East Sussex Easter/Spring 2020 Primary Times by Alison Watson

What’s On Where

42,480 COPIES FOR FAMILIES OF PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN

East Sussex

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DAYS OUT • CAMPS & COURSES • COMPETITIONS • THEATRE

SPRING/EASTER 2020 16 MARCH - 10 MAY 2020 ISSUE 132

Contents

inside this issue.... Latest News...............................................................4 What’s On - a daily diary for the school holidays..............6 Out of School Activities - Camps, Courses & more.........8 Family Theatre................................................................... 10 Education News ....................................................... 12 Spring Adventures - Ideas for family outings ................. 15 Competitions - You’ve got to be in it to win it! .................. 23 All Your Own Work! - Our winners from the last issue... 31

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across East & West Sussex

Hi Readers

Welcome to our Spring/Easter magazine. I’m writing this letter to you in lovely sunshine, a blue sky, not too much cloud and not so cold that I have to wear a thick jumper. Long may it continue. Spring has a real positive feel to it, with flowers and tree blossom starting, warmer days breaking through and lots of fun days out to look forward to in the school holidays. Do look through all our hundreds of listings. Some of them are free to enter but all include contact details so do check the events before visiting. We prepare our listings a long time in advance and details do change. Spring is a busy time of the year. Mother’s Day or Mothering Sunday is on 22 March. Easter Weekend is 10-13 April. The London Marathon is on Sunday 26 April. Brighton Fringe is from 1-31 May. Then there’s St Patrick’s Day on Tuesday 17 March and St George’s Day on Thursday 23 April. Not forgetting Save the Frogs Day on Saturday 25 April! Don’t forget that the May Day Bank Holiday has changed from Monday 4 May to Friday 8 May to celebrate the 75th VE Day anniversary. Whatever you are celebrating, enjoy the next few weeks. We always have lots of great competitions for you to enter but sometimes we can’t give the prizes out to the actual winner as they haven’t included contact details for themselves. We don’t pass contact details on to any other companies so please do remember to include them with your competition entries. Entries can be sent by post or by email. See our Competitions Page for more details. We’ll be back the week beginning Monday 11 May. Happy Easter!

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Peter and the Primary Times Team This magazine is audited by BPA Worldwide 42,480 copies - Easter Edition 2019

Primary Times in East Sussex 7 Southbrook Mews London SE12 8LG Tel: 01273 916210 Email: office@primarytimes.biz Website: www.primarytimes.co.uk Twitter: @PT_Sussex Instagram: @primarytimesse Publishing Editor: Peter Watson Sales: Catherine Dillon, Gill Pearce, Kathy Jordan & Andrew Langridge Listings: Catherine Draisey & Hayley Hughes Production: Alison Watson Office Manager: Chris Blower Administrators: Claire Wood & Tina Love Proof Reading: Christopher Fox Editorial Assistant: Eleanor Getting Social Media: Rachel Benson

Primary Times is independently published and distributed free in infant and primary schools throughout Sussex. 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. The opinions expressed in either the editorial or advertisements within this publication are not necessarily those held by the editor or publisher. While we take great care with the compilation of information within this magazine, neither the editor nor publisher will accept any liability for the accuracy of the editorial or advertising contained within the publication. We welcome listings being sent to us for inclusion in our What’s On section. Free listings are dependent on available space and we cannot guarantee to print all the listings we are sent. Please send them to listings@primarytimes. biz. Primary Times would like to thank all the schools in Sussex 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. No part of this magazine, including the advertisements within it may be reproduced, in part or in whole, without the express written permission of the Publishing Editor. Primary Times is currently publishing over 2.5 million copies per issue under franchise licences throughout England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.. Primary Times East Sussex is operated under franchise licence.

16 Mar - 10 May ‘20

Latest News

Urban Dance and Bboy Championships at Brighton Marina

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Over 300 Inflatables for Kids & Adults

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Become an EF Host and welcome students from across the globe into your home. Join the community today.

Brighton and surrounding areas: 01273443300 accommodation.brighton@ef.com

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Hastings and surrounding areas: 01424434148 efhastings@ef.com

16 Mar - 10 May ‘20

03.03.20 15:455

What’s On

What’s On Your family diary for March, April and May March From 16 Mar

Animazing, The Pavilion, Eastbourne, BN22 7AQ

10am-5pm. This exhibition will take visitors on a fun, interactive journey showcasing memorabilia from some of children’s TV’s most iconic shows. Also, fun interactive exhibits demonstrating how our most loved characters were brought to life. For more information visit www. animazingtv.co.uk

Until 25 Mar

Spring Trail: Waking Up from Winter, Uppark House and Garden, South Harting, GU31 5QR

10am-4pm. From spring flowers blossoming to animals yawning after hibernation, nature is waking up all around the estate. The trail takes around 30 minutes and will keep both tiny tots and older children interested. Drop-in, charges apply. For more details visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/uppark

Until 17 Apr

Brighton’s Charity Easter Egg Hunt, Various Locations, Brighton Each week clues will be released to the location of a new egg. Find the egg, text the code on the egg to the number shown to be in with a chance of winning exciting prizes. Proceeds to Albion in The Community and Chestnut Tree House. For more information visit www.brightonegghunt.co.uk

Until 19 Apr

Jawsome Sharks and Friends, SEA LIFE Brighton, BN2 1TB

Calling all budding rangers. SEA LIFE Brighton is on the hunt for brave adventurers who are enthusiastic about all things aquatic and are totally Top Trumps mad. Join the quest to help Professor Finn find the missing Top Trumps cards. For more information visit www.visitsealife.com

Until 30 Apr

Birds of a Feather Trail, Booth Museum of Natural History, Brighton, BN1 5AA

Search Mr Booth’s bird cases to find the most unusual nests, the bird with the biggest wings, and one of the UK’s smallest birds. Free, drop-in. All ages. For more information visit www.brightonmuseums.org.uk/booth

Until 28 May

Wildlife Walkabout, RSPB Pulborough Brooks, RH20 2EL

(Thurs only) 10am-12noon. Join the friendly guides on this regular gentle

16 Mar - 10 May ‘20

ramble as you look for the seasonal highlights on the nature reserve. For more details visit www.rspb.org.uk/ PTPul

Until 31 May

Spring Nature Trail, Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters, East Dean, BN20 0AB

(Selected dates). 11am-3pm. Complete the trail activities using all your senses to reveal your inner explorer and feel how the natural world can boost your wellbeing. Drop-in. Ages 6+. For more information visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/birling-gap-and-the-sevensisters

Sat 14 Mar – Sun 19 Apr Lambing and Calving, Coombes Farm, BN15 0RS

Visit the farm to see the newborn lambs and calves. Tractor rides are available to see the animals in the fields and to enjoy fantastic views from the top of the downs. There’s an outdoor and indoor picnic area and an ice cream man! For more information visit www.coombes.co.uk

Thurs 19 Mar

Signs of Spring, Woods Mill, Henfield, BN5 9SD

3-4.30pm. Celebrate the arrival of the spring equinox as the days finally start to lengthen. Head out onto the reserve looking for these increased signs of activity during a guided flat walk of approximately 2-3km. For more information visit www. sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk

Thurs 19 – Sat 21 Mar

Mothers’ Day Planter Workshop, Millbrook Garden Centre, Crowborough, TN6 3RJ 3.30-4.30pm (Thurs, Fri), 10-11am, 2-3pm (Sat). Make Mothers’ Day extra special by creating a beautiful planter at this seasonal workshop. Open to all ages, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Booking essential. For more information visit www.millbrookgc.co.uk

Fri 20 Mar

Camber Castle Wildlife Walk, Rye Harbour, TN31 7TU (Also 17 Apr, 15 May). 2-5pm. A 6km circular walk starting from

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance. To make sure you have up to date details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure the information hasn’t changed.

“

I saw your event in Primary Times.... Please mention you saw the event listed in Primary Times

”

Rye Heritage Centre, following the River Brede across the sheep fields to Camber Castle, where you can have a look inside. Then to the birdwatching hide overlooking Castle Water. For more details visit www. sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk

Fri 20 – Sun 22 Mar

Mothers’ Day Celebrations, Bodiam Castle, Nr Robertsbridge, TN32 5UA

11am-4pm. Spoil mum with a lovely day out at Bodiam. Take a stroll around the castle and grounds and enjoy a delicious prosecco cream tea in the Wharf tea room. Also, join in with the special Mothers’ Day activities. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodiamcastle

Fri 20 Mar – Mon 13 Apr

Great British Spring Clean, Various Locations

Take part in the Great British Spring Clean and demonstrate that you love where you live. Pledge to pick up litter while you’re walking the dog or doing the school run, host a clean-up, or join someone else’s clean up. For more information visit www. keepbritaintidy.org

Sat 21 Mar

Green Woodworking Workshop, Wilderness Wood, Hadlow Down, TN22 4HJ (Also 22 Mar). 10am-3.30pm. Experience the joy of working with green wood through your own exploration and creativity, regardless of age and ability.You can decide what to make and receive help and guidance along the way. For more information visit www. wildernesswood.org

Wildlife Watch, Woods Mill, Henfield, BN5 9SD

10am-12noon. Take your children to help them explore the natural world. This will involve getting to know the forest school site and woodland and bushcraft activities. Ages 7-11. For more details visit www. sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk

Sat 21 – Sun 22 Mar

50 Things and Mud Kitchen, Sheffield Park and Garden, Uckfield, TN22 3QX 10am-4pm. Explore the parkland for a range of wild 50 things activities or head into the gardens to bake a pie or two in the mud kitchen. Free (admission charges apply). For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ sheffield-park-and-garden

Mothers’ Day Afternoon Tea, Herstmonceux Castle, Hailsham, BN27 1RN 3pm. Treat your mum to afternoon tea to show her how much you love her. For more information visit www. herstmonceux-castle.com

Mothers’ Day Prosecco Teas, Bateman’s, Burwash, TN19 7DS 10am-4pm. Take your mum to visit the delightful surroundings at Bateman’s and treat her to a delicious prosecco cream tea in the Mulberry Tea Room. No booking necessary. For more information visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/batemans

Sun 22 Mar

Mothers’ Day Craft, Petworth House and Gardens, GU28 0AE

11am-3pm. Create a personalised frame for your mum while she relaxes with a complimentary cup of tea and biscuit. Dropin, charges apply. For more information visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth

Mothers’ Day Afternoon Tea, Michelham Priory, Hailsham, BN27 3QS

12.30pm, 2.30pm. Set in the Elizabethan Great Barn, this is the perfect treat for mum. Enjoy a selection of sandwiches, scones, and homemade cakes. Booking essential (eventbooking@ sussexpast.co.uk). Price includes entry to the house and gardens. For more details visit www. sussexpast.co.uk

Great British Beach Clean, Rye Harbour, TN31 7TX

10am-12.30pm. Take along the whole family to join in with the nation keeping the coastline clean and tidy and help to remove rubbish from the beach. Take gloves if you have them. Meet at Rye Harbour village car park. For more information visit www. sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 12 Follow us on Instagram - @primarytimesse

Be Yourself at Claremont

OPEN DAYS & E VE N TS Nursery & Prep School Open Days Fri 15 & Sat 16 May, 9.30am -1pm

Forest School Experience Day Sat 16 May, 10am -12.30pm

St Leonards, East Sussex TN37 7PW

NEWry &

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Easter Activities

Holiday activities for children aged 5 to 14 years

6 - 9 April & 14 - 17 April, 8.30am - 4.30pm

2019

Booking essential 01424 751555 . enquiries@claremontschool.co.uk . claremontschool.co.uk/events

Out of School Activities Every child taking part will receive a new Balance Dynamos shirt with their name and number on the back. They will get access to a Dynamos app providing cricket tips, activities and quizzes, alongside skills and tips so that they can practice at home and with their friends. Parents can find out more about Dynamos Cricket and sign their kids up to take part at www.dynamoscricket.co.uk or for All Stars Cricket at www.allstarscricket.co.uk.

Shoot, Star In and Premiere a Cinematic Masterpiece

We live in an age of smartphones, tablets and apps where children have more access to video recording equipment and editing tools than ever before. One would expect educational filmmaking opportunities to be abundant - not so much. Luckily an East Sussex company have spent the last 8 years honing a very special holiday club. Over four days, staff at Zylo Performance’s holiday film school extract crazy ideas from children’s brains and paint them onto a cinema screen. Attendees aged 6 to 14 create 20-minute films that utilise high-quality editing, professional cameras, drones, green screen technology and visual effects to tell wondrous stories. Each course concludes with a premiere in a real cinema so the children can enjoy their work in a truly cinematic way. The course caters for youngsters of all stripes too, whether they’re interested in acting, writing, directing or just want to have fun with a great team. It will truly be an unforgettable experience! For more information and details of their Easter film school dates and locations, visit www.zyloperformance.co.uk.

Dynamos Cricket

The ECB has launched Dynamos Cricket, a new programme to inspire children aged 8 to 11 to play cricket. Two programmes in May and July will allow up to 35,000 more children to enjoy cricket this season. Dynamos will encourage boys and girls to have fun and fall in love with the game. The programme is designed for children graduating from ECB’s All Stars Cricket programme for 5 to 8-year olds but is also designed to welcome those who are new to the game. Up to 35,000 children will take part in Dynamos Cricket in their local centres at one of two 6 to 12-week courses, which will take place during the summer term, beginning mid-May, and over the school holidays, alongside The Hundred. Each week, participants will develop new cricketing skills including batting, bowling and fielding. They will have the chance to play a fast-paced and exciting game of countdown cricket – a new format that mirrors The Hundred. 8

16 Mar - 10 May ‘20

Saturdays at ICTheatre Academy

ICTheatre Academy (formally BRICTT Academy) meets on Saturday mornings from 10am – 2pm. They are the Saturday Academy of the Institute for Contemporary Theatre in Brighton. ICTheatre Academy provides accessible, affordable and professional musical theatre training in all aspects of performing arts for students from 8-16 years in Brighton and the surrounding areas. With a maximum of 20 children in a class, students take part in four classes each Saturday in dance, acting, musical theatre and contemporary vocals with specialist and qualified tutors in each area. The Academy is split into four age groups and rotates every 55 mins with a short break for lunch in the middle. It’s a great way to make friends, develop performing arts skills and grow in confidence, all while having lots of fun.

Intensive Courses Our popular five day courses of swimming lessons are available again during the upcoming school holidays:

Monday 30th March to Friday 3rd April

Monday 6th to Friday 10th April Monday 13th to Friday 17th April These courses are expertly suited for first time swimmers, as well as those who are looking for extra training, to develop invaluable life skills, confidence and water safety.

Call us now on:

01903 202700

One-to-One Lessons Available throughout the week for children and adults of all ages

Or visit us at: mxtswimschool.com

ESTABLISHED SWIM SCHOOL COMES TO HASTINGS! Lessons available to book now at

Battle Abbey Swimming Pool (TN40 2JG)

BOOK NOW GET £10 OFF QUOTE: PTAPR2020

TERMLY LESSONS:

CHILDREN’S FILMMAKING COURSES!

All ages & abilities from 4 months Fully qualified instructors Small class sizes We get results ! CORAL

Available in Heathfield & Uckfield fo r ages 6 to 14 !

Out of School Activities

They also offer a Junior Academy for children aged 4-7 years from 10 – 11.30am. This session is split into three sections. Dance helps accelerate co-ordination and balance through movement and funky dance routines. Vocal warm ups and techniques help the children engage with their speech and vocal sounds, whilst the drama session develops their confidence, working with stories, poems and expression. The Junior Academy offers a super introduction to the world of performing arts. Children will gain a wealth of experience from each subject, giving them versatility within the performing arts industry. Whether your children are doing it for fun, or wish to seriously develop their talents, at ICTheatre Academy every child matters and they aim to help fulfil every child’s potential. Email Academy@ictheatre.ac.uk to book a free trial for the Academy or Junior Academy. Visit www.ICTheatre.ac.uk for more information.

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EASTER FILM SCHOOL 2020 WRITE, DIRECT & STAR IN YOUR OWN FILM!

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For more info, videos, testimonials and to book a place visit...

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ICTheatre ACADEMY

Act, Dance and Sing —— Performing Arts for 8-16yrs every Saturday in central Brighton New classes for 4-7 yrs Book your free trial now! academy@ictheatre.ac.uk

——

ictheatre.ac.uk

16 Mar - 10 May ‘20

Family Theatre

Ropetackle Shoreham-by-Sea

Box Office: 01273 464 440 4 Apr

Arthur’s Dream Boat

One night, Arthur has an amazing dream about a beautiful pink and green boat with a stripy mast. He can’t wait to tell everyone about it but no-one is interested, not even his dog.

The best shows around... Brighthelm Centre Box Office: 01273 709 709 18 – 22 May

Slime

Slug and Caterpillar are starving and the only leaf left in the garden is just out of reach. Slug thinks they should work together. Get the leaf, eat the leaf, play, be friends. Caterpillar disagrees.

Brighton Centre Box Office: 08448 471 515 2 Apr

The Joe and Dianne Show

31 Mar – 4 Apr

The Sound of Music

A magnificent production to enchant and enthral the young and the young at heart. Emilie Fleming (BBC’s Over the Rainbow) and Andrew Lancel (Coronation Street) will lead the company.

Devonshire Park Eastbourne

Box Office: 01323 412 000 15 Apr Enjoy Cirque Enfant the show! A fun-packed, And don’t high energy circus forget to say cabaret for all the family. Rock out to you saw it in

White Rock Hastings Box Office: 01424 462 288 7 Apr

Cirque Enfant

From tots to teens, the kids will rock out to the great music of Cirque Enfant as this interactive fun show brings amazing acrobats, jugglers, clowns, sing a long and more. For kids of all ages – and parents too.

23 May

Errol’s Garden

14 Apr

The Amazing Bubble Man Louis Pearl explores the breathtaking dynamics of bubbles, combining comedy and artistry with audience participation and enough spellbinding bubble tricks to keep everyone mesmerised.

Royal Hippodrome Eastbourne Box Office: 01323 802 020 17 May

RAPA Dance: Gimme a Beat

Be enchanted by the ‘RAPA Berries’ pre-schoolers, amazed by the Juniors and Seniors and entertained by the adult ‘RAPA Tappers’.

An interactive new musical for kids, full of lively music, colourful characters and a passion for plants. For kids 3-10, but all ages welcome.

Claremont School Bodiam Box Office: www. claremontschool.co.uk 21 Mar

‘Reach Up’- The Claremont Dance Show

A joyous celebration of rhythm and dance performed by talented Claremont Students from Years 6 to Year 13.

the great music as Primary this interactive fun Expect music, Times! show brings amazing comedy and of course acrobats, jugglers, clowns, sing a little bit of dance in this nevera long and more. For kids of all before-seen variety show from ages. Strictly Come Dancing finalists, Joe Sugg and Dianne Buswell.

Brighton Dome

Box Office: 01273 709 709 9 Apr

Peppa Pig – My First Concert

Join Peppa as she discovers an orchestra for the first time. Sing and dance along with Peppa in her favourite songs and watch as Daddy Pig learns how to conduct an orchestra. A wonderful first concert.

Congress Eastbourne

Box Office: 01323 412 000 29 Mar

Ratton School’s A Decade of Dance

Ratton School’s acclaimed Irish dance troupe present their 10th annual Irish Night. Featuring numbers inspired by Riverdance and Lord of the Dance, the evening is a celebration of Irish culture.

16 Mar - 10 May ‘20

Komedia Brighton

Box Office: 08452 938 480 17 Apr

The Mighty Kids Beatbox Comedy Show

Calling kids aged 5-100 to join this mighty gang! A sensational interactive show, where the worlds of comedy and beat boxing collide with electrifying results. Including beat boxing tips to impress your friends.

Northbrook Goringby-Sea Box Office: 01903 606 162 17 Apr

Peter Pan The British Musical Performed by Worthing Musical Comedy Society Youth Company, with a huge cast of 52 children aged 8-16. It promises to be a fun-packed show suitable for the whole family.

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary for March, April & May

March Indoor Car Boot Sale, The Charmandean Centre, Worthing, BN14 9HS

10am-4pm. Over 60 tables selling new and used items. Why not clear out your clutter and book a table? Free entry for all buyers, and lots of free parking. For more information or to book a table visit www. thecharmandean.co.uk

Mothers’ Day, Blackberry Farm Park, Lewes, BN8 6JD

Treat your mum to a day out with her ‘Little Chicks’. Enjoy a lovely day out with half price entry for mum with every full paying child. Mum will also receive a voucher for a free cup of tea in the Garden Barn Café. For more information visit www. blackberry-farm.co.uk

Mothers’ Day Baking, Saddlescombe Farm, Devil’s Dyke, BN45 7DE

10am-1pm, 2-5pm. Make your own bread or pizza directly on the clay oven floor without a thermometer. While the dough rises learn more about the history of bread making at the farm on a guided tour. For more details visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ saddlescombe-farm-and-newtimberhill

Tues 24 – Sat 28 Mar

Stanhope Residency: Alan Kitching, Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft, BN6 8SP

See a professional printmaker at work. Alan Kitching revives the Stanhope press in the museum itself, creating new pieces in his contemporary, colourful style. Dropin. For more information visit www. ditchlingmuseumartcraft.org.uk

Fri 27 Mar

Wear A Hat Day, Nationwide Wear a hat at home, school or to work. Organise a hat-themed bake sale, lay on a hat-tastic fashion show or think of your own idea to raise money for Brain Tumour Research. For more details and to get a fundraising pack visit www. braintumourresearch.org

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance. To make sure you have up to date details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure the information hasn’t changed. 12

16 Mar - 10 May ‘20

“

I saw your event in Primary Times.... Please mention you saw the event listed in Primary Times

Sat 28 Mar

”

Africa Take Part Workshops, Ropetackle Arts Centre, Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 5EG

11.30am-2pm. Fun-packed workshops for an experience of the spirit of West Africa. Workshops are designed for all abilities and are open for family participation. Also, fun circle African drumming for all ages and arts and crafts. For more details and to book visit www.ropetacklecentre.co.uk

Stargazing, Western Lawns, Eastbourne, BN21 4EH

5-7pm. A family friendly tour of the night sky suitable for all, run by Eastbourne Astronomical Society. Members will point out constellations, features on the moon and some planets using their own and society’s telescopes. For more information visit www.eastbourneas. org.uk

Sat 28 Mar – Sun 26 Apr Open Lambing, Gaston Farm, Slindon, BN18 0RS

10am-4pm. The annual opening where you can see lambs being born and maybe cuddle an orphan lamb. Also, free tractor and trailer rides, chicks and ducklings handling area, café and gift shop, all in a friendly farm environment. Charges apply (cash only). For more information visit www.gastonfarm.com

Sun 29 Mar

Sundae Club, Komedia, Brighton, BN1 1UN

11am. Over three hours of creative fun for kids, featuring a children’s theatre show, creative craft workshop and live music to dance to from the house band The Swing Ninjas. Charges apply. Ages 2-8. For more information visit www.komedia. co.uk

Education News

Self Managed Learning at SML College SML College prepares young people for the tests of life, not a life of tests. They have been providing Self Managed Learning programmes for young people aged 9-17 in Sussex for 19 years. This vibrant learning community of 40 students offers a real alternative to schooling - students develop the confidence and skills needed for their futures in a stimulating and nurturing environment. Students set their own learning goals and there are no limits to what they can study, or how they should study, and no subjects they have to learn. Whatever they want to learn, a way is found for them to do so. Students are supported by Learning Advisers who help them structure their learning and support them to achieve what they want. Students feel well prepared to take the next steps in their careers when they leave. Results for all abilities have been exceptional as demonstrated by independent research. Please visit www.smlcollege. org.uk for more information.

Claremont Achieves ‘BBC Young Reporter School’ Status

The Arrow is a school newspaper written by Claremont Prep School pupils. It has been printed over 2750 times, is written by a team of talented young reporters and has a dedicated following across all school year groups. The Arrow recently celebrated its 3rd birthday and as a result of 11 published issues and the vast array of interesting and hard hitting stories within its pages, Claremont has been awarded ‘BBC Young Reporter School’ status. Roving reporters now wear BBC press pass lanyards during their weekly Newspaper Club sessions and when they are out on the interview trail, they write with BBC pens, and are able to draw from a wealth of online resources that encourage excellence in journalism

Hastings Half Marathon, TN38 0AA 10.30am. An exciting run starting and finishing at the seafront, with a Mini-Run for ages 11-16. If you don’t feel like running then go along and be part of the crowd cheering the runners along. For more information visit www.visit1066country.com

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 14... Follow us on Instagram - @primarytimesse

St Andrew’s Prep - Where Character is Made

Home to over 370 children aged nine months to 13 years, St Andrew’s Prep, Eastbourne, is just a five-minute walk to the sea and the foot of the South Downs. The school’s talented staff are dedicated to preparing their pupils for the fast changing, high-tech world. They give them lifelong-learning and problem-solving skills alongside leadership and teamwork opportunities and, perhaps most important of all, the tools to become good citizens. St Andrew’s Prep is stimulating the imagination, creativity and inventiveness of every pupil while equipping them with the essential qualities of self-discipline, resilience, honesty, kindness and compassion. The school believe they need to be educating children in how to form opinions properly, how to substantiate ideas, how to self-reflect without over-analysing, how to listen and value other opinions, how to think critically and how to be aware of the wider community. They want to expand the minds of every pupil so that they become more resilient, more compassionate and better listeners. Every child is in a sports team, not just the elite. Every child can also choose to be in a drama production, everybody takes part in music and the vast majority play at least one instrument. The school is extremely successful. Over the last three years, the school’s Year 8 pupils have won over 90 scholarships to their senior schools. A surprising number of children have reached grade 8 music and St Andrew’s Prep has won many national and county sporting titles. They would be delighted to welcome you to their forthcoming open mornings on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 April. For more information, contact admissions on admissions@standrewsprep.co.uk, call 01323 733 203 or visit www.standrewsprep.co.uk. Photo credit: Alex Bamford Photography

If you can’t hold an event on the 7th, don’t worry. There will be lots of people sparkling up on other days in May too. Anyone wanting to get involved can contact the fundraising team for ideas or help with their event.Visit www.braintumoursupport.co.uk/sparkle to find out more information or contact the Fundraising Team on 01454 422 705.

Buckswood School – Preparing for Life

At Buckswood they have a clear educational philosophy - the Buckswood Difference. As a school they aim to nurture every student so that they can be the best they can be - global citizens with a sense of adventure who are able to discover where their skills and passions lie. Students are encouraged to harness these skills and passions to inform their future careers.

Education News

for young people. Some of the children’s favourite front covers have included ‘Road to Victory’ which told the amazing story of Claremont’s U13 Boys’ football team and their journey to become national champions, and an exclusive interview with Senior School Headteacher Ed Dickie who gave the journalists a tour of the new Octagon Building and Dance Studio with its very springy floor! The interview was recorded and appeared on the Claremont Podcast which is another student-led initiative. A day spent with global press photographer Rich Page was also a day well spent for the Newspaper Club as the young journalists were given a fascinating insight into the makings of the perfect ‘press-ready’ image before quizzing Mr Page on his theory that every photo tells a story. ‘Hands on’ learning experiences like this enable children to spend more time learning and less time being ‘taught’, as they develop a variety of crucial ‘soft skills’ that will endure in later life. Teamwork, communication, problem solving, flexibility, adaptability, work ethic and interpersonal skills are all put to the test at The Newspaper Club, and as a result, place children exactly where they should and want to be at the centre of their own learning.

At Buckswood, the school motto is ‘we are preparing for life’. Knowing that every child is different, their warm family atmosphere cultivates a safe, secure space for everyone to flourish. This builds students’ confidence and resilience whilst discovering new strengths to give every child the tools to succeed. Buckswood offer students many opportunities to try new things, visit new places, and meet new people. They do not confine learning to inside the classroom. A Buckswood education is a personal journey. Every child is different and the school recognises and values talent whatever form it takes, be it on the sports field or in the science labs. For more information about Buckswood, visit www.buckswood.co.uk.

Sparkle Up Your Day for Brain Tumour Support The charity that supports brain tumour patients across the UK is appealing for schools to get involved in a fundraising day on 7 May. Sparkle Day involves people bringing a bit of sparkle into their day and donating to Brain Tumour Support. Whether it’s edible glitter on some cupcakes, wearing something sparkly to school or asking your teacher to stick glitter in his beard, they’d like everyone to get involved, get together, and donate.

16 Mar - 10 May ‘20

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary for March, April & May

April

Sat 4 Apr

Until Late Apr

Tulip Festival, Arundel Castle, BN18 9PA

Over 60,000 tulips will be blooming in the Castle’s stunning gardens. A wide variety of tulips will be in flower at the Castle creating an explosion of colour throughout its extensive walled gardens. For more information visit www.arundelcastle.org

Wed 1 Apr – Sun 31 May

Spring Spectacular, Standen House and Garden, East Grinstead, RH19 4NE

10am-5pm. Admire hundreds of spring blooms across the garden, from colourful bedding plants such as forget-me-nots, to beautiful tulips. For more information visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/standen

Thurs 2 – Sun 19 Apr

Easter Family Fun, Hever Castle, Nr Edenbridge, TN8 7NG

Hunt for the colourful carrots and the Hever bunny in the free Easter trail, or take part in an Easter egg hunt in the grounds to win a chocolatey prize. Then, why not celebrate spring by creating an eggshaped decoration to hang on the Easter tree. For more details visit www.hevercastle.co.uk

Fri 3 Apr

Every Object Tells a Story, Hove Museum and Art Gallery, Hove, BN3 4AB 3-4pm. Drop in and chat to museum staff whilst taking a closer look at objects from the museum’s stores which are not normally on public display. Free, suitable for all ages. For more information visit www. brightonmuseums.org.uk

Fri 3 – Sun 5 Apr

Branch Line Weekend, Bluebell Railway, Sheffield Park Station, TN22 3QL

A fun-packed weekend showcasing the small locomotives. A busy timetable will recreate the branch line feel of the railway in its heyday. For more information and to book visit www.bluebell-railway.com

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance. To make sure you have up to date details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure the information hasn’t changed. 14

16 Mar - 10 May ‘20

Books, Bakes and Puzzles, Donnington Hall, Stockbridge Road, PO19 8QT

10am-12noon. Calling all book lovers. An opportunity to snap up some bargains and support St Wilfrid’s Hospice at the same time. Browse the vast range of books and puzzles then treat yourself to a drink and some homemade cake. Admission by donation. For more details visit www. stwh.co.uk

Wildlife Watch, Rye Harbour Discover Centre, TN31 7TT

10am-12.30pm. A chance to find out more about the natural world and the special wildlife you can find at the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. Includes games, craft and learning how to help wildlife thrive. Booking essential, charges apply. For more information visit www. sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk

Disability Family Fun Day, Splashpoint Leisure Centre, Worthing, BN11 2EN

4pm-8pm. Inflatables, mats and toys in the main pool, and a bouncy castle, puzzle room and food and refreshments available at The Coffee House. For children aged 0-18 with a disability, and their parents or carer. For more information visit www. southdownsleisure.co.uk

Family Fun, Phoenix Gallery, Brighton, BN2 9NB

11am-1pm, 2-4pm. Make your own pop-up. Looking at the latest exhibition, you’ll work together as a family to create individual take-home responses to the vibrant art and ideas in the gallery. Free, drop-in. For families with children age 5-14. For more information visit www. phoenixbrighton.org

Sat 4 – Sun 5 Apr

Combat at the Castle, Arundel Castle, BN18 9PA 10am-3.30pm. See and hear how Robert de Belleme, Earl of Arundel, trained his soldiers in preparation for what was to be the first siege of the castle in 1102.You can also learn about the clothing worn in the 12th century. For more information visit www.arundelcastle.org

Sat 4 – Mon 13 Apr

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt, Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters, East Dean, BN20 0AB

10am-3.30pm. Stride out into the wild on this family outdoor exploration and become immersed in nature. Head out from the base unit, follow the clues then head back for your chocolate prize. Drop-in, charges apply. For more details visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/birling-gapand-the-seven-sisters

“

for giant yellow ducks! Look out for the EGGStraordinary Trolley roaming the grounds for hands-on fun with eggs and nests. For more details visit www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/ arundel

I saw your event in Primary Times.... Please mention you Easter at the Museum, Weald saw the event listed in & Downland Living Museum, PO18 0EU Primary Times

”

Sat 4 – Sun 19 Apr

The Big Easter Challenge, Phileas Fogg’s World of Adventures, Brighton, BN1 8AF

Enjoy some family time this Easter. Work through the challenge together by playing games and collecting gold eggs to be exchanged for a chocolate treat. Amazing fun for adults and kids alike. For more www. excellentexperiences.co.uk

Easter Egg Trail, Animazing at The Pavilion, Eastbourne, BN22 7AQ

Find the Easter eggs hiding in the exhibition and unscramble the secret word. Learn how children’s TV is made, try being a puppeteer, animator or presenter. Become a half-giant at the magic table and step into another world in the green screen studio. Charges apply. For more information visit www.animazingtv.co.uk

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt, Alfriston Clergy House, Polegate, BN26 5TL

10.30am-4.30pm. Look for Easter eggs around the garden and find out about the children that lived in the Clergy House a long time ago. Charges apply. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ alfriston-clergy-house

Easter Fun, Sharnfold Farm, Eastbourne, BN24 5BU

Pick up an activity sheet (charges apply) and complete it to receive a prize. There will also be lamb feeding. For more information visit www. visiteastbourne.com

Gruffalo Adventures, Wakehurst Place, RH17 6TN

10am-4pm. Explore Wakehurst’s deep dark wood as you follow the Gruffalo woodland trail, go on a Gruffalo Easter egg hunt and dissect real owl pellets to find out what they’ve been eating. Drop-in, charges apply. For more information visit www.kew.org/ wakehurst

Bertram Bunny’s Easter Pirate Adventure, Borde Hill Garden, Haywards Heath, RH16 1XP

Join Bertram Bunny on this fantasy ‘Easter Island’ adventure, seeking out the treasure hidden by Jumping Jack Bunny returned from the high seas. Find all the treasures and solve some puzzles along the way to receive a chocolate treat. For more information visit www.bordehill.co.uk

10.30am-6pm. Try craft activities and play traditional games.You can also see the heavy horses as well as Southdown lambs, sheep and other traditional farm animals. 10-13 Apr experience traditional Easter preparations and celebrations beginning with the Good Friday bake in the Winkhurst Tudor kitchen. Activities vary daily and will include egg painting and bonnet making, with and Easter bonnet parade on 13 Apr. For more information visit www. wealddown.co.uk

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt, Sheffield Park and Garden, Uckfield, TN22 3QX

10am-4pm. Join the active animals that make Sheffield Park their home on an Easter trail that’s perfect for energetic families. Then why not enjoy a family-friendly lunch in the tea room. Drop-in, charges apply. For more details visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/sheffield-park-and-garden

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt, Bodiam Castle, Nr Robertsbridge, TN32 5UA

10am-4pm. Get out and about and enjoy an Easter egg hunt. Help Princess Acorn and the Knight, Sir Oakley to spot the baby animals hidden around the castle grounds and then claim a chocolatey prize. 11am12.30pm join in one of the Easter craft activity sessions and take your very own creation home. Drop-in, charges apply. For more details visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodiamcastle

Wild Families – Easter Holiday Activities, RSPB Pulborough Brooks, Wiggonholt, RH20 2EL 9.30am-5pm. Follow the springtime wildlife quiz trail and try the wild challenge activities to help you get up close and personal with some wonderful wildlife. Drop-in, charges apply. For more information visit www.rspb.org.uk/PTPul

Easter Egg Hunt and Crafts, Bateman’s, Burwash, TN19 7DS

10am-4pm. This year’s trail is inspired by ‘The Glory of the Garden’, one of Kipling’s poems. The hunt will lead you through the garden to find clues to complete the puzzle and win a delicious Cadbury chocolate treat. After the trail why not enjoy some spring flower crafts in the beautiful spring garden. Charges apply for both activities, drop-in. For more details visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ batemans

Easter Duck Quest, Arundel WWT Centre, BN18 9PB

Pick up a trail card and find out lots of weird and wonderful facts about the real-life ducks while searching

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 22...

Spring Adventures Fun Days Out with the Family

Spring has sprung at National Trust places nearby including Bateman’s, Sheffield Park and Garden and Bodiam Castle, with endless adventures in the great outdoors for your family. Challenge little legs to navigate winding woodland paths, under towering trees flushed green with fresh leaves. Look closer to catch the twitch of a wing or a fleeting, furry tail as nature emerges from a long slumber. Be first to count the colours of delicate buds in gardens about to burst into bloom. Or shed the winter layers running wild with friends in a natural play space. And in the Easter holidays, beat the Bank Holiday crowds with Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts on for the whole of the school break. Become a nature detective and solve the clues, then finish your adventure with a chocolate treat from Cadbury.

Animazing at Eastbourne Pavilion

A fascinating free exhibition, celebrating the story of children’s television, returns to Eastbourne Pavilion for a second instalment from 29 March. The free exhibition, Animazing, showcases a range of nostalgic childhood TV favourites across 70 years with characters such as Muffin the Mule, Sooty & Sweep, Morph, The Thunderbirds and Wallace & Gromit. Budding puppeteers can try their hand at bringing the characters to life, making sound effects, creating stop-motion animation and even presenting their own TV show. Visitors can discover some of the visual tricks of the trade as well as recreating a flying scene using a green screen studio projection. For more information, visit www.animazingtv.co.uk.

National Trust in East Sussex

Wherever you choose, find family-friendly facilities including babychanging and warm, welcoming cafés filled with treats for adventurers big and small. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/eastsussex for more information. Photo credit: National Trust Images/Trevor Ray Hart

Outdoor explorers made at the National Trust

nationaltrust.org.uk Follow us on Twitter - @PT_Sussex

16 Mar - 10 May ‘20

Spring Adventures

Come up Top Trumps this Easter at SEA LIFE Brighton

Calling all budding rangers - SEA LIFE Brighton is on the hunt for brave adventurers who are mad on all things marine life and a dab hand at Top Trumps challenges. This Easter, SEA LIFE Brighton will be welcoming back the Jawsome Sharks and Friends quest to help Professor Finn find the missing Top Trumps cards. Find the concealed cards around the centre and claim your special prize. After that, why not pit your wits with the SEA LIFE Hosts to see who will be crowned champion in a game of creature Top Trumps. Jawsome Sharks in association with Top Trumps will be running until 19 April. From 25 April to 31 May, Romeo, Luna Girl and Ninjalino will take over SEA LIFE Brighton, causing marine mayhem. Help the PJ Masks defeat the night-time baddies and restore the aquarium back to its peaceful state. Follow the interactive trail, find five action pods hidden around the centre and receive an amazing reward. Also coming to the centre this May, SEA LIFE Brighton will be welcoming some very special, mythical creatures to the aquarium. Grab your magical mermaid moment only at SEA LIFE Brighton. For more information and to book, visit www.visitsealife.com. Book online and in advance to save up to 30%.

Hop into Easter Fun at Hever Castle

Family fun at Hever Castle and Gardens throughout the Easter holidays promises to put a spring in your step. Hunt for the colourful carrots and the Hever bunny in their fun free Easter trail, or take part in an Easter egg hunt in the grounds. Each child will receive a choco-

late for completing the trail and a mini chocolate egg for each Easter egg they find. Take part in an Easter themed trail in the Castle to learn about creatures that hatch and create an egg-shaped decoration to hang on Hever’s Easter tree. Visitors aged 7 to 14 can explore the Tudor Towers adventure playground with its own moat, drawbridge and three turrets. It features three slides and two poles and lots of interactive elements including musical instruments, a maze and hidden boxes to find. Under 7s can enjoy the natural play area, Acorn Dell, with its twometre-high living willow structure, a giant sandpit, a mound with tunnels to clamber in and a climbing frame. Challenge yourself in the Yew Maze and see how long it takes you to find the way out and try not to get wet in the Water Maze.Visitors can then round off the day with seasonal home cooked food and mouth-watering cakes in the restaurant. Easter activities will be running at Hever Castle from 2 to 19 April. For more information, visit www.hevercastle.co.uk. Photo credit: Hever Castle & Gardens

Forest School Activity Cards

As a parent, it is hard to ignore the statistics on growing obesity and mental health issues in children. With the omnipresence of social media and growing exam pressures adding new concerns in children’s physical and mental health, many parents are looking for new ways to raise children. Forest Schools actively combat the statistics, encouraging child-led, nature-centred activities to equip children with confidence, self-esteem, life and social skills. Qualified and experienced Forest School leaders, Jane Worroll and Peter Houghton, have created the first ever Forest School Activity Cards. These portable and robust cards are perfect for use in any weather, come rain or shine.

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This voucher entitles the owner to 50% off for up to 5 people the on the day prices Adult £20.50 Child £15.00. 2. Adult price 15+ years, Child price 3 - 14 years, under 3s are FREE 3. This voucher is not valid for use in conjunction with any other offer, discount, concession, online discount or call centre booking. 4. This voucher has no cash value and sale is not permitted. Any attempt to sell this voucher will render it void. 5. This voucher is valid until 10/05/2020 6. This voucher remains the property of Merlin Entertainments who reserve the right to take possession of this voucher at any time. 7. This voucher must be presented and surrendered at the time of ticket purchase 8. No photocopies accepted 9. To use this voucher online go to visitsealife.com/brighton/promotions/ and select ‘Get Offer’ , then when prompted enter the promotional code : PTJAW20 into the promotional code box. 10. This voucher can be used online (as per point 9 ) or at the centre on presentation of this advert.

16 Mar - 10 May ‘20

Big Easter Challenge at Phileas Fogg’s

Voted Best Tourist Attraction in Sussex at the Sussex Business Awards 2019, Easter at Phileas Fogg’s World of Adventures couldn’t be more fun and exciting, with their seasonal Big Easter Challenge. The Crystal Maze type experience is bursting at the seams with fun challenges since the introduction of even more games this March. As a special treat for Easter, they have swapped their winning stars for golden eggs that can be exchanged for chocolate treats at the end. Who doesn’t love chocolate? The challenges are recommended for ages 7+ but with a minimum of three group challenges in every room there really is something for everyone. So, bring nan, grandad, mum, dad, brothers, sisters or friends down to play this Easter Half Term. If you’re feeling even braver, why not try their brand new Become the Detective, Jack the Ripper Challenge? You will step into a real-life game of Cluedo to help the detective work out the real identity of Jack the Ripper. To find out more information or to book tickets go to www.phileasfoggs. co.uk or call one of their booking agents on 01273 007 799.

SPRINGING INTO EASTER 10th - 13th April 2020 Springtime themed bunny hunt and nature trails for children. All day travel is included in the ticket price. Hop on and off at each of our stations as much as you like throughout the day.

Locomotive Fun with Bluebell Railway

Want to drive a steam engine? Have a go on the Stepney locomotive driving experience in SteamWorks at the Bluebell Railway’s Sheffield Park Station. Learn the science and stories behind steam in their hands-on exhibition, set among some of their fabulous collection of locomotives in the running shed. Visit the museum where you can be told the story of the railways through a stunning collection of artefacts, display panels and videos. Visitors are invited to pull a signal lever in the Victorian signal box and children can take part in a quiz to win a badge. Love soft play? A railway van, which once moved elephants belonging to Billy Smart’s Circus from town to town, now provides undercover soft play for little ones. It is full of wonderful activities. Look out for it at Horsted Keynes Station. You’ll struggle to miss it – it’s bright red! Stop at Kingscote and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere, interrupted only by the laughter of children playing in the picnic area and playground. The Bluebell Railway is a familyfriendly visitor attraction running steam trains between Sheffield Park and East Grinstead. Not only do they run special events across the year, but they also have plenty of activities and facilities for children to enjoy at their stations. Plus, Blue Peter badge holders with a valid badge card are eligible for free one-day unlimited travel. Advance booking discounts are available online. For more information, visit www.bluebell-railway.com.

Spring Adventures

Playing and learning are effortlessly combined in this set. The unique card deck combines all the favourite activities from the previous books, Play the Forest School Way and A Year of Forest School. For extra convenience and suggested structure, the deck is split into four suits - team games, forest craft, nature spotlight and survival skills. Whether you are new to Forest School activities or a long-time fan, these cards are the perfect addition to any family, classroom or group this spring, offering endless outdoor fun that fits into your pocket. Forest School Activity Cards will be available on Amazon for £14.99 from 14 April. For more information, please visit www.theforestschoolway.com.

60 THINGS TO DO AT BLUEBELL RAILWAY

Collect stickers and complete fun challenges at our different stations FREE and events.

Pick up your Spring passport! Also available to download from our website.

PASSPORT

60 things to

do at 60

Steam trains between Sheffield Park & East Grinstead www.bluebell-railway.com Follow us on Twitter - @PT_Sussex

16 Mar - 10 May ‘20

Spring Adventures

The Great Vintage Model Railway Show Looking for something special to do with the family this Easter weekend? Then visit Brighton Toy and Model Museum for the Great Vintage Model Railway Show. Many of the trains on display are very rare and valuable and this popular event only happens 2 to 3 times a year, so make sure you put 11 April in your diary now. The perspex screens will come down for you to enjoy an unimpeded view of the fabulous collection of vintage ‘O’ gauge model trains and hear them go as they make their way around the tracks. There are lots of other activities in the museum too, including the popular ‘Lego minifigure’ trail, buttons to press and vintage penny arcade machines. While you’re there, see over 10,000 toys from the late 19th to the mid-20th century, including gauge model railways, Lego, Steiff bears and lots more. It’s a great day for all the family. The Brighton Toy Museum is open every Tuesday to Saturday. For more information visit www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk or call 01273 749 494. Present the advert to get 10% off admission (valid until the end of September. Promotions cannot be combined).

May Fair at Horam Manor Farm

Enjoy a day in the countryside at Horam Manor Farm on Sunday 10 May. Tucked away behind the housing estate and beyond the Horam Village Hall, this is a delightful place to visit with a café, studios and restored Cartlodge venue to hire. There’s plenty happening at the annual May Fair event with quality

16 Mar - 10 May ‘20

stalls to browse, BBQ, prebooking for tile decoration at The Little White Studio plus open workshops where you can watch and try your hand at traditional skills. For children there are circus skills to be learned, a performance to watch, pony rides, bouncy castle and much more. The woodlands are beautiful at this time of year, so explore the nature trails and ponds - or try your hand at fishing. Finally, don’t forget to visit the goats, Bill, Ben and Eliza, who just love a bit of attention. For more details visit www.horammanorfarm.co.uk or Horam Manor Farm Facebook page, email thecartlodge@gmail. com or call 07730 277 118.

Let Imaginations Take Off this Easter

Take to the skies for high adventures in the British Airways i360 futuristic glass viewing pod this Easter and let the kids take in the amazing sights of Brighton and the South Downs from the clouds. Find out how British Airways i360 was built in the free exhibition before boarding the BA i360 pod which glides 450ft into the sky. Pick up a kids’ activity sheet and complete onboard for a chance to win a return family flight and Easter Egg. To enter, simply complete the activity sheet and entry form, then hand it to the guest experience team. The prize consists of a free return flight for up to two adults and two children and two Easter Eggs. Can you find the egg hidden at the BA i360, as part of the Brighton Charity Egg Hunt? Once found, text the code to 70201. Entry is just £1 with all proceeds going to Chestnut Tree House and Albion in the Community.

Spring Adventures

25 YEARS

THE OBSERVATORY SCIENCE CENTRE

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Once landed, browse the beachside shop and discover the range of unique products and children’s toys, many of which have been created by local artists and makers from around Sussex. Alternatively, stop for a bite to eat at the West Beach Bar and Kitchen or Café and treat the kids to a fresh, balanced meal from The Little Beachcombers menu. Kids fly from just £7.40 when booking online (10% off) and under 4s fly for free. There are lots of family-friendly offers available including the Brighton Explorer Pass and half-price flights for Resident Members. To find out about the Brighton Egg Hunt, what activities are on at the BA i360 and to book tickets or simply find out about savings, visit www.britishairwaysi360.com.

Over 10,000 toys dating from the mid-C 19th to the mid-C20th including: 0 & 00 gauge model railways, Lego, Dinky, Meccano, Dolls and Dollhouses, Pelham Puppets, Steiff bears and lots more! There’s something for the whole family to enjoy! Present this advert to get 10% off admission - valid until the end of Sept. 2020. Promotions cannot be combined.

Open Tuesday - Saturday 52-55 Trafalgar St, Brighton. BN1 4EB 01273 749494 Registered Charity No. 1001560

www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk

i360 Viewing Tower Brighton’s best views

16 Mar - 10 May ‘20

Spring Adventures

Hastings Adventure Golf

Go along and be a nutter with a putter at Hastings Adventure Golf, open every day come rain or shine. It’s a game that anyone from 4 to 94 can play. There are 3 championship courses each with their own unique themes and obstacles. Why not take on the exploding cannon fire on the Pirate course? Just be aware of the voices lurking in the bushes. The unforgiving spitting tikis on the Adventure course just love to try and get you wet. Have they got you in their sights? The iconic Crazy course is not to be forgotten. Can you beat the windmill? The World Crazy Golf Championships are held in June each year on this course, could it be you lifting the trophy this year? If you survive the first 18 holes there are 2 talk holes to finish that offer some ‘advice’ on your game. Beat them and you win a free round! There isn’t just crazy golf though. Hastings Adventure Golf offers so much more for a great day out. The site is home to delicious fish and chips, which are cooked to order the traditional way. There are two ice cream kiosks, a café with indoor and outdoor seating, street food huts selling pizza, burgers and doughnuts. Not to mention the homemade gelato ice cream that is made right on site. For more information, visit www.hastingsadventuregolf.com

Spring Activities at Buzz Active

Buzz Active offers a range of weekend, evening and school holiday activity sessions, courses and regular participations clubs across its sites for ages 6+ on water and on land. There is a great range of activities on offer across the three sites. At their Eastbourne site on Royal Parade, Buzz has a clubhouse right on the beach. They offer Royal Yachting accredited sailing and a windsurfing club which runs Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings during the season. Taster sessions and courses are also available at weekends. Skills courses and multi-activity courses are also available in the week during school holidays. At the Cuckmere site in the beautiful Seven Sisters Country Park, Buzz has a boathouse and activity centre right on the water’s edge. They offer a variety of paddle sport based courses for juniors on the meanders, including British Canoeing paddle awards, stand up paddle boarding tasters and multiactivity sessions during school holidays and at weekends. New for this year, Buzz is launching a brand new junior paddle sport club. The club will be running sessions from early April from 9am to 12noon and from late April, on Saturday and Tuesday evenings from 6 to 8pm. At their Bushy Wood location, they offer forest adventure days on Fridays in the school holidays, which include climbing, archery, team games, and bush craft in the beautiful setting of the Bushy Wood Scout camp on the A22 near Hailsham. For more information, visit www.buzzactive.org.uk.

Make Wild Memories at Wakehurst this Spring

Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanical garden in Sussex, is home to over 500 acres to explore. Don’t miss the carpets of bluebells, their rare rhododendrons bursting into bloom and the Water Gardens, awash with magnificent magnolias and the shades of spring. Little ones can be Wakehurst Explorers for the day and embark on an intrepid journey through the gardens. Become a Wildlife Detective with the Explorer Rucksacks or slip on a lab coat and join the scientists for fun-filled experiments and more in the Kew Science Festival, running from 23 to 24 May. Visitors can also cook up some mud pies in the Children’s Heritage Garden, open daily from 4 April. Grow sunflowers in the Potting Shed and dig for vegetables in the Kitchen Garden. Alternatively, take a stroll in Kew’s deep, dark woods as the Gruffalo Adventures come to Wakehurst from 4 to 19 April. Follow the Gruffalo woodland trail and embark on a Gruffalo Easter egg hunt. Looking ahead, the Kew Science Festival over half term between 23 and 24 May will give children the opportunity to join Kew’s scientists at Wakehurst for fun-filled experiments and more. Roll up your sleeves, grab a lab coat and become a Kew scientist for the day! Wakehurst is open daily from 10am. For more information, visit www.kew.org/wakehurst. Photo credit: RBG Kew/Jim Holden

Easter half term and summer holiday activities

Eastbourne:

Cuckmere:

- sailing & windsurfing tasters and courses - mixed activity clubs

- mixed activity clubs

Bushy Wood; - forest adventure days with climbing, archery, team games and more!

16 Mar - 10 May ‘20

- adventure course

T: 01323 417023 buzzactive.org.uk

- kayaking & stand up paddle boarding tasters and courses

E: info @buzzactive.org.uk

Spring Adventures

Fun at Paradise Park

Paradise Park provides the perfect day out for the whole family. The Planet Earth Museum is one of the finest exhibitions of its type in the country and traces the history of life from millions of years ago. Enter the plant houses under a full-size replica of the Iguanodon fossil, discovered in the Sussex Weald in 1834. Then visit the beautiful collection of colourful koi carp in their Oriental Garden. Experience the sights and sounds of prehistoric times on the Dinosaur Safari, try your luck at Crazy Golf and wander through the gardens with waterfalls, small lakes and fountains that make up some of the finest gardens in Sussex. Follow the Sussex History Trail – a collection of hand-crafted models of Sussex landmarks that will remind you of their exciting past. A miniature railway carries passengers around the gardens. Climb Tyrannosaurus Towers and then experience the Triassic Treetops Adventure Play. Climb the netted walkways through the trees and slide the spiral slide to discover the tunnels below. Enjoy the indoor play area, crammed with brightly coloured tubes, tunnels and slides. There are regular competitions and events in the school holidays to keep children entertained. For more information, visit www.paradisepark.co.uk.

Stroll through the deep dark wood this Easter 4 – 19 April

Join our Gruffalo Easter egg hunt

The Gruffalo

adventures

For details visit kew.org/wakehurst

16 Mar - 10 May ‘20

What’s On

More What’s On

Your family diary for March, April & May Mon 6 Apr

April Sun 5 Apr

Easter Fete and Egg Hunt, Muma Nurture, Eastbourne, BN21 3AW

12.30-2.30pm. A couple of Easter themed hours of fun for you and the little ones to raise money for a fantastic cause. There’ll be some fantastic prizes in the Easter egg hunt as well as eggs. Charges apply. For more information and to buy a ticket visit www.onlineticketseller.com

Blackdown Kids’ Challenge, Fernhurst Recreation Ground, GU27 3DY

10-10.30am. Whilst the adults take on their own 5k run there will be a family orientated Kid’s Challenge - a family run a couple of times around Fernhurst Recreation Ground. The event is to support Pavilion2022. For more information and to register visit www.southdowns.gov.uk

Celebration Sunday, The Observatory Science Centre, Hailsham, BN27 1RN

(Also 3 May). 11am-4pm. Part of a series of events to celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Observatory Science Centre. There will be different themes and activities, all showcasing just how much fun science is. For more information visit www.the-observatory.org

Springtime Studio, De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill, TN40 1DP 2-6pm. Drop-in with creative seasonal activities for all, with DLWP staff and volunteers. Charges apply. Suitable for all ages. For more information visit www.dlwp.com

Seven Wonders of The Solar System, South Downs Planetarium, Chichester, PO19 8RP 3.30pm. A flight of fancy to explore our planetary neighbours. From the searing surface of our Sun, head past Earth then on to some quite remarkable Moons of Jupiter and beyond. Booking essential. Ages 6+. For more details and to book visit www.southdowns.org.uk

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance. To make sure you have up to date details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure the information hasn’t changed. 22

16 Mar - 10 May ‘20

Wild Families – Pondemonium, RSPB Pulborough Brooks, Wiggonholt, RH20 2EL

(Also 17 Apr). 10.30am-12noon. Meet some of the wonderful creatures who lurk in the watery depths of the ponds (with the help of a net.). Drop-in, charges apply. For more information visit www.rspb.org.uk/ PTPul

Morning Explorer: Herbs and Spices, Lewes Castle, BN7 1YE

10-11am. A special time for families with additional needs. The morning includes a story, with special tactile objects to feel and scents to inhale, plus audio-described tours. For more information visit www.sussexpast. co.uk

Easter: Make at the Museum, Hove Museum and Art Gallery, Hove, BN3 4AB (Also 9, 16 Apr). 10am-12.30pm. Make bonnets, bunnies and eggs galore in this fun craft workshop. There are two sessions per day. Advance booking advisable. For more information and to book visit www. brightonmuseums.org.uk

Jaws ‘n’ Claws, Booth Museum of Natural History, Brighton, BN1 5AA

10.30am-4pm. Meet Phil and his amazing menagerie of animals including snakes, lizards and giant bugs. Booking essential (03000 290 902 or visitor.services@brightonhove.gov.uk). Charges apply. For more information visit www. brightonmuseums.org.uk/booth

Children’s Wipe Out Zone, Aldingbourne Country Centre, Chichester, PO18 0JP

10am-4pm. There will be two arenas – the first is simple, run in one end and out the other by jumping from platform to platform. Then work your way through an inflatable course with obstacles in the way. Ages 2-8. For more information visit www. aldingbournetrust.co.uk

Roamin’ Roman Rabbits!, Fishbourne Roman Palace, Chichester, PO19 3QR

10am-4pm. Join in the Easter fun at the site of Britain’s first rabbits. Follow the rabbit trail around the Palace grounds and join in springtime crafts. Don’t miss the story of Fishbourne’s own rabbit, Patch, who travelled all the way from Ancient Rome. For more details visit www. sussexpast.co.uk

Mon 6 – Thurs 9 Apr

Holiday Club, Sew Fabulous, Brighton Open Market, BN1 4JU

Morning sessions age 8+. Activities will include sewing and textiles, designing and making mood boards and more. Lots of free places for

“

Tues 7 Apr

Pop Up Spring, Worthing I saw your Museum, BN11 1HP event in 10.30am-12noon. Make colourful Primary Times.... and surprising pop up cards for your friends and family. Be inspired Please mention you by examples and then use a mix of saw the event listed in materials to create something new. Ages 7-12. Booking essential. For Primary Times

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low income families available. To preregister and for more information email contact@sew-fabulous.org with ‘School Holiday Clubs’ in the heading.

Leap Then Look Easter School, Phoenix Gallery, Brighton, BN2 9NB 9am-5pm. Work with professional artists using exciting and unconventional approaches, including object making, performance, installation, film and more. Workshop focus is working together and experimentation. Booking essential, charges apply. Ages 7-14. For more details visit www.phoenixbrighton. org

Adventures in Wonderland, Millbrook Garden Centre, Crowborough, TN6 3RJ

Plenty of Alice-inspired make-andtake workshops and Mad Hatter Magic Shows. Mon – make a teacup bird feeder, Tues – decorate a clay pot and add a plant, Wed – paint a toadstool house, Thurs – enjoy Mad Hatter Magic Shows. Booking essential, charges apply. For more details visit www.millbrookgc.co.uk

Easter Holiday Activities, Claremont School, St Leonards on Sea, TN37 7PW (Also 14-17 Apr). 8.30am to 4.30pm. From exploring the 125 acres of grounds, playing sports, swimming in the large, heated outdoor pool, building dens and discovering nature to taking part in creative sessions, there is fun for everyone! For more information visit www. claremontschool.co.uk

Mon 6 – Mon 13 Apr

Easter, Blackberry Farm Park, Lewes, BN8 6JD

Cracking Easter family fun. All the usual activities such as animal handling, pony rides, tractor rides and barrel bug, plus egg hunts, lamb bottle feeding, hold a chick, crafts and face painting. For more information visit www.blackberry-farm.co.uk

Mon 6 – Fri 17 Apr

Easter Fun, Squires Garden Centre, Crawley RH11 8PL and Washington RH20 3BP

Plant a pretty container with colourful plants and decorate it with Easter stickers, then take it home or give it as an Easter gift. Then join in the Bunny Hunt, find clues to the magic word to receive a chocolate pizza slice! Charges apply, drop-in. For more details visit www. squiresgardencentres.co.uk

more details and to book visit www. worthingmuseum.co.uk

Amazing April, Tuppenny Barn, Southbourne, PO10 8EZ

10am-12noon. A scavenger hunt is on the cards, and creating a stick loom. Seasonal foraging and cooking will follow. Includes homemade refreshments. Ages 5+. Booking essential, charges apply. For more information visit www.tuppennybarn. co.uk

Astronaut Academy, The Observatory Science Centre, Hailsham, BN27 1RN

(Also 11 Apr). 10.30am-1pm, 2-4.30pm. Discover what it takes to become an astronaut. Investigate with some exciting activities to help you discover the challenges faced when reaching space. Booking essential, charges apply. Ages 6-8. For more details and to book visit www.theobservatory.org

Flowers and Fleece, Anne of Cleves House, Lewes, BN7 1JA 1-4pm. Drop into the house during the afternoon for some drawing and making activities with a springtime theme. For more information visit www.sussexpast.co.uk

All Aboard A Tour of The Planets, South Downs Planetarium, Chichester, PO19 8RP

(Also 13 Apr). From hot little Mercury, past cloud-covered Venus, Earth and Mars, you’ll head for the outer planets. Through the rocky reaches of the Asteroid Belt, past giant Jupiter, to Neptune and beyond. Ages 6+. For more details and to book visit www.southdowns.org.uk

First Class Falconry Day, Aldingbourne Country Centre, Chichester, PO18 0JP 10am-4pm. Enjoy this falconry event, which gives you the opportunity to learn all about the birds of prey and watch some spectacular falconry shows. Drop-in. For more information visit www. aldingbournetrust.co.uk

Exoplanets, Distant Worlds Alien Life?, South Downs Planetarium, Chichester, PO19 8RP

Recent advances in technology have enabled the discover of new planets in orbit around stars beyond our Sun. Could some of them carry forms of life? What would this alien life be like? Ages 6+. For more details and to book visit www.southdowns.org.uk

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 24...

Competitions

Competitions Win Tickets for Paws in the Park Spring Show

Win Tickets to Milkshake! Live at White Rock Theatre

Paws in the Park, the show for all working, trained and pet dogs, is returning to the South of England Showground, Ardingly on 16 and 17 May. Paws in the Park is a brilliant day out for all the family and provides endless activities for dogs to enjoy with their owners. There is also shopping, food, camping and all-day entertainment including the K9 Aquazone featuring Dash ‘n’ Splash and doggy water sports. The show is open on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 May. Advanced ticket prices start at £9 for children and £12 for adults and can be purchased online at www.pawsinthepark.net or on the gate. MDS Shows have teamed up with Primary Times magazine to give away ten family tickets to Paws in the Park Spring Show. For your chance to win, tell us in which zone dogs can compete in doggy water sports. See below for details of how to enter.

Shaking things up on the East Sussex coast this June, Milkshake! returns to Hastings White Rock Theatre with a brand new show for 2020. Milkshake Monkey can’t wait to put on a spectacular new musical for you all. When stage fright hits, his Milkshake friends come to help, creating the most dazzling show you have ever seen. Be part of this fantastic production as you learn the amazing songs and dances. Watch as the music, the lights, the costumes and stage come together. With great Milkshake friends, anything is possible. Starring Fireman Sam, Noddy, Shimmer & Shine, Digby Dragon, Wissper, Nella the Princess Knight and the Floogals, alongside two Milkshake! presenters, this brand-new show has plenty of laughter, audience interaction and great fun to get everyone up on their feet. For your chance to win a family ticket to see Milkshake! Live at Hastings White Rock, tell us who is your favourite Milkshake! character? See below for details of how to enter.

Win an Exclusive Spy Bundle with MY SPY

Win a Copy of Find the Spy

To celebrate the UK release of MY SPY starring Dave Bautista, Chloe Coleman, Kristen Schaal and Ken Jeong, we are thrilled to be hosting a competition to win an exclusive MY SPY prize bundle including a hoodie, a special spy pen, a notebook and a portable power pack. JJ, a hardened CIA operative, finds himself at the mercy of a precocious 9 year old girl, having been sent undercover to surveil her family. Despite his reluctance, JJ finds he is no match for Sophie’s disarming charm and wit. The family comedy MY SPY is out in cinemas now. For your chance to win this great prize, tell us how old the junior spy is. See below for details of how to enter. To

Find the Spy by Zoë Armstrong and Shelly Laslo, published by Puffin on 19 March, is a fascinating introduction to the world of spies. Discover the true stories of eight spies: one who crawled across the rooftops of Paris, one who hid secrets in her wooden leg, and even the grandma-nextdoor who turned out to be a spy. With eight fiendish spotting scenes, only the most cunning reader will be able to find the real-life spies hidden throughout this book. Learn top-secret skills such as the art of disguise, coding secret messages and writing in invisible ink. This Easter, Imperial War Museum London will be putting the kids through their paces with a secret agent crash course, inspired by real life spies. This free family event is taking place on 4 and 5 April between 11am and 4pm. Assemble at 11am either day for your secret mission. For more information, visit www.iwm.org.uk. For your chance to win a copy of Find the Spy, tell us where the secret agent crash course is being held. See below for details of how to enter.

enter any of the competitions send your answer along with your name, age, school, address and phone number to Primary Times, 7 Southbrook Mews, London, SE12 8LG. Don’t forget to include the name of the competition. Alternatively email your answer and details to

competitions@primarytimes.biz with the competition name as the subject by Friday 24 April 2020. If you are entering more than one competition you can put all entries in the same envelope.

16 Mar - 10 May ‘20

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary for March, April & May

April Tues 7 – Wed 8 Apr

Animal, Vegetable or Mineral?, Booth Museum of Natural History, Brighton, BN1 5AA

(Also 14-15 Apr). 10.30-11.30am. Drop-in and take a closer look at an object from the collections. Chat to the museum staff about the item they’ve chosen, hear its story and share what you know too. Drop-in, all ages. For more information visit www.brightonmuseums.org.uk/booth

Wed 8 Apr

Be A Calligrapher, Pallant House Gallery, Chichester, PO19 1TJ

10.30am-3.30pm. The magic of modern calligraphy is that it doesn’t need to be perfect, so everyone will get awesome results and take home stunning artworks to inspire them to keep writing beautifully. Ages 8-15. Booking essential, charges apply. For more details visit www.pallant.org.uk

Rocket Science, The Observatory Science Centre, Hailsham, BN27 1RN

10.30am-1pm, 2-4.30pm. How does a huge rocket get off the ground? Why does it ‘break up’ and where do the astronauts sit? Find out in this fun workshop. Build and launch a water rocket too. Ages 6-8. Booking essential, charges apply. For more details and to book visit www.theobservatory.org

Museum Lab, Brighton Museum, BN1 1EE

(Also 15 Apr). 10am-4pm. Dropin during the school holidays for portrait drawing activities in the Museum Lab. For more information visit www.brightonmuseums.org.uk

The Easter Full Moon, South Downs Planetarium, Chichester, PO19 8RP

The Moon is our nearest neighbour, and many people don’t realise what a fascinating world it is. Its phases are also linked to the date of Easter, although not in a simple way. Ages 6+. For more details and to book visit www.southdowns.org.uk

Wild Woodies Spring Holiday Club, Woods Mill, Henfield, BN5 9SD

10am-3pm. Explore the exciting world of minibeasts. Use a net to dive into the watery depths of the pond in search of water boatmen and newt tadpoles and learn about moths as you open up the moth trap. Booking essential, charges apply. For more information visit www. sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk

16 Mar - 10 May ‘20

Wild Families – Wild Wednesday, RSPB Pulborough Brooks, Wiggonholt, RH20 2EL (Also 16 Apr). 10.30am-12noon. A special activity for families.You could be ditch dipping, hunting for minibeasts or going on a snake hunt. Drop-in, charges apply. For more information visit www.rspb.org.uk/ PTPul

The Secret Life of Pets 2, Ropetackle Arts Centre, Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 5EG 2pm. Follow the secret life of Max the terrier and his pet friends after their owners leave them each day for work or school. Charges apply. For more information visit www. ropetacklecentre.co.uk

Easter Out and About, Mewsbrook Park, Rustington, BN16 2LX 10am-12noon. Eggciting fun to be had as part of Littlehampton Town Council’s Easter Holiday park sessions. A morning of energyexpending enjoyment. Free. Ages 3-11. For more information visit www.visitlittlehampton.co.uk

Thurs 9 Apr

Foam Party, Aldingbourne Country Centre, Chichester, PO18 0JP

(Also 17 Apr). Foam Party days are returning for Easter 2020. Join in for some fabulous foamy fun with music and dancing in the giant foam pit. For more information visit www. aldingbournetrust.co.uk

Make a Bracelet, Worthing Museum, BN11 1HP

10.30am-12noon. Design and create colourful bracelets for yourself and your friends using paper rolled beads, string, thread and paper. Learn a new craft that you can take away with you. Ages 7-12. Booking essential, charges apply. For more information visit www.worthingmuseum.co.uk

Eggstraordinary Birds!, RSPB Pagham Harbour, Sidlesham, PO20 7NE

10.30am-12.30pm. Birds are experts at making nests and lay beautiful eggs. Create your own nest and lovely egg while learning more about how the birds produce these wonders

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance. To make sure you have up to date details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure the information hasn’t changed.

“

I saw your event in Primary Times.... Please mention you saw the event listed in Primary Times

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of nature. Booking essential, charges apply. For more information visit www.rspb.org.uk/PTPag

Be a Puppeteer, Pallant House Gallery, Chichester, PO19 1TJ 10.30am-3.30pm. Animate real puppets and then create your own to take home. The workshop will be led by professional artist educators. Ages 6+. Booking essential, charges apply. For more information visit www. pallant.org.uk

Moon Watch, The Observatory Science Centre, Hailsham, BN27 1RN

10.30am-1pm, 2-4.30pm. Learn all about the features of the Moon through fun interactive activities. Make your own Moon model and create some fantastically messy craters. Booking essential, charges apply. Ages 6-8. For more information and to book visit www.the-observatory.org

Digging for Treasure, Lewes Castle, BN7 1YE

10.30am-3.30pm. Have a go at being an archaeologist. Try some digging, handle some artefacts, do a drawing and then make your own treasure. Ages 4-8. Booking essential (01273 486 290), charges apply. For more information and visit www.sussexpast. co.uk

Archaeology Gallery, Brighton Museum, BN1 1EE (Also 16 Apr). 10am-4pm.Visit the Archaeology Gallery for some ‘meet your ancestors’ activities. Drop-in. For more information visit www. brightonmuseums.org.uk

Rosemead Park Easter Out and About, Littlehampton, BN17 6UH Littlehampton Town Council’s Easter Holiday park session, with lots of eggciting fun to be had. A morning of energy-expending enjoyment. Ages 3-11. Free. For more information visit www.visitlittlehampton.co.uk

Easter Treasure Trail, Rye Harbour Information Centre, TN31 7TX

10am-3pm. Pick up your trail sheet and follow the clues to answer the questions, looking for wildlife along the way. Suitable for accompanied children of all ages. Drop-in event, charges apply. For more information visit www.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk

Thurs 9 Apr – Sun 17 May

Bluebell Walk, Arlington Bluebell Walk and Farm Shop, Polegate, BN26 6SH

10am-5pm. Enjoy one of the walks to see the bluebells, and complete the quiz sheet (collect from the Gate House) on your way round. Post your

completed quiz into the box and wait to see if you’ve won a prize. Also, visit the petting corner. For more information visit www.bluebellwalk. co.uk

Fri 10 Apr

Annual Battle Marbles Match and Easter Bonnet Parade, Battle Abbey Green, TN33 0AD Local teams compete to win both the marbles and fancy dress competition. ‘Flick-off’ at 10am, and everything will be over by lunch time. The children’s Easter Bonnet competition is at 11.30am. No entries on the day, visit website to register. For more information visit www.visit1066country.com

Family Art Friday, Worthing Museum, BN11 1HP

10.30am-12.30pm, 1.30-3.30pm. Spring has sprung all around, so make some bird crafts, bird boxes, bee hotels, pipe cleaner art and a few more activities using recycled materials. All ages. Drop-in. For more information visit www. worthingmuseum.co.uk

The Night Sky This Easter, South Downs Planetarium, Chichester, PO19 8RP

We are often treated to clear, crisp nights over the Easter holiday period, and many people take the chance to have a look at the night sky. Enjoy a guided tour of what’s up in the starry sky at this time of the year. Ages 6+. For more details and to book visit www.southdowns.org.uk

Wild Families – Minibeast Safari, RSPB Pulborough Brooks, Wiggonholt, RH20 2EL (Also 29 May). 10.30am-12.30pm. Explore the woods and meadows and learn amazing facts about these tiny creatures. Get to know your invertebrates with a close-up view through a microscope. Also, wild art activities. Drop-in, charges apply. For more details visit www.rspb.org.uk/ PTPul

Easter Egg Hunt, Demelza Hospice, Sittingbourne, ME9 8DZ

Help Cotton Tail find his friends in the glorious Demelza gardens. Each child will receive a prize for completing the Easter Egg Hunt. With stalls and refreshments too, this makes a great family event. Charges apply, booking required. For more information and to book visit www. demelza.org.uk

Fri 10 – Mon 13 Apr

Easter Trail and Craft Activities, West Dean Gardens, PO18 0RX 9am-5pm. Follow one of the Easter themed trails for a chocolate prize. There’ll be plenty of other interactive games, arts and crafts, including painting an Easter mural and making a patterned egg decoration. Charges apply. For more information visit www.westdeangardens.org.uk

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 26...

Katie

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Word Search A H L I B R E G N M

R L K C O Y P U J D

A B MU L E L I E S M L MA I N NM G T

Y S R R H K R E O N

P K R E D C A A U E

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Can you find all these words in the word search? Rat, Chinchilla, Squirrel, Beaver, Coypu, Gerbil, Rodent, Mouse, Capybara, GuineaPig, Vole, Mara, Muskrat, Lemming

A n s w e r s

Why did the mouse stay inside? Because it was raining cats and dogs! What do rodents say when they play bingo? Eyes down for a full mouse!

Can you spot 10 differences?

What did the mouse say when his friend broke his front tooth? Hard cheese! Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s small, What goes furry and dot, dot, brilliant at dash, squeak? sword fights? Mouse code! A mouseketeer!

Why did the mouse eat a candle? For some light refreshment!

Can you draw a picture or write a poem about anything to do with mice, squirrels or other rodents. Make it as wacky and colourful as you can! Send it to us to have a chance of winning a Primary Times Tee Shirt AND seeing your prize winning entry published in the next Primary Times! Categories: ages 4-7 and 8-11 Name: Age: Address:

Postcode: School:

Send your entry together with this completed form to:

Annie's Competition, Primary Times, 7 Southbrook Mews, London, SE12 8LG or scan them both and email them to:

competitions@primarytimes.biz 24 April 2020. Good Luck!

Closing date

Quiz Corner

Help the mice get home...

What mouse was a Roman Emperor? Julius Cheeser! What kind of cheese do rodents like? Mousearella! How does a mouse feel after it takes a shower? Squeaky clean!

Did you know... All rodents have two front teeth that keep growing every day. Most rodents are small but the South American Capybara can weigh up to 115 pounds. Rodents usually only live 3-4 years. There are 56 known species of rats. Most rodents are herbivores. Rat pups can reproduce every 3 weeks.

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary for March, April & May

April Springing into Easter, Bluebell Railway, Sheffield Park Station, TN22 3QL

All day travel is included in the ticket price so you can hop on and off all day. Also, take part in a springtime themed bunny hunt and nature trails for children. For more information and to book visit www.bluebellrailway.com

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt and Egg Rolling, Devil’s Dyke, nr Brighton, BN45 8YJ

11am-3pm. Go along to Devil’s Dyke to collect your quiz sheet and map. Find the plastic eggs around the Dyke to solve the clues. All participants receive a chocolate reward. On Mon 13 (10.45am-12noon) take along your own hand-decorated hard-boiled egg and try your luck at egg rolling. The egg that gets furthest down the Dyke valley wins. Drop-in. For more details visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ devils-dyke

Fri 10 – Wed 15 Apr Circus Zyair, Brighton Racecourse, BN2 9XZ

High energy spectacle abounds as Circus Zyair presents its varied show beneath a big-top tent. A ragtag band of clowns, acrobats and jugglers plies its distinctive talents before fearless daredevils brave the high wire and wheel of death. For more details and to book visit www.circus-zyair.co.uk

Sat 11 Apr

Great Vintage Model Railway Show, Brighton Toy and Model Museum, BN1 4EB

Many of the trains on display are very rare and valuable so this popular event only happens 2-3 times a year. There are lots of other activities in the museum too – quizzes and trails for all ages to enjoy, including the ‘Lego® mini-figure’ trail. For more details visit www. brightontoymuseum.co.uk

Easter Kids Fun Day, Littlehampton High Street, BN17 5EJ

12noon-3pm. Hosted activities for children include face painting, circus skills workshop, LOCA arts chalk experience, fun musical games and a tap-dancing tutorial. Also, craft making, cupcake decorating, sand art pictures and more. For more information visit www. visitlittlehampton.co.uk

Sat 11 – Mon 13 Apr

A Call to Arms, Arundel Castle, BN18 9PA 10am-4.30pm. In 1216 King John prepares to fight a rebellion or invasion from France at Arundel Castle. A tented encampment sees demonstrations of armour, combat,

16 Mar - 10 May ‘20

archery and falconry. Also making mail armour, leather working, and cooking. For more details visit www. arundelcastle.org

Sat 11 Apr – Sun 31 May

Spring Spectacular, Standen House and Garden, East Grinstead, RH19 4NE

10am-5pm. Admire hundreds of sprig blooms across the garden at Standen from colourful bedding plants, such as forget-me-knots, to beautiful tulips. For more information visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/standen

Sun 12 Apr

Easter Eggspress, Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway, BN23 6QJ

Easter fun, with free Easter eggs for the children riding on the train (while stocks last). A fun event for all the family to enjoy. For more information visit www.visiteastbourne.com

Sun 12 – Mon 13 Apr Easter Family Fun, Herstmonceux Castle, Hailsham, BN27 1RN

10am-4pm. An ‘egg’cellent fun-filled family event with lots of activities. For more information visit www. herstmonceux-castle.com

Mon 13 Apr

Spirited Away, Towner Art Gallery, Eastbourne, BN21 4JJ 2pm. One of the most beloved of the Studio Ghibli features, Spirited Away is a magical story which enchants children and adults alike. There are very few trailers and no ads, so arrive a few minutes early to get comfortable. For more information and to book visit www. townereastbourne.org.uk

Easter Egg Hunt, Goff’s Park, Crawley, RH11 8QB

11am-1pm. Join in the Easter Egg Hunt and some art activities. Meet by the kiosk next to the pitch’n’putt. Small charge applies. For more information visit www.crawley.gov.uk

Tues 14 Apr

Creature Hunt, Worthing Museum, BN11 1HP

10.30am-12noon. Be a detective and see how many creatures you can find in the Museum. Find them painted

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance. To make sure you have up to date details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure the information hasn’t changed.

“

Wed 15 Apr

I saw your event in Primary Times.... Please mention you saw the event listed in Primary Times

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on pots, jewellery, embroidered or printed, carvings and sculptures. Make a model or drawing of your favourite. Booking essential. For more details visit www.worthingmuseum.co.uk

Amazing April, Tuppenny Barn, Southbourne, PO10 8EZ

10am-12noon. Create mini gardens to take home, then visit the Tuppenny kitchen for some cooking. Includes homemade refreshments. Ages 5+. Booking essential, charges apply. For more information visit www. tuppennybarn.co.uk

Pond Dipping and Bug Hunting, RSPB Pagham Harbour, Sidlesham, PO20 7NE

10.30am-12.30pm. As spring gets underway discover the weird and wonderful creatures that lurk in the depths of the lovely pond and live in the Discovery Zone. Booking essential, charges apply. For more information visit www.rspb.org.uk/ PTPag

Earth & Beyond, The Observatory Science Centre, Hailsham, BN27 1RN

10.30am-1pm, 2-4.30pm. What makes volcanoes blow, the Earth quake and the icecaps melt? What is in space and how do we know? This workshop looks at Earth and beyond into space. Booking essential, charges apply. Ages 9-11. For more information visit www.theobservatory.org

Silly Sussex, Brighton Museum, BN1 1EE

12noon-12.45pm. Did you know the county was famous for its long legs? Or the entire population of Balcombe village went mad? Suitable for all the family, this illustrated talk celebrates the county’s rich heritage of humorous storytelling. For more information visit www. brightonmuseums.org.uk

Spring Greens, Anne of Cleves House, Lewes, BN7 1JA

1-4pm.Visit the house during the afternoon to enjoy painting, drawing and sewing inspired by the garden. All ages welcome. For more information visit www.sussexpast.co.uk

Seashore Safari, Rye Harbour, TN31 7TU 10am-12noon. Investigate the marvellous marine life on the Rye Harbour shore at low tide.You should find crabs, molluscs, shrimps and maybe flatfish. Meet outside the Rye Harbour Discovery Centre. Ages 5+. Booking essential. For more details and to book visit www. sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk

Eyes on the Universe, The Observatory Science Centre, Hailsham, BN27 1RN

10.30am-1pm, 2-4.30pm. What’s in space? Can we go there? Can we see it? How big is it? Is there anybody there? So many questions! Find out some of the answers by doing fascinating hands-on activities. Booking essential. For more information visit www.the-observatory.org

Rockpool Rangers, Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters, East Dean, BN20 0AB

11am-1pm. Head to the beach with the team to find out what crazy creatures live in the rockpools below Seven Sisters. Booking essential, charges apply. For more information and to book visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/birling-gap-and-the-sevensisters

Wild Woodies Spring Holiday Club, Woods Mill, Henfield, BN5 9SD

10am-3pm. Learn basic bushcraft skills, practice safe fire lighting, make shelters, learn about animals that live in the woods and what they need to survive by playing stalking games amongst the trees. Booking essential, charges apply. For more details and to book visit www.sussexwildlifetrust. org.uk

Southfields Out and About, Littlehampton, BN17 6AE

10am-12noon. Littlehampton Town Council’s Easter Holiday park session, with lots of eggciting fun to be had. A morning of energyexpending enjoyment. Ages 3-11. Free. For more information visit www. visitlittlehampton.co.uk

Thurs 16 Apr

Printmaking Fun, Worthing Museum, BN11 1HP

10.30am-12noon. Try printing with vegetables and fruit, making a printing plate with string and card and make a stencil. Enjoy experimenting and print onto fabric, paper and card. Ages 7-12. Booking essential, charges apply. For more information visit www. worthingmuseum.co.uk

Dinosaurs and Fossils, The Observatory Science Centre, Hailsham, BN27 1RN

10.30am-1pm, 2-4.30pm. Find out how fossils told us that dinosaurs existed. Make a plaster cast of a fossil and tour the Centre on a fossil hunt – the stone floor is full of interesting stuff. Booking essential, charges apply. Ages 6-8. For more details and to book visit www.the-observatory.org

How to Attack a Castle, Lewes Castle, BN7 1YE

10am-12noon, 2-3.30pm. Find out how castles were attacked in the Middle Ages. Make model mangonels and castles to take home.You can also check out some armour. Ages 4-8. Booking essential (01273 486 290), charges apply. For more information visit www.sussexpast.co.uk

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 28...

t ’ s a h N ew W

Customise Your Shoes with Mythical Canvas

With Mythical Canvas, children can use their incredible imagination to customise a special pair of plimsolls with vibrant, colourful designs, bringing their drawings to life. Your kids will love the Mythical Canvas Combo Pack, which includes a pair of white canvas plimsolls with changeable straps (extra straps are provided), fabric pens and stencils, all for £29.99.You’ll love seeing all of the kids’ creative designs and encouraging them to customise their plimsolls with the pens provided, switch straps, have fun and remember… there are no mistakes in art! For more information, visit www.mythicalcanvas.co.uk or check out their social media accounts @mythicalcanvas.

Elephant in my Kitchen!

What would you do if there was an elephant in your kitchen? Or a gorilla in your bedroom? Or a tiger in your toilet? This is a funny, silly and hugely topical picture book, with an unexpected twist ending. Elephant in my Kitchen! is perfect for introducing little ones to the issues affecting the planet in an accessible way.The book is written by Smriti Halls, who worked for the BBC and began a career in children’s publishing and television as a writer and commissioning editor. She started writing her own books in 2012 and is now published in more than 30 languages worldwide. Elephant in my Kitchen! will be available online and from all good bookstores for £6.99 from 2 April.

Inspirational Women 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle Dino Dump Piece together the amazing stories of some of the

Dino Dump is an easy game with a bunch of scratch-n-sniff world’s impressive women with Inspirational dino-poomost forfeit stickers.The aim of thethis game is to lose all Women jigsaw puzzle Ridley’s Get Games. Each beautiful your Dino Cards as fastfrom as possible. caught with any in illustration is accompanied by a short your hand by the end of th biography so you can learn more about some of history’s most amazing women and their incredible achievements. The circular nature of the puzzle means that wherever you are sitting around the table you will be able to participate. Featuring 54 inspirational icons, it’s both educational and perfect for everyone who enjoys jigsaws. The 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle is available online for £20. For more information, visit uk.wildandwolf.com.

Grab Millions in Bank Attack

Bank Attack is a new, intense and addictive cooperative game for all the family. Work together as criminal masterminds to crack the vault and release the gold hidden inside.You’ve got just ﬁve minutes to pull off the heist of the century. Pick your role in the group - hacker, money man, look out or explosives expert - and use your special talents to break the bank. Select a difﬁculty level, then follow the spoken commands without delay. Grab the right tools, pass them on at the right moment, use them quickly and grab the millions. Bank Attack is for 2 to 4 villains aged 7+ and available to buy at Argos, Smyths, Amazon and The Entertainer for £24.99.

Geomag - Playing Together for a Healthier Planet Geomag products explore the incredible potentialities of magnetism, adding movement and magical effects to your creations. Achieve a limitless number of shapes, geometric ﬁgures and models of every kind. While Geomag Classic is an inventive system of simple construction made of rods and spheres, Geomag Panels offers new-found stability, versatility and design potential. Geomag’s new green strategy means that products will be made of 100% recycled materials to provide lower environmental impact. The Classic (60 to 93 pieces) will be available to buy online from March and the Classic Panels (52 to 78 pieces) will be available to buy online from June. For more information, visit www.geomagworld.com.

Magicube – Fun Construction that Aids Learning Magicube is a cutting-edge construction system that turns the concept of traditional building blocks into something extra magical. Developed for different age groups, the Magicube collection provides a supply of fun SOS Dino activities that reinforce those basic skills and a handsSOS Dino is a cooperative children’s game for up to on approach to learning. For a greater understanding four players. Help Marie, Freddy, Nessie and Louis of learning principles, the Math and Word Building reach safety by avoiding the lava flows and meteorites, Magicubes offer activities helping to reinforce a child’s collecting the eggs and seeking shel first numeracy and literacy skills.These activities encourage number and letter recognition as well as first sums and words. For more information, visit www.geomagworld.com.

Match a Mummy: The Ancient Egypt Memory Game Locate and match up pairs Hear to learn more about how the Egyptians lived. Why Ranvir Cannot did they but who wearcrosses wigs, use Ranvir is ashave lonelytheir littleheads elephant thedark eye make-up and worship dung of beetles? didofthey make toothpaste plains India inHow search his hearing, but on the andhe which internal organs They did they remove way meets many friends. teach Ranvir before This do funsomething and historical that justmummiﬁ because cation? you cannot that is game includes matching onis40 cards expected of you,20you may ﬁndpairs there something andyou a booklet else can do.with Theyexplanatory all support htext. The game is perfect for families to play at home or can be used to complement school lessons on the Egyptians. Match a Mummy: The Ancient Egypt Memory Game will be released on 6 April and will be available online from Amazon for £12.99.

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary for March, April & May

April Woodland Walk: Ranger’s Choice, Nymans, Handcross, RH17 6EB

11am-12.30pm. A guided walk exploring the many different wonders of the woods as chosen by the people who know them best. Spring is the season when the trees and plants are coming to life and birds can be seen and heard. For more information visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/nymans

Fri 17 Apr

Family Art Friday, Worthing Museum, BN11 1HP

10.30am-12.30pm, 1.30-3.30pm. Discover many crafts to make from woodlands. Have a go at twig and withie art, owl craft, leaf art, weave simple baskets and more. All ages. Drop-in. For more information visit www.worthingmuseum.co.uk

Bats at the Booth, Booth Museum of Natural History, Brighton, BN1 5AA

10.30am-3.30pm. Sussex Bat Group will bring some rescued bats for you to meet. Learn how you can protect these vulnerable animals in Sussex. Free, but booking essential (03000 290 902 or visitor.services@ brighton-hove.gov.uk). For more details visit www.brightonmuseums. org.uk/booth

Scavenger Hunt & Rockpool Detective, Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters, East Dean, BN20 0AB

(Also 2, 3 May). 10am-3pm. Pick up a tracker pack, get some tools and guidance, then head out on the beach and see what treasures you can find. Activities are self-led. Dropin, donations welcome. For more information visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/birling-gap-and-the-sevensisters

Springtime Stars & Galaxies, South Downs Planetarium, Chichester, PO19 8RP

3.30pm. On late spring and summer evenings, if the skies are clear, you can see some familiar star patters including the Great Bear, Leo (the Lion),Virgo (the Maiden), Scorpius (the Scorpion) and many others. Booking essential. Ages 6+. For more details and to book visit www. southdowns.org.uk

Sat 18 Apr

Slindon’s Secret Bluebells, Slindon Estate, BN18 0RG

11am-1pm. Join a Ranger on a 2.5 mile long guided walk through the glorious spring woodlands and carpets of blue of Nore Woods. Booking essential, charges apply. For more information visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/slindon-estate

16 Mar - 10 May ‘20

Treasures from the Pacific: Beautiful Barkcloth, Brighton Museum, BN1 1EE

10am-5pm. Explore the Museum’s fabulous collection of barkcloths from the Pacific Islands, with object handling and hands-on family activities. For more information visit www.brightonmuseums.org.uk

Batty About Bats, Arundel WWT Centre, BN18 9PB

A fun family-friendly bat walk aimed at children. Play the Bat-Moth game, visit bat hotspots around the reserve and watch bats feeding over the Arun Riverlife lagoon. Booking essential. For more information and to book visit www.wwt.org.uk/wetlandcentres/arundel

Sat 18 – Sun 19 Apr The Kids’ Festival, South of England Showground, Ardingly, RH17 6TL

A new event promising to be packed full of fun and interactive activities. Opportunities for your kids to enjoy themselves, from princess party to Didicars, circus skills, dance workshops, messy play, bouncy castle kingdom, face painting and more. For more details visit www. thekidsfestival.co.uk

Model Railway Exhibition, Tanbridge House School, Horsham, RH12 1SR

10am-5pm Sat, 10am-4pm Sun. Crawley Model Railway Society are holding their 29th annual model railway exhibition. In addition to the 17 traditional layouts there will be a large Lego® model railway layout and a specialist Lego® retailer. Charges apply. For more details visit www. crawleymrs.org.uk

Sun 19 Apr

Brighton Marathon, Various Locations

9.45am. Mass start in Preston Park, finishing near Brighton Pier. Enjoy the spectacle of the Brighton Marathon. With plenty of great spots for spectators to cheer on the runners and enjoy the atmosphere. For more information visit www. brightonmarathonweekend.co.uk

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance. To make sure you have up to date details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure the information hasn’t changed.

“

I saw your event in Primary Times.... Please mention you saw the event listed in Primary Times

”

Bird Watching for Beginners, RSPB Pagham Harbour, Sidlesham, PO20 7NE

10am-1pm. Would you recognise a blackcap from its song or a spotted flycatcher by sight? Start with a short theory session, then go on a walk on the reserve, looking at identification by shape, colour, song and more. Booking essential, charges apply. For more details visit www.rspb.org.uk/ PTPag

Sun 19 Apr – Sun 17 May

Rhododendron Festival, Nymans, Handcross, RH17 6EB

10am-4pm. Celebrate the glory of Nyman’s rhododendron collection as it bursts into life this spring. Featuring rare and prize-winning species. Find out more about these beautiful plants with pop-up displays, walks, talks and tours. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/nymans

Wed 22 Apr

Tulip Festival, Pashley Manor, near Wadhurst, TN5 7HE

10am-5pm. See one hundred and eight varieties of tulip planted in the colour themed garden ‘rooms’. Charges apply. For more information visit www.highweald.org

Wed 22 Apr – Tues 5 May Sustrans Big Pedal, Nationwide

Join in with the UK’s largest interschool cycling, walking and scooting challenges inspiring pupils, staff and parents to choose human power for their journey to school. To register and for free fun and interactive resources visit www.bigpedal.org.uk

Thurs 23 Apr

Bluebells and Beyond Tour, Sheffield Park and Garden, Uckfield, TN22 3QX

(Also 30 Apr). 11.30am-1pm. Take a tour of the woods when they are at their most colourful. See the bluebells and hear historic and natural highlights from the Ranger. Booking essential, charges apply. For more details and to book visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/sheffield-parkand-garden

Fri 24 Apr

Moth Trap Morning, Woods Mill, Henfield, BN5 9SD

8.30-9.30am. Watch as the previous nights’ moth trap is opened, then help to identify how many of the 2500 species of moths in the UK have been caught. Booking essential. For more details visit www. sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk

My First Cinema: Animal Shorts, Ropetackle Arts Centre, Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 5EG

Let the little ones enjoy a glimpse of nature with these great short films. Charges apply. For more information visit www.ropetacklecentre.co.uk

Sat 25 Apr

Family Days, The Novium, Chichester, PO19 1QH

10am-2pm. Learn more about life in the Iron Age. Handle replica weaponry and objects, learn about what people wore and how they made it. Try your hand at making salt-baked jewellery (booking for craft recommended). Free, drop-in. For more information and to book visit www.thenovium.org

Lewes STEM Fair, Lewes Town Hall, BN7 2QS 11.30am-3pm. Explore the science behind new inventions, discover the latest technology and get creative with your own ideas for the future. Organised by Curiosity Sussex. For more information visit www. lewesstemfair.com

Family Days, The Novium, Chichester, PO19 1QH

10am-2pm. Learn more about life in the Iron Age. Handle replica weaponry and objects, learn more about what people wore, how they made their clothes, and have a go at weaving on a loom. Take part in mini-digs, craft and trails. Activities may differ. For more details visit www.thenovium.org

Sat 25 – Sun 26 Apr Birdsong Festival, RSPB Pulborough Brooks, Wiggonholt, RH20 2EL

10am-4pm. With friendly guides stationed at hotspots and mini masterclasses to introduce you to brilliant birdsong, experience this springtime sensation. Hopefully you might hear the most celebrated songster – the nightingale. Drop-in. For more information visit www. rspb.org.uk/PTPul

Sat 25 Apr – Sun 31 May

PJ Masks Stop the Mayhem!, SEA LIFE Brighton, BN2 1TB

Romeo, Luna Girl and Ninjalino have taken over SEA LIFE Brighton and caused Marine Mayhem. Help the PJ Masks defeat the night-time baddies and restore the aquarium back to its peaceful state. Find the 5 action pods and receive an amazing reward. For more information visit www. visitsealife.com

Sun 26 Apr

Plant Fair, Arundel Castle, BN18 9PA

Over 20 specialist nurseries exhibiting and selling a wide range of locally grown, good quality and often unusual plants, bulbs and shrubs. Charges apply. For more information visit www.arundelcastle.org

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 30...

Bookstore

Star Read

There’s lots of intrigue in this selection, see if you can work out what is going on and why before the main characters do. But beware of red herrings, and I don’t mean the fishy kind!

Frockodile - Jeanne Willis/ Stephanie Labers (Hodder, £6.99)

Debbie

The House on Hoarder Hill- Mikki Lish / Kelly Ngai (Chicken House, £6.99)

Hedy and her brother, Spencer, reluctantly go to stay with their grandfather while their parents are away. Knowing he used to be a celebrated magician they expect to see evidence of magic tricks, Spencer is hoping he will learn some. What they were not prepared for was all the evidence of real magic. Could it all be linked to the shocking disappearance of their gran during a magic show decades ago? Despite being told not to explore or touch anything, they befriend a talking bear rug and stags head who want to help. Pleas of ‘find me’ start appearing making the siblings determined to find their gran, accidentally releasing a malevolent spirit in the process who complicates proceedings, making them question who they can trust and putting them in danger. There are shocks and surprises at every turn in this spooky, engaging story, cleverly interspersed with some very funny moments. It will keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat throughout. Full length novel.

When Cliff, the little crocodile, finds a pile of clothes including a slinky dress, frilly underwear, stilettos and pearls lying on the ground, he can’t resist trying them on. They fit and he likes how it feels wearing them, but when the other animals see him they make fun of him, threatening to tell his dad. His dad is a scary leather clad motor-biking baddy with a patch over his eye. Although Cliff is very close to his dad, he isn’t sure what he would say to his son in a frock and so begs the others not to tell him, pretending he is rehearsing for a play. Not believing him, they set off telling everyone to go and see the non-existent play. Luckily his friends rally round and produce a play for him to perform in wearing his new clothes, but will his father see it, and what will he say if he does? There is a nice surprise in store in this funny, touching story that shows we shouldn’t worry what others think and should be proud of who we are. The gorgeous colourful illustrations add much to the story.

Cloudburst - Wilbur Smith with S

I Don’t Like Books. Never. Ever. The End

Chris Wakling (Piccadilly £6.99)

Jack and his friends, Amelia and Xander, are on a trip to the Democratic Republic of the Congo with his parents. As environmental campaigners, they are there to help get an important vote passed to stop illegal mines that are destroying the environment. Jack’s mum is hoping seeing the countryside will get him interested in the cause of ethical mining. They are joined by Jack’s Uncle Langdon and his obnoxious son, Callum, who always tries to show superior knowledge he doesn’t actually possess. On a wildlife safari Callum’s behaviour escalates with disastrous effect. Horrified, the youngsters return to the hotel and learn Jack’s parents are missing, abducted by mercenaries. Sure the disappearance has something to do with nearby mines, the friends set out to investigate these and are shocked by what they uncover. Despite a reluctance to help on Langdon’s part, Jack is determined to rescue his parents in time for the vote, or at least present the evidence on their behalf. There is danger around every corner, shocking family secrets are revealed and some people are misjudged in this gripping, fast paced adventure. With plenty of unexpected developments and a big shock towards the end, this first book in a new series will keep you hooked throughout. Full length novel for older juniors.

Emma Perry/ Sharon Davey (David Fickling Hb, £11.99)

Mabel didn’t like books, the end. Despite this she was constantly being given them so she found as many ways as she could to use them without opening them: as a step; sledge, plate, hat and something to juggle. The books wanted to be read and decided it was time for action. That night when Mabel went to bed the books started flying around her room making a terrible noise until she fell into one of them, a detective story. She thought she would be great at solving crimes and tried to follow the detective to see what was happening, but ended up in a space story, then one with a knight about to fight a dragon and then... a blank page with nothing for her to do. Arriving back in her bedroom she saw not boring books, but stories and adventures to be enjoyed. So she opened one, and guess what? She became a girl who loved books! A lovely story with expressive illustrations that could spur on reluctant readers to give books a go.

Unicorn Muddle

Hannah Shaw (Usborne, £5.99) Princess Pea loves breaking the rules, getting muddy and avoiding lessons — much to the dismay of her very organised mother, the Queen, who liked everything to be perfect and tidy. One thing they were both looking forward to was the Unicorn Parade when Pea could choose her own unicorn. She loved the thought they could be magical even though magic was strictly banned by her mother. Her excitement diminished when she realised what vain, boastful, selfish creatures they were. That was not the sort of companion she had dreamed of. The parade soon became very boring until a unicorn pig joined in, as if by magic, causing chaos. The Queen was horrified, but you can imagine Pea’s reaction! This is a laugh out loud first story in a new series ‘Unipiggle The Unicorn Pig’. It is full of vibrant pictures which add much to the story and encourage newly developing readers onto a short novel.

Mickey and the Animal S Spies - Anne Miller (Oxford, £6.99)

Mickey loves cracking codes and is very good at it, so when she sees a coded message taped on a bus window, she has to crack it. This leads her to a very strange shed which turns out to be the secret HQ of talking animal spies headed by a cobra. They need to recruit a human operative to help with certain things they find difficult — such as anything requiring opposable thumbs — and replace the last one who has gone missing, but they want a grown up. Having solved their code, Mickey is determined to be given a chance to help with their current case of missing diamonds. Soon there is a case of a missing dog as well and evidence points to the shocking possibility of a traitor in the group. Will Mickey be able to prove her worth and become an accepted member? There are plenty of thrills and amusing characters in this medium length novel with fair sized print. Great to share and encourage newly developing readers. First in a new series.

Indicates a book is part of a series

The Missing Diamonds S Annabelle Sami (Stripes, £6.99) Zaiba is determined to follow her aunt and become a detective. She is always on the lookout for crimes to solve and investigations to make. With her friend Poppy and brother Alie, Zaiba tries to discover the identity of the VIP staying in the same hotel where her cousin’s Mehndi party is being held when things take a serious turn and the celebrity’s dog goes missing. The trio successfully find the dog, but without his priceless diamond collar — a real crime to solve. It takes all of Zaiba’s observational skills backed up by Poppy and Ali to work out who stole the collar and why, without ruining her cousin’s party. This is an exciting first story in a new mystery series ‘Agent Zaiba Investigates’ with lots of plot twists and clues to follow — see if you can solve the case before they do. With tips and puzzles at the end for those who want to test their detective skills. Fair size print to encourage readers onto a full length novel.

Catnapped! S Gareth P. Jones (Stripes, £6.99) To keep his dragon identity a secret, detective Dirk Dilly has to avoid actually meeting people. He doesn’t accept minor cases — or cases from minors, so when a young girl called Holly phones to ask him to find her cat he refuses. But Holly is persistent and turns up at his home office. To keep her quiet Dirk agrees to look into her case, which opens up a much larger, far-reaching problem involving other dragons. There is also an imminent disaster that needs to be avoided. Reluctantly having a new partner turns out to be lucky for Dirk, making him realise two heads are often better than one. Entertaining first in a new series with appealing main characters forming an unlikely, but very funny, partnership. Fair size print, some pictures, medium length novel.

The House of One Hundred Clocks A. M. Howell (Usborne, £6.99) Helena, her parrot and her father move to live in wealthy Mr Westcott’s house when he appoints her father as his clock minder. There is one simple rule — the clocks must never stop. That shouldn’t be a problem for someone with her father’s expertise, but the potential awful consequences if the clocks do stop are worrying. With a hundred clocks, the house is more like a museum than a home and Mr Westcott’s behaviour is rather odd, as is that of his daughter, called Boy. Is there something from their past causing it? There are also many mysterious goings on. Who is leaving strange notes? Why are people creeping around at night? What has happened to Boy’s mother? Will Helena be able to uncover the secrets causing the unhappiness in the house and beyond and do something to change matters before she and her father lose everything? There are many surprises and twists and turns to keep you gripped to the very end of this action packed adventure. Full length novel.

16 Mar - 10 May ‘20

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary for March, April & May

April Wed 29 Apr

Hollybush Wood Walk, Standen House and Garden, East Grinstead, RH19 4NE

12noon-1pm. An opportunity to explore the wood with its stunning bluebells and years of stories to tell. Learn the fascinating history behind this ancient woodland on a guided walk with an expert volunteer. For more information visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/standen

May Fri 1 – Sun 3 May

Jack in the Green May Day Festival, Various Locations, Hastings

A festival of Morris and other traditional dance, with visiting teams from all over England and Europe, and a huge procession with music, dance, singing and street entertainment. For more information visit www.hastingsjitg.co.uk

Sat 2 May

Brighton Festival Children’s Parade, Brighton City Centre

10.30am. Parade starts from Jubilee Street. Brighton city centre will be filled with a sea of colour and creativity as thousands of parents, children and teachers celebrate Nature’s Marvels in this annual Parade. For more information visit www.brightonfestival.org

Littlehampton Town Artisan Market Superheroes Special, Littlehampton High Street, BN17 5EJ

10am-4pm. Celebrating its 5th year, local producers, creators, artisan craft makers, buskers and more will be sharing their skills and products at this community market. For more information visit www. visitlittlehampton.co.uk

Toy and Rail Collectors Fair, Bluebell Railway, Horsted Keynes Station, RH17 7BB

10am-4pm. Catering for everyone from avid collectors to the curious. In the extensive layout of stalls at Horsted Keynes you’ll find model railways, die-cast models, collectables, railway books, photographs and more. Charges apply. For more details visit www.bluebell-railway.com

Sat 2 – Sun 3 May

Spring Live! South of England Showground, Ardingly, RH17 6TL

9am-5pm. Celebrate the great British outdoors. Enjoy animal meet and greets, take part in wand-making workshops, let loose at the funfair

16 Mar - 10 May ‘20

and more. Something for the whole family to enjoy with live music, plus maypole dancing and axe throwing. For more information visit www.seas.org.uk

Sun 3 May

Look-Think-Make, De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill, TN40 1DP

2-4pm. Drop-in creative activities in dialogue with ideas in the exhibitions. Charges apply. Suitable for all ages. For more information visit www.dlwp.com

Fri 8 May

V for Victory, Bluebell Railway, Sheffield Park Station, TN22 3QL A fun and nostalgic event for the whole family, recreating the 1940s atmosphere to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. Dressing up is a must – but leave the spam at home. There’ll be music, dance, vehicles and more. For more information visit www. bluebell-railway.com

Fri 8 – Sun 10 May

Bubbletastic Bank Holiday Weekends, The Observatory Science Centre, Hailsham, BN27 1RN

10am-6pm. The bubble show will demonstrate how to create the most spectacular bubbles and will try to find out if you can make a square bubble – is that really possible? You may also get to find out what its’ like to stand in a bubble. For more information visit www.the-observatory.org

May Day Weekend Crafts, Bodiam Castle, Nr Robertsbridge, TN32 5UA

11am-12.30pm. Unleash your creativity and have a go at some natural crafts inspired by Jack in the Green. Drop-in, charges apply. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodiamcastle

Inspired by Nature Spring Festival, RSPB Pulborough Brooks, Wiggonholt, RH20 2EL

10am-4pm. Celebrate springtime wildlife with friendly guides and mini masterclasses designed to take you behind the scenes or give you special hints and tips on finding and identifying wildlife. Drop-in, additional charges for some activities. For more information visit www.rspb.org.uk/PTPul

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance. To make sure you have up to date details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure the information hasn’t changed.

“

I saw your event in Primary Times.... Please mention you saw the event listed in Primary Times

Sun 10 May

”

There will also be entertainment from local groups and a children’s entertainer. For more information visit www.visitlittlehampton.co.uk

Meet Masha, The Entertainer, County Mall, Crawley, RH10 1FP

Your chance to meet Masha from ‘Masha and the Bear’. Free. Take photos and share for a chance to win a £25 gift card. For more information visit www.countymall. co.uk

Annual May Fair, Horam Manor Farm, Heathfield, TN21 0JB

Seed Bombing, Standen House and Garden, East Grinstead, RH19 4NE

There’ll be plenty happening at the May Fair with stalls to browse, BBQ, pre-booking for tile decoration at The Little White Studio, try your hand at traditional skills, bouncy castle, circus skills, pony rides and lots more. For more information visit www.horammanorfarm.co.uk.

2-4pm. Help make the croquet lawn border bloom with wild flowers this summer by taking part in the seed bombing afternoon. All materials will be supplied, just roll up your sleeves and get throwing. For more information visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/standen

Celebrations at Park Mill, Bateman’s, Burwash, TN19 7DS

Sat 16 – Sun 17 May

To celebrate National Mill Day there will be a series of short talks about the Mill by one of the guides at 11.30am, 12noon, and 12.30pm. Watch the millers work in the fully operation mill in the afternoon. For more information visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/batemans

Wed 13 May

Birding for Absolute Beginners – Garden Birds, RSPB Pulborough Brooks, Wiggonholt, RH20 2EL

10am-1pm.You’ll be taken through the resources and equipment that will come in handy, hear lots of hints and tips on how to enjoy watching birds, and start to work on your bird identification skills. Booking essential, charges apply. For more information visit www.rspb.org.uk/PTPul

Wed 13 – Sun 17 May Circus Berlin, Preston Park, Brighton, BN1 6HG

Clowns Angelo & Eddy will guide you through this super show which also includes beautiful aerialists, daring acrobats and the sensational award winning high wire act, performing high up in the roof of the Big Top. For more details and to book visit www. circusberlin.co.uk

Fri 15 – Sat 16 May

Stargazing Evenings, The Observatory Science Centre, Hailsham, BN27 1RN

Fri 8pm-12.30am, Sat 7pm12midnight. Enjoy the fabulous atmosphere that surrounds the Observatory at night and, weather permitting, look through some of the largest telescopes in the country. Charges apply. For more information visit www.the-observatory.org

Sat 16 May

Littlehampton Lions Charity Street Fayre, High Street, Littlehampton, BN17 5EJ

9am-4pm. Charities and non-profit groups will be raising funds and promoting their group all day long.

Paws in the Park, South of England Showground, Ardingly, RH17 6TL

9.30am-5pm. A brilliant day out for all the family. Paws in the Park provides endless activities for dogs to enjoy with their owners, plus shopping, food, camping and all-day entertainment. Lots of ‘have a go’ activities and non-stop arena entertainment. For more details visit www.pawsinthepark.net

Sun 24 May

Big Bank Holiday Family Fun Day, Fontwell Park, Fontwell, BN18 0SX

If you’re searching for something to do this bank holiday, look no further than Fontwell Park. It’s the perfect way to spend the day with your family. There’s plenty of entertainment set to keep your children entertained, and lots to do for adults too. For more details visit www.fontwellpark.co.uk

Tues 26 May

Urban Dance and BBoy Championships 2020, Brighton Marina, BN2 5WA 10am-6pm. Join the BBoy and Bgirl Battles, dance workshops and street dance performances. Hosted by local dance legend JP Omari and judged by UK Bboy Champions. Free. For more information visit www. brightonmarina.co.uk

Our next copy deadline is

24 April 2020 If you have something you would like us to try and publicise (space permitting) please email it to

listings@ primarytimes.biz

All your own work! Kobra Abrams aged 8

Imogen aged 7 Moloney competitions in our February Half Term issue. Clare Congratulations to the following people who won th. Heske Emilia and s bundles were won by Liz Phillip is the lucky Little Mix winner. Asterix DVD and book Grace h, Englis Alex , Smith Eloise nfield Infant School. Aidan Jones won a box of books for his school - Crow ni Maleficent: Mistress of Evil DVD. Jenson Day, Imaa a won es Renn de Clara and Masterson, Molly Mayhew Pig: Peppa . copies of 'The Boy with the Saucepan Hat' book Muhaimin, Ewan Freeman and Jowita Gostek won of Malaki Mates won a family ticket to Chessington World t. My First Concert tickets were won by Arianne Knigh Kobra was er winn older our and etition for the under 8s Adventures. Imogen aged 7 won Annie's drawing comp on this page and enjoy all the artwork! ers winn n etitio comp our all Abrams aged 8. Well done to If you would like to see your work displayed here then just send us a drawing, poem, riddles, jokes or short story and we'll do our very best to include it. Send it to: Good Work Page Primary Times 7 Southbrook Mews London SE12 8LG

Thank you to Amanda aged 6 for her lovely painting, Sanaya Azeem for her happy garden picture, Lusia Banbury for her illustrated poem that she must have spent a lot of time on and Emilia Narkevic for her 'best family ever'. We love seeing your work so do please keep sending it to us. We're happy to receive artwork from the whole class so do feel free to send us class entries.

Discover our children’s events

Full programme brightonfestival.org

SLIME (pictured)

Young Readers

Enter the undergrowth to SQUISH, SQUELCH and PLAY your way through this hilarious, surreal show for 2–5 year-olds

From big pictures to dangerous adventures, explore the wonderful world of books including Guess How Much I Love You!, Cressida Cowell, Jacqueline Wilson + many more events with your favourite authors

Mon 18–Fri 22 May

Full programme brightonfestival.org

Throughout the Festival

East Sussex Easter/Spring 2020 Primary Times

Articles inside

Out of School Activities - Camps, Courses & more

Spring Adventures - Ideas for family outings

What’s On - a daily diary for the school holidays

Latest News

Competitions - You’ve got to be in it to win it

Education News

Family Theatre