primary times avon half term feb14

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How local schools can mark this global celebration of reading. Page 4

Issue 181 14 Feb-4 Apr 2014

AlsoMothers’ DayParty PlanningPaint Pals

World Book Day

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PRIMARY TIMES2 FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2014

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It’s risky to say this, with winter storms still in fresh our memory, but monthly forecasts hint at more spring-like weather over the February Half Term. That’s great news for families and for the area’s outdoor attractions whose play facilities await those youngsters hoping to let rip after being cooped up this winter. Full details in Roundabout (P.13)

We also look at ways to give Mum that extra special Mother’s Day gift (P. 30) and provide suggestions for that perennial parental need, party planning (P.6). Finally, World Book Day is a vital initiative and we look at how teachers, parents and children can really make the most of it (P4). Happy reading!

Primary Times in AvonBristol News and Media, Temple Way, Bristol BS99 7HD. More information at www.primarytimes.net

Editor Mike Gartside [email protected] director Paul Kimberley [email protected] 0117 934 3780Advertising Caroline Stretton [email protected] 0117 934 3737 Ruth Morris [email protected] 0117 934 3730Distribution Simon Butler 0117 934 3741 [email protected] Design Cath Evans, Mike GartsideProduction Emma Gorton, Ruth WoodMain office 0117 942 8491

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How local

schools can mark

this global

celebration

of reading.

Page 4

Issue 181 14 Feb-4 Apr 2014

AlsoMothers’ Day

Party Planning

Paint Pals

World Book Day

THEATRE P8ROUNDABOUT P13PINBOARD P23ADVERTISING FEATURES P26PUPILS’ PAGE P34CLASSIFIEDS P36 GET THE PARTY STARTED P6Stephen Donovan discovers this year’s most exciting party ideas.LET’S HEAR IT FOR MUM! P30Don’t leave it to the last minute to plan that special gift for your mother. PAINT PALS P33Mike Gartside reports on a project bringing children and old people together. the editor

Primary Times is independently published and distributed free in Primary, Junior, Infant and Middle Schools throughout the former Avon area, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire. It is also available by subscription at £10 per year.Its aims are to inform families and children of current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses and attractions, and to give teachers, pupils and parents the opportunity to participate in the magazine by adding to its contents or joining in the competitions which we run. It is NOT our intention to publish any racist, sexist or politically biased 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.While we make every effort to ensure information published is accurate, readers are encouraged to check details of all events in advance and neither Bristol News & Media nor its contributors are liable for the consequences of any errors. Primary Times would like to thank all the schools in the counties for their assistance in distributing the magazine and their contributions to its contents. We would also like to thank all the advertisers who have supported this publication and therefore made it possible. Please support their endeavours when and where you can. The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by our studio remains with Primary Times or the relevant contributor. Primary Times currently publishes more than two million copies per issue under franchise.

Find these amazing offers this issue!

Bristol Aquarium – kids go free with voucherMojo Active – 10% off with advert codeNoah’s Ark Zoo Farm - £2 off admission Perform – Try a free drama classRobin James - £10 hair colour gloss treatment during January and February Table Table – Kids eat free

Mojo Active

14 Avon contents Feb Half Term 2014.indd 3 29/01/2014 11:30:14

For the 17th year running this March children across the UK will celebrate the

joy of reading – and that rare pleasure of losing yourself inside the world of a much-loved book. World Book Day, which falls on Thursday 6 March this year, is an annual celebration of authors, illustrators, books and – most importantly – of reading. Designated by UNESCO as a worldwide celebration of books and reading, the day is now marked in over 100 countries around the world.

“Our main aim is to encourage children to explore the pleasures of books and reading,” explains World Book Day director Kirsten Grant. “Reading for pleasure is a hot topic on the literacy agenda, as it not only creates a love of read-ing in young people, but makes a huge contribution to their educa-tional attainment. The Institute of

Education’s 2013 study into the role of reading found that children who read for pleasure are likely to do sig-nificantly better at school than their peers.”

So, how

does the big day work – and what can you do? In the weeks leading up to 6 March, the organis-ers of the UK and Ireland World Book Day have been send-ing packs of book tokens to schools

around the country. More than 14 million book tokens went out this year – one for nearly every child in the country. Kids can take their voucher to a participating local bookseller and can exchange it for any one of eight exclusive, brand new £1 books anytime throughout March.

Among the £1 titles for primary-age children this year are ‘Fun with the Worst Witch’ (ages 5-7) by Jill Murphy, packed with puzzles and magical mayhem to keep even the Worst Witch out of trouble. Elsewhere, Lauren St John’s ‘The Midnight Picnic: A Laura Marlin Mystery’ (ages 5-7) sees the young sleuth using her formidable pow-ers of deduction to outwit an enemy who may not even exist. For slightly older children (aged 7-9), meanwhile, Terry Deary and Martin Brown’s ‘Horrible Histories: Terrible Trenches’ uncovers what life was really like in the trenches of World War I, from foul food to legions of lice and other amazing facts.

However, World Book Day itself

has more to offer. Along with the tokens, the organisers send out World Book Day Resource Packs (age-ranged into Nursery/Pre-School, Primary and Secondary) full of ideas, activities and

more information about how to get involved. On the WBD website you’ll find lesson plans, reading lists and more for each of this year’s £1 book authors, as well as oodles of printable resources for other popular books, authors and brands.

You’ll also find devised les-son plans around all three of the £1 titles mentioned above. The ‘Horrible Histories’ lesson plan, for example, includes a role-play session imagining what life was like in the trenches from the perspec-tive of a rat, a section on wartime slang and a workshop for creating a cartoon sequence in the ‘Horrible Histories’ style.

There’s also a list of 20 sug-gested WBD activities on the site. These include, encouraging children to perform one or more of their favourite stories. Julia Donaldson, best-selling author of ‘The Gruffalo’, shares her sugges-tions of books to perform along with helpful advice on her website picturebookplays.co.uk. Or why not hold a class-by-class parade of

characters from your school’s favourite titles? Staff can dress up too – Gillian Cross’s ‘The Demon Headmaster’ and the redoubt-able Miss Trunchbull from Roald Dahl’s ‘Matilda’ have proved

popular choices.Another fantastic extra for this

year is ‘The Biggest Book Show on Earth’, a brand new video piece delving into the hows and whys of successful writing and illustration, starring World Book Day authors including Terry Deary and ‘Jill Murphy’ and introduced by CBBC stars Dick and Dom, which teachers can download from the website to watch at a time to suit them and their class.

As Kirsten points out, “World Book Day is all about getting kids closer to the books and authors they already love and letting them discover more books and authors they’ll love every bit as much in the future.”

Booksellers participating in the £1 book scheme W: www.book-sellers.org.uk/bookshopsearch World Book Day resources W: www.worldbookday.com/resourcesOther activity ideas W: www.boo-kaid.org/get-involved/fundraise/schools/world-book-day-2014

4 FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2014 PRIMARY TIMES

World Book DayThursday 6 March www.worldbookday.com

Read the

world!World Book Day returns on Thursday 6 March, offering a wealth of reading-related revelry for teachers, parents and pupils alike. Steve Wright reports.

14 Avon Features Feb Half Term 2014.indd 2 28/01/2014 14:01:08


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For primary school kids the year throws up few more memorable moments than the celebration of

their birthday with their friends. Children look ahead to their party with unrelenting excitement, leav-ing mum and dad with the chal-lenge of organising an experience that meets their expectations, so preparation often begins several months in advance.

There’s plenty to think about. First, where is the party going to be held? Should you stick to the familiar surroundings of home or consider a dedicated venue? If there are lots of guests, perhaps this is the year to go for a venue. What would he or she like most, indoors or outdoors? The choices are legion but it should be a fun task, with the birthday boy or girl at the centre of attention. At all times, be sure to manage their expectations and, while consulting them over the decisions, don’t be swayed by unrealistic demands.

The focus then turns to who to invite. Of course your child has the main say over this, but you may need to add one or two names to the list to avoid any diplomatic faux pas in the playground.

One professional party organ-iser told Primary Times that parents’ first jobs should be to, “Think about how many children to invite, and think of a venue, per-haps a suitable local hall which can accommodate everyone.”

Themes for parties are becom-ing more and more popular as the demand for venues and entertain-ers increases. Children spend

most of the build-up to the party campaigning for their preferred theme, which could involve their favourite fictional characters, or maybe animals and pirates. Some may go down the prince/princess route, while Disney characters are always a popular choice. Once that decision is made, anything from the decorations and costumes to the party games and the cake can be themed in the same way.

Maybe you could hire a magi-cian to provide the entertainment, including fun games and fabulous prizes. One magician with years of experience at parties told us, “When we arrange a show we always think about the children, what they want, and what will entertain them.”

He also had a tip for parents looking to hire an entertainer: “Check on their website to see whether they are in [the perform-er’s trade union] Equity, and can meet its code of conduct.”

Another party organiser had this advice, “Always plan early because too often parents leave it until the last minute. By that time the best venues are gone.” Many locally-based party organisers, venues and entertainment providers will work hard to make this party special, and they have everything covered from cakes to surprise birthday gifts (see our list, below).

If you prefer not to hire enter-tainers, encouraging the children to get creative is an appealing choice. Gather all the materials you need well in advance and make sure there are plenty of willing hands to help clear up at the end.

Whether your activities include soft play, a bouncy castle, dancing, craft activities or traditional party games, the aim, for the parents, as well as giving their child some unforgettable memories, is to ensure that they’re utterly tired out by the end, resulting in an easy bedtime and a well-earned rest for Mum and Dad!

Amazing Eric T: 0117 908 1291 W: www.amazingeric.co.ukBilly and Bobby Children’s Parties T: 01934 510283 W: www.billyandbobby.co.ukBristol Aquarium T: 0117 929 8929 W: www.bristolaquarium.co.uk Bristol Zoo T: 0117 974 7399 W: www.bristolzoo.org.ukBryan the Magician T: 01761 439696 W: www.bryanthemagician.co.ukCattle Country Adventure Park T: 01453 810510 W: www.cattlecountry.co.uk Comedy Magic - Richard Ballinger T: 01934 418184 W: www.richard-ballinger.co.uk

CSI Kids T: 0117 244 0053 W: www.thedetectiveproject.co.uk Flying Saucers T: 0117 927 3666 W: www.flyingsaucers.co.ukJack Stephens T: 01380 850453 W: www.jackstephens.co.ukPark Centre, Kingswood T: 01454 862190Parties in Nature T: 07982 198195 W: www.partiesinnature.co.ukPirate Attack Pirate Parties T: 0117 939 4311 W: www.pirateattack.co.ukRocky’s Magic Parties T: 07713 353430 W: www.rockysmagicparties.comStaple Hill Legion T: 0117 956 0805The Detective Project T: 0117 244 0053 W: www.thedetectiveproject.co.ukUnique Voice T: 0117 239 1216 W: www.uniquevoice.org Wish, Wonder, Surprise! T: 07594 440949 W: www.amandagazidis.comWatershed Birthday Parties 1 Canons Road, Harbourside, Bristol T: 0117 927 2082 E: [email protected]

Getting the party

startedPlanning that perfect birthday for a child takes a mix of logistical aptitude and diplomacy, as Stephen Donovan discovers.



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BATHBATH FORUMThe Forum, 1a Forum Buildings, St James Parade, Bath, BA1 1UG. 0844 888 9991, www.bathforum.co.uk Thank You For The Music Sat 29 Mar. 7.30pm. £21/£19 (conc) • In celebration of the 40th anniver-sary of Abba’s Eurovision win, this show brings spandex and sequins galore, taking take live music fans on a journey back to 1974. This show revives chart topping hits, including ‘Dancing Queen’, ‘Mamma Mia’ and, of course, ‘Thank You for the Music’.

THE EGGTheatre Royal, Sawclose, Bath BA1 1ET. 01225 448844, www.theatre-royal.org.ukWanted: Rabbit Thu 13-Sun 16 Feb. 11.30am, 1pm & 3pm. £7.50 (adult)/£6.50 (child) • A fugitive bunny has broken out of jail and three police officers need help recapturing the offending hopper. Hansel and Gretel Mon 17 Feb. 11.30am & 3pm. £7.50 (adult)/£6.50 (child) • A continua-tion of the famous fairy-tale, tell-ing what happened next to the fabled duo after their escape from the terrible witch and her candy cane cottage. Ages 5+Grandpa’s Railway Wed 19-Sat

22 Feb. £7.50 (adult)/£6.50 (child) • Featuring live music, a working model railway and a coachload of surprises, playful characters embark on an evocative train journey that delves into the past, illuminates the present and lays new tracks for the future. That Catherine Bennett Show Sat 1 Mar – 11.30am & 3pm, £7.50 (adult)/£6.50 (child) • Sick of the bad female role-models pop-music has to offer, 9-year-old Taylor and her Auntie Bryony created Catherine Bennett, a new breed of pop-star who can be admired for all the right reasons. Bryony Kimmings brings Catherine to life in this empowering and engaging show. Ages 6+ Beneath the Trees Sat 1-Fri 6 Mar, 10am, 11am, 12pm & 2pm, £6 (one adult & one child)/£3.50 (additional child) • Fairies and fools, animals and flowers, nature and magic are woven together in this dreamlike experience, set in the magical, interactive Forest of Arden. Age 3+Mouth Open Story Jumps Out Fri 28-Sat 29 Mar, 10.30am &1pm (Fri), 11.30am & 3pm (Sat), £7.50 (adult)/£6.50 (child) • Stephen Camden, one of the UK’s leading spoken word artists, better known as Polarbear, describes how he became a poet. International assassins, secret codes, dog-eating boa-constrictors and much more fill the hole left when a

father disappears and a boy dis-covers his talent for telling tales. Age 8+Not Now Bernard Thu 10-Sat 12 Apr, 11.30am & 3pm, £7.50 (adult)/£6.50 (child) • Loved by children, adults and monsters for over 30 years, David McKee’s iconic picture-book is vividly brought to life on stage. Age 2+Baffo Mon 14-Wed 16 Apr, 3pm, £7.50 (adult)/£6.50 (child) • In this lively café, the children are in charge of the show. Signor Baffo is their loveable, eccentric chef, serving up generous helpings of silliness, mischief and adventure. Children are invited into the café with open arms, though it becomes quickly apparent that things don’t run as smoothly as Signor Baffo might like. Age 5 to 8. Pinocchio Sat 19-Sun 20 Apr 11.30am & 3pm, £7.50 (adult)/£6.50 (child) • This new version by Michael Rosen of the tale of the puppet who becomes human is a magical adventure for families. Follow Pinocchio and his grasshopper friend as they set out on a quest to find fun!

BRISTOLBLAKEHAY THEATRE Wadham Street, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1JZ. 01934 645493 (Tue-Sat 10am-2pm), www.blake-

haytheatre.ticketsource.co.ukWeston’s Got Talent Final Sat 22 Feb. 6.30pm. £2.50 (booking fee applies) • Finalists from Weston’s largest talent contest compete for first place. Supported by Weston-super-Mare Town Council.Escuela Fuego Flamenco Sat 1 Mar, 7.30pm, £11 (adv. adult)/£8 (adv. conc) • An evening of live Spanish music and dance. Experience the colour, drama and moods of Spain. This show brings a touch of classical and folk, as well as a range of flamenco music and dance.THE BREWERY THEATRE291 North Street, Southville, Bristol BS3 1JP. 0117 902 0344, www.tobaccofactorytheatre.comTea Time Tue 18-Sun 23 Feb. 11am & 2pm. £7 • A wonderfully silly and colourful celebration of meal times through words, song, music and dance, inspired by the games we all play around the kitchen table.Pinocchio Tue 13-Sun18 April. 11am & 2pm. £7 • This new version by Michael Rosen of the tale of the puppet who becomes human is a magical adventure for families. Follow Pinocchio and his grass-hopper friend as they set out on a quest to find fun!

THE BRISTOL HIPPODROMESt. Augustine’s Parade, BS1 4UZ. 0844 871 3012, www.atgtickets.com/bristolThe Chuckle Brothers in a 2014 Space Oddity Sun 16 Feb, 2pm. £16.90 • While visiting a toy shop to buy water pistols, the mischie-vous duo Paul and Barry touch a button that transports them into the vastness of space. “To me, to you!” Tap Factory Mon 24 Feb, 7.30pm. £23.40-26.90 • Promises to be a dazzling production, showing many genres of dance, in an urban setting.Dance ‘Til Dawn Tue 25 Feb-Sat 3 Mar, 7.30pm. 2.30pm (Wed & Sat). £17.90-£48.90 • Strictly Come Dancing favourites Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace are back with a brand new show.


FAMILY & CHILDREN’S SHOWS ★ BRISTOL, BATH, SOMERSET & SOUTH GLOS

»

ReviewsSuper Sam & Mega Max Save ChristmasThe Brewery Theatre, Bristol

The Little Match GirlThe Wardrobe, The White Bear, St Michael’s Hill, Bristol

Two blokes, Sam and Max, fill up the stage, going about their daily duty as lollipop people. The duo engage in banter about the best road crossing techniques. For the under 7s here it’s all a bit grown up and there’s a sense that Rannell Theatre Company haven’t quite gauged their audience correctly.

But their true nature is revealed, as Super Sam and Mega Max receive calls from world bodies that a dreadful villain is trying to steal Christmas. There follows some fabulous tomfoolery as the two heroes demonstrate their super powers and hatch a plan to foil the dastardly Furry Blue Bad Guy. Max sheds his earlier laid back per-sona with inventive mime and a bit of accessible rapping while the

pair spark off each other tremendously to deliver some genuine 21st slapstick laughs. This is a wonderful Bond-style romp for younger primary-aged children.

Meanwhile, at the Wardrobe, two performers hand out home-made blow tubes to adults and children alike at this homely venue. An extensive mime suggests themes of wind and weather, as the trials facing the Little Match Girl are explained non-verbally. The children seated in the comfy area at the front seem enchanted, although some adults are initially baffled.

Eventually it becomes clear that the Little Match Girl, is embarking on a journey, with help from friends and family. We discover that, while this Hans Christian Anderson story was originally set in a city, it has been re-imagined by theatre company Dot and Ethel as an allegory with a mountain climb as its dramatic climax.

The pair use ingenious home-made props including an old newspaper doll created right in front of our eyes, artfully manipulated to move the story along. For the most part it’s a magical spectacle, although more spoken explanation in the early stages would help the adults out. (Mike Gartside)

Super Sam and Mega Max

Happy Days, The Bristol Hippodrome, 3-8 Mar

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Happy Days the Musical Mon 3-Sat 8 Mar, 7.30pm. Matinees on Wed and Sat 2.30pm. £15-£39.50 • Relive the 1950s American televi-sion series with this fun musical. With the original Fonz Henry Winkler as creative consultant, and starring Sugababes’ member Heidi Range, this musical includes 21 songs as well as the much-loved Happy Days theme song from the TV series.That’ll Be the Day! Sun 13 Apr, 7.30pm. £25.40-27.40 • This “hugely entertaining” rock ‘n’ roll spectacular features a fantastic line up of knock-out hits from the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s, plus loads more zany comedy routines!Blood Brothers Mon 14-Sat 19 Apr, 7.30pm. 2.30pm (Wed & Sat). £12.90-£41.40 • Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving story of twin boys separated at birth, only to be reunited, by a twist of fate and a mother’s haunting secret.Robin Cousins’ Ice Wed 30 Apr-Sat 3 May, 7.30pm. 2.30pm (Thu & Sat), 11.30am (Sat). £11.90-£37.90 • Olympic champion and head judge on ITV’s Dancing on Ice, Robin Cousins has hand-picked the great-est ice skaters from around the globe to bring his new production to life.Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake Tue 20-Sat 24 May, 7.30pm. 2.30pm (Wed, Thu & Sat). £22.40-£46.40 • Matthew Bourne’s “powerful and original” interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake turns tradition upside down and took the dance world by storm when it was first performed. Fame Mon 26-Sat 31May, 7.30pm. 2.30pm (Wed & Sat). £12.90-£41.40 • This brand new production will take you on a “hi-octane roller coaster ride through dizzy heights and crashing lows” as a group of star-struck wannabes embark on their quest for the ultimate acco-lade.

THE BRISTOL OLD VICKing Street, Bristol BS1 4ED. 0117 987 7877, www.bristololdvic.org.ukMinotaur Tues 1–Wed 9 Apr, 10am & 1pm (1-3 Apr), 11am & 3.30pm (5, 7, 8 & 9 Apr), £12/£7 • This brand new play has been created in close consultation with KS2 children and staff, telling the story of the well-known Greek legend with a surprise twist. That Catherine Bennett Show Thu 20-Sat 22 Feb, 3pm, £12 (adult)/£7 (conc) • Sick of the bad female role-models pop-music has to offer, 9-year-old Taylor and her Auntie Bryony created Catherine Bennett, a new breed of pop-star who can be admired for all the right

reasons. Bryony Kimmings brings Catherine to life in this empowering and engaging show. Ages 6-9. The Tinderbox Wed 23-Sat 26 Apr, 7.30pm (Wed-Fri), 12pm & 4pm (Sat). £12 (adult)/£8 (conc) • The award-winning Bristol Old Vic Young Company creates a new devised piece based on Hans Christian Andersen’s original story. Suitable for 8+ years.

COLSTON HALLColston Street, Bristol BS1 5AR. 0844 887 1500, www.colstonhall.orgDinosaur Zoo Wed 19 Feb, 11am & 2pm. £13.44-£16.13 • Direct from Australia, this show by production company Erth brings these awe-some prehistoric creatures to the stage as you’ve never seen them before, up close and personal!

THE PLAYHOUSE THEATREHigh Street, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1HP. 01934 645544, www.theplayhouse.co.ukBarney the Dinosaur Sun 23 Feb, 1pm. £13 (adult)/£11 (child)/£44 (family) • Join your favourite dino-saur for 90 minutes of song, dance and fun - and when it comes to fun, Barney knows that nothing beats imagination.Bananas in Pyjamas Sun 6 Apr, 1pm. £13 (adult)/£11 (child)/£44 (family) • It’s a Banana emer-gency! Join B1, B2, Amy, Lulu and Morgan in this brand new, all-singing, all-dancing show. Can you help the Banana Detectives solve the case of a missing guest?That’ll Be the Day Spring 2014 Fri 21 Mar, 7.30pm. £24.50 (adult)/£23.50 (conc)/£16 (child) • This rock ‘n’ roll spectacular fea-tures a fantastic line up of knock-out hits from the 1950s, 60s and 70s, plus loads more zany com-edy routines!Stars of Strictly Come Dancing Sat 22 Mar, 7.30pm. £24 • Pasha and Katya, along with their danc-ers, bring you their spectacular brand new ballroom and Latin show. A carnival of music, dance, costumes and sparkles.Swan Lake Thu 10 Apr, 7.30pm. £18.50 - £20.50 (adult)/£17.50-£19.50 (conc)/£11 (child) • Vienna Festival Ballet returns by popular demand to present one of the best known love stories of all time.

THE REDGRAVE THEATREPercival Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3LE. 0117 315 7000. The Redgrave has no permanent box office so please book directly with the visit-ing companies listed below.The Comedy of Errors Sat 8 Feb, 10.30am. £7 • A riotous comedy of mistaken identities, mind-boggling confusions and sheer nonsense from the Bristol Old Vic School. Suitable for ages 7 to 13.

ST. GEORGE’S BRISTOLGreat George Street, Bristol BS1 5RR. 0117 925 3333, www.stgeorgesbristol.co.ukWild Words: The Pied Piper Fri 21 Feb, 2pm. £6 • A vivid re-telling of the Pied Piper with storytell-ing and music, song and drama,

participation and words from Robert Browning’s famous poem. Suitable for ages 6-10. Wonderful Woodwinds! Sun 2 Mar, 10am & 11.15am, £6 • Join the Principal Winds of the Bristol Ensemble and presenter Laura Tanner as they explore the amazing world of the Wonderful Woodwinds! Suitable for ages 3-8.

TOBACCO FACTORY THEATRERaleigh Road, Southville, Bristol BS3 1TF. 0117 902 0344, www.tobaccofactorytheatre.comAs You Like It Thu 13 Feb-Fri 2 May. Times tbc, £12-£22 • Shakespeare’s greatest explora-tion of the meaning of love - its madness and transcendence - is discovered in a new setting. Travel with Rosalind and Orlando as their tale of love and loss is told.

FURTHER AFIELDTHE ATHENAEUM18-20 High Street, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 9AE. 01985 213891, www.theath.org.ukSleeping Beauty Wed 19-Sat 22 Feb, 7pm. 2pm (Wed & Sat). £8 (adults)/£6.50 (conc) • The clas-sic tale of good versus evil, with popular songs, great dance rou-tines and lots of surprises for the audience.Name It! Sat 15 & Sun 16 Mar, 2pm & 6pm. £10 • A performance of ballet, modern jazz, tap, street/hip hop and musical theatre featuring children, students and adults.

THE BACON THEATREDean Close School, Shelbourne Road, Cheltenham GL51 6HE. 01242 258002, www.bacontheatre.co.ukDown the Rabbit Hole Wed 26 Feb, 4pm. £10 (adults)/£5 (children) • Dot-to-Dot Drama present their ver-sion of the well-loved tale especially for primary school aged children. How to Catch a Star Tue 18 Mar, 10.30am. £8.50 (adult)/£7.50 (child)/£30 (family) • Following the success of The Owl who was Afraid of the Dark, children’s theatre company Blunderbus presents this funny and gentle retelling of Oliver Jeffers’ bewitching story. Suitable for ages 3-7. Cinderella Sat 29 Mar, 7.30pm. £18.50 (adult)/£17.50 (conc)/ £13 (child) • A mistreated young girl, two comical ugly step-sisters, a glass slipper and a handsome young prince come together in Vienna Festival Ballet’s latest “dazzling” ballet.

EVERYMAN THEATRERegent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573, www.everyman-theatre.org.ukFiddler on the Roof Tue 4-Sat 8 Mar, 7.45pm. 2pm (Thu, Fri and Sat). £26-£34 (adult)/£26-£32 (conc) • Tevye has always stuck by his tradi-tions but suddenly his headstrong daughters decide that they want to marry for love. High Society brings you a new production of one of the world’s favourite love-stories.

Hear the People Sing Sun 9 Mar, 7pm. £21-£23 • The Lions Club of Cheltenham brings you an all-musi-cal show featuring the WestEnders.

ROSES THEATREThe Roses, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire GL20 5NX. 01684 295074, www.rosestheatre.orgTweedy Wed 19 Feb, 2pm. £8-£10 • A clown who gives in to society and gets a real job in a Lost Property office. Could this be where Tweedy finds himself?Essence of Ireland Sun 23 Mar, 2.30pm & 7.30pm. £22.50 • A celebration of all things Irish told through music, song and dance. That’ll Be the Day Wed 26 & Thu 27 Mar, 7.30pm. £23 • This rock ‘n’ roll spectacular features hits from the 1950s, 60s and 70s, plus loads more zany comedy routines!

SWINDON ARTS CENTREDevizes Road, Old Town, Swindon SN1 4BJ. 01793 614837, www.swin-don.gov.uk/artscentreCare of Henry Thu 20 Feb. 1.30pm. £8 (adult)/£6 (child)/£25 (family) • Hugo’s mother is having a baby which means the young boy must choose who will care for him and, of course, his dog Henry. Perfect for younger children. Just So Stories Sat 15 Mar, 11.30am & 2pm, £10/£8 (child)/£32 (family) • Red Table Theatre brings four of Rudyard Kipling’s best-loved tales to life. Four talented performers use umbrellas, pots, pans, socks, cushions, tennis balls, lampshades, and much more, to create fantastical creatures and worlds. Leading their audience on an unforgettable and song-filled journey from Pusat Tasek - the heart of the Sea - to the banks of the grey-green Limpopo river.

THE WYVERN THEATRETheatre Square, Swindon SN1 1QN. 01793 524481, www.wyverntheatre.org.ukCharlie and Lola’s Extremely New Play Tue 18-Wed 19 Feb. 11am, 1.30pm & 4pm. £13.50 • Sizzles the Dog joins Charlie and Lola on their latest adventure.

PLEASE CHECK BEFORE YOU TRAVEL . . . AND TELL THEM YOU SAW THE EVENT IN PRIMARY TIMES!


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That Catherine Bennett Show, the egg, Bath 1 Mar & Bristol Old Vic 20-22 Feb

The Tinderbox, 23-26 Apr, Bristol Old Vic.

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Terms & Conditions - Applies to new bookings only and cannot be added retrospectively. Minimum Number of 8 paying children. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Applies to Afterschool Parties only and does not include Weekend/Holiday Activity, Laser, Toddler, Teenage or Adult party events.

22 Concorde Road, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol, BS34 5TB

www.caerleonchildcare.co.uk

Caerleon is a brand new purpose built Childcare Centre with custom designed garden.

After over £350,000 of investment, Caerleon will have the most modern equipment and facilities.

Daily supervised visits to Jump before it opens and exclusive Jump benefits.

Conveniently located within only 5 minutes of Aztec West Business Park and The Mall Cribbs Causeway.

Flexible, free government places accepted and limited term only contracts available.

If you would like to visit our wonderful new facility or would like more information, you can either send us anemail on [email protected] or call 0117 979 8980

Is your child celebrating a birthday or just wanting to enjoy some fun

with their friends?

Enjoy our Afterschool Party, Monday to Friday Term Time for £10 per child!

Birthday child goes free.

To book or for more information,call our party advisors on

0117 931 2733

£10 Party!

22 Concorde Road,Cribbs Causeway,Bristol BS34 5TBwww.123jump.co.uk

jump A-feb14.indd 1 24/01/2014 15:27:01

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Deadlines: List your school’s events in Primary Times for free. We work a half-term in advance so we’re now collecting information for April and May 2014: deadline Mon 3 Mar. If your event is to raise funds for a school or charity, and is open to the public, please let us know. E: [email protected].

PLEASE CHECK BEFORE YOU TRAVELWhile we make every effort to ensure these listings are accurate and up to date, event information can sometimes change after we’ve gone to press. Please check with the venue or organiser before you set off to an event to make sure it’s going ahead as planned . . . and tell them you saw it in Primary Times!

FEBRUARYONGOINGFAIRYTALE SOSAt-Bristol, Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5DB. 0845 345 1235, www.at-bristol.org.uk, regular shows at weekends and school holidays, free with general admission • Science comes to the rescue of well-known fairytale characters. Discover how science could help with the problems faced by our favourite heroes and heroines by watching explosive live demos and even becoming a gravity-defying volunteer.

ONGOINGCREW DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?Brunel’s ss Great Britain, Great

Western Dockyard, Bristol, BS1 6TY. 0117 926 0680, www.ssgreatbritain.org, daily, free with general admission • Would you have made the grade as a Victorian crew member? Pick up an activity wheel from the ship’s visitor centre and try out a series of challenges as you explore Brunel’s famous ship.

ONGOINGSEA HEAR STORYTELLINGBrunel’s ss Great Britain, Great Western Dockyard, Bristol, BS1 6TY. 0117 926 0680, www.ssgreatbritain.org, daily, free with general admission • Held on the first Tuesday of every month, storyteller Sarah Mooney captivates young minds with her immersive yarns. Her free sessions mix original tales with new twists on classic legends and children can join in with stories of whales and angel fish, pirate treasure and stormy seas.

ONGOINGSOUNDS OF THE 1800sBrunel’s ss Great Britain, Great Western Dockyard, Bristol, BS1 6TY. 0117 926 0680, www.ssgreatbritain.org, daily, free with general admission • Find yourself transported 170 years into the past as the First Class Dining Saloon comes bursting to life. A Victorian, three-course dining experience is vividly recreated with gossip, clinking cutlery and even a spot of gambling; inspired by true stories taken from passengers’ accounts.

ONGOINGTHEATRE TOURSBristol Hippodrome, St.

Augustine’s Parade, BS1 4UZ. 0844 871 3012, www.atgtickets.com/bristol, every Saturday, 10.30am, £16.40 • Go behind the scenes of Bristol’s West End for two hours of fun and adventure - from front of house history to the stars and gossip, backstage. An exciting insight into how this historic Bristol theatrical institution runs.

ONGOINGST MARY’S SCRAPPERSSt Mary’s CofE Primary School, Church Road, Yate, South Gloucestershire. 10am-4pm, £5 for a table, optional scrapbook class most months for £2.50, [email protected] • Taking place on the last Sunday of every month, this small group raises money for the school with members bringing along a whole host of crafts that include scrapbooking, sewing, card making, quilting, crochet and knitting.

ONGOINGTICKENHAM VILLAGE MARKET AND CAFÉ205 Clevedon Road, Tickenham BS21 6RX. 01275 852102, www.tickenham.org, 9.30am • Run by Tickenham Village School to raise money, this market features jewel-lery and craft, as well as bacon rolls and a wide selection of cakes, some of which are gluten-free. Open on the second Saturday of every month.

ONGOINGLITTLE STARS PLANETARIUM SHOWAt-Bristol, Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5DB. 0845 345 1235, www.at-bristol.org.uk, weekends and school holi-days, 2pm, £1 in addition to stand-ard admission • Come and get star struck with At-Bristol’s specially-

designed Planetarium show for the under-fives. Tiny explorers are welcome to join in with an interac-tive story full of exciting sights and sounds – perfect for introduc-ing younger adventurers to the wonders of the night sky!

UNTIL FRI 21 FEBGARDEN STORIES, HIDDEN LABOURSTyntesfield, Wraxall, North Somerset, BS48 1NX. 01275 461900, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield, 10am-4pm, nor-mal admission charges apply • Photographs from the gardens at Tyntesfield by photographer and garden volunteer Amanda Harman.

UNTIL SUN 23 FEBWILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEARM Shed Dockside, Princes Wharf, Wapping Road, Bristol, BS1 4RN. 0117 352 6600, www.mshed.org, £3/£2 (concs)/free (under 5s)/£8 (family) • Plunge into the rich array of wildlife on our planet in this world-renowned exhibi-tion from the National History Museum. The competition pro-vides a global showcase of aston-ishing images from the world’s most talented photographers.

UNTIL SUN 2 MAR WINTER NIGHT SKY PLANETARIUM SHOWAt-Bristol, Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5DB. 0845 345 1235, www.at-bristol.org.uk, showing at regular inter-vals, admission charges apply • Experience the magic of stargaz-ing in Bristol’s very own plan-etarium and explore the exciting science of astronomy.

UNTIL MON 28 APRPARTY WITH NATUREAt-Bristol, Anchor Road,


Your ultimate family diary of what’s on, where & when

ROUNDABOUTROUNDABOUT

»

Have an ‘Egg-citing’ day out at At Bristol, 17 - 27 February.

ReviewHere for the steer! Cattle Country Adventure Park www.cattlecountry.co.uk

I arrived at Cattle Country Adventure Park not really knowing what to expect and was greeted by a vast array of activities available for children of all ages. On a rainy day there are two indoor play barns and a cosy café to sit and have lunch. If the sun is shining there are trampo-lines, a boating lake, a climbing net, a castle to explore and a fantastic splash pool. There is also plenty to keep toddlers entertained including a softplay area, a sand pit and an outdoor play area.

Then there are the animal encounters. Children and adults can have great fun walking around the grounds and meeting the ani-mals. There are interactive information points along the way to tell you more about the animals and if little legs get tired then there is a miniature train to hop on and deliver you back to the picnic field. We thoroughly enjoyed our day at Cattle Country Adventure Park. At only 20 minutes’ drive from Bristol, it truly is a hidden gem. (Ruth Morris)

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Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5DB. 0845 345 1235, www.at-bristol.org.uk, drop-in sessions throughout the day, free with standard admission • Celebrate nature’s party season by taking a science-y look at living things! Discover the biology around us in spring as you investigate plants, examine eggs, and get seeds to grow.

UNTIL SUN 11 MAY BUBBLE BLAST! At-Bristol, Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5DB. 0845 345 1235, www.at-bristol.org.uk, regular shows at weekends and during school holidays, free with standard admission • Help to inves-tigate the science of bubbles as they float, pop or burst in to flames in At-Bristol’s brand new live science show!

UNTIL WED 31 DECGEORGIANS: 18TH CENTURY DRESS FOR POLITE SOCIETY Bath Fashion Museum, Bath Assembly Rooms, Bennett Street, Bath, BA1 2QH, 01225 477789, www.fashionmuseum.co.uk, £7.75/£5.75 • The museum’s special exhibition this year includes over 30 original 18th century costumes from the museum’s world-class collection and special Georgian inspired out-fits from top fashion designers.

SAT 8 FEBTRADECRAFT PRODUCT EXHIBITIONNoah’s Ark Zoo Farm, Clevedon Road, Wraxall, Bristol, BS48 1PG. 01275 852606, www.noahsark-zoofarm.co.uk, 10.30am-5pm • The UK based Fairtrade organisation displays a wide range of products available for purchase and provides information about the importance of Fairtrade.

SAT 8 FEB-THU 27 MAR TAKE TO THE STREETS OF BATHVictoria Art Gallery, Bridge Street,

Bath, BA2 4AT. 01225 477233, www.victoriagal.org.uk, Tues-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 1.30-5pm, £2 (adult)/free (child) • A display of over 100 new oil paintings by Bath-based artist Peter Brown, celebrating the streets of Bath, in all weather.

FRI 14 FEBADVANCED BIRDERSlimbridge Wetland Centre, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT. 01453 891223, www.wwt.org.uk, 8am, £27 • For those looking to take their bird watching to the next level, this in-depth lesson helps enthusiasts to assess fine details such as plumage, weather condi-tions and habitats.

SAT 15 FEB FAMILY ORIENTEERING Tyntesfield, Wraxall, Bristol, North Somerset, BS48 1NX. 01275 461964, www.nationaltrust.org/tyntesfield,10.30am-2pm, £5 (group) • Experience Tyntesfield from a new, fast paced perspective. Don your boots, wrap up warm and calibrate your compass to tackle the Tyntesfield orienteering courses, ideal for all abilities and family groups. Min. one child, max five people per group. Booking essential.

SAT 15-SUN 23 FEBFAIRY FESTIVALPrior Park Landscape Garden, Ralph Allen Drive, Bath, Somerset, BA2 5AH. 01225 833422, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/prior-park, 10am-4.30pm, £1 per trail • Head out into Summer Glade, part of the garden where fairies and elves get up to mischief. Collect clues around the garden and unravel mysteries.

SAT 15 FEB-SUN 2 MARGET YOUR 5-A-DAYBristol Zoo Gardens, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 3HA. 0117 974 7300, www.bristolzoo.org.uk • £5 entry for kids when you bring along fruit and vegetables to feed the animals. Choose from broccoli, lettuce, pears, apples or carrots.

SUN 16 FEBBRISTOL ROCKS!Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, Queen’s Road, Bristol, BS8 1RL. 0117 922 3571, www.bristol.gov.uk,

10am - 4pm, free • Rocks and fossils take over the museum, with dress-ing up, handling specimens, local specialist groups and activities.

SUN 16 FEBWILD IN THE WOODSTyntesfield, Wraxall, Bristol, North Somerset, BS48 1NX. 01275 461961, www.nationaltrust.org/tyntesfield, 10.30am-3pm, £6 (adult)/£8 (child) • Learn survival skills and take part in activities such as den building, fire lighting, cooking and more.

MON 17 FEBNIGHT WALKLeigh Woods, North Road, Bristol, BS8 3PN. 0844 249 1895, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/leigh-woods, 5-6.30pm, £3.50 • A chance for you and your family to really mas-ter your senses by having fun in the woodlands at night.

MON 17-FRI 21 FEBFLAVIAN FASHION & CLOTHES BY CLAUDIUSRoman Baths, Abbey Churchyard, Bath, BA1 1LZ. 01225 477785, www.romanbaths.co.uk, 10am-1pm, 2pm-4pm • Dress as a Roman and create a fabulous figure to take home.

MON 17- THU 27 FEBAN EGG-CITING DAY OUT At-Bristol, Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5DB. 0845 345 1235, www.at-bristol.org.uk, drop-in sessions through-out the day, free with standard admission • Enjoy the egg-cellent visitors as At-Bristol hosts some hatching eggs in Live Lab. Visit the new arrivals and you may be lucky enough to catch them as they hatch!

TUE 18 FEBKEEP SAFE MY HEARTBath Fashion Museum, Bath Assembly Rooms, Bennett Street, Bath, BA1 2QH, 01225 477789, www.museumofcostume.co.uk, 10.30am-12.30pm & 1.30pm-3.30pm • Explore the special Georgians exhibition and decorate a keep-sake box for your loved one.

TUE 18 FEBBUILD A BIRDBOX M-Shed Dockside, Princes Wharf, Wapping Road, Bristol, BS1 4RN. 0117 352 6600, www.mshed.org. 11am, 12pm, 2pm & 3pm, £8 (fam-

ily) • The museum has teamed up with the Avon Wildlife Trust to show you how to make your very own bird box to take home. Booking essential.

TUE 18 FEBWICKED WEAPONSBath Royal Literary and Scientific Institute, 16 Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2HN. [email protected], www.brlsi.org, 10.30-11.30am, free • Join historical weapons expert Brian Godwin to find out more about guns, swords and armour from the BRLSI collection. Booking Essential.

TUE 18 FEB DEN BUILDING WORKSHOPSLeigh Woods, North Road, Bristol, BS8 3PN. 0844 249 1895, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/leigh-woods,10-11.30am, 12-1.30pm & 2-3.30pm, £3.50 • Learn to make a fantastic den out of materials found on the woodland floor from an experi-enced instructor.

TUE 18 FEB BECOME A ROMAN EMPORER Lawrence Weston Community Farm, Saltmarsh Drive, Bristol, BS11 0NJ. 0117 938 1128, www.lwfarm.org.uk, 2-4pm, free • Discover more about Roman Life - handle real Roman objects, dress as a Romano-Britain or become an emperor by making a laurel wreath crown.

TUE 18 & WED 19 FEB FARM FOREST SCHOOL FOR 5-7 YEAR OLDSThe Community Farm, Denny Lane, Chew Magna, Bristol, BS40 8SZ, 0845 617 1174, www.thecommunityfarm.co.uk, £32 (members)/£38 (non-members) • An exciting opportunity for chil-dren to learn new skills, recon-nect with nature and find out where their food comes from.

WED 19 FEBGET YOUR HANDS ON SCIENCEKeynsham Library, Riverside, Temple Street, Keynsham, BS31 1LA. 01225 312084, [email protected], 10.30am • Join students from the University of Bath Physics Department for an hour of fun filled ‘shocks’. Find out about electricity and what magnets have got to do with it. Organised by the Bath Royal Literary & Scientific Institution, booking essential.

WED 19 FEBHISTORY OF THE HIGHWAYMENYate Heritage Centre, Church Road, Yate, Bristol, Avon, BS37 5BG. 01454 862200, www.yate-heritage.co.uk, 10.30am-12pm & 1.30-3pm, free • Discover the true history of the Gloucestershire highwayman from 250 years ago with this exciting history work-shop. Make your own mask and highwayman tri-corn hat. Ideal for children between 5 and 12. Booking essential.


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Flavian Fashion and Clothes by Claudius, Roman Baths, Bath, Mon 17-Fri 21 Feb


Den Building, Leigh Woods, Bristol, Tue 18 Feb

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ROUNDABOUTROUNDABOUT»


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WED 19 FEBSTORIES ON BOARD SHIP ss Great Britain, Great Western Dockyard, Gasferry Road, Bristol, BS1 6TY. 0117 926 0680, www.ssgreatbritain.org,12pm, 1pm & 2pm • Join resident storyteller Sarah Mooney to hear tall tales of life on board for the ss Great Britain’s crew.

WED 19 FEBMEDIEVAL MAYHEMM-Shed Dockside, Princes Wharf, Wapping Road, Bristol, BS1 4RN. 0117 352 6600, www.mshed.org, 10am-4pm, free • Discover the crafts of medieval Bristol, from spinners and weavers to dyers and potters. Handle real objects and join in with medieval-inspired activities.

THU 20 FEB WHO AM I? Victoria Art Gallery, Bridge Street, Bath, BA2 4AT, 01225 477233, www.victoriagal.org.uk, 10.30am-11.30am & 2pm-3pm, £4 per child • Look at the characters in the gallery paintings, listen to a story, dress up and create a collage portrait. 3 to 5 years.

THU 20 FEB TALES OF THE NATURAL WORLDM-Shed Dockside, Princes Wharf, Wapping Road, Bristol, BS1 4RN. 0117 352 6600, www.mshed.org. 11am, 2pm, 3.30pm. Let profes-sional storyteller Martin Maudsley entertain you and your family with nature-themed stories written especially for little ones.

THU 20 FEB TRADITIONAL TEXTILE CRAFTYate Heritage Centre, Church Road, Yate, Bristol, Avon, BS37 5BG. 01454 862200, www.yateheritage.co.uk, 10.30am-12pm & 1.30-3pm, free • Create your perfect gift using traditional skills and a wide range of material with expert craft teach-ers. Ideal for children between 5 and 12. Booking essential.

THU 20 FEBCOMMUNITY GAMESLeigh Woods, North Road, Bristol, BS8 3PN. 0844 249 1895, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/leigh-woods, 10am-2pm, free (extra charge for some activities) • Drop in any time to take part in this family fun day of games and play.

THU 20 FEBIT’S LITERALLY LATINBristol Museum & Art Gallery,

Queen’s Road, Bristol, BS8 1RL. 0117 922 3571, www.bristol.gov.uk, 10am-12pm, free • Discover more about the Romans and their language through games and trails brought to you by Latin Students at Cotham School.

THU 20 FEBTOTS AT TYNTESFIELD Tyntesfield, Wraxall, Bristol, North Somerset, BS48 1NX. 01275 461961, www.nationaltrust.org/tyntesfield, 10-11.30am, £1(adult)/£3 (child) • An oppor-tunity for under 5s to discover Tyntesfield using their favourite story books. This session it’s Nick Butterworth’s ‘One Snowy Night’.

THU 20 & FRI 21 FEBFARM FOREST SCHOOL FOR 8-12 YEAR OLDSThe Community Farm, Denny Lane, Chew Magna, Bristol, BS40 8SZ, 0845 617 1174, www.thecom-munityfarm.co.uk, £39 (mem-bers)/£46 (non-members) • An exciting opportunity for children to learn new skills, reconnect with nature and discover where their food comes from.

FRI 21 FEBWEATHERWISEVictoria Art Gallery, Bridge Street, Bath, BA2 4AT, 01225 477233, www.victoriagal.org.uk, 10.30am-12pm & 1.30pm-3pm, £4 per child • Try different techniques to create weather scenes in paint, collage and pastels. 6 to 11 years.

FRI 21 FEB WOODLAND SURVIVAL DAY Leigh Woods, North Road, Bristol, BS8 3PN. 0844 249 1895, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/leigh-woods, 10.30am-3pm, £14 (adult)/£12 (child) • Join an experienced instructor for a fun packed day of activities to enjoy in Leigh Woods, including fire lighting, cooking on an open fire and den building.

FRI 21 FEB NORTH AMERICAN INDIANS Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, Queen’s Road, Bristol, BS8 1RL. 0117 922 3571, www.bristol.gov.uk, 10am-1pm, free • Find out about North American Indians through the museum’s collec-tions, handle real objects and discover treasures in its stores.

FRI 21 FEB GET YOUR HANDS ON SCIENCESaltford Library, Bath Road, Saltford, Bristol, BS31 3DJ. 01225 312084, [email protected], 10.30am • Join students from the University of Bath Physics Department for an hour of fun filled ‘shocks’. Find out about electricity and what magnets have got to do with it. Organised by the Bath Royal Literary & Scientific Institution. Booking essential.

SAT 22 FEBMAKE YOUR OWN FRUIT TREESThe Community Farm, Denny Lane, Chew Magna, Bristol, BS40 8SZ, 0845 617 1174, www.thecommunity-farm.co.uk, £24.65 (members)/£29 (non-members) • Join this half-day practical grafting workshop to learn the skills and techniques to make your own fruit trees. You’ll get the chance to graft three trees on the day to take home with you.

SAT 22 FEBCHORUS AT TYNTESFIELDTyntesfield, Wraxall, Bristol, North Somerset, BS48 1NX. 01275 461964, www.nationaltrust.org/tyntesfield, 5.30-7pm, £10 • An evening of sacred choral recital in Tyntesfield’s chapel. Based in Exeter, the Church of St Michael’s and All Angels Choir promises a musical treat for mind and soul.

SAT 22 FEBFAMILY FILM SCREENINGArnolfini, 16 Narrow Quay, Bristol, BS1 4QA. 0117 917 2300, www.arnolfini.org.uk, 11am-1pm, free • As part of a family programme this special film screening introduces you to a different theme or idea taken from the gallery’s exhibitions or events.

SAT 22 FEBBE ARTRAGEOUSArnolfini, 16 Narrow Quay, Bristol, BS1 4QA. 0117 917 2300, www.arnolfini.org.uk, 1-5pm, free • Join the learning team on the last Saturday of every month to explore Arnolfini’s exhibitions and events through exciting and engaging activities for families to do together.

FRI 28 FEBPAMPER EVENINGLongwell Green School, Ellacombe Road, Longwell Green, Bristol, BS30 9BA. 07947 315824, lon-

[email protected], 7pm, £2.50 (adv.)/£3 (door) • Plenty of stalls and treatments, plus the opportunity to meet with friends. Contributions from stall holders and therapists, as well as all profit from ticket sales go towards school projects.

FRI 28 FEB-SUN 9 MARBATH LITERATURE FESTIVAL (BLF)Various venues throughout Bath. 01225 462231, www.bathfesti-vals.org.uk, prices and events tbc • Although the Children’s Literature Festival isn’t until September, there are a few high-lights for lovers of young fiction and poetry including appear-ances by former children’s laure-ate Michael Rosen and storyteller Chrissie Weltike. A selection of events are listed below and marked (BLF)..

MARCHSUN 2 MARBATH HALF MARATHON 2014 Great Pultney Street, Bath. 01225 422255, www.bathhalf.co.uk • This established charity fund-raiser returns with a variety of runs for all ages. Send a Cow is the official Fun Run charity, the National Osteoporosis Society will be local charity of the year and Teenage Cancer Trust is the featured appeal. They join the lead charity for the event, breast cancer awareness organisation CoppaFeel!

SUN 2 MARFOOD AND CRAFT MARKETTyntesfield, Wraxall, Bristol, North Somerset, BS48 1NX. 01275 461964, www.nationaltrust.org/tyntesfield, 10am-3pm, included in admission price • The upper and lower courtyards at Home Farm turn into a hive of activity and colour as local food and craft producers set up their stalls and showcase their wares.

MON 3 MARMICHAEL ROSEN (BLF)The Guildhall, Bath, 4.30pm, £9, www.bathfestivals.org.uk • The former children’s poet laure-ate takes you on an adventure through the history of the alpha-bet.

WED 5 MARTHE LITTLE RED HEN (BLF)Keynsham Library, Keynsham, 11am, free but ticketed, www.bathfestivals.org.uk • Storyteller Chrissie Weltike uses puppetry, song and craft to bring the char-acters of this well-known tale to life. Aimed at 2 to 5 year olds.

WED 5 MAR BRISTOL PARENT CARERS - SHAPING THE FUTURE TOGETHERTop Floor, Future Inn, Bond Street South, BS1 3EN. 0117 937 5623, www.bristolparentcarers.org.uk, 9.45am-2.30pm, free but booking essential • A participation event

Get Your Hands on Science, Keynsham Library, Wed 19 Feb, & Saltford Library, Fri 21 Feb.

Former children’s poet laureate Michael Rosen at Bath Literature

Festival, Mon 3 Mar



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for families of children with SEN/disabilities which gives them the chance to comment on and be part of proposed reforms to the service provided by Bristol City Council and NHS Bristol.

WED 5 MAR BADMINTON JUNIOR SCHOOL OPEN MORNINGBadminton Junior School, Westbury Road, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, BS9 3BA. 0117 905 5271, [email protected], www.badminton-school.co.uk • Parents are invited to experience the ethos of the school first hand.

SAT 8 MAR AN INTRODUCTION TO ORCHARD MANAGEMENT The Community Farm, Denny Lane, Chew Magna, Bristol, BS40 8SZ, 0845 617 1174, www.thecommunityfarm.co.uk, £29 (members)/£34 (non-members) • Do you have an apple tree that could do with some TLC? Perhaps you are just starting out with an orchard. Join this fun, practical skills day to learn how to effec-tively prune and care for your fruit trees.

SAT 8 MARA SPLENDIFEROUS OCCASION Kings Weston House, Kings Weston Lane, Bristol, BS11 0UR. [email protected], tickets available from www.eventbrite.co.uk, 10am-4pm, £10 (adult)/free (child) • Two local businesswomen are holding a day of beauty and style demonstra-tions to raise money for Penny Brohn Cancer Care.

SAT 8 MARTHE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR (BLF)Paulton Library, Paulton, 9.45am & Radstock Library, 11.30am free but ticketed, www.bathfestivals.org.uk • Liz Frost leads a team of explorers on the trail of Eric Carle’s famous creation, using fun, games, music and dancing. Ages 2 to 5.

SAT 8 MARGET OUTSIDE! FAMILY WORKSHOP (BLF)Holburne Museum, Bath, 11am & 12.30pm, £5, www.bathfestivals.org.uk • Dawn Isaac, garden designer and author of ‘101 Things for Kids to do Outside’ entices children outdoors with projects, games and crafts.

SAT 8 MARBADMINTON SCHOOL EARLY YEARS OPEN MORNINGBadminton Junior School, Westbury Road, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, BS9 3BA. 0117 905 5271, [email protected], www.badminton-school.co.uk • Parents are invited to experience the ethos of the school first hand.

SAT 15 MARHOW DO WIND FARMS WORK?M-Shed Dockside, Princes Wharf, Wapping Road, Bristol, BS1 4RN. 0117 352 6600, www.mshed.org. 1-5pm, free • Design your own wind farm and have a go at a table-top strategy game. Part of Science and Engineering Week.

SAT 15 MAR-TUE 15 APRSPRING INTO ACTIVITYThe University of the West of England, Frenchay Campus, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol, BS16 1QY. 0117 328 6263, www.wesport.org.uk • A chance to take part in free sport activities. Sports clubs and leisure centres across the West of England have come together to offer free open sessions, social activities and family fun days to anyone who would like to give them a go.

MON 17-FRI 21 MARNATIONAL SCIENCE & ENGINEERING WEEKAt-Bristol, Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5DB. 0845 345 1235, www.at-bristol.org.uk, £1. • At-Bristol takes over the top floor of the museum to put on the biggest science show it’s ever attempted, hosting spectacular demonstrations for Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 that explore invention and discovery.

TUE 18 MAR LOCAL FOOD TRADE SHOWLeigh Park Hotel, Leigh Road West, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, BA15 2RA. 07791 798423, www.boafood.co.uk • The event brings together farmers, growers, and proces-sors based within 35 miles of Bradford on Avon and will be open to buyers from the hos-pitality sectors, local produce wholesalers and retailers, a one stop shop for outlets wishing to offer produce with provenance.

SAT 22 MAR INTRODUCTION TO BEES AND NATURAL BEEKEEPING The Community Farm, Denny Lane, Chew Magna, Bristol, BS40 8SZ, 0845 617 1174, www.thecom-munityfarm.co.uk, £33 (mem-bers)/£38 (non-members) • If you are interested in learning more about bees or would like to start keeping bees of your own, this is for you. Discover more about the fascinating lives of honey, bumble and solitary bees, visit some local hives and bee sanctuaries and examine hive construction.

SAT 22-SUN 23 MARRIDE A CRANE M-Shed Dockside, Princes Wharf, Wapping Road, Bristol, BS1 4RN. 0117 352 6600, www.mshed.org. 12-5pm • Experience a working crane on the dockside. Visitors are given a taste of the harbourside’s industrial heritage as part of National Science and Engineering Week.

SAT 22 MAR- SUN 2 NOVNEW WORLD, OLD MAPSAmerican Museum in Britain, Claverton Manor, Claverton, Bath, Avon BA2 7BD, 01225 460503, www.americanmuseum.org, £10/£5.50 • A rotating display of the acclaimed historic map col-lection formed by Dallas Pratt, co-founder of the American Museum.

SAT 29 MARMOTHER’S DAYNoah’s Ark Zoo Farm, Clevedon Road, Wraxall, Bristol, BS48 1PG. 01275 852606, www.noahsark-zoofarm.co.uk, 10.30am-5pm • Celebrate your mum a day early, as the farm isn’t open on Sunday, and treat her to a day out for £5 admission with online voucher.

SAT 29 MARFAMILY FILM SCREENINGArnolfini, 16 Narrow Quay, Bristol, BS1 4QA. 0117 917 2300, www.arnolfini.org.uk, 11am-1pm, free • As part of the family programme of events, this screening intro-duces families to a theme or idea taken from the exhibitions or events.

SAT 29 MARWE ARE FAMILYArnolfini, 16 Narrow Quay, Bristol, BS1 4QA. 0117 917 2300, www.

arnolfini.org.uk, 1-5pm, free • Join the learning team on the last Saturday of every month to explore Arnolfini’s exhibitions and events through exciting and engaging activities for families to do together.

SUN 30 MARLOVE FOOD THIS SPRINGPaintworks, Bath Road, Bristol, BS4 3EH. 07815 308 488, www.love-foodfestival.com, 10.30am-4pm, free • Love Food Festival is hosting a celebration of spring with the very best local producers and ven-dors. The children’s area will have plenty of opportunities to make and create seasonal items.

SUN 30 MARMOTHERS’ DAY CAKE BAKETyntesfield, Wraxall, Bristol, North Somerset, BS48 1NX. 01275 461964, www.nationaltrust.org/tyntesfield, 11am-1pm, £2 per entry • A cake competition at Tyntesfield! To enter, drop off your creations in the Cow Barn restaurant between 11am and 1pm. The two categories are Junior (14yrs and under) and Adult.

APRILFROM SAT 5 APR GO ALOFTss Great Britain, Great Western Dockyard, Gasferry Road, Bristol, BS1 6TY. 0117 926 0680, www.ssgreatbritain.org • Step into the shoes of a Victorian sailor and climb the huge mainmast of the ss Great Britain - a new experience opening today.

SAT 5-SUN 6 APR INTRODUCTION TO PERMACULTURE WEEKENDThe Community Farm, Denny Lane, Chew Magna, Bristol, BS40 8SZ, 0845 617 1174, www.thecommuni-tyfarm.co.uk, £55 (members)/£65 (non-members) • Interested in learning more about permaculture and how to apply the principles in your own garden or community? This weekend introductory course by the Bristol-based tutor Sarah Pugh could inspire you to start applying permaculture in your own life.

SAT 5-MON 21 APRA KNIGHT’S TRAIL Tyntesfield, Wraxall, Bristol, North Somerset, BS48 1NX. 01275 461964, www.nationaltrust.org/tyntesfield, 10am-4pm, admission applies, £2.50 per item • Go on a quest this Easter at the court of Tyntesfield on the special knight’s trail.

SUN 6 APRANIMALS CRAFTED FROM FELTSlimbridge Wetland cen-tre, Bowditch, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT. 01453 891223, www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/slimbridge, 10am-3.30pm, £36 • Learn how to make beauti-ful felt animals in this four hour needle-felting workshop.

Introduction to bees and natural beekeeping, The Community Farm, Chew Magna, Bristol, Sat 22 Mar.

» Bristol Parent Carers - Shaping the Future Together, Wed 5 Mar



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PLEASE CHECK BEFORE YOU TRAVEL . . . AND TELL THEM YOU SAW THE EVENT IN PRIMARY TIMES! ROUNDABOUTROUNDABOUT


SUN 6 APRFINGERTIP EXPLORERS Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, Queen’s Road, Bristol, BS8 1RL. 0117 922 3571, www.bristol.gov.uk, 10am-1pm, free • Touch but don’t look! Can you detect the mystery object without peep-ing? An intriguing game of touch brings history to life. Suitable for 7+

MON 7 APRSPRING TO LIFEBristol Museum & Art Gallery, Queen’s Road, Bristol, BS8 1RL. 0117 922 3571, www.bristol.gov.uk, 10am-1pm, free • Get up close to nature with wildlife specimens from the museum’s collections. Curators are on hand to help you identify all things buzzing this spring. Join the mini bug hunt too, weather permitting!

TUE 8 APRALL CUT UP Bath Fashion Museum, Bath Assembly Rooms, Bennett St, Bath, BA1 2QH, 01225 477789, www.museumofcostume.co.uk, 10.30am-12.30pm & 1.30pm-3.30pm Use paper cutting tech-niques to create simple Georgian style Easter cards.

TUE 8 APRDISCOVER PAPUA NEW GUINEA Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, Queen’s Road, Bristol, BS8 1RL. 0117 922 3571, www.bristol.gov.uk, 10am-1pm, free • Make your own feather finery and explore the museum’s collections of objects from Papua New Guinea, including a visit to the stores.

THU 10 APRGO QUACKERS Victoria Art Gallery, Bridge Street, Bath, BA2 4AT, 01225 477233, www.victoriagal.org.uk, 10.30am-11.30am & 2pm-3pm, £4 per child • Discover a special painting of geese, make a duckling with a moving head out of card, and create your very own Easter card. 3 to 5 years.

THU 10 APRFINGERTIP EXPLORERS Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, Queen’s Road, Bristol, BS8 1RL. 0117 922 3571, www.bristol.gov.uk, 10am-1pm, free • Touch but don’t look! Can you detect the mystery object without peep-ing? An intriguing game of touch bringing history to life. Suitable for 7+

FRI 11 APR DOWN ON THE FARM Victoria Art Gallery, Bridge Street, Bath, BA2 4AT, 01225 477233, www.victoriagal.org.uk, 10am-12pm & 1.30pm-3pm, £4 per child • Explore the farmyard painting and use watercolour pencils to create an animal picture. Make a mini model farm too. 6 to 11 years.

SAT 12 APRTOY STORIESM-Shed Dockside, Princes Wharf,

Wapping Road, Bristol, BS1 4RN. 0117 352 6600, www.mshed.org. 11am-4pm, free • Play with a range of toys and games from generations past and use them as inspiration to make your very own old-fashioned toy.

SUN 13 APRFAMILY WOODWORKING: TYNTESFIELD ANIMALS Tyntesfield, Wraxall, Bristol, North Somerset, BS48 1NX. 01275 461964, www.nationaltrust.org/tyntesfield,10am-4pm, £60 (group – 1 adult/1 child) • Under the expert guidance of the North Somerset Bodger, you’ll construct a dog, cat, deer or even a knight on horseback in this fun one day workshop using traditional hand tools and timber from the Tyntesfield estate.

MON 14 APRCURIOUS COINS Roman Baths, Abbey Churchyard, Bath, BA1 1LZ. 01225 477785, www.romanbaths.co.uk, 10am-1pm, 2pm-4pm, • Investigate Roman coins and create a coin to take home.

MON 14 APRFINGERTIP EXPLORERS Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, Queen’s Road, Bristol, BS8 1RL. 0117 922 3571, www.bristol.gov.uk, 10am-1pm, free • Touch but don’t look! Can you detect the mystery object without peeping? An intriguing game of touch bringing history to life. Suitable for 7+

THU 17 APRFAMILY FUN: NATIVE AMERICAN JEWELLERY American Museum in Britain, Claverton Manor, Claverton, Bath, Avon BA2 7BD, 01225 820866, [email protected], www.americanmuseum.org, 1-4pm (drop-in), included in garden only admission • Get creative with recycled materials and make your own replica jewellery inspired by the museum’s Native American col-lections.

THU 17 APROLD AGE PRINTSM-Shed Dockside, Princes Wharf, Wapping Road, Bristol, BS1 4RN. 0117 352 6600, www.mshed.org.

11am-4pm, free • Use the historic printing machine to make your own Easter card, inspired by the unique collection of objects from Bristol’s chocolate industry.

FRI 18 APREASTER EGG TRAILLeigh Woods, North Road, Bristol, BS8 3PN. 0844 249 1895, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/leigh-woods,10am-2pm, £3.50 • Get along to Leigh Woods and follow an Easter trail, learn about the animals and plants that live there and win an egg-citing prize!

FRI 18-MON 21 APREASTER YARN BOMBING TRAIL American Museum in Britain, Claverton Manor, Claverton, Bath, Avon BA2 7BD, 01225 820866, [email protected], www.americanmuseum.org, 12-5pm, included in garden-only admission • Grab a trail sheet and see if you can find all of the knitted delights decorating the grounds to earn a chocolate egg!

FRI 18-MON 21 APRDINO EGG HUNTMarwell Wildlife, Thompson’s Lane, Colden Common, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 1JH. 01962 777407, www.marwell.org.uk, free with standard admission • Embark on a popular Easter egg trail with a Dino twist, collect your chocolate egg and meet the Easter Bunny.

FRI 18-SUN 20 APRKIDS FARMYARD ART SHOWRoves Farm Visitor Centre, Sevenhampton, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN6 7QG. 01793 763939, www.rovesfarm.co.uk, 11am-3pm, free with standard admission • Roves Farm’s resident artist, Charlotte, holds a show and sale this Easter featuring her kids’ farmyard art, ani-mal portraits and lots more in the ‘Old Granary’.

SAT 19 APRNOAH’S EASTER EGG HUNTNoah’s Ark Zoo Farm, Clevedon Road, Wraxall, Bristol, BS48 1PG. 01275 852606, www.noahsarkzoo-farm.co.uk, 10.30am-5pm • Hunt through the Easter trail and dis-cover a sweet, chocolatey surprise.

Adults and children can take part in the novelty games and get creative, making fun Easter crafts.

SAT 19 APRWILTSHIRE’S WORLD HERITAGEWiltshire Museum, 41 Long Street, Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 1NS. 01380 727369, www.wiltshiremuseum.org.uk, 11am-4pm, normal museum admission applies • Celebrate Wiltshire’s heritage with this fam-ily fun day. Meet a Saxon Warrior and explore the new Saxon Gallery, listen to stories from prehistory, try costumes, handle artefacts and take part in fun craft activities.

SAT 19-MON 21 APRHOME AND GARDEN PARTYGloucester Quays Shopping Centre, St Ann Way, Gloucester, GL1 5SH. 01452 338933, www.gloucester-quays.co.uk, free • Around 80 stalls sell artisan crafts, fine food and drink, homewear, garden gadgets, plants and flowers and lots more. Also live music.

SAT 19-MON 21 APREASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA Prior Park Landscape Garden, Ralph Allen Drive, Bath, Somerset, BA2 5AH. 01225 833422, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/prior-park, 10am-4.30pm, £1.50 per trail • Bring the family and join in the fun to follow an Easter trail around the garden and collect the clues to win your prize.

SUN 20 & MON 21 APRYOLKY JOLKY EGGSLacock Abbey, Fox Talbot Museum and Village, Lacock, near Chippenham, SN15 2LG. 01249 730459, www.nationaltrust.org/lacock, 10.30am-4pm, £1.50 per trail sheet • The “yolk’s” on you with this fun Easter trail around Lacock Abbey’s grounds. Crack up with laughter as you discover all the Easter-themed jokes and win a chocolate surprise.

SAT 26 APRNEARLY NEW SALELongwell Green School, Ellacombe Road, Longwell Green, Bristol, BS30 9BA. 07947 315824, [email protected], 12-1.30pm • Nursery equipment and every-thing for babies and young children. The sale runs with volunteers sell-ing products on behalf of sellers. A 25% commission on sold items will be given to the Friends of Longwell Green School to aid school funds.

SAT 26 APRWORLD TAPIR DAYNoah’s Ark Zoo Farm, Clevedon Road, Wraxall, Bristol, BS48 1PG. 01275 852606, www.noahsarkzoo-farm.co.uk, 10.30am-5pm • Noah’s Ark will be celebrating on 26 April for World Tapir Day on 27 April. Enjoy a special tapir talk and the chance to meet the tapirs.

LISTINGS BY ROSE BONSIER

Go Aloft on the ss Great Britain from Sat 5 Apr



Bristol’s largest and only dedicated paint-your-own-pottery• Suitable for ALL ages!• Over 100 items to choose from • Items professionally glazed and fired • Collect a few days later, and keep a lifetime!

Ideal for:• Mother/Father’s day presents• Capturing baby’s foot or handprints• Children’s parties• Adult’s parties• Girl’s night out / hen nights• Unique Wedding gifts

PAINTED POTTERY MAKES PERFECT PRESENTS!

The Painting Pottery Café

9 Byron Place (off the Clifton Triangle) Tel: (0117) 927 3666www.flyingsaucers.co.uk

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Build a Bird Box Tuesday 18 Feb, M Shed

Spring is on its way, daylight hours are on the up. Spend some time with the family working together to build your very own bird box for the garden! A ‘Build a Bird Box’ workshop at M Shed on Tuesday 18 February is

run with Avon Wildlife Trust. It costs £8 per group (max 4 people in each - materials included) and you can take your bird box home. Minimum age 4. Sessions last one hour, starting at 11am, 12pm, 2pm & 3pm. Booking essential.

While at the museum, why not visit the beautiful ‘Wildlife Photographer of the Year’ exhibition before it closes on Sun 23 Feb. Included in the family price of £8 (two adults and two children or one adult and three children) is a ‘Slug Trail’ activity pack plus a new Bristol Wildlife display.

Entry to M Shed is free.

Ffi: M Shed T: 0117 352 6600 W: www.mshed.org

Aquarium wonder

Located in the heart of Bristol’s City Centre on the Harbourside, Bristol Aquarium is home to over 4,000 aquatic creatures! Experience close encounters with hundreds of native fish which swim through the shipwreck-themed displays and journey to the magnificent centrepiece of the aquarium, the enormous Coral Sea. Here you’ll be able to admire over 250 marine animals, including sharks, moray eels, puffer fish and more.

In the Botanical House you will be able to visit the 60,000 litre ‘Bay of Rays’ to see wrasse and stingrays or step out into the Harbourside area to say hello to the aquarium’s giant Pacific octopus - the world’s largest species of octopus. From the top of the rainforest through to the heart of the Amazon displays, you will come face-to-face with an awe-inspiring array of creatures including red-bellied piranhas, toxic frogs and giant catfish!

Ffi: W: www.bristolaquarium.co.uk

Rugbytots: new classesSince the launch of Rugbytots Bristol in 2009, there has been a huge demand for places. Featured on CBeebies’ Mighty Mites and Same Smile programmes, the club has

succeeded thanks to the excellent delivery of the programme by enthusiastic and professional staff.

The fun programme has been designed to develop your child’s physical, psychological and social abilities, as well as gently encouraging rugby-specific skills, such as running with the ball, finding space, kicking, catching, scoring a try and much more.

Rugbytots now has three age groups for girls and boys: 2 to 3 1/2 years, 31/2 to 5 years and 5 to 7 years throughout Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.

New weekday and weekend classes start in February in Backwell, Bradley Stoke, Frampton Cotterell, Hanham, Hengrove, Kingsdown, Kingswood, Mangotsfield, Paulton, Thornbury and Westbury-on-Trym.

Ffi and to book: T: 0845 313 3250 W: www.rugbytots.co.uk

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Mojo Active: give it a try!

Welcome to this first class and refreshingly different events, meetings and party venue. Set in 114 acres of private farmland, Mojo Active opened in April 2012 and offers a range of outdoor activities. Its experienced military instructors are there to energise and motivate you to achieving your goals, whether that’s for fitness, team building, leadership, learning and development or pure fun. Mojo Active is ideal for: holiday clubs and birthday parties; schools and sports programmes; team building; corporate events; boot camps; stag and hen dos; fitness and circuit training.

Equipped with a log cabin, and changing rooms as well as extensive facilities and activities, visit Mojo to tackle: military assault course; low ropes course; 100m zip wire; archery; climbing wall; tunnel maze; and orienteering.

Ffi: Mojo Active Over Court Farm, Over Lane, Almondsbury, Bristol BS32 4DF T: 01454 660075 M: 07770 925022 E: [email protected]

Simply UniqueUnique Voice has worked with over 15,000 young people across Bristol and the UK, using the creative arts to ignite and inspire social and emotional development. 2014 sees the grand opening of The Unique Voice Academy Performing Arts Factory. Every Saturday young people aged 6 to 16 will have the opportunity to work with some of the best actors and theatre professionals in Bristol. They will learn new skills, make friends and perform in original and exciting shows that they helped create from scratch. Everyone is welcome and has an important part to play, so whether it’s performing, directing, designing or backstage, there’s something for everyone! Academy members will also receive a T-shirt, scrap book and termly report.

“I think the individual praise and support Unique Voice give to each individual’s confidence is great. I have seen my daughter’s confidence and voice come out,” says parent Angela Fumpson.

Ffi: W: www.uniquevoice.org E: [email protected]

A party with a difference

‘Parties in Nature’ and ‘Parties with Bricks’ has moved to a fantastic new venue at Filton Hill Primary School. With extensive green space and a large hall, this enclosed party venue is perfect for children to celebrate their special day.

This Bristol-based company offers an exciting range of party themes from Fairy and Elf parties to Tagtastic Field Games.

Fairy and Elf and Pirate parties are a magical mix of craft activities, games, treasure hunts and imaginative play. All activities aim to bring children closer to nature and leave guests with a sense of wonder and excitement.

Tagtastic Field Games is the perfect party theme for children who love to play competitive, fast moving games. The games help children develop physical skills and core values as well as providing maximum fun and entertainment.

Comments include: “The children were engrossed from start to finish”, “We thoroughly enjoyed it and the other parents are all raving about it too!”

Ffi: T: 07982 198195 W: www.partiesinnature.co.uk

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Bristol Zoo’s Five A Day February

Children will pay less for entry to Bristol Zoo this half term if they bring one of five pieces of fruit or vegetables cho-sen by the zoo keepers to help feed the animals. From Saturday 15 February to Sunday 2 March entry to the zoo is just £5 entry for children who bring one of the following: broccoli, lettuce, pear, apple or carrot.

These are the vegetables and fruit that are best for the animals, according to the zoo, and all donated food will be given to them to eat. There are five enclosures to visit on the zoo’s five-a-day trail, five prizes to be won each day and five fun facts to be discovered if you follow the zoo on Facebook and Twitter.

Ffi: W: www.bristolzoo.org.uk/5-a-day

Girls shine at independent day

school

Year 5 pupils at the Red Maids’ Junior School are mastering a wide range of subjects and developing

skills they didn’t know they had. Their form teachers, Bridget Fenton and Maggie Edbrooke, also co-ordinate all English and maths learning across the 120-strong school.

Ms Fenton says, “Our key English focus for Year 5 pupils is to immerse them in reading for pleasure. Girls take responsibility for running our school bookshop. It is fun and brings confidence but the goal is to develop even greater love of and proficiency in reading. This is vital for progressing to senior school.”

The passion of maths addict Mrs Edbrooke for her subject has led to Red Maids’ hosting annual Maths challenges attended by schools from around the region. A project with Bath University sees Year 5 pupils to take part in a robotics initiative that extends their learning in maths and science. “No two days are ever the same,” says Mrs Edbrooke.

Ffi: Red Maids’ Junior School Visiting Morning Wed 12 Feb W: www.redmaids.bristol.sch.uk Music lessons with

Kerina and JamesTwo young and enthusiastic musicians are now offering private music lessons in piano, guitar, clarinet and music theory. Kerina

and James have both graduated from Royal Holloway, University of London, with a joint honours degree in Music and Maths.

Having recently moved to Bristol after teaching in London for a few years, they both have lots of experience teaching children and adults of all ages. With past students achieving successful exam results, students can work towards exams, or just play for fun.

Kerina is based in Stoke Gifford and James teaches from Mickleburgh’s Musical Instruments, in Stokes Croft, but they’re happy to travel to nearby areas.

They now offer Maths tuition too! The first lesson is half price and commitment free so you can meet them and have a little taster before continuing.

Ffi T: 07948 219041 E: [email protected].

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Party Time for Pirates!

Just a few months after launching a pirate party package for children with a single advertisement in Primary Times, south Bristol-based Pirate Attack has already earned a series of glowing testimonials from mums and dads in and around the Avon area. Comments include: “Such a hit with the children and the parents”; “Best party ever”; “Couldn’t recommend them more highly”; “Fantastic, professional and entertaining”; and, “Great value for money”.

The highlight of the parties is the Pirate Pillory, where children as young as 4 clamour to throw wet sponges at the naughty pirate. Other activities include a bouncy castle, making pirate hats or spy-glasses, walk the plank, skittles, quoits, sword-fighting, and a treasure hunt. Pirate Attack parties can take place in most village or com-munity halls and are most suitable for children aged 4 to 7 years.

Ffi: T: 0117 939 4311 W: www.pirateattack.co.uk

Join in the Nursery and Reception fun

The first open morning of the new year at Colston’s Lower School this January drew a big response. Parents were shown a normal school day, guided by children in Years 5 and 6.

There are now opportuni-ties for younger children to visit Colston’s Lower and join in fun activities in the Nursery and Reception, enabling their parents to have coffee and a chat with Stuart Smart, head of Lower School, and colleagues.

“We established this Early Years for-mat last year,” says Stuart. “Visiting chil-dren were able to experience our Nursery and Reception while parents talked to us about their plans.”

The next diary date is Friday 7 February (9.30am – 11.30am) when a series of fun activities are available in Nursery and Reception. Further ahead, visiting children are invited to join in a Teddy Bears’ Picnic on Saturday 10 May (9.30am – 11.30am).

Ffi Colston’s Lower School T: Stuart Smart 0117 965 5297 E: [email protected]

It’s at the Arts CentreSalisbury Arts Centre is preparing for ani-mal adventures in abundance this spring with ‘A Roo in my Suitcase’ (pictured) kicking off the fun on Sat 1 Mar. When Rosie arrives in the

UK from ‘Down Under’ she feels all alone. She soon discovers her suitcase is full of stowaways. Can a bouncy kangaroo, a cuddly koala and a giggling kookaburra help her make new friends?

Red Table Theatre follows on Sat 8 Mar with ‘The Just So Stories’. Take an exciting journey through the fantastical worlds and creatures of Rudyard Kipling’s classic tales.

Rounding off with some farmyard fun, Old Saw brings ‘Tomten’ to town on Sat 5 Apr. When everyone is asleep Tomten wakes. With the trusty barn cat he comforts all the farm animals. Based on Viktor Rydberg’s poem, this is a gentle story of the circle of life.

Ffi: T: 01722 321744 W: www.salisburyartscentre.co.uk

Bridget Fenton (left) and

Maggie Edbrooke

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COMPETITION

Dinosaurs take over Colston Hall

Looking for something to keep your little raptors entertained this half-term? On Wednesday 19 February, dinosaurs will be stomping into Bristol’s Colston Hall for a fun, entertaining and highly imaginative live show that Time Out calls “a delight”.

Direct from Australia, production company Erth’s ‘Dinosaur Zoo’ brings awesome prehistoric creatures to the stage as you’ve never seen them before – up close and personal! From cute baby dinos to teeth-gnashing giants, observe and interact with these extraordinary life-like dinosaurs. But watch out! Not all of these ravenous reptiles are as tame as they seem.

Children can watch wide-eyed from a safe distance or dare to get right up close to the creatures in the danger zone seats. A tyrannosauric treat for all aged 3+, snap up your tickets now for performances at either 11am or 2pm.

Win four tickets to see Dinosaur Zoo at Colston HallIn order to win four tickets to the 2pm performance of Dinosaur Zoo for you and your little dinos, simply answer the following question:What is Tyrannosaurus Rex also known as?a) T-Rex b) T-Bone c) T-TimeDeadline for entries is midday on Monday 17 February. A winner will be picked at random and contacted that day. Email your replies, including name, address and daytime phone number to: [email protected]

• Ffi Colston Hall Box Office T: 0844 887 1500 W: www.colstonhall.org/dinosaur-zoo (see above for competition entry)

All singing, all dancing

Perform Drama, Dance and Singing Workshops

Lucy Quick started Perform Drama, Dance and Singing Workshops in January 2000 with three children. Today more than 5,000 children attend these workshops across London, the Home Counties, Bristol and Bath.

Perform is a new type of children’s drama school. Focusing on child development, it uses a unique mix of drama, dance and singing to bring out every child’s true potential. Classes are kept small to ensure children receive lots of individual attention from their experienced actor/teachers. The workshops work with 4- to 12-year-olds and the focus is on ‘The Four Cs’: confidence, com-munication, co-ordination and concentration. Principal Quick says, “The success of Perform is down to the fact that our focus is exclusively on developing children’s social skills. They have the best fun of the week and take away valuable skills that will be with them for life”. Free trial sessions are available for interested children.Local classes:Bristol Grammar School Sports Centre (gate C), University Road, Clifton, BS8 1SR. Saturdays, 9.30-11am, 11.15am-12.45pm (4-8 year olds).Tyndale Road Baptist Church Whiteladies Road, Redland, Bristol, BS8 2QG. Fridays, 4-5pm, 5-6pm (4-8 year olds).Cairns Road Baptist Church Cairns Road, Westbury Park, Bristol, BS6 7TH, Saturdays 2.30-4pm (4-8 year olds).All Saints’ Church Hall All Saints’ Church Hall, Winterbourne Down, Bristol, BS36 1BX. Fridays 4-5pm, 5-6pm (4-8 Year olds).New Oriel Hall Brookleaze Buildings, Larkhall, Bath, BA1 6RA. Mondays 4-5pm (4-8 year olds & 8-12 year olds)

• Ffi Perform T: 020 7255 9134 E: [email protected] W: www.perform.org.uk

Classes in Central Bristol.For further information contact: Sarah 0117 962 9621 /

07828 865430 or Ian 01275 394607

www.firstclasslearning.co.uk

First Class Learning offer individual programmes tailored to suit your child’s needs, boosting their confidence and self esteem.

l Help with SATs and examsl Linked to school curriculum

First Class Learning...Maths, English and Science

Junior Quad Parties• Ages: 6yrs to 13yrs • Group sizes: Min 6 Max 8 • 2x 70cc quads with one instructor • Duration: 90 minutes • Cost: £150.00 • Helmets provided

Archery Parties• Ages: 6yrs and up • Group sizes: Min 6 Max 8

• Junior recurve bows and arm guards • Duration: 1 hour • Cost: £100.00

Combined Quad / Archery Party• Ages: 6yrs to 13yrs • Group sizes: Min 6 Max 12 • 2 instructors • Duration: 2 hours • Cost: £200.00

T: 01249 730388 M: 07775 706754 E: [email protected]

Breach Lane Equine CentreBreach Lane, Wootton Bassett,

Wilts SN4 7QR

PONY PARTIESCall now for details or to book.

PONY DAYSEach Tuesday of School holidays. (Except Christmas)

HORSE RIDING LESSONSNow Taking ADULTS & CHILDREN who are Nervous,

Novice or Beginners who want to have ago at horse riding.Weight limit 12 stone, Children from age 4.

All riding in an enclosed arena.

For more info see web site www.breachlaneequinecentre.co.uk

Phone Alison on 01793 854 660 or Mobile 07855 755 831

14 Avon advertising features Feb Half Term 2014.indd 26 29/01/2014 10:16:14




Achieving her potential

Badminton Junior School provides a broad and inspiring educational experience for girls from the age of 3 to 11. It believes that a clear understanding of every child’s ability and potential, along with high expectations within a safe and stimulating environment, are key elements which combine to achieve an enjoyable and fulfilling education

for every girl.It prides itself on knowing each child individually, thus enabling

the school to provide every girl with appropriate support and guidance as they develop their interests and learn new skills. Learning comes naturally and easily when a child is happy and it is the school’s aim to provide an environment in which every child is cared for, nurtured and inspired. A combination of small class sizes, excellent specialist teaching and a strong emphasis on pastoral care, allows girls at Badminton Junior School to develop their curiosity and learn with confidence. Visit the school to see for yourself what a vibrant, friendly and happy place Badminton Junior truly is.

Wed 5 Mar: Junior School Open MorningSat 8 Mar: Early Years Open MorningMon 5 May: Whole School Open Morning

• Ffi and to book a place T: 0117 905 5271 E: [email protected] W: www.badmintonschool.co.uk

Award-winning tuition

Two weeks’ free tuition when you join in February!

Explore Learning centres in Bristol provide maths and English tuition to 5 to 14 year olds of all abilities, as well as running special courses in 11+ and entrance exam preparation. The centres are open seven days a week and are Ofsted registered, so families can use Childcare Vouchers to pay for membership. Children attend up to twice a week on a drop-in basis, so Explore tuition fits easily into family life.

As Explore members, children work with enthusiastic and motivating tutors. Each child has an individual learning pro-gramme and all Explore courses map to the National Curriculum. Consequently the company was Supplementary Education Provider of the Year at the Education Investor Awards two years running. Research conducted by Reading University showed that, “Explore Learning members’ improvement in maths was 30% higher than that of the comparison group.” The study also found that, “Building confidence, being more independent and less reluc-tant to try without assistance were all elements directly attributed to Explore Learning.”

Parents and children also said great things about the service they provide:

“My two sons have contrasting abilities and both have ben-efited from attending Explore. It has given them confidenceand highlighted areas they need help in.” K. Waterhouse, Parent

“I like going to Explore and it has helped me at school. I used to hate maths but now I like it. The tutors make the work really fun for me.” Sirinya, aged 12.

February is a popular time to join Explore Learning, and families joining in February will receive two weeks’ free tuition at partici-pating centres. Explore Learning has centres across the UK.

• Ffi W: www.explorelearning.co.uk

Swim only memberships also available.

Limited offer. Contact us today!

Lime Kiln Leisure Centre Royal Wootton Bassett 01793 852197Olympiad Leisure Centre Chippenham 01249 443679The Activity Zone Malmesbury 01666 822533

Still time to start yourresolutions!

3 months FREE on a fitness or swim membership

Fitness membership includes:• Results guaranteed or

your money back• 5 FREE 1-to-1 sessions

with a fitness instructor• Unlimited use of the

gym• Swimming• Workout Classes





What can the performing arts give to children?

You want your child to be well equipped to face the world, and that includes a well-rounded education. As ministers continue to debate what are the most important com-ponents in the national curriculum, the arts are feeling the pinch and are in danger of being squeezed out.

But is this a problem? A couple of months ago, Lyn Gardner, theatre critic for The Guardian posted her blog about ‘Why Children’s Theatre Matters’. She says, “Theatre, par-ticularly theatre for children, fires

the imagination; it gives our children the skills and the creativity necessary to face the world, to understand it and perhaps to change it too.”

Yes, we need to know the maths to build buildings, and lan-guage to negotiate contracts, but we need creative thinking to imagine what those buildings might look like, or even to imagine how to make the world a better place.

Is there really anything more important than that? If your child could do with a creative boost without the restric-

tions of school-based work, the performing arts is a great way to keep the mind and body fit and energised. Stagecoach is among the leaders in performing arts classes for children – give them a call today to find out more.

• Ffi Stagecoach T: Principal Heidi Hollis on 0117 953 2500 W: www.stagecoach.co.uk

To the zoo tomorrow?Enjoy a top family day out at one of Bristol’s premier attractions!

Recently winning Gold in the Green Tourism Business Scheme, Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm is home to the big zoo animals, exciting indoor and outdoor adventure play grounds and great facilities including large cafe and tractor rides.

With plenty to do all-day in all-weather, why not take the family along to North Somerset’s popular 100 acre animal park? Enjoy 12 exciting adventure play areas, an indoor animal village and covered animal show pens. Daily events include the popular ‘Animal Show’ and the regular bumpy tractor rides across the farm with views towards Wales.

Noah’s Ark offers incredible up-close experiences with amazing animals, including seeing the lions and tigers being fed during the ‘Big Cat Talk’ and meeting the family of giraffes at the daily presentation.

Our popular mums and tots morning ‘Jungle Tots’ is set for another busy season with a range of activities planned for visitors, while schools can make the most of an action-packed educational trip to the zoo. Noah’s Ark is a holder of the national ‘Quality Badge’ from the Learning Outside the Classroom scheme, recognising the professional national-curriculum based education program available to teachers and their students.

Get set for a jumbo new experience this season as the zoo gets set to open ‘Elephant Eden’, the largest habitat for elephants, where families can get within a trunk’s length of nature’s biggest land mammal and learn about the importance of conservation.

• Ffi Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm W: www.noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk

Open morning Saturday 8th March

for entry aged 11 and over

Generous scholarships and means tested bursaries available

Please contact admissions @rendcomb.gloucs.sch.uk

Rendcomb, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 7HA

www.rendcombcollege.org.uk





Jump’s family valuesJump Bristol has experienced another busy year, with a fantastic renovation, new inflatables, and an extension of cafe seating further improving its cus-tomer experience. The indoor play centre has also started the new year with a bang by introducing its Afterschool Party at only £10 per child. If you prefer partying on the weekend you can save 20% by booking four months in advance.

Are you a school, organisation or charity and looking for an excel-lent way to entertain children? Jump may be able to help you out with half price discounts on bookings for over 12 children made a fortnight in advance. It really does have something for everyone!

Caerleon Bristol has also enjoyed its first year of opening with lots of fun and new faces. With brand new equipment, a beautiful garden and some lovely pets, the childcare centre is a wonderful place for children to learn and play in a secure environment.

Naturally, being part of the Jump family, Caerleon children also receive exclusive Jump benefits. The centre is happy to accept free government places and still has a limited number of term-time only contracts available.

Read more about Caerleon online or contact its childcare man-ager, Rachel.

• Ffi Caerleon Bristol T: Rachel 0117 9798980 W: www.caerleonchildcare.co.uk E: [email protected].• Ffi Jump W: www.123jump.co.uk

Torwood: a friendly welcome

Torwood House School welcomes new children into any class at any stage throughout the year, and is always extremely proud of how warm and friendly its children are to new members of the school.

The process of moving schools can be a difficult time for both parent and child. To leave a familiar environment and familiar faces can be daunting. Torwood makes this process as easy and smooth a transition as possible and finds that children settle in remarkably quickly. It acknowledges that no one way is the right way when it comes to settling children into a new class and it works with parents to ensure that both they and their child are comfortable.

Torwood is a small school with a friendly and homely atmosphere for boys and girls up to the age of 11. Its results throughout the school are consistently excellent, with the majority achieving significantly above the national average in all areas. As Torwood is a truly independent preparatory school, its children leave to go to a variety of senior schools where they often achieve scholarships to their chosen school.

Torwood in a nutshell:• Classes are deliberately small to allow each child the attention they deserve. • Teachers hear their children read every day.• Physical development lessons take place every day, including swimming once a week.• Peripatetic lessons are taught during the school day, allowing for more quality family time at the weekends.• Breakfast, afterschool and holiday clubs help with work commitments

• Ffi W: www.torwoodhouseschool.co.uk

[email protected]



It’s a Saturday morning as the end of March approaches. Children all over the region will be waking up knowing

that tomorrow is Mother’s Day. Possibly they’ve already taken the initiative and made Mum a present they’ll treasure. Or maybe school has encouraged them to make something in class. There’s a third possibility that they’ve forgotten all about it and realise they’ve still got 24 hours to buy or create that heartfelt gift.

Mothers, it’s worth restating, have one of the world’s toughest jobs, providing lifelong practi-cal and emotional support and guidance to their kids. Of course children are free to show their appreciation all year round, but this year Sunday 30 March is the date put aside for most children to

recognise Mum’s efforts. Maybe breakfast in bed, the

gift of a pampering day or a shop-bought present will make her day, and this is something you’ll defi-nitely need to talk to Dad about. But nothing tells Mum that you love her more than a homemade gift or card which you’ve put your own thought and creativity into.

Try to get Dad or a grown-up family member involved in the project – they’ll probably have some great ideas to help. If you’re going down the homemade route you may need some grown up help to get all the materials you need together, especially if it involves buying things from the shops.

Think about the things that she really likes and try to create some-thing based around that. This could be a hobby or a pastime, a favourite object, a pet, a favourite animal or simply a colour. You can make your own card original and vivid with all kinds of materials. Maybe stickers and glitter are the way to go, or for those willing to experiment, the fabric route is an option, with different kinds of paper and felt. Photos or drawings of you and your mum will always be treasured.

If you’re thinking of going a step further than just a card, how about making decorative paper patterns or painting ceramics like plates, pots and vases, perhaps even using your own handprints? If you need some help getting creative with pottery, why not attend a workshop to decorate and glaze the perfect plate or cup? There are lots of experts out there who will be happy to help you create your gift.

Homemade jewellery is often a favourite, so maybe present your mother with a bracelet, or a necklace made using dried flowers or beads.

If you don’t have all the materials you need to make your gift at home, there’s a wealth of locally based arts organisations, workshops, museum resources and craftspeople who can supply all the things you need to cre-ate the perfect gift using the materi-als of your choice.

So, there’s no need to leave it to the day before. Have a chat with Dad or a friend to get their help and work out what is practical. Maybe check some of the websites listed here for ideas. Then it’s just a matter of time, creativity and perhaps a bit of con-trolled mess-making (don’t forget to clear up!) before that perfect crea-tion is ready to offer up to Mum.

ABeadsC W: www.abeadsc.comFlying Saucers T: 0117 963 9452 W: www.flyingsaucers.co.ukInspiration Ceramic Art T: 07412 238324Paint-a-Pot T: 01453 835043The Paper Village T: 0117 963 9452 W: www.thepapervillage.co.ukRelaxation Centre T: 0117 970 6616 W: www.relaxationcentre.co.ukRobin James Salon W: www.robin-james.co.ukWish Handmade Jewellery T: 07904977568 W: www.wishhandmadejewellery.co.uk

As Mother’s Day approaches, Stephen Donovan has a few ideas for creating that extra special gift.

Let’s hear it for Mum!

Flowered up! This bright homemade sun-flower is easy for younger children to make and is sure to bring a smile to Mum’s face. If you’re stuck, ask Dad for help.

1 Cut a 31/2“ diameter circle from a piece of brown,

medium thickness card.

2 Draw a large sunflower, roughly 7“ high on a piece of

orange card – if you’re finding it hard to draw, you can download a template from the internet - there are lots. Then cut it out.

3 Draw a slightly smaller sun-flower shape (perhaps 51/2“)

on a piece of yellow card, and then cut it out.

4Using paper glue, stick your yellow flower to the

centre of the orange flower, with the petals offset from each other.

5 Stick your circle to the cen-tre of the yellow flower.

6 Add a stem by piercing four holes in the centre of your

circle, in the shape of a square, about 1/4“ apart taking a piece of bamboo or wooden dowel about the same diameter and tying it on tight with string or garden-ing twine.

7Decorate with beads, paint, glitter or other decoration of

your choice. You can even per-sonalise it by sticking a photo of your face in the centre.


p31.indd 1 28/01/2014 10:26:17

PRIMARY TIMES

How life changes on a practical level In the early days of separation, children may find that they have to move house, change school, and start to divide their time between Mum and Dad. With the parents suddenly living under separate roofs, money issues may arise, and puts pressure on whoever pays the bills, the mortgage and so on. As a result, a child may find that the trickle of life’s little luxuries temporarily dries up.

Ways to make life easier for your children

1. Be open Evidence shows how easy it is to bury one’s head in the sand, and believe the less children know, the more protected they will be. This isn’t so. Explain what is happening and what is going to happen, but spare them the details. They don’t need, or want, to hear a graphic, step-by-step rendition of why you are separating from your ex-partner. But even with your edited version of events, be honest. Reassure your children that the separation isn’t their fault, and keep them updated at each stage.

2. Avoid arguments in front of the children The anguish of divorce is softened for children if the parents act in a civil way towards one another. Two warring factions who are in conflict with each other and show constant bitterness will create a stressful environment. Research has shown that there is a correlation between a child’s adjustment to divorce and the amount of fighting that he or she has witnessed. So, avoid heated discussions when the children are around and be aware that young ears have a tendency to listen when you least want them to. Visiting arrangements dealt with in a peaceful manner will reduce the amount of stress felt by children, as will the resolution of any disputes and disagreements early on.

3. Be fair. When parents separate, many children may feel torn and confused, so it is especially important not to get them to take sides. Youngsters need to express their feelings openly and talk to each parent without guilt or fear of being disloyal to either of them. If they volunteer stories or information about time spent with Mum, then Dad must try to listen without passing judgement. And vice versa, of course! If the separation was acrimonious and communication has broken down, avoid using your children as a weapon, messenger or spy.

4. Keep in contact. Dividing time between two homes can be tough on any youngster, so correspondence by email, phone or letter may be a good idea to keep in touch with a parent they see less often due to distance. Unless it is unsafe, don’t restrict access to your ex-partner, as children need quality time with both parents. Contact Centres are neutral venues where non-resident parents can spend time with their children. Call the National Association of Child Contact Centres on 0845 4500 280.

5. Occasions to put aside bad feelings Of course, there are occasions and special events such as school plays, sports days and certain family events when a mark of unity will assure any child that both parents still love and value them.

6. Talk through feelings. Children will cope better if you are available to listen and allow them to be upset and show emotion, especially if they blame themselves or harbour resentment toward one parent. Many children feel angry and express their feelings only by behaving badly or ‘acting out’. If this happens, it will help to give them the time and attention they need to acknowledge their hurt and disappointment.

7. Consistency As divorce is a time of great change, children constantly test the boundaries of each parent, yet they need stability and familiarity to anchor them. If it can be avoided, try not to ‘uproot’ and move home or change school. This can be particularly unsettling. Sticking with usual routines at meal times and bedtimes will offer consistency, as will, maintaining relationships with friends and other family members

such as grandparents, aunts and uncles. A child will be given more scope to adjust to their parents’ divorce if many parts of their life remain unchanged.

8. Life After Divorce Many parents get so wrapped up in the practical issues of divorce that they often forget to look after themselves. It’s really important not isolate yourself and, if need be, don’t be afraid to get outside help. Parentline 0808 800 2222 is available 24 hours a day for support.

Practicalities and Arrangements Personal disagreements aside, you need to co-operate on what is best for your children and address more practical issues, such as:

• Deciding where your children will live and how they will keep in contact with both parents in future.

• Working out how you will settle any potential disputes so as to least affect your children.

Any agreements that are amicably reached together are more likely to work in the long term. Family mediation services, Resolution mediators and solicitors, can help you do this.

If you can’t reach an agreement, you can ask the courts to decide the matter. A solicitor will be able to advise you on this.

Dealing with Divorce and SeparationAlthough it is hard, many families manage to deal with the inevitable changes that come with divorce in a way that removes much of the pain for the children.

Useful Contacts: National Society for Children and Family Contact: www.nscfc.com.

Citizens Advice Bureau: www.adviceguide.org.uk.

Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service

(CAFCASS): www.cafcass.gov.uk Tel: 020 7510 7000.

Wor

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FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2014 33PRIMARY TIMES

When you see an older person’s face and they say, ‘Is that really for me?’ . . . Deborah Feiler

becomes slightly lost for words . . . “They are just so happy.” She’s describing the impact of a project which is building links between primary school children and elderly people in residential care. An educational psychologist and artist working with the Bristol-based charity Alive! Activities, Deborah believes the Paint Pals scheme she conceived is making a real difference to the lives of everyone taking part. It’s inspired by the pen pal system of her own childhood, when she wrote regularly to friends overseas. Under the newer scheme, children in primary schools exchange painted postcards with care home residents, then get together twice a year for a Paint Pals party, complete with cake, to compare paintings and chat about each others’ lives.

Over the last three years Deborah and Alive! have been working to extend the project to schools and homes throughout the Avon region and, so far, six local schools are paired with homes for the elderly.

Emma Moore, a learning support

assistant at St John’s Primary School, Clifton, who co-ordinates the school’s involvement in Paint Pals, says the project has proved enormously popular with pupils. “This is an art club with a purpose,” she says. “Six of our children have teamed up with residents at Stokeleigh Lodge Retirement Home and they have quickly formed a bond. The enjoyment is twofold: they enjoy the painting activity, which has a theme, and they look forward to the elderly peoples’ responses, with their own version of our theme. We first invited Year 4 children to take part because they still have two years at the school and it’s nice to keep the project going with the same ‘pal’. We usually do two paintings per term. It’s a small commitment but it’s fantastic to be involved in the local community. Parents and others at the school give us lots of positive comment.”

At the party, the children meet up with their paint pals, bringing much-needed social contact for the residents and a valuable experience for the children.

“It can be quite challenging

for a child to talk to a very elderly person, but Paint Pals normalises what might be an awkward situa-tion,” says Emma. “It’s lovely when they meet each other. Deborah creates a party feel and, although the children are initially shy, they cope well and enjoy the painting experience. The children learn to be sensitive towards the residents while the elderly people love it: they treasure the cards and talk about the visit long after the chil-dren have left.”

Hazel Payne, manager of Stokeleigh, confirms, “The resi-dents really do seem happy when Deborah arrives to work with them. They create nice paintings and seem surprised at what they are capable of. They love the involvement with the children and talk about it fondly afterwards. It’s important that the residents have that external relationship. A new face gives them a relationship with someone who is not usually part of their life. It means a lot to them and it enhances their ability to communicate.”

Deborah is keen for new schools

and homes to get involved and is constantly seeking funding to expand Paint Pals. “Both homes and schools have a lot on their agendas and it’s important that the scheme runs smoothly, so it needs us to operate it,” she points out. “My vision is that one day every care home in Bristol will be paired with a local school.” She says anybody wishing to be involved with the scheme in whatever capacity should contact Alive! (details below).

Meanwhile, Emma enthuses, “I would definitely recommend the scheme to other schools. Lots of other children want to join. They’re always asking me, when can they do Paint Pals?”

Alive! Activities T: 0117 377 4756 E: email [email protected] W: www.aliveactivities.org

Homes

Alive!School children are benefiting from an

exciting project which brings the generations

together. Mike Gartside meets the Paint Pals.

St John’s Primary Paint Pals


34 FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2014 PRIMARY TIMES

ArtyBarty

Hello Kids!Thank you so much for

the lovely pictures you send me . The standard is always high so try again if your entry didn’t get published.

This Easter I have teamed up with our friends at Cattle Country Adventure Park, who have offered a family ticket to each of the three lucky winners of our art competition. The park is packed with a wonderful selection of attractions including two play barns, cattle displays, a splash pool, a vast climbing net, a mini train station and mini digger rides. Inspired by this, why not send me your pictures of my favourite attraction at Cattle Country Park. Check their website for some more ideas: www.cattlecountry.co.uk/index.php/explore

Please send your pictures to: Arty Barty, Venue Publishing, BN&Media, Temple Way, Bristol, BS99 7HD, or email high resolution jpegs to my editor, [email protected]. Don’t forget to put your name, age, full home postal address and school on the back: deadline Monday 3 March.

Have fun!

Arty

Charlotte Emmerson

9, Cherry Garden Primary School,

BittonThere’s so much to like about this picture, from the art-deco style frame and the rather mournful animals around the border, to the happy, cuddly tapir in the middle.

WINNER!

Anna Lloyd, 9, Elmlea

Junior School, Bristol

Such a beautiful scene,

as the Zebra admires the

sunset. Another regular

contributor to this page,

showing real insight.

Harvey Wong, 9, Elm Park

Primary School, Bristol

This black panther has a superb pose and a rather cheeky look on his face. There’s so much character in this drawing.

Bethan Wood, 4, Henleaze Infants School, Bristol

What an amazingly observed group of animals for some-one so young. You can tell they are meerkats and it’s hard not to love them, too, when you see Bethan’s por-trayal of them.

Chiharu Foster, 8, Elmlea Junior School, BristolA majestic scene by Chiharu, another regular contributor, who’s captured the elegant giraffes and the detail of the leaves beautifully.

Maria Dimitrova, 5, Knowle

Park Primary School, Bristol

This family of penguins is really

charming. They look really cheer-

ful dancing against the busy

backdrop of the stars.WINNER!

WINNER!

Hermione Lloyd Bussell,

8, St Sampsons Junior School,

CrickladeThere’s an irresistible

expression on this deer’s face,

which really pulls at the heart strings. Simple and effective.

Shakila 8, Millpond Primary School, BristolWhat a splendid giraffe, so calmly nibbling away at the leaves of the tree. A beautifully balanced picture!

Scott Granger, 8,

Preshute Primary

School, Manton,

Wiltshire

Amazing movement

on this baby tiger by

a previous winner

of this competition.

Scott is showing real

maturity.

Last issue, I asked you to send in your pictures of ‘my favourite zoo animal’. This subject really caught your imagination so especially well done to the three

artists who win a family day ticket to Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm.

14 Avon Books & Arty Barty Feb Hal Term 2014.indd 34 28/01/2014 14:23:11

FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2014 35PRIMARY TIMES

Grown ups explained “Your job is easy!” my eldest son once said to me. “All you do is sit around all day and tap at that computer.” A few years later, when he had to write something of his own, he acknowledged that tap-ping away was harder than it looked. But it was difficult to explain to a six-year-old how something so physically undemanding could cause so much anxiety and stress, yet ultimately lead to money in the bank. Which is why ‘What do the Grown Ups Do?’ by Mairi McLellan is so welcome.

‘Joe the Fisherman’ is typical of the series, taking a cheerful look at the life of a creel fisherman through the eyes of three primary school-aged sisters. It’s liberally illustrated with photos, diagrams and chatty dialogue and introduces children to the daily routine of the fisherman, his skills, the excitement and even the danger. It also floats more complex ideas such as technical terms, qualifica-tions, sustainability and, of course, job satisfaction. This series is a great way of demystifying the grown ups’ world for children and, for now, seems to focus on largely rural jobs. I look forward to the next few titles exploring urban-based careers.

Joe the Fisherman Mairi McLellan, £10, Matador, www.kidseducationalbooks.com

Horsing aboutChe Golden sets the scene nicely as Sam mucks out the stable of the other star of this novel, Mulberry, a rather feisty black pony who doesn’t suffer fools gladly but affectionately tolerates our heroine’s attentions. The happy scene is shattered by the stern Miss Mildew who announces Mulberry is to be sold. There follows a roller-coaster of hopes and adventures, peppered liberally by incidents invoked by Mulberry’s stubbornness, not to mention lovingly-described scenes of equine grooming.

It’s written with breezy accessibility although there are occasional sloppy lapses such as the scene where Janey twice orders

Sam to remove Mulberry after an accident and Golden tells us, “Sam didn’t need to be told twice”.

Ultimately, it canters along to a dramatic climax that any horse-mad 8 year old will find thrilling, although, as a parent of limited means, I’d be wary of the cathartic conclusion.

Mulberry for Sale Che Golden, £5.99, Oxford University Press, www.oup.com

Mike Gartside reviews the new releases.

Breaking badgerThe delightfully delinquent siblings Stinkbomb and Ketchup-Face set off to visit the king, to right a dreadful wrong. It appears that badgers have stolen Stinkbomb’s missing £10 note, the damning evidence for the animals’ crime being in their name: if they weren’t bad, as Stinkbomb rather brilliantly points out, they would just be called ‘. . .gers’. Who can fail to love a tale littered with such barefaced puns, complete with place names like Loose Chippings or Great Kerfuffle?

The story is driven along hilariously with knowing, Baudelaire Orphan-style asides, self-conscious silliness and repeated gags, pitched perfectly at the 6 to 10 age group, with plenty for parents to appreciate as well. The artwork is entertainingly cartoonish, complete with anarchic typography. The only problem with this relentlessly energetic book is it’s unlikely to settle the kids before bed time.

Stinkbomb & Ketchup-Face and the Badness of Badgers John Dougherty, £5.99, Oxford University Press, www.oup.com

Oh what a show!A thespian family set out to buy the crumbling old Royal Theatre, which hasn’t seen a performance in two years. Unbeknown to them, or the local council which owns the building, the theatre is populated by an exotic collection of ghosts, whose routine is disturbed by the family’s exploratory visits. Author Geraldine McCaughrean sets up a lovely contrast between the practicality of the regular adults, obsessed with council grants and structural reports, and the personalities of the ghosts, each with their own tragedy to retell.

Between them sits the determinedly romantic yet unflappable protagonist, Gracie, the only living person who can communicate with the ghosts. It’s a great vehicle for showcasing the private dramas of a whole range of characters, allowing the author to explore the distant past, more recent history and the present within a single narrative. Pitched at children aged over 10, this is ideal for advanced readers who really want to stretch the grey matter. At times some may find it a little idiosyncratic but those who love it will remain fans for life.

The Positively Last Performance Geraldine McCaughrean, £6.99, Oxford University Press, www.oup.com

WORD PUZZLEIt’s not long until Pancake Day, so how many words can you find? Look out for: flour, eggs, butter, frying pan, lemon, savoury, sugar, sticky, mess, milk.

S U G A R L S S T H

C H I D L G N A M S

X T L O G B O V E L

R S E E F D M O S M

F O M L T L Y U S I

F L O U R K E R W L

E F N R C C N Y H K

B F R Y I N G P A N

S T I C K Y O T N C

F K B U T T E R D L

14 Avon Books & Arty Barty Feb Hal Term 2014.indd 35 28/01/2014 14:23:46

Classifieds

Opticians

Nursery


Music, Lights, Magic, Games,bubbles but most of all....FUN!!

TEL: 01275 880 427 MOB: 0779 695 8164EMAIL: [email protected]

WEB:www.thediscocosouthwest.co.uk Follow us on facebook

www.bryanthemagician.co.uk

Horse Riding

Eductional Psychology Party Ideas

Dyslexia?Reading difficulties?

Visual Stress?

‘Stop the words moving’We provide colour overlays and

coloured glasses

191 Redland RoadBristol BS6 6XP

Call us on 0117 9735600

Family friendly and here to help

HANHAM & DOWNENDTAEKWON-DOModern martial arts in a fun and friendly environment• Little Puma’s 4-6 yrs • Juniors 6-12 yrs• Cadets 12-16 yrs • Adults 16+For information or to bookTWO FREE trial classescontact instructor Ms Tiina Elise07729 358691 or [email protected](please quote Primary Times)

Martial Arts

Wapley Riding StablesRiding Lessons for all ages and abilities

• Patient and friendly tuition• Good selection of horses and ponies available• All aspects of riding, horse care and stable

management• BHSAI Qualified and Experienced Instructors• Floodlit outdoor riding arenas• Gift vouchers available

[email protected]

Wapley Hill, Westerleigh, Bristol. BS37 8RJ

01454 321583 or 07860530199

COMEDY MAGICto enhance your event!Magic workshops for older childrenMob: 07979 600797Tel: 01934 418 184www.richard-ballinger.co.ukInsured and CRB checked

Dance SchoolsBusiness Opportunity

Honey Tots Day Nursery21 - 23 Stokes Croft, Bristol BS1 3PY

• Warm, caring and experienced qualified staff• 5 minute walk from Broadmead.• Catered meals for all dietary needs - Halal, vegan etc...

• A clean safe environment

• Ages 3 months - 5 years• Open from 8am - 5:30 pm • Ofsted Registered

Government funded places for 3-5 year olds - Year 2013/14 still available.

For more information please contact the Nursery Manager Felicia Kasali on 0117 9243100

email:[email protected]

Billy and Bobby

Childrens PartiesFun entertainment for children of all ages.

We build a package to suit your needs.Disco, Games, Face

Painting, Dance Parties.C.R.B. registered.

Tel: 01934 510283 or 07831200020.

Billy and Bobbys A-Oct13.indd 1 10/1/2013 12:32:19 PM

Abbeywood Tots Day Nursery Ltd

0-11 YearsFree childcare places available

Please telephone for details

Tel 0117 969 3990Email: [email protected]

www.abbeywoodtots.com

Parkhouse PsychologyService Ltd.

I can provide an assessment of your child to evaluate their educational needs including intellectual potential, memory skills, processing speed, reading, spelling , numeracy, learning style, self esteem and social skills and offer strategies to support your child.

I work term times and school holidays.

I accept referrals from parents and schools.

Peter Parkhouse01934 621622

[email protected]

Rugby

BE YOUR OWN BOSSLife changing opportunity for self

motivated individuals/couplespart/full time no start up fee

For more information please contactNiki Matyjasik on 0117 911 3549

Independent Distributor of Forever Living Products Aloe Vera drinking gels, supplements, skincare & personal care products Forever Living Products, Longbridge Manor, Warwick CV34 6RB,

members of the Direct Selling Associationref no. Hoap0122

To view all classes in your area,please visit our website.

To book your FREE taster session please call quoting PRIMARY.

Brislington School of Dance Musical Theatre classes

St Peter’s church hall, BrislingtonFridays 5.30pm to 7.00pm

Ages six years and overChildren will gain confidence and learn all

aspects of musical theatre in a friendly and encouraging atmosphere.

Tel: 01761 47210940

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ith

this a

d

Wish, Wonder, Surprise!Poetry book - 33 illustrated

poems suitable for KS1Author and illustrator Amanda Gazidis

Available for school visitsBook is available to purchase

through www.amandagazidis.com and www.amazon.co.uk

Email [email protected]

OUR HALL IS AVAILABLETO HIRE FOR PARTIES, WEDDINGS AND GATHERINGSFor more information Tel 0117 956 0805Kendall Rd, Staple Hill BS16 4NBwww.staplehillbritishlegion.co.uk

Staple Hill Legion

Parties In Naturewww.partiesinnature.co.uk

Parties with Brickswww.partieswithbricks.co.uk

call Alexandra: 07982 198195

AVON DANCE ACADEMY

Ballet, tap, modern and jazz, from 2 ½ yrs — adults.

Timsbury, Camerton, Midsomer Norton, & Chew Magna

Call 01761 479026

Email [email protected]

Holidays

Recruitment

Author Visit

Classifieds A-Feb14.indd 1 29/01/2014 09:52:56

TO ADVERTISE CALLCAROLINE ON: 0117 934 3737 OR EMAIL: [email protected]

OR RUTH ON: 0117 934 3737 OR EMAIL: [email protected]

Swimming

Tuition


Tuition on violin and recorder offered for all agesBeginners (of any age) and more advanced players are welcome.I will visit if this is more convenient.

•••

TuitionParty Ideas Tuition

To reach 66,000 families

in your area advertise in

the next issue of Primary

Times.Call Caroline 0117 934 3737

or email [email protected]

Or Ruth 0117 934 3737 or email [email protected]

Crime scene investigation parties andworkshops for children age 7+

tel 0117 244 0053web www.thedetectiveproject.co.uk

DISCOVERY LEARNING

TUTORINGLEARNING SUCCESS FOR ALL

• Literacy & Maths 5-11 yr olds

• Preparation for SATs & Common Entrance

• Help with DyslexiaTel: JENNY MADDERN 07905 802267

[email protected]

Learn the Harmonicaat school - it’s fun,

cheap, cool and easy.Press the red button atwww.HarpsCool.co.uk

Harmonica themed Birthday Parties ‘Wow, that’s different!’

07599 561514 [email protected]

Tel: 0117 908 1291www.ezzomagic.co.uk

Book now for FREE bouncy castle hireLimited period only

Bishopsworth Swimming ClubA competitive club based at Hengrove Park. We compete at all levels and have a pathway into the City of Bristol elite.

For more info please contact:Mike - 07825 310752 or Grace - 07879 296956contact@bishopsworthswimmingclub.co.ukwww.bishopsworthswimmingclub.co.uk

Swimming

Making swimming lessons fun for all abilities

Clifton:Friday Evening: Non-swimmers to Improvers

Saturday Daytime: Non-swimmers to ImproversSaturday Evening: Lane Classes, Adult Learn

to Swim, Adult Improvers, Youth Swim forFitness & Adult Swim for Fitness

Monday Evening: Non-Swimmer to Improvers

Westbury-on-Trym:Tuesday Evening: Advanced Lane ClassesWednesday: Non swimmer to Improvers

Sunday All Day: All abilities

Register online: www.splash-happy.co.ukEmail: [email protected]

Tel: 0117 979 8266

WWW.WAVESSWIMSCHOOL.CO.UKQUALITY SWIMMING LESSONS FOR

ALL AGES AND ABILITIES

SMALL CLASSES & STROKE TECHNIQUE A PRIORITYAT ST. MARY REDCLIFFE SCHOOL

EVERY WEEK DAY 4-6PM & SATURDAY 9AM ONWARDSCLIFTON HIGH SCHOOL SUNDAY 9-11AM

BABY/TODDLER CLASSES: 8 WEEKS - 2.5 YEARSPRE-SCHOOL CLASSES: 2.5YRS

SCHOOL AGE CLASSES: 4 YRS UPWARDSMINI SQUAD SESSIONS

ADULT LESSONSADULT FITNESS SESSIONS

INDIVIDUAL LESSONS: ALL AGES

FULL DETAILS SEE WEB: www.wavesswimschool.co.uk OR CONTACT JENNY 01275 877428/

JACKIE 01275 790457/CAROLINE 01275 865185

Kingswood Foundation BS15 8DB

ENROLLING NOW FOR GYMNASTICS AND

TRAMPOLINE COURSESFOR PRE-SCHOOL/JUNIORS AND

TEENAGERS

1-1 REBOUND THERAPY SESSIONSBIRTHDAY PARTIES AND FUN SESSIONS

HOLIDAY FUN SESSIONS Tuesday and Friday 10.00 am – 3.00pm

Phone 0117 947 6449e-mail: [email protected]

Visit our new website atwww.kingswoodgymnastics.co.uk

Classifieds A-Feb14.indd 2 29/01/2014 09:55:28

Budding artist Amelia Kluczynska is steering Bristol school children towards safer road use

after winning a Bristol-wide road safety competition. Amelia, aged 6, who attends Bristol’s Perry Court Infant School, came up with the winning design in a competi-tion organised by webuyanycar.com and supported by road safety charity Brake, for a new banner urging drivers to slow down to 20mph or below to pro-tect children.

Entries came in from all over Bristol and were received for the competition from Key Stage 1 kids. Now Amelia’s drawing has been made into full-size banners to be displayed outside all the city’s primary schools to drive the message home.

A judging panel made up of Bristol Lord Mayor Faruk Chaudry and representatives of Brake and webuyanycar.com gave Amelia’s creative efforts the thumbs up.

Young children are particu-larly vulnerable to road incidents and in 2011 the total number of casualties (slight injuries, serious injuries and fatalities) reported to the police in Great Britain was 203,950. Nearly two in three happen when children are walking or playing, accord-ing to the motoring organisation the AA.

As well as getting children to design banners, webuyanycar.com provided teachers with lesson plans and road safety resources, supporting them in demonstrating the importance of road safety to children study-ing in Key Stage 1.

Katie Shephard, fundraising director for Brake said, “We hope this winning design will encour-age drivers to slow down around the school and make the area a safer place for children and families.”

Ffi: W: www.brake.org.uk

Oxford University Press has brought a whole new mean-

ing to the expression “parrot fashion” with its new spelling game, which aims to help primary-aged children with their spelling using arcade-style game play. The app, available on iPad, introduces us to the character of Pip, a cute, colourful parrot, who somer-saults when he collects a correct letter and squawks indignantly when he loses a feather. Pip leads children through different worlds of increasing difficulty, from the Oasis to the Mountains and back to his home in the Jungle by col-lecting letters and spelling words. The new app weaves spelling skills with play, illustrated by bright graphics and lively music.

Over 3,000 age-appropriate words from the Oxford First Dictionary are graded in levels. As the game progresses, collected words are added to the app’s ‘My Dictionary’ feature so that chil-dren can track their progress and explore definitions and language at their own pace.

Vineeta Gupta, head of Children’s Dictionary Publishing, Oxford University Press, says, “We know that children love games and are keen to spell well. This ambi-tious and exciting app combines these to help children practise their spelling in a creative and fun

way. What sets the game apart is that it focuses on words that children find hard to spell, and is based on the latest research from the Oxford dictionaries team.” An Android version of the game is promised by Spring 2014.

Spell with Pip: An Oxford Spelling Game is available for £2.99 from the App Store. W: itunes.apple.com/gb/app/spell-pip-oxford-spelling/id734265667

Local conserva-tion experts believe they have saved

the endangered West Country species the white-clawed crayfish, threatened with extinc-tion over the last 40 years. The species was under threat from an invasion of non-native American signal cray-fish, whose arrival is believed to have led to a 70% fall in their num-bers over the last 40 years. But work by four organisations, con-servation charity Buglife, Bristol Zoo Gardens, Avon Wildlife Trust and the Environment Agency successfully relocated 4,000 members of the endangered spe-cies to a safe haven.

Since the project was launched in 2008, it has trans-fered the indigenous crayfish to safe “ark” sites, isolated loca-tions where the populations are no longer under threat, and bred a further 1,300 crayfish at Bristol Zoo. Furthermore, it’s helped to educate children about the endangered species and wildlife in rivers across the South West and secured the funding of sev-eral national charities.

Lydia Robbins, the species officer at Avon Wildlife Trust says, “We hope that by moving

animals to ark sites we have prevented highly threatened populations from going extinct due to the spread of the non-native American Signal crayfish. We must remain vigilant to continued threats and keep up surveillance of all populations.”

The job isn’t done yet though, and with the white-clawed cray-fish still under considerable threat, the four organisations have developed a new five-year strategy to make further progress.

Bristol Zoo Gardens W: www.bristolzoo.org.uk Buglife T: 01752 253087 W: www.buglife.org.uk/campaigns-and-our-work/south-west-crayfish-partnershipAvon Wildlife Trust W: www.avonwildlifetrust.org.ukThe Environment Agency W: www.environment-agency.gov.uk

LOCAL CRAYFISH SAFE, FOR NOW


ONE SPELL OF A PARROT!

Bristol schools continue to improve their green credentials with a 45% rise last school year in the

amount of food waste recycled compared with 2011-12. These fig-ures follow an annual Bristol City Council (BCC) schools competition which focused on food waste.

The top three schools, Air Balloon Hill, Victoria Park Primary and St Anne’s Infants, achieved food waste recycling results of 83%, 82% and 77% respectively. Of the 98 partici-pating Bristol schools, the aver-age food waste recycling rate was 44%.

Air Balloon Hill Primary’s head Rob Worsfold says, “All of us at Air Balloon are very proud to be the most successful in terms of food waste recycling. For many years we have made reducing, re-using and recycling a very important part of learning and school life. It is vital that the chil-dren understand the issues so hopefully we all have a brighter and greener future.”

Councillor Gus Hoyt, adds, “The work put in by all the schools that took part in the competition is very impressive. I look forward to the competition going from strength to strength

in future years.”The food waste challenge was

recorded using bin crews from BCC’s collection contractor, KierMG, which provided a six-week visual record of how full general waste bins and food waste bins are at each school. This information was used to generate a recycling rate for each participating school.

BCC schools will now be work-ing on food waste reduction in particular composting.

Ffi: www.bristol.gov.uk/recycinginschools

POSTER GIRL FOR ROAD SAFETY

SCHOOLS’ FOOD WASTE DOWN

Pupil and “binman” Kieran Edwards with Jim Vernon, caretaker at Air Balloon Hill Primary


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Ruth on 0117 934 [email protected]

Caroline on 0117 934 [email protected]

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