Primary Times in Surrey CHRISTMAS 2016

e e fr

E UID G ON S ’ T A WH

for parents, teachers and children

in Surrey

Christmas 2016

28th November 2016 - 30th January 2017

SANTA FIR

CHRISTMAS TREE FARM

the home of fresh Christmas Trees See page 3 for more details

Plus

Roundabout, Pinboard, Kids in the Kitchen, Theatre, Mobile Phones & Children and much more!

Education

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Bookstore In Surrey

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

Primary Times is independently published and distributed free through Infant and Junior Schools throughout Surrey. It is also available by subscription at £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

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Festive Reading ..........................................................................................

Roundabout

10

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

Pinboard 16 ..........................................................................................

Kids in the Kitchen

18

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Meet the Modern Family

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

Mobile Phones and kids

With Christmas coming many children will have the latest mobile phone on their wish list. But should they get one? Many parents think that giving their child a phone is a safety precaution. If they miss the bus, or feel scared, or threatened, then they can call home for help. Well, yes, in theory.

And perhaps if you give your child a phone which is just a phone (yes, you can still get them) it will enhance their safety. For younger children and Tweens (8-12 year olds approximately) basic old-style mobile phones are probably the best idea.

However, what most children want is a smart phone. The problem with giving your child a smart phone is that you are giving them access to the internet and social media. While many mobile phone carriers

CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

With over 35 years’ experience in family breakdown, we are able to offer support through: Family Mediation, including offering your child a voice in the separation process Separated Parenting Information Programmes a course aimed at understanding and ameliorating the damage your conflict can do to your child Supervised Contact Centre offering sessions for those who need support when seeing a child.

Submit an application for any of our services online at www.sfms.org.uk Or call us on 01372 224730 to find out more

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Primary Times Christmas 2016

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

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will put in place settings that limit access to various sites, free Wi-Fi, which is widely available, will override those settings. With a smart phone your child will never be more than a few clicks away from content that is not age appropriate. It is essential that you discuss this with your child before giving them access to the internet. And it is essential that it is an ongoing conversation.

Most social media don’t allow children to sign up but this does not stop them. There are several aspects of social media that can be troubling for both children and parents. First, if all of your child’s friends are on a particular social media site there is a certain degree of peer pressure for them to also join. Once part of social media peer pressure can become even more potent. We’ve all heard stories of ‘Cyber bullying’ and quite a lot of that occurs via social media. As a parent you need to know what sites your child is on and you need to be able to access their accounts to see what is being discussed or said.

Many Tweens and teens (and indeed many adults) live their lives on and through social media. Parents need to discuss the disconnect with what people are posting and what is, in fact, real. A lot of distress

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Primary Times Christmas 2016

can come from children thinking that their lives are boring or insignificant compared to the grandiose boasts and pictures posted by their pals. And for any parent who has read the ‘reader comment’ section in a daily newspaper, you know just how quickly things can turn when people post online.

Sexting has also been in the news a lot as it can lead directly to cyber bullying. Before you let your child loose with access to the internet you must impress upon them one thing above all others. Once they hit the send button – be it a text, a social media post, a picture, an email, once it enters the cyber sphere, they have lost all control over it. Once something enters the cyber world although it may subsequently be deleted – there will always be traces and they’re there for good. Ask your children do they really want naked pictures of themselves floating around the internet for their teachers, friends, neighbours and Grannies to see? It’s the same with offensive comments and language. Things that are done ‘in fun’ can come back with serious repercussions.

For everyone, parents and children, there are two things that need to be remembered

before posting anything. One, once it’s online it’s ‘out there’ FOREVER. Second, do not post something that you would not say or do in public.

Another consequence of your child being on social media is what is generally now referred to as ‘FOMO’ (Fear of Missing Out, something that affects adults as much as children). A recent survey by DAUK (Digital Awareness UK) revealed that youngsters as young as 9 checked their mobile phones up to ten times a night. In the same survey half of 11 – 18 year olds admitted to checking social media on their phone when they were supposed to be asleep. Obviously if your child is losing sleep checking social media there is a knock-on effect the following day and 68% of participants said that subsequent tiredness affected their school work.

Another thing parents about to equip their child with a mobile phone need to think seriously about is cost as usually they will be the ones paying the bill. n Anne Marie Scanlon

Developing

potential

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

The curriculum is broad and places great emphasis on music, sport and the arts. In our recent ISI Inspection, (January 2016), we were extremely proud to be rated ‘excellent’ in all areas.

Children are prepared for entrance and scholarship exams to a wide range of independent senior schools and there are

specialist teaching facilities for all subjects.

St. Andrew’s has excellent onsite facilities including an all weather sports surface, sports pitches, tennis courts, cricket nets and a swimming pool.

Children can be supervised at school from 8am and, through our extensive after-school activities programme for Year 3 and above, until 6/6.30 pm most evenings during the week.

An after-school club is available from 4pm to 6pm for Pre-Prep and Year 3 children.

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

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

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Primary Times Christmas 2016

a free helpline for everyone

Upset? Frustrated? Stressed?

Call our free helpline to talk through any problems in confidence

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

Registered Charity: 1143408

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

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hat’s On an

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hen

d WINTER TOURS

Ham House and Garden, Ham Street, Ham, Richmond-upon-Thames, Surrey TW10 7RS. Time: Gates open 10am. Start 12noon. End 3pm. Discover more about Ham House and its history during the winter months. Choose from a selection of new tours and demonstrations focusing on different elements of Ham House’s history. Booking not needed.

General Admission prices apply.

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Monday 28th November – Thursday 8th December

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NOVEMBER

Surrey GU21 4AA. Time: 10:30am

well as festive food and drink. Cost:

to 5pm. This exhibition highlights

£109 plus VAT.

the inventive journey through the

ily Dia ry Fam

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Yo ur

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ut o b a

dimensions. Claire’s Christmas cards will also be on sale. Price: Free.

Monday 28th November – Saturday 24th December FATHER CHRISTMAS Bocketts Farm Park, Young Street, Leatherhead KT22 9BS. Times vary. Enjoy a magical and festive family visit to Father Christmas in his traditional hay barn workshop.

The visit begins as the children hop on board the Santa Express trailer with one of the elves for a short ride from the Farm Park. Up to 2 adults may accompany each child by walking alongside the trailer,

past, present and future of the ever-changing medium of sequential art. Travel back to 3,000 year-old

Tuesday 29th November – Friday 2nd December

and explore today’s manga, graphic

THE BIG GIVE CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE

novels and digital comics. Highlights

Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village, Down

include the first comic magazine from

Lane, Compton Surrey GU3 1DQ.

1825 and Britains’s pioneering satirical

Time: 12pm. Support the Art for All

artist William Hogwarth. Price: £5.

learning programme and introduce

hieroglyphics. Enjoy The Beano, Eagle

Monday 28th November - Saturday 7th January

thousands of disadvantaged, vulnerable and socially isolated people to the inspirational and life-changing world of art. By

WINTER EXHIBITION

donating between 29 November and

New Ashgate Gallery Waggon Yard

2 December your donation could

Farnham Surrey GU9 7PS. Time:

be worth double. Help to ensure

10am to 5pm. This Christmas season

this vital programme continues for

brings more than 50 artists and

another year. To learn more and

makers to the gallery. Find unusual

to donate, visit wattsgallery.

craft-led gifts as well as inspiration on

org.uk/the-big-give

everything from original printmaking With work by Angela A’Court,

CHRISTMAS CARRIAGE RIDES IN WINDSOR GREAT PARK

Mychael Barratt, Tim Burns, John

The Savill Garden, Wick Lane,

Duffin, Judit Esztergomi, Sally Anne

Englefield Green, Egham, Surrey TW20

Fitter, Philip Green, Kathryn Hinton,

0UJ. Enjoy a Christmas treat for the

Finn Hopson, Catherine Hyde, Claire

whole family in Windsor. Our 4/6

Ireland, Peter Jackman, Jenny Jewitt-

seat Carriage is beautifully decorated

Harris, Faye Mayo, Tessa Pearson,

with garlands & twinkling lights for

Garry Pereira, Midori Takaki, Yo

Christmas & New Year! The Horse will

Thom and Tony Watson. Price: Free.

of course be wearing Antlers! We have

www.newashgate.org.uk

Easy Rise steps, plus cosy lap rugs for

to unique British jewellery designs.

Tuesday 29th

your comfort. Rides are popular, so early booking recommended, its pay cash to the driver on the day and as

group size is a maximum of 15

LONDON TO SALISBURY VIA THE SURREY HILLS

children. Once through the magical

Guildford Station, Station Approach,

day before to confirm we are running.

gates, you’ll gather as a group in his

Guildford Surrey GU1 4UT. Time:

Cost: 30 min tour £45 per carriage 60

workshop, set deep in a traditional

10:50am. This Christmas, residents

min tour £100 per carriage Rides start

hay barn. In the grotto, each child

from across Surrey will be able to

from the Visitor Centre at The Savill

will meet Father Christmas and

experience the magic of steam travel

Garden TW20 0UJ 4 miles south of

receive a wrapped present from

as The Cathedrals Express makes a

Windsor Castle. Plus its FREE entry to

him. The visit from start to finish

special festive journey to Salisbury

the garden in December.

takes approximately 15 -20 minutes.

Christmas Market. On Tuesday 29

Bookings to visit Father Christmas

November, the train, set to be hauled

can be made online and early

by 34046 Braunton, will depart

on a large scale. Claire shows that the

booking is strongly recommended.

from Guildford at 10:50, taking a

Wednesday 30th November - Saturday 3rd December

tiny wildflower or bright beetle in a

Tickets cost £8.50 per child in

scenic route across the Surrey Hills,

ON THE RAZZLE

grass verge is like a jewel amongst the

addition to Farm Entry.

calling at London Victoria, East

The Electric Theatre, Onslow Street,

undergrowth. Claire’s work explores

www.bockettsfarm.co.uk

Croydon, Redhill, Reigate, Shalford,

Guildford Surrey GU1 4SZ. Time:

Guildford and Wokingham to pick

7:45pm. On the Razzle bounces with

up passengers, arriving in Salisbury

joy and comedy chaos. Wit, slapstick

at 11:15. Passengers will have about

& double entendres explode in a

two hours to explore its bustling

dazzling display of flapdoodle. Two

Monday 28th November - Friday 16th December REVEALING THE NATURE AROUND US The Guildford Institute Ward Street Guildford GU1 4LH. Time: 9am to 5pm. This exhibition will showcase local artist, Claire Harrison’s brightly coloured oil paintings and intricate drawings, highlighting the miniscule

the miniature and microscopic of both the floral and insect world. Fascinated with camouflage, she cleverly hides insects by using tone to conceal them.

which travels very slowly. Each

Monday 28th November – Saturday 31st December

its weather permitting we call you the

THE STORY OF BRITISH COMICS SO FAR

Christmas Market. The market boasts

shop clerks, in the absence of their

beasts in a field, the audience will

over 80 wooden chalets, selling a

boss, abandon their duties and head

need to pause to find all the hidden

The Lightbox Chobham Road Woking

wonderful selection of local gifts, as

to Vienna, ‘on the razzle’. Propelled

Just as you need to search to find mini

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Primary Times Christmas 2016

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

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R into a chaotic series of high-jinx and wild adventures, the hapless pair run ragged as they try to avoid discovery.

Entertainment on a grand scale perfectly gift wrapped by the master of farce, Tom Stoppard. Price: £15, Seniors & Under 16s £12.50

part include; Surrey Show Choir, Woodmansterne Primary School Choir, Jenny Green Jazz Singer, Theo the Magician, Mikey JC- Michael Buble Christmas Tribute, Caribbean Band, Crafty Faces Face Painting, CADA Stars, Street Entertainers plus many more wonderful talented acts.

Free event

Friday 2nd ST JOHN’S CHORAL SOCIETY CONCERT St John’s School, Epsom Road, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 8SP. The Old Chapel becomes La Scala for one night only on the first Friday in December. The choral society sing well-known choruses from operas

DECEMBER Mondays & Thursdays throughout December BUGGYFIT Polesden Lacey, Great Bookham, near Dorking, RH5 6BD. Time: Start 10am. End 11am. Meet outside the Cowshed Café at 9.45am. ‘Buggyfit’ is the ultimate fitness class for mums and babies. Buggyfit sessions cater for all fitness levels to help women get back into shape following the birth of their new arrival. This post natal exercise program aims to help strengthen and stabilise the post pregnancy body, specifically targeting those weaker muscles. Classes vary each week to always keep exercises interesting and fun in the fabulous fresh air and beautiful grounds of Polesden Lacey. Sessions are £6 each or £50 for ten, book by emailing debsbuggyfit@outlook.com (Booking not essential).

Thursday 1st BANSTEAD CHRISTMAS COMMUNITY EVENT High Street, Banstead SM7 2NB. Time: 5pm – 8pm. The Banstead Business Guild (BBG) have organised a Christmas Community Event where there will be plenty for the whole family including a visit from Father Christmas on his sleigh. Many of the shops will have special ‘on the night only’ offers and will have in store activities so there will be plenty to do and see. Special guests taking

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Primary Times Christmas 2016

spanning the centuries, including Bizet: Habanera and March of the Toreadors (Carmen), Donizetti: Chorus of Wedding Guests (Lucia di Lammermoor), Mascagni: Easter Hymn (Cavalleria Rusticana), Mozart: Priests’ Chorus (Die Zauberflöte), Puccini: Humming Chorus (Madam Butterfly) and Wagner: Bridal Chorus (Lohengrin) among many others. It promises to be an exciting evening that will have you humming along! Time: 7.30pm. Cost: £10 (concessions £8) which includes a complimentary drink.

Saturday 3rd CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS CHOCOLATE CRAFT DAYS Elf Workshop, The Friary, North Street, Guildford, GU1 4YL. The Friary Guildford will be holding a series of children’s Christmas chocolate craft days in a special Elf Workshop at the shopping centre across three days in December. Taking place on Saturday 3rd, Saturday 17th and Friday 23rd December, between 11am and 4pm, the younger shoppers will be invited to the Elf Workshop to decorate and customise little chocolate bars using coloured icing, jelly sweets and mini chocolates. With the help from their parents and a host of loveable elf characters, the children can take a break from shopping and have fun making their own chocolate creation to take home and enjoy. Event also taking place on Saturday 17th and Friday 23rd. For more information, visit www.thefriaryguildford.com

Sunday 4th CHRISTMAS MARKET High Street, Haslemere, Surrey GU27 2LA. Time: 10am – 4pm. Christmas Market: Christmas gifts for all the family. Stalls selling a variety of goods, from baby clothing to unique crafts. Also street entertainment and Santa’s Grotto. Free event

Tuesday 6th THE CATHEDRALS EXPRESS TO ELY CHRISTMAS CAROLS Horsham Station Dorking (Main) Station Leatherhead Station Surrey RH12 1RD. Time: 8:40am to 10:30pm.

Join us as we wind through Surrey, past London and across the Fens as we make our way to Ely’s Cathedral, taking you to a specially organised Carol service. Experience enchanting boys’ choir which has been part of the English Choral tradition since the mid-16th century or visit the unique Octagon Tower and the famous Stained Glass Museum. Afterwards there will be time to visit the pretty town centre or riverside. For this trip our vintage carriages will be beautifully decorated for Christmas, a mince pie and mulled wine will be served to all classes.

surviving by ‘Borrowing’ items from the ‘Human Beans’ who live in the home above. Arrietty is desperate to explore life outside her family home and her curiosity sends her exploring upstairs… The Yvonne Arnaud Youth Theatre group Act Three tackles this exciting adaptation of Mary Norton’s timeless children’s classic The Borrowers. Price: £12 / u18s £10

Thursday 8th Thursday 15th CHRISTMAS READINGS Museum of Farnham 38 West Street Farnham Surrey GU9 7DX. Time: 7pm. Rosemary Wisbey, Caryl Griffith, Gordon Dearing and Christopher Reeks present ‘A Partridge in a Pear Tree’, a miscellany of thoughts about Christmas gifts.

Booking essential, ticket includes a glass of wine and mince pie. Price: £7

YOUNG CURATORS: SCULPTURE and HENRY MOORE The Lightbox, Chobham Road Woking Surrey GU21 4AA. Time: 4:30pm to 6:30pm. Young Curators is for 13-19 year olds who are interested in learning more about art and how galleries and museums work. This is a great

www.steamdreams.co.uk

opportunity to meet new people, get

Wednesday 7th

on your CV. In this next project, Young

GHOST TOURS Ham House and Garden, Ham Street, Ham, Richmond-upon-Thames, Surrey TW10 7RS. Reputed to be one of the most haunted houses in Britain, discover the ghostly tales scattered through the history of Ham House.

Drinks and refreshments in the Orangery followed by an atmospheric after-hours ghost tour in the house and garden. Booking Essential. Phone: 0844 2491895. Not recommended for children under 12. Assistance Dogs only are welcome. Event also taking place on Wednesday 14th and

creative and have something unique Curators will explore the work of Henry Moore and learn how to create sculptures inspired by his love of natural forms. Working with professional artist Russell Jakubowski, you will use clay, plaster, and wire, so be prepared to get messy! The sculptures created will then be displayed alongside the ‘Henry Moore: A Natural History’ exhibition.

Price: £25

Friday 9th TODDLER TRAILS AND TALES – THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA Gatton Park, Reigate, Surrey RH2

Wednesday 21st.

0TW. Time: 10 am - 11.30am. The

Thursday 8th Saturday 10th

- enjoy the story and go for a walk

THE BORROWERS The Mill Studio Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Millbrook Guildford Surrey GU1 3UX. Time: Various, see website.

Borrowers live in hidden places – inside walls and under floors,

Tiger who came to Tea by Judith Kerr around the park to bring it to life.

Cost: £5.00 per child.

Saturday 10th ILLUMINATED DECORATIONS Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village, Down Lane, Compton, Surrey, GU3

Higgins Aquatics Swim School Seamus Higgins owner of Higgins Aquatics, has been a swim teacher/coach for 20 years.

The lessons must be fun and they must also challenge the swimmer.

He started swimming at a young age and swam competitively until he was 16 years old. He swam at all levels for his club (county to national). He has worked with some fantastic teachers and coaches in the past and hopes to bring this experience with him to his lessons.

At Higgins Aquatics they pride themselves on developing four good strokes. They run lessons on a Saturday afternoon at Aberdour School (2pm - 5pm).

He has a passion for teaching children to swim. All of his lessons are based on two things:

All of their teachers are ASA trained and CRB checked. They hope to see you at the pool soon!

07881 650 405 info@higginsaquatics.co.uk

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

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R 1DQ. Time: 10:30am to 4pm. Learn about Victorian Christmas traditions before creating elaborate paper decorations. Use copper wire and electricity to make them sparkle. Led by artist and illustrator Stacey Allan.

Price: £15

FAMILY FESTIVE FUN Ashtead Park Garden Centre, Pleasure Pit Road, Ashtead, Epsom and Ewell, KT21 1NA. Time: 11am – 3pm. Meet Santa in his traditional grotto! Craft, face painting, bouncy castle, local choirs and on Sunday cuddle a miniature donkey, goat, sheep, bantam, or rabbit. Tickets £5, guide prices only. Proceeds to the Oak Centre for Children, Royal Marsden Cancer Charity

FESTIVE JUMPERS RACEDAY Lingfield Park Resort, Racecourse Road, Lingfield, Surrey RH7 6PQ. Time: Gates open: 10.30am, First race: 12.00pm, Last race: 15.25pm.

Put on your dodgy Christmas jumpers and join us on Saturday 10th December for our Festive Jumpers

churches and other buildings were decorated with rosemary and bays, holly and ivy; Christmas Day church services were widely attended, gifts were exchanged at New Year, and Christmas boxes were distributed to servants, tradesmen and the poor; great quantities of brawn, roast beef, ‘plum-pottage’, minced pies and special Christmas ale were consumed, and the populace indulged themselves in dancing, singing, card games and stage-plays But would it turn out as they planned! Entry £5 per child (includes 1 accompanying adult)

WILD CLUB! Sayers Croft Trust, Ewhurst, Surrey, Surrey GU6 7SS. Time: 10am – 12pm.

Tuesday 13th CAROL COFFEE CONCERT Guildford Cathedral, Stag Hill, Guildford

will also be open for family swimming from 10.00am - 12.00noon. To book

GU2 7UP. Time: Concert 11.15am – 12

your Christmas Day swimming or ice

noon. As part of our monthly series

skating tickets in advance, please visit

of free morning coffee concerts we

our online box office. Cost: £6.00 per

invite you to celebrate Christmas with

person (plus skate hire if necessary)

the Choir from Rydes Hill School and concert will take place in the heated

Monday 26th & Tuesday 27th

accessible Marquee on the green at

RACING AT KEMPTON

Guildford Cathedral and is particularly

Kempton Park Racecourse, Staines

suited for seniors, their family and

Road East, Sunbury on Thames,

friends, though everyone is welcome.

Middlesex TW16 5AQ. Gates open

The concert has been organised with

10am | First race (26th) 12.50pm

Age UK Surrey. Free event.

(27th) 1pm | Last race 3.45pm. The

the Guildford Cathedral Singers. The

Sunday 18th FAMILY CHRISTMAS CAROLS

32Red Winter Festival is a must for any jump fans during the festive season.

Day one of the two day showpiece,

Wild Club! at The Sayers Croft Trust

Hatchlands Park, East Clandon,

for 0-5 years 2nd Saturday of each

on Boxing Day, features three Grade 1

Guildford GU4 7RT. Time: 12noon –

month – next one 10th December!

races including the Festival’s flagship

1pm. Sing along to your favourite carols,

Bring your little ones along to explore

enjoy festive family readings and enjoy

race, the 32Red King George VI Chase

their wild side (on activities such as

hand bell ringing by the Arford Bells.

pond dipping, bug hunting and shelter

Cost: Adults £8 Children (3-16) £4

building) at our free drop in sessions held here every month. FREE Event. www.sayerscrofttrust.org.uk

Sunday 11th FAMILY CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Wednesday 21st – Saturday 24th SANTA’S VICTORIAN PARLOUR Haslemere Educational Museum, 78 High Street, Haslemere GU27

St Peter’s Church, Windsor Street,

2LA. Times vary. Come and visit the

Chertsey Surrey KT16 8AT. Time: 3pm

museum and see Santa as he takes

-5pm. Come and celebrate Christmas

time out before Christmas to relax in

with the Bourne Concert Band of

his charming Victorian parlour. Your

Woking! This FREE family concert

little ones can tell him all their special

followed by coffee and mince pies will

Christmas wishes and each child will

get you in the festive spirit. Retiring

receive a gift to take home. Our shop

collection in aid of Woking Hospice.

will be open too so get Christmas all

FREE Family Christmas Concert.

wrapped up and find gifts for all your

Raceday! With 7 thrilling horse races

friends and family – why not treat

and prizes for the best jumper!

Monday 12th

Advance adults tickets are £17.

FAMILY CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Children under 18 go free!

Christ Church, Jubilee Square,

www.lingfieldpark.co.uk

Museum Members £4 / Non Members

Woking GU21 6YG. Time: 7.30-

£5 (no need to book, just turn up!)

ENGLISH CIVIL WAR CHRISTMAS

warmer climate the 4 swimming pools

9.30pm. Woking’s Epworth Choir

them to a Museum gift membership, the perfect present that lasts all year!

will be performing its annual Family

Sunday 25th

Christmas Carol Concert at Christ

- won by greats Desert Orchid, Best Mate, Kauto Star and, most recently, Cue Card. Gather friends and family at this festive time and head along for one of the biggest days of racing in the whole calendar with a whole host of star horses set to be on show from both the UK and Ireland. www.kempton.thejockeyclub.co.uk

Wednesday 28th THE RAMBLERS WALK Polesden Lacey, Great Bookham, near Dorking, RH5 6BD. Time: Start 9:30am.

End 11pm. Come and join us on a wonderful walk around the Polesden Lacey estate. Join our volunteer leader Catherine Williams on a nice stroll around our countryside. It is for anyone and everyone capable of doing an hour and a half walk. The walks take place on the 4th Wednesday of each month.

Dogs are welcome, but MUST be on a lead at all times. Booking not needed.

General Admission Prices Apply.

Bourne Hall Museum Kids Club,

Church, They will be joined this

XMAS DAY SWIMMING and ICE SKATING

Spring Street, Ewell, Surrey KT17

year by St Andrew’s School Choir.

Guildford Spectrum Leisure Complex,

1UF. Time: 1pm to 2.30pm. During

The concert is being held in aid of

Parkway, Guildford GU1 1UP. Time:

the seventeenth century, as now,

LinkAble, a Woking-based charity

10am – 12 noon. It’s going to be a

Christmas was one of the most

serving those with learning disabilities

white Christmas at Spectrum this

important dates in the calendar,

in the local community. This much-

year as the leisure complex opens

PAINTING FOR UNDER 5’S

both as a religious festival and as

loved annual carol concert conducted

its ice rink on Christmas Day from

The Lightbox, Chobham Road Woking,

an important holiday period during

by the choir’s Music Director, Michael

10.30am - 12.00noon. Whatever the

Surrey GU21 4AA. Time: 11.00am –

which English men and women

Waldron, will include uplifting carols

weather outside, there will be flurries

11.45am. Dress for mess and join us for

indulged in a range of traditional

and Christmas music to celebrate.

of snow guaranteed inside the rink!

some painting fun. All materials included.

pastimes. During the twelve days of

Cost: Adults £12 Children £6

Tickets will be limited so booking is

Advance booking required. Cost: £3 per

essential! For those who prefer a

child,| Accompanying adult goes free.

a seventeenth-century Christmas,

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Primary Times Christmas 2016

JANUARY Friday 13th

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

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

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POTTY MOUTH

There’s a whole section of the internet and social media devoted to the ‘Cute Things Kids Say’. But sometimes the things that come out of your child’s mouth are far from cute. Almost every parent has a horror story about their pre-school child saying something wholly inappropriate in a public place. When he was four my son had an accident and as I was wheeling him and his newly cast foot through hospital corridors we passed a man in a wheelchair.

“Mummy,” my son said loudly, “why does that man have no legs?” I replied, quietly, that maybe the man was in an accident.

I looked over and mouthed sorry and the man waved away my apologies saying “it’s a reasonable question.”

With smaller children what they’re saying isn’t necessarily bad, they’re simply asking questions which is how children learn.

It’s just that some questions aren’t so reasonable. Your child saying “Why is that man so fat?” or “Why does that lady smell?” loudly is embarrassing for you, the large gentleman and the oddly scented woman.

In these situations, it’s best to be calm, get your child as far away from the situation as possible and explain to them, quietly, why its rude to point out people’s differences.

It is important that you don’t shame your child for being tactless. Tact is a learned behaviour.

No matter how age appropriate you try to keep things at home your children are at school with children who have older siblings and inevitably they’re introduced to ideas they’re too young to fully comprehend. Like it or loathe it we live in a very sexualised culture and by the time your child is in Year 4 they will encounter a lot of sex talk in the playground. This is quite shocking for parents who grew up in a different era. (I was still playing with dollies when I was 12.)

Keep your cool when your child brings up sex or anything related. The last thing you want is your child clamming up and not telling you what they’re hearing. Set boundaries early. Tell them you understand their curiosity but that they are a bit too young to fully understand the complexities of sex.

Similarly, while you might maintain a

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Primary Times Christmas 2016

swearfree environment at home your children are exposed to profanity and cursing pretty much everywhere. The bus, the street, TV, YouTube and in the playground. They are going to hear certain words and repeat them. As children enter the ‘Tween’ years (8-12 approximately) they’re not just testing boundaries, they’re attempting to establish their own identity as an individual. Most children think swearing is ‘cool’ and makes them seem grown up.

are they’ll say it again, louder, and quite probably in front of a crowd.

If your child starts using bad language there are a few things you can do. First, try to be sure that you’re not a Potty Mouth yourself. If you regularly turn the air blue you can’t really expect your child to adhere to a different standard. If you generally keep it clean but have been known to react to a stubbed toe or cookery burn with an expletive, don’t panic. Apologise to your child and explain that you shouldn’t have said that. Then forget about it. If you place too much emphasis on the use or misuse of certain language your child will know a surefire way to get your attention.

Often your child will retaliate by saying “well everybody else says it.” Feel free to point out to them that the opinions of a bunch of 8 year olds aren’t going to sway you in either direction. Tell your child that adults don’t like to hear children swear and if your child gets the reputation of being a Potty Mouth they won’t be invited to parties and play dates.

Similarly, if you hear your child swearing try not to over-react. Calmly tell them it’s not appropriate language. Explain that certain words are offensive and that’s why people don’t use them. Don’t ignore the swearing either because if you do the chances

Give your child fair warning about consequences. If they say a particular word, tell them that you won’t accept such language. Advise them that if they use that word again (or any sort of ‘bad language’) that they will lose privileges as a result (time on their games console, or a play date for example). Then be sure you follow up.

While swearing and inappropriate topics may be your child attempting to act like a grown up, there is a small chance of it being indicative of an underlying condition. If your child continues to use inappropriate words despite being disciplined, then seek further advice from a medical professional. n

By Anne Marie Scanlon

NEW Throaty Soothe provides

safe and effective relief

with a trio of health heroes

Parents have a new and safe strategy for treating children from 12 months with sore throats — Throaty Soothe. Just launched, Throaty Soothe is a unique combination of Icelandic moss extract, mallow extract and zinc, which help calm and curb sore throat symptoms.

Throaty Soothe, available as a syrup or lozenges, contains no paracetamol and offers a natural and effective solution for sore throats — and unlike most treatments it is so safe it can be given to children from the age of one.

Throaty Soothe syrup — which is suitable for children from 12 months of age, and Throaty Soothe lozenges for children aged four and older — contain a calming and caring combination of three proven soothers and cold fighters — Icelandic moss, mallow and zinc.

WORKING ACTION The demulcent action of Throaty Soothe lozenges and syrup forms a protective film, creating a natural barrier directly on the

mucous membranes in the mouth and throat, which soothes the irritated mucous membranes in the throat and prevents other nasties from penetrating and calms coughs.

Throaty Soothe Syrup is a sugar-free formulation with a cherry flavour, which can be given to children from the age of 12 months. Available in a 100ml bottle.

Throaty Soothe Lozenges are strawberry flavoured and are great to use on the go.

They are suitable for children aged four and older and are available in packs of 24 lozenges.

Both deliver a dual action formula, which soothes and protects, and because they physically target the site of soreness, and contain no paracetamol, they are safe to use in combination with other medicines if needed. n www.throatysoothe.com RRP: £6.99 from Tesco Stores, Tesco.com and Amazon

MICHAEL FLATLEY DANCE ACADEMY Michael Flatley is proud to launch The Michael Flatley DANCE Academy across London and Surrey with classes for the whole family this autumn. Michael Flatley DANCE Academy aims to teach this unique style of Irish Dance to children, teenagers and adults in a positive and mentoring environment that builds selfconfidence while instilling an appreciation of rhythm, movement, music, fitness and culture. Girls and boys of all levels, from beginner to

advanced are invited to join whether it is just for fun or if their dream is to perform on stage. n

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

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Primary Times Christmas 2016

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

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Theatre owS Family & Children’S Sh

Camberley theatre

cranleigh arts

Tel: 01276 707600

Tel: 01483 2780000

CINDERELLA Tuesday 6th – Saturday 31st

LILY AND THE LITTLE SNOWBEAR

December. Traditional panto is

Saturday 3rd December

back for another sensational year

Lily lives with Grandpa in a pretty little

with plenty of sparkle and fun

cottage somewhere in the countryside.

in true Camberley Theatre style!

Today she is very excited. There are just

Following 2015’s Aladdin which won

two more sleeps until Christmas and

rave reviews and became our most

it’s snowing already! Lily loves SNOW!

successful pantomime ever; we are

So, she pops on her coat and sets off

delighted to welcome Cinderella

to explore. But when she discovers a

this Christmas! Yes, we’re going to

trail of soft little footprints, she’s in for

the ball and you’re all invited! The

a very big SURPRISE! Brought to life by

most magical fairy-tale of them

the acclaimed Blunderbus Theatre, this

all will be brought to life through

funny, heart-warming tale of friendship

stunning costumes, hilarious Ugly

is the perfect treat for Christmas. With

Sisters, unforgettable songs and

exquisite puppets, enchanting music

dances, a script bursting with jokes

and a magical snowy setting, this

plus a ton of magic and audience

modern-day fairy tale is especially for

interaction! Will Cinderella make it

little bears aged 3+ and their grown-

to the ball? Will the glass slipper fit?

ups. Time: 11am and 2pm. Tickets:

Will Cinders and Prince Charming

£8.80 or £30 for family of 4

live happily ever after? Find out all of this and much, much more at Camberley Theatre! Times vary 11am – 9pm. Tickets from £14

THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE Monday 19th December

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

1.30pm and 6pm. Tuesday doors, push though the fur coats

Chapterhouse Theatre Company

and enter the wondrous land of

are thrilled to announce the return

Narnia. When four young evacuees,

of this highly popular festive

Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy are

production for winter 2016. Charles

sent to a grand country mansion,

Dickens’ unforgettable festive tale,

they discover a portal to a new

A Christmas Carol is sure to be

world through a mysterious old

something to delight all the family

wardrobe. Journey with the siblings

as the magic of a very Victorian

to Narnia, an enchanting land where

Christmas comes alive alongside the

mystical creatures roam and animals

romance and passion of love in the

speak. Meet the adorable Mr

English countryside. Time: 7.30pm.

Tumnus and his whimsical friends,

Tickets: £15

as they team up with majestic lion Aslan to defeat the White Witch and save the land from her forces of evil. Tickets: £14.50 adults; £12 children; £48 for family of 4

Primary Times Christmas 2016

Tel: 01306 881717 CINDERELLA Monday 28th November. Witty,

meaning of Christmas. A magical adventure brought to the stage by The Electric Theatre’s resident youth theatre. Time: 3:30pm and 7:30pm.

Tickets: £11.50 Concessions £9.50 Family Ticket available

vibrant, glamorous and romantic, Alexei Ratmansky’s Cinderella will out season, this stunning production

SANTA SAVES CHRISTMAS

comes to cinemas to bewitch us.

Wednesday 21st – Friday

Hailed as “effervescent and fun

23rd December. Who can save

as festive champagne” - Daily

the magic of Christmas? Fairy

Telegraph and “exquisite from start

Flossy’s wand has stopped working,

to finish” - Crikey - if you’ve never

Cinderella’s glass slipper is broken,

experienced the magic of ballet

and what has happened to the

before, see why Cinderella is the

magic in Aladdin’s lamp? It looks

perfect fit! Time: 7.30pm.

as though Christmas might have

Tickets: Adults - £17.50

to be cancelled...Join Fairy Flossy

sweep you off your feet. After a sell-

and Pompom the Penguin as they

DICK WHITTINGTON

meet Father Christmas himself at his home in the North Pole and

Saturday 17th – Wednesday

help Santa Save Christmas! Plus

28th December. From the

every child will receive a present

same team behind Cinderella

from Father Christmas in our special

and The Wizard of Oz, Enchanted

meet, greet, and treat, after the

Entertainment return to Dorking

most Christmassy Christmas show

Halls with another fantastic

ever. HO-HO-HO! Songs include

pantomime for all the family. Dick

festive favourites The Twelve Days

Whittington tells the rags-to-riches

Of Christmas, Jingle Bells, When

tale of our hero and his hilarious

Santa Got Stuck Up The Chimney,

cat, on their fun-packed journey to

We Wish You A Merry Christmas,

find fame and fortune in London.

and many more! Santa Saves

This year’s Dorking Halls pantomime

Christmas is a festive, interactive,

will be packed full of laugh-out-

song-filled show family show

loud comedy routines, stunning

particularly suitable for 2-7 year

dances, show-stopping songs and

olds. Time: Wednesday 1pm &

heaps of audience participation…

4pm Thursday: 11am, 1pm, 3pm, &

Oh yes it will! Times vary, check

5pm Friday: 10:30am & 12:30pm.

website. Tickets: Adults £18.00,

Tickets: £9.50 Family Ticket

Concessions £16.00 Family (2

offer: 4 for £34

Adults + 2 Children): £63.00.

20th at 6pm. Open the wardrobe

Thursday 15th December.

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dorking halls

electric theatre Tel: 01483 444789

epsom playhouse Tel: 01372 742555

Thursday 15th – Saturday 17th

SANTA AND THE CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE 2016

December. When Buddy crawls

Friday 9th - Saturday 24th

into Santa’s sack, he is mistakenly

December. A Magical Christmas

taken to the North Pole. Unaware

Experience with songs, stories, a

that he is actually human, Buddy’s

meet and greet with Santa and a

enormous size and poor toy-making

free gift! After wowing audiences in

abilities cause him to face the truth.

2013, the magical Santa Claus and

Buddy embarks on a journey to

the Christmas Adventure returns

New York City to find his father,

to delight adults and children once

discover his true identity, and

more. The adventure takes place at

help New York remember the true

Santa’s HQ in the North Pole. The

ELF THE MUSICAL, JR

COME & TRY A CLASS FOR FREE

Swimming Lessons Quality classes in small groups

Lessons for:

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

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

What’s on in your area?

From Theatre shows and attractions to classes and family days out - you’ll find even more on our website!

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

21

Reindeer Sat Nav is programmed, the toys are piled high on the

G-Live

sleigh and Santa is ready to go

Tel: 0844 7701 797

when suddenly... chaos strikes!

Godmother Cinderella really is the

order but nothing that TV and film

‘One and Only’ pantomime you

star Warwick Davis can’t measure

need this Christmas! Times vary, see

up to. Known to millions from his

website. Tickets from £15

roles in Star Wars, the Harry Potter

deliver the presents?! He needs

SANTA CLAUS & THE CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE

some help from all the good boys

Thursday 8th – Saturday 24th

leatherhead theatre

and girls in the audience to help

December. A magical Christmas

him find his way. Witness the truly

experience with songs, stories, a

Tel: 01372 365141

unforgettable experience when

meet and greet with Santa and a

snowflakes fall over the audience

free gift! The adventure takes place

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

and help Santa save the day in this

at Santa’s HQ in the North Pole. The

Tuesday 20th – Friday 30th

glittering costumes, sensational

festive extravaganza. As an added

Reindeer Sat Nav is programmed,

December. Join us for exciting

songs, dazzling dance routines,

Christmas treat, all of the good boys

the toys are piled high on the sleigh

adventure this year...an adventure that

bags of audience participation

and girls in the audience will meet

and Santa is ready to go when

will transport us to the French village

and magnificent slapstick comedy

Santa after the show and receive a

suddenly… chaos strikes! Rudolph

of ‘Marsh de Mello’, where a love story

guaranteed to delight audiences

special present of their own. Don’t

is missing and the Elves are up to

is waiting to unfold that will tickle your

of all ages. Will the Wicked Queen

forget to bring your camera to

no good. Will Santa ever deliver

French Fancy! This spectacular show

banish Snow White once and for

capture the magical moment when

the presents?! He needs some help

has all the elements you’d expect from

all, or will the handsome Prince

your little ones meet Santa Claus

from all the good boys and girls in

a professional pantomime and oodles

thwart her plans with some help

for the very first time. Suitable for

the audience to help him find his

of silliness to boot! CBeebies TV star

from the dwarfs? Who’s the fairest

children aged 2+. Times vary, check

way. Witness the truly unforgettable

Rebecca Keatley will make a magical

in the land and will good triumph

website. Tickets from £10.50

experience when snowflakes

appearance at the Leatherhead

over evil? There’s only one way to

fall over the audience and help

Theatre too! The children’s favourite

find out - book your tickets now for

Santa save the day in this festive

will manifest as the Marvellous

the fairest pantomime of them all!

extravaganza. Suitable for: Ages 2+.

Magical Mirror, in a spectacular

Times vary, see website.

Tickets: Adult £14.50/£16.50

special effect that will be sure to leave

Tickets from £14

Friday 30th November.

Child £13.50/£15.50 Family

the audience both spell bound and

The internationally acclaimed

offer £50/£58 (4 tickets)

doubled up with mirth as she portrays

Rudolph is missing and the Elves are up to no good. Will Santa ever

THE CHINESE STATE CIRCUS

series and Willow, as well as TV comedy series Life’s Too Short and

Chinese State Circus returns in

the Beast’s castle companion. The

an innovatively spectacular new

breath-taking tale of Beauty and the

production “DYNASTY”30 world class Chinese acrobats, aerial artistes and jugglers interact with the superhuman physical skills

harlequin theatre Tel: 01737 276 500

Beast, which is familiar to all who have seen the Disney film, has all the special

Idiot Abroad 3, he will ensure that the pantomime won’t be short of laughs this Christmas. Joining him is comedy favourite Andy Ford as the Henchman. Featuring traditional pantomime ingredients including

riverhouse barn Tel: 01932 253354

features of a traditional pantomime.

THE NUTCRACKER

A highly experienced and professional

Saturday 17th – Friday 23rd

cast will fill the roles of Dame Do’nut,

December. It’s Christmas and

and dexterity of the masters of

CINDERELLA

martial arts - the legendary Shaolin

It’s the 30th year of the Harlequin

Idle Jacque and the Viscount Biscuit

when Clara is given a wooden

Warriors. The nonstop action

Theatre and Cinema in Redhill, to

leading the way with the laughter, as

nutcracker in the shape of a

from start to awesome finale as

celebrate we’re revisiting our very

well of course with Beauty and the

handsome Prince, little does she

thrill follows thrill, what seems

first pantomime, Cinderella! Glass

Beast providing the story of true love

know that she and her brother Fritz

impossible becomes a reality,

slippers and a spell that breaks at

and good versus evil. This performance

are about to be drawn into a great

earning the CHINESE STATE CIRCUS

midnight means it’s time to charm

will also include a special visit from

adventure. The Mouse Queen has

the accolade “incomparable”

audiences with the classic rags to

Father Christmas himself! Times vary,

stolen the magic of the Christmas

This latest production returns to

riches fairy-tale of the downtrodden

see website. Tickets: £12.50

Tree star and the Land of Make

the pure and honest perfection

girl forced to serve her jealous step

Believe is in danger. The children

in acrobatics upon which their

sisters. With best buddy Buttons

and the toys must join in battle

reputation is based, creating

and the magic of a Fairy Godmother

against the rotten royal rodent to

a show with no gimmicks...no

on hand, Cinderella’s certain to

fakes.....no retakes.....quite simply

escape the misery of her dastardly

The Incomparable Chinese State

diva sisters and find true love in

Circus! “Never has such excitement

the arms of a dashing Prince...it’s

SNOW WHITE

been generated in a theatre. The

just the journey getting there may

Saturday 10th December –

of award- winning Arabian Nights,

whole audience hangs breathless”

be a little rocky and raucous before

Sunday 8th January. Hi ho, hi

Story Pocket Theatre returns with

Manchester Evening News. Time:

romancing reigns supreme! With

ho, it’s off to Woking we go for the

this colourful and magical Christmas

5pm & & 7.30pm. Tickets from

pop legend playing Chesney Hawkes

spectacular family pantomime Snow

story which brings imagination

£10.00

playing Prince Charming and Redhill

White. Join us for the enchanting

and make-believe to life for all the

favourites Abigail Welford, Neil

fairy-tale guaranteed to melt

family. Suitable for ages 3 + Time:

Wheatley and Simon Bashford back

everyone’s heart this Christmas.

2pm & 5pm. Tickets £9 (£7

as Cinderella, Buttons and the Fairy

The job of head dwarf Prof is a tall

children).

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Primary Times Christmas 2016

new victoria Tel: 0844 871 7645

save the magic of Christmas and restore the Prince to the throne.

But first, Clara and Fritz must learn how to believe...After the success

STAGECOACH EPSOM so many more opportunities to take part in.

Epsom offers a range of Easter, Summer and Christmas workshops, one day west end workshops with casts of different shows. Audition technique courses as well as contemporary for the more advanced dancer. All children from age 6 plus have the opportunity to gain professional representation through our links to agency’s and casting directors. We currently have students in major movies, tv dramas, commercials and west end shows. One to one Lamda, singing and acting coaching is also available.

Stagecoach Epsom has been running successfully now for over 20 years, principal Rachel Crouch took over 2 years ago and within that time has taken the schools to such a high standard that they now have nearly 500 students training with Epsom weekly.

Stagecoach Epsom offers outstanding training in the performing arts with “Creative Courage” always at the heart of everything they do. However this isn’t just your average school. Along side their weekly 5 main schools, 8 early stages schools and a further stages, there are

However you don’t need to be a born star to join us at Epsom, we just want your enthusiasm and we will do the rest!

We pride ourselves on all our students becoming stars of their nurseries, schools, colleges, universities, new job roles and using their creative courage for the rest of their lives. n www.stagecoach.co.uk/Epsom

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

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