Primary Times Somerset December 2022

Chinadale, Churchinford, Taunton, TA3 7PW

Tel: 01823 601188

email: primarytimes. eyrie@gmail.com

Publisher/Editor: Debbie Williams Design: Alan Williams Advertising: Alan Williams

Primary Times is independently published, distributed free throughout primary schools in Somerset, and on sale via subscriptions at £10 per year. Its aims are to inform families and children of current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses, attractions etc. and to give teachers, pupils and parents the opportunity to participate in the contents of the magazine.

It is NOT our intention to publish any racist, sexist or political matter whatso-ever, nor to carry any advertising considered to be offensive to families.

Primary Times would like to thank all the schools for their assistance in distributing the magazine and for their contributions to its contents. We would like to thank the advertisers who have supported this publication and made it possible. Please support them where you can. The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by our studio remains with Primary Times Somerset or the relevant contributor.

DISCLAIMER: All reasonable efforts have been taken to give accurate information and ensure any facts given are true to the best of our knowledge. However, you should rely wholly on your own enquiries and take advice where appropriate.

Dear Readers

UNBELIEVABLY this is the last issue of the year - where has it gone?

We have tracked down the Man in Red and the best Pantomimes and Christmas shows around as well as some shows to enjoy when festivities are over. There are plenty of other places and events to look forward to including ice rinks and amazing light displays.

See Bookstore for some great new books which can keep you entertained well into the New Year.

You will be able to see from our article that while Santa’s reindeer are very special, less magical ones are quite amazing as well - and Rudolph’s nose isn’t the only one to glow, albeit more noticeably!

A big ‘thank you’ to all the schools who keep giving out this magazine. Don’t forget to let us know of any events or news you would like us to include in future issues.

We will see you all again at the end of January, in the meantime we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Debbie, Alan, Nell, Pud and George

COVER SPONSOR:

Primary Times is currently publishing over 2,550,000 copies per issue under franchise license throughout 61 counties.

You can explore the magical ILLUMINATE experience at Hestercombe Gardens until 30 December. See Hestercombe.com/illuminate or page 6 of this issue for details.

In this issue

Merry Christmas

REINDEER and caribou are actually the same. They are called reindeer in Europe also in North America if they are domesticated, but caribou if they are wild. Caribou migrate up to 3,000 miles a year giving them slightly longer limbs.

Safety in numbers

There are 200,000 reindeer to be found in Lapland, 20,000 more reindeer than people.

They travel, feed and rest together in herds of ten up to a few hundred. A healthy adult reindeer is usually safe from predators, especially in a large herd where many individuals can watch for danger. It is the youngest calves and old, weak, ill or injured reindeer that are the most vulnerable. Depending on where they live, reindeer have to watch out for golden eagles, gray wolves, brown bears, Arctic foxes, mountain lions, coyotes, lynx, and dholes.

The herd generally follow food sources, travelling up to 1,000 miles south when food is hard to find in winter. They eat mosses, herbs, ferns, grasses, and the shoots and leaves of shrubs and trees, especially willow and birch. In winter they make do with lichen (also called reindeer moss) and fungi. Reindeer chat with each other with snorts, grunts, and hoarse calls, especially

Rudolph’s Friends

during the breeding season or rut. Calves bleat to call to their

They are the only deer species to be widely domesticated being used as beasts of burden and farmed.

Amazing Antlers

A reindeer’s most outstanding feature is their antlers. Unlike other deer both males and females grow antlers. In comparison to body size they have the largest and heaviest antlers of all deer types.

A male’s antlers can measure up to 130 cm (51 inches) long ; a female’s 50cm (20 inches).

Antlers fall off and grow back larger every year. Males begin growing their antlers in February, females in May. They both finish growing at the same time, but shed them in different seasons. Males use their antlers to attract females and fight rivals for partners. They then shed them in late November/early December when the rutting season is over. Females keep their antlers until spring using them to protect their calves and clear away snow to find food supplies for them.

That is why, despite their names, seeing they still have their antlers at Christmas it seems Santa’s reindeer must all be female!

Adaptability

Reindeer are built for staying warm in freezing temperatures. They are covered in hair right from their nose to the bottom of their feet.

They are the only deer species to have hair completely covering their nose.

These are also full of blood vessels

which cool warm air down as it leaves the body and warms cold air up as it comes in - regulating body temperature and keeping the reindeers brain constantly warm and active. As you can see from the photo above, it gives their noses a distinctly redish tinge. Not as bright and glowing as Rudolph’s, but he isn’t as odd as you may think!

It also gives them a good sense of smell which helps them find food hidden under snow, locate danger and recognize direction. They mainly travel into the wind so they can pick up scents.

Their hairy hooves may look funny, but they give reindeer a good grip when walking on frozen ground, ice, mud, and snow.

Reindeer have two coat layers: an undercoat of fine, soft wool that stays right next to their skin, and a top layer of long, hollow guard hairs. The air trapped inside the guard hairs holds in body heat to keep a reindeer warm against wind and cold. The hollow hairs also help the reindeer float, allowing it to swim across a river, if needed. Being broad, flat, and having two toes, a reindeer’s hooves also allow it to push water aside when it swims.

What beautiful, clever, well adapted creatures. No wonder Santa chose them as his helpers!

It will soon be time for Rudolph and friends to take their annual trip through the night skies helping Santa deliver presents to all good children. We know they are magical because they can fly, but what do we know about the rest of the species? While most reindeers can’t take to the air they are rather special in other ways. Here are some reasons

Where’s Santa?

We’vetracked downthe man i n r de . You can join Santa in his Grotto

Santa travels in by train

Step aboard West Somerset Railway’s festively decorated heritage carriages and take a journey through winter woodlands. Santa’s presents and refreshments will be waiting at your table and he’ll be along for the ride to ensure you have received them. A round trip to Williton means there will be plenty of time aboard to soak up the experience. At 10.30am or 1pm, tickets £25, under 1s £15, must be booked in advance.

Santa Specials

December 3 & 4, 10 & 11, 17 & 18

Father Christmas will be visiting Midsomer Norton Station on Somerset and Dorset Railway. On arrival Grown Ups will be served refreshments from the platform which they can then take onto the train. During the Train Ride Santa’s Helpers will distribute a goody bag containing festive treats and a drink from the

Christmas at the Zoo

December 3 & 4, 10 & 11, 17 - 24

Santa will be taking time out from his busy Christmas schedule to take up residence in his magical grotto at Paignton Zoo. Meet him and his elves from 10.30am to 4pm and get a gift. Join Mrs Claus as she reads a special Paignton Zoo Christmas story at half past the hour. Children £12.50 (does not include entry to the zoo). Must be booked in advance online.

Buffet Trolley. On Arrival back into the Midsomer North Pole platform Children will be invited to visit Father Christmas in his Train Carriage Grotto and receive a wrapped gift. The Railway Museum and Pill box will also be open to visitors.

Santa Special Train Rides

December 10 & 17

Santa is going to the Bath and West Showground for a ride on the railway. A child can take two adults along for £12.50 which includes a train ride, present for the children and refreshments. More adults can go for £5. There will be 15 spaces on each train. From 10am to 3pm, must be booked online.

Santa Specials

December 3 & 4, 10 & 11, 17 & 18, 22 - 24

Take a 30 minute ride on the special East Somerset Railway trains then cross the line to the North Pole Station where you can visit Santa and receive a gift (if you have been good, of course). There will be a Goody Bag for every to take onto the train containing colouring sheets, crayons and a family Santa quiz sheet. There will also be a balloon modeller on the platform. Refreshments will be served at the North Pole. Book online.

Yeovil Santa Specials December 4, 11, 17, 18, 21 - 23

Children can ride a train behind a steam locomo tive travelling in a decorated heritage carriage to the Yeovil Railway Centre. There Santa will be ready to receive visitors in the ex GWR Transfer Shed. Adults and children £11, must be pre-booked. Plus: Tea With Santa December 2 - 10

Children can go and have tea and a chat with Santa. Play some games and receive a small present. Please note that there is no train ride with these events. From 2 to 5pm, £7 per child, accompanying adults £3, must be booked.

Christmas at Crealy

December 3 & 4, 10 & 11, 17 - 23

Magic Grotto

December 3, 10, 17, 20 - 22

When you arrive at the Museum of Somerset, Taunton Castle you will be greeted by Santa’s friendly elves. They will guide you to the magical grotto where you can meet with Santa, and each child will receive their own special gift, £6 per child. After seeing Santa you can follow the fun Reindeer trail around the museum (£1). Must be booked in advance on 01823 255088.

Magical Victorian Kitchen Grotto December 4 & 19

Be greeted by friendly elves who will take you to meet Santa in the magical Victorian kitchen grotto in Somerset Rural Life Mu seum, Glastonbury. Each child will receive their own special gift. At the end of your visit you can follow the Christmas trail and make a Christmas decoration to take home. £5, must be booked.

Winter Wonderland Cabin Grotto December 11, 18, 20, 22

Meet Father Christmas in his winter wonderland cabin grotto at Rumwells Farm Shop. Each child will receive a wrapped, age-appropriate gift.

On the 18 & 20 he will also be hosting a special breakfast at 8.30am in the Café,

Join in the festive celebrations at Crealy, mouth Road, Clyst St Mary. Journey through Santa’s magical maze to meet Santa, with festive surprises for the whole family along the way. Then you can enjoy the Elves & The Toymaker Ice Show; Sounds Of The Wilderness: Sooty’s Christmas show; Immersive Christmas Adventure; decorate a tasty treat with Mary in her Christmas Bakery; pick up a free present from Santa’s Toy Show and Post your letter to Santa and watch as the Elves stamp it, sort it and send it on it’s way to the North Pole. Must be booked online in advance.

Santa Express

December 3 & 4, 10 & 11, 17 & 18, 20 - 24

Yourfamily what’s onwhen g u i d e Round About

Until January 1

Festive Ice Skating

We

Continuing

Until Dec 11

Bath Christmas Market

See more than 170 twinkling chalets spread out across Bath’s picturesque Georgian streets sell ing a range of seasonal gifts, food and drink. Many local makers and designers will be showcasing their artisan gifts.

Until December 24

Festive Market

Enjoy independent food and retail stalls interspersed around Clarks Village Shopping Centre, beautiful ly lit for Christmas.

Until December 31

Mystery and Mischief Go to Montacute House, enjoy the Elizabethan Christmas celebra tions and solve the mischievous mystery. With the family away the mice will play… The servants have thrown a party, but something precious has gone missing… As Seventeenth-century super-sleuths you will search for clues to solve the mystery. From 11am to 3pm.

American Dinosaur Explorers

Take look at the life of dinosaurs through their eggs, nests and em bryos. Hands-on exhibition at the American Museum in Bath.

Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park have 500 square metres of glittering real ice waiting. From 11am to 8pm.

Until January 7

Horse Power: The Story of Horses in Rural Somerset Exhibition in Somerset Rural Life Museum, Glastonbury featuring a rich display of paintings, pho tographs, museum objects and oral histories from the Somerset Voices archive to tell the story of how horses helped shape the rural landscape of the county. It will also consider the wider use of the horse at key moments in history, includ ing during different conflicts.

Until March 18

Exhibition: In Fashion: How a Chang ing World Shaped What We Wear Exhibition in the Museum of Somerset in Taunton explores how changes in society have shaped fashion from the late 1700s to the present day. Long-lasting traditions, social status, new technologies and media influence have all had their part in shaping what we wear. So too have the disruptions of war, the landmarks of birth, marriage and death, and the human desire to escape from old constraints. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm.

December

Thursday 1 - Saturday 31

The Enchanted Garden of Light

Be transported into a magical after-dark adventure through spec tacular light displays at the Ameri can Museum in Bath with the entire house, gardens and woodland in glorious seasonal colour. Sparkling reindeer will guide your way.

Ice skating fun at Clarks Village

Until January 2

A first-of-its kind ice rink is at Clarks Village Shop ping Centre offering guests a truly magical skating experience. The under cover ice rink featuring real ice will be in the grounds of the historic Alfred Gillett Trust and will provide skaters with a capti vating festive atmosphere. Adults £12.50, under 12s £10.50, family £40. Visitors are advised to pre-book their 45-minute sessions, skate hire is included, skating aids can be hired for £5 each.

hang from the Greenhouse’s citrus trees. From Friday 16 there will be a themed family festive trail linked to winter weddings and gifts. There will also be a poetry trail, aimed at adults. On selected dates local choirs will be singing in the adjoining village church and 17th-century harpsichord music is planned in the recently redecorat ed Great Hall.

Friday 2 - Sunday 4

Christmas Tree Festival

From 10am to 5pm in St. De cuman’s Church, Watchet.

Friday 2

In Fashion Talk and Tour at the Museum of Somer set. Join exhibition curator Bethan Murray for a talk delving deeper into the themes of the ‘In Fash ion’ exhibition.

From 10.30 to 11.30am, £7.50, must be booked.

Dec 2 - 4, 9 -11, 15 - 20

Christmas Illuminations

The rooms of the medieval Bish op’s Palace building will be decked out in their Christmas finery, with seasonal foliage from the gardens used to create stunning adorn ments to complement the historic interiors. Plus beautiful festive lights will be located in and around the Palace’s inner gardens during special late opening evenings.

ILLUMINATE at Hestercombe

Until Dec 11

Thursdays to Sundays

December 15 - 30

Everyday

Hestercombe Gardens will be lit up with 3D lattice stars, floodlights, spotlights, festoons and colour. It will transport you on a magical journey of colour and light to bring an extra level of wonder to the trails. The natural features and views of the Landscape Garden come to life at night, with the spot lights and coloured paths drawing you up towards the Great Cascade and beyond, towards Sibyl’s Temple and back down past the Pear Pond and into the Formal Garden. Must be booked online.

From 3.30 to 7pm.

Dec 2 & 3, 9 & 10, 1618, 20 - 23, 27 - 31

Winterlights

The magic begins at Bishops Lydeard Station. A seat aboard an illuminated train awaits, ready to take you on an unforgettable winter journey. Travel along West Somerset Railway’s enchanted track, through woodlands and countryside transformed for the season. Spectacular lineside displays will shine and glow and an encapsulating tale will unfold along the way to Crowcombe Heathfield, where you will gaze in wonderment through the carriage windows at a famous station steeped in festive spirit. It’s then back to Bishops Lydeard in your cosy carriage. At 5 and 7pm.

Friday 2 - Dec 31

Christmas Nights Light Trail

Follow and interact with Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park’s light trail. With stunning light installations and play areas creatively lit up and festive discos in the playbarn. The Polar Express Miniature Steam Train is ready to take you on a festive ride, but look out as you may bump into the Grinch, who is trying to ruin Christ mas again.

Saturday 3

Candle Making Workshop

Make and decorate two candles, enjoy complimentary refreshments and make a Christmas orange pomander at the Bishop’s Palace. From 10am to 1pm or 2 to 5pm, £55 including materials.

Christmas Concert

Swing into the concert at the Bish op’s Palace, Wells with John Pres cott performing a wide repertoire of songs from the great American songbook with the Capitol Band. At 7.30pm, tickets £17.50.

Street Christmas Event

There will be a Christmas mar ketplace with local businesses; refreshment stalls games, and a roaming Santa in Street High Street, Farm Road and Leigh Road. From 11am to 4pm.

Christmas Craft Fair

A variety of stalls and refreshments from 10am to 4pm in Allerford & Selworthy Community Hall,

Christmas Market

Over 20 stallholders will be selling their products in Weston Museum, Weston-super-Mare in aid of The Friends of Weston Museum. There will also be an appearance from Santa Claus between 10:30am and 12:30pm and 1:30pm and 3:30pm for photos and a Christmas natter. Free, does not include a present.

Children’s Candle Making

Creative workshop for children includes candle dipping, dyeing and mosaic tea lights. From 1.30 to 3pm at Ilminster Arts Centre. £12 for a parent and child.

Make a Clay Tea Light Holder

Make a clay tea light holder and follow the Christmas Cracker Trail

around Somerset Brick and Tile Museum, Bridgwater. From 10am to 4pm, £4, must be booked.

Dec 3 & 4, 10 & 11, 17 & 18

Festive Opening Weekends

Go to The Green Room at Exmoor Pony Centre for festivities; mince pies and to meet the ponies. With a chance to do some last minute shopping. From 11am to 3pm.

Dec 3 & 4, 10 & 11,17 & 18, 19 - Jan 1

A Country Christmas

Soak up the festive atmosphere at Dunster Castle and experience a cosy castle, decorated for a family Christmas as the Luttrells enjoyed when they were in residence. Take in the spectacularly decorated trees and spot the friendly knitted creatures hiding in the rooms.

Dec 3 & 4, 10 & 11,17 & 18, 24, 26 - Jan 2

Christmas Advent Trail

Meet Santa’s Reindeer at Wild Place, 3 December - 8 January.

Enjoy a festive trail and find the 24 advent doors which are hidden throughout the garden at Prior Park. Aimed at children, collect a trail card from reception and as you explore the garden, find the 24 doors that represent an advent calendar and open to reveal festive pictures and Christmas messages. Free with normal admission.

Saturday 3 - January 1

Enchanted Christmas Woodland Wednesdays - Sundays

An enchanted winter woodland ex perience awaits you at Barrington Court. Enjoy a breath-taking stroll around twinkling Christmas trees in the old cow shed and an oppor tunity to shop for bespoke gifts at the artisan workshops. You can also paint a wooden decoration every day with Jozef Mesar, Master Woodcarver, in his workshop £3 to £5.

Christmas Search and Rescue, The Fleet Air Arm Museum needs

the help of all budding aviators. Father Christmas has lost his reindeer, and the last radio signals show Rudolph losing height over the museum in Yeovilton. Assist Aircrew Officer Pilot Ellie Copter in finding Rudolph and his friends in the galleries, and help save Christ mas. Follow the Christmas Search and Rescue trail, and explore the four festive halls. From 10am to 4.30pm.

Saturday 3 - January 2

Christmas Victorian Audio Trail Adventure on an interactive tour around the Tyntesfield Estate. Meet historical workers and discover the vital roles they played in the running of the grounds and house. Set on Christmas Eve during the late Victorian period, listeners are cast as potential workers. The experience will weave a Christmas theme with stories, games and delights. The trail is for a child and adult to complete together, £3 per headset.

Saturday 3 - January 8

Meet Santa’s Reindeer

Meet Santa’s reindeer, on a mag ical Winter Walking Safari at the Wild Place Project. The project’s little ‘elves’ are giving special reindeer talks where children and adults can learn all about these fascinating animals, while taking a magical photo of their Christ mas-inspired stable. There will also

Round About

be festive craft-making sessions, making sustainable festive deco rations, plus papier-mâché ‘pre sents’ for the animals. Then there are nature trails where families can follow clues to find safari scenes, and collect fascinating animal and conservation facts starting off with warm mulled wine and a mince pie.

Sunday 4

Toy & Train Collectors Fair

Over 300 stalls at the Bath and West Showground. From 10.30am to 2.30pm, tickets from £4.

Friday 9

Late Night Christmas Shopping

In Watchet with entertainment and music until 8pm. Plus a Crib Festi val in Watchet Methodist Church. See over 70 Nativity Sets on display.

Living Nativity

A free event starting at Dovery Manor Museum it will go through

the village stopping at various locations along the way and concluding at ‘The Stable’ behind the Porlock Visitor Centre. From 6 to 7.30pm.

Christmas Concert

Christmas carol concert under the wings of Concorde at Yeovilton’s Fleet Air Arm Museum. Doors open at 7pm, concert starts at 7.30pm, ticket £15, must be booked.

Carols by Candlelight

Thousands of candles will be lit around the Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth from 3pm onwards, providing the perfect festive atmos phere Service begins at 6.30pm in the Main Barn.

Friday 9 & 16

Bath Independent Christmas Market

See some of the very best local artists, designers and makers all under one roof. At Green Park Sta tion, Bath. From 4 to 9pm.Craft

Friday 9 - Sunday 11

Christmas Tree Festival

Schools, their pupils and other community organisations will create and display their trees in Chard Museum. There will also be a chance to tour the museum and talk to archivists about the ‘stories of Chard’.

Friday 9 - Saturday 31

Porlock Santa Festival

Santas of a variety of inspired creations will be on display through Porlock Village. Up the chimney, down the chimney, sooty or smart they will all be there throughout Porlock’s Christmas activities.

Saturday 10

Christmas Carols

Get into the festive spirit with tradi tional carols sung in the music hall at Fyne Court by the local choir. There will be mince pies, mulled apple juice and hot chocolate alongside warming firepits outside. From 2.15pm, free with normal admission.

Porlock Late Night Shopping Shops will be open until 9pm with entertainment through the village and a Santa dash at 7.30pm.

Saturday 10 & 17

A Christmas Carol

Get into the festive spirit with an epic dramatic reading of this clas sic Dickensian tale at the Bishop’s Palace, Wells. At 11am, 12.30 & 3pm, included with general admission.

Sunday 11

Christmas Storytelling

A touch of Christmas magic and tales of Christmas past with the storytellers at the Bishop’s Palace, Wells. Included with general ad mission. Plus: Christmas Wreath Making Workshop

Get your festive creative juic es flowing and make a wreath. From 11am to 2pm, £55 includes materials.

Meet Santa

Children can meet Santa and his assistant in his Strode Theatre Grotto and receive a toy. £7 each, or £12 for 2. From 10am, book a slot online.

Monday 19 - Wed 21

Carols by Candlelight

Enjoy music for Advent and Christ mas in Wells Cathedral sung by the Cathedral Choir, interspersed with festive readings and poetry read by a special guest. See the Cathedral lit by over 3,000 candles each night. From 7 to 8.30pm

Sunday 18 - Wed 21

Christmas Storytelling As December 11.

December 20 - 24; 28 - 31

Christmas at Somerset Rural Life Museum

Go to Somerset Rural Life Museum for a traditional look at this festive period. Christmas activities include making traditional Christmas food; decorating a plate to leave out for Santa; trying out vintage toys, visiting farm animals and making a calendar for 2023. The Elf Trail will provide children with a fun and festive way to explore the museum (£1).

Christmas Family Disco

Take the family to Westlands Entertainment in Yeovil for a party suitable for all ages. At 5pm, tickets £5.

December 23 & 24, 28 - 31

Christmas Activities

Merry Christmas! January

Sunday 1 Happy New Year!

Saturday 14

Wassail

Drop in to the Museum of Som erset in Taunton to find out more about Christmas past with crafts and activities, including decorating a plate to leave out for Santa and creating a 2023 calendar. You can also follow the Reindeer trail.

Saturday 24

Father Christmas Float Tour. See Father Christmas touring Watchet in his float. You can also join in the Christmas carol singing at East Quay.

Wassail is an ancient tradition observed on Old Twelfth Night. The event takes place in Somerset Rural Life Museum’s 14th century Abbey Barn and around the oldest apple tree in the orchard. The purpose of the ceremony is to promote a good apple crop for the following year. See the crowning of the Wassail King or Queen and blessing the cider trees. Local band Rapscallion will provide musical entertainment. Adults £12, children £8, under 5’s do not need a ticket. Doors open at 6.45 pm, the ceremony starts at 7.30.

For a free listing of your event — let us know the details by 14 January

Festive Theatre

A

of the best panto and Christmas shows around this year. Times vary unless otherwise

for the usual mayhem, exciting wigs and general furore as they take you on a journey. Adults £15, children £12.

Treasure Island

McMillan Theatre

Bath Road, Bridgwater Box Office 01278 556677

December 16 - 29

Follow young Jim Hawkins’ exciting adventures with the infamous pirate Long John Silver as they go in search of Captain Flint’s buried treasure. With mutiny afoot can good triumph over evil? Swashbuckling pantomime adventure filled with all the usual laugh out loud comedy, singalong songs, stunning set and scenery, beautiful costumes, an in credible cast and a sensational live band. Tickets £18 - £22, children £15 - £22, family £60 - £74.

Wizard of Oz

Little Theatre

Wells Box Office 01749 672280

December 10 - 17

Follow the yellow brick road with Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tinman and Lion on their journey through the magical land of Oz to meet the Wizard and obtain their heart’s desires. Adults £13, children £11.

Dick Whittington

Dick leaves home thinking he’ll find the streets of London paved with gold and he’ll make his fortune. What he does find however, is the evil King Rat. Luckily for him he has his cat with him who turns out to be very useful. He could never begin to imagine how it could turn out, but you can see for yourselves at:

Octagon Theatre

Hendford, Yeovil Box Office 01935 422884

December 9 - January 1

Sleeping Beauty

You have to be so careful when issuing invitations. Leaving someone out can cause offence, and when the offended person has magic at their fingertips it doesn’t bode well – as the King and Queen find out to their cost. 100 years is a long sleep, and it will be longer unless a prince happens along. Is there a prince around when he’s needed? Find out at:

The purrrfect pantomime adventure, as we follow our hero to seek his fame, fortune, and happiness in London Town. With help from the magical Fairy Bow bells and his trusty feline friend – what could possibly go wrong? Action packed story, spectacular sets and costumes, amazing special effects and a genuinely funny script. Tickets £16 - £26, children £16 - £23.50, family £77.

Princess Theatre

Burnham-on-Sea Box Office 01278 784464 January 25 - 28

Tacchi-Morris

December 9 - 21

Spectacular panto packed with magic, mu sic, comedy and beautiful costumes. Adults £19, children £17.

The Playhouse

Western-Super-Mare Box Office 01934 654544

December 10 - 31

Enjoy a traditional pantomime full of family-friendly comedy, sparkling song and dazzling dance numbers. Starring Viki Mi chelle and Derek Morgan. Adults £27, £29,

Belle and Sebastian

Bristol Old Vic King Street, Bristol Box Office 0117 987 7877

December 2 - January 8

Belle and Sebastien have run into the mountains, away from everyone and everything. Born on the same day seven years ago, this boy and this dog have yearned forever to feel like they belong. Join these mischievous, playful, kindred spirits as they adventure into the wild to escape and discover themselves. For 4 year olds and above in the Weston Studio. Tickets from £8.

children £24.90, £25.90 , family £90, £95.

Taunton Brewhouse

Coal Orchard, Taunton Box Office 01823 283244

January 8 - 14

Follow the story of Princess Aurora’s com ing of age, at parties hosted by her forgetful father, Old King Cole, and bossy mother, Queen Catherine. There is fun and laughter with Nanny Nightnurse and Muddles, the court jester. Presented by the Wayfarers with big dance numbers, great musical performances and laughs a plenty. For children aged 3 to 93. Tickets £13 - £17.

Join Burnham and District Panto Society

rundown

Dick Whittington at The Octagon,Yeovil.

Poor old Cinders slaves away all day cleaning up after her gruesome ugly sisters. But with a sprinkling of fairy dust and a particularly large pumpkin, her luck is about to change. Join Cinders as she goes from rags to riches, outwits her very wicked sisters and meets her dashing Prince Charming at:

Bristol Hippodrome

St Augustine’s Parade

Box Office 0844 871 3012

December 4-31

Traditional panto with laugh out loud comedy, special effects and plenty of audience participation, Starring Craig Revel Horwood, tickets from £13.

Memorial Theatre

Frome

Box Office 01373 462795

December 28 - January 3

Presented by Frome Musical Theatre Company. Featuring spectacular scenery, beautiful costumes, toe-tapping songs, laugh out loud comedy, lots of sparkle and plenty of audience participation. Adults £15, children £13, family £50.

Strode Theatre

Strode College, Church Road, Street Box Office 01458 442846

December 23 - January 1

Cinderella dreams of becoming a dancer, but living in the shadow of her Stepsisters and with so many chores do to for her Stepmother after school, the only time she can dance is with her friends at the launderette. One day, she comes across an opportunity to fulfil her dreams and escape. But, with her stepsisters determined to stop her and only a lessthan competent Fairy Godmother and Fairy-Godmotherin-Training to help her, things don’t go quite as planned.

New version of the classic tale for all the family packed with comedy, dance, dazzling dames and live music. Tickets £10£18.50, family £48, £57.

Cinderella at Bristol Hippodrome

Festive Theatre

Aladdin

A tale of sorcery and good verses evil in the mysterious orient. Can our hero find the magic lamp and marry the girl of his dreams –Princess Jasmine? Or will Aladdin’s plans be thwarted by the villainous Abanazar, who wants the lamp –and the princess – for himself? The answers are at:

Theatre Royal Bath

Box Office 01225 448844

December 8 - January 8

New pantomime full of enchanting story, side-splitting comedy, exotic settings, dazzling special effects, plenty of com edy slapstick and much-loved routines. Boo the baddies, cheer the goodies and join in with the most magical of magic carpet rides. Starring Tom Lister (Em merdale) and Nick Wilton (Eastenders). Tickets from £9 to £39.50, depending on day and time of performance.

Warehouse Theatre

Brewery Lane, Ilminster Box Office 07943 779880

December 1 - 3, 8 - 10

Pantomime adventure for all the family with hilarious comedy from Twankey, Wishee, and a hyperactive washing machine. Tickets £12, children £6 from the website.

Redgrave Theatre

Percival Road, Clifton Box Office 0117 983 6024

December 7 - 31

With spectacular scenery, dazzling cos tumes, spellbinding special effects and lots of audience participation. Suitable for everyone aged 3 – 103. Tickets £18, concs £16, family £62.

Octagon Theatre

Hendford, Yeovil Box Office 01935 422884

January 26 - 28

Yeovil Amateur Pantomime Society with a spectacular genie-us of a family pantomime. Expect all the traditional panto ingredients - toe tapping tunes, a

laundry- full of laughs, loads of audience participation, local references – and a very, very badly-behaved panda.

Five Children and It

Theatre Royal Bath Box Office 01225 448844 December 9 - January 15

Sent away to live in the countryside with their reclusive Uncle, five children discover a secret that’s been hidden away for centuries: a magical, mischie vous and extremely grumpy Sand Fairy called It with the power to grant spec tacular wishes. There’s just one catch… Perhaps a wish granted isn’t always the dream come true you might expect. For 6 year olds and over in the Egg. Adults £20, children £15.

Nutcracker

Bristol Old Vic King Street, Bristol Box Office 0117 987 7877

Until January 7

On a Christmas Eve unlike any other, Clara receives a magical gift. Transported to a fantastical kingdom where just about anything feels possible, she soon discovers that it’s not just mice lurking beneath the floorboards. But danger is coming - will Clara and her friends be able to stop the King of the Rats in his tracks before it’s too late? For 7 year olds and above. Tickets from £10.

Christmas Tales with Grandad

The Wardrobe Theatre

25 West Street, Old Market, Bristol Box Office: 0117 902 0344

December 16 - January 2

A magical feast of festive stories includ ing a special pair of Christmas pants, the mystery of the magic whistle, and the mischievous shenanigans of the Tomten – a feisty Gnome, who loves the chance to play havoc at Christmas, and who might just be the reason Granddad can’t find his favourite tree decoration. Creat ing a sense of the fireside in the theatre, Granddad will welcome imaginative input from the audience as he weaves his own brand of heart-warming storytelling and festive cheer. For 3 year olds and above at 11am and 2pm. Tickets £10.

Taunton Brewhouse

Coal Orchard, Taunton Box Office 01823 283244

December 6-30

Stranded in the middle of the Sahara Desert, a brave pilot meets the Little Prince, a mysterious child from far away with a universe of stories to share. As water begins to run out, can these fantastical tales of adven ture help this unlikely pair find a way home? Based on the much-loved story by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, join the planet-hopping prince on an intergalactic adventure like no other. You’ll meet a host of colourful characters – from the friendly fox to prickly rose. Uplifting tale of friend ship and imagination complete with spectacular circus and enchanting original songs. Tickets £16 - £27.

Snow Queen

Tobacco Factory

Raleigh Road, Southville, Bristol Box Office 01117 902 0344

December 1 - January 15

The Snow Queen rules a frozen land far away that is as cold as her heart. Can anyone defeat her and return life to the land? Perhaps she made a mistake in lur ing Kai to her beautiful, but deadly palace of ice. He has a loyal friend, Gerda, who is determined to rescue him and doesn’t give up easily. Has the Queen met her match? Wrap up warmly, hop on-board a Nordic sleigh, adventure through a mysti cal land of snow and magic and even fly through the sky with a bicycling reindeer. For 5 year olds and above. Tickets £16, children £12.

Bookstore

There is lots to keep you entertained and while away dark winter hours in this selection whether you fancy being spooked, excited, amused or educated, some combine them all! Hope you enjoy them as much as I have.

Debbie

Who Will Kiss the Crocodile?

Suly Senior/ Claire Powell (Little Tiger Hb, £11.99)

Princess Liss had a fabulous first birthday party, until an uninvited guest turned up. Unfortunately she was a very angry fairy who cursed the Princess to die when bumping her knee when she reached fifteen. Until then she was turned into a crocodile. A pixie helpfully turned the curse from death to a long sleep when she would be awoken with a kiss. This might have been more helpful if she hadn’t been turned into a crocodile - who would kiss one of those? Things happened as predicted and after a long, long sleep princes came to kiss the princess and claim the kingdom, but when they saw her none were brave enough. It seemed she was doomed to never wake up until neighbours, worried about the state of the castle, called in the Handy-Grans. Find out what happened in this funny picture book with expressive, colourful illustrations. It might remind you of another princess story.

I Did See A Mammoth

Alex Willmore (Farshare, £7.99)

When a group of explorers go to research penguins in the Antarctic, one young member has other ideas. They are determined to see a mammoth, even though they are extinct. No one believes them when they report seeing a mammoth - on a skateboard, wearing sunglasses, a tutu or ever more daft ideas, ignoring the amazing things the penguins are up to. Not being believed doesn’t help their temper and a tantrum has surprising results, just as they begin to doubt themselves. This is a really entertaining book with vivid pictures that add to the story and will have you laughing out loud. It is great to share and read aloud with a nice surprise at the end. I love it!

The Vanishing of Aveline Jones - Phil Hickes (Usborne, £6.99)

Star Read

The Arctic Railway Assassin

Uncle Nat is treating Hal to a trip travelling on the night train to Narvik going to the Arctic Circle to see the Northern Light for Christmas. It is just for pleasure, no danger involved, and Hal’s mum is welcomed when she turns up unexpectedly. Not surprisingly things don’t go according to plan and when a sinister figure appears from Nat’s past they soon realise they have been unwittingly drawn into a plot, faced with an assassin who will do anything to to gain control of a deadly Kill Code who must be stopped at all costs. This puts them in great danger, and this time that includes Hal’s mum, with some surprising consequences. Sadly this is the last book in this highly entertaining series which has never lost momentum. Like the previous stories it is full of excitment with breath taking moments and so atmoshperic, I almost shivered reading it! All aided by Hal’s drawings. You don’t have to have read the others to enjoy this one, but it will make you want to go back and catch up!

The Mummy’s Curse

S

It has been years since Aveline’s uncle disappeared and, giving up all hope of his return, her mum and aunt have gone to his house to sell it. Going with them, Aveline and Harold don’t want to give up and are determined to solve the mystery and find him. They discover he had been researching odd happenings around a long barrow, an ancient burial mound. Meeting Sammy who has been researching these they learn other locals have gone missing in the vicinity of the barrow. Sammy is convinced it is full of supernatural activity and therefore dangerous, warning Aveline not to go near it. But she won’t be put off and answering an unexpected invitation with Harold they end up inside the barrow proving Sammy’s fears. They have become the latest victims of an evil faery that lurks there, collecting people and playing mind games to make sure they never leave. They only have until the solstice to defeat the faery and find their way out, a very difficult task fraught with danger. This is an engrossing, spooky story full of nail biting moments.

The Book That No One Wanted To Read

Richard Ayoade (Walker Hb, £10.99)

Don’t worry, the title doesn’t refer to this book, because I really enjoyed reading it and I think many others will too. It refers to the book in the story - confused? You will be! Have you ever wondered what it must feel like to be a book? Possibly not, but you might have imagined being in a book, in which case you are in for a treat because this book is about You. It’s also about a poor, neglected, lonely book who luckily can interact with you. Stick with it, if you are the right reader you may be able to change its fortune. Along the way you could learn a lot about books and how to treat them. This one is full of funny, slightly bonkers illustrations matching the mood of the words. Warning! You might want to make sure no one watches you reading this because you could do so with a very silly smile on your face only interrupted when you start to giggle!

Honesty

and Lies - Eloise Williams (Firefly, £7.99)

M.A. Bennett (Welbeck Flame, £7.99) Luna, Konstantin and Aidan are members of the Butterfly Club who have a time train that takes them into the future so they can steal artefacts and bring them back to help make advances earlier. They have a holographic link to Professor Lorenz an inventor in the future who gives them all the information they need to complete their tasks. When a shabti is discovered belonging to Tutankhamun, the club wants to find his tomb. Being told when Howard Carter is going to discover it the friends are sent forward to discover it first and bring the treasures back. Accompanied by Arthur Conan Doyle, despite great difficulty, they locate Carter’s group and do find the tomb first, but start to have doubts about whether the body should be taken away. These are doubled when a curse is unleashed and they only just escape from a near death experience. After failed attempts to stop Carter finding the tomb they have a fight against time to stop the body being moved whilst wondering how to explain their actions when they return to their own time. This is an exciting story full of period details that give you a feel for the time and bring events to life. It makes you think about the moral dilemma they face

The Incredible Pop-Up Mummy

Moira

Quang & Lien (Templar Hb, £25)

If your appetite for Egyptian history has been awakened, this book will more than satisfy it. To celebrate the centenary of the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb, it tells all about the way Ancient Egypt and the way the people dealt with death and the afterlife, demonstrated by pop ups with flaps to lift that allow you to see into all the layers of pyramids and mummys. Each step is carefully explained in words aided by colourful, detailed pictures. A real gem of a book.

You Are History

Greg Jenner (Walker Hb, £14.99)

During the cold winter of 1601 Honesty runs away to London to escape an unwanted future. She finds it large and frightening after her Welsh home. Luckily she meets Alice, a maid of Queen Elizabeth I and in a set of unexpected circumstances manages to become a maid as well. The pair become friends, but while Honesty relishes attention and being noticed by the Queen, Alice tries to stay unnoticed. She is obviously hiding a big secret that could leave both girls in mortal peril and test their friendship. This is a gripping story full of vivid, historic details (you can almost smell the washing room) and exciting episodes. The chapters alternate between each girl’s viewpoint letting the reader see both sides and know more than the characters do, which really draws you in.

This isn’t a threat! This book shows that history is all around us in the things we use everyday. It takes a really funny, but true, look at fifty common objects and the often almost unbelievable ways they came about. From toilets, showers and glasses to clothes, jewellery and personal toiletries; edibles, entertainment and machines to all things that make life easier and more comfortable, even our pets. Did you know Jewellery in ancient Egypt was used to protect against evil spells while Victorians wore jewellery made from dead insects? Hair styling is nothing new but products have thankfully changed. A few hundred years ago they used cat poo! If the words weren’t amusing enough, the fantastic illustrations will have you laughing out loud.

Butterfield/

MG Leonard/Sam Sedgman (Macmilan, £7.99)

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Guideto Family&Children’s S h swo Theatre

We have tried to give as up to date picture as we can, but things can change at short notice. We advise you to book in advance and then check again before you go.

Taunton Brewhouse

Box Office 01823 283244

Coal Orchard, Taunton

Christmas

Science Saved the World

Saturday February 4

Trolls

December 20 & 21

Join Tig and Mig, in this lively, interactive and festive show that tells the story of two mischievous trolls down on their luck at Christmas time. Having lost their jobs,they can’t work out how to have the Christmas they wanted. When they see Sigrid’s house, full of decorations and presents, they decide to steal Christmas from her. For 5 to 11s at 10am 12 and 2pm. Adults £12, children £10.

Octagon Theatre

Box Office 01935 422884 Hendford, Yeovil

Tap Factory 2023

Friday February 3

Take 12 oil barrels, one stepladder, four bins and a bucket. Blend with the breathtaking tap dancing of eight male performers. The result is Tap Factory, a potent cocktail of dance, acrobatics, music and comedy that is a must-see show for all the family. At 7.30pm, tickets £27.

Join the Ministry of Science presenters as they dive deep into the world of science and look at how science shapes the modern world we live in with a few loud bangs along the way! They’ll take an anarchic approach to science communication whilst looking at the scientists, engineers and inventors who have shaped the modern world that we live in whilst proving that each and everyone of you have the ability to change our world for the better. At 2pm, tickets £16.50, concs £15, family £60.

Merlin Theatre

Box Office 01373 465949 Bath Road, Frome

James & the Giant Peach December 7 - 9

The play begins at the end of the story, when James and his friends are living in the giant peach stone in Central Park, New York. A tour guide brings a party of tourists to see this major attraction, and James and his friends tell the story of how they came to live in New York. Presented by Merlin Theatre Productions,at 7pm, Saturday matinees at 11am and 3pm. Tickets £14, children £10.

The Snowman

Saturday December 17 In a family-friendly concert, Frome Town Band invites you to join their musical Christmas celebration. Sing carols, see Father Christmas, and listen as Frome’s community brass band play live with the film of Raymond Brigg’s Snowman as he soars above the snowy landscape. At 7pm, tickets £10.50, concs £7.50.

Bridgwater Arts Centre

Box Office 01278 422700 Castle Street

Santa Saves Christmas

Wednesday December 21

As Regal Theatre. For 2 to 7 year olds, every child will receive a specially wrapped present from Santa. At 2pm, tickets £10.75, children £9.75, family £41.

Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre

Box Office 01823 414141 School Road, Taunton

Beauty and the Beast

Thursday December 1 Ballet Theatre UK tell the story of Belle whose father is imprisoned in a mysterious castle. Belle’s attempt to rescue him leads to her capture by the Beast, a grisly and fearsome monster. At 7.30pm, tickets £17.

Princess Theatre

Box Office 01278 784464 Burnham-on-Sea

Jack and the Beanstalk

December 1 - 3

Re:ACT Performing & Production Arts present

The rags to riches story of a boy who sells the family cow for a handful of beans, leading to rather dramatic consequences. At 7.30pm, Saturday matinee at 2.30pm, tickets £14.50.

Science Saved The World at The Octagon, 4 February

Christmas Trolls at Taunton Brewhouse, 20 & 21 December.

The Captain Calamity Santamime Adventure

December 13 & 14

Captain Calamity’s plans for Christmas in Chocolate Button Bay are disrupted with a call from the Chief Elf at the North Pole. There’s just not enough seasonal good cheer, magic and merriment in the world and Santa’s not sure the Reindeer will fly if he doesn’t get enough by Christmas Eve. Expect a symphony of disaster conducted by a very smelly dragon, a mad scientist, a travelling musical storyteller and the biggest buffoon of all: Captain Calamity. At 4.30pm, tickets £10. After the show you can meet Father Christmas and some of his friends to drop off any Christmas wish lists.

Theatre Royal

Box Office 01225 448844 Sawclose, Bath

The Nutcracker

January 24 - 26

The enchanting tale of Clara’s adventures with her Nutcracker Prince, full of magic and wonder for audiences of all ages. At 7pm, Thursday matinee at 2pm. Swan Lake January 27 & 28

The tragic tale of love that triumphs over evil, as Prince Siegfried falls in love with Odette, Queen of the Swans, only to be tricked into betraying her with devastating consequences. At 7pm. Both presented by The International Classic Ballet Theatre.

Bristol Hippodrome

Box Office 0844 871 3012

St Augustine’s Parade, Bristol

Giselle

Thursday January 5

The moving story of delicate Giselle and her aristocratic but duplicitous lover Albrecht. A chilling and heart-rending

tale of love, treachery and forgiveness from beyond the grave.

Swan Lake

Friday January 6

From the impressive splendour of the Palace ballroom to the moon-lit lake where swans glide in perfect formation, a compelling tale of tragic romance.

Nutcracker

Saturday January 7

This most famous of fantasy ballets for all the family begins as night falls on Christmas Eve and we are swept away to a fairy-tale world where nothing is as it seems. All presented by Varna International Ballet at 7.30pm, Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets from £13.

Regal Theatre

Box Office 01643 706430

The Avenue, Minehead

Santa Saves Christmas

Wednesday December 14

Who can save the magic of Christmas? Jack’s beanstalk won’t grow, Cinderella’s glass slipper is broken and what’s happened to the magic in the Fairy Godmother’s wand?

It looks as though Christmas might have to be cancelled… Join Jack, Dasher the Reindeer and Pompom the Penguin for this festive, musical, interactive adventure, as they meet Father Christmas at his home

in the North Pole and help him save Christmas. For 2 to 7 year olds, every child will receive a specially wrapped present from Santa. At 4pm, adults £8.75, children £7.75, family £29. Price includes meet and greet plus gift with each child’s ticket.

The Playhouse

Box Office 01934 645544

Demon Dentist

January 19 - 22

Strange things are happening in Alfie’s town. Children are leaving their teeth for the tooth fairy and waking up to find odd things under their pillow. Alfie and his friend Gabz are determined to get to the bottom of the mystery - but no-one could have dreamed what they’ll discover, when they come face to face with the demon dentist herself. Based on the David Walliams book, times vary, tickets £22, £24, children £19, £21, family £77, £85.

Science Saved the World

Monday February 5

As the Octagon. At 2pm, tickets £16.50, children £15.50, family £55

The Captain Calamity Santamime Adventure at Princess Theatre, 13 & 14 December.