Primary Times Surrey - February Half Term 2016

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E UID G ON S ’ T A WH

for parents, teachers and children

in Surrey

February Half Term 2016

1st February - 14th March 2016

Plus

Roundabout, Bookstore, It’s Party Time, Theatre, What’s On In Epsom and much more!

Education

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School News ..........................................................................................

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 £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 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

Bookstore

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Half Term Reading ..........................................................................................

Roundabout

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

What’s Going on...

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In Epsom ..........................................................................................

It’s Party Time!

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Theatre 20 Who’s Treading The Boards? ..........................................................................................

LEARN WITH ME Stuck for things to do with your child that are fun, free and just happen to support their early learning and development too? Then Learn with me is for you!

It’s a new campaign all about giving you quick and easy activity ideas that you can do with your child from before they are born to five years old. They’re written by early learning experts and best of all – they’re all FREE!

down into ages so you can pick the right ones for your child’s age and stage of development. Plus there’s information about what children like and can do. Choose between the following, or use them all!

• Being, Belonging, Becoming -

Visit www.surreycc.gov.uk/ earlylearning to discover more and to download sheets full of tips and activities. The sheets are broken

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Primary Times February Half Term 2016

personal, social and emotional development • Count with me – maths • Move with me - physical development • Read with me - reading • Talk with me - language and communication.

• Write with me – mark making and writing.

Why not follow us on Facebook or Twitter too for even more child development tips? Find Surrey Family Information Service (SurreyFIS) and look out for #learnwithme. n

Ewell Castle School -

Oliver!

Now that Christmas and the New Year are over, we all need something jolly to look forward to, well look no further. Ewell Castle School are staging a production of Oliver! the musical at the Epsom Playhouse on Wednesday 27th and Thursday 28th January 2016. The

production which includes pupils from both the Preparatory and the Senior School, features show stopping numbers such as ‘Consider Yourself’, ‘Where is Love?’ and ‘You’ve Got to Pick A Pocket or Two’.

Tickets are now available from the Epsom Playhouse. n

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

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Why can STEP can make a

difference for children who learn differently?

Did you know that a 12 month pilot of the STEP programme, running in 17 schools across the UK, is demonstrating that by improving your child’s balance, eye tracking and coordination you can impact on their ability to take in, process, retain and recall information?

STEP is a personalised physical exercise programme which aims to stimulate the cerebellum.

It is suitable for children over the age of 7 who have general focus and concentration issues and symptoms associated with dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD such as poor working memory, cognitive processing issues, lack of spatial awareness and coordination problems.

School teachers (27/30) on the pilot state that they have noticed positive changes in the children reporting improvements in self-confidence, academic performance, well-being and behaviour.

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Parents are also reporting improvements with many describing their child as being more confident, less anxious and better able to cope socially as well as academically.

80% of the children state that they feel a positive difference since starting their exercises.

The STEP exercises are accessed online and must be performed for 7-10 minutes, twice a day, ideally with the parents and school working in partnership.

STEP is a recognised intervention by the British Dyslexia Association.

It is seen as complementary to other learning supports as it activates the ability to learn.

Hear teacher, parent and child experiences. View examples of the exercises. n To share the news about STEP with your school visit: www.STEPtoday.com

Primary Times February Half Term 2016

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

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TIME TO VOLUNTEER Have you always wanted to volunteer but think you might not have enough time?

With volunteering roles of all shapes and sizes available in Surrey, finding something that makes a difference and fits around your interests, skills and lifestyle could be easier than you think.

Here are some tips for overcoming the challenges that might be stopping you.

Not sure where to start?

Head to surreycc.gov.uk/volunteer, a hub for all things volunteering that’s packed with inspiration for the different ways you can give your time, including stories from people volunteering in Surrey.

You’ll also find a link to Do It, an online national database where you can search roles by your location, interests and availability, and details of your nearest volunteer centre where advisers can help match you with local opportunities.

Not sure if you have enough time?

Did you know that more than half of

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Primary Times February Half Term 2016

volunteers in Surrey do it for a few hours a month or less? Whether it’s an hour a week chatting to an older person who lives alone, or a weekend once every few months helping out with conservation work, whatever time you have to give could make a world of difference to someone else.

Not sure if you could make a regular commitment?

There are lots of reasons why it’s not always easy to make a regular volunteering commitment, whether it’s work, study or family and travel plans. But luckily there are lots of ways you can volunteer on a flexible or one-off basis – visit surreycc.gov. uk/volunteer or talk to someone at your local volunteer centre to find out what’s available where you live.

Jeanette Skeens, a volunteer fundraiser, explains how she fits volunteering around a busy life: “I sell books and CDs online to raise money

for Whiteley Village, a retirement community in Walton-on-Thames for older people with limited means. At first I was doing one or two hours every fortnight, but I now volunteer for a day a fortnight.

The role is really flexible, so it’s ideal. I work part-time for our family business, and have three young sons so as soon as the summer holidays arrive I can’t do any volunteering, and Whiteley Village are fine with that. They also give me the option of working from home on my laptop.

I feel like I’m actually making a real difference. A few weeks ago, we raised £50 in about 45 minutes. It’s rewarding finding something that you love to do, while helping someone at the same time – you really get that warm, fuzzy feeling.” n

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

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Primary Times February Half Term 2016

LOOKING FORWARD

TO SPORT RELIEF Sport Relief has announced exciting new details about this year’s campaign, including Idris Elba donning his infamous Luther coat to uncover a serious case of hilarity in an unmissable sketch.

The super sleuth will be joined by Lenny Henry, Rio Ferdinand, David Haye, Denise Lewis, Cecilia Noble, Louis Smith, Ruth Wilson and Ian Wright.

This special one off sketch will be shown as part of a star studded night of Sport Relief TV on the BBC, hosted by John Bishop, Gary Lineker, David Walliams, Jack Whitehall and Claudia Winkleman amongst others, on Friday 18 March.

Idris isn’t the only one getting involved in Sport Relief, as the nation is being encouraged to walk, run, swim or cycle themselves #proud at Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Games events from 18-20 March. The Games will be taking place at the iconic Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park as well as Belfast, Cardiff, Glasgow, Norwich and Sheffield – with hundreds of local events

across the UK, the nation can limber up and show their support in what is already warming up to be one epic weekend.

You can walk, jog or run the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile, choose from a range of individual and team distances for the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Swimathon, take on the 25 or 50-mile Cycle at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London, or enjoy one of the Family Cycles with budding bikers at all six venues across the UK. On Sunday 20 March BBC One will host the Sport Relief Games Show, live from Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park as the Great British public are joined by numerous famous faces to help spur them on throughout the day.

Stars from the world of entertainment and sport will take part in the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Games events up and down the country - there’s bound to be an event close by so there’s no excuse not to sign up online and get involved.

The iconic BT Sport Relief challenge is also back in full force, with another brave celebrity

getting ready to be put through their paces in the name of charity. This celebrity (to be announced very soon) will be proving they are a thoroughly good sport by taking on a mammoth challenge to follow in the footsteps of Davina McCall, John Bishop and David Walliams in the hope of inspiring the Great British public to take on their own challenges, sporty or not.

Other top telly treats include the return of The Great Sport Relief Bake Off which will see a fresh batch of 16 celebrities compete in the ultimate baking battle, all to raise as much dough as possible.

Money raised from Sport Relief will be spent helping people living unimaginably tough lives, with half of the money raised used to make a difference right here in the UK. The other half is used to transform lives across the world’s poorest communities. For more information about how to do yourself proud by entering the unmissable Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Games, go to www.sportrelief.com. n

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

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High Street, Guildford, Surrey

FEBRUARY HALF TERM’S CHILDREN’S TRAIL

GU1 3AJ. Race Commentary by

Winkworth Arboretum, Hascombe

Eagle Radio’s Peter Gordon. Race

Park, Godalming, Surrey KT17

starts at 11am. For further

1UF. A fun but educational trail

information: 01483 598420 ‐

suitable for children of all ages

omgp@charlotteville.co.uk

in the fresh air this February

www.charlotteville.co.uk

Half Term. Cost: 50p per person

Tuesday 9th Saturday 13th

winkwortharboretum@ nationaltrust.org.uk

FEBRUARY HALF TERM

Bourne Hall, Spring Street, Ewell,

Ham House, Ham Street, Ham,

Surrey KT17 1UF. Stalls are

Richmond, Surrey, TW10 7RS. Join us

specially selected for originality,

for our popular holiday storytelling,

quality, usability, good value, and

art activities and Children’s trail. No

the dedication of the charming

booking required. Normal admission

Free with normal garden admission.

stall holders. Easy and cheap car

applies. www.nationaltrust.

Contact telephone: 08452

parking. FREE entry. Open 10 am

org.uk

609000. www.rhs.org.uk

close 5 pm (7 pm Tuesday & 4 pm

hat’s On an

d

BOX HILL BUGS

Saturday 13th Sunday 21st

GIFT MARKET

fW

Monday 1st Tuesday 9th

GUILDFORD PANCAKE RACE 2016

o

FEBRUARY

Yo ily Dia ry Fam

R

Tuesday 9th

ur

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ut o b a

Thursday 4th February – Sunday 6th March

Saturday). Telephone: Della on

HALF-TERM FUN

02078349161. www.epsom-

Bocketts Farm, Young Street,

ewell.gov.uk

Fetcham, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 9BS. Enjoy a great day out on the

HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE TOURS of WINDSOR GREAT PARK

Wednesday 10th TORCHLIGHT TOURS

the start of the spring lambing. There

for toddlers and early learners.

The Savill Garden, Wick Lane,

Brooklands Museum, Brooklands

are up to 90 lambs due from Feb

Join us at Box Hill for fun outdoor

Englefield Green, Egham, Surrey

Road, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0QN.

12th - you may even see one being

learning sessions for toddlers and

TW20 0XD. Enjoy exploring one of

Head to Brooklands for a special tour

born! Birds of Prey will also be at the

early learners. Booking Essential.

England’s most beautiful Royal Parks

of the Museum as night falls. Warm

farm Monday-Friday where you can

Phone: 01306 878554. Children to be

from the comfort of a horse-drawn

clothes, sensible shoes and a torch

meet them up close and watch the

carriage. Relax on a woodland path

are highly recommended as our

flying demonstrations twice daily,

through a National Collection of

expert guide leads you through the

along with the Pony Parlour, which

Trust Event - Start times vary. For

Japanese Maples past 800 year old

Motoring Village, Wellington Hangar,

will be open for pony grooming

Box Hill, The Old Fort, Box Hill Road, Box Hill, Tadworth, Surrey KT20 7LB. Courageous, fun outdoor learning

accompanied by an adult. Assistance Dogs only are welcome. A National

farm this February Half Term with

more details please phone:

Oak Trees to a beautiful 18th Century

Test Hill and the Members’ Banking.

sessions. What’s more, there is a full

01306 878554 - Lizzy Collins.

Lake for a beautiful display of Water

Tickets are £15 adults/seniors, £13

programme of fun farm activities

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/

lilies in summer & tranquil reflections

children (12 - 16 yrs), £12 Brooklands

including pony rides, tractor rides,

events

in Autumn/Winter. The lake is hidden

Trust Members, £10 BTM children

animal handling and pig racing.

away in the heart of Windsor Great

and must be pre-booked from Donna

Outdoors, enjoy the jumping pillows,

Park and you will see The Diamond

Hopton. Please arrive between 6 -

pedal go karts and play trails. Plus

Jubilee Arbour, an Oak covered seat

6.30pm. Ticket price includes warm

the large indoor area with a giant

BUTTERFLIES IN THE GLASSHOUSE

unveiled by Her Majesty the Queen

soup with a bread roll on arrival. Tour

heated play barn, trampolines,

in 2012. Your driver/guide can

lasts approximately 90 minutes. Not

ride-on tractors and a coffee shop

RHS Garden Wisley, Woking, Surrey

provide interesting and lesser known

suitable for children under 12 yrs. From

means you can have a great day

GU23 6QB. Banish the winter blues

facts about the history of the area.

6:30pm. Booking essential. www.

out whatever the weather! Cost:

with a visit to our tropical display of

Start from outside the Savill Garden

brooklandsmuseum.com

£9.30 Adults, £9.95 Children 3-17

colourful butterflies as they return to

Visitor Centre. Times: 11am to last

the exotic setting of the Glasshouse.

ride 3.30pm. Family Special 15 min

Thursday 11th

Be amazed by the many colours and

ride including photo time with the

WILLOW CRAFT

sizes of butterflies flying around our

Carriage Horse, perfect for parents

Nower Wood Educational Nature

THE SECRET LIFE OF DOGS

jungle and learn about them. Visit

with small children. £22.50 per

Reserve, Surrey Wildlife Trust, Mill

Polesdon Lacey, Great Bookham,

our exciting new educational tent

carriage (max 4 adults + 2 toddlers).

Way, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 8QA.

near Dorking RH5 6BD. A fun

where children can interact with

We carry cosy lap rugs for your

Come along and have a go at using

family trail for the school holidays.

exhibits providing information in

comfort and contact you if weather

the versatile natural material - willow.

Come and uncover the hidden

prevents us running. Contact

You will learn how to make a range of

secrets of Mrs Greville’s beloved

butterfly. Book timed tickets on the

telephone: 07811543019. www.

decorative crafts using some simple

pets. Normal admission, plus

website to beat the queues at peak

ascotcarriages.co.uk

techniques. Booking Essential. www.

£2 per trail. polesdenlacey@

surreywildlifetrust.org

nationaltrust.org.uk

Monday 1st February Sunday 6th March

four zones about the life cycle of the

times. Time: 10am to 3:45pm. Price:

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Primary Times February Half Term 2016

years, seniors £8.80, under 2yrs Free www.bockettsfarm.co.uk

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

13

R Sunday 14th

near Dorking RH5 6BD. Wild Learning

FAMILY GHOST TOURS

build a den in the woods with leaves

Holiday Club gives kids the chance

Ham House, Ham Street, Ham,

and sticks. (For children aged 8 to

to play, learn and explore all day in

Richmond, Surrey, TW10 7RS.

13 years). Time: 9am – 4.00pm.

safe supervised woods. Den building,

Discover the ghostly goings on at

Cost: £40 a day. Advance booking

wild art, woodland games, tracking

Ham House and Garden... find out

required. Call 01932 868113 or

and more. Run by Forest School

about our ghost dog and the haunted

book online www.painshill.

qualified leaders, Wild Learning clubs

step on the great stairs. Cost:

co.uk

are the perfect antidote to holiday

£9.50 per person hamhouse@

boredom. Cost: £38 Call 01483 424

nationaltrust.org.uk

400 Bookings - www.wildlearning.net Ages 5 -12

Tuesday 16th

Tuesday 16th Saturday 20th SUPER SPORTS

EARTH HOUR LANTERN MAKING

Surrey History Centre, 130

VALENTINE’S GROTTO EXPERIENCE (adults only)

CRAFTY CRITTERS CLUB ARTS & CRAFTS

The Living Planet Centre, Brewery

GU21 6ND. Come along to the

Painshill Park, Portsmouth Road,

Cuddington Croft Primary School,

Rd, Surrey GU21 4LL. Join us and

Surrey History Centre and take part

Cobham, Surrey, KT11 1JE. For a

West Drive, Cheam, Surrey, SM2

get ready for the world’s biggest

in our history of Super Sports free

unique Valentine’s treat bring your

7NA. We are very excited to

family drop in activities. Enjoy fun

loved one to see the beautiful

celebration of our amazing planet!

announce that we are now taking

crafts like making your own racing

crystal Grotto. On arrival you will be

Watch our short inspirational Earth

bookings for our “Adventures with

car, designing your own team kit,

welcomed with a glass of Painshill

Hour film then create a colourful

Maid Marian and Robin Hood”

creating a horse ready for the Derby

Sparkling Wine, chocolate hearts and

animal-themed lantern ready for

February half term camp! We will be

when you switch off your lights for

and making your own winners

a red rose. Price also includes entry

making lots of arts and crafts which

an hour on Saturday 19th March

medal, plus more! Parents/Guardians

to the beautiful landscape garden.

will be themed to the story, playing

2016. Suitable for children aged 4

are responsible for supervising their

Adults only. Timed tickets cost £25

lots of team games, creating lots of

and over. Workshops take place at

children. Contact: 01483 518737.

per person (members £22.50 per

yummy sweet treats and of course

10:00, 10:45 and 11:30. Admission

For times see: www.surreycc.

person). Advance booking required.

UK Dance Wars will be back with

gov.uk/heritageevents

Call 01932 868113 or book

is free, suggested donation of £3.

2 hours of amazing street dance

online www.painshill.co.uk

Contact telephone: 01483

tuition every day! Don’t forget we

426444 www.wwf.org.uk

Monday 15th Friday 19th

are Ofsted registered and accept

Goldsworth Road, Woking, Surrey

Wednesday 17th Friday 19th

CHILDREN’S SWEET TREE WORKSHOP

FUN AT THE LIGHTBOX

your child’s space online at www. craftycrittersclub.co.uk/holiday-clubs

Farnham Maltings, Farnham, Surrey

Woking, Surrey GU21 4AA. Escape

Brooklands Museum, Brooklands

All primary school aged children

the chilly winter weather and

Road, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0QN.

GU9 7QR. This fun course is for all

welcome. 9am to 4pm £25 per child

keep the children entertained this

On weekdays during Half Term, the

children aged 4 and over who would

per day. 8:30am to 5:45pm £35 per

February half term with a selection

popular car rides will be operating

like to make a beautiful sweet tree

child, per day. Siblings will receive a

of fun-filled creative activities at

from 11am-1pm and from 2-3.30pm

to take home. All materials provided

10% discount.

and Tamzin and Claire from A Sweet

The Lightbox gallery and museum.

Affair will be there to teach and help

The Lightbox’s free family drop-in

them to create their truly individual

workshops are the perfect way to

masterpieces. Suitable for ages

keep the little ones busy during the

FAMILY FUN

childcare vouchers. You can book

(subject to weather). Take a trip

The Lightbox, Chobham Road,

or along the Members’ Banking of

CREATE & GROW HALF-TERM FUN

the old Race Track, courtesy of the

Squire’s Garden Centre, Stoke Road,

4+. Admission £15 Time: 1.30pm

holidays, and this half term there

Brooklands Volunteer Car Rides

Cobham, Surrey, KT11 3PU. Create &

are two exciting crafts to try. Come

Team. Also, London Bus Museum will

– 2.30pm and 3pm – 4pm. www.

Grow is back this February half term

along on Wednesday 17 February

be operating bus rides around the

farnhammaltings.com

with brand new exciting activities!

local area. Look out for Bertie the

Give a Gnome a Home – Paint your own Gnome to put on your

guest appearances, or pick up one

Tuesday 16th Thursday 18th

dragon, or pop by on Friday 19

Brooklands Bear, who will be making

windowsill or in your garden to look

WILD WOODLAND CAMP

Rotocopter - how fast can you make

of our trails for children up to 12

after the beautiful plants – £4. We

Painshill Park, Portsmouth Road,

it spin? There is no need to book,

years old. For Half Term Brooklands

also have a FREE Gnome colouring

Cobham, Surrey, KT11 1JE. Have

simply drop-in anytime from 1.30pm

will also be running special family

competition and garden maze for you

– 4.00pm on either day, or both! For

workshops - Propeller Investigators.

a wild time this half term with

to take part in where you will receive

those who prefer to plan ahead there

Contact: Brooklands Museum

tracking, wild art, bushcraft and den

a sticker and a chance to win a prize.

are bookable workshops on offer.

events@brooklandsmuseum.com or

building. Tuesday 16th: Bushcraft

Keep the little ones entertained this

-Den building and fire making,

Brighten up a winter’s day and make

telephone: 01932 857381 Tickets:

half term, drop in from Monday 15 to

hot chocolate and marshmallows.

a colourful bird out of air-drying

www.brooklandsmuseum.

Friday the 19 February 10am – 4pm.

Wednesday 17th: Tree Trolls

clay in our ‘Clay Birds of Paradise’

com

Children must be accompanied by an

and Sand Castles - Build massive

workshop on Tuesday 16th February.

adult at all times. All centres except

sand castles complete with boat,

Dress for mess and don’t forget to

Chertsey and while stocks last.

waterfalls and dams. Thursday 18th:

bring a container to carry your new

www.squiresgardencentres.

Dens, Camp Fires, Hot Chocolate

feathered friend home. www.

co.uk

and Marshmallows -Team up to

thelightbox.org.uk

in a vintage-style car up Test Hill

WILD LEARNING HOLIDAY CLUB Polesdon Lacey, Great Bookham,

14

Primary Times February Half Term 2016

and make a colourful fire-breathing February to create your very own

CHADSWORTH STAGE SCHOOL

BABY BALLET TAKE YOUR FIRST STEPS IN BALLET FOR MORE INFORMATION T: 020 8398 8104 / 07983 387585 www.chadsworthstageschool.co.uk chadsworth@dial.pipex.com

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

15

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Rd, Reigate, Surrey RH2 8HA. Come

accompanied by their children.

on Welsh, Irish and Scottish family

and learn first aid for your baby

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

history as well as opportunities to ask

or child in our 2 hour class, run by

the experts with specific family history advice. Historical background and the

Daisy First Aid Redhill & Guildford.

MOTHER’S DAY CELEBRATIONS

The course will cover - CPR &

Denbies Wine Estate, Bradley Lane,

England and Wales/Scotland/Ireland:

Resuscitation - Recovery Positions

Dorking, Surrey RH5 6AA. The Gallery

Geographical implications discussed,

- Choking- Head Injuries - Bleeding

Restaurant Mother’s Day Brunch &

sources - what there is and where

& Bandaging - Burns & Poison

Outdoor Vineyard Tour 9.30am followed

to find them. Any problems and tips

- Fevers & Seizures – Meningitis –

by the 11am Vineyard Tour. Brunch

on overcoming them. Myth busting!

Anaphylaxis - Broken Bones. Time:

in the panoramic third floor Gallery

Dispelling a few myths - particularly

7pm - 9pm. Cost: £25 per person

Restaurant followed by the outdoor

about Irish and Welsh family history.

- Babies under 12 months welcome.

vineyard tour with a glass of sparkling

The Family Search team will explain

www.daisyfirstaid.com

wine, climbing to the highest point of

the resources they hold (copies of

the vineyard offering breath-taking

church records, indexes, etc) and how

views across the estate.Cost: £29.50 per

and where these can be accessed

person. Children under 12yrs £12.00.

after each talk. £10 includes tea and

stories of ghostly apparitions and

SOUTHERN PRO MUSICA FAMILY CONCERT

Mother’s Day Garden Room Carvery.

coffee. Refreshments will be available

paranormal activity at Hampton

G Live, London Road, Guildford, Surrey

12noon until 3pm. Sparkling wine on

throughout the day but please bring

Court Palace. Ticket types and prices:

GU1 2AA. Southern Pro Musica returns

arrival, 2 course carvery style buffet

your own lunch. 9.45am - 3pm. Please

Adult Ticket: £14.00 Children (aged 8

to G Live for their popular family

and live music throughout. Cost:£28.50

book online at www.surreycc.

to 14 years): £7.00. www.hrp.org.

concert including free workshops

per person Children under 12yrs £9.00.

gov.uk/heritageevents, in

uk/HamptonCourtPalace/

for all to try their hand at a musical

The Gallery Restaurant Mother’s Day

person at Surrey History Centre

instrument. This year’s concert

Lunch -Served throughout the day from

or in any Surrey Library, or

includes a wonderful array of classical

12.30pm until 4pm. 3 course lunch

phone 01483 518737.

G Live, London Road, Guildford,

favourites plus popular film themes

with coffee £32.00 per person. Children

Surrey GU1 2AA. Do you love comedy

played with spine-tingling excitement

under 12yrs £12.95. Horse & Carriage

Sunday 13th

at G Live? Then bring the family! The

by the full Southern Pro Musica

Rides-Taking place from 12noon until

Comedy Club 4 Kids give you cracking

orchestra. The perfect introduction

3pm. Enjoy a leisurely 25 minute ride

WEEKEND PARENT FIRST AID CLASS in GUILDFORD

entertainment for everyone over six

to classical music played live by a

through the vineyard. £7.50 per person.

Chilworth Village Hall, New Rd,

years old and under 400 years old

professional orchestra, early booking

www.denbies.co.uk

Chilworth, Guildford, Surrey GU4

(no vampires or Highlanders). We

is strongly advised to be sure of the

have the best comedians from the

best seat in the house! Tickets: £12.00

UK and world circuit doing what they

Under 18s: Free www.glive.co.uk

Saturday 20th HAMPTON COURT PALACE FAMILY GHOST TOURS Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU. Join us for a 1¼ – 1½ hours evening walking tour hearing

COMEDY CLUB 4 KIDS

award winning first aid provider,

Sunday 28th

Friday 11th & Saturday 12th

differences between researching in

8LZ. Come and learn first aid for your baby or child in our 2 hour class, run by award winning first aid

do best… but without the rude bits!

ALICE IN WONDERLAND

provider, Daisy First Aid Redhill &

Suitable for ages 6-11 years and their

Barn Theatre, 25 Bluehouse Lane,

Guildford. The course will cover - CPR

Oxted, Surrey RH8 0AA. The Young

& Resuscitation - Recovery Positions

Oxted Players are presenting Alice

- Choking- Head Injuries - Bleeding

MARCH

grown-ups. This show is presented in the G Live Bellerby Studio. Time: 3pm Tickets: £10.00* Family £31.00*

Wednesday 2nd

in Wonderland on Friday 11th and

& Bandaging - Burns & Poison

*A 50 p per ticket booking fee

THURSLEY GOES TO WAR

Saturday 12th March (2.30 (Sat) & 7.30).

- Fevers & Seizures – Meningitis –

applies. Contact: 01483 369350

Rural Life Museum, Reeds Road,

Alice plunges down the rabbit hole and

Anaphylaxis - Broken Bones. Time:

www.glive.co.uk

Tilford, Farnham, Surrey GU10 2DL.

becomes involved in that madcap and

11am - 1pm. Cost: £25 per person

Our annual community history

deliciously satiric series of adventures

- Babies under 12 months welcome.

exhibition features the village of

immortalized by Lewis Carroll.

www.daisyfirstaid.com

G Live, London Road, Guildford,

Thursley and commemorates the

Dramatized as a series of fourteen

Surrey GU1 2AA. Join us for free, fun

centenary of WWI. Normal entry fees

episodes from “Alice in Wonderland”

CHOCOLATE FAIR

activities throughout the day for all

apply. www.rurallife.plus.com

and “Through the Looking Glass”, this

Denbies Wine Estate, Bradley Lane,

play features a kaleidoscope of action

Dorking, Surrey RH5 6AA. Chocolate

and madness, with the necessary

lovers - unite and indulge your

elements of suspense and frustration

passion and discover the world of

G LIVE FAMILY DAY

the family! With Fantastic Food as the theme, come and have a magical

Sunday 6th

time at G Live’s Family Day this

MOTHERING SUNDAY

February. With lots of free activities,

Winkworth Arboretum, Hascombe

to make it all work. Tickets cost:

premium chocolates. Showcasing

Family day will get children, parents

Park, Godalming, Surrey KT17

£9.00 are available from www.

a selection of award-winning

and friends being creative and having

1UF. Mother’s Day delights at

barntheatreoxted.co.uk or

chocolates, handcrafted by skilled

fun together! 10am – 4pm Free

Winkworth. See the spring flowers

01883 724852

chocolatiers, we will be offering a

Entry. Contact: 01483 369350

in bloom and enjoy morning coffee

www.glive.co.uk

or afternoon tea and cakes in the

Saturday 12th

tea-room. Treat Mum to a walk in

CELTIC FAMILY HISTORY DAY

chocolates, truffles, fudge,

EVENING PARENT FIRST AID CLASS in REIGATE

beautiful surroundings and enjoy

Surrey History Centre, 130 Goldsworth

marshmallow and more. 10am until

refreshments afterwards in our Tea

Road, Woking, Surrey GU21 6ND. A

4pm. Free entry.

YMCA Sovereign Centre, Slipshatch

room. Mothers get in free when

day of exciting and informative talks

www.denbies.co.uk

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Primary Times February Half Term 2016

collection of chocolate-related stalls, selling and showcasing handmade

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

17

What’s going on in...

EPSOM CB Swimming We run lessons at Downsend School Leatherhead and Epsom College, from 2 years for all abilities. All our staff are ASA and/or STA qualified and CRB checked. We have helpers in the water to assist with the less able swimmers.

All equipment is supplied, all you need to bring is swimwear. We follow the ASA and STA badge schemes.

We also do Master classes

which are suitable if you’re looking for triathlon training.

All lessons are 30mins and run with the school terms.

It’s very important that the parents get involved during the lesson, that’s why we like to see parents watching and encouraging the children from the side of the pool. We are friendly and approachable with over 30 years of experience.

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

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Primary Times February Half Term 2016

GYMNASTICS AND TRAMPOLINING CLASSES EGTC teaches gymnastics and trampolining to children 3 years and upwards, at The Rainbow Leisure Centre in Epsom. Classes are taught by qualified and DBS checked coaches, who have attended Safeguarding and Protecting Children workshops. We are affiliated to British Gymnastics and hold ‘Gym Mark’ and ‘Club Mark’ certification. We have a wide range of equipment for the children to enjoy, and practice their skills in a safe and friendly environment. Further info can be found at www.egtc.org.uk.

When I was a child in the 1970s and 80s a birthday party consisted mainly of sandwiches and cake. If it was a posh affair there was also trifle. Most children these days would scorn at such lack of sophistication. Or would they? Funnily enough, one of the latest trends on the children’s party circuit is ‘Retro’, where kids get jelly with ice-cream, sandwiches, sausage rolls (or sausages on sticks) and of course birthday cake. Games like Pin-the-Tail on the Donkey, Pass the Parcel and Musical Chairs never go out of fashion and going Retro can keep costs down.

Themed parties never go out of fashion whether its pirates, princesses or superheroes. In the past few years Frozen parties (after the Disney film of the same name) have become extremely popular. Theme parties need not cause huge expense as many supermarkets and discount shops have decorations and table accessories to suit the various favourites including the ever-popular Frozen. Don’t discount leaving home as an expensive option as many local amenities have facilities that are under-used and often up for rental. If you provide your own food and decoration that will help keep costs down, and it has the advantage that no priceless family heirloom or treasured possession is going to get smashed to pieces.

Entertainment is always a worry for parents and while clowns and jugglers are still popular children these days may also

At the Hen-House the aim is to take the hassle out of organising and cleaning up a party! Their parties are great fun, with options for party games and/or a disco on their amazing LED disco floor, and of course playing in the soft play! Parties last for 2 hours, and the price includes the party lunch/tea as well as a cake. The venue can be hired exclusively

for £275 after 3pm (£375 before 3pm), but there is also the option of having a ‘non-exclusive’ party for £150, where they remain open to the public, but the back disco/party room is yours exclusively. Oh, and before you ask, yes, they are licensed! For more information please see their website www.thehen-house. com or call 01428642865.

find themselves being tutored in football skills or meeting an Elsa (from Frozen) lookalike. Again, on the surface these might seem like pricey options but shop around on the internet and there are bargains to be found. Activity parties are increasingly popular; your child can learn to make pizza in a restaurant, paint crockery or even go on a Bear Grylls adventure in the woods.

As children start to reach the end of primary school they often become too ‘sophisticated’ for ‘children’s parties’. One option in this case is to have a cinema party where they all go to see a film. Many cinemas will organise this for you, but you can just as easily do it yourself. If money is an issue you can always have a cinema party at home, let the guests choose DVDs and make their own popcorn – then disappear! Pizza parties work equally well for both older and younger children. Pizzas are easy and quick to prepare but do keep an eye on local pizza chains for vouchers and discounts Many parents stress about what food to provide for their small guests. Some of the delicacies on offer at children’s parties would put pricey restaurants to shame. Don’t be tempted down this path, these are small children, not the Michelin committee (although there will always be one precocious child who would prefer caviar to fish fingers). The only food that should worry a host is one that a guest may be allergic to, or intolerant of, as some allergies can be very severe or even fatal. n Anne Marie Scanlon for Primary Times

Orchard Cottage Riding Stables teach children to ride from 5yrs old.

The beginners have a ½ hour group session in the full size indoor school, they have a leader to begin with and learn to mount, walk, trot, turn, stop and dismount.

Once they have established their rising trot and can ride

without a leader they move up to a ¾ hour group lesson.

We also have Pony Day Courses during the holidays and Weekly Pony Courses in the summer holidays which are a great way to learn.

For full information please look at our website www.ocrs.co.uk

Forgreat greatdays daysout outlistings, listings,visit visitwww.primarytimes.net www.primarytimes.net For

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Theatre owS Family & Children’S Sh

Camberley theatre Tel: 01276 707600 NVSDD Presents Showtime 2016

an intense form of longing or nostalgia. Desperate to leave, Bud wrestles with the knowledge that her departure sounds the death knell for the family farm. Leaving five generations of tradition behind

Saturday 6th February. Students

her as she sets out alone into the big

from the NVSDD branches in

smoke...“It’s a show of real charm

Bracknell, Warfield and Chertsey will

on a universal theme that explores

take to the Camberley Theatre stage

the things that hold us together

for SHOWTIME 2016. This show

but sometimes also tear us apart.”

will also include some of the Dance

The Guardian. Times: 7.30pm

GCSE students Performances are

Tickets: £12.00

at 1pm & 4:30pm. Tickets £15

Sunday 7th February. This Action

dorking halls Tel: 01306 881717

all the family, as you join Duckula, Nanny & Igor in a race against

Friday 25th March. Follow the

time to solve the clues and find the

Yellow Brick Road to Dorking Halls

long lost treasure - “The Jewels of

for an amazing Easter pantomime

Duckula”. With songs, games & tons

version of The Wizard of Oz, starring

of fun, it’s the perfect show for all

comedy legend Bobby Davro as

the family. “Duckula, unable to pay

Scarecrow and Dani Harmer ‘CBBC’s

the bills & the bailiffs looming to

Tracy Beaker and Strictly Come

take his ancestral home, stumbles

Dancing’ as Dorothy! Join Kansas

across an old map of the castle

farm-girl Dorothy and her pet dog

that shows the location of a hidden

Toto on this magical adventure

gem, long thought to be lost. So it’s

suitable for all ages. Watch in

a race against time for Duckula (&

amazement as they are picked up

the audience) to go on a “Treasure

by a tornado and carried off to the

Hunt” to solve the clues that lead

magical Land of Oz. With help from

to the hidden treasure, buried deep

their new friends the Munchkins,

within the castle, before the stroke

they to travel to the Emerald City

of midnight - when his time will have

where the great Wizard of Oz lives.

run out!” Performance at 2pm.

On their way they meet a Scarecrow

Tickets: Adults £11 Children £9

who needs a brain, a Tin Man who wants a heart, and a Cowardly Lion who desperately needs courage.

cranleigh arts Tel: 01483 2780000 Hiraeth

Will the wonderful Wizard of Oz be able to help them before the Wicked Witch of the West captures them in her dungeon??!!…… Time: 11am Tickets: £19 Conc. £17

Friday 26th February. Hiraeth is a mixture of homesickness and

20

Tel: 01372 742555

Family Festival: Little Howard’s Big Show for Kids

The Little Match Girl

Tuesday 16th February. A

told through puppetry, song and

unique, interactive animated family /

light play, this is a joyful retelling

kid’s comedy show from the award-

of a winter classic. It is Christmas

winning creator of CBBC’s Little

Eve, snow litters the ground and the

Howard’s Big Question. With real

little girl is alone on the streets of

ground-breaking animations live on

London. Our tiny heroine is brave

stage answering back! Age range: 6+.

and despite the cold she keeps

Performances: 11:30am and

her spirits up by singing to herself

2:30pm Tickets: £7

and watching the world as she

Family Festival: The Owl & the Pussycat Arts & Crafts Workshop

Primary Times February Half Term 2016

Thursday 18th February. A fun, festive twist on the well-known tale

wanders the pavements. Watching through windows and desperate to keep warm she lights the matches she is selling and is transported to the festivities: meeting Father

Wednesday 17th February.

Christmas, playing with a snowman

10am-12noon. Join us for an Owl

and eating the most delicious feast.

& the Pussycat themed workshop

Performance: 2.30pm Tickets:

featuring everyone’s favourite shrink

from £10.50

grown up helpers are free! £5.50

Epsom Players present GREASE

per child (1 grown-up helper per

Tuesday 8th – Saturday 12th

child goes free) 1.30-3.30pm: The

March. It’s time to dust off your

afternoon workshop will be

leather jackets and pull on your

the same as the morning but

bobby-socks as we join Danny

specially adapted for those

and Sandy, along with the rest of

requiring additional support.

the gang at Rydell High for this

£5.50 per participant (1 carer

electrifyin rock ‘n’ roll show. Grease,

per participant goes free)

the original high school musical,

& crafts to make and take home and

The Wizard Of Oz: Easter Panto

Packed adventure is perfect for

epsom playhouse

Tel: 01483 444789

art plastic! There will be lots of arts

Conc. £10

The Jewels of Duckula

electric theatre

Family Festival: Pesky Pirates - A Hip Hop Adventure

packed with explosive energy and dance routines, featuring all your favourite songs from the movie: Summer Nights, Greased Lightning,

Saturday 20th February. Our

We Go Together, Hopelessly

cheeky pirates love playing, dancing

Devoted to You and You’re The

and having fun. They would love

One That I Want. Performances:

to have some fun with you too so

7.30pm and Saturday

come along and help them find

matinee at 2.30pm Tickets

their treasure! Sometimes they like

also available through www.

to play tricks on each other and

epsomplayers.com

can be a little mean. Can you help them be better friends and be kind, while having fun at the same time?!!

Back with their fourth show, Let’s All Dance brings you this highenergy, interactive production, full

G-Live Tel: 0844 7701 797

hop dancing. Children will be able to

SING-A-LONG-AGREASE

clap along and join in with the pirate

Tuesday 16th February. Have

moves... a terrific half-term treat

you ever been to a film musical

for 2-8 year olds and their families.

and had the uncontrollable urge

Performances: 11am & 2pm

to burst into song? Ever wanted to

Tickets: £6.50

know what it’s like to be a T-bird

of action, giggles and fantastic hip

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

21

or a Pink Lady but never quite felt

with Sophie and her new friend

cool enough to pull it off? Well,

George, the most lovable monster

new victoria

now is your chance to don those

in the land! This big-hearted fairy-

pink jackets, grease up those

tale is especially for little monsters

Tel: 0844 871 7645

quiffs and let your inhibitions go

aged 3 - 7, and their grown-ups.

for an evening where you are the

Told with magical songs, enchanting

stars. And remember Grease is the

music and exquisite puppetry.

word…The evening begins with

Performance: 2pm Tickets:

your Sing-a-long-a Grease host

From £9.50

leading a vocal warm-up before free fun pack during the film and

Saturday Morning Cinema Club – Pan

suggest some appropriate heckles

Saturday 6th & Saturday 20th

and accompanying actions. Then

February. Living a bleak existence

just sit back and watch Danny &

at a London orphanage, 12-year-

Sandy and the gang, while singing

old Peter (Levi Miller) finds himself

(and dancing) along to the lyrics on

whisked away to the fantastical

the screen. It couldn’t be easier…

world of Neverland. Adventure

or more fun! Fancy dress is strongly

awaits as he meets new friend

encouraged and full audience

James Hook (Garrett Hedlund)

participation essential. Superb for

and the warrior Tiger Lily (Rooney

hen nights and birthday outings.

Mara). They must band together to

Performance: 7.30pm Tickets:

save Neverland from the ruthless

£16

pirate Blackbeard (Hugh Jackman).

they show you how to use your

COMEDY CLUB 4 KIDS

Along the way, the rebellious and mischievous boy discovers his true

Saturday 20th February. Do

destiny, becoming the hero forever

you love comedy at G Live? Then

known as Peter Pan. Screened

bring the family! The Comedy

at 9.15am & 11.45am Tickets:

Club 4 Kids give you cracking

From £2

entertainment for everyone over six years old and under 400 years old (no vampires or Highlanders).

We have the best comedians from the UK and world circuit doing what they do best… but without

leatherhead theatre Tel: 01372 365141

the rude bits! Suitable for ages

NT Live: As You Like It

6-11 years and their grown-ups.

Tuesday 1st March.

This show is presented in the G Live

Shakespeare’s glorious comedy

Bellerby Studio. Performance:

of love and change comes to the

3.30pm Tickets: £10

National Theatre for the first time in over 30 years, with Rosalie Craig (London Road, Macbeth at MIF) as

harlequin theatre Tel: 01737 276 500 My Pet Monster and Me

Rosalind. With her father the Duke banished and in exile, Rosalind and her cousin Celia leave their lives in the court behind them and journey into the Forest of Arden. There released from convention, Rosalind

Monday 15th February. Sophie

experience the liberating rush of

Bucket lives on a farm with her

transformation. Disguising herself as

Dad. She spends all of her time

a boy, she embraces a different way

day-dreaming, but most of her time

of living and falls spectacularly in

alone. If only she had a little friend

love. Performance: 2pm Tickets:

to share her adventures. One day,

Adult £17 Child £11

Sophie finds an egg. She keeps it warm, and out pops a cuddly, toothy, burpy, baby MONSTER! And this is when the fun begins. Join us down on the farm for adventures

22

Primary Times February Half Term 2016

Brendan Cole: A Night to Remember Thursday 11th February.

Always a sell-out, Strictly Come Dancing’s Brendan Cole is once again set to dazzle audiences across the UK with his latest show A Night to Remember. Brendan, one of Strictly Come Dancing’s most charismatic choreographers and performers, will host throughout as he leads his cast on a journey of music and dance in a spectacular night of theatrical entertainment.

Loaded with ballroom magic and Latin excitement, Brendan’s newest live music and dance extravaganza will be 2016’s must see show!

Performance: 7.30pm Tickets:

ever wondered how you might cope faced by seemingly impossible odds? In this heart-stirring presentation be prepared to be shocked, amazed and inspired to succeed by the stories of our fellow human beings and the incredible circumstances they have overcome. Through carefully selected stories Ray Mears explores all of these topics and more, providing an insight to what makes a survivor. ‘Our ability to find humour in times of adversity and to motivate ourselves by focusing on returning to our loved ones is astonishingly powerful. Stripped bare by adversity survivors cling to the most fundamental emotions, instincts and human qualities.

This in its own way can be an instructional guide to living outside of adversity. ’In an uncertain

£29.90 - £43.90

world this could be the most

Ray Mears: Tales of Endurance

Performance: 7.30pm Tickets:

Sunday 6th March. Have you

important evening of your life. £28.90

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

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