Term times christmas new year 2014 2015

E rea ssent din ial f gt his amil wi y nte r!

Supporting

more information on page 17...

Issue 111 November 2014 – January 2015

Choosing your

perfect tree Fenland Christmas Markets Recipe

Granny’s gingerbread

WIN BOOKS

Christmas Feast

‘Where’s Santa’

The essential FREE publicationwww.termtimes.ltd.uk for you and your children winter edition

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Welcome...

I would like to wish you the warmest of welcomes to our Christmas issue of Term Times Magazine.

The TT house is gearing up for a fabulous Christmas in the traditional way. Since mid-October, the boy has been eagerly practising for his first school nativity performance, which is both lovely and slightly souldestroying; whilst the girl has been composing her Christmas list for about the same length of time… we are now onto volume three. Mind you, this runs in the family.

By the time you receive this edition, think of me with sympathy, as our tree will probably have been up and decorated for at least a fortnight.

Through all this time of great cheer, although currently on low levels of moderate panic (this will no doubt build to full-scale frenzy as the big Ho Ho Ho approaches), Term Times once again brings you a jam-packed issue full of great ideas for days out in the local area, competitions and useful information.

Inside, you will find some great content.

We have played to our strengths with our look at the exact science of choosing the right Christmas tree; the debate rages on. We also have an interesting article on a day in the life of a primary school teaching assistant.

Plus I’m sharing with you my granny’s quick and simple gingerbread recipe – perfect to inspire our budding bakers.

The competitions we’ve managed to bring together are a little bit special.

We have three opportunities for up to forty (40!) people to have a really memorable day out at your local Frankie and Benny’s, where you will learn to make pizzas and see inside their kitchens; perfect for an entire school class to enjoy. In addition we are offering one lucky grown-up the chance to start those pesky New Year resolutions off with a bang with a chance to win free Karate lessons.

What’s more, you could win free tickets for Big Sky – perfect for burning off energy in the colder months.

So from all of us, we sincerely hope you have a very happy holiday season and look forward to seeing you in 2015!

COMPETITION WINNERS Name

Location

Competition

Esmee Warner

Spalding

Fun Farm tickets

Holly French

Peterborough

Fun Farm tickets

Samuel Collard

Hilton

Fun Farm tickets

Anna Lefley

Whittlesey

Fun Farm tickets

Morgan Nightingale

Peterborough

Fun Farm tickets

Marie Allen

Peterborough

Snow Queen tickets

Ella-Rose Runham

Cambridge

Huntingdon races

Jack Heenan

Eaton Socon

Huntingdon races

James Thoday

Fenstanton

Huntingdon races

Lewis Tembey

Buckden

Huntingdon races

Lexie Mae Mcmenery

Peterborough

Huntingdon races

Elisha Hills -Steedman

Peterborough

Halloween book

Tyler Carter

Peterborough

Halloween book

Naomi Newell

Holbeach

Halloween book

Jack Forth

Wisbech

Halloween book

Brooke Key

Deeping St James

Halloween book

Molly Barron

Holbeach

Wood Green

Adam Read

Buckden

Santa Pod

Jacques Lengentil

March

Books for Schools

Kara Adams

Papworth Everard

Books for Schools

Brody Pulford

Whittlesey

Books for Schools

Competition Entry

Enter at www.termtimes.ltd.uk

Mentioning the competition you are entering, send your name, age, address, telephone number and name of your school to 70 Rutland Road, Stamford, Lincs PE9 1UW or via email to steven@termtimes.ltd.uk Alternatively, competitions will be posted on our website. Please ask your parents’ permission before entering via the internet. All winners will be picked at random and Term Times decision is final.

Cover image: © National Trust Image by Paul Harris

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Publisher: Steven Beacham | Editor: Amanda Stacey T: 01780 757731 E: steven@termtimes.ltd.uk www.termtimes.ltd.uk 70 Rutland Road, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 1UW CMYK / .eps

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Term Times/Term Times Ltd are independently published and are trading styles of 12th Man Services and Solutions Ltd. Distributed free throughout primary schools in your area. Its aims are to inform families and children of current education issues, forthcoming events, places to visit, attractions etc. Every care is taken to ensure that the information in the magazine is correct at the time of going to press. However, please check opening times/entry fees etc., before setting out on a journey. We also aim to give teachers, parents and children, the opportunity to participate in the content of Term Times. Term Times does not intend to publish any racist, sexist or political matters, nor carry out editorial or advertising that may be considered to be offensive to families. Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of Term Times or the schools that distribute it. The publishers cannot be held responsible for any erroneous or misleading claims or comments made by any contributor. Our thanks go to the schools for their assistance in distributing the magazine, and for their contributions to its contents. We would also like to thank the advertisers who have supported this publication and made it possible. Please support them where you can.

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NEWS

The £129 priced Gift Voucher entitles you to one of the following Stay Play Explore short breaks in Leicestershire to be taken between 1st January 2015 - 31st December 2015:

Family affair at Stow Bardolph

Christmas is always a wonderful time to bring the whole family to visit Church Farm at Stow Bardolph, near Downham Market.

Short Breaks in Leicestershire Gift Voucher

Father Christmas will be in residence from the 4th December in his magical woodland retreat (open Thu-Sun plus 22nd & 23rd Dec). No need to book, just turn up for a warm welcome from the white-bearded gentleman and his elf. You can also visit the ‘real life’ nativity scenes with resident animals in starring roles!

Looking for world-class family fun, adventure activities for all the family, or theme parks excitement?

Visit the amazing Christmas gift shop, full of fantastic quality gifts for everyone and the tea room, complete with home-made cakes and delicious lunches.

For more information and the full T&Cs about each of the Stay Play Explore short breaks please visit www.stayplayexplore.co.uk

Maybe a journey back in time to stately homes and historic battlefields, city break experiences to remember, or renowned local food and ales to sample. You’ll find it on a short break to Leicester and Leicestershire.

The fabulous indoor ‘Treehouse’ play area is brilliant for the winter months as, whatever the weather, the children can have hours of fun playing while the adults can sit and relax in the comfortable seating area. Outside, there is also an adventure playground, giant undercover sandpit, straw barn, pedal tractors, as well as the ever popular animals.

• Stay Play Explore Family Fun - A family of four can visit three world class attractions from a choice of five and stay overnight at a top hotel with leisure facilities • Stay Play Explore Family Adventure - Families choose three fun-packed adventure activities from a choice of five plus an overnight stay with breakfast

• Stay Play Explore Gourmet Taste of Leicestershire - Two adults can savour three of five food and drink experiences, sampling the best renowned local produce and stay at a country hotel • Stay Play Explore Glorious Heritage - Pick three of five fascinating heritage sites to visit and discover over 500 years of history on this overnight break for two

• Stay Play Explore City Break Experience - Two adults can enjoy three of five indulgent, entertaining or pampering experiences and stay overnight in a chic city hotel

Church Farm is just off the A10 at Downham Market.

• King Richard III - choose three venues including afternoon tea from a selection of five and explore sites that are linked to King Richard III

Visit www.churchfarmstowbardolph.co.uk or call 01366 382162

Available for any occasion...

• plasma screens • loud music system • disco lights • Wii dance • karaoke • dance floor • smoke machine • custom made seating • drink optics • champagne ice buckets

No ordinary bus!

The ultimate playbus for toddlers...

• ball pit • slide • Wii dance and games • music • climbing wall • swing-ball and not forgetting the delicious • candy floss and popcorn machines....

A wide selection of coaches and buses available for hire ranging from 12 to 70 seats with seatbelts.

Disabled access coach with a lift available.

01733 351 694 info@deckerbus.co.uk

www.deckerbus.co.uk 4

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Yummy Yummy!

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Hungry Harry and Recycling Rita need feeding all year round but there is a lot more they can eat during Christmas and New Year!

So far this year, lots of you across Peterborough have done a great job putting food waste in your grey caddies. But please don’t stop now!

With Christmas just around the corner, there is even more opportunity to collect food waste. Anything from leftover Brussel sprouts, to piggies in blankets can all go in your little grey bin.

The food collected in Hungry Harry is turned into electricity to power homes, allowing Mums and Dads to watch their festive TV shows and kids to play the latest Playstation and Xbox games. But Hungry Harry isn’t the only one who wants your attention - Recycling Rita needs feeding too! So make sure you put your wrapping paper (not the foil type), greetings cards, plastic

and cardboard packaging in your green bin as well, but please don’t put any polystyrene in your green bin, as Rita can’t eat this!

To help make things even easier and ensure Recycling Rita gets fed regularly, the council is now accepting lots more items including plastic tubs, trays, punnets, carrier bags, cling film, foil and aluminium trays.

That’s right, all of these, plus existing items including tins, drinks cans, aerosols, paper, card, glass bottles, jars and cartons can all now go in your recycling bin! So there’s really no excuse not to recycle.

Why not help your child learn about the importance of waste management by encouraging them to participate in our recycling competition?

It’s simple - all they have to do is get the right item in the right bin. This involves drawing a line from each item to either the green, grey, black or brown bin.

Can you believe that half of all the rubbish the council now collects is recycled?

That’s an amazing amount and it’s all down to you! Thank you for helping keep Peterborough clean and green. #Love Peterborough

If they get every item in the right place they could be in with a chance of winning a fun-packed recycling activity session for their class at school which includes lots of games and the opportunity to meet the real life Harry and Rita.

Full information about the competition can be found on the page opposite.

For more information about how to do your bit to keep our city clean and green, visit www.peterborough.gov.uk/LovePeterborough. Let’s get our recycling rate even higher and show other cities around the country what Peterborough is doing to create the Environmental Capital of the UK.

Brilliant Birds!

Come and marvel at over 200 birds of prey during a day at the Raptor Foundation near St Ives, Cambridgeshire See over 40 different species - from a Little Owl to a 40-year-old Golden Eagle The Foundation rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes injured wild birds of prey and unwanted pets Three daily flying displays at 12pm, 2pm & 4pm Enjoy lunch in the Silent Wings tearoom, browse around the ‘Mad about Owls’ gift shop and, for the children, there is a playground and pond Other attractions include an arts & craft supply shop, the Bobin & Sew, Polka Dot gift shop and the Animal Experience Bring this it adm advert to

1 CHILD FREE

Bring a picnic and stay lo nger

g

in with pay adult

FAMILY TICKET

JUST £17.60 (2 adults & up to 3 children)

GIFT VOUCHERS (Valid for one year) available for Experience Days, twilight flying, photographic days & accommodation stays

Raptor Foundation T: 01487 741140 E: info@raptorfoundation.org.uk

www.raptorfoundation.org.uk The Heath, St Ives Road, Woodhurst, Cambs PE28 3BT 6

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My school day Kalpana Sharma describes her school day working at Fawcett Primary School, Cambridge Parents are always curious to know about their children’s life in school.

Teachers and teaching assistants are there to help and provide every kind of support.

A day starts from lining up in the playground, walking to the classroom and getting seated on the carpet, ready for ‘carpet time’ once they have placed their belongings away. In early years, after registration, teacher talks about the ‘days of the week’, then discusses the weather, followed by some singing based on different themes such as the beginning of the autumn or ‘talking about myself’.

There are some variations in the routine of KS1 & KS2. For early years, around 9.30 am, children are allowed to go either inside or outside to access various activities which is called ‘free flow’. During this ‘free flow,’ there might be some group work, depending on the lesson plan. In group work, it could be handwriting or children writing about their weekend led by teachers or teaching assistants. The numbers of groups depend on the number of children per class and it assumes a basic rule; if two groups are playing with what they have chosen, the rest of the two groups are busy in either painting/making masks/handwriting/junk modelling. Staff need to fit snack time in between those activities. In addition, the early years wing also involves observing children while they play, investigating new objects and imagining new worlds. This passes out until 11am, and then everyone helps in tidying up before they sit on the carpet ready to learn letters and sounds (KRM). At 11.30, children get ready for lunch.

The afternoon session follows more or less the same activities. Most of the schools finish at 3.00pm and I believe this is the most exciting time for children (particularly newcomers in reception) when they see their parents.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR DAY

Darling Princess Parties Creating magical and professional children’s themed parties for your Little Princesses

If you work in a school, academy or nursery and would like to tell us about your school day, email steven@termtimes.ltd.uk All articles will be kept for possible publication.

Find us on Facebook: /Darling Princess Parties or www.darlingprincessparties.co.uk

n u f e v i t Fes enland markets

tF a There can be no more truly festive events in

Cambridgeshire at this time of the year than the twin Christmas Markets in March and Wisbech.

These wonderful, free events in the town centres have grown year on year. Around 7,500 visitors from the local area and from further afield attended the Christmas markets last year.

This year’s events will be held in March on Sunday, 7th December (10am – 4pm) and in Wisbech on Monday, 15th December (9am – 4pm). There is free, convenient parking within Wisbech and March.

The two Christmas markets are a real family experience with so much to interest all ages. Look out for Father Christmas and his real reindeer stabled at the market - until they are needed for more pressing matters on Christmas Eve. Visitors will find everything they need for Christmas including decorations, traditional foods and presents for friends and loved ones. Each of the many stalls offer a festive array of choices, ranging from handmade and beautiful craftware to food, toys and festive tipples.

The atmosphere is truly festive with carol singers, holly wreaths, nativity scenes, Santa’s grotto, activities for children, Christmas trees and much more besides! For those who love the festive season, these Christmas markets are not to be missed.

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FRE

children E ’s rid at March es Christma s market

joy Christmas The

of a family

Christmas, with all it entails, is a wonderful time of year. But, since becoming a mum, KATE CHAPMAN has been reminded just how truly magical it is.

Looking back to my own childhood, I always recall big family celebrations with grandparents, aunties, uncles and cousins all crammed around the table to enjoy a traditional roast turkey dinner, which mum had slaved over for hours. I always remember her the night before peeling mountains of potatoes, carrots and sprouts to give herself a head-start before guests arrived.

Lunch - if I‘d been good I was rewarded with a splash of wine in my lemonade - would always be followed by a mammoth washing-up session. This was back in the days before the dishwasher, so it was all hands on deck, finishing just in time to enjoy the Queen’s speech before those who’d over-indulged could snatch a quick forty winks.

Things haven’t changed much now I’m grown up and playing hostess - we still all eat far too much, despite pledging not to, while the afternoon and early evening are spent playing board games. Monopoly, a particular favourite here, seems to bring out everyone’s competitive streak. The younger ones go for Hungry Hippos and Buckaroo.

I love having family and friends round at Christmas. It’s my favourite part of the season - coming together to celebrate with loved ones, while giving thanks for everything we’ve been blessed with in the year gone by.

Now I’m the mum, nothing compares to watching my little one’s eyes light up when they visit Father Christmas in his grotto. Their wideeyed wonder is a joy to behold when he asks if they’ve been good this year. It makes me laugh the way they always nod their heads emphatically before telling him which toy they would like to find under the tree on Christmas morning.

It’s a Christmas Eve bedtime tradition here - as I’m sure it is in numerous households - to leave out a mince pie and a glass of sherry for Santa and a carrot for Rudolph. I love it when my tiny tearaways come charging downstairs the next morning, still dressed in their pyjamas, to see if ‘he’s been!’ At two-and-a-half and four, they’re still relatively young, so I’m hoping I have plenty more years left to enjoy this sight while they ‘still believe’.

Their mounting excitement at this time of year is so infectious; they love the traditional customs like making cards, helping make the Christmas cake and pudding, trimming the tree and writing their letters to Santa. But Christmas is about so much more than the presents and I’m keen to make sure my minis know all about the real meaning of the day and what it stands for.

However you celebrate, I hope you have a very Merry Christmas. * Kate Chapman is a freelance journalist whose work appears in a variety of newspapers and magazines.

She also writes the blog Yellowbelly Mummy, charting the ups and downs of being a mum-of-two in rural Lincolnshire. Join in the discussion at: /yellowbellymummy and follow her adventures by visiting:

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Granny’s gingerbread recipe There is nothing like tradition at this time of year. Like us, I’m sure your families have many, so I wanted to share one of ours with you. I have made gingerbread men every year since my daughter was born as an extra, homemade gift.

In the last few years the children have become more involved in the decorating and now the making of the biscuits. To keep it simple, I now use a pizza cutter to make perfectly triangular gingerbread trees instead of gingerbread men; this avoids wastage and the need to re-roll the dough.

Because the recipe uses a whole egg, it makes quite a few gingerbread men, figures, trees, etc. So, I often split the dough and freeze it to use later. Also, because this recipe uses bicarbonate of soda the biscuits spread, so don’t leave them too close to each other on your baking tray. Finally, the syrup makes them too soft to use for 3D construction à la the Great British Bake Off!

Where’s Santa?

It’s nearly Christmas, but 10 of Santa’s elves have gone missing!

Help Santa on his travels to avert this disaster.

Search high and low from a festive Christmas market to a night at the theatre. Each page of Where’s Santa? provides great Christmas entertainment for all the family.

Available at bookshops (£9.99) – visit www.busterbooks.co.uk

Decorations: royal icing, chocolate chips, Smarties, currants, edible glitter... anything really!

1. Sift the flour, bicarb. and ginger into a bowl. Rub in the fat until it gets to breadcrumb stage. Stir in the sugar and make a well in the middle.

2. In a separate bowl beat the egg and syrup together.

3. Pour the syrup mixture into the well and mix into a dough; knead this until smooth.

4. Roll out to a thickness of approx. 5mm and cut. You can use cutters here, or try our method which is to use a pizza cutter to cut tall triangles. Put each figure onto a lightly greased baking sheet, leaving space to spread. If you are decorating with currants press them in now. Also, if you are intending to hang your trees, use a kebab skewer to make a hole in each biscuit.

5. Bake at 190°C (170°C for a fan oven) gas mark 5 for 12-15 mins.

6. Leave on baking sheet for one minute and then transfer to a wire rack to cool.

7. Once fully cool your gingerbread is ready to be iced and decorated to your heart’s content.

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Ingredients 350g plain flour (plus extra to dust) 1 tsp. bicarb 2 tsp. ground ginger

WIN

125g margarine

COMPETITION

175g light brown sugar

Term Times has 5 of these books to give away. Simply enter your details via the instructions on page 3. Closing date is 10th December.

1 egg, beaten 4 tbsp. golden syrup

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Christmas Activities in Peterborough 2014

Theatre The Production Exchange and the Key Theatre present

Jack and the Beanstalk at the Key Theatre Thurs 4 December 2014 – Sun 4 Jan 2015

Jack may have his head in the clouds but when he trades the family cow for magic beans, his mother, Dame Trott, is not amused!

With everything you expect from a Key Theatre pantomime, we return with an all singing, all dancing and all ! music playing month of...

Fe...Fi...Fo...Fun Tickets: £9 - £17.50.

Call the Key Theatre Box Office on 01733 207 239 or book online at vivacity-peterborough.com/panto

Key Theatre Peterborough

Heritage Christmas Workshops at Peterborough Museum

Christmas Countdown Sat 29 November, 10.30am -12.30pm. Ages 5+.

Creative activities for children this festive season.

Brilliant Baubles

Sat 29 November, 2-4pm.

Ages 6-10.

Sat 13 December, 10.30am – 12.30pm.

Ages 5+.

Sat 6 December, 10.30am12.30pm or 2pm-4pm.

Ages 5+.

at Longthorpe Tower Sat 13 – Sun 14 December, 10am – 5pm

Christmas Bird Masks

Festive Felt

Yuletide of Yore!

All Wrapped Up! Sat 13 December, 2pm – 4pm. Ages 5+.

Find out how the festive season was celebrated in the Middle Ages at Longthorpe Tower. Help the cook prepare food for the Christmas feast and make a medieval decoration to take away. Special event admission prices apply. There’s no need to book, just drop-in.

£5 per child and accompanying adults free. Booking is essential.

Call 01733 864 663 or email museum@vivacity-peterborough.com. vivacity-peterborough.com

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Christmas Activities in Peterborough 2014

Libraries Stories with Santa Santa will be visiting Peterborough Libraries again this year! Come and listen to some favourite Christmas stories. Meet Santa, have your photo taken with him and you’ll also receive a present. Take part in our festive craft session and make a photo frame for your special Santa photo.

Come and meet Santa at your local library!

Sat 6 December Stanground Library, 10.30am-12noon Central Library, 1-3pm Mon 8 December Woodston Library, 3.30pm-5pm Sat 13 December Dogsthorpe Library, 10.15am-11.45am Werrington Library, 12.30pm-2pm Sat 20 December Hampton Library, 9.30am-11am Bretton Library, 1pm-2.30pm Mon 22 December Orton Library, 11am-12.30pm

£5 per child. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Book on 01733 864 280 or email libraryenquiries@vivacity-peterborough.com vivacity-peterborough.com

Sports NEW Vivacity Swim Academy with the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA)

Collect stickers and badges with our fun-packed swim school! Learning to swim is one of the most important and fun life skills a child can learn, and we take children from their first splash through to being a confident and happy swimmer.

a Children receiveack fun swimming p for each stage: • Your own swimming passport to track your progress • 25 stickers and badges to collect along the way • Stage certificates to receive in assembly • Your own Vivacity swimming cap.

PLUS all these benefits: • Fun, structured 12-week courses • Teaching in small groups of 10 • Continual assessment.

• Children can join the course anytime.

Choose from Foundation or Learn to Swim stages 1-7 with sessions at the Regional Fitness & Swimming Centre, Jack Hunt Pool and Vivacity Premier Fitness with prices from £60 for a 12 week course.

To book call 01733 864 000 and select your preferred centre, or email swim.academy@vivacity-peterborough.com, or visit vivacity-peterborough.com/swimacademy to use the online booking form.

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Kick

to get fit for 2015

Mums & Dads

OFFER Term Times has teamed up with the Hicks Karate to offer mums and dads a chance to win a 3-month, unlimited training programme for either adults kick boxing or ladies-only kick boxing sessions.

The Adults’ Kickboxing Programme is designed for adults of all ages and abilities. The classes will help you develop mentally as well as physically to bring out the best in you and your body. The professionally-run classes are non-contact unless you desire.

Whether you are looking for tuition, fun, fitness, self-defence or want to become a martial arts master… the classes will suit you.

The instructors in our Adults Kickboxing Lessons use some of the best martial arts teaching techniques and equipment available in today’s market.

WIN For a chance to win this 3-month prize for you and a friend/partner, simply enter your details via our website, post or email (see page 3) before 20th December. The prize is for two people to train together and will also include a free t- shirt for the winners.

For more details on family, children’s and other adult sessions available, call 01733 810043/0797 419 6256.

www.hickskarate.co.uk

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Fee…Fi…Fo…FUN! When Jack trades Daisy, the family cow, for a handful of magic beans, his mother is not amused!

Jack must go on a journey to retrieve Daisy, but it turns into a much bigger adventure than he ever imagined! Follow Jack up the beanstalk as he tries to save the village from a larger-than-life giant.

It’s Panto time again! And this year, it’s Jack and the Beanstalk at Peterborough’s Key Theatre where the pantomimes are renowned throughout the region for their quality and traditional sense of good, clean, family fun. With over 30 years of experience, thousands of children have grown up enjoying Panto at the Key and many now bring their families too!

All singing and all dancing, this year’s enormous tale - from Thursday, 4th December to Sunday, 4th January - is the perfect festive treat for the whole family to enjoy.

The Key is working on Jack and the Beanstalk with The Production Exchange.

Based in Hertfordshire, The Production Exchange works to support the development of theatre performance.

This year’s pantomime promises to be even better than the record-breaking production of Cinderella in 2013. With over 20,000 tickets sold last year, the only way is up (the beanstalk) for Jack!

Tickets are already on sale for all of 60 performances. Every seat in the house provides the perfect view to join in with the Fee…Fi…Fo…FUN! at the Key this winter!

Tickets (£9 to £17-50) are available now from the Key Theatre Box Office by calling 01733 207239 or by visiting

www.vivacity-peterborough.com

WIN

A FAMILY TICKET TO THE PANTO

Here’s your chance to win a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) to the Key Theatre’s Jack and the Beanstalk. Just name the cow in this wonderful pantomime and send your answer on a postcard, with your full name and address, to: Panto Competition, Term Times, 70 Rutland Road, Stamford, Lincs PE9 1UW, or enter at www.termtimes.ltd.uk Closing date is 7th December. The winning ticket is for shows only 13th - 18th December, or 2nd - 4th January 2015 (depending upon availability).

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wondrous magical memorable nostalgic

Santa Express

Present, refreshments

&

steam train ride

01780 784444

www.nvr.org.uk Timetable: search NVR

charity 263617

Wansford Station, (A1) Stibbington, Nr Peterborough PE8 6LR 16

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Peterborough & Cambridgeshire Children’s University The Children’s University™ is a national organisation that provides 7 – 14 year olds a chance to gain recognition for the learning they choose to do outside of normal school hours. This learning takes place at Learning Destinations.

What is a Learning Destination?

• Learning Destinations are places and organisations to which children can ‘travel’ with their Passport to Learning. They provide high quality learning activities and experiences with a ‘wow’ factor and have passed the Children’s University’s own quality assurance process (Planning for Learning).

• A Learning Destination can range from a museum to a farm or from an airport to a university as long as the learning activity connects with Children’s University learning which is linked to actual university course provision.

• Learning Destinations display the CU’s Learning Destination logo prominently in and outside their environment, clearly visible to children who may want to use their Passport to Learning there.

• Learning Destinations ‘stamp’ the child’s Passport to Learning in correspondence with the time a child has been engaged in the validated learning activities within the Learning Destination. This contributes to the child’s record of achievements and CU certification.

Do you offer high quality learning opportunities for young people? If so and your organisation would like to find out more about becoming a learning destination please visit the national CU website www.childrensuniversity.co.uk or get in touch with the Peterborough Children’s University Manager by emailing: peterboroughcu@btinternet.com or call 01733 864 784.

Not valid in conjunction with any other offer or discount promotion including breakfast, lunch or specials menus, Bank Holidays, or Monday Madness (Mondays 5pm - 11pm). One free kid’s meal when an adult main course is purchased from the main menu. One kid’s meal per voucher.

Available for children up to the age of 11 years. Voucher must be surrendered upon redemption. Valid at a Frankie & Benny’s or Little Frankie’s restaurant excluding airport localtions. Valid until 26.01.15. No photocopies/torn/damaged vouchers will be accepted. No cash value.

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Get the Tree Up! Insert a couple of pictures of trees or someone decorating tree, can have a bauble/tinsel border

When it comes to choosing a Christmas tree, many of us are creatures of habit and will return to tried and tested suppliers. But if you are new to this game it’s best to do a little research first. Where do your friends purchase from?

How do prices compare from garden centre to local farm?

Are they locally-grown or delivered in to the retail outlet?

These are all factors to consider when deciding where to buy from.

Measure up!

Before you start the engine, have you decided where the tree will be located in your home? Measure the ceiling height and width of the space you intend to locate the tree. Don’t forget to factor in the tree stand and fairy (or star!) decoration on top. The larger the tree the wider the diameter of the trunk, therefore your stand is an important part of the Christmas kit. Small stands often hold little water and result in numerous refills - leaving a pine hell all over the floor. Invest in a durable one that will contain enough water for the whole festive season.

Location, location, location!

A flat stable area, where children, pets and toddlers (not in that order!) don’t frequently pass by is needed for the tree to flourish. Avoid placing next to radiators or fires or the tree may be a little bare by the 25th.

What to take with you?

A rug to protect your car from pine needles and the sticky sap that we all love. Take a saw to cut the base off the trunk. This will allow the tree to be placed into a shallow bucket of warm water at home. A drink early on will do the tree wonders (we are talking about the tree!). An additional pair of hands may also be needed if the tree is over 4 feet. If in doubt about sizes take along a tape measure.

But what tree?

The traditional British Christmas tree is the Norwegian spruce, but has a tendency to drop its needles, particularly towards the end of the Christmas period. Recently, there has been a movement to non-drop varieties which includes the blue spruce that holds its needles better than the Norwegian variety. Pines and firs have also become popular.

Must be fresh The key aspect here is how fresh the tree is. There should be no brown needles and it must retain its needles under a quick test you can undertake.

Simply drop it on its stump from a few inches above the floor. If more than a few of needles fall, it’s not the one for you.

Money talks Like everything, trees can be low, middle and highly-priced. Spruces can be cheaper than firs, but height is the influencing factor here. Work on the basis that it will cost £10–12 per foot, but this is only an average price guide.

The bigger the tree you buy may also get you a reduction in some of the other decorations you need – never be afraid to ask!

Recycle, recycle, recycle Many local authorities run a recycling scheme, go to their website for more details. Alternatively, visit British Christmas Tree Growers Association at www.christmastree.org.uk

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winter edition

19

Bridges Café has been in its prime Bridge Street location since 1996, serving delicious nutritious food to the lovely locals and visitors to Cambridge. Recently redecorated, the café has had a smart paint job and is sporting new tables and chairs.

One thing that never changes is the cafe’s attention to detail, making attractive food with good health in mind. Even their sweet treats are low sugar where possible.

For lunch, choose from delicious baguettes and sandwiches, warming home-made soups and freshly-made Chinese dishes. There really is something for all tastes.

Bridges carefully select the most aromatic beans for its smooth coffees and make the most delicious hot chocolate and sweet treats including fudge brownies, yoghurt and cranberry tiffin, caramel and peanut slices and apple strudel.

And if that all sounds yummy, Bridges café can also cater for your special party or corporate event.

For more details visit http://bridgescambridge.co.uk/catering

WIN FAMILY COMPETITION Win a family lunch for 4 people, consisting of a delicious main meal, drink and dessert for each person. Four lucky runners-up will win a hot drink and sweet treat to banish the winter blues. To enter follow instructions on page 3 and simply tell us what street Bridges Café is located on in Cambridge? Closing date is 5th January 2015.

20

www.termtimes.ltd.uk winter edition

FIRST AID

COURSES

If you’re having a girlie par ty soon and are looking for the perfect gift ideas then our luxury fragranced gift bags and hampers would be the perfect par ty giveaways.

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All our gifts are halal. Events include Eid and Christmas.

Venue: Centre 68, Westgate Church, Peterborough

BOOK NOW Events include: • Home Parties • Weddings • Anniversaries

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• Birthdays • Baby Showers • Christmas

E: denise@fenlandfirstaid.co.uk

£75 per person

Make the perfect impression with our gifts!

To place your order email orders@supnacosmetics.com Or contact Famidah on 07541139209 www.supnacosmetics.com

www.fenlandfirstaid.co.uk

EnergiZe is a free programme for families with children aged 7 – 11 who are above their ideal weight.

Each week the families attend a 2 hour workshop including interactive games, healthy eating and physical activity. A different theme runs through each session to provide you with the skills and knowledge to ‘eat well, play better and have fun.’

EnergiZe runs for 12 weeks with follow on support for up to a year.

Stuart and Sarah have just completed the 12 weekly EnergiZe sessions with their two children. They said: ‘The children have felt very involved in the EnergiZe sessions.

They have given us the skills to understand food labels, what to look for to make better choices and helped us gain an understanding of how much fat and sugar we actually need. As well as learning about the benefits of healthy eating the children have also enjoyed the physical activity.

Our two children are definitely more aware of what they eat and how active they are.

They are showing more responsibility and making better choices for themselves.

Their confidence and concentration has certainly improved since starting EnergiZe. As parents we have become better role models by actions and not words. We have found EnergiZe very positive, have made changes for the better and are looking forward to the follow on sessions. Sally has completed the full EnergiZe programme with her daughter May and commented:

“

EnergiZe has enabled us to make informed choices about the types of food we eat and has encouraged us to fit regular activity into our busy lives. We are enjoying being more active together, having more energy and feel really happy about achieving individual goals we have set ourselves.

“

For more information or to register for a place on EnergiZe please email energize@nhs.net or call Lisa Smith on 01480 376300

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winter edition

21

3 CCALANSWSEINS !

SCHOOL COMPETITION

Be part of the story!

The Frankie & Benny’s story...

Rumour has it that Frankie Giuliani was 10 years old when he left Sicily and landed at Ellis Island, New York, in 1924 with his Mamma and Poppa.

They moved in with relatives in ‘Little Italy’, a predominantly Italian neighbourhood. Poppa soon found work, but from the home country he’d brought a little money and a lot of ambition. It was no surprise when the family opened a restaurant within a year with everybody helping with the building and the cooking in equal measure.

Each had a favourite dish to contribute, but it was Mamma’s home-style cooking that was the base from which the business prospered. Frankie went to the nearby High School and became lifetime friends with Benny, already a third generation American.

In 1953, Poppa retired and Frankie and Benny took over the business, combining the best of popular American food with traditional Italian dishes. The rest, as they say, is history...

WIN

TAKE YOUR CLASS FOR A FREE PIZZA

School class competition Everyone enjoys pizza, so why don’t you treat your class friends to a free, fun and educational trip to a local Frankie & Benny’s. Spend a morning with your chums learning how to make the perfect pizza before enjoying a meal afterwards. Trained chefs will talk you through the process and explain the important ingredients that go into your favourite foods. You will follow a fun recipe to make the pizza before you and your classmates enjoy it for your lunch. See what it is like to work in a fast and energetic restaurant and how the chefs produce excellent family food. It will be great - so here’s how to win this prize.

HOW TO ENTER Visit the Term Times website and enter through the competitions section and you will find the Christmas colouring picture. Simply print off and colour in the Christmas picture on an A4 piece of paper. Finally, complete why you deserve to win this competition. The winning coloured pictures will be the one that stand out the most with the best reason provided. State your name, school and class on your picture and follow the entry instructions below.

TERM TIMES PIZZA COMPETITION, 70 Rutland Road, Stamford PE9 1UW. Closing date is 20th December.

The winning entries will be published in the February half-term issue. The winning three classes (each class is from a different school) can take up to 32 children (Plus teachers, with a maximum of 40 people) to a Frankie & Benny’s restaurant in Cambridgeshire or Lincolnshire. Other terms and conditions apply.

For more details about this great experience, see their advert on page 17 or visit www.frankieandbennys.com

It's cold outside!

Puffin Book Review

Easter Crossword Competition 2014

Snow Day by Richard Curtis. Hardback £10.99 www.bigsky.co.uk

1

Up to 6

A heart-warming winter tale from writer and director Richard Curtis, and Rebecca Cobb, the powerhouse behind The Empty Stocking.

A snowy day, a deserted school and the teacher you least 2 want to see. Welcome to Snow Day, the most magical day of the year 3

Diary of a Wimpy Kid, The Long Haul

by Jeff Kinney. Hardback, £12-99 It’s the only present your Wimpy Kid fan will want in their 6 Heffley is back, with the longstocking this year – Greg awaited Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book 9!

The perfect gift for reluctant readers who like a giggle, they won’t want to miss out on the book Jeff Kinney is calling ‘the funniest yet’.

4 5

Age 7-9

7 The Hero Pup by Megan Rix. Paperback £5.99

So let’s go into the warm and have a fun time at Big Sky indoor adventure play area in Peterborough. While mum and dad can relax with a coffee in the lounge, there is a lot for the children to enjoy.

Try out the climbing wall or the new razor rip riders. Whizz around the circuit with the didi cars or, if you are brave enough, have a go on the demon drop slide.

Age 7-9

There is a toddler area for the under-fours to enjoy with soft toys and8 climbing equipment. Full diner facilities provide the option to have lunch or tea.

For more details about birthday options and sleepovers, visit www.bigsky.co.uk or call 01733 390810

WIN 22

COMPETITION

Across

It’s Christmas but, for puppy Patch and 11-year-old Joe, the festive season isn’t full of its usual excitement. For Joe, this is the first Christmas without his Dad and he’s dreading it. Until his mum tells Joe about the Helper Dog Training programme. Could Joe adopt Patch for six months and teach him to become a Helper Dog?!

Doctor Who, 12 Doctors, 12 Stories

Age 9-12

Term Times has 6 family day passes to win5.(2Easter adultseggs and are often made of this Collect your eggs in this 2 children). The tickets are valid until the 7.

24th March, 8. The season in which Easter falls 2015. Simply answer the following question: What is the educational nursery called at Big Sky? (Clue: see the advert opposite). Please enter via the normal instructions on page 3. Closing date is 5th January, 2015.

WIN

by Holly Black. Paperback £12.99 Following on from the success of the 50th anniversary paperback anthology, this highly-acclaimed collection of short Doctor Who stories contains all of the original 11 adventures plus an exciting new Twelfth Doctor story written by bestselling US author, Holly Black.

Down 1. Cheerful, yellow spring flower

2. You may go on one - Easter egg --BOOKS FOR YOUR SCHOOL 3. Show off your Easter bonnet at one

This competition is for anyone to participate in, with 4. entries You may wear these one inbooks an Easter parade three winning gaining for their They hatch of or real eggs school. Visit 5. our website toout enter post your details to 6. We give chocolate ones at Easter our address on page 3. Closing date 20th December 2014.

www.termtimes.ltd.uk winter edition

7. Will they visit you this year ?

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winter edition

23

From £175

A toy box for Christmas creative

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From £145

Buy an unpainted version and get a FREE stencil and 100ml pot Chalk Paint™

quality storage

!

pre-painted now in store

About Chalk Chalk Interiors is an official stockist of Chalk Paint™ by Annie Sloan, the popular ‘designer’ paint that is perfect for upcycling your old furniture. Fun and informative workshops are held regularly to teach different techniques - the only official Annie Sloan workshops in the Stamford area.

From £195

made in UK

Based at the Stamford Garden Centre with free parking on site, choose from the full range of Annie Sloan products or browse the lovely painted furniture and the beautiful range of gifts along with these new and exclusive Toy Boxes.

Have fun creating your own design

T: 01780 752414 www.chalkinteriors.com Chalk Interiors at Stamford Garden winter Centre, Stamford PE9 4BB www.termtimes.ltd.uk edition 24