: Hercules Morse, as big as a horse; Bottomley Potts, covered in spots; Schnitzel von Krumm, with the very low tum; and Scarface Claw, the toughest tomcat in town.

With music, singing and several popular Hairy Maclary stories, it’s a show for the whole family.

SALISBURY PLAYHOUSE Malthouse Lane, Salisbury SP2 7RA. 01722 320333, www.salisburyplayhouse.com The Magic Beanstalk Wed 30 Mar, 11am & 2pm, all tickets £9 • Jack, his mum and their cow Daisy are in trouble. Their house is leaking, the phone’s cut off, there’s no food in the fridge – and they’ve got nits.

A charming re-telling of the fairy tale set in present-day Cornwall with puppets, illusions and amazing experiments.

The Little Bookshop Boy Thu 31 Mar, 11am & 2pm, £9 • A boy falls out of a book and the pages slam shut behind him. He’s lost and doesn’t seem to know which story he belongs in. There’s only one way to fix that – time to dive into another book and see if he fits. Raised Eyebrows presents this charming show about fitting in.

Stay Brave Brian Gravy Thu 7-Sat 9 Apr, 7.45pm & 2.45pm (Sat only), £12/under-25s £9 • It’s Brian Gravy’s birthday, but it’s not going so well, not least because his Mum and Dad won’t stop fighting. Then imaginary friend Penny Splutter turns up. Salisbury Playhouse’s Youth Theatre present this anarchic comedy.

Singin’ in the Rain Thu 5-Sat 28 May, 7.30pm & 2.15pm (Thu & Sat only from 12 May), £8.50-£25 • All singing, all dancing stage adaptation of the much-loved classic featuring silent movie stars Don Lockwood

and Lina Lamont coping with the advent of “talkies”. Features songs including ‘Good Morning’, ‘Make ‘em Laugh’, and the title song.

TROWBRIDGE ARTS Trowbridge Town Hall, Market Street, Trowbridge BA14 8EQ. 01225 774306, www.trowbridgearts.com The Bear Thu 31 Mar, 11am, all tickets £8 • Ever wondered what it would be like to sit on a polar bear’s lap, ride on its back or give it a bath? Looking after a bear is exhausting stuff as Tilly finds out when an enormous snowy white bear climbs into her bedroom one night. It has a big black tongue and a yawn as big as your head. But Tilly’s not scared. Based on the enchanting tale by Raymond Briggs and featuring puppetry, delicious music, dreamy storytelling and dozens of laughs.

TROWBRIDGE LIBRARY Ground Floor, County Hall, Bythesea Rd, Trowbridge, BA14 8JN. 01225 716700, www.trowbridgearts.com The Little Bookshop Boy Tue Mar 29, 3pm, all tickets £8 • A boy falls out of a book and the pages slam shut behind him. He’s lost and doesn’t know which story he belongs in. There’s only one way to fix that – time to dive into another book and see if he fits. Using puppets, music and storytelling, Raised Eyebrows present this charming, spellbinding show for anyone who’s ever worried about fitting in.

WHITEHALL GARDEN CENTRE Corsham Rd, Lacock, Wiltshire SN15 2LZ. 01249 7302014, www.whitehallgardencentre.co.uk Ginnetts Circus Sat 2-Fri 8 Apr, 11am,1pm & 3pm, £3.99/under-2s free • One of Europe’s oldest circuses returns to Whitehall for the Easter holidays. Expect acrobatics, jugglers, traditional clowns and new routines for 2016.

THE WYVERN THEATRE Theatre Square, Swindon SN1 1QN. 01793 524481, www.swindontheatres.co.uk The Great Jaydini Thu 31 Mar & Fri 8 Apr, 11am, child £10 (including interval ice cream & squash)/ adults go free • Enter the funny and magical world of this talented and professional magician. Suitable for ages 4+.

Dinosaur Zoo Thu 24-Sat 26 Mar, see website for times, £13.50-£16/ family £50 • Back by popular demand, Dinosaur Zoo returns to Swindon and introduces the tyrannosaurus rex to the stage. From cute baby dinos to teeth-gnashing giants – marvel and interact with extraordinary lifelike dinosaurs in an imaginative and hilarious live show. Suitable for ages 3+.

The Magic Beanstalk , Salisbury Playhouse, Wed 30 Mar

Mission ImPudseyble Wed 30-Thu 31 Mar, see website for times, adult £19/child £16/family £64 • K9 Intelligence Agents and ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ winners Ashleigh and Pudsey must defeat their arch nemesis Dr Feline and his acrobatic cat burglars as they battle for world domination. With a fantastic array of gadgets, cars, jet packs and gizmos, audiences will help Ashleigh and Pudsey by finding clues, breaking codes and solving puzzles.

Comedy Club 4 Kids Sat 2 Apr, 2pm, £9/family of four £33 • Standups and sketches without the rude bits!

Annie Sat 2 Apr, 2pm & 7pm, adult £12/child £10 • Brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery and torment at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Determined to find her real parents, her luck changes when she spends Christmas at the residence of famous billionaire Oliver Warbucks.

But spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s search … This familyfavourite musical is performed

by Rising Aspirations Academy of Performing Arts.

The Railway Children Mon 4-Tue 5 Apr, 11am & 2.30pm, adult £12/ child £10/family £40 • E. Nesbit’s well-loved tale is brought to life in this new adaptation by Woolford and John with a blend of storytelling, comedy and musical theatre.

Roberta, Peter and Phyllis move from London to a quiet cottage next to a railway in Yorkshire. They quickly make friends with stationmaster Mr Perks and an old gentleman who waves every day from his carriage. This unlikely friendship is the key to their future.

Rapunzel Fri 8 Apr, 1.30pm, adult £12/child £10/family £40 • A musical tale for all the family. Forced to live alone with nothing but her hair and her witch mother, Rapunzel dreams of seeing the outside world when a young prince and his trusty valet come across her tower. Before the Prince and Rapunzel can have their “happy ever after”, however, they have to face the witch’s wrath and some hilarious obstacles.

PRIMARY TIMES

Aerial & Cirque Workshops Be active... Have fun ... Try something new Alternative Workshops in Aerial & Cirque arts

Join us for an Easter Eggstravaganza 25th - 28th March

Holiday Clubs For 5-12yr olds

• • • •

Awesome Par ties For 2+

Appearances by the Easter Bunny Easter Egg Hunt Victorian Funfair Face Painting

• • • •

Bouncy Castle Punch & Judy Shows Butterfly House Giant Hedge Maze

PLUS Some of your favourite characters will be appearing at intervals on the 27th & 28th March

For more information visit: www.airborn.club or call 07714 574 652 ©LW

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All Holiday

Easter Trail on and inflatables the main field*

Mon 28th

March

Easter Decorate ts* biscui e Owl Visit by th ary Sanctu

Fri 25th March Decorate Easter biscuits*

Fri 1st April (April Fools Day) Marky Jay Circus Skills

Sat 26th March Decorate Easter biscuits*

Sun 27th March (Easter Sunday) Egg & Spoon race (Weather permitting)

Sun 3rd April Fun Dog Agility (Pre-booking)

Decorate Easter biscuits*

Thurs 7th April

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK EASTER TICKETS visit www.blenheimpalace.com

Forest School Activities

Times and prices of activities vary. Please review the relevant details before visiting.

Call 01454 414 081

BUY ONE DAY, GET 12 MONTHS FREE*

Email: info@olddownestate.co.uk Visit: www.olddownestate.co.uk Old Down Estate, Foxholes Lane, Tockington, Bristol BS32 4PG

’s

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*Activities may incur a small charge

A precious time, every time. Britain’s Greatest Palace. *Terms and conditions apply

www.bowood.org

Friday 25th March to Monday 28th March Open 11am to 5pm

PRIMARY TIMES

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‘Pupils’ achievement is outstanding across a wide range of activities… attainment is high.’

FEATURING THE LACOCK CUP

16 MAY to 16 JULY 2016

Quote from recent ISI Inspection Report

Museum Opening Times: Monday to Saturday - 10am to 5pm Sunday - noon to 4pm 41 Long Street, Devizes. SN10 1NS T: 01380 727369 E: hello@wiltshiremuseum.org.uk

Commit to Excellence Independent day school for boys and girls aged 3-11 T: 01249 857220 E: office@stmargaretsprep.org.uk W: www.stmargaretsprep.org.uk

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Discover

A friendly and spirited community Boarding & Day School Co-educational 11-18

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www.dauntseys.org West Lavington, Devizes, Wiltshire SN10 4HE T. 01380 814500

PRIMARY TIMES

04/03/2016 12:03:42

ROUNDABOUT Your ultimate family diary of what’s on, where & when FRI 25-MON 28 MAR EASTER ACTIVITIES Bowood House & Gardens, near Calne SN11 0LZ. www.bowood.org, 11am-5pm • Bowood’s Easter trail sets off from outside the Treehouse Cafe, passes through Tractor Ted’s Little Farm and through the gardens and arboretum. Fill in an activity sheet to win an Easter treat.

Deadlines: List your school or community events in Primary Times for free. We work a half-term in advance so we’re now collecting information for late May, June and July: deadline for inclusion Monday 18 April.

If your event is to raise funds for a school, a charity or your community, and is open to the public, please let the editor know at the address below.

Please send all listings information and news/feature ideas to him 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!

MARCH UNTIL SAT 2 APR WILTSHIRE IN 100 OBJECTS Trowbridge Museum, The Shires Shopping Centre, Trowbridge BA14 8AT. 01225 751339, www. trowbridgemuseum.co.uk. 10am4pm/4.30pm Sat/closed Sun & Mon, free • Discover the story of Wiltshire’s past told through objects from museums across the county in this unique exploration of Wiltshire’s shared history.

FRI 25 MAR EASTER FUNDAY Shrewton Recreation Ground, Elston Lane, Shrewton, Salisbury SP3 4HQ. From 2pm • Visit the Shrewton Rec on Good Friday for the annual Easter Funday. There will be lots of activities and prizes to win, plus a visit from Feathers, Fangs and Furries with some unusual animals.

FRI 25-SUN 27 MAR EASTER EGG TRAIL Mompesson House, The Close, Salisbury SP1 2EL. 01722 335659, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mompesson-house, 11am-5pm, standard admission prices plus £1.50 per trail • Join the residents of Mompesson House for an Easter trail with chocolate prizes.

FRI 25-MON 28 MAR EASTER EGG-SPRESS Swindon & Cricklade Railway, Blunsdon Station, Tadpole Lane, Blunsdon, Swindon SN25 2DA. 01793 771615, www.swindon-cricklade-railway.org, 11am-4pm, please see website for prices • Enjoy chocolate eggs handed out by the Easter bunny as you explore the collection of vintage diesel and steam trains.

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FRI 25 MAR-MON 4 APR CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNT Avebury, near Marlborough SN8 1RF. 01672 539250, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/avebury, 10am-4pm, £2.50 per hunt • Hunt for the Cadbury Bunny’s eggs while searching for the clues to discover the Golden Hare’s real name.

Conqueror’s Castle, Old Sarum, Sun 29-Mon 30 May

FRI 25-MON 28 MAR CADBURY EASTER EGG TRAIL Stourhead, Stourton BA12 6QF. 01747 841152, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/stourhead, 11am-4pm, £2.50 per trail plus standard admission prices • Join in some springtime family fun with a new Easter trail around the garden, giant games and, of course, chocolate eggs.

FRI 25-MON 28 MAR EASTER ADVENTURE QUEST Old Sarum, Castle Rd, Salisbury SP1 3SD. 01722 335398, www.englishheritage.org.uk/visit/places/oldsarum, 11am-4pm, adult £4.20/conc £3.80/child £2.50 • Adventurers wanted this Easter weekend! You’ll meet a courtly character from the past with stories of times gone by and be given a helping hand on your quest to crack the clues and win a chocolatey reward.

FRI 25-MON 28 MAR (CLOSED EASTER SUNDAY) EASTER WEEKEND AT WHITEHALL Whitehall Garden Centre, Corsham Rd, Lacock SN15 2LZ. 01249 7302014, www.whitehallgardencentre.co.uk, 10.30am-4pm, free • Get crafty with Easter egg decorating and meet some of the rabbits and bunnies from the pets department.

There’ll be chances to feed and stroke them, plus watch baby chicks being born and meet Pickle and Gurkin the resident pygmy goats (Mon only).

FRI 25-MON 28 MAR CADBURY’S EASTER EGG HUNT Prior Park Landscape Garden, Ralph Allen Drive, Bath BA2 5AH. 01225 833422, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ prior-park-landscape-garden, 10am3.30pm, standard admission price plus £2.50 per hunt • The Easter Bunny has been to Prior Park and left a stash of Easter eggs. Follow the hunt through the garden to unlock the clues to his secret stash and earn yourself a delicious prize.

FRI 25 MAR-SUN 10 APR EASTER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES Avebury, near Marlborough SN8 1RF. 01672 539250, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/avebury, 11am-4pm, free • Avebury’s crafts room will be open every day of the Easter holidays.

Get creative and make a beaker pot, badge or seasonal craft. Crafts have an additional charge.

FRI 25 MAR-SUN 10 APR EASTER CELEBRATIONS AT WHITEHALL Whitehall Garden Centre, Corsham Rd, Lacock SN15 2LZ. 01249 7302014, www.whitehallgardencentre.co.uk, 10.30am-4pm, £5.99/£3.99 for Little Acorn members/Easter Bunny hunt free • Create beautiful designs for your egg and display box in the Easter egg decorating workshops and take home a free stencil kit. Plus see if you can find the eight hidden bunnies to win a free chocolate rabbit and pick up some free pumpkin and sunflower seeds to flex those green fingers.

SAT 26 MAR MARCH MADNESS AT THE MUSEUM Salisbury Museum, The Close, Salisbury SP1 2EN. 01722 332151, www.salisburymuseum.co.uk, 10am5pm, standard admission prices apply • The Easter bunny is visiting the museum with his friendly but slightly bonkers friend The Mad Hatter. They’re auditioning for new Easter bunnies so pop on some ears and practise your hopping. Also an Easter trail through the museum and craft sessions from 10am-12.30pm and 1.30-4pm.

SAT 26 MAR-SUN 10 APR EASTER BUNNY HUNT Roves Farm, Sevenhampton, Swindon SN6 7QG. 01793 763939, www.rovesfarm.co.uk, 10am4.30pm, adult £8/child £7/under-2 free • Join the Easter bunny as he hops around the farm and create Easter cards, pictures and fluffy chicks during craft sessions.

SUN 27-MON 28 MAR LACOCK CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNT 2 High St, Lacock, Chippenham SN15 2LG. 01249 730459, www. nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock-abbeyfox-talbot-museum-and-village, 10.30am-4pm, £1.50 plus standard admission prices • Help the Easter bunny hunt for cups, saucers and teaspoons and perhaps discover some rabbits having a tea party.

Each child receives a Chocolate Egghead reward for their hard work.

FROM TUE 29 MAR MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE FAMILY TRAIL 2 High St, Lacock, Chippenham SN15 2LG. 01249 730459, www. nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock-abbeyfox-talbot-museum-and-village, 10.30am-5.30pm, free with standard admission prices • John Ivory Talbot was a party-loving resident of Lacock Abbey in the 18th century.

Find the wine bottles in the grounds and follow the clues to find the party location.

TUE 29-THU 31 MAR HOLIDAY ART CLUB Trowbridge Town Hall, Market St, Trowbridge BA14 8EQ. 01225 774306, www.trowbridgearts.com, 10am, £15 per session or £40 for all three • Sessions led by studio artist Jennie Quigley where children can experience a range of materials, techniques and disciplines including drawing, painting, printing, collage and 3D. Booking advised.

TUE 29 MAR-FRI 1 APR EASTER TREATS: PEOPLE VS PLANET Salisbury Arts Centre, Bedwin St, Salisbury SP1 3UT. 01722 321744, www.salisburyartscentre.co.uk, 11am12pm, free • Explore and be inspired by the arts centre’s ‘People Vs Planet’ exhibition in hands-on family arts activities with Smarties tutor Melanie Evans.

TUE 29 MAR-FRI 1 APR & TUE 5-FRI 8 APR EASTER ART CLUB Wiltshire Scrapstore, Unit 5, Griffin Farm, Bowden Hill, Lacock, Chippenham SN15 2PP. 01249 730011, www.wiltshirescrapstore. co.uk, 10.30am-12pm, £5.40 per child per workshop • Create, make and learn with the Scrapstore’s vast selection of materials. Book early to avoid disappointment; messy clothes essential!

TUE 29 MAR-SUN 10 APR SPRING SAFARI TRAIL Prior Park Landscape Garden, Ralph Allen Drive, Bath BA2 5AH. 01225 833422, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ prior-park-landscape-garden, 10am4.30pm, standard admission price plus £1 per trail • Grab a trail from EASTER 2016

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visitor reception and take the whole family to search for signs of spring.

WED 30 MAR & WED 6 APR WILD WEDNESDAYS Avebury, near Marlborough SN8 1RF. 01672 539250, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/avebury, 11am-4pm, free with standard admission prices • Family activities with a wild theme and a chance to tick off one of your ’50 Things to do before you’re 113/4’. Join the Wiltshire landscape rangers in the Old Farmyard at Avebury.

WED 30 MAR & WED 6 APR EASTER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES Wiltshire Heritage Museum, 41 Long St, Devizes SN10 1NS. 01380 727369, www.wiltshiremuseum.org.uk, 11am12.30pm & 1.30-3pm, £4 per child per session • Arts and crafts activities for the under-11s during the Easter holidays. Under-8s must be accompanied by an adult.

their thing for an audience of children and their families … without the rude bits!

SAT 2-SUN 17 APR MIRROR MAKING Herschel Museum of Astronomy, 19 New King St, Bath BA1 2BL. 01225 446865, www.herschelmuseum.org.uk, 1-5pm, free with standard admission prices • William Herschel spent many hours polishing the mirrors for his telescope. It won’t take as long to make your own mosaic mirror with a space theme.

SAT 2-SUN 17 APR IN AN ENGLISH COUNTRY GARDEN No.1 Royal Crescent Museum, Bath BA1 2LR. 01225 428126, www.no1royalcrescent.org.uk,

PLEASE CHECK BEFORE YOU TRAVEL . . . AND TELL THEM YOU SAW THE EVENT IN PRIMARY TIMES! 10.30am-5.30pm, free with standard admission • Have fun designing your own paper garden at this drop-in craft activity. Try out your skills as a landscape gardener and celebrate the remarkable life of English landscape architect Capability Brown.

Rooms, Bennett St, Bath BA1 2QH. 01225 477789, www.fashionmuseum.co.uk, 10.30am-12.30pm & 1.30-3.30pm, included in standard admission prices • Invent an enlarged fruit design. Could it be a hat, a print for a jacket, dress or shirt? No need to book.

MON 4 APR ROMANS – HEALTHY AND HAPPY? Roman Baths, Stall St, Bath BA1 1LZ. 01225 477785, www.romanbaths.co.uk, 10am-1pm & 2-4pm, included in standard admission prices • Find out all about what the Romans did to keep healthy and well. No need to book.

TUE 5 & THU 7 APR OUTDOOR ENERGY Salisbury Cathedral, The Close, Salisbury SP1 7EF. 01722 555180, www.salisburycathedral.org.uk, 10am-12noon & 1-3pm, free • Burn off some energy and take part in the orienteering challenge outside on the lawns. Meet in the cloisters and collect your map, then follow the clues and find out about the friendship between the mysterious motionless mammals in Sophie Ryder’s sculpture exhibition.

TUE 5 APR FRUITY FUN Bath Fashion Museum, Assembly

WED 6 APR EASTER BUNNIES & HOPPING HARES Salisbury Cathedral, The Close, Salisbury SP1 7EF. 01722 555180, www.salisburycathedral.org.uk, 10am-12noon & 1-3pm, free • Seek out the Sophie Ryder sculptures and see how many you can find, then spring into action using mixed media and create a hopping jackrabbit or a happy hare. Meet in the north transept. Suitable for ages 4-12.

APRIL SAT 2 APR COMEDY CLUB FOR KIDS Swindon Arts Centre, Devizes Rd, Old Town, Swindon SN1 4BJ. 01793 614837, www.swindon.gov. uk/artscentre, 2pm, £9/family of four £33 • Running since 2005, the Comedy Club For Kids has been getting some of the best stand-ups and sketch acts from the international circuit to do

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Mayday Celebrations, Avebury, Mon 2 May

THU 7 APR ARCHAEOLOGY AFTERNOON Avebury, near Marlborough SN8 1RF.

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

01672 539250, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/avebury, 1-4pm, free with standard admission prices • Enjoy hands-on children’s activities with an archaeology theme. Take part in a mini dig to discover ‘bony Tony’ and draw an archaeological find.

THU 7-FRI 8 APR THE BIG BAD DEN BUILDING STORY ADVENTURE Salisbury Arts Centre, Bedwin St, Salisbury SP1 3UT. 01722 321744, www.salisburyartscentre.co.uk, 10am-4pm, £60 per child for both days • A short course for 7-13-yearolds. Let your imagination run wild and build a magical storytelling den where anything can happen.

Budding young adventurers, writers, artists and drama lovers alike will enjoy creating and performing their very own mixed-up tales as well as the chance to design and make props, costumes and scenery. The course will culminate in a performance for friends and family at 4pm on Fri. SAT 9 APR YOUNG CURATORS CLUB: PREHISTORIC POTTERY Salisbury Museum, The Close, Salisbury SP1 2EN. 01722 332151, www.salisburymuseum.co.uk, 10.30am-1pm, standard admission prices apply • Bring history to life and try out ancient skills, handle real artefacts, join in with craft activities and find out more about life in the museum . This month learn about

PRIMARY TIMES

ancient pottery techniques and make your own pot. Suitable for 6-12-year-olds; booking essential.

SAT 9-TUE 26 APR SPRING LAMBING Roves Farm, Sevenhampton, Swindon SN6 7QG. 01793 763939, www.rovesfarm.co.uk, 10am4.30pm, adult £8/child £7/under-2 free • It’s lambing time again down on the farm: here you can see all the fluffy new-borns and enjoy tea and cake in the Woolly Shop tearoom.

WEEKLY FROM MON 11 APR TROWBRIDGE ARTS YOUTH COMPANY: SUMMER TERM Trowbridge Town Hall, Market St, Trowbridge BA14 8EQ. 01225 774306, www.trowbridgearts.com, 6.30pm, £50 per term • A�������� n opportunity for young people to explore theatre and their own creativity.

The Youth Company will create their own performances and have the opportunity to see professional shows as part of their termly fee.

This term the group will be exploring comic improvisation and adaptations of fairy stories. Mondays from 11 Apr-27 Jun excluding 2 and 30 May. Recommended for ages 10-16.

SAT 16 APR CODING THE FUTURE Intel Corporation, Pipers Way, Swindon SN3 1RJ. Register at www. theiet.org/coding, 10am-3.30pm, free • Drop in and join the code crew for some hands-on action with the

ROUNDABOUT pocket-sized, programmable computer BBC micro:bit, soon to be given to every child in year seven across the UK. Learn how to bring the language of coding to life, discover what it’s like to work for a global organisation, explore other coding devices with Barclays Digital Eagles and much more.

SAT 16 APR PAULINE QUIRKE ACADEMY OPEN DAY Nova Hreod Academy, Akers Way, Swindon SN2 2NQ. 0800 531 6282, www.pqacademy.com, 1.45-5pm, free • Chance to find out more about the weekend performing arts school for ages 4-18.

SUN 17 APR WORLD HERITAGE DAY: GET THE GEORGIAN LOOK No.1 Royal Crescent Museum, Bath, BA1 2LR. 01225 428126, www.no1royalcrescent.org.uk, 11am-4pm, free • At this annual celebration of Bath’s World Heritage status, there will be a chance to try on outfits and wigs, design and wear a face patch and even try white ‘lead’ face powder and ‘mouse-skin’ eyebrows.

WED 20 APR WALK WITH AN ARCHAEOLOGIST: DURRINGTON REVEALED Stonehenge Landscape, 3 Stonehenge Rd, Amesbury SP4 7DD. 01980 664780, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/stonehenge-landscape,

Spring Lambing, Roves Farm, Sat 9-Tue 26 Apr

1.30-4pm, adult £16/child £5 • Join Neolithic expert and National Trust archaeologist Dr Nick Snashall for this half-day exploration of Durrington Walls, home to the builders of Stonehenge. Find out how the latest discoveries are revealing the secrets of our ancestors. Total walk approx. three miles.

SAT 23 APR FAMILY FILM SCREENING: BILL Salisbury Arts Centre, Bedwin St, Salisbury SP1 3UT. 01722 321744, www.salisburyartscentre.co.uk, 11am, £5/member £4 • The team behind CBBC’s hit series ‘Horrible Histories’ imagine the life of the young William Shakespeare in this fast-paced comedy for all the family to enjoy.

Taking many liberties with historical accuracy, just as the Bard often did, it focuses on a hopeless lute player »

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ROUNDABOUT of Wiltshire’s most successful free family days out returns for its 37th year. More than 250 stalls sell crafts and local produce, there’s maypole and morris dancing, street entertainment, music, refreshments plus plenty for children, including Punch and Judy, clowns, roundabouts and more.

SAT 30 APR-MON 2 MAY KIDS GO FREE WEEKEND Swindon & Cricklade Railway, Blunsdon Station, Tadpole Lane, Blunsdon, Swindon SN25 2DA. 01793 771615, www.swindon-crickladerailway.org, 11am-4pm, adult £8/£6, child free • Take advantage of an extended bank holiday kids-go-free weekend at Swindon Railway featuring a selection of both steam and diesel trains.

Keevil Scarecrow Trail, Sat 14-Sun 15 May

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called Bill Shakespeare who leaves home to follow his dream.

SAT 23 APR-SUN 8 MAY WILD GARLIC FORTNIGHT Prior Park Landscape Garden, Ralph Allen Drive, Bath BA2 5AH. 01225 833422, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ prior-park-landscape-garden, 10am4.30pm, standard admission prices apply • Enjoy this aromatic and tasty plant which carpets the garden each spring. Pick your own to take home, grab a recipe to try or simply enjoy the fragrance and white flowers across the garden.

SUN 24 APR COOKYKIDS QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY SPECIAL St John’s Parish Hall, Boreham Rd, Warminster BA12 9JX. 07985 369760, www.cookykids.co.uk, 10am12pm & 2-4pm, £15 per child, booking essential • Enjoy a special Cookykids session where you will be baking a selection of sweet and savoury ‘royal’ treats to take home. All ingredients and equipment provided (and no washing up to do!) Suitable for ages 5-8.

SUN 24 APR NATIONAL GARDEN SCHEME OPEN DAY Stourhead, Stourton BA12 6QF. 01747 841152, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/stourhead, 9am-6pm, standard admission prices apply • Enjoy the wonders of this world-famous landscape and help support the charities the NGS raises funds for. A donation will be made from all tickets bought on this day.

FRI 29 APR GUIDED ESTATE WALK Stourhead, Stourton BA12 6QF. 01747 841152, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/stourhead, 11am-1pm, free • Venture beyond the garden into the woods which Harry Hoare explored as a child and discover how they are looked after today.

SAT 30 APR DOWNTON CUCKOO FAIR Borough Greens, Downton SP5 3NG. 01725 511059, www.cuckoofair. co.uk, times TBA, free • With more than 15,000 visitors last year, one 14

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SAT 30 APR-MON 2 MAY MAY DAY WEEKEND Roves Farm, Sevenhampton, Swindon SN6 7QG. 01793 763939, www.rovesfarm.co.uk, 10am4.30pm, adult £8/child £7/under-2 free • Enjoy traditional May Day fun and games, including skittles, quoits, maypole dancing and welly wanging.

MAY SUN 1-TUE 31 MAY SPRING BLOOMS GARDEN TOURS Stourhead, Stourton BA12 6QF. 01747 841152, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/stourhead, 11.30am-12.30pm & 1.30-2.30pm, free with standard admission prices • Experience Stourhead at its blooming best on a free guided tour.

MON 2 MAY MAY DAY FLORAL EXHIBITION Avebury, near Marlborough SN8 1RF. 01672 539250, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/avebury, 11am-5pm, free with standard admission prices • The garden at Avebury Manor will be host to live floral exhibits made by local florists and floristry groups.

Each floral exhibit will be sold towards the end of the day; take home one of these fragrant reminders of May. MON 2 MAY MAY DAY CELEBRATIONS Old Farmyard, Avebury, near Marlborough SN8 1RF. 01672 539250, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ avebury, 10am-4pm, free, additional charges for some children’s activities • Visit Avebury for bank holiday Monday and celebrate May Day. Join in with the children’s activities and make a May Day crown or have your face painted green like the Green Man. Take part in the Queen’s May Day procession and have a go at dancing around the maypole.

SAT 7-SUN 8 MAY CRAFT FAIR Stourhead, Stourton BA12 6QF. 01747 841152, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/stourhead, 10am-5.30pm, free • Stalls for local artists and craftspeople selling everything from jewellery and pottery to paintings, wood turning and much more.

PLEASE CHECK BEFORE YOU TRAVEL . . . AND TELL THEM YOU SAW THE EVENT IN PRIMARY TIMES! SAT 14 MAY YOUNG CURATORS CLUB: ANCIENT ARCHERY Salisbury Museum, The Close, Salisbury SP1 2EN. 01722 332151, www.salisburymuseum.co.uk, 10.30am-1pm, standard admission prices apply • Have a go at archery and discover how important a bow and arrow was for people in the past. Suitable for ages 6-12; booking essential.

SAT 14-SUN 15 MAY KEEVIL SCARECROW TRAIL Trail begins at Keevil Primary School, Main St, Keevil, Trowbridge BA14 6LU. 077712654679, 10am-4pm, trail sheet £3/children’s trail £1.50 • Keevil School’s annual fundraising event is back and bigger than ever.

See if you can find all 40 scarecrows made by local artists and hidden around the picturesque village.

Complete the trail and enjoy a BBQ, attractions, raffle and craft stalls.

Opened by BBC TV presenter Paul Martin.

SUN 15 MAY PLAYING WITH INK WORKSHOP Museum of East Asian Art, 12 Bennett St, Bath BA1 2QJ. 01225 464640, www.meaa.org.uk, 2-4pm, £8 per child • Explore the art and techniques of Chinese ink painting with exhibiting artist Wu Lan-Chiann.

Gain first-hand experience using ink and brushes and learn about the inspiration behind Lan-Chiann’s paintings on display in her exhibition ‘Reflections’. Suitable for ages 8+.

SAT 21 MAY DRESSING MRS DUNCH: TUDOR COSTUME VIEWING & TALK Avebury, near Marlborough SN8 1RF. 01672 539250, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/avebury, 10-11.30am, £18 • Watch as Mrs Dunch is dressed from the bottom up in a newly completed Tudor costume crafted by a team of skilled seamstresses.

Enjoy an informative talk on Tudor costume and discover the traditional techniques used to create a Tudor woman’s formal wear. Cream tea is included.

SUN 22 MAY COOKYKIDS MAY DAY SPECIAL St John’s Parish Hall, Boreham Rd, Warminster BA12 9JX. 07985 369760, www.cookykids.co.uk, 10am-12noon & 2-4pm, £15 per child, booking essential • Enjoy a special Cookykids session where you will be baking a selection of sweet and savoury summery treats to take home. All ingredients and equipment provided (and no washing up to do!)

Suitable for ages 5-8.

SAT 28 MAY-SUN 5 JUN THREE LITTLE PIGS Roves Farm, Sevenhampton, Swindon SN6 7QG. 01793 763939, www.rovesfarm.co.uk, 10am-5pm, included in standard admission prices • Bringing the classic story to life ... “huff and puff” your way around the farm on one of the free tractor rides.

SUN 29-MON 30 MAY CONQUEROR’S CASTLE Old Sarum, Castle Rd, Salisbury SP1

3SD. 01722 335398, www.englishheritage.org.uk/visit/places/oldsarum, 11am-5pm, adult £6.80/child £4.10/conc £6.10 • Step back in time to 1086 and swear your oath of fealty to William the Conqueror in his grand ruined medieval castle. Practise your archery skills and watch as medieval soldiers are put through their paces to earn the respect of their king.

SAT 18-SUN 19 JUN BATH FESTIVAL OF MOTORING Walcot Rugby Ground, Lansdown, Bath BA1 9BJ. www.bathfestivalofmotoring.com, 10am-5pm (4pm Sun), see website for prices • Perfect for Father’s Day, the Rotary Club of Bath’s Festival of Motoring returns with more than 500 vintage and classic cars and motorbikes, plus trade stands and entertainment for all ages. Also live music, supercar rides, competitions, refreshments and family activities.

ONGOING EVENTS WILTSHIRE FARMERS’ MARKET Poultry Cross, Salisbury SP1. 07541 762497, www.wiltshirefamersmarkets.co.uk, 9am-2pm, free • Located on an ancient trading site, this weekly market, which takes place every Wednesday, offers a smorgasbord of fresh vegetables, baked goods, meats and poultry.

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

TRACTOR TED’S LITTLE FARM AT BOWOOD HOUSE & GARDENS The Bowood Estate, Calne SN11 9NF. 01294 812102, www.bowood. org, cost of admission • Calves, lambs, piglets and chicks live at Tractor Ted’s Little Farm at Bowood.

Designed especially for young children to engage with farm animals in a friendly environment, this facility has guinea pigs to handle at regular times every day, plus plenty of helpers to encourage children to gain confidence around animals and to answer questions.

PRIOR PARK LANDSCAPE GARDEN Ralph Allen Drive, Bath BA2 5AH. 01225 833422, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/prior-park, cost of general admission • This garden offers some of the most picturesque views in Bath. Parents can enjoy the surroundings while kids can get stuck into the National Trust’s ‘50 things to do before you’re 11 3/4’.

ROUNDABOUT AND THEATRE LISTINGS BY ELLEN WHITE PRIMARY TIMES

08/03/2016 11:57:12

The green shoots of March bring with them a whole new crop of vegetables and produce. Ellen White explores how children can be given a spring in their step about seasonal food.

Spring

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t’s hard to watch a celebrity chef on television these days without listening to their heartfelt homily on the merits of eating fresh, locally sourced food. And, while you may get the feeling that they are all fighting for a place on an over-crowded farmyard band waggon, they are not wrong. As the dark nights of winter recede, this is the ideal time of year to get children interested in cooking. Spring brings with it an abundance of new-born animals, cheerful daffodils and fantastic, fresh food as plenty of fruit and vegetables come into season.

As those chefs testify, eating seasonally brings a massive flavour boost to your cooking and can also be easier on the wallet. Vegetables at their peak over the next few months include asparagus, fennel, spinach, peas, artichokes and green beans, while fruit such as pears, rhubarb and apricots are delicious at this time of year.

The focus on nutrition and environmentally sustainable food has gathered momentum in recent years and healthy eating can benefit the whole family. Involving young children in the grocery shopping can be an effective way to teach them more about food preparation and help them make healthy choices. Supermarket magazines and websites are full of great spring recipes: try letting your child pick one or two meals they’d like and then go shopping for ingredients together. You could also explain what it means when something is ‘in season’ and where different foods come from.

Often children’s refusal to try new foods is down to aesthetic

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Greens ings and much more, all sourced within 50 miles of the city. 10am4pm, Market Place and Guildhall Square, Salisbury, SP1 1JH. T: 01722 342860 W: www.salisburycitycouncil.gov.uk

ket Salisbury Farmers’ Mar

appeal: every parent has battled with a child’s insistence that they don’t like something before they’ve even tried it. A focus on colour or new shapes can make a world of difference. So, challenge them to be the first to ‘eat a rainbow’ of different coloured foods or use biscuit cutters to make stars, hearts or other appealing shapes.

Even tiny ones can help out with the cooking: start off small by letting them stir sauces or weigh out ingredients. Under supervision, older children can be a great help in the kitchen, teach them how to use electric mixers or carefully chop vegetables. Carrot and cucumber sticks could be garden bunny snacks, while sandwiches cut into chick or rabbit shapes gets them excited about the ingredients inside. That way, cooking becomes a fun craft activity as children build up a repertoire of their favourite meals and ingredients, perhaps even keeping a scrapbook of recipes and shopping lists. With Easter fast approaching, putting the emphasis on cooking fresh food can shift the focus away from chocolate eggs.

SALISBURY’S FARMERS MARKET Located on an ancient trading site, this market runs every Wednesday from 9am-2pm, offering a smorgasbord of fresh vegetables, baked goods, meats and poultry grown or produced by local farmers. Poultry Cross, Salisbury, SP1.

T: 07541 762497 W: www. wiltshirefarmersmarkets.co.uk

Salisbury Food & Drink Festival

For other ideas on food and cooking, there are a host of foodrelated events coming up in the region, from farmers’ markets and foodie festivals to cooking demonstrations. If you want to learn more or sample delicious local, seasonal produce, head on down to one of the events below. You’re sure to pick up some ideas to feed the whole family.

SALISBURY’S ARTISAN MARKET This market runs on the first Sunday of every month with the next two on Sun 3 Apr and Sun 1 May. Offering a large range of high quality products from over 50 stalls including fresh food, arts and crafts, jewellery, furnish-

COOKYKIDS This company runs classes specifically for toddlers aiming to teach them how to cook and enjoy food in a safe, fun environment. Occasional sessions on Saturday and during school holidays are available for 5 to 8 year olds, including all things bread, cake making, Easter fun and pastry. St Johns Parish Hall, Boreham Rd, Wiltshire, BA12 9JY. T: 07985369760 W: www.cookykids.co.uk SALISBURY FOOD AND DRINK FESTVAL Running on Sun 18 Sep in Salisbury Market Place and Guildhall, this offers a glorious harvest market selling a huge selection of local and regional produce plus beer, wine and cider.

Look out for professional chef demonstrations, drop-in cookery sessions and plenty of fun for all ages. T: 01722 332241 W: www.salisburyfestival.co.uk EASTER 2016

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Ch

Join our Tribe!

Easter Camps Mon 4th-Fri 15th April Sports include: Athletics • Football • Hockey Trampolining • Badminton Volleyball • Soccer Tots To book call Tribe on : (01225) 386915 or email: S.Tadd@bath.ac.uk All courses take place at the University of Bath.

For more information visit: www.teambath.com/tribe-schools

www.teambath.com 16

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04/03/2016 12:05:10

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“All he could talk about was the spinning trapeze,” said Christy.

“Completely exhausted but a very happy little boy, he will be going back on Friday.”

Ffi: Airborn E: bo@airborn.club W: www.airborn.club, www.facebook. com/airborn.club/

Cracking the code ‘Coding the Future’ is a free family event where you’ll have the chance to get hands on with the BBC micro:bit – the pocket-sized programmable computer being given to every child in year seven or equivalent across the UK. You can drop in at any point during the day and join the code crew to collaborate, compete and just have fun.

The event takes place at the Intel Corporation (UK) in Pipers Way, Swindon on Saturday 16 April from 10am to 3.30pm and as well as activities in three dedicated zones, there’ll be flux movement workshops demonstrating and bringing the language of coding to life while Barclays Digital Eagles will be showcasing other coding devices. You’ll also be able to take a behind-the-scenes tour of Intel and see what it’s like to work for a global organisation. There’ll be refreshments all day too. You can register for free entry via the website.

Ffi: Coding the Future W: www.theiet.org/coding

PRIMARY TIMES

16 Wilts Pinboard Easter 2016.indd 23

Parents’ & teachers’

news, education & contacts

Let’s cook!

Cookykids is an exciting new company offering cookery classes for young children run by a qualified food technology teacher.

During its weekly toddler group (for children aged 2-5) each child cooks, tastes and learns about food in a safe and fun environment – and the best bit is there is no tidying up! The sessions cost £7.50 and this includes all ingredients, foods for tasting, refreshments, a recipe card as well as a bag to take your goodies home in.

Cookykids knows how much 5- to 8-year-olds also love to cook, which is why it will be running Cookykids Special sessions throughout the year so they can join in the fun as well. Book now for the Queen’s Birthday Special (24 April) and the May Day Special (22 May). Sessions are two hours long and cost £15 (children must be accompanied by an adult). Find the Cookykids page on Facebook to see pictures from the Valentine Special.

Ffi: Cookykids W: www.cookykids.co.uk

Bowood’s back for Easter Four days of Easterpacked fun and masses of open space and fresh air are lined up at Bowood House and Gardens as the ever-popular family attraction re-opens on Good Friday.

Coming to life daily between 11am-5pm, Bowood’s Easter trail sets off outside the Treehouse Cafe and weaves around the newly enhanced Tractor Ted’s Little Farm – which means youngsters shouldn’t be distracted by the adventure playground ... just quite yet!

The trail will snake through to the historic Bowood House, along its terraces, down to and around the lake, past the cascade, on to the lakeside temple and back through the arboretum (who’ll spot the monkey puzzle tree first?) before completed activity sheets are swapped for an Easter treat.

Bowood’s 2016 season runs through to Monday 31 October with school holiday breaks, special dates and events bound to draw families back time and again.

Ffi: Bowood House & Gardens near Calne, Wiltshire SN11 0LZ W: www.bowood.org

Take to the stage!

The Pauline Quirke Academy is a weekend performing arts school for 4- to 18-year-olds and due to popular demand PQA Swindon is opening a new afternoon academy on Saturday 16 April.

Students spend three hours rotating through hour-long sessions in comedy and drama, musical theatre and film and television taught by specialist teachers. C������������������������ ore modules teach a comprehensive range of skills, which are useful for everyday life, not just the performing arts, whilst master classes allow students to experience more specialist lessons in areas like stage combat, beat boxing, street dance and magic.

PQA believes in inspiring and rewarding students and so it offers free group Trinity College London exams, cinema screenings, the chance to join the Quirky Kidz agency for professional work and the opportunity to perform at London’s Her Majesty’s Theatre.

PQA Swindon is holding a free open day on Saturday 16 April (1.45-5pm) at Nova Hreod Academy, Akers Way, Swindon SN2 2NQ. Ffi: Pauline Quirke Academy T: 0800 531 6282 W: www.pqacademy.com

Invitation to the Palace Visit Blenheim Palace this Easter for an “eggstravaganza” of activities in the Pleasure Gardens!

On Sunday 27 and Monday 28 March, children’s characters The Gruffalo and Tree Fu Tom will be entertaining visitors in the Pleasure Gardens.

The Gruffalo will be appearing during meet-and-greet sessions at intervals on each day and children will be able to see Tree Fu Tom in his mini show and learn Tree Fu Magic, with the opportunity to meet him too. The Easter Bunny and stilt walkers join the already exciting programme of entertainment to delight the whole family over the weekend.

Other activities include a giant Easter egg hunt, vintage funfair, Punch & Judy shows, face painting and more. Existing fun family attractions at The Pleasure Gardens include the giant Marlborough hedge maze, butterfly house and adventure playground.

Ffi: Blenheim Palace W: www.blenheimpalace.com

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Adver tising Feature

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Ffi: Studley Grange Craft Village, Butterfly World and Farm Park W: www.studleygrange.co.uk ©LW

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• March is an exciting time to visit Studley Grange Craft Village, Butterfly World and Farm Park because they have lots of new babies arriving, including cute lambs, kids and guinea pigs.

And their animal family is growing all the time, with wallabies Wilma, Wallace and Wilson being the latest additions. It’s possible that Wilma may be carrying a joey – they will find out soon. New butterflies too are emerging daily in the tropical greenhouse: so go along, take a look and see how many you can spot.

March also has the Easter weekend holiday to enjoy and every child who visits Butterfly World during this weekend can take part in the Easter lucky dip to win a homemade chocolate chick made on site at Abbie’s Chocolate Comforts. Staying on the egg theme, you can also visit the rescued battery hens, help feed them and collect and buy their lovely free-range eggs to enjoy at home.

Whilst at Butterfly World visit their new commercial farm park and learn about where our food comes from. There are also the many varied craft units to explore: you can even try your hand at chocolate making.

Studley Grange Craft Village and Butterfly World is just off junction 16 of the M4, near Wroughton – for more details visit their website.

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16 Wilts advertising features Easter 2016.indd 26

Ready for a fresh start?

• Sarah Steel was looking for good quality childcare when she decided that her career could take a new direction. In 2002 Sarah started the first Old Station Nursery, using her background in the army and civilSarah Steel at work, while studying on the ian industry and her EYITT with the University of Glouc estershire experience as a parent as a starting point.

Sarah’s desire to enhance her own professional development more recently led her to register on the early years initial teacher training (EYITT) course at the University of Gloucestershire.

The EYITT programme offers a one-year, part-time, workbased course for graduates in any subject who also have a grade C in maths and English at GCSE. Fees of £7,000 are fully funded by the government so the student doesn’t have to pay anything, whilst a £7,000 grant is also given to the early years setting to support the student’s training.

Students spend approximately 30 days at university, attending stimulating lectures and interactive seminars on topics related to assignments. Successful completion of the course leads to 60 credits at masters level and early years teacher status.

So what’s it like? “I have to admit that I approached the return to study with some apprehension, as it is at least 15 years since I undertook any formal academic study,” says Sarah. “But it has been surprisingly enjoyable. It’s amazing how volunteering in your son or daughter’s pre-school can lead to a whole new career path!”

Ffi: University of Gloucestershire E: EYITT@glos.ac.uk W: www.glos.ac.uk

PRIMARY TIMES

08/03/2016 11:32:47

Aquarium’s eggstravagant Easter!

• Spring has sprung undersea – This cute creature eventually so you can see baby seahorses turns into an adult shark and baby sharks this Easter.

Bristol Aquarium is home to thousands of sea creatures, from tropical sharks, stingrays, turtles and clownfish to seahorses, piranhas and much more.

This Easter holiday you can meet the aquarium’s latest arrivals in The Nursery, home to teeny-tiny baby seahorses, glass catfish and bamboo shrimp. Meet recently hatched baby sharks in the Sunken Shipwreck area and follow an “egg-cellent” trail quiz to discover what sea creature lays hundreds of thousands of eggs.

With 40+ naturally themed displays in eight themed zones, giant open-top ocean displays, including a wooden footbridge over the coral seas and an underwater walk-through tunnel, the aquarium gives you the chance to come face-to-face with Bolt the electric eel, Percy the giant Amazonian river fish, Ravioli the ray and much more – you’ll even find Nemo and Dory!

Don’t forget to climb inside the seahorse lighthouse bubble to experience the pot-bellied seahorses up close. As tickets are valid all day you can pop back in as many times as you like on the day of your visit – perfect to catch all the talks, feeds and school holiday activities.

Bristol’s Aquarium is also the only aquarium in the UK to feature a giant botanical house full of exotic plant and tree species from around the world and a walkthrough waterfall surrounded by orchids – for great photo opportunities!

The aquarium’s open daily and children under three go free.

Ffi: Bristol Aquarium T: 0117 929 8929 W: www.bristolaquarium.co.uk

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Explore the Roman world this Easter • The Roman Baths is a wonderful place for all the family to enjoy. Children can find out about Roman life through the children’s audio guide narrated by Michael Rosen and dramatic computer reconstructions.

They can also meet Roman costumed characters and listen to their stories. There are two family activity trails which they can collect at the reception desk. For under-sevens try the Roman Baths Trail and for over-sevens the Meet the Romans trail. Afterwards, enjoy a special treat in the Pump Room – a children’s tea with an Easter theme. Visit romanbaths.co.uk/familyactivities to find out more information.

Enjoy free family events over Easter Romans – healthy and happy? On Monday 4 April (10am-1pm & 2-4pm), you can find out what the Romans did to keep well. It’s all included in the admission price and there is no need to book.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Free entry to local residents with a Discovery Card.

Have fun with Roman numerals online Play the new Know Your Numerals game at romanbaths.co.uk/ know-your-numerals. Beat the clock and download a certificate for each of the three levels. You can also be creative and add to the virtual hoard of Roman coins: have fun uploading your face and text onto your own Roman coin using the app at romanbaths.co.uk/virtualhoard. You can add your designs and share them with friends.

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Ffi: The Roman Baths W: www.romanbaths.co.uk

PRIMARY TIMES

16 Wilts advertising features Easter 2016.indd 27

EASTER 2016 19

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Hello Kids!

Thank you, as always, for the fantastic pictures you send me. This issue we’re all feeling a bit peckish here at Primary Times and we’ve teamed up with Foodies Festival which takes place on Bristol’s Downs this 13-15 May. The three young artists who send me the best picture about a delicious meal I will always remember will win a VIP family ticket to the event.

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 Don’t forget to put your name, age, full home postal address (so we can send you the prize!) and school on the back. Deadline: Monday 18 April.

Arty Barty It’s wonderful to see your enthusiasm for art - whole classes sent me pictures of my favourite sport - and it was so hard to choose the best.

Well done to the winners who each get a book from the editor.

Tamika Rai, 10, s Saint Netheravon All hool, CofE Primary Sc Wiltshire likes Tamika obviously has she lots of sport and efully car drawn four here, e the and cleverly. I lov ast’s gy glitter on the mn outfit.

WINNER!

Have fun!

Arty

Harikesh Rajanikanth, 5, Field Court C of E Infant Academy, Gloucestershire You can almost taste the sense of occasion in Harikesh’s picture of last year’s Rugby World Cup. I expect he thoroughly enjoyed the recent Six Nations tournament as well.

Maike Ye, 10, St John’s C of E Primary School, Bristol Maike is a football fanatic to the core, drawing this brilliant footballer in impeccable detail. The accoutrements like the trophy and medals show great attention to detail.

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

Primary Times reviews the new releases.

Primary School, Regi Horvathova, 6, St.Andrew`s Bath , especially when the Gymnastics is such an exciting sportdo this year. Regi has Olympics come round, which they etition, portraying the really caught the excitement of comp equipment brilliantly. movements of the gymnasts on their

Totally roar-some!

It’s a family affair as teachers Tim and Kerry Meek launch themselves into the evening hours after school and work, with their daughters Amy and Ella, discovering hundreds of fun outdoor activities that don’t involve screens. This compendium of traditional, modern and undeniably healthy activities explores everything from foraging to star-gazing, performing to planting vegetables and appeals to the desire in all of us to creatively explore our natural habitat.

What Tim and Kerry don’t tell us is how, if you don’t have limitless supplies of energy, you’re supposed to fit this in with homework, chores, cooking and the general exhaustion that usually descends on families around tea time. But let’s not allow reality to get in the way of a great idea. These suggestions offer lots of excellent ways to give ourselves and our children a healthier, more fulfilling life. Even if you only manage to plan and carry out one of these activities in the next few months, it’ll be worth it. (Mike Gartside)

Calling all budding palaeontologists!

If you want to learn more about dinosaurs, then you need to get your claws on a new series of books, ‘What’s So Special About…?’ Aimed at 6 to 10 year olds, the series takes an in-depth look at a variety of these magnificent creatures and combines beautiful anatomical illustrations alongside fun facts about each dinosaur, such as the period they lived in, what they ate and which dinosaurs shared the land with them.

Children will love finding out a whole heap of fun facts, such as what each dinosaur’s weapons are, rated out of ten, and which modern animal they’re most similar to, while parents can appreciate that all the information is backed by palaeontological research, so reading one is a great learning experience. The four books in the series at the moment cover tyrannosaurus rex, stegosaurus, coelophysis and ankylosaurus, and since the latter are two of the lesser-known dinosaurs, adults can learn a lot from reading these, too. If your kids (or you!) want to find out more, there’s also a dedicated website for the series at www.specialdinosaurs. com. (Helen Dorritt)

50 Evening Adventures Tim, Kerry, Amy and Ella Meek, £12.99, Frances Lincoln Ltd, www.quartoknows.com

What’s So Special About...? Nicky Dee, £5.99, Dragonfly Group Ltd, www.dragonflypubs.com

Getting out more

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PRIMARY TIMES

Ellen White goes in search of the ultimate Easter Egg Hunt

warmer Getting

T

hey may not inspire quite the same frenzied excitement as Christmas, but the Easter holidays offer plenty of fun, from spring crafts to bottle feeding lambs, and of course, lots of chocolate! Among the enduring attractions is the ever popular Easter Egg Hunt. Quick and easy to put together, they can be adapted to suit children of all ages and a variety of venues.

While the most important aim is to have fun, it can be helpful to set some ground rules before you begin, to minimise any dreaded “it’s not fair” meltdowns. If you have a larger group with varying ages it’s a good idea to pair up the younger ones with someone older to give them a fairer chance of finding the prizes, or if they’d prefer to work alone try staggering the groups depending on age so that little ones have longer to search. You could set up a base for children to return to after collecting a certain amount of eggs (say five), and only set out again once every child has reached it to ensure everyone gets a fair amount. Alternatively, for smaller groups, wrap the same amount of eggs or treats in different coloured tissue paper and assign each child a colour. Only collecting prizes in their colour keeps it fair and should eliminate arguments.

It’s up to you how many eggs you hide, however it’s a good idea to set limits for chocolate consumption to avoid being overrun by hyperactive children. Perhaps a few eggs once everyone has finished and then the rest can be saved for over the Easter holidays. You could also use mini plastic eggs for collection during the hunt and then give out sweet prizes, to ensure noone sneaks a surreptitious nibble of the prizes!

Egg hunts work well both indoors and outdoors. If you don’t have access to a garden then a trail in PRIMARY TIMES

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10.30am-4pm on Easter Sunday and Monday (27th-28th), £1.50 per trail plus standard admission prices. 2 High St, Lacock, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN15 2LG T: 01249 730459 W: www. nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock-abbeyfox-talbot-museum-and-village

a local wood or park can be very effective: just make sure you set firm area boundaries before you start. Nicole Daw, a “50 Things” Engagement Ranger for the National Trust, suggests combining the hunt with learning. “Try including clues or questions about the plants and animals you might find, or the history of the place,” she says. “We aim to pick a route that works for all abilities and make it fun, although you can throw in some trickier questions for a bit of a challenge.”

Hidden clues work just as well around your home, plus it’s wise to have a back up plan when dealing with the unreliable British weather.

You could theme the hunt depending on your child’s interests, perhaps a pirate treasure map or an adventure story where each part contains a riddle to the next hiding place. Again, if you’re worried about too much sugar you could hide fancy dress items instead, for example ears, teeth, a tail and a bow tie to make an Easter Bunny outfit, then hand out eggs once everyone is dressed.

Finally, don’t forget to gather enough baskets, buckets or con-

tainers for each child to collect their eggs in. If you’re planning a whole morning or afternoon of Easter fun you could set up a craft station for children to decorate their own paper bags beforehand.

If you don’t have the time or space to organise a hunt yourself, don’t worry.

There are plenty of local Easter egg trails available - here’s a selection of local events:

The Easter Bunny has been to Prior Park and left a stash of Easter eggs. Follow the hunt through the garden to unlock the clues to his secret stash and earn yourself a delicious prize. Fri 25-Mon 28 Mar, drop in between 10am-3.30pm. Standard admission prices apply plus £2.50 per hunt. Ralph Allen Drive, Bath, BA2 5AH. T: 01225 833422 W: www. nationaltrust.org.uk/prior-parklandscape-garden Join in some springtime family fun at Stourhead with a new Easter trail around the garden, giant games and, of course, chocolate eggs! Fri 25-Mon 28 Mar, drop-in from 11am-4pm, £2.50 per trail plus standard admission prices.

Stourton, Wiltshire BA12 6QF. T: 01747 841152 W: www. nationaltrust.org.uk/stourhead

Hunt for the Cadbury Bunny’s eggs while searching for the clues to discover the Golden Hare’s real name at Avebury this Easter.

Daily from Fri 25 Mar-Mon 4 Apr, 10am-4pm, £2.50 per hunt. Near Marlborough, Wiltshire, SN8 1RF. T: 01672 539250 W: www. nationaltrust.org.uk/avebury Help the Easter bunny hunt for cups, saucers and teaspoons and perhaps discover some rabbits having a tea party at Lacock this Easter weekend. Each child receives a Chocolate Egghead reward for their hard work.

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Adver tising Feature

Eggcellent ideas to keep the kids busy With the Easter break just around the corner, many parents are starting to think about how to entertain the kids, particularly if the weather forecast isn’t looking too good. With a few fun activities, some creative thinking and a bit of forward planning, it’s easy to keep little ones busy and active – and without breaking the bank!

Get creative with Easter crafts

Craft projects are brilliant for engaging children.

Not only do they provide them with hours of entertainment, but they’re also ideal for building skills and cognitive development.

Colouring in and painting are both great fun whatever the weather – kids love to get the crayons and paints out to create their own magical world of colour! Ready-made kits for creating jigsaws, piggy banks and picture frames will help to add excitement, and also make lovely personalised gifts if there’s a birthday coming up! Of course a colouring book with a bunch of crayons is also a great way to have some quality quiet time together.

At Easter time there are loads of craft kits available, such as sets to make bonnets, egg baskets and masks. They include all the bits and pieces needed to set the kids loose on their own Easter project! A make your own Easter sign set will also help you decorate the home, ready for the big day.

Mixing it up in the kitchen

Kids love to get involved and the kitchen is a great place to spark creativity and get stuck in, especially on those rainy days. For kids that love sweet treats (and that’s all of them!), there’s no beating a bit of good old fashioned baking... just be prepared to see more mix on the floor than in the bowl! Whether it’s jam tarts, fairy cakes or gingerbread men, baking is a great opportunity for kids to learn new skills and bake their own creations. For added enthusiasm, a few fun-shaped colourful cutters will do the trick.

Teaching children how to make meals or snacks from scratch can be a great way of increasing their understanding of the importance of healthy eating, and get them thinking about where food comes from.

To get them interested, it can be fun to make dishes that the kids have never tried before – it could be as simple as a fruit salad filled with unusual fruits from around the world.

For those lucky enough to be jetting off somewhere exotic this year, a whole menu could be created made up of dishes from that country... a sure bet to get everyone excited!

Outdoor activities

With rumours that warm weather’s on its way, as unlikely as it seems now, there may be plenty of fun to be had in the garden. Setting up a garden Olympics will help keep little ones both busy and active... think sandpit for the long jump and two lengths of the garden for the 100 metres race. They’ll tire themselves out whilst having a load of fun... all without you having to spend a penny!

Euro 2016 is only a couple of months away now, so setting up the goal posts and net for a penalty shoot out may help them take an interest – just keep competitive dads well away! If football isn’t their thing, a tennis, rounders or badminton set will be just as fun.

For not-so-sporty kids, gardening is a great activity no matter what age they are. Pick a simple activity to start with like planting seeds – and watch them get hooked as their plants start to grow. Even children who find it difficult to concentrate will love to track the development of their plants as they get taller and taller thanks to their care and attention.

Some parents like to add a competitive element to see who can grow the tallest, largest or tastiest plant! Now is the perfect time to start thinking about growing super-easy sunflowers, and a pack of seeds costs less than a quid – great value for weeks of fastgrowing fun!

For more ideas to keep the kids busy this Easter visit wilko.com or visit our blog - life.wilko.com

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Keeping the kids happy is child’s play at 3

1

£

£ .50*

12pk

60p each

Have an egg-cellent Easter

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£ .25* each

95p

Find your local store at www.wilko.com/page/storelocator *Items available in store only. All products are subject to availability. Some items available in larger stores only, please check with your store in advance to avoid disappointment. Also online at wilko.com. 0426901 Wilko Make Your Own Easter Egg Basket Bunny/Chick. 0351501 Cupcake Cases 12pk. 0284023 Wilko Seeds Sunflower Giant Single.

0270788 Wilko Seeds Cress Fine Curled. 0231614 Crayola Crayons 24pk. 0349453 Wilko Animal Colouring Book.

PRIMARY TIMES

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