TermTimes 161

WI N TER HAL F-TERM ISSUE

the magazine for families

Issue 161 – January to March 2024

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BOOK COMPETITIONS GET PARTY PLANNING! HALF-TERM ACTIVITIES INSIDE Covering Cambridge, Fenland, Huntingdon, Oundle, Peterborough, Spalding, South Kesteven, Wisbech and more

The essential FREE publication for you and your children

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Welcome Back!

This can sometimes feel like a time of hibernation. It’s the season when the weather outside feels cold and uninviting, and all we want to do is stay at home and turn the heating up. But it can also be a wonderful time for making plans. Have you thought about what you would like to achieve in 2024?

Now we’re over the hectic schedules of Christmas, one thing you might want to focus your attention on is ideas for your child’s next birthday party. In this issue, we offer a guide to planning the celebration so that it runs without a hitch and creates lasting memories.

Talking about big birthdays, we spoke to Hegarty to find out their latest news.

They have exciting plans to celebrate their 50th birthday in 2024 with a focus on community and charitable activities in the local area. In this issue we launch the Education Awards with our partners Kip McGrath, check out page 6 for all the information.

Want to beat the January blues?

Remember to enter our competitions to be in with a chance of winning some fantastic prizes. Good luck!

Amanda

WIN AN EDURINO DIGITAL LEARNING SYSTEM! Introducing EDURINO – the playful digital learning system. Developed in collaboration with teachers, it offers a combination of physical and digital learning, with maximum fun. Every starter set includes an ergonomic pen (great for perfecting pen grip) and a real figurine which - when touched to the screen of your device - magically unlocks the world of learning via the free app.

There are loads of games to choose from, there are no ads or in-app purchases, and there are extensive parental controls too.

Once the app has been downloaded onto your device, EDURINO is internet free so all the learning content is available offline, making it totally portable.

loves nothing more than teaching children about numbers and shapes.

This includes teaching children to recite the numbers to 10, counting accurately and connecting amounts to written digits, and focusing on addition We have two Robin Starter Sets to give away, worth £44.99 each. Robin the racoon and number bonds via various games.

For info visit www.edurino.co.uk | Entry instructions below. Closing date 23 Feb.

In this issue Editorial

Competition Entry

News...............................................................4 Education Awards...................................6 Birthday Party Planning.......................8-10 Plan your Forest Adventure Party.. 10 Billie's Fins Party Choices....................11 Happy 50th Birthday Hegarty..........13

Competitions

EDURINO digital learning System.. 3 A Countdown to Yesterday Book...14 Win a Dread Wood Book Set............14 Sets of Beano Boomics to be Won.. 14

Advertise with us Term Times distributes printed copies to parents six times a year, within over 180 local primary schools. Your business will be seen in a title read and respected for over 20 years...

Mentioning the competition you're entering, send your name, age, address and phone number via email to steven@termtimes.ltd.uk or visit www.termtimes.ltd.uk Please ask your parents’ permission before entering via the internet. All winners will be picked at random and Term Times' decision is final.

DRAMA & SINGING LESSONS OF DISTINCTION

Contact us Publisher: Steven Beacham Editor: Amanda Stacey T: 01780 757731 E: steven@termtimes.ltd.uk 70 Rutland Road, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 1UW

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For options available, please contact the team on 01780 757731 or email steven@termtimes.ltd.uk

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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/advertisers 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/advertiser. Competition winners will have their details shared with the competition supplier for purposes of fulfilling delivery/provision of the prize. Details of the winners will sometimes be published in a subsequent issue and by entering the competition you grant Term Times permission to publish these.

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.

STANGROUND | WERRINGTON | ORTON

APPLY NOW FOR YOUR FREE TRIAL LESSON t: 07801 953 643 e: julie@littlevoices.org.uk SQUARE-X-TWITTER

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SAFARI PLAY PROMOTION

STAMFORD SHOWSTOPPERS PROMOTION

Time to party at Safari Play

Don’t miss Frozen Jr This spring, Stamford Showstoppers is bringing audiences another amazing musical: Frozen Jr, which will be performed by local children aged 8-18 years old. Shows will be held at the Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre from 14-18 February.

Based on the film we all know and love, Frozen Jr is a story of true love and acceptance between sisters. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential. With a cast of beloved characters and loaded with magic, adventure, and plenty of humour, Frozen Jr is sure to thaw even the coldest heart.

Organising your child’s party can involve a lot of time and effort. But if you’d rather just sit back and enjoy making memories - without any of the stress - then take a look at Safari Play in Peterborough.

Providing affordable, all-inclusive, themed and hosted children’s parties, it really is the easy choice for your child’s birthday experience.

They take all the stress from you, and your child will have an amazing adventure on their special day.

Tickets are £13.50 each, or £10 for under 16s. Book online on: stamfordcornexchange.co.uk/frozen-jr or call the box office on 01780 766 455.

Competition Winners!

Here are the winners of Term Times’ competitions

So, what’s on offer? Whatever your child’s interests, there are a huge range of themes to select from. Whether you opt for Dinosaur, make a ‘Buddy Bear’, Football, Superhero, Jungle, Glow in the Dark, Princess, or get exclusive use whilst playing Laser Tag in the whole frame.

Leila

Each party includes 80-minutes of adventure play and 40-minutes in a private themed party room with a choice of party banquet and squash.

There will also be a reserved table for parents in the main play area, and a dedicated host on hand at all times to look after you all.

Not only that, but all the added extras are taken care of too. Even the themed invitations and thank you letters are printed for your ease.

The birthday child will also receive one complimentary return pass for the next time they visit Safari Play. The only thing you need to sort is a cake and candles – Safari even sorts the knife and lighter!

To find out more, call 01733 830 204 Opt 2, book with ease online at www.safariplay.co.uk/peterborough or email parties@safariplay.co.uk

Florence

Mason

Millie

Charlotte

MOVE, DANCE AND SMILE WITH ZUMBA KIDS! Monday: 4.10pm, 4-6 yrs old and 5pm, 7-11yrs old at South Grove Community Centre PE2 9AG Wednesday: 4.10pm, 4-6 yrs old and 5pm, 7-11 yrs old at Hampton Vale Community Centre PE7 8NJ Friday: 4.15pm, 4-11 yrs old at Gladstone Park Community Centre PE1 2AN

First Class is FREE! Classes during term time only. £6 per class or 5 classes £25. Class duration 45 mins.

Contact your Licensed Zumba Instructor: Dzesika on 07860 686285. /Zumba Kids Peterborough 4

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The Return of the Education Awards Term Times is delighted to be teaming up with Kip McGrath Peterborough to celebrate The Education Awards 2024. These special awards will recognise and celebrate the people who go the extra mile for education - those unsung heroes who inspire children with learning and who innovate in their daily roles.

Who are the partners this year?

We wouldn’t be able to bring you these special awards without the much-needed support of partners. Term Times is pleased to announce Kip McGrath Peterborough as our partner for the 2024 awards. Kip McGrath Peterborough supports children from local schools and the surrounding areas with their learning. Dedicated and qualified teachers support students to reach individual goals with personalised lessons. Sharing many of their successes along the way too.

Gill Terry, Director of Kip McGrath Peterborough, explains: “We feel that there are some people in schools who go that extra mile or who go above and beyond, and who really care about the children in their learning spaces. To show our appreciation for these people, it will be

a delight to recognise what they do to support Teaching Assistant of the Year Award our schools and children in our local community.

Celebrating the adults who help pupils and We’re delighted to be involved with The Education teachers reach their targets with their amazing Awards 2024.” encouragement.

We need your help!

Awards will be given for the following categories:

Primary Teacher of the Year Award

Celebrating those who support our children and their additional needs with expert knowledge, understanding and passion.

Celebrating the outstanding work and joy a primary school teacher gives. We’re looking for teachers who support and challenge all children in their class.

These are just a few roles where individuals work tirelessly to meet the needs and education requirements of our younger generations - all with a smile on their face and a helping hand.

Headteacher of the Year Award

Nominations are invited from parents, headteachers, governors, co-workers, parents and pupils themselves! Winners will receive a voucher for themselves as well as a prize for their school.

Celebrating dedication to their school community and recognising how they support their teachers in many ways, while always aiming for the best for our children.

Get Nominating!

Visit www.termtimes.ltd.uk/awards to make your nominations for the available categories. The deadline for entries is 1 May although Term Times reserves the right to amend the closing date. Winners will be announced in the Summer issue.

The judges’ decision is final and by nominating you give permission for your details to be published and shared with the sponsors and the relevant school.

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SENDCo of the Year Award:

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GET PARTY PLANNING

TIME TO DIY? A great place to start is by asking your child what they would like to do for their birthday, then you can follow their lead. There’s no point planning a lavish party if they’d prefer just to have their best friend around to dinner.

With Term Times’ simple tips, you can ensure your child’s event runs smoothly.

Once your children start school, it often signals the start of a flurry of party invitations. Weekends can quickly become dedicated to ferrying your child from event to event - and don’t forget about the endless presents to buy!

But when it comes to your own child’s party, how do you go about making sure organising it is a piece of cake? Birthday parties should be something to treasure. After all, it’s about enjoying a fun day together and creating cherished memories. It’s worth remembering that those moments don’t just come from lavish celebrations, so keep the party as small and uncomplicated as you like.

With the right preparation, you can make the most of simply seeing your child enjoy their special day.

Here at Term Times, we aim to take the stress out of your party planning. Here’s our guide to organising an unforgettable children’s birthday celebration.

LOCATION, LOCATION When choosing a venue, consider factors like the ages of the kids, the number of guests, your budget, and any specific preferences the birthday child might have. Think about whether the venue provides options like catering and decorations too.

There are so many different party places to choose from, here are some popular choices: • Hosting at home is a budget option that allows for lots of flexibility. You can hire entertainers or set up crafts and games stations.

• Village halls are low-cost, local and often have the convenience of kitchen facilities and parking on-site.

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Speak to them about choosing a date and time, whether they want to include a meal, and what kind of activity they’d prefer. It’s also worth seeing if your child has a specific theme in mind, which will set the tone for the entire party. Think superheroes, princesses, dinosaurs, Minecraft, or even a favourite movie. If it’s a theme they love already, you may have lots of decorative items to hand and can avoid buying in props.

The next question is: how much do you want to do yourself? If you select an all-inclusive party venue then they will often be able to provide everything for the day. This could include activities and entertainers, through to the food and party bags - leaving you with nothing to do other than sending out the invitations and making sure you’re there on time!

Alternatively, choosing a more basic venue (such as a village hall) means you will need to organise everything yourself. But it can be a great way to keep the costs low and it means you can personalise the event entirely to suit your child’s age and interests.

• Soft plays are a great way to provide plenty of active fun for primary-aged children. In addition to the play space, many provide a variety of other activities too.

• Public parks with picnic areas and playgrounds are excellent locations for parties, particularly if you have a summer-born child and are hoping for some sunshine.

• Entertainment venues often have a range of party packages. Think bowling alleys, lasertag, ice skating, trampoline parks, and mini-golf courses.

• Zoos and farm parks offer party packages and animal encounters.

• Restaurants and cafés often have designated party areas or private rooms for celebrations.

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• Art studios or craft centres enable children to engage in painting and pottery.

• Swimming pools are perfect places for a party if your child loves the water. They often provide fun activities and inflatables to play with.

• Sports venues can host themed activities like football, basketball, or even martial arts lessons.

• Theatres or cinemas can provide private screenings for kids or you can simply arrange a group visit.

• Don’t forget about museums too! It’s a great way to include a bit of culture in the day.

Whichever venue you opt for it’s important to book in advance, particularly if you’re selecting a popular weekend slot where there may be limited availability.

LOOKING AT SLEEPOVERS Those of you with older children may be asked about sleepover parties. If you decide to go ahead with this, then speak to the parents first for consent and to ask their advice on elements such as ageappropriate film recommendations.

At the start of the sleepover, clearly communicate rules around behaviour, bedtime and other expectations to the children.

You can agree details with the parents too to set their minds at rest. Remember to take the parents’ contact details in case of emergencies.

Encouraging kids to fall asleep can be a challenge when they’re overexcited and in a new environment. Make their sleeping area comfortable with blankets and pillows and provide gentle lighting or nightlights. Engage them with quieter games or activities as bedtime approaches to help them wind down. Praise efforts to settle for bedtime, but understand that every child is different and some may take longer to fall asleep.

CONSIDER THE BENEFITS OF HIRING If you want to create a great kids’ party but you don’t want to invest in new items for a one-off event, why not hire instead?

You can borrow children’s furniture, tableware and props for the occasion and use them in any location to make the party feel particularly special. The furniture will be the perfect size for all party activities - including eating, crafting or game playing.

FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD When it comes to catering, keep it simple. Children tend to have a reputation for being fussy eaters. Select a menu that caters to kids’ tastes and preferences; including snacks, finger foods, and the ever-popular birthday cake. Some supermarkets or independent caterers provide pre-made birthday platters, making it easy to pre-order and then pick the food up on the day.

It’s important to ask for dietary requirements when you send out the invitations. Any children with allergies, intolerances or coeliac disease can be provided with colour-themed plates to ensure they don’t get mixed up. Sometimes it's easier to cater all the food for those dietary requirements, particularly if it is a buffet: that way the whole spread is allergy-friendly.

ADDED EXTRAS So, you’ve chosen a venue and a date. What else might you need? If you haven’t gone for an all-inclusive option, perhaps some additional activities to entertain the kids? These could range from disco providers, magicians, princess performers, face painting, clowns, science parties and more.

Whether you have a main activity or not, you may want to provide games or crafts, particularly as some children may feel a little overwhelmed by taking part in large group sessions.

Consider add-ons such as treasure hunts, biscuit decorating, craft tables, bouncy castles or soft play hire for any younger siblings attending.

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CHOOSE A GREEN THEME We all know it’s important to create less waste, but with parties it can seem particularly hard to avoid. To organise a party that’s kinder to the environment it’s important to reuse, recycle and repurpose wherever possible.

For a start, invitations can be sent out digitally. You can decorate using homemade or repurposed items. As mentioned earlier, you can hire tableware and furniture. Drinks can be served in jugs and reusable cups rather than juice cartons. Ideally, try to use partyware that can either be reused or that is compostable or biodegradable. When it comes to party food, try to buy fewer pre-packaged items. Remember we’re talking child-sized appetites, so try not to over-cater to avoid waste.

Make it clear to guests that second-hand toys or pre-read books are welcomed as gifts. When wrapping presents for your child’s birthday, use recyclable paper or reusable cloth. Instead of filling goody bags with lots of tiny plastic toys that inevitably end up in landfill, why not offer each guest a book, seeds to grow, or crafting kits?

NEW THEMES FOR 2024

WE ASKED PARENTS FOR THEIR ‘TOP TIPS’ • Get the party invites out as soon as possible to avoid clashes. Include essential details such as date, time, location, RSVP information and any special instructions.

• Make it clear if it’s a drop-off party or if parents are required to stay, to avoid any confusion on the day.

• Keep to budget by making notes of what you’re spending as you go.

• Record the day by designating someone to take photographs.

• If hosting outdoors, have a backup plan in case of bad weather.

• If you don’t have the capacity to invite everyone from the class then hand out invites discreetly or use a private WhatsApp message.

• Team up! If there’s another child with a birthday, plan a joint celebration to share the prep work and the costs.

Some party themes will always remain popular, but what new ideas are emerging for 2024? VR gaming experiences look likely to continue to gain popularity. Other themes might include exploring the galaxy with spacethemed parties, participating in handson science experiments, encouraging creativity with painting and sculpting, plus culinary creations parties where children can decorate cupcakes or make their own pizzas.

Party inspiration ideas

• Pop cupcakes in the party bags instead of cake to cut down on preparation time.

• www.letsgowiththechildren.co.uk

• Cover party tables in paper that children can draw on and provide colouring pencils for an easy additional activity.

• www.venuescanner.com • www.totstables.co.uk

FOREST FACILITY PROMOTION

Plan the Perfect Party at Stamford’s Great New Outdoor Adventure Centre!

Fuelled by a passion for adventure and the rewards of outdoor activities, local adventurer and ultramarathon runner Darren Grigas teamed up with world-class adventure company Rat Race and the renowned Burghley Estates to create an incredible attraction to rival the likes of centres like Go Ape, and it’s right here on our doorstep on the edge of Stamford!

Forest Facility Outdoor Adventure Centre is fast becoming the go-to group-activity centre for children and adults across the region, all visiting for many reasons; including birthday parties, school activity days and team building events for sports clubs, local businesses, Scouts, Guides and more.

recognised as the World’s Biggest Assault Course, attracting thousands of people each year to tackle the 200 obstacles across 20 miles of the revered event. Favourite obstacles are now repurposed and compacted into this more accessible and shortened course, adapted for younger participants to enjoy too.

Tranquil Forests - Set across more than 100 acres of peaceful private forest and lake surroundings, Climbing High - For the high-flyers and treethere’s a fantastic feast of activities to choose from, climbers, tackle the 12-metre climbing wall, suitable for ages 6-to-60+.

80-metre zip-lines, four Treetops Challenges suspended from the canopies, or brave the Energy Burners - Break a sweat and get hearts exhilarating Leap-of-Faith if you dare. racing with action-packed Laser Tag games across forest floor battlefields or tackle the Legacy Assault Course boasting more than 60 obstacles crammed into four kilometres of wooded trails.

This was once the heart of the world-famous Rat Race Dirty Weekend, which for a decade was 10

Puzzlers and Strategists - For the problem solvers, get your thinking caps on for the Underground Escape Rooms, Team Tasks, the Forest Fuddle Clue Hunt or hone those inner-Viking skills on the axe-throwing range to hit the bullseye.

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Wet and Wild - Head over to the sizable Whitewater Lake for Kayaking, Sailing, RaftBuilding, and the notorious Walk-The-Plank water jumps.

Party Time - For a full party atmosphere there’s ample seating at Basecamp. Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drink or use any of the partnered local caterers to deliver fresh-made pizzas, wraps and food packages for your party after your activities.

The facility offers free hot and cold drinks for groups, with toilets, changing areas and even hot showers available, perfect after a dip in the lake!

Birthday Parties at Forest Facility are truly exceptional, and as there’s so much to do, you can’t possibly fit it all into one day, so there really can be many happy returns! ForestFacility.com

QUEENSGATE PROMOTION

15 AMAZING ANIMAL MODELS MADE FROM BRICKS

Queensgate brings Animal Paradise to Peterborough This February Half Term, Queensgate Shopping Centre is taking a walk on the wild side as 15 life-size creatures, made purely from bricks, take over the Peterborough mall.

Animal Paradise is a free model exhibition for children and adults to enjoy over the holidays located across the malls in Queensgate. The impressive structures include some of the most endangered animals in the world, so as well as being mighty impressive to see, it aims to educate the next generation of children on the theme of endangered animal species.

Visitors to the centre will come face-to-face with amazing creatures such as an imposing Tiger, a proud African Lion, the rare Blue Fin Tuna, a Giant Panda and a graceful Dolphin.

The four habitats represented in Animal Paradise are Wildlands, Snow and Ice, Ocean and Jungle and each of the 15 animals comes with an ID card that includes a question to answer that will help complete a trail map. Queensgate will also be running a competition to win a prize so look out on their social media channels and find out how to enter.

The exhibition is open from Saturday 17 February until Sunday 25 February.

The Animal Paradise tour has been seen across the world. The first set premiered in 2018 and has visited 3 continents since. Starting in the Bird’s Nest Stadium, Beijing, the models then moved on to the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco before flying across the pond for events at the Dallas Cowboys and Brookfield Zoo, Chicago.

For more information about Queensgate Shopping Centre and upcoming events, visit www.queensgate-shopping.co.uk www.queensgate-shopping.co.uk/events/half-term-event-2024/ BILLIE'S FINS PROMOTION

New Party Packages at Billie’s Fins If you are looking to celebrate a birthday, Billie’s Fins private swim school offers exclusive hire with themed packages available at their Pinchbeck pool. For groups of ten or more, you can make a splash for £15 per person and they will have a wonderful time in the water. It’s fun for all ages!

SEN and Disability Swimming SEN and Disability swimming is fully catered for with qualified teachers, separate changing facilities at Pinchbeck and Orton, as well as a hoist to help swimmers with limited mobility.

The new hoist has opened the benefits of swimming to even more adults and children. As the pool runs at 33° it is perfect for anyone who is rehabilitating, and for individuals that need a warmer pool. A new SEN class for 2024 has been added in Pinchbeck, on Mondays at 6.30pm. Private lessons are available across all 3 sites 7 days per week, more SEN classes to be added this term.

Pick from a range of party packages; including a choice of dinosaur, princess, mermaid or superhero themes. Each session offers 75 minutes of swim time, 30 minutes poolside celebrations, unlimited squash, themed decorations and party bags too.

Billie’s Fins is a professional, happy, and safe place where swimmers of all ages can flourish.

The swim school runs at three locations: their own purpose-built pool in Pinchbeck, Eye C of E Primary School and Orton.

Swimming lessons give youngsters confidence in the water and in their everyday lives and Billie’s Fins already provides this for over 1600 swimmers each week.

in the water, improve their skills, or even learn Small class sizes and the pool being heated to a to compete with the help of expert instructors. comfortable 33° means everyone can be at ease One-to-one tutoring is also available.

You can hire the pool for parties, groups, and for school lessons. Fitness classes and evening lane swimming sessions are also available.

To find out more, or book, please email: grouplessons@billiesfins.com or privatelessons@billiesfins.com www.billiesfins.com | FACEBOOK /BilliesFinsSwimSchool | instagram /Billiesfinsswimschool www.termtimes.ltd.uk

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HEGARTY PROMOTION

Hegarty & Co Broadway office under construction in 1990

Celebrating 50 years with Hegarty Hegarty have held a dedicated place in the lives of local residents since 1974, when the first office was established in Peterborough. Since then, the firm has carefully selected three further locations to call home – and has big plans to celebrate its 50-year anniversary in 2024 with a host of community and charitable events.

We offer a range of legal services in and around the areas we now call home, and clients know that because they can get to us easily within their local town centre – we’re on hand whenever they need our advice or support.

Most of our staff members are from their local area and we are committed to making a positive impact on the communities we work in."

Heart of the community

Kally Singh (pictured above), Senior Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution at Hegarty, tells us more...

“When the Peterborough office opened in 1974, there hadn’t been a new firm of solicitors in the city for some time – but the timing was excellent because it was during a huge increase in the number of people coming to live here. Back then, we offered a handful of legal services such as family law and conveyancing, and quickly developed a reputation of going above and beyond to achieve the best results possible for our clients.

We grew organically through word-of-mouth referrals and client recommendations, and we realised we’d have to expand to cope with the substantial volume of work that was coming in. We opened the Stamford office in December 1979, and in 2015 opened an office in Oakham, and a further one in the centre of Market Deeping in 2023.

"One of our main goals is to remain true to our roots: we’re a local firm, and we're probably one of the biggest firms that has remained truly local. By that I mean, a lot of firms of a similar size to us have gone on to open offices in places such as London and Birmingham, or other bigger cities, but we always want to stay in the heart of local communities, those market towns in and around Peterborough, Stamford and Rutland.

The central location of our offices in local towns means we’re always at the heart of the community. We want to be on the High Street so we’re easy for people to access and they can drop in when they need to. These days a lot of services seem to be disappearing from ‘real life’ – you can’t always visit your bank or insurance broker and talk face-to-face with someone, but we still see ourselves as being there for people."

Supporting local communities "We support and sponsor a number of local community groups, clubs and events, including hosting our hugely popular Rutland Business Network to connect local businesses, which runs monthly at Rutland Hall Hotel and Spa. We’ve also got a dedicated charity

committee who organise a number of fundraising events throughout the year for a nominated local charity.

We were proud to recently partner with Term Times to launch the Community Club Awards, with the aim of recognising and supporting the clubs, organisations and people who make a huge difference to the people and places around them."

Anniversary plans "For our 50th anniversary in 2024 we have a lot of community and charitable activities planned and we also have a new look, with a new logo to represent the Hegarty brand and better reflect our values, so that we have a great foundation to begin our 50th year.

Our goal is to carry out 50 local, community and charity initiatives throughout the year, focusing on all of our locations – Peterborough, Stamford, Oakham and Market Deeping.

There is a full list of 50 initiatives on our website, so staff and any clients who want to be involved can take part in, for example, planting trees or doing sponsored activities, or volunteering and can keep track of how we are doing! We hope it will be both lots of fun and make a real difference.

We normally have one charity of the year every year, but this year we're going to support four different charities, one for each of our locations. We’re really looking forward to marking the occasion by giving a bit back to these local communities who have been so welcoming to us. It’s going to be a busy year!”

Get in touch – For legal help and advice, visit hegarty.co.uk or phone 01733 346 333 www.termtimes.ltd.uk

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For on details how to enter follow the instructions on page 3. Closing date is 23 February.

Publisher: Farshore THREE TO WIN! Author: Beano Studios, Craig WIN A SET OF BEANO Graham and Mike Stirling, illustrated by Vivian Truong BOOMICS BOOKS RRP: £7.99, Age: 7+ yrs

going on. No, it’s not the boy in a red-and-black jumper carrying a dog as if it were a backpack. Where are the teachers?

Having just celebrated 85 years of Beano Comics, there’s a brand new pick your own adventure book for readers to enjoy: The Day The Teachers Disappeared.

In this epic new Beanotown adventure, you are the main character. Choose which direction you’d like the story to go in Join Dennis, Gnasher and all of the Beanotown kids, and discover what it truly means to become a Bash Street Kid. and discover what it’s like to become a Bash Street Three lucky Term Times readers will win a full set of eight Beano Kid on the best school day ever! It’s your first day at Boomics books (including The Day the Teachers Disappeared, Bash Street School and there’s something strange RRP £7.99).

THREE TO WIN!

WIN A COUNTDOWN TO YESTERDAY BOOK

Publisher: Usborne Publishing Ltd Author: Shirley Marr RRP: £7.99, Age: 9+ yrs

Discover a wonderful new story about family love, friendship and hope by the author of the criticallyacclaimed A Glasshouse of Stars.

Then during Science Week, James meets the enigmatic Yan, a girl who looks at the world with x-ray eyes, and he discovers that travelling back in time might be possible after all. But are his best memories as perfect as he remembers?

James is stuck in the present and that's the last place he wants to be. His parents have suddenly separated, and he has to get used to living two completely different lives. Unfortunately, nothing is adding up to the one great life James used to have and he wishes he could go back to the past, to his ‘Top Six’ good memories.

THREE TO WIN! WIN A DREAD WOOD BOOK SET To celebrate the publication of Fright Bite, the 5th book in the terrifically spooky series of books by Jennifer Killick, we’re giving away three complete sets of the series to Term Times readers.

It’s Colette’s birthday and the friends are spending an evening at Neon Perch: an epic entertainment spot where they can eat pizza, play mini golf and – best of all – take part in

This is a beautifully sensitive and nuanced depiction of the complexities of parental separation from a child's perspective. Win one of three copies, worth £7.99 each.

Publisher: Farshore Author: Jennifer Killick Age: 9-12 yrs Project Z, an epic new escape room experience. It’s going to be the best night ever! Or is it?

Somehow, the escape room seems to know each player’s greatest fears. And worst of all, there are creatures locked up with them. Creatures from their darkest nightmares… giant, poisonous rats!

Jennifer’s writing is funny and exciting with just the right amount of scares. Jennifer has also been selected as a World Book Day author for 2024.

Go Wild Flag Fen Archaeological Park

Fledglings Flag Fen Archaeological Park

Time Quest Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery

22 – 25 Feb, 10am & 2.30pm

16 Feb & 15 Mar, 10am - 11.30am

Mon 19 - Fri 23 Feb, 10am - 4pm

Flag Fen parkland is the perfect destination for children to explore the outdoors and learn through play this February half term. Each day will be a different theme to spark children’s imagination; from pirates and superheroes to mythical creatures and space, plus the whole family can enjoy joining in the fun with creative crafts and exciting activities including scavenger hunts and outdoor den building.

Did you know about Fledglings at Flag Fen? These fun hands-on Fledglings sessions are perfect for mini outdoor explorers and will enable preschool children aged 3+, to engage with a variety of outdoor activities based around an exciting theme. Each session will include a story, songs and crafting as well as opportunities for messy play and free play to support children’s development and early learning skills.

See the past come to life with a timetravelling adventure at Peterborough Museum. Journey through the story of the Museum building and experience life in the past by jumping into the different eras of its history. Families will need to work together to solve puzzles and gather clues to help put the timeline back in order.

£3 per child + general admission. Pre-book online at flagfen.org.uk/feb 14

Tickets: £4 adults, £3.50 under 16s, £15 families (2 adults, up to 3 children), £5 per child (includes 1 accompanying adult). under 5s FREE. Pre-book online at Book online at flagfen.org.uk/fledglings peterboroughmuseum.org.uk/feb

www.termtimes.ltd.uk