e e fr
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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W
hen
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
d
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,
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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
R
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
16
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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