Primary Times in Surrey EASTER 2017

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E UID G ON S ’ T A WH

for parents, teachers and children

in Surrey

Easter 2017

27th March - 22nd May 2017

Plus

Roundabout, Bookstore, Let’s Go On An Egg Hunt, Theatre, Education, Pinboard and much more!

Education

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Bookstore In Surrey

Second Floor, Richardson House, 21/24 New St, Worcester. WR1 2DP. Tel: 01905 723011 Fax: 01905 780103 Publishing Editor Dawn Pardoe - 01905 727909 Design and Production Paul Blyth and Amy Thomas Events Listings Amy Thomas - amy@pw-media.co.uk Sales & PR Suzie Scott - 01905 727904 Diane Stinton - 01905 727903

Primary Times is independently published and distributed free through Infant and Junior Schools throughout Surrey. It is also available by subscription at £50 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 based 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. Primary Times would like to thank all the schools for their assistance in distributing the magazine and for 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 is currently publishing over 1,900,000 copies per issue throughout the counties of: Avon, Beds & Luton, Berkshire, Black Country, Bucks & Milton Keynes, Cambridge, Cardiff and S E Wales, Cornwall, Derbyshire, Devon, Dorset, Edinburgh, Essex, Fife, Tayside and Central Scotland, Glasgow & Central Scotland, Gloucester, Hampshire, Hereford and Worcester, Hertfordshire, Ireland (Kildare, Meath, Wicklow, South Dublin, Cork & Waterford), Kent, Leicester, Lincolnshire, East, West, South & North London, Newcastle & North Tyneside, Norfolk, Northampton, Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Staffordshire, Surrey, Sussex, Tees Valley, West Midlands, Wiltshire, South & West Yorkshire.

For further details contact The Primary Times Team on 01905 723011

Talent Search at Tennis Avenue Academy tournament titles in various age groups.

This is probably the best recent record in the country for converting talent and potential aged 5-9 into success and results aged 10-12. The academy is now looking to find and develop its next generation of champions, starting with the Talent Search in April.

Coaches at Tennis Avenue Academy in Ash, near Guildford are inviting parents to bring along their children aged 5-9 to have them assessed for their potential, on one of two dates in April (19th or 22nd).

Over the past few years the academy has produced three players ranked No.1 in Great Britain for their age group (and many other national top 10 players), six players who have represented Great Britain and two Tennis Europe (International) tournament winners. Their players have also won fifteen national

Selected children will be offered up to twelve hours of intensive coaching per week, with a limited number of fully sponsored places available, meaning fees are reduced to zero.

Assessment is based on future potential rather than current standard, and the focus is on attributes that can be moulded.

Children of all playing standards therefore have an equal chance of selection from beginners through to advanced tournament players.

Contact 07886 455 661 for details. n

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Easter Reading ..........................................................................................

Roundabout

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What’s On ..........................................................................................

Let’s Go On An Egg Hunt

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Pinboard 18 ..........................................................................................

Dance & Drama

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Growing Up Digital

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Theatre 28 Who’s Treading The Boards? ..........................................................................................

developing

potential for life St. Andrew’s School was founded in 1937 and is a respected and thriving co-educational Prep School, set in 11 acres of grounds near Woking town centre. The School seeks to create a nurturing and happy environment in which all pupils are encouraged and enabled to develop their potential to the full.

At St. Andrew’s children feel secure and confident and are highly motivated to perform to the best of their ability in all aspects of school life. Children are prepared for entrance and scholarship exams to a wide range of independent senior schools and there are specialist teaching facilities for all subjects including science, ICT, music and art. The curriculum is broad and the school places great emphasis on music, sport and the arts. In our recent ISI Inspection, (January 2016), we were

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Primary Times Easter 2017

extremely proud to be rated ‘excellent’ in all areas.

St. Andrew’s has excellent on-site facilities including an all weather sports surface, sports pitches, tennis courts, cricket nets and a swimming pool. Children can be supervised at school from 8am and, through our extensive after-school activities programme for Year 3 and above, until 6/6.30 pm most evenings during the week. An after-school club is available from 4pm to 6pm for Pre-Prep and Year 3 children.

Don’t take our word for it! Come to our next open morning and have a guided tour by one of our senior pupils. See our advertisement for more details or visit our website: www.standrews.woking.sch.uk n

ewell castle Ewell Castle School’s approach to education is one which values a holistic approach and focuses on the whole child. All pupils aged 3 to 18 currently enjoy a strong academic, pastoral and extra-curricular and trip programme. The family friendly and welcoming independent co-educational school provides its pupils with a fantastic facilities, a Mindfulness programme and opportunities of responsibility and challenge, which helps produce confident well-rounded young people, prepared for the challenges of the 21st century.

Visit this independent co-educational school on one of its open days throughout the year and you will be greeted by happy pupils who are proud to show you around their school. Ewell Castle School continues its forward trajectory; this summer it will mark the opening of state-of-the art new music facilities and from September 2017 will be launching its very own Performing Arts Academy which will follow the Trinity College London exams. n

For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.net

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Primary Times Easter 2017

a free helpline for everyone

Upset? Frustrated? Stressed?

Call our free helpline to talk through any problems in confidence

We’re here to listen freephone: 0808 800 5678 or email: help@familyline.org.uk Company Number: 7675246

Registered Charity: 1143408

For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.net

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ST JOHN’S SINFONIA CONCERT 7.30pm. St John’s School Leatherhead’s premier string ensemble, the St John’s Sinfonia, takes on the challenge of exciting new repertoire in a concert that will thrill from beginning to end. Nicholas Smith, Director of Music, conducts Beethoven’s eighth symphony and Hamish MacCunn’s Land of the Mountain and the Flood. It will be the orchestra’s largest event of the year in the ambient acoustic of the Old Chapel.

Smaller string ensembles will also have the opportunity to perform in this ‘strings-only’ performance. This event is open to the public. Complimentary interval refreshments will be served. Free admission, but booking is required. Please book your tickets online. www. stjohnsleatherhead.co.uk

Wednesday 22nd

SURREY YOUTH THEATRE – CRANLEIGH Cranleigh Arts Centre, 1 High Street, Cranleigh, Surrey, GU6 8AS. 5.30 - 7.30pm. March marks the start of a brand new and exciting Youth Theatre for

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Tuesday 21st

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incompetence. Cost: £5 per child with one adult free www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk

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Cranleigh every Wednesday!

Specialising primarily in Drama, Singing and Voice, Surrey Youth Theatre (SYT) work to develop the skills of each and every student. Great for gaining confidence, becoming more creative, meeting new friends and improving the student’s skills. Led by established director, theatre producer and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Mitch Jenkins, SYT can help take you all the way into the professional business for those who want to. Otherwise, come along and have the best time ever! All you need is passion …Be a Part of It! FREE TASTER SESSIONS Ages 6 - 18, Wednesdays, 5.30 - 7.30pm. Two productions per year. Call Mitch to book your FREE taster session on 01903 602 815 | 07788 497 779, or email mitch@ surreyyouththeatre. co.uk.

THE THIN RED LINE – THE CRIMEAN WAR 1854-56 Bourne Hall Museum Home Education Group, Spring Street, Ewell KT17 1UF. 10.30am – 12 noon. Balaklava, Inkerman, Sebastopol, Alma and the charge of the Light Brigade. Battles that have entered the public consciousness for conspicuous courage and military

Please note that we are closed on Easter Sunday. www.prioryfarm.co.uk

Saturday 25th

YOUNG ARCHAEOLOGISTS’ CLUB The Museum Of Farnham, 38 West Street, Farnham GU9 7DX. Learn all about Roman life and living in this session about Roman buildings! Join us for crafts, activities and an action packed afternoon making mosaics. Cost: £5 per child. Suitable for ages 8-13.

Booking essential, please contact the Museum on 01252 715094 or museum@ farnhammaltings.com

EARTH HOUR FAMILY FUN DAY Living Planet Centre, Brewery Road, Rufford House, Woking GU21 4LL. 12.30 – 4.00pm. Join us at the Living Planet Centre for an afternoon of Earth Hour themed activities. Come and listen to our fantastic storyteller, take part in our craft activities and explore the wonderful ways in which you and your family can help save our beautiful planet!

Why not get your face painted as your favourite animal too? Our stories are taking place at 1pm, 1.45pm, 2.30pm and 3.15pm.

Book your space at www.wwf. org.uk/whatson please ensure you arrive at least 10 minutes beforehand to avoid missing any of the story! We look forward to seeing you for a day of fun!

Friday 31st March Monday 24th April SPRING TRAIL ON THE DISCOVERY WALK

Priory Farm, Sandy Lane, South Nutfield, Redhill, Surrey RH1 4EJ. Enjoy good old-fashioned fun in the outdoors. This fun quiz is set around the beautiful 40 acre Discovery Walk. Cost: £3.50.

Spring trail is £1 per child plus the Discovery Walk entrance fee of £2.75pp. The trail runs from.

APRIL Saturday 1st

EASTER GARDEN DETECTIVES and the LINDT GOLD BUNNY HUNT Guildford Museum, Castle Arch, Guildford GU1 3SX. 10am to 4pm. Hop through the garden on the trail of the Lindt gold bunny. Bring your family along for a full day of Easter fun every day and join in with arts & craft sessions. Follow the clues to lead you to a delicious treat for your best Easter ever! Normal Garden admission applies. www.guildford.gov.uk

Sunday 2nd April Sunday 25th June

FAMILY DROP-IN SESSIONS Watts Gallery - Artists’ Village, Down Lane, Guildford GU3 1DQ. 11am – 4pm. Enjoy a new programme of drop-in family activities, every Sunday from 11am at Watts Gallery Artists’ Village. Cost: Free with admission £9.50 adults, 16 & under free. www.wattsgallery.org.uk

Monday 3rd

HENFOLD BIRDS OF PREY Denbies Wine Estate Ltd, London Road, Dorking Surrey RH5 6AA. 11am – 3pm. Our favourite birds swooping in for an informative visit 11am until 3pm with a main display at 12.30pm. Free of charge. www.denbies.co.uk

Tuesday 4th

TROPICAL CREEPY CRAWLY ROADSHOW Denbies Wine Estate Ltd, London Road, Dorking Surrey RH5 6AA. 11am and 2pm. Meet Snakes, Lizards, Mini-Beasts, Frogs for an inspiring Animal Encounter. £7.50 per child. Accompanying

For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.net

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Tuesday 4th – Thursday 6th

WILD EASTER CAMP Painshill Park Trust, Portsmouth Road, Cobham, Surrey KT11 1JE. 9am – 4.30pm. Great fun for children aged 8-13 years over the Easter break, Painshill’s Wild Easter Camp guarantees a great adventures for the children with activities ranging from bushwhacking and den building to woodland craft and more.

Admission: £40 per day

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Tuesday 4th Sunday 16th

MARVELLOUS MURALS Watts Gallery - Artists’ Village, Down Lane, Guildford GU3 1DQ. 11am – 4pm. Have fun collaging and drawing on the walls in the Learning Studio. Drop in between 11am and 4pm to make your mark on enormous indoor and outdoor murals. Cost: Free with admission £9.50 adults, 16 & under free.

TEL: 01483 810235 www.wattsgallery.org.uk

Wednesday 5th

EASTER – UNDER THE SEA! The Museum Of Farnham, 38 West Street, Farnham GU9 7DX. 10.30am – 3.30pm. Come and join us for some fabulous fishy fun with our ‘Under the Sea’ inspired arts and crafts.

All materials included. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please note that you

may have to wait if the Garden Gallery is full. For ages 3-7. Cost: £3 per child

FLINT KNAPPING – making Stone Age Tools Bourne Hall Museum Kids Club, Spring Street, Ewell KT17 1UF. 10.30am – 3.30pm. Learn to shape flints like the ancient Stone Age craftsmen and discover the lost art of making stone tools. Make your own authentic Stone Age tool to take home. There will be two sessions 10.30am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 3.30pm. Cost per child £15, payable in advance. This includes the cost of materials to make the tool which will be yours to keep. For pre-payment please make cheques payable to E&EBC and either post or hand deliver them to Bourne Hall Museum.

Places are limited to 12 children per session so pre-booking is

essential. Tel: 020 8394 1734 www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk

Annual Easter Egg Hunt Birdworld, Holt Pound, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 4LD. Crack the clues set by the Easter Bunny on our special Easter trail and enjoy the opportunity to join in with some Easter-themed crafts.

Visitors will also have the chance to see the park’s very own Percy the Penguin who will be helping out throughout the day. Open 10am until 6pm, last admissions are an hour before closing. To book tickets, visit www. birdworld.co.uk or call 01420 22992

Wednesday 5th & Thursday 6th

TEDDY BEAR’S TRAIN RIDE & STORYTELLING! Denbies Wine Estate Ltd, London Road, Dorking Surrey RH5 6AA.

For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.net

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Bring your favourite Teddy for a vineyard train ride and storytelling. Taking place on the outdoor Vineyard Train, warm clothing recommended. £7.50 per child which includes a chocolate treat / £3 per adult which includes a hot drink. www.denbies.co.uk

Thursday 6th

ACTIVITY THURSDAYS Rural Life Museum, Reeds Road, Tilford, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 2DL. A truly brilliant day out for children of all ages. Our museum volunteers bring history to life with demonstrations, crafts and fun activities. There are also our usual Step Back Together family activities around the museum.

Try your hand as a farm worker, help with the washing ‘Victorian style’, play with vintage toys, have a terrifying lesson in the school room… With so many hands-on activities, children will be kept amused all day. Normal Museum admission charges apply. www.rural-life.org. uk

AN AUDIENCE WITH HENRY VIII Bourne Hall Museum Kids Club, Spring Street, Ewell KT17 1UF. 11am – 1pm. King Henry VIII became one of the most iconic of England’s monarchs.

Enjoy an audience with the King and listen to his tales of court, politics, and his likes and loves. Cost: Entry £5 per child (includes 1 accompanying adult).

Telephone: 020 8394 1734 www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk

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Primary Times Easter 2017

Friday 7th

PUNCH & JUDY Denbies Wine Estate Ltd, London Road, Dorking Surrey RH5 6AA. 10.30am / 12noon / 2pm.

Traditional Family Fun. Free of charge. www.denbies.co.uk

Saturday 8th

FROG MASK MAKING WORKSHOP Cranleigh Arts Centre, 1 High Street, Cranleigh, Surrey, GU6 8AS. 12 - 2pm. Drop into our free Frog Mask Making drop in workshop, between 12 and 2pm. Cost: Free. www. cranleighartscentre.org

Monday 10th – Thursday 13th

Pirate Activity Week Birdworld, Holt Pound, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 4LD. Calling all pirates and explorers alike to join in with some swashbuckling fun and games at Birdworld.

Special prizes will be awarded throughout the week for the best fancy dress and of course, the best pirate impressions. Open 10am until 6pm, last admissions are an hour before closing. To book tickets, visit www. birdworld.co.uk or call 01420 22992

Tuesday 11th

EASTER EGG-CITEMENT Haslemere Museum, 78 High Street, Haslemere GU27 2LA. 10.30 am – 1pm. Easter at the Museum promises to be lots of fun with a great range of Easter arts and crafts activities for your little ones to choose from. There will also be a special Easter garden trail for children who will be rewarded with a chocolate treat when they find the characters hidden throughout the gardens. You can be sure this fun packed morning will be Easter fun for everyone! Cost: Family drop-in event, no booking needed. Members £2 / Non Members £4.

Tuesday 11th – Thursday 13th

Friday 14th

Painshill Park Trust, Portsmouth Road, Cobham, Surrey KT11 1JE. 9am – 4.30pm. Great fun for children aged 8-13 years over the Easter break, Painshill’s Wild Easter Camp guarantees a great adventures for the children with activities ranging from bushwhacking and den building to woodland craft and more.

Admission: £40 per day

Denbies Wine Estate Ltd, London Road, Dorking Surrey RH5 6AA. 12noon until 3.30pm. Good Friday and Easter Monday carriage rides around the vineyard. Cost: £7.50 per person. www.denbies.co.uk

Wednesday 12th

Priory Farm, Sandy Lane, South Nutfield, Redhill, Surrey RH1 4EJ. 11:00 am - 4:00 pm.

Wendy’s Garden at Discovery Walk entrance. Cost: Suitable for under 5’s. £3.00 per child including a prize. Please note that we will be closed on Easter Sunday. www.prioryfarm. co.uk

WILD EASTER CAMP

FAMILY EASTER CHOCOLATE FUN

Denbies Wine Estate Ltd, London Road, Dorking Surrey RH5 6AA. Easter Egg Decorating. Suitable for all ages. Cost: £7.50 per ticket. www.denbies.co.uk

Thursday 13th

ACTIVITY THURSDAYS Rural Life Museum, Reeds Road, Tilford, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 2DL. A truly brilliant day out for children of all ages. Our museum volunteers bring history to life with demonstrations, crafts and fun activities. There are also our usual Step Back Together family activities around the museum.

Try your hand as a farm worker, help with the washing ‘Victorian style’, play with vintage toys, have a terrifying lesson in the school room… With so many hands-on activities, children will be kept amused all day. Normal Museum admission charges apply. www. rural-life.org.uk

GLADIATOR SCHOOL

Bourne Hall Museum Kids Club, Spring Street, Ewell KT17 1UF. 11am – 3.30pm. Enlist into our Gladiator School and discover the role of a gladiator within Roman society. Learn about the different types of fighting and weaponry. Two sessions: 11am-12.30pm or 2pm-3.30pm.

Entry £5 per child (includes 1 accompanying adult) www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk

VINEYARD HORSE & CARRIAGE RIDES

Friday 14th & Saturday 15th

LITTLE BUNNIES EASTER EGG HUNT

Friday 14th Monday 17th

ALICE IN WONDERLAND EASTER EGG HUNT Watts Gallery - Artists’ Village, Down Lane, Guildford GU3 1DQ. 10.30am – 4pm. Can you find Alice in Wonderland in the Artists’ Village woodlands?

Follow the Easter trail to reach the Mad Hatter and his basket of chocolate eggs. Cost: Free with admission, £9.50 adults, 16 & under free www.wattsgallery.org.uk

Saturday 15th Monday 17th

EASTER FAMILY FUN DAY & CADBURY EGG HUNT Dapdune Wharf, Wharf Road, Guildford GU1 4RR. 11am – 5pm.

Try the Easter bunny trail and win Cadbury chocolate prizes. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Sunday 16th & Monday 17th

EASTER SUNDAY & MONDAY

Rural Life Museum, Reeds Road, Tilford, Farnham, Surrey,

For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.net

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R GU10 2DL. Join in the Easter Celebrations with an activity filled day out. Hunt for Easter eggs on a trail around the museum or join the Easter bonnet parade on Bank Holiday Monday. Normal entry charges apply. www.rural-life.org.uk

EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA Painshill Park Trust, Portsmouth Road, Cobham, Surrey KT11 1JE. 10am -4pm. Visit Painshill this Easter and follow the egg-citing trails to explore the mystical follies and enchanted woodlands. The perfect Easter day out for all the family, discover the landscape in its spring glory in the hunt for hints and clues leading to some delicious chocolatey Easter treats. Admission: Included in normal admission price.

Monday 17th

VINEYARD HORSE & CARRIAGE RIDES Denbies Wine Estate Ltd, London Road, Dorking Surrey RH5 6AA. 12noon until 3.30pm.

Good Friday and Easter Monday carriage rides around the vineyard. Cost: £7.50 per person. www.denbies.co.uk

LITTLE BUNNIES EASTER EGG HUNT Priory Farm, Sandy Lane, South Nutfield, Redhill, Surrey RH1 4EJ. 11:00 am - 4:00 pm.

Wendy’s Garden at Discovery Walk entrance. Cost: Suitable for under 5’s. £3.00 per child

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including a prize. Please note that we will be closed on Easter Sunday. www.prioryfarm.co.uk

the day. Free entry. Suggested donation £2 www.thelightbox.org.uk

Wednesday 19th

St John’s Smith Square, Smith Square, Westminster, London SW1P 3HA. 7.00pm. A gala concert featuring the major ensembles of St John’s School Leatherhead, in one of London’s premier classical music venues.

The exquisite surroundings of St John’s Smith Square in central London will host – among others – the School’s Sinfonia, Chapel choir and choral society performing works from J.S. Bach to John Rutter. This event is open to the public. Booking is required. Tickets £20 (£15 concessions). Please book your tickets online: www. stjohnsleatherhead.co.uk

Annual Easter Egg Hunt

Birdworld, Holt Pound, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 4LD. Crack the clues set by the Easter Bunny on our special Easter trail and enjoy the opportunity to join in with some Easter-themed crafts.

Visitors will also have the chance to see the park’s very own Percy the Penguin who will be helping out throughout the day. Open 10am until 6pm, last admissions are an hour before closing.

To book tickets, visit www.birdworld.co.uk or call 01420 22992

Friday 21st

PAINTING FOR UNDER 5’S The Lightbox, Chobham Road, Woking, Surrey, GU21 4AA. 11am – 11.45am. The inaugural Lightbox Literary Festival 2017 runs from Thursday 20th April - Sunday 23rd April and it promises history, poetry, Austen, Shakespeare and much more all packed into one event.

A special edition of the regular painting for under 5’s series as part of the Literary Festival.

Bring your little ones and paint a book cover. Dress for mess.

All materials included. Advance booking required. Cost: £3 per child. Accompanying adult goes free. www.thelightbox.org.uk

STORYTELLING FOR UNDER 5’S with DRESSING-UP 2pm. Come to a special storytelling for under 5’s session dressed as your favourite book character and the story-teller will tell you how to claim a prize from the café. Spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis at Reception from 1.30pm on

A CELEBRATION OF MUSIC

Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd FLEECY FROLICS LAMBING WEEKEND

Merrist Wood College, Holly Lane, Worplesdon, Surrey GU3 3PE. 12noon – 4pm. The College’s annual lambing event, now held across two days, is a celebration of nature and countryside crafts. The Saturday (12-4pm) is a smaller ticket only event (online sales available) but on Sunday (10-4pm) tickets can be purchased on the day or online. More information is on our website. Cost: Family tickets cost from £20. Visit our website to see a list of all prices but please note that tickets for the Saturday MUST be purchased in advance. www.merristwood.ac.uk

Sunday 23rd

WINGS & WONDER EXPERIENCE Painshill Park Trust, Portsmouth Road, Cobham, Surrey KT11 1JE. 11am until 12.30pm & 1.30pm until 3pm Experience the delights of two falconry flying displays at Painshill.

With a selection of beautiful birds including owls, falcons and hawks as well as an eagle, vulture and raven, visitors will have the opportunity to take part in handling sessions and talks throughout the day.

Admission: Included in normal admission price.

Tuesday 25th MR BLOOM’S NURSERY – LIVE!

G Live, London Road, Guildford GU1 2AA. 1pm & 4pm. Bring your tiddlers along and join Mr Bloom and the Veggies on their first ever live tour. Cost: £17.50, G Live Friends: £15. www.glive.co.uk

MAY Monday 1st

A VICTORIAN MAY DAY Watts Gallery - Artists’ Village, Down Lane, Guildford GU3 1DQ. Visit Watts Gallery - Artists’ Village on Bank Holiday Monday for traditional Victorian May Day crafts and outdoor activities.

Drop into the Learning Studio to enjoy cutting, scrunching, folding and sticking different kinds of paper to create garlands, wreaths and posies.

Join the Great Big Tree Climbing Company for a fun tree climbing experience in our magical woodlands. (Please note: tree climbing must be pre-booked.).

Cost: £9.50 adults, 16 & under free. Most activities free with admission, £20 tree climbing www.wattsgallery.org.uk

For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.net

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For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.net

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FIND YOUR VOLUNTEERING MATCH skills to help you get into a chosen career, volunteering can open lots of doors. And no matter how much or little time you have to give, you’ll be making a real difference.

How to get involved 1) Head to surreycc.gov.uk/volunteer or call 03456 009 009 to register your interest.

2) Your details will be sent to your local volunteer centre, who will get in touch to arrange an informal chat in person or over the phone.

3) Once they’ve found out a bit more about you, your volunteer centre will match you with different volunteering options and put you in touch with the charity or organisation that you’ll be helping – and your volunteering adventure can begin.

Would you like to help other people in your community, inspire a young person, take on a new challenge or use your experience in a different way? Then volunteering could be for you.

Throughout Surrey there are thousands of ways to volunteer, from driving an older person to the shops or the doctors once a week, to helping out at one-off fundraising

events or conservation projects. And it’s now easier than ever to find the right volunteering role for you – just sign up via the Surrey County Council website, and in return you’ll get help finding an opportunity that matches your interests, skills and time.

Whether you’re looking for unique experiences, the chance to meet new people, a change from your day job or

Calling all ‘Eggs’plorers!

Join us at Wellington Country Park for an action packed Easter Holiday, in THE biggest outdoor play in Berkshire.

Set in 350 acres of beautiful parkland between Reading and Basingstoke, Wellington Country Park really is an exciting day out. Only 10 minutes from

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the M3 and M4 and aimed at children up to the age of 8, spend your Easter holiday in this safe open air, fun filled venue for all the family!

For further details, please visit our website www.wellingtoncountry-park.co.uk or see our advert on page 23. n

What is a volunteer centre?

Volunteer centres are a kind of matchmaking service for people who want to volunteer, and local and national charities or organisations who need people to help them. By chatting through things like interests, skills and lifestyles, volunteer centre advisors can help find the right volunteering role for anyone interested in giving it a go.

Visit surreycc.gov.uk/volunteer for details of where to find your nearest volunteer centre, along with lots of ideas and advice for volunteering in Surrey. n

be green with your garden waste If you’re itching to get back in the garden after those long winter months then it’s a good time to think about how you’re going to get rid of your unwanted weeds, twigs and grass cuttings.

More than 5,000 tonnes of garden waste are thrown into the rubbish bin in Surrey every year instead of being recycled, which is bad for the environment and expensive for the taxpayer.

However, there are three easy ways to deal with your garden waste.

The most environmentallyfriendly way is home composting, as it rots down and produces a nutritious compost that your garden will love. You can mix it with ordinary soil to pot plants, and to enrich flowerbeds and

vegetable patches. You can buy a discounted compost bin from the Recycle for Surrey website for as little as £13.

You can subscribe to your local council’s garden waste service, and have it collected fortnightly from your home. Why not talk to a neighbour if you don’t create enough garden waste on your own, as they might have room in their bin or you could share a subscription.

And remember that garden waste can also be taken to all of Surrey’s community recycling centres free of charge.

To find out more about home composting, garden waste subscription services and community recycling centres, go to recycleforsurrey.org.uk n

Top tips to start composting your garden waste: • Find the right site – it’s best to have your compost pile or bin on bare soil if you can, but if it’s on a hard surface you can just add a layer of soil or compost on top. Find a spot in the sun or partial shade as heat from the sun will help speed up the composting process.

• Get the mix right - for composting to work properly you need a good balance between green and brown ingredients. Green ingredients include grass cuttings, vegetable peelings and house plants; brown ingredients include twigs, egg shells and shredded paper or cardboard.

• It’s not just about garden waste – a lot of your food waste can also be composted, as well as cotton wool and the contents of your vacuum cleaner. Meat, fish, dairy and bread shouldn’t go in your compost bin – these can go in your food waste caddy. You can find a full list of what can and can’t go in your compost bin on the Recycle for Surrey website.

• Be patient – it takes between nine and 12 months for your garden waste to rot into compost. Turning your compost to introduce air can speed up the process.

For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.net

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Ultimate Activity Camps

at Manor House School near Leatherhead

Children can have the most ultimate fun during the holidays as Ultimate Activity Camps are arriving in Bookham (near Leatherhead) with their outstanding holiday childcare programmes at Manor House School for children aged 4-14 years!

Ultimate Activity Camps are Ofstedregistered children’s activity day camps that have been rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ and their staff on camp are trained to offer high levels of care to ensure children are safe and engaged.

With over 25 years’ experience of running firstclass holiday camps, Ultimate Activity Camps offer the opportunity for children to have fun, meet friends and try a huge array of exciting activities during the summer holidays.

Whether children are new to holiday clubs or seasoned ‘campers’, their team will encourage children to try new activities and build self-confidence – and naturally have lots of fun!

From swimming, zorbing and tennis to archery, art and fencing, there are over 40 games, sports or creative activities giving children a new experience every day.

Run at Manor House School, one of the best schools in the country, children will enjoy the first-class facilities including outdoor heated pool, sports pitches, sports hall and

indoor space - the perfect setting for holiday fun whether for a day or several weeks – the choice is yours (or your child’s!).

To start your child’s holiday adventure, visit their website (www.ultimateactivity. co.uk) which explains everything about their locations, dates, activities and special offers, or you can call them on 0330 111 7077 (local rate number). n

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How does music benefit children ?

Music and social development

As part of my research, I also wanted to understand whether parents and teachers noticed any changes over the year in terms of the children’s socio-emotional well-being. The results showed that the children who had chosen to learn an instrument were considered by both their parents and teachers to be less anxious than those who had received only group lessons.

These children were also thought to internalise their problems less compared to the children who had only received the group sessions.

This is also reflected in my research looking at adult musicians, who explained that the “social structures” surrounding musical learning are the bits that they most appreciate, and have had the biggest impact on their lives.

Popular ideas, such as the “Mozart effect” – the idea that listening to classical music improves intelligence – has encouraged the belief that “music makes you smarter”.

This interest in the relationship between musical aptitude on ability and intelligence has been around for some time. But despite these beliefs being pretty widespread, there is still no conclusive evidence to actually prove that listening to certain types of music really can improve your intelligence.

In 1974, music researchers Desmond Sergeant and Gillian Thatcher said that: All highly intelligent people are not necessarily musical, but all highly musical people are apparently highly intelligent.

And “apparently” is the key word here, because the evidence regarding musical listening in itself is mixed. Research has shown that listening to music shows an improvement in certain kinds of mental tasks. But these are specifically shortterm improvements involving “spatial-temporal reasoning” skills – puzzle solving type tasks.

Listening vs playing But while listening to music is all well and good, what about actually playing it? Research that focuses on how or if playing a musical instrument can impact on intelligence, often looks at how learning in one area can lead to improvements in other areas – an idea known as “transfer effects”.

This is the idea that learning to play the violin, or the drums, could help children to do better in their spellings or a science project. And this is in part the reason why some parents naturally encourage their children to learn an instrument – because of a belief that it will in some way make them more intelligent.

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While some studies have shown how musical training can shape brain development. And that improvements in small motor skills and general intelligence have been linked to musical training.

A recent review suggests that actual evidence supporting this idea of “transfer effects” is limited at present.

But despite these finds, there is still a wealth of evidence suggesting musical learning is beneficial. And with this in mind, drawing from my experience as a professional musician (drummer), music teacher and performing artist, I decided to investigate the effects of individual musical instrument learning on aspects of cognitive and behavioural development.

I also looked at the impact on “socio-emotional” development, which includes the child’s experience, expression, and management of emotions, as well as the ability to establish positive and rewarding relationship.

All the children who took part in the study had typical school group music lessons, but half of them had also chosen to learn an instrument individually for the first time that year.

The results showed that children who had started individual music lessons developed a better awareness of their “aim” and “force” in relation to their own motor skills as well as improving their “fluid intelligence” – which is the ability to solve new problems, use logic in new situations, and identify patterns.

This suggests that musical instrument learning encourages the development of a physical sense of self in relation to the how we use objects in the world around us, as well as developing a specific kind of intelligence that is used in problem solving.

This includes the opportunities to travel, the exchanges of culture among friends around the world, and their ongoing ability to be foster creativity in their lives through music.

Musical learning It is clear then that music can have a big role to play when it comes to children’s learning. Not necessarily just in terms of intelligence, but also in term of their physical development and social well-being.

Research also shows how musical learning can help children to apply themselves, as well supporting the processes involved in teamwork and appreciation of working towards shared goals.

Valuing music education includes nurturing the development of these abilities, and these skills and mindsets. Which is why developing a culture of creativity and musical learning in our schools should be a key part of children’s lives. n Dawn Rose Researcher in the Psychology of Music and Dance, University of Hertfordshire

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The Ballet Box has been established for 15 years in Caterham on the hill high street. In September, 2016 it was taken over by the new owner Sarah Goodwin.

The shop moved a door’s up and now offers a ‘fresh’ new look and outstanding friendly customer service.

We continue to stock regulation Ballet, tap, modern and jazz uniforms

and shoes as well as hand - made cheer leading hair bows and gifts.

With fully qualified staff we also offer a Pointe shoe fitting service. Please phone first in case the shop is busy. We really look forward to welcoming you to The Ballet Box. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. n

What’s on in your area?

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Primary Times Easter 2017

follow the story, and a shortened version of Prokofiev’s ravishing score, this is the perfect introduction to the magic of ballet, and a fantastic family day out.

Enjoy everyone’s favourite rags-to-riches story, in a beautifully adapted ballet version for children aged three upwards.

Cinderella is tormented by her stepsisters and she can only dream of attending the Prince’s glamourous ball.

Abandoned to an evening of drudgery, she is visited by her Fairy Godmother who transforms her into a glittering Princess who shall go to the ball.

With a narrator to help the young audience

This unique collaboration between English National Ballet and English National Ballet School is choreographed by George Williamson and performed by second year students of English National Ballet School.

My First Ballet: Cinderella is at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking from Friday 26 to Saturday 27 May 2017.

Book your tickets now at atgtickets.com/woking or call 0844 871 7645. n

For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.net

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Primary Times Easter 2017

COME & TRY A CLASS FOR FREE

Swimming Lessons Quality classes in small groups

Lessons for:

• Adults and Children from 2 yrs • Non Swimmers • Improvers • Advanced • SUPER Advanced Classes held at Downsend School Leatherhead and Epsom College

For more info contact Colin on: 01372-739600 or colin@cbswimming.co.uk www.colin-bull-swimming-lessons.co.uk

FITNESS • CONFIDENCE • DISCIPLINE RESPECT • FUN • LISTENING SKILLS CO-ORDINATION • FOCUS We also have classes for Adults Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts and offer 1-2-1 training

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e r t a e Th S w o h S ’S n e r d l i h C Family &

Camberley theatre Tel: 01276 707600

THE BOY AND THE MERMAID Friday 7th April, 2pm. On the furthest edge of a windbattered rock there sits a small fishing town. Sometimes it feels like the town is on the edge of the world. That’s mainly because it is. Dylan lives with his grandma, forbidden from venturing beyond the shore.

But the terrifying tales told of horrors in the deep only whet his appetite - he stares at the ocean and dreams. Can one unlikely friendship save the Town On The Sea from catastrophe? Paper Balloon present this magical new show for families with a mix of innovative puppetry, exciting storytelling, live music and song.

Ages 6+. Tickets: Adults £10, Children £8, Family (2A, 2C) £32

THREE LITTLE PIGS Saturday 8th April, 11am.

From the award-winning writers of ‘Mary Poppins’ and ‘Honk!’, Stiles and Drewe, comes a brand new adaptation of this classic fairy tale. The Three Little Pigs set off into the big wide world

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to seek their fortune but news soon spreads of a Big Bad Wolf on the loose! Will their houses of straw, twigs and bricks be left standing or will the wolf huff and puff and blow them all down?

The Three Little Pigs teaches little ones how success can be achieved through hard work and perseverance. Filled with humour and toe tapping tunes, this endearing musical will leave you squealing with glee and howling with laughter! Suitable for ages 3+ but will appeal to all the family. Tickets: Full Price £10, Children £8, Family (2A, 2C) £32

cranleigh arts Tel: 01483 2780000

OPERA MOUSE Saturday 1st April, 2pm Tilly Mouse lives under an opera house, and she just loves to sing! But whenever anyone sees her, they scream and run away.

With determination, imagination and help from her friends, Tilly proves that even a mouse can be a star. Please bring a cushion for the performance. Tickets: £5.50 Children; £8.80 Adults

MOANA (PG) Tuesday 11 April, 2pm. A sweeping, Disney, CG-animated adventure about a spirited teenager who sails out on a daring mission to prove herself a master way finder and fulfil her ancestors’ unfinished quest. During her journey, Moana meets the once-mighty demi-god Maui, and together, they traverse the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous fiery creatures and impossible odds.

Tickets: £5.50 under 16’s, £8.25 Adult; £7.25 Friends

dorking halls

and his trusty compostarium!

Tickets: Adults £16.00, Children £14, Family (2 Adults & 2 Children): £56

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (PG) Monday 20th March – Thursday 23rd, times vary. The fantastic journey of Belle, a bright, beautiful and independent young woman who is taken prisoner by a beast in his castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle’s enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the Beast’s hideous exterior and realize the kind heart and soul of the true Prince within. Tickets: From £6.50

Tel: 01306 881717

MR BLOOM’S NURSERY LIVE! Monday 3rd April, 11am.

Bring your ‘tiddlers’ along to join Mr Bloom and the Veggies on their first ever live tour! They’re busily getting the allotment ready for a very special visit from a member of the Royal family. So why don’t you, ‘Pop along and say ‘ello’ too for a right-Royal knees up. Featuring all of the much loved elements of the TV show, Mr Bloom (Ben Faulks) will be joined by his veggie friends

electric theatre Tel: 01483 444789

KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS (PG) Tuesday 11th April, 2pm.

Kubo lives a quiet, normal life in a small shore side village until a spirit from the past turns his life upside down by re-igniting an age-old vendetta.

This causes all sorts of havoc as gods and monsters chase Kubo who, in order to survive, must

What’s on in your area?

From Theatre shows and attractions to classes and family days out - you’ll find even more at:

www.primarytimes.net

For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.net

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locate a magical suit of armour once worn by his late father, a legendary Samurai warrior.

Tickets: £7, Conc. £8

ZOOTROPOLIS (PG) Wednesday 12th April, 2pm. From the largest elephant to the smallest shrew, the city of Zootopia is a mammal metropolis where various animals live and thrive. When Judy Hopps becomes the first rabbit to join the police force, she quickly learns how tough it is to enforce the law. Determined to prove herself, Judy jumps at the opportunity to solve a mysterious case. Tickets: £7, Conc. £6

epsom playhouse Tel: 01372 742555

EPSOM and EWELL SCHOOLS MUSIC FESTIVAL Tuesday & Wednesday 28th & 29th March. A Festival of music brought to you by the schools of Epsom and Ewell.

Tickets: £6

‘THE COMEDY OF ERRORS’ Monday 3rd – Friday 7th April. Times: MonThu 10.15am - 3pm, Fri 10.30am (staging 5.45pm). Pull the Other Theatre Education: Easter Holiday Shakespeare Drama Workshop. Come and laugh with PTO Theatre in their fun and dynamic 5 day drama workshop on Shakespeare’s most farcical of comedies, ’THE COMEDY OF ERRORS’. A hilarious story about two sets of identical twins’ separation and their quest to find long lost relatives and make lifelong friends. Meet new friends, learn about making a play, discover Shakespeare’s language and create a workin-progress performance for

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Primary Times Easter 2017

your friends and family. PTO’s excellent drama practice is delivered by professionally trained Drama UK accredited actors and directors whose mission is to hone individual talent encouraging team work with self-confidence, creative expression and imagination.

Target age range: 10-18 Years.

Tickets: £157

G-Live Tel: 0844 7701 797

NAOMI’S WILD and SCARY Thursday 13th April, 2pm.

Children’s TV presenter Naomi Wilkinson heads to Guildford with her brand new tour! The show will be packed full of fun and surprises as Naomi is joined on stage by Animal Mark, and some of his scariest creatures. Join Naomi as she recalls some of her most exciting wildlife experiences from the far flung corners of the world and even introduces the audience to some of the most fierce and frightening animals she met along the way!

The show is most suitable for kids age 5+ and guarantees a great time for the whole family.

Tickets: £22, Under 16s: £19.

JACK and the BEANS TALK Saturday 15th April, 11.30am & 2.30pm. A fresh and funny retelling of the traditional story and an ideal gentle introduction to theatre.

Was it a dream or did I hear a talking bean? Jack lives on a small farm with his mum and very little to eat. He likes to talk to the birds, his cow and anyone who will listen. Imagine his surprise when he swaps his cow for some magic beans and starts to hear a whispering in the breeze and a giant rumble in the sky ... Charming

and inventive with plenty of interaction, an enormous beanstalk, bags of gold and a smelly old giant, Jack and the Beans Talk is a cautionary tale about what might happen if you throw things out of the window! Suitable for ages 3 – 7. Tickets: £10.50, Family tickets: £36.00

harlequin theatre Tel: 01737 276 500

STAR FOR A NIGHT 2017 Thursday 6th April, 2.30pm & 7pm. A family show of music, song and dance from talented local young performers. Star for a Night are delighted to be working with Reigate School of Ballet and Commercial Dance this year to bring you a high quality variety show that is sure to entertain all ages. The show will include a lively mix of pop music and famous west end musical numbers. As well as singing and acting, the show will feature a diverse range of dance styles including street, hip hop, modern and contemporary. Star for a Night is a great opportunity to see future stars in action and support local talented young performers. Tickets: £8 - £10

FOREVER JACKSON Friday 21st April, 7.30pm.

Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Michael Jackson’s Bad album.

From the Jackson 5 to the King of Pop - Michael Jackson’s greatest hits performed 100% live! Saluting 30 years of Michael Jackson’s masterpiece. . . Bad was No1 in 25 countries, sold 45 million copies. The moment is captured superbly with sublime musicianship, electrifying choreography and stunning video and special effects.

Tickets: £21

leatherhead theatre Tel: 01372 365141

THE FAIRYTALE FOREST Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd April, 7pm. Follow our adventure as we weave our way deep into the forest meeting classic, well-loved fairy-tale characters along the way. As the witch casts her evil spell, who will win the battle between good and evil and live happily ever after?

Tickets: Adults £12.50 Children (under 12) £10

ALICE IN WONDERLAND – BALLET THEATRE UK Friday 14th April, 7.30pm.

Come with Alice on a magical adventure as she tumbles into Wonderland! Guided by the White Rabbit, Alice meets some astonishing characters, including the Mad Hatter, the Queen of Hearts, a studious caterpillar and those mischievous twins, Tweedledum and Tweedledee.

Basing his ballet on Lewis Carroll’s much-loved children’s books, Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, Ballet Theatre UK’s Artistic Director Christopher Moore has created a captivating piece, brimming with wit, humour and charm. With its whimsical flights of the imagination, eclectic music and joyful dance, Alice in Wonderland is delightful entertainment for all ages.

Tickets: £18, Children under 16 £12.50

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