Issue 43_Winter 2019

30,000 COPIES FOR FAMILIES OF PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN

Cumbria

This Christmas at

www.primarytimes.co.uk

RHEGED Great Print Exhibition FIVE

Showirss & Fa

Epic Cinema events

Creative Workshops for Kids Bigger

& better

Toy Shop

Rheged | Penrith, CA11 0DQ

Late night shopping GIANT

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Cinema Our bigmgeismt e Panteover

01768 868000 | Rheged.com

CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD STAGE & SCREEN WHERE’S SANTA? 1 - www.primarytimes.co.uk/cumbria primarytimescumbria

ISSUE 43 WINTER 2019 2 DEC – 2 FEB 2020

Foster and make a difference Are you looking for a flexible, homebased role? Do you have a spare room and are great with children?

Christmas Family Fun Weekend at Tullie House Start the exciting build up to Christmas at Tullie House during our Christmas Family Fun Weekend.

Meet Santa and his special friends in his woodland Grotto, have your face painted, get crafty and take part in Tullie Mouse’s festive trail around the museum.

Right now across Cumbria there is an urgent need for more foster carers to provide supportive, safe and happy homes for children.

Cumbria County Council already supports over 200 foster families, but with more than 700 children needing foster families, they are always looking for more people to join in.

Terri Johnston and her husband Frank, from Workington, have been short term foster carers for younger children for five years.

Terri says: “I was looking for a job to fit around our own children and we got a leaflet through the door about fostering. I realised it could be a way of helping loads of other children and it would fit well with our family as well.

“We love seeing the difference we can make in just a short time in a child’s life. Watching them turn into happy, confident children, able to move onto the next step in their lives is the biggest reward for us.”

Get your hands dirty in our Christmas Messy play area where we’ll have paint, slime and lots of glitter!

Also included is a fantastic interactive drama performance of Jack Frost and the Spiders Web by Pyjama Drama, designed especially for young audiences, meet Jack Frost as he works his frosty magic on the world see what happens when he meets a spider with frost bite. We will have three performances each day at 11.30am, 1.15pm and 3pm.

If you are thinking of fostering, please contact us on 0303 333 1216 or go to www.cumbria.gov.uk/fostering for more information.

Seasons greetings & best wishes for 2020 from everyone at Primary Times

Children aged 2+, £3 for all activities plus £5 for Santa visit (present included) – Normal museum admission charges apply for adults.

Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th December, 11am till 4pm.

Visit www.tulliehouse.co.uk for more information.

Booking advised, call the box office on 01228 618700.

Give the Gift of Stagecoach this Christmas…!

Stagecoach Performing Arts Carlisle and Cockermouth provides high quality teaching in drama, dance and singing for children aged 4 to 18 years and encourages life skill development that supports school learning. Children are split up into age appropriate classes and either receive one-hour classes in drama, dance and singing (6 to 18+ years) or ninety minutes (4 to 6 years) per week. Working alongside industry professionals, Stagecoach promotes creative risk taking, and nurtures transferrable skills to produce creative thinkers. We recognise that the experience of performing gives children a sense of belonging, wellbeing and confidence.

We believe in helping to build a bright, confident and enriched future for our students through the opportunities that we offer. Students have the opportunity to performing twice yearly on stage in full costume with technical support as well as gaining certificates and

awards for dedication and skill. Our students can audition for ‘The Agency’ to kick-start their professional acting careers; begin gaining UCAS points by taking London Academy of Music Dramatic Arts Acting examinations; join ‘The Lakes Choir’ who will be performing at the prestigious ‘Her Majesties Theatre’ in the West End; be entered for ‘Rock Schools’ accredited Performing Arts Awards in Musical Theatre! A Stagecoach students journey is a positive, progressive and happy one!

For further information about Stagecoach Performing Arts Carlisle & Cockermouth please call Principal Naomi on 07734 772 847 or visit our www.stagecoach.co.uk/carlisle or www.stagecoach.co.uk/cockermouth

Primary Times Cumbria is independently published and distributed free through primary schools in the county of Cumbria. It is also available by subscription at £10 per year. It aims to inform families and children about 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 content or joining in the competitions. It is NOT our intention to publish anything racist, sexist or politically based material whatsoever. We also undertake not to carry any advertising which we would consider to be offensive to young families or harmful to the best interests of young children. Primary Times would like to thank all the schools in the Cumbria area for their assistance in distributing the magazine and for their contribution to its content. We would also like to thank all the advertisers who have supported this publication and therefore made it possible. Please support their endeavours when and where you can. The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by our studio remains with Primary Times or the relevant contributor. Primary Times is currently publishing over 2.6 million copies per issue under franchise licences throughout Britain and Ireland. Primary Times in Cumbria is operated under franchise licence.

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primarytimescumbria

In this last edition of 2019 we’ve scoured the county to find as many of Santa’s stop off points as we can so that you won’t miss the big man!

...and make a difference We urgently need more foster carers in your area. Are you great with children? Do you have a spare room and time for a child? If so, we’d love to hear from you. In return we offer excellent training, support and generous payments.

We take a look at how Christmas is celebrated in different countries around the world and round up the fantastic, festive shows from across the region.

And as the year draws to a close we would like to take the opportunity to wish you all very happy and peaceful festive season and best wishes for 2020.

We’d also like to say thank you to the teachers and staff at your primary schools who kindly distribute our magazine and look after your children all year round.

Clare & Alli Clare

Become part of ‘Cumbria’s Biggest Family’ and join a community of nearly 200 foster carers in Cumbria, we’ll be here to support you at every step.

admin@primarytimescumbria.co.uk

07856 902859

Alli sales@primarytimescumbria.co.uk

07856 902854

Call 0303 333 1216 or visit cumbria.gov.uk/fostering

primarytimescumbria

www.primarytimes.co.uk/cumbria - 3

Top Tips!

For making bedtime easier...

Routine is Key If your child tends to be reluctant to go to bed, getting them into a more set bedtime routine every night is likely to help. This could start with some quiet time to help your child to wind down - for example, a bath followed by a short bedtime story before you say goodnight.

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Scrap the Screens Television, computer or phone screens can keep your children awake or leave them feeling groggy the next morning. Our devices give out bright lights and keep our mind distracted, so shutting the screens down an hour before bed may help children to better fall, and stay, sound asleep.

Keep a Sleep Diary If your child’s sleep is consistently poor, a sleep diary can be a great way to find out what triggers poor sleep behaviours and what seems to help.

As many children will show variable patterns in their sleep, it is helpful to keep your diary over a two-week period to paint a fuller picture.

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Create a Blissful Bedroom It helps to make your child’s bedroom a safe, calm and pleasant place to be in. Your child may find that certain ‘props’ may help them to fall asleep, such as night lights or quiet music. On the other hand, if your child is sensitive to sound, avoiding any loud noises from outside the room may help too.

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as they pass. Take this magical journey and create memories you’ll treasure for a lifetime. Please note: special fares apply. The train will pause numerous times throughout the 3 1/2-mile journey from Haverthwaite to Lakeside, to allow time for Santa to visit every child.

magical Christmas grotto. New for 2019 – all entry tickets to the fair include a strip of raffle tickets, giving you a chance to win one of twenty four fabulous advent calenda prizes.

Tickets cost £4 with proceeds going to Hospice at Home and the Penrith Red Squirrel group.

Sat 7th

Holker Hall, Cark-in-Cartmel Meet Father Christmas & Mrs Christmas

Coro Hall, Ulverston Coro Christmas Craft Market

10am to 3pm. Come one, come all to our beautiful town of Ulverston and to the Coronation Hall Christmas Craft Market! It’s set to be a brilliant day full of gifts, treats and craft inside our lovely Coro Hall! We have wonderful stalls selling all those fabulous and unique gifts and treats ready to fill those stockings!

Entertainment will be running throughout the day by a variety of performers of mixed talents and ages, creating a wonderful Christmas atmosphere. Refreshments will be from Santa himself. Santa's Grotto is on offer with a lovely selection of Until 24th December one of our most exciting festive The Rheged Centre, Penrith cakes. We also hope to have some experiences at Dobbies. Bring your Christmas craft workshops taking Santa’s Magical Forest little ones along to explore the place throughout the day so keep Join Santa in our magical forest. checking back to see what we’ll have Hang your wish on our wishing tree magical setting, be welcomed by on offer. The festivities of the day and visit Santa in his magical forest. Santa himself and receive a special Receive a gift and a 6×4 photograph gift. To book visit www.dobbies.com. will be fun and family orientated, so visit the Coro Christmas Craft Market of you and Santa. Please arrive at Lowther Castle, Penrith and all those other lovely the beginning of your time slot and A Visit to Father Christmas independent shops in town…even you will visit Santa within your The romance of your childhood have a stop off with Santa in his allocated time. You can write your Christmas remains with you Christmas wish while you wait. throughout your life. The surprise of Double Decker Bus Grotto!

Ulverston will be a wonderful town Booking essential to avoid Father Christmas. The suspense disappointment at building up to his arrival. The joy and full of festive cheer, with fab lights, Christmas tree, Christmas fun and all www.rheged.com. £10 per child delight on finding that he had (includes gift, Santa visit and 6x4 remembered something for you, just those Christmas essentials. photograph). you. Lowther Castle presents a Visit Sat 7th to Sun 8th Walby Farm Park, Crosby-on-Eden to Father Christmas in just this Derwentwater Foreshore, Keswick romantic way. There will be a sense Father Christmas Cruises Santa Experience of magic. There will be a fairy-tale Enjoy an amazing Christmas Join us for our festive cruises when carriage. There will be sacks full of experience this December! Your Father Christmas boards a Keswick ticket includes a visit to Santa in his presents. And there will be joy.

Launch during December weekends. magical grotto and a chance to meet £8.50 per child which includes With presents for the children and Christmas gift & seasonal activities. his real Reindeer, play in the Snow sherry and mince pies for the adults, For more information visit Globe and take your seat for the this is one of those special Lake www.lowthercastle.org.

NEW 2019 interactive Elf Academy District experiences to enjoy year show – Part 2! Write a letter to after year. Times 10.30am, 11.30am, Mon 2nd to Sun 15th Santa in the Elves’ Post Room, try 1.30pm, 2.30pm. Tickets cost £5.70 Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway your luck in the Snowball Shy and to £11. Also 14th & 15th.

Co. Ltd, Nr Ulverston even make your own teddy to take Santa Specials Weekends Sun 8th home in the Elves’ Teddie Tastic Join Father Christmas and his Askham Hall, Penrith Workshop, you’ll get to choose your helpers on a magical family journey Christmas Market own gift from Santa’s Toy Shop aboard our ‘Santa Express’. Presents 11am to 5pm. With festive food and too…if you’ve been good this year! for the children, festive treat and drink, hand-picked stalls, live music All the activities are included in your seasonal drink for the adults, with and free parking! There will be Santa Experience ticket price, the Carols and a good time for all. Take around fifty hand picked stalls selling perfect start to Christmas! All day the 1hr 20min return journey wonderful seasonal gifts for access to the farm park is also between Haverthwaite & Lakeside, Christmas. Enjoy an extended food included in the price of your ticket, absorbing the festive spirit from all and drink offering, including mulled so why not make a day of it? For the colourful elves to experience a wine and beer both in the café and dates, prices and to book visit journey you’ll never forget! The courtyard. There will also be live www.walbyfarmpark.co.uk. excitement builds as you sit in your music with the Penrith Town Band Dobbies Garden Centre, Carlisle decorated carriage, the doors close, and a “Best children’s Christmas and on the platform is a procession Santa's Grott tto o 2019 jumper competition. And we’ve of elves and of course, Father Treat your little ones with a visit to heard that Father Christmas will be Christmas, waving to all the children back, welcoming visitors in his very Santa's Grotto and receive a toy

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Visit us on the 8th of December for an immersive Christmas experience.

This is much more than just your usual meeting Father Christmas experience as the children will be taken on a journey meeting the elves and Mr & Mrs Christmas along the way. Sessions run from 10am, then throughout the day. Tickets are £15 per child, this price also includes entry for one accompanying adult, any additional adults will need to purchase an additional ticket for £5.

There are also baby tickets available for £2 each. You can buy tickets online at www.holker.co.uk.

Sat 14th

The Market Hall, Carlisle Market Hall Festi tivve Fun Day

The annual Carlisle Market Hall Festive Fun Day returns on Saturday 14th December, between 11am and 3pm. Santa will be making a special visit, handing out chocolate treats for children. He will be joined by: Stilt Walker - Mary the Faerie, Clowns - Douglas and Tammi, Silly Gilly Face Painting. There will also be the chance to win a festive voucher in their lucky prize draw.

Sat 14th to Sun 15th

Windermere Windermere Christmas Celebrati tio on

Windermere Christmas Celebration is coming to Windermere this Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th December. With fun for all the family. Santa will be arriving with his reindeer and he will also be in his grotto. As well as live entertainment, we will be showcasing the very best food and craft stalls. With a choice of many hotels in the town this celebration is a perfect place to spend an overnight stay and find those unusual presents you are looking for!

Sun 15th

Holker Hall, Cark-in-Cartmel Children’s Christmas Craft ftss

The perfect Sunday outing to get your little ones in the Christmas spirit. Tickets are £5 per child. You can buy tickets online at www.holker.co.uk. Activities include Gingerbread Decorating in The Ilex, 11am to 4pm, Find the Elves in The Hall, 11am to 4pm, Meet Santa’s Reindeer, 2.30pm to 4.30pm.

HOLKER HALL GARDENS & COURTYARD

Celebrates the Festive Season Come and see the Hall beautifully decorated for the Festive Season

Opening times to view our beautifully decorated Hall are: * Friday 29th November - Sunday 1st December * Thursday 5th December - Sunday 8th December * Thursday 12th December - Sunday 15th December

The Hall is open from 11am - 4pm

ÂŁ8.50 per adult, Special rates available for groups of 10 or more. accompanied children free.

Special rates available for private group visits on any day of the week (minimum of 50 people including 2 course lunch). ........................................................................................................................................

Festive Programme at the Hall...

* Sunday 1st December - Ulverston Brass Band Don’t forg et * Fri 6th & Fri 13th December to visit ou r Christmas Party Nights in The Ilex F OOD * Sun 8th December - Meet Father & Mrs Christmas M A RKET * Thurs 12th December - Concert in the Hall Sunday 8 th D with festive VIP dinner From 10.3 ecember 0am, * Sun 15th December - Gingerbread decorating Free entry in the Ilex 11am-4pm. Find the Elves in the Hall Free park and ing 11am-4pm. Meet Santa’s Reindeer - 2.30pm-4.30pm £5.00 per child

www.holker.co.uk

Roundabout Your family diary of what’s on and when DECEMBER

their lab coats, goggles and clip boards at the ready. Led by professional entertainers, children th Until 24 will be able to interact and help Windermere Jett ttyy, Rayrigg Road them to play with and score the toys Santa’s Boat-Building Workshops to give their feedback to Santa.

Our eager elves are ready for a busy Following all the testing our Little month of toy boat building in the Explorers will be able to write their countdown to Christmas! They need th Christmas list and post it in the Sat 7 young recruits to help build and special postbox for Santa. Sound Lowther Castle, Penrith decorate toy boats. The old fun? So why don’t you come and Wreath-Making Workshop Windermere Fire Station will turn join us to celebrate the start of Sometimes it is nice to take the into a festive production line on Christmas at Westmorland Shopping traditional and give it a jolly good selected dates from Saturday 30 centre. Also, don’t forget to pick up twist. At this wreath-making November. Children will see your Little Explorers loyalty card. If workshop, Green House Floristry will you have attended three or more traditional boat making skills in be here on Saturday 7th December action before making mini versions clubs this year your little ones will themselves. Under the watchful eye to show you how to do just that to receive a free gift. For more your Christmas Wreath. Using of our green team, children will be information visit buckets full of seasonal foliage and given full guidance with their boat www.westmorlandshopping.com. scented adornments, Ashley and creations. The elves are asking Sun 8th budding boat builders who take part Michelle will guide you step by step Old Fire Stati tio on, Carlisle through each stage of the creation to wrap up warm – as some tivve Casual Aft fteernoon of Pop of a luxury moss-based wreath. The Festi activities will take place outside.

1 to 6pm.

The Postcard Band with 16-inch wreath will then be yours to Cost is £4.50 per child. Each will take very special guests Marblmoon, take home.

Mulled winter warmers away their boat! Santa’s boatand naughty nibbles will be on hand Christian Moss, Gemma Bell & DJ building workshops start on 30 to help keep green fingers creating. Craig Bright. A casual afternoon of November and run until Christmas music and colouring in for the whole All materials and equipment Eve. On selected dates three family. Free Entry and donations to provided.

Tickets: £45 per person to sessions will run each day: 11am to Eden Valley Hospice are welcome. include all material & equipment to 12noon, 12.30 to 1.30pm, 2 to 3pm. do the workshop plus admission to For dates and to book visit Fri 13th the Castle, Garden and The Story of www.windermerejetty.org.

Carlisle Cathedral Lowther exhibition. Annual Cathedral Choirs Christmas Concert Keswick, Cumbria Passholders: £38 per person 7.30 to 9.30pm. The annual Keswick Live Advent 2019 includes all material and equipment Christmas Concert is a highlight of Keswick Tourism Association, to do the workshop. For more the Cathedral's calendar and this supported by Allerdale Borough information visit www.lowther.org. year is no exception. Join us as the Council bring to you Keswick Live N e t h e r b y H a l l , L o n g t o w n combined Cathedral Choirs sing Advent 2019 now in its sixth year. A Christmas Carols at Netherby Hall favourite carols and songs for the festive themed window is festive season. Tickets £10. Book Join us for a magical evening of song illuminated in a business each day online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/ around Keswick from the 1st to the on Saturday 7th December at carlisle-cathedral.

24th accompanied by a programme Netherby Hall in Longtown. Sing along to festive favourites, enjoy a featuring a combination of one-off Fri 13th to Sun 15th spectacular performance by The pop-up events, annual favourites Windermere Paisley Abbey Choir & and special promotions. Over the Ice Skati tin ng in Windermere Instrumentalists and savour a festive Christmas period we will invite you Take to the Ice with Windermere’s glass of mulled wine and a mince pie to vote for your favourite window. newest ice rink. Located at the in the interval. For tickets, please Once advent is over and all the bottom of High Street outside contact events@netherbyhall.co.uk windows have been revealed the Lamplighter dining rooms, you can or call 01228 586636 for more windows will stay lit until early get your skates on and into the full details. Tickets: adults £15, January creating a festive window Christmas spirit. Windermere on ice trail around the Town. Can you find concessions £12, under 16 £12. is the perfect festive activity to enjoy them all? For more information The Westmorland Shopping Centre, with family and friends. Visit about each day’s Advent activity visit Kendal www.keswick.org/whats-on/keswick Litt ttlle Explorers Toy Testers -live-advent.

11am to 4pm. Looking for something nd

nd

Mon 2 to Sun 2 Feb 2020 Windermere Jett ttyy, Rayrigg Road Codebreaker

Sessions run daily and are FREE with

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admission. Youngsters can explore the museum galleries and search for clues as part of a Jetty Codebreaker game. Uncover answers around the museum and then use the nautical flag alphabet to crack the code. For more information visits www.windermerejetty.org.

fun, free and festive in the run up to Christmas? Then come and join us at Westmorland Shopping Centre where our Little Explorers will become Christmas toy testers with

primarytimescumbria

www.windermerechristmas.co.uk/ ice-rink/ to book . We do advise to book in advance as spaces are limited. Friday 13th 6 to 9pm.

Saturday 14th 11am to 6pm, Sunday 15th 10am to 4pm. Prices start from

£8.50.

Sat 14th

Coro Hall, Ulverston Carols at the Coro

2pm. Free Event but still ticketed – please collect your free ticket from the Coro Box Office – Tickets available to collect in person now.

Join Ulverston Town Council and other guests as we enjoy a matinee performance of Carols at the Coro.

Performing this year, we have Croftlands School Choir, Ulverston Town Band and more performances to be announced! The retiring collection will go to the Ulverston Mayor’s Charities which includes many great charities and community groups in the town.

The Rheged Centre, Penrith Build Your Own Christmas Unicorn

10am. Join us to build your very own sparkly Christmas Unicorn! Fill your unicorn making sure he/she satisfies the cuddle test and make a wish on a heart or star to place inside unicorn. You will receive a special birth certificate and can make your own magical unicorn dust! Tickets cost £20 each and the session last one hour. Suitable for children aged 4yrs+ with parental supervision.

Sat 14th to Sun 15th

Whinlatt tteer Forest, Keswick Whinlatt tteer Christmas Welly Walk

1pm. It’s not long now until the big HO HO HO! Get into the spirit and bring the kids along for the Whinlatter Welly Walk! Wrap up warm, wear your wellies and join us for a festive walk around the Gruffalo Trail. Expect decorations, Christmas songs and lots of fun! £2 per person. Booking essential.

Contact the Visitor Centre to book your place: 017687 78469 or email Whinlatter@forestryengland.uk.

Cont’d on P11

We take great care to ensure this information is correct at the time of press. However, we would advise parents to phone and check details prior to making a long trip…or promise!

RHEGED

Christmas Highlights Frozen 2

From Fri 22 Nov

Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker From Thu 19 Dec at 12:01am

Don’t miss our Star Wars events:

The Epic Party: Part II Thu 19 Dec - Sun 22 Dec

Disco with Darth

Sat 21 & Sun 22 Dec 4-5pm

Family theatre

Tullie Christmas 135x90mm advert_PRINT.pdf 1 15/11/2019 11:05:53

Gary Starr Pantomimes presents:

Aladdin

Sat 28, Sun 29 & Mon 30 Dec Our biggest ever pantomime!

Little Blue Monster Productions:

The Big Snowy Christmas Sat 7 Dec & Sun 8 Dec

Santa’s Magical Forest 22 Nov - 24 Dec | Every Fri - Sun & Thu 12, Thu 19, Mon 23 & Tue 24 Dec

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NEW for 2019

Late Night Shopping

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We’re opening our Shops until 8pm every Friday from 29 November to 20 December

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To see our full programme and to book tickets visit R H E G E D . C O M primarytimescumbria

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Inspire their passion for adventure with…

Bear Grylls

Primary Times teams up with Bear Grylls to discuss Mount Everest, building confidence in children and his own adventure heroes.

Bear, we believe every child should be able to dream big, how does it feel to have achieved your childhood dream of climbing Mount Everest?

I was quite shy as a kid but loved to climb with my Dad. I dreamt of climbing Everest aged 8 when my dad had given me a picture of the mountain, and to have achieved it whilst he was still alive meant so much. The summit of Everest itself is extraordinary - small, like a coffee table, and standing there was a feeling like no other.

How do you give your children the confidence to follow their dreams?

I have tried to pass on to my sons many of the lessons from my late father. He taught me to follow my dreams and that failure was just a stepping stone to success. Inspiring our kids and giving them the confidence and skills to succeed is so important, which is why we are setting up an exciting organisation called BecomingX, to help everyone realise their potential. BecomingX will be sharing the powerful, often surprising life lessons from so many of the world’s most inspiring people, from Hollywood actors to global sports stars.

Can taking adventures help build confidence in children?

Survival and adventure is not just about knowledge and skills, it’s even more about positivity, resourcefulness, courage and above all determination. Pack a sense of humour and embrace the unexpected.

Some parents will struggle to travel to wild places, how can they inspire a love of adventure?

The best thing we can do for our children is to get outside and have an adventure with them even if it is just camping out or going for a hike - it brings us close to our children. The outdoors and an adventure shared gives kids confidence and pride that money cannot buy.

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Do you have any fitness tips for busy parents of primary school aged children?

I’ve recently launched a fitness provider called Be Military Fitness – It is proving such a powerful way to help veterans and regular people achieve their fitness goals in a positive community atmosphere. There’s always a park for any busy parent to get to, the training is short and the workouts can fit around any schedule.

Is there any military-style exercises that young children can enjoy?

You can’t beat stuck in the mud! The Commandos ‘play’ in the clay mud estuary by their training centre, it is brutal and very tiring!

You’ve visited some of the wildest places on Earth – do you have a message about conservation for our readers?

It’s a fact that my programs and adventures are totally dependent on the existence of wild places in the world, so I feel it’s part of my job to highlight the importance of protecting our planet. Whether that be taking President Barack Obama to Alaska, to look at the effects of global warming, or supporting charities such as Tusk Trust in their mission to reduce ivory poaching. I hope that my programming and books serve to showcase the magnificence of nature and wild locations and how we all have a duty of care to protect our fragile planet for generations to come.

primarytimescumbria

Who are your adventure heroes?

Well first off heroes come in all different shapes and forms - there are those we publicly celebrate for great achievement and and for me that would be the Antarctic explorer Douglas Mawson - his story is amazing. But then there are the many unsung heroes, quietly, courageously edging their way forward, serving others, being kind, often getting knocked down but always getting back on their feet and never giving up! That’s what makes a hero: selfless positive attitude and rooted in kind deeds for others. I encounter so many people like this in my role as Chief Scout, such as the many volunteers who help in thousands and thousands of Scout groups every week around the country. This for me is one of the many great privileges of that role and to me they are the real heroes.

Find out more about Bear Grylls exciting new organisation BecomingX here: www.becomingx.org

Roundabout

educational glass blowing experience. The workshop is closely supervised, no experience is necessary! Your instructor will first demonstrate how coloured glass baubles are made and talk through the processes involved. You will be invited to select the colours you would like to use to decorate your bauble. Participants over 13 years of stranded at home for Christmas! Fun age will take control of the iron & Cont’d from P8 for all ages (PG). 6.30pm start and fuse the coloured glass granules to Sun 15th tickets cost £3 entry (under 3’s free), the glass. Additional help will be Allan Bank and Grasmere, bar & snacks available. Also Monday given to children under the age of 13 Ambleside 23rd visit www.visitnenthead.com years of age for safety reasons Carols Round the Tree for more information. (minimum age of 8 years). You will 1.30 to 3.30pm. Enjoy a traditional then form the glass into the correct Sat 21st afternoon singing carols round the shape ready to be inflated and then O a k T r e e A n i m a l s ' C h a r i t y , Christmas tree with a local choir blow your bubble and use metal group - Grasmere Glee. Free event, Oak Tree Farm, Wetheral Shields tools to finish the shape of the Creati tivve Kids admission charges apply. bauble. Baubles will be cooled and Pop along to Oak Tree for some Ford Park, Ulverston ready for collection the next day creative fun! Do a Christmas craft Festi tivve Fun at Ford Park after the event. Tickets £25. For activity (free, donation welcome), In the countdown to Christmas, more information and to book visit complete the treasure trail around come and enjoy festive storytelling the site to win a treat (£2 per entry; www.cumbriacrystal.com. and Christmas crafts and activities new trail every school holiday), do Mon 23rd for children at Ulverston’s Ford Park. some free fun activity sheets. Plus Oak Tree Animals' Charity, For more information, visit there’s the playground, tea room Oak Tree Farm, Wetheral Shields www.ford-park.org.uk. and woodland are open for you to Christmas Fair Fri 20th enjoy. No booking required.

11am & 4pm. There will be plenty of

Your family diary of what’s on and when

Nenthead Arts & Visitor Centre Festi tivve Family Gathering

6.30 to 8.30pm. Our first family gathering includes a festive games competition and a film. A classic, featuring a young Macaulay Culkin

Sat 21st to Mon 23rd

Cumbria Crystal, Ulverston Bauble Experience

Create your own coloured Xmas bauble within a truly unique and

opportunity to do some Christmas shopping, with over thirty craft and gift stalls! There will also be lots of festive games and activities in the marquee. Local vets, together with our Community Team, will be on

hand to provide you with tips and advice to keep your pets healthy and safe during the winter months. Then visit Orchard Yard for more stalls and lots of children's activities. The Oak Tree Cake Stall will be located next to the Tearoom, where gorgeous food and drinks will be served all through the day. Last but not least - don't forget to get your Grand Draw tickets, drawn around 3pm.

Sat 28th to Sun 29th

South Tynedale Railway, Alston Twixtmas Specials

Twixtmas … those lovely quiet days between the Christmas and the New Year. The days when you feel like you never want to eat turkey again and you’re not quite sure what to do with yourself. Well we have the perfect solution… After the success of our inaugural Twixtmas Special trains in 2018 we’re going to do it all again and we’re even keeping the price the same! So, get booking – £10 for adults, £5 for children and we’ll take you on a train ride through the wintry North Pennines, warm you with a hot drink to take on your journey and pie, chips and peas when you get back. It’s the perfect way to blow away those Christmas cobwebs. For more information and to book visit www.south-tynedale-railway.org.uk.

Your Christmas begins at...

Whinlatter Forest Special late night opening until 7.30pm on 5 December.

Choose your perfect tree, enjoy festive treats from Siskins Cafe and browse for Christmas presents at our forest shop.

Free car parking with every tree purchase. Tree sales from 30 November to 18 December, 10-4pm

forestryengland.uk/whinlatter

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Stage & Screen christmas highlights AT THE KESWICK ALHAMBRA

NUTCRACKER - THE ROYAL BALLET (U) 7.15pm Tuesday 17th Dec. Young Clara is swept away on a fantasy Christmas Eve adventure: a magical journey takes her through the Land of Snow to the Kingdom of Sweets.

Tchaikovsky's glittering score, gorgeous festive stage designs, and captivating dancing make this the quintessential Christmas experience.

Box Office 017687 72195 IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE BERLINER (U) PHILHARMONIKER LIVE 3pm Tuesday 24th Dec. NEW YEAR’S EVE All proceeds to Cumbria Community CONCERT Foundation’s Winter Warmth Appeal.

Frank Capra's classic bittersweet comedy drama starring James Stewart as an eternally-in-debt banker in small town America, on the verge of ending it all on Christmas Eve 1946. His guardian angel shows him what his town would have looked like if it hadn't been for all his good deeds over the years.

4pm Tuesday 31st Dec. Conducted live by Kirill Petrenko: an American journey, through George Gershwin’s An American in Paris and Leonard Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story as well as works from Cole Porter, Carl Loewe, and Kurt Weill.

FROZEN 2 (U) Elsa the Snow Queen and her sister Anna embark on an adventure far away from the kingdom of Arendelle, with friends Kristoff, Olaf, and Sven.

STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER The surviving Resistance faces the First Order once more as Rey, Finn and Poe Dameron's journey continues. With the power and knowledge of generations behind them, the final battle commences.

For show times and more information visit www.keswickalhambra.co.uk including a special pair of Christmas pants, the mystery of the snowflake necklace and the mischievous shenanigans of the Tomten – a feisty BOX OFFICE 01229 587140 Gnome, who loves the chance to swap Ulverston Panto Society: Sleeping gossip with woodland creatures, and who might just be the reason Beauty Granddad can’t find his favourite tree 29th Jan to 1st Feb 2020 decoration. Creating a sense of the Wed to Fri 7pm & Sat 12pm & 4.30pm. fireside in the theatre, Granddad will This January see the wonderful tale of welcome imaginative input from the Sleeping Beauty brought to life on the audience as he weaves his own brand Coro stage. A brilliant & traditional of heart-warming storytelling and show for all the family! Tickets £12 festive cheer. Suitable for 3yrs+ Adults, £10 Child, £40 Family of Four (2 audiences and their families. Tickets Adults / 2 Children). Free meet and £10.50, U16 £8.50. greet the cast after the show on Wednesday & Thursday!

Coro Hall, Ulverston

The Forum, Beggar's Theatre, Barrow in Furness BOX OFFICE 01229 820000 Millom

BOX OFFICE 01229 775677 Under the Frozen Moon 8th Dec

Half a String present Under the Frozen Moon. It’s so cold in Nunavut that the moon has frozen. A greedy dragon has gobbled every fire and every light leaving only the white glow of the frozen moon. Under the dazzling aurora and glittering stars, Amkas family huddle together, fishing for eels and knitting plenty of hats. In this heart warming tale, a fierce, courageous young girl sets out to confront the dragon who has hoarded all the fire and lights for himself. Suitable for young children (3+), aimed at the whole family. Tickets £6 to £8.

Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal BOX OFFICE 01539 725133 Christmas Tales With Granddad 20th to 28th Dec Shows at 11am and 2pm. A show featuring a feast of festive stories,

Aladdin 15th to 30th Dec

2pm. Watch our hero Aladdin, along with his mother Widow Twankey and his brother Wishee Washee, battle against the evil Abanazar and his plan to be master of the world! Juvenille Dancers provided by Kreativ Dance.

Tickets £10.50 to £16.

The Rheged Centre, Pe n r i t h BOX OFFICE 01768 868000 The Big Snowy Christmas 7th to 8th Dec

Presented by Little Blue Monster Productions. This glittering, snowy tale is about a brave little bear who helps to save Christmas! It’s almost Christmas Eve. Daddy and Baby Bear are busy decorating their tree, when suddenly they hear a crash, bang, wallop outside their front door. It’s poor Santa, and he’s fallen from the sky! There’s no more flying for him tonight. But who will deliver the presents in time for Christmas? It’s

Baby Bear to the rescue! This hilarious, heart warming tale is the perfect treat for Christmas with exquisite puppets, enchanting music and a magical snowy setting. This is a magical, interactive show especially for little bears aged 3 +, and their grownups. Tickets £8 Adults, £6.50 Child, £24 Family (2 adults, 2 children).

Theatre by the Lake, Keswick BOX OFFICE 017687 74411 A Christmas Carol 22nd Nov to 11th Jan 2020

It’s Christmas Eve. Cold-hearted businessman Ebenezer Scrooge grows grumpier and meaner than ever as Aladdin Christmas Day approaches. When a 28th to 29th Dec ghostly apparition appears at his Returning for their 3rd year- Gary Starr bedside, he’s whisked away on a Pantomimes in association with startling journey to uncover the true Rheged Theatre return this Christmas meaning of Christmas. Join us for one with their biggest pantomime to date – of the best-loved stories ever written in a brand new pantomime production of Dickens’ tale of redemption and the classic story Aladdin. Join Aladdin compassion; a tonic to warm the on his quest to win the heart of cockles of your heart this winter. A Princess Jasmine, whilst trying to high-spirited and joyful version from outwit the villainous Abanazar. With a the adapter of Theatre by the Lake’s host of colourful characters, plenty of acclaimed production of The 39 Steps, song, dance and comedy this show is our colourful production features all suitable for children and grownups of your favourite characters and plenty of all ages. 1 hr duration – with a meet laughs: glorious family entertainment and greet after the show. Tickets £10 for Christmas. Suitable for ages 6+. adult, £8 child, £32 Family (2 adults 2 Tickets from £10. children).

The Sands Centre, Carlisle BOX OFFICE 01228 633766 Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs 11th to 31st Dec

Join us for the most magical pantomime ever told, where poor Snow White (played by Hollyoaks star Sarah George) is doomed to live unhappily ever after unless Prince Lorenzo (Collabro star Matt Pagan) has anything to do with it. Also starring X Factor finalist Stevi Ritchi, Star Wars’ R2D2, Jimmy Vee and CFM’s Robbie Dee. Tickets: £23.50-£17 plus booking fee. For group bookings of 10+ or school groups please call 01228 633761.

The Legend of the Jazz Penguin 10th to 29th Dec

From the fabulous company who brought you last year’s gorgeous show Hey Diddle Diddle! comes the North Pole Jazz Lounge, a magical place with a very special guest. It’s a wintery evening and it’s snowing outside, so come into the warm and join the Jazz Penguin. We hear the tale of how the Penguin found the Jazz, on an adventure around the world meeting a variety of different musical animals from dancing eggs to a drumming Octopus. Expect tooting, trumpeting and bopping in this hilarious and Christmassy celebration of music. The Legend of the Jazz Penguin features original music, brilliant puppetry and lots of fun interaction that will have children jumping for joy. Suitable for ages 2+. Tickets £8, Family Ticket £28.

We take great care to ensure this information is correct at the time of press. However, we would advise parents to phone and check details prior to making a long trip…or promise!

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WIN A FAMILY PANTO TICKET!

TO ENTER THE COMPETITION ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTION:

WHAT JOB DO THE DWARFS HAVE? ANSWER: ...........................

NAME: .................................

EMAIL: ................................

TEL: ......................................

Email your answer to arts.events@gll.org with Primary Times Competition in the subject & including your name & tel no or complete this form & send to PT Ticket Competition, The Sands Centre, Carlisle CA1 1JQ. Closing date 9 Dec. A winner will be selected at random & notiied. There are no cash alternatives and the prize is non-transferable.

Box Office

01228 633766

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Exploring Christmas

Around the World

Primary Times takes a festive trip, exploring different Christmas traditions from around the world

W

hether it be an afternoon walk on Christmas Day, making mince pies on Christmas Eve, or lighting up the figgy pudding with brandy, most families have their own December traditions. Even when we grow up and form our own families we naturally merge our new traditions with some of the old. It seems that traditions, new or old have a strong place in our hearts, and these play a particularly important part of how we celebrate Christmas. But have you ever wondered what these traditions look like around the world? And how we can incorporate some of these into our own Christmases with the kids?

Christmas celebrations in France begin on December 5, which is St. Nicholas Eve. On St. Nicholas Day in France, bakeries and home kitchens are hives of activity as spiced gingerbread biscuits and mannala (a brioche shaped like a saint) are

baked. In schools, children learn songs and poems and create arts and crafts about St. Nicholas, while in nursery schools, a man portraying St. Nicholas gives away chocolates and sometimes little presents. A great way to incorporate this French tradition yourself is to try baking some St. Nicholas Day mannala in your own home with your children, take a look at our recipe to give it a go.

In Australia, December 25 falls during the height of the summer heat, so many of the country’s Christmas festivities take place outdoors. Rather than wrapping up warm by the fire, the Aussies come together at night to light candles and sing Christmas carols outdoors. The stars shining above add to the sights and sounds of this wonderful outdoor concert.

Most of us will have a twinkling tree in the corner of our living rooms for the month of December, and this tradition is believed to have started in Germany back in the 16th Century. A more unusual of these tree traditions is to hide a pickle somewhere within the branches, and give a gift to whichever child in the household finds it

French-Inspired Mannala Ingredients • 600g/21.16 oz. plain flour • 1 sachet active dry yeast (10g) • 330ml warm milk • 55g sugar • 1 tsp salt • 60g softened butter • 1 egg • Chocolate Chips or Sultanas • 1 egg yolk • 1 tbsp. Milk

• Sprinkle the yeast over the warm milk. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, sugar and salt. Rub in the softened butter until you get a crumb-like consistency.

• Mix in the egg, then slowly add the milk. Knead the dough until smooth and cover with cling-film. Allow to rest until the dough has doubled in size (1h30).

• Once your dough has risen, tip it onto your working surface and knock the air out. Roll out the dough with a rolling pin and use a gingerbread man cookie cutter to shape the Mannala (approx. 14cm).

• Place them on a baking sheet lined with baking paper (no more than 6 per sheet), cover with a towel and leave to rise for one hour. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180°C. • Beat the egg yolk with 1 tablespoon milk and brush over the Mannala.

• Pin the chocolate chips/sultanas onto the dough for the eyes, buttons and any other decorations. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden and leave to cool on a wire rack.

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first. Alternatively in Ukraine, baubles and bows are swapped for spiders and spider webs as a token of good luck. By decorating the tree with spiders, the people in the household hope it will bring them positivity and good fortune in the coming year. A simple way to make your own Christmas traditions with your children more international could be to incorporate some more alternative tree decorations - whether that be bows, pickles or spider webs! No matter how you and your family decide to celebrate Christmas, or whether you celebrate a different festival altogether, incorporating some simple festive fun from all around the globe is sure to make for a very Merry Christmas.

Christmas at the Brewery

ENJOY FESTIVE FRIVOLITIES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY. Christmas Tales With Granddad

Outside The Igloo The Knotted Project and Hawk Dance Theatre in association with the Brewery Arts Centre Wed 4 & Thu 5 Dec | 11am* & 1.30pm Fri 6 Dec | 11am Sat 7 Dec | 11am & 2pm £9.50 / £7.50 U16

Pickled Image Theatre

Three penguin friends put down their screens and step out of their igloo for the first time to embark upon an adventure of discovery and magic.

An interactive icy adventure for children aged 4+.

*Thu 5 Dec 11am Relaxed Performance

Fri 20 Dec 11am Sat 21 Dec 11am* & 2pm Sun 22 & Mon 23 Dec 2pm Tue 24 Dec 11am & 2pm Thu 26 Dec 2pm Fri 27 & Sat 28 Dec 11am & 2pm £10.50 / £8.50 U16 Granddad can’t find his favourite tree decoration! Could it be the fault of mischievous and feisty gnome the Tomten? A heart-warming tale featuring festive stories, a mysterious snowflake necklace and even a special pair of Christmas pants!

For +3yrs audiences and their families.

*21 Dec 11am Relaxed Performance

breweryarts.co.uk | 01539 725133 PRIMARY-TIMES-BAC-AW19-CHRSTMAS-TALES-ADVERT.indd 1

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Join us for one of the best loved Christmas stories ever...

By Patrick Barlow Adapted from the story by Charles Dickens 22 November - 11 January For ages 6+

10 - 29 December For the little ones this Christmas - a hilarious and Christmassy celebration of music. For ages 2+

BOX OFFICE: 017687 74411 | Theatrebythelake.com 16 - www.primarytimes.co.uk/cumbria

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