Issuu

BU B M BO OOKPER NA S NZ A

PETERBOROUGH

See page 8

the magazine for families

Issue 130 January â€“ March 2018

adventure awaits Twilight at the Museums

A special year for the city

WINTRIP TO

CLASS STLE OAKHAM CA

WINREWELL

SAC PARTY S BU HCRAFT

y a D s ' r e th o M gift ideas

www.termtimes.ltd.uk The essential FREE publication for you and your children

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who YOU are… r e v o c s i d d n a e Com NEW Direct bus route from Spalding to Wisbech Grammar starting September 2018

Additional bus routes are now available from Peterborough, Whittlesey and surrounding villages.

At Wisbech Grammar School, we don’t just focus on academic success but on developing and nurturing young people to reach their full potential. We believe educational development is not simply conﬁned to the classroom or laboratory, but can be found in the art rooms, dance and performing studios, music rooms and sports ﬁelds.

Prep School Open Morning Saturday 27 January, 10am – 12:30pm

Whole School Open Morning Saturday 17 March, 10am – 12:30pm Tour our whole school from Reception class to 6th Form and meet current pupils and teachers. (for children aged 4-18) Prep 5 (Year 5) Taster Day Saturday 28 April, 9:30am - 3pm Experience what it is like to be a pupil at Wisbech Grammar School, aimed at children looking for Senior School entry in September 2019.

www.wisbechgrammar.com

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Welcome ...to your February half term issue of Term Times magazine. With wintry weather upon us, and Christmas a distant memory, this half term is always a welcome break for our family. Every year we like to brave the seasonal wind and rain and get out and about to enjoy what is great about our region. One of our long-standing favourites is the Twilight at the Museums event in Cambridge, featured in this edition. A night of exploring the city's museums and collections, following trails and finding mysterious objects after hours is fun for all the family. Pictured are two of the younger members of the Term Times team at Cambridge University Botanic Garden enjoying last year's event. Also in this issue we look at a big year for Peterborough as the city celebrates 900 years of its iconic cathedral. A whole host of events are being held, so don’t miss out on this wonderful celebration. And with Mother's Day not too many weeks away we've got a selection of gift ideas to treat mum on her special day. We've also got some great competitions, including the chance to scoop a fabulous Bushcraft party at Sacrewell and a Harry Potterinspired educational experience for your class at Oakham Castle. And, with World Book Day on 1 March, there's the choice of six books to win in our bumper book bonanza. If you are a lucky winner of one of our competitions we love it when you share a photo of yourself with your prize....and sometimes we publish them in the magazine. Have a great family half term and we will see you again in the Easter issue.

Contents

Amanda

Regulars 4................News 6................Puzzles

Competitions 8................Class trip to Oakham Castle

16 .............Bushcraft party at Sacrewell 17 .............Bumper book bonanza

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

Advertise with us Term Times reaches over 50,000 children and many more parents six times a year. Through a transparent and targeted channel, your business will be seen in a title read and respected for over 20 years. For options available, please contact the team on 01780 757731 or via steven@termtimes.ltd.uk

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Editorial 8................Peterborough Children's University

Competition Entry

9................Mother's Day gift ideas

Mentioning the competition you're entering, send your name, age, address, phone number and school name to Term Times, 70 Rutland Road, Stamford, Lincs PE9 1UW or via email to steven@termtimes. ltd.uk

13 .............Hegarty Solicitors' Julia Weber ballet dancer to family lawyer

11 .............PECT: tackling food waste

Alternatively, competitions will be posted on our website at 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.

14 .............Half term fun with Vivacity 18 .............Launch of Peterborough Celebrates 19 .............Twilight at the Museums

Another great publication designed by

Dimension T: 01733 772095 www.dimension6000.com

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/advertisiers 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.

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termtimes

NEWS TermTimes competition winners

Send us your school news Term Times is always looking for stories about the great things that are happening in our local primary schools - and the teachers and pupils who are making them happen. If you have news about your school send it to steven@termtimes.ltd.uk and, if possible, include a high resolution photo...then we can show AND tell.'

Wisbech Grammar School to launch dedicated bus service From September this year Wisbech Grammar School will be running a dedicated bus service from selected stops in Spalding and surrounding locations direct to the school. The new service means families from further afield will have more choice of which school they want their children to attend and getting to Wisbech Grammar will become easier.

It's great when our competition winners get in touch and share photos of themselves enjoying their prizes. So we thought we'd share them with you... Here are three of our recent Book Bonanza competition winners who kindly shared photos... Chanel with Julius Zebra, Samuel with the Amazing Animal Atlas and Lily with Book of Bones.

The school is keen to attract more families from the Spalding area and enquires about the new bus routes can made to admissions on 01945 586 750 or by emailing admissions@wisbechgrammar.com www.wisbechgrammar.com

Little Voices celebrate audition successes Little Voices musical theatre school has plenty to celebrate after lots of pupils successfully auditioned for roles in various Christmas shows and pantomimes in Peterborough and Stamford.

Almost a ﬁfth of average salary spent on raising a child Almost a fifth (18.5%) of an average parent’s salary is spent on each child in the household, according to latest research from Halifax. Mums and dads of newborns to 11 year olds spend an average of £448.41 a month on a variety of different items per child, equating to £5,380.92 per year, or almost a fifth of the average £29,009 salary. Three-quarters of parents (75%) say that having children has meant unexpected one-off purchases since they were born. A third had to shell out for additional furniture (32%) or a different car (29%), and almost a quarter (23%) had to buy a bigger house. And having children has meant almost half (47%) have cut back on going out and socialising, while 44% have fewer meals out in restaurants and 31% are spending less on holidays. Just under a third (32%) of parents say don't have as many takeaways or luxury food items.

In March, several students will be appearing in a production of Oliver! at The Cresset while tutor, Amanda, is treading the boards in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at The Key Theatre. Little Voice lessons across all Peterborough centres are now recognised by The Children's University and count towards their graduation.

English and maths live on-screen tuition Interested in extra English or maths tuition for your child, but a busy family schedule means it's difficult to attend an education centre after school or at weekends? Then Kip McGrath in Peterborough has the solution. Children can now connect with a fully-qualified and experienced teacher from the comfort and convenience of their own home via on-screen tutoring sessions. Lessons in maths and English, including GCSE and 11-plus exam preparation, are delivered faceto-face with a tutor - online and in real time via webcam. Students can see and talk to their tutor, ask questions and share documents, just as they would at a Kip McGrath centre. Kip McGrath Peterborough North opened in April 2016 and is run by Gill Terry and John Aylward. The Park Road centre is open six days a week with half a dozen teachers delivering more than 100 individual student lessons each week.

And Tuesday sessions staged in Stanground are moving to the Cardea Sports Pavilion in Bellona Drive as they have outgrown their original venue. www.littlevoices.org.uk

Making the move into teaching

e-Luminate Cambridge Festival

Many people with established careers retrain as teachers every year and making the switch is easier than you might think.

Colour and light will bathe Cambridge city centre from 9 to 14 February when e-Luminate Cambridge Festival once again returns to enchant, entrance, fascinate and inform. As day turns to night, iconic buildings will be transformed by breathtaking light-art installations created by some of Europe’s leading artists. One of the region’s most popular events, the festival of light is organised by charity Cambridge Live and attracts thousands to the city. Managing Director of Cambridge Live Steve Bagnall said: 'The festival allows people to experience the city in a whole new way with plenty of opportunities for everyone to explore light and colour by taking part in our programme of workshops and events.' With ‘Colour’ as this year’s central theme, Artistic Director Alessandra Caggiano has invited British art historian and BAFTA-nominated broadcaster Dr James Fox to be 2018’s Guest Curator.

'Being free from distractions is also great for productivity, engagement and motivation.'

A host of events are being staged during the six-day city festival including talks, workshops, experimental wine tasting sessions and the return of the popular Trail of Light walks through Cambridge Colleges and Glow Games in collaboration with the Sports Team at Cambridge City Council.

www.kipmcgrath.co.uk/peterborough-north

www.cambridgelivetrust.co.uk/e-luminate

Gill says: 'On-screen students experience the same teaching excellence and success of our centrebased tutoring with the added benefit of zero travel time.

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Teacher training providers, such as Teach East, offer people with a degree the opportunity to switch profession and embark on an exciting and rewarding career in education. Teach East is a School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) provider based in Peterborough. Samantha Hornsby, Teach East Administrator, says: 'We offer a route that prepares trainees for a career in teaching. 'The majority of the one-year course is spent in Peterborough schools learning from experienced teachers. 'One day each week trainees attend taught sessions at a dedicated training centre at Arthur Mellows Village College or other schools across the city. 'Sessions are led by local teachers who share their expertise and knowledge, providing trainees with the theory and pedagogy needed to be a confident, accomplished teacher.' Teach East is attending a 'Get into Teaching' event at the Holiday Inn Peterborough West on Wednesday 31 January between 4.30pm and 8pm. For more information contact shonsby@teacheast.org www.teacheast.co.uk

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'S SOLUTIO

LAST ISSUE

Have fun with our animal-themed puzzles. Animals

New Year

When the image is rotated 90º left, what will be the correct answer?

YOU SAW ME! Advertise with

If you want to be seen, try advertising in Term Times 01780 757731

Tennis Camps Camps in February half term and Easter holidays

• Accredited LTA coaches • Easy online booking • Flexible timings • Early bird discount available During school holidays in 2018 City of Peterborough Tennis Club host tennis–based camps on selected dates. Great Coaching and fun activities for all standards and ages. BOOK ONLINE NOW! http://bit.ly/CPTClub or call 07484 641 253 email: Anita@inspire2coach.co.uk City of Peterborough Tennis Club, Bretton Gate, Peterborough 6

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Newark Play Association, Hill Close, Reeves Way, Peterborough PE1 5LZ

he family t l l a r o f Fun New Ark’s

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Eco Centre Adventure Playground Chocolate Tombola

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30 MARCH, 11am-2pm ENTRY £3 per child, otherwise entry by silver donation

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Hot & cold refres Raffle

Find us on Facebook

For more information contact us on 01733 340605 www.newarkplay.co.uk Registered charity 1026751

/newarkplay

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Something to Tweet About Peterborough Children’s University is now on Twitter so the charity can share all its exciting news and what’s going on within the organisation.

The Children’s University is a national project which supports, encourages and celebrates the achievement of seven to 14 year olds - and ﬁve to six year olds with their families - through out of school hours learning activities. The charity recognises that learning doesn’t only take place in the classroom, it can happen anywhere and everywhere. Crucially, it enhances the joy of learning, boosts self-conﬁdence and motivation and improves academic attainment.

Be part of the adventure and look out for the Passport To Learning logo when you are out and about.

Any school, Learning Destination or parent will tell you that being part of the Children’s University and being celebrated and rewarded for taking part in out of school activities makes a difference. And more schools, organisations and children are joining and enjoying the beneﬁts. Peterborough CU recently welcomed Somersham Primary School, St Helen’s Primary School and Holywell Primary School. It is also delighted to welcome the following new Learning Destinations: City of Peterborough Hockey Club, Peterborough Athletics Club, 1st Holme St Giles Guides Unit, Peterborough Polish Saturday School, Miss Debbie Dance and RAW Performing Arts. And there are more in the pipeline. The children of Peterborough CU are enjoying fantastic learning as is evident from the large number of awards presented at the recent school Graduation Assemblies. So there is a great deal to tweet about and now you can follow all the news on Twitter @PeterboroughCU

If you are a school or parent who would like to be part of Peterborough Children’s University, or a venue interested in becoming a Learning Destination, contact Gill Hall, Peterborough Children’s University Manager, Gill.Hall@vivacity.org or call 01733 864729 or 01733 864784.

PETERBOROUGH

Children’s University promotion

WIN A HARRY POTTER-INSPIRED EDUCATIONAL VISIT TO OAKHAM CASTLE We've teamed up with historic Oakham Castle to offer an enchanting free class trip to a captivating educational day. Lessons, which are held in the castle's great hall, complement Key Stage 2 science learning in the classroom. They will see children concoct magic potions, find out about the history of medicine through wizardry and witchcraft, experience the ancient art of herbalism, discover the importance of religion in the Middle Ages, make a clay gargoyle to ward off evil and enjoy lots of fun themed games. Pupils will discover how the medieval occupants of the castle defended themselves against the dark arts, meet the Witch of Belvoir, choose their wand and practice spells with the castle's resident Witch. In the process they will learn about condensation and distillation, dry ice and how many of the ingredients used in ancient potions actually had beneficial medical properties. The session can be a whole or half day dependant on the winning school's requirements. The prize includes admission for a class of up to 30 children, minimum 15, and their teachers. The winning class will be contacted by Oakham Castle to arrange the visit. www.oakhamcastle.org To enter, simply follow the instructions on page 3, but check with your teacher first. Closing date 23 February. 8

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y a D s ' r e th o M gift ideas MOTHER’S DAY H-BOX

She may have told you to 'eat your crusts' but you can go one better. Celebrate all those plasters, stories and kisses in a collection of Hotel Chocolat's most coveted chocolates. The 180g box features 14 curated classics include milk, dark and intensely creamy high-cocoa white chocolate including Champagne truffle to caramel cheesecake, Eton mess to carrot cake. If you're lucky, mum might even share! Hotel Chocolat £12.50

MOTHER'S DAY STORIES JOURNAL

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, which means it's time to celebrate those wonderful women we call mum. To help you find something fabulous we've put together a selection of gorgeous gifts ideas available at Queensgate Shopping Centre in Peterborough. BLOOM AND BLOSSOM SLEEP NIGHT-TIME RITUAL TRIO The perfect present for the sleep-deprived mum, this gift set offers an easy three-step routine to a good night's slumber. Bloom and Blossom's unique sleep fragrance - a blend of frankincense, chamomile flower, linden blossom, moringa and ylang ylang - soothes the senses and helps mum relax and drift off into the peaceful sleep she deserves. The set includes a 40ml shower gel, 40ml dry body oil and 40ml pillow spray. John Lewis £24

MUM CHARM

PINK FLORAL SADDLE BAG

Is your mum a little on the sentimental side? This A6 journal is for all the stories that can only be told by a mother about her children. It contains 64 pages of lined paper and each centrefold is titled by a different prompt for your mum to fill in with a fun or heartfelt story about you and your siblings from 'Shut up muuuum!' to 'Favourite afternoon'.

If you haven't quite found the right words to tell your mum how much you love her, show your appreciation with this lovely heart-shaped charm. Crafted from sterling silver, with openwork heart design detailed into the side, it features a single heart-shaped pink cubic zirconia stone.

The perfect pack-up-and-go bag, this contemporary saddle bag sports an attractive floral design perhaps the perfect alternative to a bunch of flowers? Stylish and practical it's large enough to carry all mum's everyday essentials and more and has an adjustable cross-body strap.

Paperchase £5

PANDORA £35

Next £30

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Are you looking to make your child’s birthday wishes come true this year? If you are looking to make your child’s birthday unforgettable then invite their favourite Disney princess to host a magical party… With singing, dancing, games, bubbles, parachutes and even prizes your party will be hassle free and completely memorable. Want to create the perfect party wish?

Call Party Wishes now for your ‘free princess party consultation’ on 07832 993 362 Contact Party Wishes at: partywishesenquiries@outlook.com

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PECT Promotion

Tackling food waste Charity PECT is leading a campaign to reduce food waste after being chosen to be a Sainsbury’s Discovery Community as part of the supermarket’s ‘Waste Less, Save More’ campaign. PECT has received a grant to carry out a variety of activities across the city to tackle food waste. 'The average family throws away £700 worth of food a year,' explains PECT’s Communities Team Manager Karen Igho. 'With this project we aim to supply local residents with the knowledge needed to cut down on their waste and save on their food bills.' Activities include installing two community fridges and a freezer, at easily accessible locations across Peterborough, to enable local residents to access free food – sourced from farms, cafés, stores and supermarkets – that would otherwise have gone to waste. The first fridge to be open to the public is located in Westraven Community Café at Hampton Court, Westwood, PE3 7LD. Any member of the public can access the excess or surplus food, which is collected and distributed by food waste community interest group Food for Nought. To ensure the food waste message reaches hundreds of local school children, PECT is also rolling out

Fab Food in 15 Peterborough schools, supporting teachers and developing resources that help embed knowledge around food waste into the curriculum. In addition to this eight Food Saver Champions have been trained to run waste saver and cooking sessions. Hubs will receive a small grant and resources to help them along the way. Last August, the charity ran a Feed the 1,000 event in Cathedral Square, to show people the value of food that would otherwise have gone to waste. 'Around £3 billion worth of food is wasted each year by the food industry,' explains Karen. 'We aim to supply people with some of this surplus food to help ease deprivation, provide families with access to nutritious ingredients and prevent food waste.' Peterborough has a strong network of organisations with the expertise, knowledge and passion to support food waste projects. ‘Waste Less, Save More’ brings PECT together in partnership with Cross Keys Homes, Peterborough City Council, Public Health’s Healthy Schools programme and schools across the city.

GET INVOLVED For more information about PECT visit www.pect.org.uk or call 01733 568408. You can also find the charity on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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READING CHEST PROMOTION

Reading resolutions 2018 COURSE DATES Paediatric

12 – 13 February 2018 12 – 13 March 2018

EFAW

12 February 2018 12 & 19 March 2018

FAW

19 – 21 March 2018 21 – 23 May 2018

BOOK NOW

While many parents may have already broken their 2018 New Year resolutions, Reading Chest is urging them consider a late contender.

Defibrillator training available

T: 01733 351909 E: denise@fenlandfirstaid.co.uk

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No ordinary bus!

For children from toddlers up to 10 yrs

Helping your children learn to read, and develop a love of reading, is the single most important activity you can do to help their education. So Reading Chest is suggesting a trio of activities under its Reading Resolutions initiative:

 1 Be more involved in your children’s reading and listen to them read every

day. In many schools, children don’t get much opportunity to read individually with a teacher, so just 10 minutes a day will see significant improvement in their progress.  2 Read to your children as often as possible, even to the older ones. That way children will see that reading can be enjoyable and exciting, not just something to do at school. It also gives them access to books and authors that they might not have chosen themselves.  3 Read more books yourself and let your children see you reading. If children see reading around them at home they are much more likely to pick up a book themselves.

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Reading Chest is offering Term Times readers £5 off their first month’s membership with the discount code TERMTIMES2018.

For further help and reading advice visit www.readingchest.co.uk. Reading Chest is a through-the-post book rental service for children, specialising in reading scheme books for four to nine year olds, which aims to make learning to read enjoyable for children and easy for parents to be involved.

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Wide selection of coaches and buses available for hire (from 12 to 70 seats with seatbelts). Disabled access coach with a lift available.

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OPEN DAILY 10am – 5pm | Tel: 01485 542 425

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TAKE A MAGICAL DEER SAFARI AND HAND FEED OUR RED DEER!

HEGARTY SOLICITORS PROMOTION

From ballet dancer to family lawyer 'My route into law was not exactly typical. I originally trained as a ballet dancer, having attended ballet school from the age of 11. At that time I would never have believed that I would work in an office! My ballet career was short, having met and married my husband in my early twenties. I had my three sons in quick succession over the following four years, so for a while I was a very busy mum and wife. I had always been interested in the principles of law and justice, and when my youngest son started school I decided to start a Legal Executive course at college. Unfortunately the course was cancelled, but my tutor suggested I volunteer at my local Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), which I did, and over time I became a Director and Trustee of my ‘flagship’ CAB branch and life was good. Family solicitor Julia Weber took an unusual route into law... via ballet and as a volunteer at her local Citizens Advice Bureau. Here she talks about the ups and downs of her life and career path which has led her to her current role with Hegarty Solicitors.

But, sadly, it wasn’t to last. In May 1997 my beloved husband was diagnosed with cancer, and died 18 months later. It was a devastating loss – and my sons were still aged only 11, 13 and 15. It sounds like a cliché, but I really needed a reason to get out of bed in the morning.

So, 10 months after my husband’s death, I enrolled on some college courses and was encouraged to consider undertaking a law degree. I was offered a place at Bristol University and started my degree course just after my 40th birthday. There were only five mature students in my year and we became, and remain, firm friends. I went on to undertake the Legal Practice Course and was then lucky enough to secure a training contract with a large West Country law firm, following which I could finally call myself a solicitor. It had taken me seven years, but was worth all the blood, sweat and tears. I moved to Oakham in 2007 to be closer to family and began working for Hegarty Solicitors in November 2015. Family law has always been my preferred practice area and my ultimate aim is to try and make the often difficult and emotional family situations less stressful and confrontational. It is possible to have a ‘good’ divorce or separation and that is what I would want for my clients. It is such a gift to any children if their parents can continue to be civil to each other, even after separation.'

Hegarty Solicitors offers an hour's fixed fee appointment with a family solicitor for initial advice for £100+VAT. To speak to a member of the family team call 01733 346 333 or email enquiries@hegarty.co.uk

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February fun for everyone This February half term Vivacity has got holiday fun covered. With a range of fantastic activities all the family can enjoy, as well as exciting childcare solutions, there’s lots to keep the kids entertained during the school break.

and 12 can get hands-on in the Big Dig Tent, handle artefacts, explore the Bronze Age landscape and wildlife, try new crafts and lots more.

Vivacity’s sports holiday club, powered by Club Viva, is at four locations across Peterborough - Hampton Leisure Centre, Werrington Leisure Centre, Jack Hunt Pool and Gym and Regional Fitness and Swimming Centre.

The club runs from 10am to 4pm and costs £90 per child for the week or £22 a day.

Each day is jam-packed with exciting, themed activities and is the perfect opportunity for youngsters to try something new and make friends.

Work as a team to find the hidden clues, decode messages and identify friend from foe before it’s too late.

From Lego to Around the World days, there is something for all children to enjoy - keeping them entertained and having fun all day, every day.

Being staged each day from10am to 5pm, Secret Agents costs £3 for children, with under fives free, £4 for adults and £12 for a family.

The sports holiday club is open to children aged four to 13 and costs £80 per child for the week from 8.30am to 5.30pm or £70 from 10am to 4pm. There's a daily charge of £20 for the longer day and £18 for the shorter.

And there’s more family fun in store when Sayeh Stone, author of the acclaimed children’s book Shaped Animals, visits selected Vivacity libraries on Monday 12 February.

A sibling discount is available when booking by telephone, e-mail or at sports venues or a 10 percent discount is available when booking online.

She will be reading her books and getting both kids and adults creative, by helping them make their very own shaped animals.

Then there's the Archaeology Adventurers Club at Flag Fen, where budding archaeologists aged between eight

Sayeh is at Werrington Library at 10am, Central Library at 12 noon and Hampton Library at 2pm.

If it’s not childcare you’re after this February half term then check out Vivacity’s family Secret Agents activity at Peterborough Museum.

To find out more about Vivacity’s fun-filled holiday activities visit www.vivacity-peterborough.com/february

Drama and singing lessons for your little star!

Drama & Singing Lessons of Distinction

Let your little one shine! www.littlevoices.org.uk/peterborough www.facebook.com/Little VoicesPeterborough peterborough@littlevoices.org.uk 07801 953643 14

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"Oh I love it here because everyday everyone makes me happy. The teachers and my friends are all so funny they always make me laugh. I definitely want to come back." Leon, 7

"I’ve made a lot of new friends coming here and my favourite part of the whole day was in gymnastics when I got to do flips on Amar [the instructor]." Olivia, 5

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Win a bushcraft party at Sacrewell Do you want to be the next Bear Grylls? Then an outdoor bushcraft party at Sacrewell, which includes private den building and marshmallow toasting sessions, is the perfect birthday treat for you and your friends. The fun is led by a dedicated first aid-qualified Sacrewell Party Leader. Mum or dad can access downloadable invitations to send to guests and every party-goer gets free admission for another visit to the popular farm centre in Thornhaugh. Bushcraft parties are available on Saturdays and Sundays from January to November, starting at 2pm and lasting for about two-and-a-half hours. They are suitable for a maximum of 15 children aged eight and over. At least four adults are also required to stay for the party. For more information about this, and other parties available at the popular attraction, visit www.sacrewell.org.uk

Our friends at Sacrewell are offering one lucky Term Times reader the chance to win a bushcraft party for themselves and up to 14 of their friends. For a chance to scoop this super prize simply following the instructions on page 3. Closing date 19 February 2018.

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BOOK NOW

Bumper book bonanza Our recent book bonanza competition proved so popular we're doing it all again... but this time we have five copies of each of the SIX fabulous books featured up for grabs.

A big thank you to publishers Flying Eye Books, Walker Books and Egmont Publishing for the prizes. Enjoy reading the synopsis of each and then simply follow the instructions on page 3 telling us which book - just one please - you would like to win. Closing date 19 February 2018.

Under the Canopy: Trees Around the World

The Secret of Black Rock Erin is fascinated by the legend of Black Rock: a huge, dark and spiky mass that is said to destroy any boats that come near it!

Trees are the lungs of the world and have inspired stories, myths and culture. Every climate and every nation has its tales of trees, true or legendary, that help us understand ourselves and the beauty of the natural world around us.

But are the tales really true? One day brave and curious Erin sneaks on board her mother’s fishing boat to find out…

This poetically-illustrated book celebrates the tales told of trees all over the world, from the majestic yew tree of Norse mythology to the ever-helpful baobab trees of Madagascar.

This lovely picture book carries a subtle message about environmentallyfriendly practices and the importance of protecting coral reefs.

The book includes facts about more than 20 different species of trees, their habitats and history.

The paperback is the second title from talented, up-and-coming young illustrator Joe Todd-Stanton, costs £6.99, and is aimed at younger readers aged three to five.

Illustrator Cynthia Alonso's fresh, vibrant illustrations bring a unique energy to the beautiful images. Written by Iris Volant, the hardback book costs £14.99 and is recommended for readers aged six and above.

Begone the Raggedy Witches The Wild Magic Trilogy, Book One

The Day That Aliens Nearly Ate Our Brains

From multi-award-winning Irish author Celine Kiernan comes a fantasy adventure about witches and forbidden magic.

This is a laugh-a-minute, action-packed alien adventure created by author and illustrator Tom McLaughlin.

When witches kidnap Mup’s dad she must journey to their home to save him, and so begins a fantastical adventure of rhyming crows, talking cats and outlawed magic.

Best friends Freddy and Sal have accidentally intercepted a message from Alan - a spectacularly grumpy, brain-munching alien from outer space. Alan has only one message...Earth is going to be invaded in exactly ten hours’ time.

For Witches Borough is a dangerous place, ruled by a tyrannical queen and her band of raggedy witches.

Soon the police, NASA and even Presidents from around the world are getting involved - and Freddy is about to become the most famous kid on planet earth for all the wrong reasons.

This fantasy adventure - with black-and-white chapter illustrations by Victoria Semykina - is perfect for fans of Frances Hardinge, Katherine Rundell and Sally Gardner.

Out-of-this-world bonus activities at the end of the book include how to draw an alien. Aimed at children aged seven years and over, the paperback costs £5.99.

The paperback costs £6.99 and is aimed at readers aged nine and over.

Barry Loser: Worst School Trip Ever

Secrets of a Teenage Heiress

Join everyone’s favourite Loser on his ninth hilarious adventure.

A hilariously funny and fabulously glamorous book by Katy Birchall, author of the It Girl series.

School trips are usually completely rubbish, but Barry Loser's class is off to the TV studios where Future Ratboy is filmed.

Flick's family have owned The Royale - one of London's most prestigious hotels - for generations. But Flick isn't that interested.

It's going to be the best school trip ever...that is until Barry and his friends end up lost and alone in Hokum City.

She is interested in the newest guest - superstar celebrity Skylar Chase and her mega-famous group of friends, including dreamy YouTube star Ethan Duke.

Will they become real-life superheroes and get out of trouble?

But just as Flick gets the chance to join their glittering squad she is grounded following an unfortunate incident involving a prince, a wardrobe and a selfie stick (it could have happened to anyone!).

Will Barry get to audition for Future Ratboy? Will they get the best seats on the coach? Author Jim Smith also writes the popular Future Ratboy series.

With only her Instagram star pet dachshund Fritz for company, will Flick find a way to escape The Royale and join the fame game?

The paperback costs £6.99 and is recommended for children aged seven years and over.

Costing £6.99, the paperback is aimed at readers aged 10 and above.

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Peterborough Celebrates: a special year for the city Peterborough is celebrating the 900th anniversary of its iconic cathedral this year.

Term Times will be carrying the logo in our magazines and on our website throughout the campaign year.

To commemorate this special anniversary the city is staging a series of celebratory events and activities as part of the Peterborough Celebrates campaign.

We will also keep you up to date with some of the family-friendly events being staged over the 12 months.

The campaign aims to attract more visitors and showcase Peterborough on a regional and national level.

More than 100 events and activities have already been organised by schools, community groups, charities and businesses.

Peterborough Celebrates kicked off with a short burst of fireworks and a peal of the cathedral bells ringing in the New Year.

These include Papa Luigi's 'Pizza 900' Competition, with local primary school children invited to draw a special pizza featuring their favourite toppings.

The Reverend Canon Tim Alban Jones said: 'This coming year will be an exciting one, not only for the cathedral, but also for the whole of Peterborough.

The lucky winners will be invited to enjoy a pizza making demonstration in the grounds of the cathedral followed by a rooftop tour.

'The building of the cathedral was arguably one of the most significant events in our local history and without it, the city would not be what it is today. 'It's a beautiful building and integral to our community, it's a great chance to celebrate Peterborough as a whole and what we as a city have achieved over the past 900 years.' Residents are being urged to get behind the celebrations by hosting their own 900-themed event or activity or volunteer at one of the planned events. Businesses and organisations are also invited to get involved by adding a Peterborough Celebrates element to their existing campaign, event or activity, and adding the logo to marketing materials.

Papa Luigi will also produce the best pizzas at the city's Italian Festival in September and sell slices - unsurprisingly the target is 900 - with all profits going to the cathedral. In June Anna's Hope is asking families to dress up as fairies and join a world record-breaking attempt. The charity hopes to attract 900 fairies to the grounds in front of the cathedral on Sunday 10 June to achieve the Guinness World Record for the Largest Gathering of People Dressed as Fairies in One Place. Fairies must wear a tutu and wings and carry a wand to qualify for the attempt which will help raise awareness of children with a brain tumour.

To find out more about all the events planned throughout 2018 as part of the Peterborough Celebrates campaign visit www.peterboroughcelebrates.org.uk

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adventure awaits Twilight at the Museums:

The museums have gone colourful this year and you can see their global collections in different lights.

Two much-loved Cambridge venues are taking part again this year, after closure for redevelopment.

This year's Twilight at the Museums event sees 14 local museums and collections opening their doors after dark on Tuesday 13 February for an epic night of wonder and discovery.

Discover different technicolour objects at the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, enjoy a kaleidoscope of light and sound projections at the Fitzwilliam Museum and take part in a specially-lit orchid hunt in the Botanic Garden’s glasshouses.

Pick up illustrator Joe Lyward’s special Twilight Trail at Kettle’s Yard and explore the new gallery spaces.

From 4.30pm until 7.30pm shine a light on something new: an amazing fact, a fun activity, or a mind-blowing object.

And, for the first time, walk among the gods and heroes at the Museum of Classical Archaeology lit in all the colours of the rainbow.

Explore free trails and activities, plus outdoor entertainments and pop-up food stalls.

If your family likes a challenge then your help is needed at the Whipple Museum, where intrepid scientists are launching their Eclipse Expedition - get some inspiration from the Explorers at the Polar Museum and crack some devilishly difficult codes at the Museum of Cambridge, courtesy of the Museum of Technology.

Families, grab your torches and head for Cambridge's museums where adventure awaits this half term.

With many of the venues just a short walk apart, you can choose your own adventure, whether it's discovering fabulous fossils or a solar eclipse, neon objects or a dive beneath the ocean waves.

While the Museum of Zoology’s Whale Hall will be open for some underwater adventure and the chance to marvel at the mighty finback whale skeleton and hear the sounds of whale song. The University of Cambridge Museums is delighted to be working again with partners in and around the city. Don’t miss the twilight fun taking place at the Cambridge Science Centre and All Saint’s Church, while the Farmland Museum and Denny Abbey will be visited by some enchanted creatures from the local Fens.

Pick up or download a copy of the Twilight at the Museums What’s On leaﬂet at www.museums.cam.ac.uk/twilight