Easter 2017 South East London Primary Times by Alison Watson

e e r f

E D I GU N O S ’ AT H W

for families with primary aged children

in South East London Easter Edition • Issue 105 • 20 March - 14 May 2017

KIDS GO FREE voucher inside

PLUS, WIN A FAMILY DAY OUT AT CHESSINGTON WITH EXCLUSIVE GOODIES!

’S AT WH

Dear Readers

IDE GU ON

for families with primary aged children

in South East London Easter Edition • Issue 105 • 20 March - 14 May 2017

The weather is getting warmer, the sun is shining every now and then, the trees have begun blossoming and Spring is on its way, finally, so welcome to our Spring/ Easter magazine. We’ve tried our best to The Best Family Guide to What’s On get in the mood for this egg-cellent time of the year with an eggstra-ordinary magazine with egg-citing listings, egg-specially for all our readers ... no more eggs I promise unless they’re of the chocolate variety! KIDS GO FREE voucher inside

PLUS, WIN A FAMILY DAY OUT AT CHESSINGTON WITH EXCLUSIVE GOODIES!

As usual we have loads of events to choose to go to over the Spring break. Hayley and Miriam have had their heads down beavering away getting you the very best of things to go to. If you do visit any of these places we would love you to mention that you read about them in Primary Times. Look out for our fantastic Brighton Fringe competition too where you could end up winning a weekend in Brighton with accommodation, a meal, tickets to the Fringe and wonderful memories. To be in with a chance of winning this competition there’s one simple question to answer and you could be off on a very jolly weekend with your family and we could be receiving a pretty postcard from a very happy reader!

Peter and the Primary Times team

The Primary Times Team: Publishing Editor: Peter Watson Sales: Ashley Inglove, Andrew Langridge, Karen Ellul & Gill Pearce Listings: Hayley Hughes & Miriam Theobald Editorial: Anna Stringer Production: Alison Watson Office Manager: Chris Blower Administrators: Claire Wood & Tina Love Proof Reader: Catherine Draisey Social Media: Rachel Benson

inside this issue.... Primary Times is now printed on recycled text paper, from 100% post-consumer waste, made in Europe by a paper mill that is certified and supports responsible forestry. Recycle 0% d 10

What’s On..........................6 Family Theatre Guide...... 13 Fun Days Out this Spring..16 Camps, Courses..............22 and Classes Education.........................26

If you do enter this or any of our other competitions do remember to include your contact details. We often get entries from people we would love to pick as prize winners but if we can’t contact you we can’t let you win....

Contents

e fre

E c ola b el P E

Look out for our next issue published in time for May Half Term and in schools from 15 May 2017

Competitions....................29 Primary Times Pets..........34 Good Work Page.............35

Primary Times in South East London 7 Southbrook Mews London SE12 8LG Tel: 020 8318 0400 Email: office@primarytimes.biz Website: www.primarytimes.net Twitter: @PT_LondonSandE

Primary Times is independently published and distributed free in primary and junior schools throughout the boroughs of Bexley, Bromley and Greenwich. 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 the boroughs of Bexley, Bromley and Greenwich 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 South East London is operated under franchise licence.

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

News

Barnehurst Golf Club

There is lots happening at Barnehurst Golf Club this Spring. On Mother’s Day (26 March) join Barnehurst for their very own Mother’s Day Lunch with three courses. In April they will be hosting a fun-filled Open Day full of entertainment for the whole family. Barnehurst also regularly hosts special events and tribute nights, as well as seasonal celebrations for Christmas, New Year and other occasions. The licensed bar is fully stocked with beers, spirits, wines and soft drinks at competitive prices.

Chrysalis Care Fostering

Easter means different things to different people. Whether that’s chocolates, chicks, bunnies or time to reflect on the value of life, it’s a time for spending with family. Perhaps you have wondered about helping children and young people to make wonderful family memories by becoming a foster carer. Chrysalis Care are experts at developing foster carers, providing training and supervision, so that foster carers offer safe and nurturing homes for vulnerable babies, children and young people. They need people from a range of cultural, religious/ethnic backgrounds, mixed ages and single people/couples.

Barnehurst’s beauty, history and charm combined with its modern facilities makes its function suite the perfect venue for any personal, family or corporate event whether it is a simple buffet or a lavish banquet. Designed by architect James Braid in 1904, the grounds include a large lawn area with mature trees and a wild flower garden, providing a beautiful backdrop for your wedding or occasion photographs. Barnehurst’s function venue can accommodate up to 60 people for meetings, up to 200 for parties and 120 for sit down meals.

If you want to know more about becoming a foster carer, have a spare room and room in your life for a child or young person, Chrysalis Care want to hear from you. Please call 020 8298 2800, email info@chrysaliscare.org or visit www.chrysaliscarefostering.org.

For rates and to book, call 01322 523 746 or email barnehurst@ mytimeactive.co.uk

Win an Amazing Brighton Fringe Package for Your Family Here at Primary Times we are celebrating another year as the Family Friendly Media Partner of the Brighton Fringe and what better way to celebrate than a fantastic competition for our readers. The Brighton Fringe is the largest Arts Festival in England full of a huge variety of fun and quirky events and shows for the whole family to enjoy. It takes place in many venues across Brighton from 6 May to 5 June. We have an incredible prize for the lucky winner. You and your family will win a mini break in Brighton during the May half term. This will include a night’s stay in a family room at the ibis Hotel on the first Sunday of half term [Sunday 28 May]. The ibis Brighton City Centre Hotel is ideally located close to Brighton train station, offering 140 modern rooms with the innovative new ‘Sweet Bed by ibis’ for your ultimate comfort. The prize also includes a meal for four at Polpo. Polpo is a bàcaro. This is a Venetian word to describe a humble restaurant serving simple food and good, young Italian wines. They offer tasty small plates in a setting that reflects the gloriously faded elegance of Italy. On top of all this we are giving away a family ticket [up to 2 adults and 2 children] to two Brighton Fringe family shows of your choice on either Sunday 28 or Monday 29 May [subject to availability]. 4

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

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Can you find these 10 words: Beach Deckchair Shells Seagull Candyfloss Pier Sea Rock Funfair Sand

To be in with a chance of winning this fabulous prize, all you need to do is complete the word search. Then fill out the form with your details and send them both to Brighton Fringe Competition, Primary Times, 7 Southbrook Mews, London, SE12 8LG. Or scan a copy of your completed form and email it to competitons@primarytimes.biz with ‘Brighton Fringe’ as the subject by Friday 28 April. Name ..............................................................................Age ...................... Address ........................................................................................................ ....................................................................................................................... Phone/Email................................................................................................ School ..........................................................................................................

For thousands more ideas visit www.primarytimes.net

e your No mess, no hav ildren fuss, n our bus h c n ! fu ’s party o

Parents thinking ahead to the May Half Term can relax: a fully-fledged book festival with a packed programme for children is happening in one of London’s best-loved spots and promises lots of Half Term fun. Hosted by the University of Greenwich at its glorious riverside campus right next to the Cutty Sark and indoor market, children can meet favourite authors, discover new books, draw cartoons and shake hands with Kipper at the Greenwich Book Festival. Cartoonist Neill Cameron, author of Mega Robo Bros, will be giving a masterclass on comics. M.G.Leonard will be introducing Beetle Boy’s nemesis Beetle Queen and Ross Welford invites children to go Time Travelling with a Hamster. There’s also a chance to celebrate Elmer’s birthday, colour in London, and bring your teddy to Michelle Robinson’s A Beginner’s Guide to Bearspotting after-school event. The festival runs over Friday 26 and Saturday 27 May, starting with a Schools Day sponsored by the Royal Borough of Greenwich when local primary children meet popular authors, discover how books are made and have a go at story-telling. Food stalls, face-painting, free workshops and roaming book characters add to the festival vibe in the courtyards and lawns of the university’s Old Royal Naval College grounds. The Greenwich Book Festival is a Royal Greenwich Festival. Find out more at www.greenwichbookfest.com.

Prom Suits from Slaters

Buying a suit for a family occasion or Primary Prom can provide you with many decisions but don’t worry – help is at hand. Slaters have everything you need under one roof.

News

Greenwich Book Festival

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www.kidspartybus.com If you had booked this space 52,500 families could be reading all about your business Don’t delay, call Ashley today

020 8318 0400

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Find a suit and finish off the look with a shirt, tie, handkerchief and shoes. Why go anywhere else? Suits start at a 26” chest with prices starting at £79, with a free alterations service to ensure the perfect fit. Visit your nearest store at 140-144 High Street, Bromley today or shop online at www.slaters.co.uk

Kidz Bop World’s leading children’s music brand Kidz Bop is launching in the UK this spring. Following a UK-wide talent search, a British Kidz Bop group has been formed, made up of five talented children aged 8-12. The group will release two albums this year through Universal Music, the first of which will be released on 7 April. The albums will follow the same format as the US, featuring the UK Kidz Bop group performing child-friendly cover versions of today’s biggest hits “sung by kids for kids”. The ethos of Kidz Bop is to connect with kids and families through its best-selling music albums. In the US Kidz Bop is the top music brand for kids. Over 17 million Kidz Bop albums have been sold and over 1 billion songs streamed since the family-friendly music brand debuted in 2001.

HOLIDAY ACTIVITY CAMPS 2017 WE RUN Mini Mice ~ 5 -7 years Cool Cats ~ 8-10 years Top Dogs ~ 11-14 years

KIDS’ PARTIES TOO!

From £18 per day/£79 per week Camps are 9.30am until 4.30pm. Morning sessions and extended days available.

Call us for more info on 020 8657 9313 or visit www.croydonsportsclub.co.uk 20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

What’s On Your family diary for March, April and May Nordic Matters Festival, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX

Board Games Rediscovered, V&A Museum of Childhood, Bethnal Green, E2 9PA

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Ahoy!, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, SE10 9NF

Until 1 May

March

Ongoing During this festival, discover secrets of Nordic culture and be whisked away to a magical world where anything is possible. For more information and to view the full programme visit www. southbankcentre.co.uk

Take along your little sailors to the gallery dedicated to younger visitors. Board a pirate ship, stoke the fire of a steamship and navigate an icebreaker. For under 7s. Free. For times and more information visit www.rmg. co.uk/national-maritime-museum

Become the Greatest Explorer, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, SE10 9NF Take one of the museum’s tablet devices and set sail across The Great Map to explore distant lands and discover treasures from around the world. Free. For times and more information visit www.rmg.co.uk/ national-maritime-museum

Every Sun

Girls Rugby, Dartfordians RFC, Bexley, DA5 1LW 12.30-2.30pm. Join in this girls rugby club for school years 7-11. For more information and to join call Sandra on 07768 182 434.

Until 13 Apr

Life in the Medieval Palace, Tower of London, EC3N 4AB

11am-12.30pm and 1.30-3.30pm. Step back into 1299 and the palace of King Edward I, Hammer of the Scots. Travel back in time to a world of chivalrous knights and beautiful ladies, troublesome lords and royal prisoners. For more information visit www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london

Until 23 Apr

This exhibition will include some of the most iconic, enthralling and visually striking games from the V&A’s outstanding national collection of board games, including family favourites such as Cluedo and Trivial Pursuit plus many, many more. For more information visit www.vam. ac.uk/moc

Doc. Yard’s Secret Lab, The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, ME4 4TE

(Selected dates) Young scientists will find out about the tiny world of the atom and the electron, have hair raising fun finding out what happens when exposed to 100,000 volts of electricity and more. Fun for all the family. For times, booking and more information visit www.thedockyard. co.uk

Until 20 Aug

Adventures in Moominland, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX

Climb into and get lost inside the eccentric world of Moominland as you explore the internationally renowned Moomin stories through the life of its author, Tove Jansson. Ages 7+. For more information and to book visit www.southbankcentre. co.uk

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance. To make sure you have the latest details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure they haven’t changed

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

Fri 24 Mar

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Red Nose Day 2017, Nationwide

Do something funny for money at home, school or work to help raise vital funds for people living tough lives across the UK and Africa. For fundraising ideas, to sign up for your fundraising kit, and to donate visit www.comicrelief.com

Sat 25 Mar

Free Mother’s Day Event, Walnuts Shopping Centre, Orpington, BR6 0TW 10am-4pm. Make mum a really special handmade gift for Mothers’ Day to show her how much she means to you. Walter and Wanda will be roaming the centre with special Mothers’ Day Balloons while stock last. For more information visit www. thewalnutsshoppingcentre.com

Hop It!, Unicorn Theatre, Southwark, SE1 2HZ 12noon-2pm. The Velveteen Rabbit is back for Easter. Join in some bunny themed finger puppet crafts and make your own bunny to take hopping home. Ages 5+. For more information visit www. unicorntheatre.com

Earth Hour, Nationwide 8.30-9.30pm. WWF is calling for everyone to sign up and take part in Earth Hour - an annual global demonstration where millions around the world switch off their lights for one hour to show they care about the future of our planet and to call for action on climate change. To sign up visit www.wwf.org.uk/ earthhour

Sea Signs, Cutty Sark, Greenwich, SE10 9HT 11.30am-4pm. Join in a fun-filled day of family craft activities, storytelling, character performances and guided tours for deaf and hearing families. Activities are either BSL-led or supported by BSL interpreters. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.rmg.co.uk/CuttySark

Family Encounters, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, SE10 9NF 12noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. Meet a character from the past and take part in an exciting performance that will bring maritime history to life. Ages 6+. For more information visit www. rmg.co.uk/national-maritime-museum

Make Something Lovely for Mum, Greenwich Market, SE10 9HZ Take part in a Mothers’ Day gift making workshop and make a Monet inspired Water Lily with ArtyParty, stitch an apron with Miss Libby Rose, or make pompom flowers with Natty Peeps. For times, more information and to book visit www. greenwichmarketlondon.com

For lots more Roundabout ideas see page 8...

Your empty beds could be earning you EXTRA MONEY Have you thought about hosting foreign students for short stays? Groups visit throughout the year and pay rates are good. The children arrive at their meeting point at around 6.00pm for their evening meal. In the morning, after their breakfast, they go back to their coach between 8.00 and 8.30am. They then spend the day out with their teachers sightseeing in London and come back to you in the evening - hosts will be provided with a full programme of arrival and departure times. Students must be dropped off every morning and picked up every evening and you will need your own transport unless you live within walking distance of the meeting point. Students can be met at : ELTHAM (station); WELLING (behind the Nag’s Head) PLUMSTEAD (Old Mill Road on Plumstead Common) THAMESMEAD (Carlisle Road) London or BEXLEYHEATH (Albion Road car park). You choose the area that suits you!

For more details contact OPEN DOORS UK ELTHAM on 020 8294 8910 (Mon-Fri 10.00am-4.00pm) 24-hour answerphone 6

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

For thousands more ideas visit www.primarytimes.net

GREENWICH Book Festival 26-27 May 2017

www.greenwichbookfest.com Words and ideas come to life in two days of author events, discussions and creative workshops for children and adults on the banks of the River Thames.

Hosted by the University of Greenwich in Queen Anne Court, Old Royal Naval College, as part of the Royal Greenwich Festivals. Friends of the Greenwich Book Festival:

2017 Events at Barnehurst Adele Tribute Act Friday 20th January £22 per person includes buffet

George Michael Tribute Act, Friday 21st July £25 per person includes buffet

Olly Murs Tribute Act Friday 24th February £22 per person includes buffet

Amy Winehouse Tribute Act, Friday 25th August £22 per person includes buffet

Mother’s Day Lunch Sunday 26th March £20 per person 3 course meal glass of prosecco for an extra £2

Jersey Boys & Showaddywaddy Show Friday 29th September

£25 per person includes buffet

The Bowie Experience Friday 31st March £25 per person includes buffet

Dolly Parton Tribute Act Friday 20th October £22 per person includes buffet

Barnehurst Family Open Day April

Firework Night at Barnehurst Friday 3rd November £10 per person

Whitney Houston Tribute Act, Friday 26th May £22 per person includes buffet

The Legends Tribute Show, Friday 24th November £22 per person includes buffet

80s Soul & Motown Night Friday 30th June £22 per person includes buffet

Christmas Party Nights Every Friday and Saturday in December

New Years Eve Party Sunday 31st December £25 per person includes buffet

Christmas Lunch Sunday 3rd & 10th December £25 per person

Book now to avoid disappointment Call today on 01322 523 746

Christmas Party Nights & New Year’s Eve now on sale Evenings throughout December also available

Email us today barnehurst mytimeactive.co.uk Mayplace Road East, Barnehurst, Kent, DA7 6JU

We can provide you with a great opportunity to help transform children’s lives  You don’t have to be married  You don’t need to be employed  You don’t need a big house  You do need a spare room and space in your life to help a vulnerable child to achieve As a Chrysalis Care foster carer you will receive:  24-hour professional support  Excellent remuneration  Job satisfaction  Comprehensive training  Access to a range of children’s services We are also looking for specialist foster carers who can provide a home to teenagers, a parent and child, children with disabilities and carers who are interested in remand fostering.

If you are considering becoming a foster carer, or would like to find out more about us,

please call: 020-8298 2800 or visit our website: www.chrysaliscarefostering.org 20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary across the Spring season

March Sat 25 – Sun 26 Mar

Weekend Space Cadets, Royal Observatory Greenwich, SE10 8XJ 12.45-4.15pm. Join in a weekend of family workshops and participate in a varied range of activities related to space science and space exploration. Ages 5+. Free. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.rmg. co.uk/royal-observatory

Mothers’ Day Weekend, Hever Castle, Nr Edenbridge, TN8 7NG Treat mum to an afternoon tea or a delicious lunch. Children can decorate a flower pot to give mum on her special day in a free craft workshop and can also join a biscuit decorating workshop (charges apply). For more details and to book visit www.hevercastle.co.uk

Magical Museum Sleepover, V&A Museum of Childhood, Bethnal Green, E2 9PA 7pm-9am. Cast spells, make magical beasts come to life, take part in a twilight museum trail and storytelling and then enjoy a special night’s sleep in the company of fairies, puppets, dolls and trains. Inc. breakfast and a top secret exclusive performance on the next day. For more information and to book visit www.vam.ac.uk/ moc

Sun 26 Mar

Mothers’ Day, Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL Treat your mum like a Queen on Mothers’ Day. Enjoy an afternoon in style in the 16th century Maiden’s Tower, treat the whole family to a traditional roast lunch, or book a table in the Castle View restaurant. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.leeds-castle.com

The Jungle Book in Concert, Royal Festival Hall, SE1 8XX 3pm and 7pm. Revisit its heartwarming story and memorable movie soundtrack in this UK premiere event, where the film is show in HD on a giant screen, accompanied by a live orchestra, choir and guest singers. Ages 3+. For more information and to book visit www. southbankcentre.co.uk

Frog Day, Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park, SE10 0QZ 11am-3pm. Enjoy some froggy art, prize trails, pond dipping, close up encounters with newts and garden pond workshop. Plus barbecue, refreshments, froggy raffle, gift and book stalls. Free. For more information visit www.tcv.org.uk/ greenwichpeninsula

Joe Thompson’s Family Jazz, The Conservatoire, Blackheath, SE3 9RQ

4-5pm. Take along your young ones along for a great introduction to live music, as Joe and his fellow musicians play you the best in jazz and show you how it’s done. Book on 020 8852 0234. For more information visit www.conservatoire.org.uk

Mothers’ Day Lunch, Barnehurst Golf Course, DA7 6JU

Treat Mum on this special day to a delicious 3 course meal and for an extra £2, a glass of prosecco. Charges apply. Book on 01322 523 746. For more information visit www. mytimeactive.co.uk/barnehurst

Discover Sundays, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, SE10 9NF

11.30am-1.30pm and 2-4pm. Be inspired by our maritime past and explore your personal connections to the sea. Ask staff where the activity is on the day. For more information visit www.rmg.co.uk/ national-maritime-museum

Fri 31 Mar

Tribute Night, Barnehurst Golf Course, DA7 6JU Go along to this fantastic David Bowie Tribute act and enjoy a delicious buffet. Charges apply. Book on 01322 523 746. For more information visit www.mytimeactive. co.uk/barnehurst

April

Sat 1 Apr

Garden Party, Ruxley Manor Garden Centre, Sidcup, DA14 5BQ

10am-5pm. Go along to this fabulous garden party event where there will be special offers up for grabs, spring food tastings, face painting, tombola,

Objects in Focus, The View from The Shard, SE1 9SG 10.30am-4pm. Join in a complimentary object-handling session, run by the Museum of London. See and touch artefacts discovered on the foreshore of the River Thames and archaeological finds from the London 2012 Olympic site. To buy tickets visit www. theviewfromtheshard.com

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance. To make sure you have the latest details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure they haven’t changed

“

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

”

games, BBQ demos and much more. For more information visit www. ruxley-manor.co.uk

Beckenham Vintage Toy Train Show, St John’s Church, Eden Park, BR3 3JN

10am-5pm. There will be up to nine working layouts, including: Triang, Trix and Hornby, leading vintage toy train dealers and light refreshments. Admission charges apply, accompanied children under 14 go free. For more information visit www.bwwmrc.co.uk

Sat 1 – Sun 2 Apr

Pop Up Books, Cutty Sark, Greenwich, SE10 9HT

11.30am-1.30pm and 2-4pm. Create a Cutty Sark themed pop-up book to celebrate Children’s Book Day. Be inspired by Cutty Sark’s very own Captain Woodget and Nannie the Witch, or become the star of your own story. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.rmg.co.uk/ Cutty-Sark

Weekend Space Cadets, Royal Observatory Greenwich, SE10 8XJ (Also 8-9, 15-16, 22-23 and 29-30 Apr) 12.45-4.15pm. Weekend family workshops, where you will participate in a wide range of activities related to space science and exploration. Ages 5+. For more information visit www.rmg.co.uk/ royal-observatory

Sat 1 – Fri 14 Apr

Easter Trail, Ruxley Manor Garden Centre, Sidcup DA14 5BQ

Have fun finding the twelve Easter bunnies hidden around the store. One winning entry will be chosen on the 15 April to receive £25 of vouchers to spend in the Toy Department. Free event. For more information visit www.ruxley-manor.co.uk

Sat 1 – Sun 16 Apr

Family Wombat Trail, Red House, Bexleyheath, DA6 8JF

(Selected dates) 1.30-5pm. Learn more about the people who lived at Red House and their love of wombats and see if you can find all 9 wombats hiding around the house. Admission charges apply. For more information visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/red-house

Sat 1 – Mon 17 Apr

Easter Quest, Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL

Seek out Easter clues hidden around the Leeds Castle grounds on a fun Easter quest for all the family. Answer all the questions and receive a chocolatey treat at the end. For more information and to book visit www. leeds-castle.com

Easter Trail, Hever Castle, Nr Edenbridge, TN8 7NG

Enjoy family entertainment throughout the Easter holidays including an Easter bunny hunt, Easter trail, bonnet making workshop daily and best bonnet parade. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.hevercastle.co.uk

The Palace Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt, Hampton Court Palace, KT8 9AU

11am-4pm. Go on a hunt for the Lindt Gold Bunny this Easter and discover the history of royal chocolate. Once you have found all the Gold Bunny’s hiding places, receive your delicious Lindt chocolate Gold Bunny prize. For more information visit www.hrp.org. uk/hampton-court-palace

Sat 1 – Sun 23 Apr Funpark, Hewitts Farm, Orpington, BR6 7QR

Back by popular demand, Europe’s largest mobile theme park returns to Orpington. Have fun on the Dodgems, the Waltzers, the Twister and lots, lots more. Meet your favourite characters on 8-9 and 14-17 Apr. Entry by wristband only. For more information visit www. billydavisfunfairs.co.uk

Sat 1 – Sun 30 Apr

The Sky Tonight, Royal Observatory Greenwich, SE10 8XJ (Selected dates) A show presented by an astronomer who takes visitors on a tour of what can be seen in the night sky on the day of their visit and the months ahead. The journey takes in stars, planets and moons. Ages 5+. For times, more information and to book visit www.rmg.co.uk

Space Safari, Royal Observatory Greenwich, SE10 8XJ

(Selected dates) Follow the adventures of Ted as he searches the Solar System for the great big bear in the sky, visiting the Sun, Moon and Planets. Ages 0-7. Charges apply. For times, more information and to book visit www.rmg.co.uk

Meet the Neighbours, Royal Observatory Greenwich, SE10 8XJ

(Selected dates) Meet our neighbours in space in this entertaining, interactive show where you can decide which planets to visit. Ages 5+. Charges apply. For times, more information and to book visit www. rmg.co.uk

Sat 1 Apr – Sat 28 Oct

The Magic Garden, Hampton Court Palace, KT8 9AU 10am-5.30pm. Experience the legendary world of the Tudor tournament in this imaginative play garden setting. Discover something new around every twist and turn and explore a mysterious secret grotto. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.hrp.org.uk/ hampton-court-palace

For lots more Roundabout ideas see page 10...

ONESIX5IVE 3-Piece Slim-Fit Boys Suits

IDEAL FOR PRIMARY PROMS Choice of 3 shirt colours from 13” collar £12 Matching slim ties from £5 Shoes from size 5 from £25 FREE ALTERATIONS 140-144 HIGH STREET, BROMLEY, BR1 1EZ T: 020 8466 8386 www.slaters.co.uk

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary across the Spring season

April

Mon 3 Apr

Sun 2 Apr

All Aboard!, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, SE10 9NF

(Also 4, 7 and 11 Apr) 11am-1pm and 1.45-3.30pm. Climb on board with us and discover different ways to make a journey and create your very own vehicle to take home. For more information visit www.rmg.co.uk/ national-maritime-museum

Bird Walk, The Woodlands Farm Trust, Welling, DA16 3RP 10-11.30am. Join in for an Early Spring Bird Watching Walk. See new arrivals and perhaps some late visitors. Take along binoculars to improve your birding experience. Meet in the farmyard by second building on the left. For more information visit www. thewoodlandsfarmtrust.org

The Cancer Research UK Oxford and Cambridge Boat Races, Various Locations 4.35pm and 5.35pm. Watched by thousands along the banks of the Tideway, between Putney and Mortlake in London, and by millions more on TV, The Cancer Research UK Boat Races are a unique sporting event between two rowing crews from Oxford and Cambridge universities. For more information visit www.theboatraces.org

Easter Egg Hunt, The Bridge, Pleasaunce Park, East Greenwich, SE10 1-4pm. There will be two fun and exciting egg hunts - one for under 5s and one for over 5s to ensure maximum enjoyment for every child. For more information visit www. thebridgegreenwich.co.uk

Sun 2 – Thurs 13 Apr

Stories around the World, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, SE10 9NF (Selected dates) 11am-1pm and 1.45-3.30pm. Folk tales and stories have been told throughout time all over the world. Discover just a few of these legendary tales in this global storytelling adventure. For more information visit www.rmg.co.uk/ national-maritime-museum

Watership Down, The Conservatoire, Blackheath, SE3 9RQ

9.30am-4pm.You will work (and have fun) as an ensemble and explore the themes and adventures in Richard Adams’ Watership Down in this drama workshop. Ages 7-11. Book on 020 8852 0234. For more information email info@ conservatoire.org.uk or visit www. conservatoire.org.uk

Piece by Piece, Museum of London Docklands, E14 4AL

12noon and 2.30pm. Discover what can be learned from the pottery, then create your own. Ages 5+. Free, drop in event visit www.museumoflondon. org.uk

Mon 3 – Fri 7 Apr

Free Family Fun Workshops, Broadway Shopping Centre, Bexleyheath, DA6 7JN

10am-3pm. There will be chocolate treat trails inside and outside the centre and the opportunity to get crafty with the kids with bonnet making, bird box and money box making.You can also have the chance to win a family set of cinema tickets to see Boss Boy. For more information visit www. broadwayshoppingcentre.com

My Miniature Room Workshop, V&A Museum of Childhood, Bethnal Green, E2 9PA

11am, 12noon, 2pm and 3.30pm. Make a miniature model home. Add imaginary furniture, toys, characters from the past, amongst things you own today. A fun, creative family workshop with artist Amy Brown. Ages 4+. Charges apply. For more information visit www.vam.ac.uk/moc

Daisy the Bunny, Ruxley Manor Garden Centre, Sidcup, DA14 5BQ Create your own Daisy the Bunny with soft fur and cute floppy ears, a favourite for any bunny lover. Session includes: soft bunny lining, stuffing, birth certificate, star wish, bunny activity sheet and crayons. Charges apply. For times, more information and to book visit www.ruxley-manor. co.uk

What a Wonderful World, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, SE10 9NF (Selected dates) 11am-1pm and 1.45-3.30pm. The way in which we live today has been influenced by the cultures, traditions and ideas of people from other countries. Join in this collaborative creative workshop to make artworks inspired by these findings. For more information visit www.rmg.co.uk/national-maritimemuseum

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance. To make sure you have the latest details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure they haven’t changed

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Mon 3 – Thurs 13 Apr

Chicks’ Great EGGscape, Bank of England Museum, EC2R 8AH 10am-4.30pm. Join the hunt to find the hidden chicks and golden egg by following the trail around the Museum and then decorate an Easter animal mask or finger puppet to take home. There’s a chocolate egg for every child. Free. For more information visit www.bankofengland. co.uk/museum

Mon 3 – Fri 14 Apr

Memory, Home and Family, V&A Museum of Childhood, Bethnal Green, E2 9PA 11am-4pm.Visit the Museum and take part in workshops and activities inspired by the Searching for Ghosts exhibition. Drop in event for all ages. For more information visit www.vam.ac.uk/moc

Mon 3 – Fri 21 Apr

Explore the Conservatoire’s Animal Kingdom, The Conservatoire, Blackheath, SE3 9RQ Go for an hour, go for day, go for a week. Enjoy top quality, fun and creative courses for children and young people aged 1 to 18. Activities include art, music and drama. Book on 020 8852 0234. For more information email info@ conservatoire.org.uk or visit www. conservatoire.org.uk

Tues 4 Apr

Explorers!, The Conservatoire, Blackheath, SE3 9RQ 9.30am-4pm. Create and act out your own stories and scenes featuring animals and their habitats.You will get the chance to explore devising, voice and movement with lots of fun games thrown in. Ages 4-7. Book on 020 8852 0234. For more information visit www.conservatoire.org.uk

Sculpt-a-Pet, The Conservatoire, Blackheath, SE3 9RQ 9am-3.30pm. Using clay or modroc, you can take your time to design, create and decorate your very own animal friend to take home and look after. Ages 5-11. Book on 020 8852 0234. For more information visit www.conservatoire.org.uk

Bonkers Easter Bonnets, Greenwich Heritage Centre, Woolwich, SE18 4DX 10am-1pm. Be inspired by some weird and wonderful hats and make a bonkers Easter bonnet. Ages 4+. Charges apply. For more information visit www.greenwichheritage.org

Out of this World, Royal Observatory Greenwich, SE10 8XJ

(Also 11 Apr) 10am-12.30pm. Join the Royal Observatory Astronomers for a series of activity packages for older children that include a planetarium show, two interactive workshops and a chance to talk to our astronomers. Ages 7+. To book visit www.rmg. co.uk/royal-observatory

Tues 4 – Thurs 6 Apr 3D SeaScape, Cutty Sark, Greenwich, SE10 9HT

11.30am-1.30pm and 2-4pm.Young sailors can create their own three dimensional picture of a fantastic voyage around the world in this art workshop. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.rmg.co.uk/ Cutty-Sark

Wed 5 Apr

Holiday to Space, Royal Observatory Greenwich, SE10 8XJ (Also 12 Apr) 10-11.30am. Learn more about Ted’s adventure in this workshop by choosing which planet would make a good holiday destination and helping our brave teddy bear prepare for his stay. Ages 4-7. For more information and to book visit www.rmg.co.uk/royalobservatory

Which Came First, Museum of London Docklands, E14 4AL 12noon and 2.30pm. How do archaeologists know how old something is? Find out in this free drop-in session. Ages 5+. For more information visit www. museumoflondon.org.uk/museumlondon-docklands

Tactile Tales, Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, SE10 9NN

(Also 12 Apr) 1.15pm, 2.15pm and 3.15pm. Join in for storytelling that engages all the senses. Encounter the exciting history of Greenwich - kings and queens, sailors and monsters - through song, art and role play. Suitable for under 7s. For more information visit www.ornc.org

Pond Dipping and Bug Hunting Day, Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park, SE10 0QZ

Discover the secret world of minibeasts with guided pond dipping and bug hunting sessions. Pond dipping sessions are from 11am12noon and 1-2pm and bug and newt hunting sessions are from 12noon1pm and 2-3pm. Free. For more information visit www.tcv.org.uk/ greenwichpeninsula

Growing Up as a Roman Child, Crofton Roman Villa, Orpington, BR6 8AF

(Also 7 and 12 Apr) 10.30am and 2pm. What was it like to be a Roman baby and did Roman children go to school? Find out the answers, make a lucky charm and do a quiz to win your Roman citizen certificate. Suitable for ages up to 11. Charges apply. For more information visit www.cka.moon-demon.co.uk/ crofton-villa.htm

For lots more Roundabout ideas see page 12...

FREE EASTER FAMILY FUN WORKSHOPS 3RD - 7TH APRIL ENTER THE FREE MORLEYS MAZE 8TH – 15TH APRIL Seek out treats and take part in our crazy competitions for the chance to WIN £1,000 GRAND PRIZE!

Find out more at broadwayshoppingcentre.com

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary across the Spring season

April

Thurs 6 – Fri 7 Apr

Afternoon Tea with Rabbit, Unicorn Theatre, Southwark, SE1 2HZ (Also 7, 13 and 15 Apr) After the Velveteen Rabbit show, settle down centre stage for a special cream tea on the Weston stage followed by rabbit themed crafts and a visit from a surprise guest. Ages 5+. Part of the UP Club+. For times, more information and to buy tickets visit www.unicorntheatre.com

Fly High Butterfly, The Conservatoire, Blackheath, SE3 9RQ 10am-12noon. Inspired by the Eric Carle story, make your own caterpillars and follow their life journey. Make a butterfly kite using painting, printing and collage techniques.You could even fly it on Blackheath. Ages 3-5. Book on 020 8852 0234. For more information visit www.conservatoire.org.uk

Animals of the Ocean, The Conservatoire, Blackheath, SE3 9RQ 1.30-3.30pm. Have a splashy time creating an ocean using wax crayons, watercolours, spray, and spattering like Jackson Pollock. What beasts of the ocean might we make to dive in? Ages 3-5. Book on 020 8852 0234. For more information visit www. conservatoire.org.uk

Wed 5 – Fri 7 Apr

Recreating Memories, V&A Museum of Childhood, Bethnal Green, E2 9PA 11am and 1.30pm. Join artist photographer Marysa Dowling to create a beautiful family portrait that tells your own story. Using craft and photography, create small objects, compose a scene, and take a photograph to take home. Ages 5+. For more information visit www.vam. ac.uk/moc

Thurs 6 Apr

Easter Baskets, Charlton House, SE7 8RE 10am-1pm. Take a stroll in the gardens and make a gorgeous Easter basket. Ages 4+. Charges apply. For more information visit www. greenwichheritage.org

The River Gods of London, Museum of London Docklands, E14 4AL 12noon, 2pm and 3pm. How did Londoners worship the gods of the Thames? Do people still follow these traditions today? Find out in this magical storytelling session. Ages 5+. Free, drop in event. For more information visit www. museumoflondon.org.uk/museumlondon-docklands

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

Animating the Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace, SW1W 1QH 11am-3pm.Visit over the Easter holidays and create your own animated short film inspired by the history of the Royal Mews. Free with admission ticket. For more information visit www. royalcollection.org.uk

Sat 8 Apr

Explore the World of Tudors, Bromley Central Library, BR1 1EX

10am-12noon. Meet the Tudor Higgler Kay Rouse and play some Tudor games, handle some objects and make your own Seal. Also taking place at Bexleyheath Central Library 2-4pm. Ages 4+. Free. For more information visit www.bexley.gov.uk/ libraries and www.bromley.gov.uk/ libraries

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

”

Lambing Day, The Woodlands Farm Trust, Welling, DA16 3RP

11am-4pm. See the new-born lambs, enjoy the chance to buy quality local produce at reasonable prices, relax in the café, enjoy a treasure hunt or get involved in craft activities. For more information visit www. thewoodlandsfarmtrust.org

The Little Old Boy, Museum of London Docklands, E14 4AL (Also 13 Apr) 12noon, 2pm and 3pm. Meet Mandy the Mudlark who discovers the remains of a mysterious Roman pot. Who did it belong to and what tales might it tell? Ages 5+. Free, drop in event. For more information visit www.museumoflondon.org.uk/ museum-london-docklands

Sat 8 – Sat 15 Apr

Mon 10 Apr

Seek out hidden treats within the twists and turns, take part in crazy competitions for the chance to win a bundle of prizes and the £1,000 grand prize. Can you find the centre of the Morleys maze and stop the timer? For more information visit www.broadwayshoppingcentre.com

9am-3.30pm. In this one day workshop, study the skeletal sculptures of Alberto Giacometti in order to make your own wireframed animal structures. Ages 9-14. Book on 020 8852 0234. For more information visit www.conservatoire. org.uk

Sat 8 – Mon 17 Apr

Hop Around Bromley, Bromley Town Centre, BR1 1DN

Who are you Looking at? Museum of London Docklands, E14 4AL

Sun 9 Apr

(Also 15 Apr) 12noon and 2.30pm. Sculpt a Roman face pot based on the examples in the new exhibition. Ages 5+. Free, drop in event. For more information visit www. museumoflondon.org.uk/museumlondon-docklands

Enter the Free Morleys Maze, Broadway Shopping Centre, Bexleyheath, DA6 7JN

(Excluding Easter Sunday) Join in this fun Easter trail around the Town Centre and be in for the chance to win some fantastic prizes. Free event. For more information visit www. yourbromley.com

Who Lives in a House Like This?, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, SE10 9NF

(Also 12 Apr) 11am-1pm and 1.453.30pm. Explore the different types of homes people live in throughout the world by identifying what makes a house a home. Be inspired and create your own dwelling to add to a collaborative art work. For more information visit www.rmg.co.uk/ national-maritime-museum

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance. To make sure you have the latest details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure they haven’t changed

Creature Carving, The Conservatoire, Blackheath, SE3 9RQ

Grand Opening, Oxygen Freejumping, Croydon, CR0 4RQ Brand new to Croydon, Oxygen Freejumping, the ultimate trampoline park playground is set to make boredom a thing of the past. Whether you’re a superstar flipper or a bouncing beginner you’ll be in for a treat. Save 10% if you use code EASTER10 when booking. For more information and to book visit www. oxygenfreejumping.co.uk

Mon 10 – Fri 14 Apr

Mon 10 – Sat 15 Apr

Made in a Day, Unicorn Theatre, Southwark, SE1 2HZ

The new Made in a Day workshops are designed to be creative, fun and challenging sessions that explore the worlds of puppetry, circus, movement and performance. Ages 7-14. For more information and to book visit www. unicorntheatre.com

Mon 10 – Sun 16 Apr

Thames Barrier Information Centre, SE18 5NJ

Mon-Sat 10.30am-5pm and Sun 10.30am-7pm (last entrance 6pm) Visit the exhibition centre where you can learn how the Thames Barrier was designed and built, and how it works. See the Tall Ships Parade pass through on Sun eve. For more information visit www.gov.uk/thethames-barrier

Tues 11 Apr

The River Gods of London, Museum of London Docklands, E14 4AL

12noon, 2pm and 3pm. How did Londoners worship the gods of the Thames? Do people still follow these traditions today? Find out in this magical storytelling session. Ages 5+. Free, drop in event. For more information visit www. museumoflondon.org.uk/museumlondon-docklands

Mad Hatters Tea Party, The Woodlands Farm Trust, Welling, DA16 3RP

10.30am-12.30pm and 2-4pm. Join in for the second of the series of events to celebrate 20 years of the Woodlands Farm Trust. Dress up, make fun hats and prepare some food to start the party. To book call 020 8319 8900. For more information visit www. thewoodlandsfarmtrust.org

Animal Style, The Conservatoire, Blackheath, SE3 9RQ

9am-3.30pm. Make your very own animal costume. Choose from a variety of materials and take your time creating your very own personalised fancy dress outfit. Ages 5-11. Book on 020 8852 0234. For more information visit www. conservatoire.org.uk

Tues 11 – Thurs 13 Apr Hatching Out, National Gallery, WC2N 5DN

11am-1pm and 2-4pm. Become a botanical explorer and create your own mini-environments inspired by the natural worlds and symbols in paintings. Free. For more information visit www.nationalgallery.org.uk

Wed 12 Apr

Masks and Myths, The Conservatoire, Blackheath, SE3 9RQ

10am-12noon. In this mask-making workshop, make your own animal or bird mask. Based on real animals,

For lots more Roundabout ideas see page 30...

Family theatre Chester Tuffnut

Gomito Theatre have discovered a brand new type of creature: the treemole. Chester Tuffnut isn’t your ordinary treemole – in fact he is one of a kind. Chester likes wearing jumpers and sitting in his armchair, but most of all he loves adventure. The curious creatures in Woodland have gone so long without excitement they’ve forgotten how to have fun. Luckily, Chester is on hand to bring happiness and laughter back to his new Woodland friends. This new production created by Gomito and Polka Theatre for ages 2–5, is an action-packed escapade with a one-of-a-kind creature, Chester Tuffnut, based on an original character first seen at Greenwich Theatre in 2013. Mischievous Chester takes centre stage in this celebration of individuality and togetherness. Told with puppets, original music and imaginative antics, this show is full of humour, thrills, spills, near misses and great escapes. It’s a story about discovering new places and making friends, while encouraging everyone to have at least one adventure a day. You can also have your very own adventure, with the chance to stay, meet the Woodland creatures and explore their dens after the show. To book tickets for this show, which runs from Friday 14 – Monday 17 April, visit www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk

GLYPT have invited Moxie Brawl to The Tramshed in Woolwich this Easter to dazzle audiences with their Windibops laboratory. The lab investigates flatulence (yes we mean farts) and whether it has an impact on global warming. Three dancing scientists manoeuvre in a comical, fun world combining high quality dance, humour, strange sounds and smells. Expect a highly interactive show with sections of live experiments (silly and serious) for collecting farts, illustration of digestion, and tests to discover the colour of your farts. The original soundtrack includes sounds of our inner workings along with lab sounds and beats.

Family Theatre

Watch the Windibops Dancing Scientists

ORCHESTRA PRESENTS

THE

AN ENCHANTED JOURNEY THROUGH FILM MUSIC FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

The Movie Music Box

Blackheath Halls is presenting its very first orchestral concert aimed at young children on Sunday 14 May. Using the venue’s very own Blackheath Halls Orchestra, The Movie Music Box will journey through film music with the help of an on-stage presenter, listening to the different sounds the orchestra can make and asking the audience to help and join in. With some fantastic music from films the children know and love such as Star Wars and Pirates of the Caribbean, through to well-known classical music which has been used in films throughout the ages, this is a concert the whole family will enjoy and hopefully inspire some musicians of the future. Tickets cost £11, £9 for concessions or £6 under 12s. For more information, visit www.blackheathhalls.com.

Sunday 14th May 3pm Tickets: £11 | £9 concs | £6 under 12s

Box Office: 020 8463 0100 www.blackheathhalls.com

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

Family Theatre

and lots and lots of clever nonsense (Warning! some of the clever nonsense will be extremely stupid).

5 Apr

Family theatre guide Blackheath Halls SE3

Churchill Bromley

Box Office: 020 8463 0100 1 Apr

Box Office: 020 3285 6000 2 Apr

A Real Alien Adventure

The Sooty Show

Are the aliens friend or foe? Why do the aliens want to steal all the earth’s fluffy things? And how do you drink a cup of tea in space? A fun filled show full of wonderment for all the family. Ages 3+.

8 - 9 Apr

Paws and Padlocks

Two children are mistakenly locked in a zoo for the night where they discover talking beasts and dastardly plans afoot. Ages 6+.

29 Apr

Pied Piper

Norwich Puppet Theatre’s humorous and irresistible one person show combines a skilful mix of puppetry, foot-tapping music and storytelling and will have audiences young and old entranced.

6 May

Peter and the Wolf

The story of a mischievous boy who wanders into the forest against the wishes of his grandfather. Not heeding warning of a wolf in the forest, he finds himself in peril. Ages 4+

14 May

The Movie Music Box

Journey through film music with the help of the Blackheath Halls orchestra and an on-stage presenter in the venue’s first orchestral concert aimed at children.

Broadway Catford Box Office: 020 8690 0002 1 Apr

Robin Hood

Join our heroes Robin Hood and Maid Marian in this swashbuckling, arrow-slinging, tights-wearing comedy adventure. Starring George Sampson and Dani Harmer.

The time travelling magic duo Morgan & West present a jaw dropping, heart stopping, brain busting, opinion adjusting, death defying, outlook changing, furniture rearranging magic extravaganza.

Expect magic, music and 6 – 8 Apr mayhem with buckets full The Thing That Came of audience participation. From Over There! A spectacular treat With comedy and thrills for Sooty fans old Enjoy galore, the show features and new - plus a visual gags, verbal wit, the show! chance to meet giant puppetry, and Richard and And don’t even a little bit of live Sooty after the forget to say music. Ages 10+. show.

9 Apr

Mr Bloom’s Nursery Live!

you saw it in Primary Times!

Mr Bloom and his Veggies are getting the nursery ready for a visit from the Royal family. Can you lend a hand and help them get the allotment ready in time?

2 – 6 May

The First Hippo on the Moon

From number one bestselling children’s author David Walliams comes an explosively funny space adventure for children of 3 and up.

Greenwich Theatre Box Office: 020 8858 7755 3 Apr

The Happy Warrior

A playful imagining based on the unbelievable true story of Private Wojtek; a Syrian Brown Bear who was enlisted into the Polish Army Corp during WW2. Ages 7+.

9 Apr

Sammy and the Snow Leopard

Sammy’s Mum won’t let him have any pets, but he thinks he’s found a way to have one that doesn’t actually come to the house. He soon finds himself on an adventure that quickly spirals out of control.

12 Apr

Guess How Much I Love You Explore this playful story of love and nature as it unfolds on stage through puppets, live music and interactive play for children aged 3 and up.

13 – 14 Apr

Eloise & The Curse of the Golden Whisk

3 – 4 Apr

Served up with lashings of laughs, thrills and scrumptious live music, the show is a swashbuckling, culinary adventure of hope, magic and stepping up to the plate. Ages 7+.

The Explorer

14 – 17 Apr

See The Explorer leap, swim, float into space and enjoy a rather bumpy elephant ride as she tries to find a way back home. She might need a little help along the way too. Ages 3-8.

4 Apr

Big Howard’s LOL-tastic Yukfest for Kids and Well-Trained Adults

This hour of fun features standup, interactive digital animation, sound effects, jokes and lots, 14

Utterly Spiffing Spectacular Magic Show for Kids (and Childish Adults)

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

Chester Tuffnut

The woodland creatures have gone so long without excitement, they’ve forgotten how to have fun. Luckily, Chester is on hand to bring happiness and laughter back to his new woodland friends. Ages 2-5.

23 Apr

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Created by Jonathan Rockefeller, this critically acclaimed production features a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets, faithfully adapting four of Eric Carle’s stories.

30 Apr

Ulla’s Odyssey

OperaUpClose tell the story of fourteen-year-old Ulla as she attempts to become the youngest person to sail the world single-handedly in her trusty sailing boat ‘The Homer’. Ages 7+.

Southbank Centre SE1 Box Office: 020 7960 4200 9 Apr

Tongue Fu for Kids

Take along your children to a lively show where poems, songs, stories, games and improvisation meet. Ages 7-10.

The Tramshed, Woolwich Box Office: 020 8854 1316 15 Apr

Windibops

Three dancing scientists manoeuvre in a comical, fun world combining interactive theatre, dance, humour, strange sounds and smells. Ages 4+.

The Vaults, Waterloo Box Office: 08442 481 125 13 May – 3 Sep

Adventures in Wonderland

In this interactive experience, you’ll get to tumble with the Tweedle twins, follow the White Rabbit and take tea with the Hatter at the Maddest Tea Party of all. Ages 5-10.

Unicorn SE1 Box Office: 020 7645 0560 Until 9 Apr

Jeramee, Hartleby and Oooglemore

Revelling in delightful innocence and glorious stupidity, this surprising and surreal encounter involves three people who have a lot to say but only three words with which to say it. Ages 3+.

Until 15 Apr

The Velveteen Rabbit

First published in 1922, this classic American tale loses nothing of its power, magic and charm in this bold and adventure-filled adaptation for the Unicorn stage. Ages 5+.

Family Theatre

Windibops is a rib-tickling, inclusive and fun dance theatre experience complete with moving lab tables, fart jars, cows and test tubes. The show is perfect for children aged 4+ and their families. Head to The Tramshed, Woolwich on Easter Saturday, 15 April at 11am. Tickets cost £6 and can be bought online at www. glypt.co.uk or by calling the Box Office 020 8854 1316.

Theatre for London Primary Schools This spring, more than 12,000 young people will see the National Theatre’s tour for younger audiences of Romeo and Juliet and Macbeth, with these productions visiting 27 schools across the capital and playing on stage at the National Theatre and Stratford Circus. The National Theatre’s latest production of Romeo and Juliet is a modern twist on Shakespeare’s classic love story set against a vibrant urban backdrop with excitement, colour, dancing and live song. A company of eight present a contemporary celebration of Shakespeare’s masterpiece suitable for children aged 8–12yrs. Lisa Burger, Executive Director at the National Theatre told Primary Times, “It is often the logistics of bringing a whole year group to the theatre which can be the barrier to young people accessing world-class theatre. By helping children to see great theatre, we are seeking to inspire children’s learning and create the next generation of audiences and playmakers.” Photo credit: Ellie Kurttz

Children’s events Apr-May 2017

REAL ALIEN ADVENTURE

PIED PIPER

PAWS AND PADLOCKS

PETER AND THE WOLF

SATURDAY 1 APRIL 1pm & 3pm

A new family opera

SATURDAY 8 APRIL 2pm & 6pm SUNDAY 9 APRIL 2pm & 6pm

SATURDAY 29 APRIL 1pm & 3pm

SATURDAY 6 MAY 3pm

Book tickets online at www.blackheathhalls.com or contact the box office on 020 8463 0100

Book more and save money with our multibuy discount

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

Fun Days Out this Spring

A Vaudevillian Extravaganza

This Easter weekend’s Festival of Steam and Transport (16 and 17 April), is set to dazzle visitors with a variety of show stopping entertainment: Classic transport displays, two days of live music, running steam trains, jugglers, dancers, side shows, comedy, food, drink, merriment and much, much more. The ‘Star of the Show’ is a traditional funfair, free with ticket purchase, that visitors can ride again and again all day. One price, one extraordinary day, one big adventure. Visitors will be entertained by Songsters, Dancers and Jokesters all weekend long with Side Show entertainment on the Dockyard streets. Live music will

fill the air and hundreds of classic and vintage vehicles will be on display, to complete the lineup of transport through the ages. Children can let off steam in the indoor soft play and outdoor play areas, and everyone can enjoy the range of food on offer and opportunities to buy that special Easter gift. For the parents, there is an exclusive opportunity to take a walking tour around the location for the popular TV drama series ‘Call the Midwife’ and see how areas of the Dockyard were transformed to become the perfect backdrop for the programme. This Easter weekend, visitors from all ages can discover everything The Historic Dockyard Chatham has to offer. Take a journey through maritime history, warships, galleries and attractions and, for this weekend only, enjoy two days of remarkable family entertainment. Early Bird discount tickets are now available to purchase online. For more information go to www.thedockyard.co.uk/steamandtransport

Craft Activities at Greenwich Market

Make your mum the perfect gift for Mother’s Day at a craft workshop in Greenwich Market on Sunday 25 March with ArtyParty. Make a flower that will last all year. Be inspired by Monet’s Water-Lily Pond to create and paint your very own. The workshop is £4 on the door at 7A Greenwich Market, at 11am, 12noon, 1.30pm and 2.30pm.

Crafty Fun in

One click an m away fro ary in d r e x t r ao

day!

Make Something Lovely for Mum Saturday 25 March

EASTMEORN SUN & 2017

Mother’s Day Gift Making Workshops: Make a Monet inspired Water Lily with ArtyParty, stitch with Miss Libby Rose, card making and designer maker gifts. Book online.

Tall Ships Easter Extravaganza

Friday 14 and Saturday 15 April, open till 7pm Seafaring fun celebrating the arrival of The Tall Ships. Arty anchors, nautical knots, map making and puzzles for pirates and mermaids. And lots of chocolate!

London’s favourite arts and crafts market. Delicious street food. Open 9.30-5pm (check website for details) Many shops open 7 days a week

greenwichmarketlondon.com

A Royal Navy charity since 1694

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

CHDT - S & T - Press Ad_Primary Times_135x90.indd 1

02/02/2017 11:58

Greenwich Tall Ships

Visit The Tall Ships festival over the Easter Weekend 13-16 April in the Royal Borough of Greenwich. There will be four days of live entertainment, fireworks, ships visits and cruises. Expect a great event which will close on the Sunday with the Parade of Sail as the fleet of Tall Ships head out along the river to the sea.

Greenwich Borough will come alive with maritime entertainment, live music and fireworks to mark the start of the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta – a transatlantic race organised by Sail Training International. Around 50 young people have been awarded places as Sail Trainees on the first leg of the race from Greenwich to Sines in Portugal. During the festival there will be over 30 tall ships along the Greenwich riverfront and the public will be able to visit some of them via the piers. Others can be visited by a shuttle service ferrying people out to visit the bigger ships in deeper water. This is in addition to the Tall Ships Cruises which can be booked via www.timeout.com. There will be two festival villages, one in Royal Woolwich Arsenal and one in Maritime Greenwich, where shore side attractions will include live music, historical re-enactments, street entertainers, children’s activities, traditional funfair rides, street food stalls and bars as well as evening fireworks. To find out more about the Tall Ships Festival, head over to www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk.You can also keep up to date with what’s going on with all announcements about the event at the Royal Greenwich Tall Ships Facebook page.

Fun Days Out this Spring

Have a go at sewing and making aprons with Miss Libby Rose on her Pink Bus. Book a place for one child and one adult for a 90 minute sewing lesson together and make an apron each with a beautifully embroidered pocket and a slogan of your choice - using the Janome 350e embroidery machine. It costs £25 per session. Book to avoid disappointment at www. misslibbyrose.com. The Pink Sewing Bus also runs after school clubs for kids on Thursdays from 4-5pm. The club includes an introduction to the sewing machine and of course, plenty of activities making fabulous creations, perfect for kids aged 7 years and above. The course costs £15 per session and includes all materials. Go along and join in some fabulous sewing sessions in the heart of Greenwich Market. Join in with seafaring fun celebrating the arrival of The Tall Ships on Friday 14 and Saturday 15 April. Get involved with arty anchors, nautical knots, map making, puzzles for pirates and mermaids and plenty of chocolate. Find out more about the variety of activities on offer at Greenwich Market at the website www. greenwichmarketlondon.com.

Up at The O2

This Easter, take a break from the chocolate eggs and try a unique experience with a climb ‘Up at The O2’. The unforgettable expedition offers adventurous families the chance to experience urban mountaineering with an

GREENWICH PENINSULA SUN MAY 21ST, FREE ENTRY

URBAN VILLAGE FETE

Come along and enjoy four days of music, ships visits, river cruises and evening fireworks

A CONTEMPORARY TWIST ON THE TRADITIONAL VILLAGE FAIR Urban Village Fete is an alternative, contemporary twist on the traditional summer fete - a big and bold celebration of the best in design, music, art, innovative events and modern craftsmanship, right at the heart of Greenwich Peninsula. Creative workshops, roaming performances, fun and games for all the family. www.weareurbanvillage.co.uk

For further information or to book a river cruise: www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/tallships

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

Fun Days Out this Spring

exhilarating 90-minute climb up one of London’s most iconic landmarks. The climb is open for ages 9 and upwards. Dressed in full explorer attire, climbers will journey to the peak of the world-renowned entertainment venue with an experienced guide on hand to talk them through every step across the 350m walkway. Upon reaching the summit 52m above ground level, climbers can take a moment to soak up the spectacular sights of the city. Following the ascent back down the roof, you can head inside for a well-deserved bite to eat at one of the many great family restaurants The O2 has to offer. For a memorable day out that’s sure to impress the kids this Easter, visit www.theo2.co.uk and book a climb. Prices start from £30. To avoid disappointment, advance bookings are suggested.

Electrifying Science Fun

The Historic Dockyard Chatham’s popular “Doc.Yard’s Secret Lab” is open to visitors with a brand new electrifying experience. It’s open for the Easter holiday and beyond, all the way up until the May Bank Holiday (Monday 1 May). Young (and not so young) budding scientists can experience a 45 minute hands-on visit to the eccentric Doc Yard’s Secret Lab in the company of the equally eccentric assistant Bunsen.

In the Prep room, all young scientists will don lab coats and stylish safety specs ready to enter the Lab. Can the children pass the ‘are you a bright enough spark’ test to enter Doc’s atomic research facility? And can the adults pass a test of their own? Once in the lab, the fun begins.Young scientists will find out about the tiny world of the atom and the electron, have hairraising fun finding out what happens when exposed to 100,000 volts of electricity and learn about the pulling power of magnets, including discovering how to make their own. It’s fun for all the family in Doc.Yard’s Secret Lab, open at weekends and school holidays (and for school visits during the week). To find out more, please visit www.thedockyard.co.uk

Easter Family Fun at Hever Castle

For some magical family moments this Easter, hop through Hever Castle Gardens on the trail of the Lindt Gold Bunny to win an adorable miniature fluffy bunny. There’s family entertainment throughout the Easter holidays from 1-17 April designed to put a spring in everyone’s step. Besides joining the hunt to find the Lindt Gold Bunny, children can make and decorate an Easter bonnet at daily craft workshops (for a small additional charge). There’s an opportunity to parade your creations in front of the Castle each day with treats for the best Easter bonnets.

JOIN OUR TOWN CENTRE TRAIL

THIS EASTER Sat 8th - Mon 17th April 2017 (Excluding Easter Sunday)

FOR YOUR CHANCE

TO WIN SOME FANTASTIC

PRIZES

Find all the details online: yourbromley.com Delivered by Your Bromley Business Improvement District

019314_BROMLEY_EASTER_A4_POSTER_PRINT.indd 1

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

08/03/2017 10:54

For thousands more ideas visit www.primarytimes.net

Fun Days Out this Spring

Enjoy more family fun inside the Castle where you can take part in a fun Easter quiz. The Easter event is also a great opportunity to explore the award-winning gardens surrounding Hever Castle. At this time of year visitors can enjoy a dazzling display of flowers along the moat and in the Italian Gardens from late flowering daffodils to hyacinths and blossom. As well as fun Easter themed activities and the gardens to explore, why not challenge yourself in the Yew Maze and see how long it takes you to find the way out? Then round off the day with seasonal home cooked food and mouth-watering cakes in the restaurant followed by a visit to the Gift Shop stocked with Easter goodies including Lindt chocolate eggs and treats. Normal admission charges apply. For more information please visit the website www.hevercastle.co.uk or call Hever Castle on 01732 865 224. Photo credit: Hever Castle & Gardens

The Walnuts Shopping Centre Mother’s Day is special and your Mum deserves a special present, so visit the Walnuts on Saturday 25 March to make a wonderful gift or card. They have free activities inside the centre so the weather is no problem. Walnuts’ favourite mascots, Walter & Wanda Walnutter will also be roaming around during the day

HEV-Easter-Ad-Primary-Times-90x135-AW.indd 1

www.thewalnutsshoppingcentre.com Follow us on Twitter - @PT_LondonSandE

07/02/2017 13:22

BR6 0TW 20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

Fun Days Out this Spring

looking for high fives or hugs in exchange for a balloon. Go along and join in the fun from 10am to 4pm. Walnuts’ Easter event will be brilliant too with their Easter Egg Treasure Hunt and also their very own Petting Farm. Collect a Treasure Map and try and find all the hidden Easter Eggs around the Shopping Centre. A free gift will be yours for taking part in the fun. After, you can pay a visit to the Petting Farm which will include two gorgeous Pygmy Donkeys, Pygmy Goats, Rabbits, Chicks and more. If you love animals then this is the place to be and it’s all free. Go along on Saturday 15 April from 10am to 3pm.

An Egg-citing Easter in Bromley

The team at Your Bromley, the Business Improvement District for Bromley town centre, have been busy bunnies this year as they organise the first ever town centre Easter Bunny Trail this April. Taking place from 8 to 17 April (excluding Sunday 16 April) young visitors to Bromley will be challenged to find the Bromley Easter Bunnies hidden around the town centre. Once hunters have found ten bunnies they will be rewarded with their very own chocolate treat from the customer service desk in The Glades. All participants will be entered into a draw that will see two lucky winners receive a meal at Giraffe or a family day out to The London Zoo including travel. To take part in the trail look out for the special maps available at Bromley Central Library or the customer service desk in The Glades or download one at www.yourbromley.com.

The Morleys Maze will arrive on April 8 and remain at Broadway Shopping Centre until April 15. Built from live hedges, the maze will house a host of secrets including hidden spot prizes. Shoppers of all ages will be able to explore the maze, and take part in an Easter Egg Hunt across Broadway Shopping Centre, from 10am until 3pm. All the activities are free but donations will be collected in aid of Greenwich and Bexley Community Hospice. For more information about events and stores at Broadway Shopping Centre go to www.broadwayshoppingcentre.com or visit the centre’s Facebook page or Twitter account @ BroadwayBexley

Five Years of Mini Marathons

Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice’s popular Mini Marathon will celebrate its fifth year in 2017, once again asking children and young people to put on their trainers and run, walk or jog to raise money for their important work. The event takes place on Sunday 7 May in Royal Greenwich Park when the Mini Marathoners will make their way around a 2.62 mile circular course starting from the bandstand at the top of the park. After a lively warm up, the Mini Marathoners can run, walk or jog their way around the route – wearing fancy dress if they choose. Since the event first began in 2013, over 3,200 local children have donned

Giant Morleys Maze at Broadway Shopping Centre

A giant Easter themed maze is set to be the central attraction during a fortnight of free holiday fun for all the family, at Broadway Shopping Centre in Bexleyheath. The 2.4 metre (8-foot) high Morleys Maze is named in honour of the new flagship department store Morleys, which will open at Broadway Shopping Centre on April 13. Selected shoppers will be challenged to race to the centre of the maze while blindfolded, with the fastest winning a main prize worth £1,000 from Morleys, which stocks hundreds of top name brands in fashion, beauty and home wares. The free Easter entertainment at Broadway Shopping Centre will begin with a series of fun children’s craft workshops from April 3 – 7. Crafts such as egg decorating, Easter bunny mask making or money box making will be offered each day between 10am and 3pm. There will also be a competition to win three sets of cinema passes for a family of four to watch the movie The Boss Baby at Cineworld in Bexleyheath.

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

spring time events with Bexley and Bromley Libraries saturday 8 april

Explore the world of the Tudors

Come and meet the Tudor Higgler Kay Rouse and play some tudor games, handle some objects and make your own seal.

Bromley Central Library 10.00-12.00 Bexleyheath Central Library 2.00-4.00 Free- no need to book – just drop in • Suitable for children aged 4+ For more details please ask at your local library or visit www.bexley.gov.uk/libraries or www.bromley.gov.uk/libraries Listening to you, working for you

Chicks’ Great EGGscape

Fun Days Out this Spring

their running shoes and collectively raised an incredible £180,000 for their local Hospice. This has helped provide one full month of Hospice care, enabling more than 200 local people to receive 24 hour care on the Inpatient Unit at the Hospice, and through the Day Hospice, at home, and in hospital. Children must be aged between 5 and 16 years old to participate. All children aged between 5 and 7 must run with a responsible adult. Registration is £7.50 per child and places are limited. Once each child has crossed the finish line they will be presented with a much-deserved medal and a goody bag full of treats. For more details or to register for a place at the Mini Marathon, visit www.communityhospice.org.uk

Royal Greenwich Park

Sunday 7th May 2017 at 10am

A sponsored 2.62 mile walk, run or jog for 5* to 16 year olds *All 5 to 7 year olds must be accompanied on the route by an adult

Over £180,000 has been raised by local children since 2013; sign up today and help us top £250,000 in our special 5th year! Register online at www.communityhospice.org.uk For more information call us on 020 8319 9230 or email us at info@gbch.org.uk

like us on facebook Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice follow us on twitter @gbchospice #GBCHMiniMarathon

Kindly sponsored by

Free admission

3–13 April 10:00am–4.30pm

14th to 17th April

Join the hunt to ﬁnd the chicks and golden egg by following the trail around the Museum and then decorate an Easter animal mask or ﬁnger puppet to take home. There’s a chocolate egg for every child. 10:00am–5:00pm Share your experience Monday to Friday. Closed weekends and boemuseum Bank Holidays. Entrance T: 020 7601 5545 in Bartholomew Lane, London EC2R 8AH www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum

Join our Robin Hoodie trail this Easter and help him in his quest to save Maid Marion. Whilst you explore the gardens and enjoy the fun-filled ‘Walking Theatre’ adventure, keep an eye out for Robin Hoodie, Maid Marion and the merry band of naughty outlaws.

Easter Quest | 1st to 17th April Seek out Easter clues hidden around the Leeds Castle grounds on a fun Easter quest for all the family. Answer all the questions and receive a chocolate reward.

leeds-castle.com

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

Camps, Courses and Classes Animal Days Out Easter Camp

Have you planned anything for your children during the Easter holidays? Do you need high quality childcare? At the ADO Academy they believe in providing fun and educational activities for your children with a theme of animals, wildlife, nature and outdoor play and learning. They run their Holiday Clubs every Half Term and holiday throughout the year. Over Easter they have 9 days of themed activities with live animals, outdoor adventure and a special Easter EGGstravaganza Day. For Early Years, they have their popular Easter Pop-Up Farm on Wednesday 5 April at their Mini-Explorers venue, which is open to all the family. Animal Days Out Holiday Clubs are perfect for children aged 2 to 14 years across two OFSTED registered venues. For Early Years childcare the Mini-Explorers Garden in Albany Park provides the perfect setting for adventure and play for your 2 to 5 year olds. They already run their full time preschool at this venue and have indoor space and their own designed outdoor mini woodland.

Anna Fiorentini Theatre & Film School Join award-winning Anna Fiorentini Theatre & Film School this Easter and Summer. Students, aged 4–18, follow a part-time timetable of drama/film, singing and dance all taught by leading industry professionals at branches in Hackney, Camden, Greenwich and Docklands. They are also holding an Easter Holiday School from 3 – 7 April where your child can experience a Musical Adventure as they explore some of the best loved shows from the West End and Broadway. Although the school boasts about the professional work many of its students have gained via its agency, including leading roles on TV, Film

Young Explorers, (5 to 7 years) and Rangers (8 to 14 years) enjoy their own developed forest school woodland area, wildflower meadow and pond at Royal Park Primary School. Special themed days of animal encounters, bushcraft, arts and crafts, outdoor activities and forest school activities provide children with a unique holiday club experience. Choose any one day of the week or book all week long. They have early and late club options for working parents, with sibling discounts and weekly discounts available. Check out the website for full details and complete the registration form to book your child on a holiday club they will remember for ever.Visit www.animaldaysout.com today and book now while places are still available.

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

Students are encouraged to have fun at Oscar Nights, get involved with the Performance Troupe (which tours to hospitals, care homes and homes for the elderly), take LAMDA exams and take part in shows, amongst other activities. To support their ethos of inclusivity, the school holds a number of fundraising events to help those that may struggle with fees. To book an Obligation Free taster day for the term starting in April, contact hello@annafiorentini.com. If you can’t wait until then, sign up to the Easter Holiday School. Parents – are you jealous of all these opportunities for your children? Stage & the City offers fun adult classes with all profits going to the Fiorentini Foundation providing bursaries for the kids.

Camps, Courses and Classes

and on the West End stage, it is just as proud of the academic achievements that its students attain due to increased confidence, self-esteem and a new thirst for learning.

Easter holiday workshops check website for details

Visit www.annafiorentini.com or www.stageandthecity.com for more information.

Stagecoach Performing Arts

Give your child Creative Courage for Life with Stagecoach Performing Arts. Every child has all kinds of abilities and capabilities, but unless they explore them, experiment and learn to express themselves, they may never realise the talents within them. Continued on Page 24

Branches at New Eltham, Bexley, Chislehurst & Mottingham

CDET

RECOGNISED SCHOOL

COUNCIL FOR DANCE EDUCATION & TRAINING

Drama, Street Dance & Singing Confidence building fun! All the Arts Theatre School is still less than half the price of other part time stage schools. 100% pass rate in all vocational exams and opportunities to take part in local and West End performances. For further info visit our website at www.allthearts.co.uk or call 0208 8502384

BE GOOD AT BEING YOURSELF

BECKENHAM 020 8541 0833 beckenham@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/beckenham

BROMLEY 020 8941 6073 bromley@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/bromley

Unlock your child’s potential with Stagecoach Performing Arts Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year olds, where students learn to embrace life with creativity and courage

™

Creative Courage For Life Follow us on Twitter - @PT_LondonSandE

ORPINGTON 01732 750783 orpington@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/orpington

SIDCUP 01634 241455 sidcup@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/sidcup

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

Stagecoach Performing Arts Schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach is a registered trademark of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Ltd.

BLACKHEATH 020 7112 8242 blackheath@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/blackheath

Camps, Courses and Classes

Stagecoach sets out to inspire children to unleash their potential, teaching the performing arts and so much more. It’s about taking on a challenge and being unafraid to express yourself, having the courage to be yourself and let other people know it, being creative and expressive and building life-long friendships. Stagecoach calls it ‘Creative Courage for Life’. Stagecoach Performing Arts in Beckenham, Blackheath, Bromley, Orpington and Sidcup offer classes in singing, dancing and acting and are offering a two week trial during the school Summer Term for youngsters aged four to 18. Classes are small which means every child is given attention and allowed to realise their potential at their own pace. The teachers all have performing arts experience and are there to lead and support youngsters as they conquer fears and rise to new challenges. The Principals have a passion for the arts and have a fantastic team of experienced teachers at their venues. After a “Parents do Stagecoach” day, one parent told Primary Times, “Amazing experience, I loved it! Thank you Stagecoach so much for the wonderful time. It was at such a high level, I think all parents should do it to see how important it is for the kids to do Stagecoach – they are having fun, learning lots and expressing themselves. The teachers work so hard. I thought I’d enjoy it, but I didn’t think I’d enjoy it so much!” To find out more about the two week trial, please contact your closest Stagecoach school via the contact details in their advert.

All the Arts

Award winning theatre school All the Arts, who have won the Bromley Business Award and were recently awarded ‘Recognised Schools Status’ from the Council of Dance Education and Training for the 6th consecutive year, will be headlining the Prestigious Tall Ships Festival in Greenwich this Easter. Principal Lucy Morgans told Primary Times, “We provide performance opportunities for all of our pupils, regardless of experience. Taking part in these shows builds confidence, widens social circles and most importantly our pupils have fantastic time! Our theatrical agency is also thriving, with pupils currently in TV commercials for Paramount, Fujitsu, Cadbury’s and Green Energy, as well as large-scale filming projects and West End shows. ATA pupils will also be taking the lead acting roles in productions of Priscilla the Queen of The Dessert at The Churchill Theatre and Made in Dagenham at The Orchard Theatre.” Lucy said, “We work hard to keep our prices affordable. Drama, singing and dance are covered in one fun-packed class, which keeps costs low and enjoyment high and there is no need to attend several different sessions. Our recent IDTA examinations saw 100% of our pupils awarded Highly Commended and Honours grades.” Visit ATA’s website www.allthearts.co.uk or call 020 8850 2384 for more information on classes for ages 3-18 years.

Jigsaw Performing Arts

Feed your children’s imagination and watch their confidence grow. Children across South East London have just completed another fun-filled 11 weeks of drama, singing and dance. Some dazzling endof-term shows and mesmerising presentations made for some very happy performing arts tutors. 24

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

All in all, it’s been an incredibly exciting spring term for Jigsaw, and staff and students alike can’t wait for the next term to get underway. For more information or to book a two week trial, visit www. jigsaw-arts.co.uk or alternatively you can call 020 8447 4530 and a member of the team will be more than happy to help.

The Conservatoire The Conservatoire in Blackheath is inviting children and young people to get creative and explore their Animal Kingdom during three weeks of holiday courses over the Easter break. The 136year old institution, part of the oldest surviving purpose-built cultural complex in London, is a much-loved local institution and is focused on Quality, Creativity and

Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools

Community. All of the tutors are professional musicians, artists and actors who use their extensive training and experience in specially designed programmes for all. During the holidays the Conservatoire has 16 different courses available, in drama, art and music. There are activities suitable from 18 months to 18 years with courses for an hour, a day or a week and events where you can either drop off your children or get creative as a family. Some of the many highlights include drama inspired by Watership Down and Shakespeare, Hungry Caterpillar art activities, guitar workshops and the opportunity to come along as a family and design and paint a mural. You’ll find the Conservatoire in Lee Road, Blackheath.Visit www. conservatoire.org.uk or call 020 8852 0234 for more information.

COMPUTER CODING FOR KIDS

Camps, Courses and Classes

With one term ending and a new term just around the corner, thoughts now turn towards a theatre trip. This April, Jigsaw students and their families are jumping aboard a magic carpet ride and are off to see Disney’s Aladdin at the Prince Edward Theatre in London’s West End. Meanwhile, a brand-new Jigsaw school is opening in Bushey and children from Jigsaw’s agency, Jigsaw Arts Management, are continuing to appear on both stage and screen.

Games Coding, Robotics Drones, Websites, Minecraft Fun, engaging sessions Term/Holiday courses Ages 5 to 14+

www.spark4kids.com

Email hello@spark4kids.com Call 020 8090 1444

EASTER HOLIDAY COURSES MONDAY 3 – FRIDAY 21 APRIL 2017

Explore the Conservatoire’s Animal Kingdom Art, Music & Drama Quality, Creativity & Community Come for an hour, Come for a day, Come for a week Suitable for 18 months to 18 years!

SCHOOLS IN:

Bexleyheath Deptford Bridge ✴ ✴ ✴

3–18 years

TWO WEEK TRIAL AVAILABLE. BOOK NOW!

020 8447 4530 www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk Follow us on Twitter - @PT_LondonSandE

CALL 020 8852 0234 / 020 8852 0103 OR 19–21 LEE ROAD, LONDON, SE3 9RQ VISIT WWW.CONSERVATOIRE.ORG.UK

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

The budding linguists design the menus for each table, learn a dance and are encouraged to dress in costume. The event culminates in prizes for the best singing and dancing, individual use of language, costume and the best designed menu. Ms Catriona Macleod, Head of Colfe’s Junior School, told Primary Times, “This is a fantastic way for our Year 5 pupils to immerse themselves in the French language. The breakfast helps to give them the confidence to speak another language in a ‘real word’ scenario and have fun at the same time.”

Education Education Education Colfe’s French Breakfast

Pupils at Colfe’s Junior School in South East London sampled the delights of French cuisine recently without having to leave the comfort of the school grounds.Year 5 pupils visited an ‘authentic French Café’ specially created inside the school for the annual Colfe’s French Breakfast where all conversations are conducted (and food ordered) in French. The role of the serveuses and garçons is provided by Senior School pupils in Years 11 to 13.

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

Changing the World, One School Meal at a Time

Mary’s Meals provides daily meals to more than 1.1 million of the world’s poorest children every day they attend school. The nutritious meals enable children to attend school so they can work towards a more prosperous future. After a year of serving Mary’s Meals, school enrolment increased, attendance improved and teachers reported their pupils were more hopeful for the future. Primary schools across the UK have joined the Mary’s Meals movement and learnt more about their work. An

Speaking Out for Bromley High

From Reception to Upper Sixth, the curriculum at Bromley High School encourages girls to be confident, articulate speakers and debaters. “We are fortunate that the girls have had the opportunity to hear such inspirational speakers this year,” said Headmistress, Angela Drew, “Natural communicators like Historians Michael Wood and Lucy Worsley, Classicist Dr Rosie Wyles, Neuroscientist Sir Colin Blakemore and Humanitarian Terry Waite.” And debaters and public speakers have been inspired this term. The Year 11 team, speaking on the topic ‘Will tomorrow be better than today?’ won through to the second round of the ESU Public Speaking Competition qualifying for the London regional finals in March. Priyanka Patel (Year 11) and Raveena Rao (Upper Sixth) also came first of the five schools competing in the second round of

Education, Education, Education

Education Officer works with primary schools to ensure teachers have the resources they need to share the Mary’s Meals story with children of all ages. If you would like to find out more about their work, get in touch via email schools@marysmeals.org. More information can be found online at www.marysmeals.org.uk

the ESU Mace. Our picture shows Raveena and Priyanka before their win at Colfe’s. Finally,Year 9 and 10 debaters competed at UCL in the ICYD Competition reaching the final against Tiffin Girls and two teams from Brighton College. Placed second of 38 teams, Chrisa Prachalias (Year 10) and Nilou Davis (Year 9) will progress to the National Finals at the Oxford Union. Bromley High School has been providing excellent education for girls aged 4-18 years since 1883. Explore what Bromley High School has to offer your daughter at their forthcoming open events on 19 May and 7 October. Follow the school on twitter @bromleyhs and visit their website at www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net.

DA6 8BE xleyheath, oadway, Be 99 272-274 Br 77 21 3 0798

PrimaryTmsEaster:PrimaryTimes

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BROMLEY HIGH SCHOOL AWARD-WINNING

‘ E X C E P T I O N A L ’ (ISI 2016)

OPEN DAY 19th May 2017

EducationInvestor

Awards 2016

YEAR 5 TASTER DAYS 3rd May and 15th June 2017 A PPLY O NLINE

www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net admissions@bro.gdst.net

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

Katie

lown’s Bunny Bonanza

Spot 5 Differences A

Rabbit Word Search

R E T E P S R A E C

G E W K C U B T H A

W H O D C N A I O R

O U Y D M I N B P R

R T Z A L C G B P O

R C G L H P R A I T

U H H I M G K R N S

B F L O P P Y W G W

V L J K Y C N U O B

A B W A R R E N B D

Can you find all these words in the word search? Rabbit, Hopping, Tail, Ears, Carrots, Hay, Peter, Bouncy, Chinchilla, Warren, Hutch, Burrow, Doe, Floppy, Buck

How do rabbits travel? By Hareplane!

How can you tell which rabbits are getting old? Look for the grey hares!

What’s a rabbit’s favourite dance style? Hip Hop!

How many rabbits does it take to change a light bulb? Only one if he hops right to it!

Why was the rabbit so upset? She was having a bad hare day!

How many Easter Bunnies can you see?

Draw a picture (no larger than A4) or write a poem about anything to do with ‘the Easter Bunny’ 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:

Answers How many Easter Bunnies?

Send your entry together with this completed form to: Annie's Competition, Primary Times, 7 Southbrook Mews, London, SE12 8LG Closing date: 28 April 2017. Good Luck!

Spot the Difference: In Picture B, there is an extra blue flower at the top. The egg shell is blue. The pink egg is missing. There are three rabbits along the bottom left. There is another chick in the middle on the left. 18

Ever been to Wonderland? Well now is your chance! The critically acclaimed interactive experience for children aged 5-10 returns by popular demand this May! Les Petits Theatre Company invite you to fall down the rabbit hole once more and join them for the magical, Adventures in Wonderland. Alice is missing in Wonderland and it’s up to you to find her. On walking into Wonderland you will be faced with tantalising decisions: ‘Eat me’ or ‘Drink Me’? Your choice will determine your path! What could be more frabjous? You’ll get to tumble with the Tweedle twins, follow the White Rabbit and take tea with the Hatter at the Maddest Tea Party of all! But all naughty children, beware! If the Queen catches you taking her tarts it will be off with your head! So what are you waiting for? Don’t miss out on this unforgettable 60-minute smash hit adventure.

For your chance to win a family ticket (2 Adults 2 Children) to Adventures in Wonderland at The Vaults, Waterloo valid between 13 May and 3 September, simply tell us what colour the rabbit is. For entry details see the bottom of this page.

Win a Family Trip to Meet the Gruffalo at Chessington New for 2017 at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure will take you and your family on a picturesque riverboat journey with Mouse through the deep dark wood. As you splash down the lazy river, the story of The Gruffalo will magically unfold in front of your eyes with exciting twists and turns along the way. The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure will be accompanied by many other exciting Gruffalo offerings across the whole Resort, including six brand new fully themed Gruffalo rooms in the Chessington Safari Hotel, The Gruffalo Gift Shop, The Gruffalo Bites food outlet, character meet and greets and film showings at The Gruffalo Arena, plus much, much more!

Is your family ready for an adventure in 2017? Win a family day out to Chessington where you can come face to face with The Gruffalo! Plus you will also receive Fastrack tickets to the brand new Gruffalo River Ride Adventure, a world first, as well as exclusive goody bags! For your chance to win all this, tell us the name of the new riverboat ride at Chessington For entry details see the bottom of this page. Terms and Conditions apply. Please see www.primarytimes.net

C o m p e t it i o n s

Win Guinness World Records Blockbusters! Goodie Bag Lights, camera, action! Guinness World Records 2017 Blockbusters! is here, packed with the latest records from your favourite films, social media, toys and beyond… Which movies took the box office by storm? Who’s the world’s best-selling kids’ author? Which YouTube stars have the most fans? What’s the most used emoji? The latest edition of Blockbusters! holds all the answers to your need-to-know pop-culture questions. Plus, don’t miss the exclusive challenges for a chance to set your very own blockbuster record! The book is split into six handy sections and each chapter ends with a 'Top 10' page which covers anything from the largest budget movies to the fastest rollercoasters. With each new page come new mind-boggling and exciting facts to enjoy. Out to own from 23 March – pre-order now at http://amzn.to/2lGa6Jw. For more information visit www.guinnessworldrecords.com/blockbusters Primary Times has three 2017 Blockbusters! goodie bags to give away to three lucky Primary Times readers. Each bag contains a copy of the 2017 Blockbusters! book, a backpack, stopwatch, a pair of headphones and a mini chocolate egg basket. To be in with a chance of winning, all you need to do is complete the word search. Then fill out the form with your details and send it to the address at the foot of the page.

N F A S T E

S T M F

B U S T E R S W E A L A R G E O T S

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B B T

C G H B V R Q U K X G N U P

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Block Busters Guinness World Records Fastest Biggest Favourite Largest Facts

B A R V B K L Z L O F

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Name.................................................................................. Age..................................................................................... Address.............................................................................. ............................................................................................ ............................................................................................ ............................................................................................ School.................................................................................

To 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 competion name as the subject by Friday 28 April. If you are entering more than one competition you can put all entries in the same envelope. Follow us on Twitter - @PT_LondonSandE

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary across the Spring season

April invent your own species, combining features of other animals with it. Ages 3-5. Book on 020 8852 0234. For more information visit www. conservatoire.org.uk

Pond Dipping and Bug Hunting Day, Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park, SE10 0QZ

Marvellous Minibeasts, The Woodlands Farm Trust, Welling, DA16 3RP

10am-12noon or 1-3pm. Find out all about minibeasts.You will take part in a craft session as well as using magnifying glasses to see what you can find in the woods. Charges apply. Book on 020 8319 8900. For more information visit www. thewoodlandsfarmtrust.org

Wed 12 – Thurs 13 Apr

Be Part of The Conservatoire’s Future, The Conservatoire, Blackheath, SE3 9RQ

1.30-4.30pm Wed and 10am4.30pm Thurs. Become a part of The Conservatoire’s future and help to decorate the garden with an animal, music and art inspired mural. Book on 020 8852 0234. For more information visit www.conservatoire. org.uk

Wed 12 – Fri 14 Apr

Recreating Memories, V&A Museum of Childhood, Bethnal Green, E2 9PA

11am and 1.30pm. Join artist photographer Marysa Dowling to create a beautiful family portrait that tells your own story. Using craft and photography, create small objects, compose a scene, and take a photograph to take home. Ages 5+. For more information visit www.vam. ac.uk/moc

Thurs 13 Apr

Artist Explorers in the Jungle, The Conservatoire, Blackheath, SE3 9RQ

farmyard? Find them all and you will get your own Chocolate Easter Egg to take home. Charges apply. For more information visit www. thewoodlandsfarmtrust.org

Oriel Easter Egg Hunt, Chislehurst High Street, BR7 5AQ

1.30-4pm. Local children are being encouraged to dress up, take along their baskets and hunt the eggs plus pick up treats, stickers and toys along the Easter trail. Charges apply. For more information and to book visit www.visitchislehurst.org.uk/ easteregghunt

Thurs 13 – Sun 16 Apr Royal Greenwich Tall Ships Festival, Various Locations

Visitors can enjoy four days of river cruises (booking essential), live entertainment, fireworks and ship visits. The event will close on Sun with a parade of Sail as the fleet of Tall Ships head out along the river to sea. There will also be 2 festival villages, one in Royal Woolwich Arsenal and one in Maritime Greenwich. For more information visit www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/ tallships

Let’s Sail Away Big Build, Cutty Sark, Greenwich, SE10 9HT 11.30am-1.30pm and 2-4pm. Take along your little sailors for nautical themed arts and crafts underneath the ship to make and take home. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.rmg.co.uk/Cutty-Sark

Cutty Sark Characters, Cutty Sark, Greenwich, SE10 9HT

11.30am-1.30pm and 2-4pm. Mrs Ray is the mother of Clarence, a young ship’s apprentice. Find out more about their lives and his letters from Cutty Sark, as Mrs Ray tells you about why her son went to sea and what it takes to be a young apprentice. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.rmg.co.uk/ Cutty-Sark

Fri 14 Apr

Lost and Found, Museum of London Docklands, E14 4AL

12noon and 2.30pm. Fashion your own jewellery based on the objects found at Crossrail excavations. Ages 5+. Free, drop in event. For more information visit www. museumoflondon.org.uk/museumlondon-docklands

10am-12noon. Looking at the patterns of animals and birds, explore textures and mark making. Ages 3-5. Book on 020 8852 0234. For more information visit www.conservatoire.org.uk

Egg-cellent Easter Trail, The Woodlands Farm Trust, Welling, DA16 3RP 10am-2pm. Can you find all the different Easter Eggs and Spring Animals hidden around the

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

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Fri 14 – Sat 15 Apr

Tall Ships Easter Extravaganza, Greenwich Market, SE10 9HZ

Enjoy some seafaring fun, to celebrate the arrival of The Tall Ships. Arty anchors, nautical knots, map making and puzzles for pirates and mermaids. And lots of chocolate of course! For times and more information visit www.greenwichmarketlondon.com

Fri 14 – Mon 17 Apr

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt, Red House, Bexleyheath, DA6 8JF 11am-4pm. Hop along to Red House for an antipodean adventure and discover what has escaped into Red House’s garden. Charges apply. For more information visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/red-house

Easter Adventures with Robin Hoodie and Maid Marion, Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL Look out for Robin Hoodie, Maid Marion and a merry band of naughty outlaws in the grounds for a fun filled ‘Walking Theatre’ adventure of silliness and laughter - perfect for all the family on Easter Bank Holiday weekend. For more information and to book visit www.leeds-castle.com

Easter Adventure Quest, Down House, Downe, BR6 7JT 11am-5pm.You’ll be greeted by a character from the past - perhaps a king, a butler or a Roman centurion who’ll be able to help you crack the clues as you explore Down House. There’ll be a chocolate reward for successful adventurers. For more information visit www.englishheritage.org.uk/downhouse

Sat 15 Apr

Free Easter Egg Hunt and Petting Farm, Walnuts Shopping Centre, Orpington, BR6 0TW

Sun 16 Apr

Easter Egg Hunt, The Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace, SW1W 1QH

11am-3pm. Join in the fun in the Learning Room to make and decorate your own Easter basket and then follow a treasure trail to find Easter eggs hidden around the Royal Mews. Free with admission ticket. For more information visit www. royalcollection.org.uk

Layers Deep, Museum of London Docklands, E14 4AL 12noon and 2.30pm. Create some objects from paper for future archaeologists to find. Ages 5+. Free, drop in event. For more information visit www.museumoflondon.org.uk/ museum-london-docklands

Tall Ships Parade of Sail, Thames Barrier Information Centre, SE18 5NJ The Parade of Sail is starting at 5pm from Deptford Creek and will continue along the Thames passing through the Thames Barrier.Visit the information centre and enjoy the view. For more information visit www.gov.uk/the-thames-barrier

Sun 16 – Mon 17 Apr Festival of Steam and Transport, The Historic Dockyard, Chatham,

There will be steam displays, traction engines, travelling Locomotives and classic/vintage cars displayed, and you will see an array of festival entertainment including traditional steam funfair, live music, street acts and much more. For more details and to book visit www.thedockyard.co.uk

Tues 18 – Wed 19 Apr Jungle Adventure, The Conservatoire, Blackheath, SE3 9RQ

10-11.30am. Explore various jungle animals, focussing on their movement and different sounds and link them to instruments to create a little animal orchestra. Ages 3-5. Book on 020 8852 0234. For more information visit www.conservatoire.org.uk

Thurs 20 Apr – Thurs 18 May

Kids Sewing Club, Greenwich Market, SE10 9HZ

10am-3pm. Meet the bunnies, little donkeys and goats, chicks and ducks and take part in a fun Easter egg hunt. Walter and Wanda will also be there giving out free balloons. For more information visit www. thewalnutsshoppingcentre.com

(Selected dates) 4-5pm. Join in some fabulous sewing sessions in the Pink Sewing Bus! Learn how to use the sewing machine and most of all make some fabulous creations. Ages 7+. For more information and to book visit www.misslibbyrose.com

Easter Egg Trail, London Bridge City, SE1 2HD

Sat 22 Apr

Created by outdoor events company Fantasy High Street, the whole family can get involved in exploring this beautiful area on the River Thames with fun, games and, of course, chocolate eggs. Ages 5-10. Free. Limited availability. For ways to sign up visit www.londonbridgecity.co.uk/ events

Family Activities, Tower Bridge Exhibition, SE1 2UP 10.30am-4pm. Join in some fun, hands on family activities at Tower Bridge. Admission charges apply. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.towerbridge.org.uk

For lots more Roundabout ideas see page 32...

t ’ a s h N e w W We’re Going on an Egg Hunt Activity Book

Can you ﬁnd all the Easter eggs and help the Easter Bunnies get through the maze to escape from the wolf? This super activity book is bursting with colouring, puzzles, games and over 100 lovely stickers. Based on the bestselling We’re Going on an Egg Hunt, there will be plenty to keep you occupied over the Easter holidays. Laura Hughes’ beautiful illustrations jump off the pages and children will adore the cute springtime animals. It costs £4.99 from bookshops or online.

The Pirate Craft Book

Entertaining your little buccaneers can be a treacherous job but Laura Minter and Tia Williams have come up with a swashbuckling solution – The Pirate Craft Book. Packed to the gunnels with a whole heap of crafts to allow you to create everything your little pirate needs, ‘The Pirate Craft Book’ contains 15 fantastic pirate-themed projects that will get children crafting and creating in no time. Aimed at boys and girls aged 3+, all of the projects can be made either from readily available items or from easy-to-source materials. As well as pirate projects to wear and essential pirate accessories, there are also pirate-themed cakes and nibbles to make too. Each project comes with beautiful photos and easyto-follow step-by-step instructions. If you want to keep your ship out of Davy Jones’ Locker and avoid being marooned by boredom ye best be buying ‘The Pirate Craft Book’, available from selected high street and online retailers at £6.99.

My Doodles Hooded Rucksack

The Great Easter Egg Hunt Kit

Toilet Trouble

Playmobil Easter Eggs

The ‘My Doodles Hooded Rucksack’ is perfect for weekends, school, days out, or holidays away.With the Hooded Rucksack, your child can carry their lunchbox for school, their favourite stories and games for the journey or even their picnic for a walk. If it starts to rain, you’ll be prepared with the handy attached hood, just pop it up and on to keep their heads dry. When adventure calls on that walk to school or at the seaside, children can have fun becoming a shark or an owl. ‘My Doodles Hooded Rucksack’ retails at £6.99 and is available in many high street and online retailers.

Filled with suspense and excitement, Toilet Trouble from Hasbro is a new hilarious game for both kids and families. The aim of the game is to flush but be the last player left without getting sprayed. Players take turns spinning the toilet paper roll which will dictate how many times each player must flush the toilet handle. If the player hears the flushing sound, but no water is sprayed they are safe, but watch out for the random spray of water as that player will be eliminated. Toilet Trouble is available from retailers on the High Street and online.

For a true Easter celebration, an Easter egg hunt is a must. The Great Easter Egg Hunt Kit makes sure you have everything you need to set up your celebrations in your garden, or in the house. Simply follow the footprints and signposts to become the greatest Easter egg hunter ever. The kit includes seven signs, four sets of bunny footprints, eight tasty treat bags to stash your chocolate eggs in and one golden egg. The Great Easter Egg Hunt Kit, available on Amazon, is a fun and easy way to make this Easter ‘egg-stra egg-citing’, and at £8.50, it’s a bargain too.

Playmobil’s ever-popular gift eggs are back with four new themes for Easter – Dragon Warrior, Queen Moonbeam with Pegasus, Kite Surfer and Tightrope Walker. The egg is a perfect alternative to chocolate, with each colourful egg containing a brand new character and fun accessories. The gifts eggs can be used all year round to store beloved Playmobil characters, keepsakes and secret treasures, with a slot underneath to help children saving their pocket money. Give your children an Easter present that will last longer than Easter day and provide entertainment for hours on end. The eggs retail at a very reasonable £6.99 and are available online or at selected high street retailers.

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary across the Spring season

April Mini Maestro Family Concert, St Martin in the Fields, Trafalgar Square, WC2N 4JJ 4.30-5.30pm. Go along to enjoy Schubert’s lightest and brightest symphony, with a sprinkling of Mozart and Handel too. For more information and to book visit www. stmartin-in-the-fields.org

Feast of St George, Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN

12noon-6pm. Celebrate St George’s Day with a feast of English food, live music and free fun for everyone. There’ll be cookery demos from celebrity chefs, stalls selling mouth-watering treats, a beautiful banqueting area and a host of indoor and outdoor family games. For more information visit www.london.gov.uk

Sun 23 Apr

Bird Walk, The Woodlands Farm Trust, Welling, DA16 3RP

5.30-7am. Join in for a Dawn Chorus Bird Watching Walk Take along binoculars to improve your birding experience. Meet in the farmyard by second building on the left. For more information visit www. thewoodlandsfarmtrust.org

St George’s Day, V&A Museum of Childhood, Bethnal Green, E2 9PA

11.30am-4.30pm. Discover the delights of English folk music and dance traditions with rousing song, dance and instrumental performances by the Trad Academy. There will also be arts and craft activities to take part in and lots more. For more information visit www.vam.ac.uk/moc

St George’s Day, Hever Castle, Nr Edenbridge TN8 7NG Celebrate St George’s Day at Hever Castle and Gardens. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.hevercastle.co.uk

Thurs 27 Apr – Sun 14 May

Funpark, Woolwich Common, SE18 4DE

Back by popular demand, Europe’s largest mobile theme park returns to Woolwich. Have fun on the Dodgems, the Waltzers, the Twister and lots, lots more. Entry by wristband only. For more information visit www. billydavisfunfairs.co.uk

Vaisakhi Festival, Trafalgar Square, WC2N 4JJ 12noon-6pm. The packed lineup includes live performances, kirtan (spiritual music), arts, food, community groups and charities. There’ll also be fun children’s activities, turban tying and more. Free. For more information visit www.london.gov.uk

The Building Dance Show, Greenwich Dance, Royal Hill, SE10 8RE 1pm and 3.30pm. Help create enticing caves, precarious castles and fabulous creatures as together you’ll experience an incredible story where you’ll learn the strongest thing you can build is friendship. Ages 5+. For more information and to book visit www.greenwichdance.org.uk

Sat 29 Apr – Mon 1 May May Day Festival, Hever Castle, Nr Edenbridge TN8 7NG

Celebrate May Day at Hever Castle with a weekend of fun family activities and traditional May Day customs. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.hevercastle. co.uk

Go Medieval at the Tower, Tower of London, EC3N 4AB 10am-5pm. Step into a medieval world and join in the festivities with plenty of fun for the whole family. Practice the art of pastry jumbles with the medieval cooks, feel the weight of a real knight’s sword and have a go at firing a crossbow. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.hrp.org.uk/tower-oflondon

Sun 30 Apr

9.45am-1pm. Local charities will be selling: CDs, DVDs, jewellery, cards, books, jams, cakes, toys, model railways, collectables, children’s games and more. Hot and cold refreshments also available. Children enter for free. For more information visit www. bexleych.wix.com/bexley-charities-78

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

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May Sat 6 May

The May Queen Crowning Ceremony, Chislehurst Common, BR7 6LQ

3pm. The parade will start at Red Hill Primary School at 2.45pm. There will be a fancy dress competition for children as part of the ceremony. Entrants should meet at Red Hill School by 2.30pm. For more information visit www.cmqs.org.uk

Westminster Morris Men, Trafalgar Square, WC2N 4JJ

2-6pm. Westminster Morris Men and Morris Dance teams from across England will join the annual Day of Dance. This free event will see teams of Morris Men dancing in Westminster’s streets and Trafalgar Square all afternoon. For more information visit www.london.gov.uk

Sat 6 – Sun 7 May

Motors by the Moat, Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME14 1PL

Get up close to hundreds of vintage, high performance and classic cars from around the world. The cars will be displayed on the Castle lawns with plenty entertainment for the whole family to enjoy For more details and to book visit www.leeds-castle.com

Sun 7 May

Bird Walk, The Woodlands Farm Trust, Welling, DA16 3RP 10-11.30am. Join in for a Late Spring Bird Watching Walk. See new and late arrivals and hopefully better weather. Take along binoculars to improve your birding experience. Meet in the farmyard by second building on the left. For more information visit www. thewoodlandsfarmtrust.org

Mini Marathon for Kids, Royal Greenwich Park, SE10 8QY

10am start. Starting from the Bandstand, Mini Marathoners will take part in a fun and energetic warm up before running, walking or jogging their way around the 2.62 mile circular route. Fancy dress optional. Ages 5-16. For more information and to sign up visit www.communityhospice.org.uk

Fun Walk 2017, Keston Common, BR2 6BP

Take part in memory of a loved one, or join in simply for a day of fun and fundraising for St Christopher’s hospice. With a choice of 3, 5, 8 and 11 mile walks through beautiful Kent countryside, there is something for everyone at this event. To sign up visit www.stchristophers.org.uk

Sun 14 May

The Movie Music Box, Blackheath Halls, SE3 9RQ

Journey through film music with the help of the Blackheath Halls orchestra and an on-stage presenter in the venue’s first orchestral concert aimed at children. An event that the whole family will enjoy. For times, more information and to book visit www.blackheathhalls.com

Fri 19 May

Museums at Night, Bank of England Museum, EC2R 8AH

5.30-9pm. Enjoy a variety of gallery talks and chat to the gold and banknote experts. Members of the Museum and Archive teams will be revealing some unique and unseen objects from the Bank’s collection which visitors can handle. For more information visit www.bankofengland. co.uk/museum

Sat 20 May

Family Activities, Tower Bridge Exhibition, SE1 2UP

10.30am-4pm. Join in some fun, hands on family activities at Tower Bridge. Admission charges apply. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.towerbridge.org.uk

Sun 21 May

Urban Village Fete, Greenwich Peninsula, SE10 0ES The free day out will feature a range of curated designer marketplaces, street food vendors, creative workshops, roaming performances, lots of fun and games for the family and more. For more information visit www.weareurbanvillage.co.uk

Fri 26 – Sat 27 May

Greenwich Book Festival, University of Greenwich, SE10 9LS

A fully-fledged book festival with a packed programme of events is happening in one of London’s best-loved spots. Children can meet favourite authors, discover new books, draw cartoons and lots more. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.greenwichbookfest. com

Sat 13 – Sun 14 May

Sat 29 Apr

Grand Spring Fair, United Reformed Church, Bexleyheath, DA6 7DJ

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

Sun 14 May

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance. To make sure you have the latest details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure they haven’t changed

Art Deco Fair, Eltham Palace, SE9 5QE

10am-6pm. Surround yourself with art deco decadence and sample the splendour of the thrilling thirties. With an abundance of vintage stalls to satisfy the most ardent shopper, sit back and relax as you go on an opulent journey into Eltham Palace’s past. For more information visit www.english-heritage. org.uk/eltham

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Film & DVD Preview Guide Beauty and the Beast Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” is a live-action adaptation of the studio’s animated classic which refashions the classic characters from the tale as old as time for a contemporary audience, staying true to the original music while updating the score with several new songs.“Beauty and the Beast” is the fantastic journey of Belle, a bright, beautiful and independent young woman who is taken prisoner by a beast in his castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle’s enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the Beast’s hideous exterior and realize the kind heart and soul of the true Prince within. “Beauty and the Beast” is released in the UK and Ireland on 17 March.

The Boss Baby Meet a most unusual baby. He wears a suit and speaks with the voice and wit of Alec Baldwin.‘The Boss Baby’ is a hilarious story about how a new baby’s arrival impacts a family, told from the point of view of a delightfully unreliable narrator, a wildly imaginative seven-year old named Tim.Tim is jealous of his fast-talking, briefcase-carrying baby brother.When he embarks on a mission to win back the affections of his parents, he stumbles upon a secret ploy by the CEO of Puppy Co. that threatens to destroy the balance of love in the world. Tim and his brother must come together to stop the dastardly scheme.With a sly, heart-ﬁlled message about the importance of family,The Boss Baby is an authentic and broadly appealing original comedy for all ages. DreamWorks Animation’s ‘The Boss Baby’ will be released in cinemas on 7 April.

Zip and Zap and the Marble Gang

Two iconic Spanish comic strip characters Zip and Zap come to life in this exciting adventure. Brothers Zip and Zap thought they would get to enjoy their summer holidays. But after they’re sent away to summer school, they soon realise their summer isn’t going to be any fun after all.The headmaster is a oneeyed, patch-wearing man whose motto is ‘no play is allowed’ who, along with his chief security guard, runs the school with strict discipline. Zip and Zap quickly make friends and form ‘The Marble Gang’ with the aim to wreak havoc around the school by creating mischief and playing pranks whilst everyone sleeps. During one of their adventures, they discover that the headmaster is hiding a mysterious secret - one the brothers are just itching to solve…Zip and Zap is in cinemas from 31 March 2017.

Nicholas on Holiday

It’s the end of the school year.The long-awaited holidays have ﬁnally arrived. Petit Nicolas (Mathéo Boisselier) and his family head to the sea and move into the Beau-Rivage Hotel. At the beach, Nicolas wastes little time making new friends, and they set about causing havoc in the holiday resort. He also attracts an admirer in the form of Elizabeth, a little girl who follows him everywhere. Nicolas is really going to enjoy a holiday to remember. In French with English subtitles, Nicholas on Holiday is available on DVD from 27 March.

Smurfs: The Lost Village

A mysterious map sets Smurfette and her best friends Brainy, Clumsy and Hefty on an exciting and thrilling race through the Forbidden Forest ﬁlled with magical creatures to ﬁnd a mysterious lost village before the evil wizard Gargamel does. Embarking on a rollercoaster journey full of action and danger, the Smurfs are on a course that leads to the discovery of the biggest secret in Smurf history! Smurfs:The Lost Village is released in cinemas on Friday 31 March.

Win Special Molly Monster Cinema Tickets

Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime as Molly Monster, the latest film from Enchanted Animation, comes to cinemas nationwide on the 21 April. In Monsterland, when the mothers lay their eggs, baby monsters only hatch on Egg Island so when Molly finds out she is going to be having a new brother or sister, she knows her family is off on a trip. However, Molly Monster is too young and too little to join her parents on the journey to Egg Island which leaves her feeling upset and disappointed. A determined Molly sets out on a journey to be reunited with her family – and it is longer and far more difficult than anything she could have ever imagined. Accompanied by Edison, her best friend and toy, Molly learns what it means to be a family and most importantly what it means to become a big sister! There’s a special screening of Molly Monster at Cineworld Haymarket on Saturday 15 April at 11am and we’ve got 10 family tickets to give away. There will be Fun in The Foyer activities before with balloonists and face paint artists. For your chance to win, tell us where Monster mothers hatch their eggs. Send your answer along with your name, age, school, address and phone number to Molly Monster Competition, Primary Times, 7 Southbrook Mews, London, SE12 8LG or email your answer and details to competitions@primarytimes.biz with ‘Molly Monster’ as the subject by Friday 7 April.

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

Primary Times Pets Happy Easter eggs, Pet Polishers! Well, how the time is whizzing by this year! It’ll be summer holidays next! But in the meantime, there are your pets to look after- and polish up for Summer!

So, here’s the first birdie question- how do you tell a girl from a boy budgie? Well, just like girls prefer lighter colours than boys, so do budgies! Look at the skin at the top of their beak, all around their nostril holes ( errrrrr ... yuk!!). If this is a darker, blue or violet colour, then he’s a boy! But if it is a softer, browner and much lighter colourthen she’s a girl! Now as with humans too, if the budgie is a young (baby) age- less than a year- these colours may not be showing yet. But once it is a year old or more, then they should be obvious - and you will then know what name will be best for them! Fly on!! I

Now - what’s next? Well, what’s the best way to cool my dog in the summer- if we’re lucky, and the sun comes out? And the answer here is what you might think for yourself! Make sure he (or she) has somewhere to lie in the shade in your garden - like under a small roof or umbrella, perhaps attached to a shed or their kennel? But make sure it always makes shade, as the sun moves around the sky during the day. And then what else? Well, like us, most dogs like a swim, especially when it’s hot, so perhaps a garden pond, or little swimming pool? It doesn’t need to be deep- just wet, for them to lie down in! And finally, if they do get too hot and are panting very severely and rapidly, quickly wet their coat with a cloth, and stand them in front of a fan. This will will cool them very quickly and stop them getting heat stroke (teacher!!) And never make them exercise too much on a hot day - let them laze around and have lots to drink! Whewww!!

So what do you have to do every day if you’re a cat? And the answer is- scratch something! Why? Well, a eat’s claws are what it catches a bird or mouse with when it’s time to eat (boo-hooo!), but also the things that make it possible to quickly climb a tree when a fox decides to chase it (for breakfast!! - oooohh!). So how to keep them sharp? Scratch something! Usually a tree outside, but a scratching post inside! The claws are in layers (teacher!), the new layer inside the old layer. So when the old one becomes blunt, they pull it off (by scratching something) and then this pops out the new, sharp one!! Clever, eh? But for an indoor cat there are no trees (really?!!!), so a scratching post is perfect! And that also helps to stop your cat scratching your furniture, or curtains instead!!!

OK- how often should I clean out my rabbit’s cage? Well, don’t leave it too long- for obvious reasons! (pooooh!) And rabbits like to be clean, so it’s best to give them a ‘litter tray’ (like for a cat), and they will then do their poops in that! Then you can empty the tray every 1-2 days as necessary, and that keeps the smell down! You only need to clean the sleeping area every 1-2 weeks. Give them new hay, wipe the floor underneath, but don’t use strong bleach (teacher!), because the poops were in the tray, so their bed won’t be too dirty. If you do need to ‘disinfect’ (teacher!), then add some ordinary vinegar (ask Mum!) to some warm water and use that to wipe the cage out. Also remove any old food and wash out their food and water bowls -just like doing the washing up for Mum! So there you are - not quite as exciting as bathing them- but will still keep them and their house nice and clean! 34

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

Well, let’s finish with a ferret! And the question is : are they, or can they be, vicious? (teacher!) So, like all little chasing-around pets (mice, and rats and guinea pigs) they like to ‘nip’ their playmates! Not really attacking them, to cause pain, but just playing. So when you take on a young ferret, you must teach it not to nip you- or anyone else! Try a small ‘shout’ if it tries to nip, but then a little food reward when it lets you stroke it without nipping. Keep this going as it grows up! Generally it’s better for children to be 12-13 years old before you own a ferret, as then you are ‘grown up’ (yes!) and will understand how to train them! But they are not basically ‘vicious’ (otherwise people would not let them climb up their trouser legs, as they did in the 1970scalled “ferret-legging”!). And finally, they need to be vaccinated (teacher!), because they can get doggy-type diseases! So go and see your vet! Happy trouser-legging!

Clinton has been answering your questions for as long as we can remember but is now retiring. Clinton - we have loved working with you. It’s been a real pleasure. Your answers are always so well thought out and your explanations are so easy to understand. This may not be the last pets page but we just wanted to say a very big thank you for the hundreds of questions you have answered over the years

Olivia at her 7th Birthday Party Olivia has never been able to send us in a picture of a pet as she doesn’t have one! But for her 7th birthday recently she had a riding party and this is a very happy photograph of her sitting on her horse. She went to Mount Mascall Stables in Bexley with 7 friends for the best party ever! Follow us on Twitter - @PT_LondonSandE

Good Work Page We thought we'd print a copy of Sanjana Shunkar's poem in a larger version so that you can enjoy it. One day Julie went swimming She came upon a really huge shark Then the shark pulled Julie down Suddenly it became very dark. Up the shark's nose went her suit Achoo! Achoo! He started to sneeze At last Julie wriggled free She sprang like an artist on trapeze

Emma Anthony aged 6

A lesson she has now learnt To never swim in dangerous seas Stick to the pool or swim zones And enjoy learning to swim with ease! PS This poem has a 7,9,7,9 syllable pattern

Sanjana Shunkar aged 8 Jessica Blackwell, Theodore competitions in our February Half Term magazine. Congratulations to the following people who won and the Darkness Hex Lee Amy won copies of Geek's Guide to Britain books. Blakesley, Rosie Chitham and Koppany Csamajtin Alicia Roberts. Betty and on Matthew & Emma Seaber, Kane Gord winners were Amara & Raema Cook, Marziyah Raza, son Harri ah Puttock won tickets to Howletts. If you would like to see Brady won tickets to Port Lympne Reserve. Hann World at Richmond Theatre while Matthew saur your work displayed van Rensburg won tickets to see Dino and Henry Kampjes won Trolls DVDs. here then just send us a Clarke, Alannah Wessels, Grace Haler, Theo Glee 's Colouring Competition and our drawing, poem, riddles, Emma Anthony aged 6 won the age 4-7 years Annie done to all our winners and enjoy the jokes or short story and older winner was Sanjara Shunkar aged 8. Well we'll do our very best to artwork and poem on this page. include it. Send it to: Good Work Page Primary Times 7 Southbrook Mews London SE12 8LG

Thank you to Niladri Kar for his imaginative drawing, Jewel Jacob for her lovely rainbow picture, Suhasini Tapadar for her fun China Dragon picture and Maya Topolski for her detailed Harry Potter picture. We love seeing your work so do please keep sending it to us.