Primary Times Somerset Oct 2022

Chinadale,

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.

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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

WELCOME to our first issue of the new school year, and to all our new readers. You will find us full of events and activities to keep you occupied over half term and beyond.

Hallowe’en is back with a bang, see our special pages. We’ve got some tips on how to stay safe while you celebrate. There are plenty of non spooky events in our Half Term pages as well.

Pantomimes are also getting back into full swing, what better way to introduce youngsters to live entertainment?. We’ve notice of what’s on this year with full details in our next (Christmas, sorry - too soon?) issue. Talking of which, it seems to start earlier every year - see our Roundabout pages for the first sightings.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue have some safety advice with fun activities to enjoy as well.

Schools, don’t forget to let us know if your numbers have changed so we can send you the right number of copies. Also if you have any events or activities you would like mentioned in our listings.

Have a good time and we will see you again at the end of November for the Christmas issue (Sorry, that word again!)

Debbie

In this issue

04 HALLOWE’EN SAFETY

Making sure you have a happy and safe Hallowe’en.

05-11 ROUNDABOUT

Your day by day family what’s on.

12 NEWSROUND

News and information for parents and carers.

13-15 HALF TERM FUN

So much going on to keep you all busy.

16-17 HALLOWE’EN

Scary and spooky stuff to give you chills.

18 BOOKSTORE

Great new reads.

19-22 THEATRE

Children’s and family shows.

COVER IMAGES:

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

Get into the Christmas spirit with the Octagon’s fun-filled panto, Dick Whittington.

From 9 Dec - 1 Jan. Call 01935 422884 or visit octagon-theatre.co.uk

23 FIRE SAFETY

Tips to stay safe from the experts.

Keep Spookily SafeKeep Spookily SafeKeep Spookily Safe

After the restrictions of the last few years, many children will be looking forward to Hallowe’en even more than usual. Here we have some tips to help ensure they have a safe time.

Fire Safety Tips

• Loose clothing can go up in flames if it catches on a burning candle. If you’re going out to scare, know what to wear.

• Try to buy from a reputable store or website, it may mean spending a bit more but it will be safer. Cheap costumes may not meet UK safety standards and may carry fake safety labels. Look for a costume with a CE mark and make sure it is genuine. This doesn’t mean it won’t catch light. But it has been tested for fire safety so it should burn more slowly.

The British Retail Consortium has introduced stricter fire safety tests for children’s dressing-up costumes. Many reputable retailers and manufacturers in the UK have signed up to this voluntary code. Look for a label that says: “This garment has undergone additional safety testing for flammability”.

• Teach children to ‘Stop, Drop and Roll’, make sure they know what to do if their clothes catch fire. The instinct is to run.

So encourage them to practice stopping, dropping to the ground, covering their face with their hands, and rolling over a few times to put out the flames.

• Candles and lit pumpkins create a fantastic spooky atmosphere but can be dangerous. Keep them well out of the path of trick or treaters and away from any Hallowe’en decorations that might catch light.

Remember not to put candles on a surface that may burn. And, in all the excitement, don’t forget to blow them out when you’re done. You may want to switch to LED / flameless battery-powered candles for extra safety (but be sure the battery compartment is secure).

Out and About

Visibility is important all year round, but after the clocks go back it gets dark much earlier, just when children are out trick or treating.

Reflective tape can make a fun addition to Hallowe’en costumes and make children more visible to drivers at twilight, as it is picked up in car headlights. If you’re going out earlier with little ones, then bright or fluorescent clothing is better for daytime visibility.

• Fluorescent glow sticks and glow jewellery can make good costume accessories and help make children more visible to drivers.

• Masks can make it harder for children to see or hear traffic. So save the special masks for the Hallowe’en party and use face paint for trick or treating.

• Keep a look out for trailing or lose

parts of costumes that could trip the wearer up.

• Encourage children to put mobile phones away when they are out and crossing roads. Instead of using the phone as a light, carry a torch.

• Children under 12 are best accompanied by an adult. Agreeing a pre-planned route for children over 12, avoiding strangers doors, making sure they stay in a group and giving them a way of contacting a trusted adult if they need to offers freedom with less risk. Remind children that not everyone celebrates Hallowe’en so they should be shown some consideration.

Other Safety Tips

• Carving pumpkins can be dangerous and should be carried out by adults, or supervised older children. To be safe, try some ‘no carve pumpkin’ ideas. Use felt tip pens or paint to make a spooky face or decorate it by sticking things such as ribbons, buttons, tissue paper or dried pasta on it.

• Watch out for treats that could be a choking hazard for young children, like hard sweets, marshmallows or mini-eggs. It’s best to avoid eating while walking or running, so you may want to save up all the treats to enjoy back at home.

Go to www.capt.org.uk/halloween for more advice. Free resources are available at www.tradingstandards.uk/news-policy/ campaigns/halloween-safety-campaign/ from the Office for Product Safety & Standards.

Safe, stay spookyStay Safe, stay spooky

Yourfamily what’s onwhen g u i d eRound About

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

Continuing

Until October 21

Endangered Animals Event Join in the fun at Exmoor Zoo.

Until October 27

Hidden Collection Exhibition at Crewkerne Muse um of items that are normally in storage, chosen by the Collection team and volunteers.

Until October 29

Myths and Monsters Exhibition of children’s book illus trators in the Museum of Somerset in Taunton bringing together over 70 artworks by 17 of the most cel ebrated children’s book illustrators. Get ready to meet a motley crew of fantastic beasts, from the Gruff alo to the Iron Man, from fearsome dragons to monsters of the deep, and even monsters in underpants.

Until October 31

‘Wed in the Westcountry’

Glorious Gardens

More than thirty stunning gardens across Somerset and Dorset are opening to visitors in aid of St Margaret’s Hospice Care. From charming courtyard and walled gardens to steep woodlands and country estates with beautiful views. Go to st-margarets-hospice. org.uk/glorious-gardens for details.

Heritage Day

Chard Museum is hoping the Chard community will help them select this year’s theme and pick something from the Town’s vast heritage.

Until November 12

Wedding Dress exhibition in the house at Forde Abbey from 1940’s through to the present day. The exhibition explores how gown styles and materials have changed over the decades, including those borrowed and adapted in wartime. Each dress has a story to tell about the bride, time and place. From 12 to 3.30pm, closed Mondays and Saturdays.

The World of Martin Brown: Horrible Histories and other Dazzling Draw ings

Discover an inspirational array of cartoons and art by the Horrible Histories illustrator Martin Brown in Weston Museum, Weston-su per-Mare.

Until December 31

Hatching the Past: American Dinosaur Explorers

Take a rare and exciting look at the life of dinosaurs through their eggs, nests and embryos. This remark able hands-on exhibition at the American Museum in Bath offers an astounding array of dinosaur eggs and nests collected from all over the globe, with a special focus on the importance of American fossil sites in our understanding of dinosaurs.

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, including during different conflicts. Includes a special Somerset Art Works co commission by metal worker Jacky Oliver (on display until 30 Oct.)

October

Tuesday 11 - Nov 10 Gaia

A touring artwork by UK artist Luke Jerram in Wells Cathedral. Meas uring seven metres in diameter, it features 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface. The artwork provides the opportunity to see our planet on this scale, floating in three-dimensions. The artwork also acts as a mirror to major events in society. A specially made surround sound composition is played alongside the sculpture.

Saturday 15 Apple Day

Annual celebration with the Somer set Cider Brandy Company, Pass Vale Farm, Burrow Hill, Kingsbury Episcopi. With music, plays, food and drink from 12 to 5pm.

Apple Day

Watch or join in traditional apple pressing and take away juice, free if own apples and container provid ed. Free from 11.30am to 2.30pm outside Dunster Memorial Hall in High Street Dunster.

Saturday 15 & Sunday 16

Exhibition of Local History Displays, Books and Information on Local History at the The History Hut, Netherham Farm, Low Ham, Langport, From 11am to 4pm, free entry, donations welcome.

Sunday 16

Giant Flea Market

Over 250 inside and outside stalls

Spectacular light show ILLUMNATE comes to Hestercombe Gardens

Myths and Monsters at The Museum of Somerset

at the Bath and West Showground selling a plethora of items. From 9.30am, adults £5, accompanying children free. Details on 01278 784912.

Wednesday 19 & Thursday 20

Wildlife at Night

Join the Exmoor ponies at the Pony Centre in discovering the Wildlife at Night on Exmoor. Family friendly event to inspire everyone to engage in their local wildlife. With the opportunity to interact with the ponies. From 5.30 to 7pm, must be booked.

Thursday 20 - Monday 24 Yeovil Literary Festival

An exciting programme of liter ature, comedy and arts events from well-known literary figures, comedians, celebrities and exciting

new writers. Events take place at The Octagon Theatre, Westlands Entertainment Venue and Yeovil Library. Go to www.yeovilliterary festival.so.uk or call 01935 422884 for details.

Friday 21 Stars Over Somerset

A practical and informative astron omy evening for all ages at Ham Hill Country Park. The evening is led by experienced local astrono mer and lecturer, Adrian Dening. Following an informative talk on general astronomy and observing tips, you will be venturing outside to conduct your own adventure into space. From 7 to 9pm, all children must be accompanied

Sunday 23

Open Cockpit Day

The Somerset Carnival season continues!

October

Round About Carnival Time!

Friday 14 Wincanton (7.30pm)

Saturday 15 Taunton (7pm)

Saturday 15 Castle Cary (7pm)

Saturday 22 Trowbridge (7pm)

Saturday 29 Warminster (7pm)

November

Saturday 5 Bridgwater (6pm) *

Monday 7 Burnham on Sea (7.30pm) *

Friday 11 Western-super-Mare (7pm) *

Saturday 12 North Pertherton (7pm) *

Monday 14 Midsomer Norton (7.30)

Wednesday 16 Shepton Mallett (7.30pm) *

Friday 18 Wells (7pm) *

Saturday 19 Glastonbury (7pm) *

* Part of the Somerset Guy Fawkes Carnival Circuit. More information on 01934 750833 or see www.somersetcarnivals.co.uk

Visitors have the rare opportunity to access the cockpits of selected helicopters at the Helicopter Museum and have the controls explained by an experienced guide Helicopter Air Experience Flight

Learn how a helicopter works as the pilot explains the controls whilst you look down on Weston-su per-Mare from a thousand feet in the air. Both at the Helicopter Museum, Weston-super-Mare.

Monday 24 Forest School

All the family can enjoy Forest School activities at the Avalon

Marshes Centre, Shapwick Road, Westhay. With a walk down the Sweet Track to explore the woodland glade, hunt for bugs, get inspired by nature, build dens and have tea around the camp fire. From 1am to 4pm, £3. Must be booked on Julie.merrett@ naturalengland.org.uk or 01458 860120.

Wednesday 26 & Thursday 27

Wildlife at Night

As October 19 & 20.

Thursday 27

Street Entertainers

Gargoyle roving and human living “statues” in stone costumes will be out and about to delight and entertain you in Minehead.

Saturday 29 & Sunday 30

Pop-Up Art Gallery

The Great Bow Wharf, Bow Street, Langport will be opening a pop up gallery with a different theme, this month it is Colour. From 10am to 4pm, details on admin@greatbow. org.uk or 01458 254257.

Sunday 30 Autumn Market

’Not Just a Market’ in Shepton Mallett Market Place with over 35 stalls, free live music, DJ’s, street performances, themed attractions and Best Carved Pumpkin compe tition. From 10am to 3pm.

Open Cockpit Day

As October 23.

November

Tuesday 1 - Wed 30

Quackers’ Family Nature Trail

Learn to tell your Pintail from your Shoveler. Join in an exciting ad venture around RSPB Ham Wall as we see how many different ducks we can spot, whilst learning more about their different behaviours.

For 3 to 11 year olds, packs £2.50, includes small prize, from the info point. From 10.30am to 3pm, no need to book.

Wednesday 2 Night at the Museum

Christmas Light Trails

Threshold.aero and the Fleet Air Arm Museum have teamed up in Hall One to showcase some of Europe’s largest Naval Aviation collection held at Yeovilton. It includes a number of aircrafts from the ‘Search and Rescue’ displays. From 5.30 to 8.30pm.

Wednesday 2 - Sunday 27 Remembrance

Visit the Fleet Air Arm Museum to remember those who have served and given their lives in service of the Royal Naval Air Service and Fleet Air Arm. In conjunction with

Enjoy the light trails at:

November 25 - January 1

Curated trail at Stourhead featuring the stunning Christmas Cathe dral, in which more than a thousand pea lights will be woven into the forest landscape. Marvel at the ‘Sea of Light’, neon stars wrapping trees and a brilliant super nova, providing plenty of selfie moments along the way. Go to christmasatstourhead.seetickets.com for tickets.

December 2 - 24

The grounds of Kingston Lacy will be transformed into a winter won derland. The family friendly trail, featuring curated illuminations set to a soundtrack of Christmas music, will illuminate the beautiful garden. Go to christmasatkingstonlacy.seetickets.com for tickets.

Round About Firework Displays November

Friday 4

Downend Round Table Fireworks

There will be an array of specta cles taking place throughout the night in King George V Playing Fields, Westerleigh Road, Bristol.

the Fleet Air Arm Memorial Church, discover more about some of the personnel commemorated within the church grounds, contextualis ing them within the museum before visiting the church and cemetery itself. Go to www.fleetairarmmc.org for details.

Saturday 5 Craft Fair

A ‘Support the Hall’ Event at the David Hall South Petherton. Go and buy beautiful things created by local craft makers. Free entry from 9.30am to 12.30pm.

Saturday 5 - January 8

The Festival of Light

Selected dates.

Featuring over 800 custom-de signed, hand-painted lanterns at Longleat.

Sunday 6 Magpie Market

A market for vintage and con temporary gifts, jewellery and homemade crafts and produce. From 10am to 3pm in the Cheese and Grain, Frome.

Friday 11& Saturday 12

Exhibition of Local History

As October 15 & 16.

Friday 11 - Sunday 13

Antique & Collectors Fair

Unique finds, retro collectables and a vast variety of vintage items at the Bath and West Showground.

Rural Living Show

There will be two firework displays (including a children’s display that is quieter and deliberately more about the visual effects), an impressive bonfire, music and a full bar.

Wizards & Witches Fireworks

Grab your broomsticks, dust off your pointy hat and cloak and join in this family event at Bath Race course. Starts at 5pm with enter tainment for all ages throughout the evening. With face painting and a fun fair to enjoy as well as food and drink. The 15 minute firework fiesta will start at 7.30pm, funfair goes on until 9pm. Details online or 01225 424609.

Friday 4 & Saturday 5

Fireworks to Music

Avon Valley Adventure and

Saturday 12

Langport Vintage Market

An eclectic market offering a range of vintage traders selling homewares, clothing, jewellery & collectables in Langport Town Centre. From 10am to 4pm.

Saturday 12 - January 3

Bath on Ice at Royal Victoria Park

Experience a hidden winter wonderland in the centre of Bath with 1000 square metres of black ice. With music to set the wintry scene, a cozy bar area and seasonal drinks. Next door Glow

Wildlife Park have teamed up with Aardvark FX, world-class pyrotechnics and special effects

friends for a jaw dropping spec tacular. From 5 to 9pm, fireworks at approximately 7pm. Must be booked in advance.

Saturday 5

Fireworks Display

This is a bonfire event for the whole family at Weston-superMare Cricket Club, Devonshire Park Ground, Devonshire Road.

Saturday 12

Fireworks Extravaganza

Go to Puxton Park, Cowslip Lane, Hewish for rides, attrac tions, Hog Roast and BBQ and a magical fireworks display full of show-stopping bangs, pops, sparklers, whizzlers, swirls, and all sorts of fireworks creating a kaleidoscope of colours across

Golf, the adventure golf course, will be decked out with a fairy light installation.

Tuesday 15 - January 2

Get Your Skates On

A first-of-its kind ice rink will be at Clarks Village Shopping Centre offering guests a truly magical skating experience. The under cov er ice rink features real ice will be in the grounds of the historic Alfred Gillett Trust and will provide skat ers with a captivating festive atmosphere. Visitors are advised to pre-book their 45-minute ses sions, skate hire is included.

Friday 18

Christmas Lights Night

Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 November

Showcase of the best artisans and producers the South West have to offer at King’s Hall School, Kingston Road, Taunton. With a huge se lection of the finest designers, makers and crafts people in the region and a food hall. It will beraising vital funds for their charity partnerThe Children’s Hospice Southwest. Open for 10am to 5pm, Saturday and 4pm Sunday. £4.50, children free. Go to rurallivingshow.co.uk to book, tickets also available on the day.

2 for 1 entry offer for Primary Times Readers

Rural Living Show / 26 & 27 November 2022

King’s Hall School, Taunton

This voucher entitles the bearer to 2 for 1 entry. 1 free entry granted per paying customer when presenting this voucher from Primary Times Somerset Magazine.

Tickets usually priced at £4.50

The Ilminster Christmas lights will be switched on, the cafe, gallery and craft shop of the Meeting House Arts Centre will be open from 6 to 9pm with music and songs from the Ilminster Ukeleel Band.

Stars Over Somerset

As October 21.

Friday 18 & Saturday 19 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 Som erset Railway’s enchanted track, through woodlands and country side transformed for the season. Spectacular lineside displays will shine and glow and an encapsulat ing tale will unfold along the way to

the Somerset sky. £10 each or 4 for £36, under 2s free.

Sunday 6 Seafront Fireworks

Free display on the Esplanade Burnham-on-Sea. Starts at 6.30pm on the jetty.

Friday 18

Fireworks at Sea

Go to the Grand Pier, Westonsuper-Mare for a special fireworks party and be entertained by the spectacular pyrotechnics over the sea. The best views will be from the Grand Pier itself, and entry is strictly ticket only. Each ticket includes unlimited rides for the evening. Tickets £12.50, £18.95; VIP £34.95, £84.95. Doors open at 6.30pm, show starts at approximately 8pm. Details on 01934 620238.

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 18 - Sunday 20

Christmas Market

The market at Hestercombe will be full of stallholders offering all sorts of festive wares. From 9am to 5pm.

Saturday 19

Christmas Craft Fair and Open Day

A great opportunity to visit The Princess Theatre in Burnham on Sea and see what happens there along with a bit of Christmas shop ping. Sample some of the regular activities, have a look backstage or buy some Christmas gifts from local producers. Free entry from 10am to 4pm.

Forest School

As October 24.

Saturday 19 - December 4

Festive Opening Weekends only.

Go to the Green Room at Exmoor Pony Centre for festivities, mince pies and a chance to meet the po nies. There will also be the chance to do some Christmas shopping. From 11am to 3pm.

Sunday 20

West Country Clock & Watch Fair

A clock and watch fair organised by the Bristol Branch of the British

Enjoy the Winterlights on the West Somerset Railway, dates through November and December.

Horological Institute (BHI) in the Holiday Inn, Deane Gate Avenue, Taunton. With up to 45 stalls selling clocks, watches, parts new & old, books, spares and other horolog ical items. From 9am to 2.30pm, £3.

Thursday 24 - Dec 11

Thursdays to Sundays

December 15 - 30

Everyday ILLUMINATE

Hestercombe Gardens will be lit up with 3D lattice stars, floodlights, spotlights, festoons and colour. LLUMINATE 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 Tem ple and back down past the Pear Pond and into the Formal Garden. Must be booked online.

Thursday 24 - 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.

Continued on page 10

Round About

Friday 25 & Saturday 26

Winterlights

As November 18 & 19.

Friday 25 - January 1

Christmas at Stourhead

More than a million lights and seasonal sounds fill the air at Stourhead with festive fun. With glittering tunnels of light, dancing lakeside reflections and trees drenched in jewel-like colour set to a soundtrack of festive favourites. Discover the sparkling Cathedral of light, glowing fields of flowers and trees drenched in jewel-like colour among other installations. Must be booked, advanced tickets from £21.50, children £15, family £71.

Saturday 26 eat:Taunton

Celebrating Taunton and Somerset with local food and drink, enter tainment and more in Hammet and East Streets. Free from 10am to

4pm.

Pop-Up Art Gallery

As 29 & 30 October, but on the theme of Animals.

Christmas Light Switch on & Lantern Parade

Frome’s annual Christmas celebra tion in the town centre features a lantern procession, carols, Father Christmas and his grotto, festive food stalls and the Christmas lights switch-on. There will be many opportunities for gift shopping with the Christmas Extravaganza market at the Cheese and Grain; Christmas Charity Fair and the Christmas Farmers Market.

Street Entertainers

Mirror suits x 2 will be out and about to delight and entertain you in Minehead.

Festive Artisan Market

Get your skates on at Clarks Village Ice Rink from 15 November - 2 January.

Take an opportunity to support local and handmade at The Arc in Winchester. Free entry and festive treats will be available from the café.

Saturday 26 & Sunday 27

Santa Specials

Father Christmas will be visiting Midsomer Norton Station. On arrival Grown Ups will be served refreshments including mulled wine or hot chocolate and mince pies 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 Buffet Trolley. On Arrival back into the Midsomer North Pole platform Children will be invited to visit Fa ther Christmas in his Train Carriage Grotto and receive a wrapped gift. The Station Shop and Emporium will be open to help you find those last minute gift ideas. The Railway

Museum and Pill box will also be open to visitors.

Festive Weekend

As November 19 & 20.

Exmoor Christmas Fair

A showcase for local craftsmen and women with a eclectic array of seasonal gifts, food, drinks and unusual items not found in High Street shops. Free from 12 pm Saturday; 10am Sunday in Porlock Village Hall.

Christmas at Crealy

Join in the festive celebrations at Crealy. Journey through Santa’s magical maze to meet Santa, featuring 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 Ad venture; 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 this Christmas 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.

Saturday 26 - Dec 22

Christmas Elf Trail

Visit the festive trail at Palette and Pasture, Pyle Farm, Trudoxhill and see what all the mischievous Elves are up to. See how many elves you

can count – there are lots of mis chievous Elves - and stop off for the children to make Reindeer food ready for Christmas Eve. Write and Post your Letter to Santa in the Special Santa Letter Box and plant a Candy Cane (a little secret help from a grown-up required). The Trail includes a Farm Style Nativity Scene with real cows, sheep, pigs and goats. There will be Tractor Tyre Snowman, the Smelliest Christmas Pudding you have ever seen and more. Adult ticket £3.75; children £14.

Saturday 26 - January 1

Festive Ice Skating

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

Sunday 27

Victorian Fayre

’Not Just a Market’ in Shepton Mallett Market Place with over 35 stalls, free live music, DJ’s, street performances, themed attractions and Victorian Fancy Dress compe tition. From 10am to 3pm.

Stars of Time Film & Comic Con

See fantastic guests from TV and the Movies, Cosplay, Competi tions, Traders Hall with 1000’s of Gifts and Collectables, Costumed Characters from Star Wars, Marvel, Doctor Who, Set Displays and much more in The Tropicana, Weston-super-Mare. From 10am to 4.30pm.

December

Friday 2 & Saturday 3 Winterlights

As November 18 & 19.

Friday 2 - Sunday 4

Christmas Tree Festival

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

Friday 2 - Dec 31 Christmas Nights Light Trail

Saturday 3

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 Fair

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

Christmas Market

Follow and interact with Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park’s light trail, which uses the venue’s lake and trees to create a spectacular backdrop. 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 Christmas again.

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

Saturday 3 & Sunday 4 Santa Specials

As November 26 & 27.

Santa Express Step aboard West Somerset Rail way’s festively decorated heritage carriages and take a wonderful journey through West Somer set’s 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. Tickets £25, under 1s £15.

Christmas at Crealy

As November 26 & 27.

Sunday 4

Toy & Train Collectors Fair

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

Christmas Fun Day

Go to the Helicopter Museum in Weston-super-Mare and see Santa arrive by helicopter, then meet him and his elves in his special Helicop ter Grotto and sit in his famous sleigh. There will also be a chance to meet Beauty and the Beast and friends; Winter Wonderland display; lie music; Winter Weather Flight Simulator, open cockpit, charity stalls and seasonal fayre. From 2pm, advanced booking recommended.

Street Entertainers

A Penny Farthing balloon modeller will be out and about to delight and entertain you in Minehead.

Christmas comes to Crealy.

Information for Parents,Teachers and C sreraNews Round

Mesage in a bottle top

Reach out to stop bullying

REACH OUT is the theme of this year’s Anti-Bullying Week taking place from 14 to 18 November. Bullying affects millions of young lives and can leave them feeling hopeless. But it doesn’t have to be this way. If we challenge it, we can change it. And it starts by reaching out.

The theme came from consultation with teachers and pupils by the AntiBullying Alliance. They wanted a theme that empowered them to do something positive to counter the harm and hurt that bullying causes.

The week will begin with Odd Socks Day supported by CBBC and CBeebies star Andy Day and his band Andy and the Odd Socks. The band will record and release a toe-tapping song to mark the day on the first day of Anti-Bullying Week.

14. Schools who want to join in can get a pack with flyers, poster, handouts, assembly/lesson plan and Andy and the Odd Socks song. There is also a schools competition to win a visit from the group. Go to anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/antibullying-week for details.

Friday 18 is Friendship Friday when children can learn about positive friendships. The website has loads of ideas of ways for children to challenge bullying, learn about positive friendships and reach out for help. With a ‘Guide to Friendship’ and free activities.

LYNGFORD PARK PRIMARY SCHOOL is one of two runners up in the Message in a Bottle Top art competition, part of a nationwide recycling campaign to raise awareness about the dangerous impact of plastic waste on the environment.

It is led by sustainable composite decking brand Composite Prime® in collaboration with the National Schools Partnership. Pupils from the school collected and transformed 6,500 plastic bottle tops into stunning art sculptures. Nicole Stearn, art lead and teacher said:

“The children have been creative throughout - coming up with initial design ideas, collecting and sorting bottle tops and constructing the sculptures using other recycled waste materials. I am absolutely thrilled with the end result and the impact the colourful animals have in Lyngford Park’s reception area. The project has engaged so many of the students whose wonderful ideas inspired the creation of the octopus with tentacles entwined with plastic rubbish, the Taunton Town football playing peacock and the angler fish whose lure illuminates its mouth full of plastic pollution.”

With more than 1,239 schools entering from across the country it really is a fantastic achievement. Well Done!

There’s a serious message behind the fun: let’s pull on odd socks to show we’re ALL unique and different, and let’s be kind to each other and respect each other’s individuality. All you have to do to join in the day is wear odd socks on Monday

There are also resources to help parents and carers to help if their child is being bullied including a Live Q&A on Tuesday 15. Go to Kidscape’s Facebook page at 8pm with your questions, or just sit and listen to a panel of experts. There are also tips on dealing with bullying and a free downloadable pack for parents and carers as well as teaching resources for the week and themed assemblies focusing on the activities we can all take to reach out and stop bullying.

Raise a reader

OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS have started a three year campaign to bring schools, booksellers, local communities, parents, librarians, literacy partners and reading experts together to unite in a shared mission to raise readers. They want to help provide children and young people with the tools and opportunities to become lifelong readers in the wake of the pandemic.

In a recent survey despite most parents and carers saying they enjoy reading with their children and recognise the benefit to their own wellbeing more than four in ten parents said they find it difficult to get their child to concentrate; 3 in 10 say that reading with their child is a challenge; nearly a quarter say screen time and gadgets get in the way of reading.

The campaign aims to support every family on their reading journey, no matter what stage they are at. The mission is to make it as much fun as possible for parents and children to kickstart new reading habits and get stuck into some spectacular new stories together at home. Go to: home.oxfordowl.co.uk/reading/raise-a-reader/ for more details and a free parent support pack with tips and goodies that can be shared at home.

OUP will be taking Raise a Reader to the communities, with a tour in November, visiting ten locations across England with lower levels of literacy. The reading roadshow will invite parents and children to visit a bespoke Raise a Reader campervan, packed full of free books, engaging activities, and reading resources.

The tour will offer parents advice and resources helping break down the barriers to reading for pleasure, and the campervan will tour through cities visiting schools and stopping off to support libraries and bookshops. Oxford authors and illustrators will join the tour at each stop. OUP will also provide support via a free downloadable digital toolkit.

30October Half Term

22

Leafing through history

Monday 24Friday 28

Explore how the Romans used natural elements at the Roman Baths in Bath. For all ages from 10am to 4pm. Free with normal admission, no need to book.

Wednesday 26 - Lighting up the Great Bath

Explore the Roman Baths by torchlight and celebrate the Festival of Lights with candlelight boats floating in the water. See the Roman Baths in a new light. Explore the torchlit Great Bath and make a mini light. From 6.30 to 9pm.

Nature Activities

New entertainment destination in Bridgwater

a town-centre green space including a large children’s play area, parkland, and an urban wetland. All Stars Sports Bowl and four restaurants will open over the coming months. Go to northgateyard.co.uk for more information and cinema listings.

Awesome Owls

Wednesday 26

8 to 12 year olds can have lots of fun finding out about owls with the Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project. Discover the wonderful world of wild owls with an expert. Investigate how they live and hunt in this hands-on workshop, then create your own owl from natural materials to take home. Drop off children at 10am and pick them up at 3.30pm at Bristol Zoo Gardens Conservation Education Centre on Guthrie Road. £15, book online or on 0117 4285300.

Horse Power

Join in the horsey fun at Somerset Rural Life Museum.

Saturday 22 & Thursday 27 - Shire Horses

Meet the visiting heavy horses who were bred to be a working animal doing hard tasks such as plowing and other farm labour.

Sunday 23 - Suffolk Punch Horses

These heavy horses were also bred for farm work. However, as agriculture became increasingly mechanised, the breed fell out of favour and almost disappeared completely.

Tuesday 25 & Saturday 29 - ‘Giddy Up’ Games

Try your hand at traditional and modern games. Take part in the human gymkhana and make yourself a rosette to wear.

Wednesday 26 - Artist Workshop

Join artist Jacky Oliver for some art and craft activities. Use colour, collage, stamps and sculpture to create your own artwork inspired by the story of horses in Somerset.

Friday 28 - Pony Rides

From 10.30am to 3pm, £2 per child.

Sunday 30 - Hobby Horse Making

Make your own hobby horse, take it for a gallop and take it home.

From 10am to 4pm, visit www. swheritage.org.uk/events for details.

Myths and Monsters

Drop in to the Museum of Somerset, Taunton Castle, to discover Somerset’s myths and legends. See the exhibition of artworks by children’s book illustrators and join in the related activities:

Tuesday 25 - Roman Gods

Meet a real-life Roman. Find out about some of the Roman Gods, the legends that surround them, and how the people of this empire worshiped. Make a Roman ornament from clay and play Roman games.

Wednesday 26 - King Arthur and Excalibur

In Arthurian legend

Excalibur is King Arthur’s magical sword. Have a go at making your own legendary Excalibur sword and journey forth on a quest around the Museum to find the Holy Grail.

Thursday 27 -King Alfred and the Cakes

Discover the story of the burning of the cakes and how from Athelney in Somerset the legend of ‘King Alfred the Great’ was born. Strike your own Saxon coin and play Saxon games.

Friday 28 - Drawing Dragons

Join illustrator Conor Busittil for a fun drawing session as part of October’s The Big Draw festival. Experiment with pens and pencils to create your very own dragon – scary, silly, or friendly, anything goes.

Drop in between 10am and 5pm, £2 per child. Go to www.swheritage. org.uk/events for details.

Play With Clay

Tuesday 25 - Woodland Animal Hanging Mobile

Celebrate our adorable British woodland animals at the Brick and Tile Museum, Bridgwater. Make your own hanging mobile or wind chime from clay then follow snuffling hedgehogs and fluffy tailed squirrels on a trail around the museum as animals prepare for their winter hibernation.

Thursday 27 - Archeaology Day

Be inspired by the world of the Romans and join in lots of fun and interesting activities all about archaeology. Listen to a story set in Roman times to learn all about archaeological finds and then make a clay animal inspired by the story.

Clay items will be fired and ready for collection approximately 4 weeks after you make them. Or, you can take them home, unfired, on the day. Must be

booked at swheritage.org.uk, £4 per child.

Young People’s Puppetry Workshop

Sunday 30

Workshop introducing you to basic puppetry techniques. You will learn how to bring an inanimate object to life and make it talk. You will begin to learn how to move your body to facilitate the puppet. Newspaper and tape will be used so you can recreate the puppet at home. At 2pm for accompanied 5 to 7 year olds. At the Brewhouse Taunton. £16.for one child and accompanying adult.

Treasure Hunt Trail

Friday 21 - Sunday 30

Discover the treasures of the Bishops Palace Gardens, Wells as you explore the 14 acres of RHS partner gardens with the family trail. Trails can be collected at the Ticket Office and a small prize is available on completion. Don’t miss the newly refurbished Dragon’s Lair play area. From 9.30am to 5.30pm. Plus:

Tuesday 25 - Family Story Telling

Join storyteller Michael Loader in a rip roaring adventure of Bishops and beasts, witches, wells of wondrous water, monsters and martial arts. Then make a superhero or super-baddie in the post-story play shop. At 11am and 1.30pm.

Thursday 27 - God’s Eye Weaving

Go to the gardens to weave your own God’s Eye. Known in Spanish as Ojo de Dios, these colourful and spiritual symbols are popular in Latin American countries and can be made by all the family. At 11am and 3pm. Details on 01749 988111, no need to book, all free with normal admission.

Family Activities

Join in a variety of craft activities at Glastonbury Abbey: Tuesday 25 - Felt Leaf Bookmark and Pinecone Hedgehog Thursday 27 - Autumn Gnomes

Both from 11am to 1pm, children must be accompanied. Details on 01458 832267.

The Colour Monster

Friday 28

One day, Colour Monster wakes up feeling very confused. His emotions are all over the place. He feels angry, happy, calm, sad and scared all at once! To help him, a little girl shows him what each feeling means through colour. Join the Colour Monster in this family workshop at Somerset Skills & Learning, 15 Palmer Street, Frome. From 10.30am to 12.30pm for accompanied 3 year olds and over. Go to www.sslcourses.co.uk/courses/course/creativity-andstorytelling-the-colour-monster/ for details.

The Art of Medieval Falconry

Glastonbury Abbey’s grounds play host to a recreation of the art of Medieval falconry in a unique fusion of history, folklore and nature. Join specialist falconers as they reveal how the high Middle Ages saw English falconry reach its pinnacle and take its place among the fine arts. The Medieval Hawk Mews open for viewing at 10am and closes at 4pm. There will be displays at 11.15am, 2 and 3.35pm and facts and stories told from the tent at 12.45pm.

Family FUN

Science Tricks and Treats

Monday 24 - Wednesday 26

A collection of fun, unex pected and surprising sci ence demonstrations and experiments at the Fleet Air Arm Museum, RNAS Yeovilton to get everyone involved and get to grips with some big underlying scientific principles. Shows at 11am and 1pm, free with valid museum ticket. Details on 01935 840565.

Big Dig

Wednesday 26 & Thursday 27 Dig for fossils in fun interactive sessions for families at Weston Museum, Weston-

super-Mare. Pretend to be a Palaeontologist and identify fossils and dinosaurs, then make your own trace fossil to take home. In the Courtyard space, you can also meet some almost life size dinosaurs. At 10.30, 11.30am and 1pm. £6 per child. Pre-booking recommended.

Fun and Games

Saturday 22 - Sunday 30 Go to Montacute House and enjoy plenty of games under the old stable coach house. Includes Soft Archery, giant Jenga, Quoits, building blocks, connect 4 and much more. Free with normal admission from 10 to 4.30pm.

Spooky Trick or Treat Fun

Thursday 27 - Saturday 29

Visit the Museum of Somerset after dark for some spooky trick or treat fun. On arrival, each child will make a cauldron and then journey around the museum uncovering tricks or treats behind the castle doors. Enjoy this modern tradition in a safe and fun way, costumes are encouraged. For 5 year olds and above from 6 to 8pm, £4 per person.

Hallowe’en Activities

Tuesday 25 - Sunday 30

Explore the Walled Gardens of Cannington, go on a trail and find a pumpkin in amongst the snails. Must be pre-booked, children £8 (includes activity booklet, goodie bag and one pumpkin carving) From 10am to 4pm. Details on 01278 655042.

Spooktacular Hallowe’en trail

Hallowe’en Spook-tacular at Hestercombe

Saturday 22 - Sunday 30

Hestercombe Gardens, Cheddon

Fitzpaine has a whole host of fantastically frightful activities to keep mini witches and wizards magically occupied. Follow the Hallowe’en trail and find out what it is like to create magic with your eyes on the Hestercombe Peculiar Potions trail with master of illusions Wurzelly the Wizard. Help the forgetful Wurzelly to remember what eerie elements are missing from his marvellous mind bending mixture. Includes:

Monday 22 - Sunday 30 - Wicked Room of Wizardry

Wurzelly the Wizard has transformed the Octagon Summerhouse into his own wickedly wondrous room of wizardry. Get hands on with mystical magic and brew your own potion.

Spot Hester the Bat (10am - 3.30pm)

Hester the bat is on a flapping frenzy around the gardens. Spot her and tell the Gift Shop where she is to get a free prize.

Thursday 25 - Spellbound Science

Get your capes and cauldrons at the ready and drop in between 11am and 4pm for a spell in the Bampfylde Hall with Sciencedipity.

Sunday 30 - Creepy Critters

Exmoor Zoo will be there with a fang-tastic display of their most creepy critters. 11am to 3pm. No need to book, free with normal admission.

five minutes from Cribbs Causeway, Bristol.

Explore the ‘wild wood’ at Webb’s Brake, which will be transformed with over 300 pumpkins and spooky Hallowe’en scenes. Children who go dressed in Hallowe’en cos tume, or take a carved pumpkin to add to the trail, will receive a 20% discounted en try by using the voucher code: WILD20. Plus everyone who completes the Hallowe’en trail will receive a ‘sweet’ prize at the exit.

Pumpkin Rolling

Saturday 22 - Monday 31

Go along to Forde Abbey, Chard where they have a patch of pumpkins all grown there and harvested. Buy a pumpkin, carry it to the top lawn and get rolling. From 10.30am to 5pm, details on 01460 220231.

Ghoulish Fun

Saturday 22 - Sunday 30

to listen to spooky stories. Book online and save. From 9.30am to 5pm, details on 0344 249 1895.

Hallowe’en at the Station

Saturday 29 & Sunday 30

Join in an atmospheric Hallowe’en Steam Train ride at Midsomer Norton. Accompa nied children aged 16 and under in Hal lowe’en costume travel free. Pre booking advisable.

Hallowe’en Family Fun Day

Sunday 23

Little Monsters can run wild at Wild Place,

Spookfest

Saturday 22 - Sunday 30

Gather your little monsters for a ghoulishly good day out at Stonehenge. Follow the trail to solve creepy clues and gather round

Spooky family fun at the Helicopter Museum, Weston-super-Mare. Includes a live magic show; children’s games and competitions; Corridor of monsters with real zombies and Haunted graveyard. Meet Black Widow and her avenger friends and climb aboard the actual helicopter from the new black widow movie. Look out for costumed characters and zombies on the prowl and take to the skies with helicopter flights over Weston-super-Mare, from 2pm, advanced booking recommended. There will also be charity stalls. From 10am to 4.30pm, details on 01934 635227.

Go to Crealy Theme Park to enjoy spooky attractions, live shows and spooktacular entertainment. These include: Sounds of the Wilderness: Follow the Sky the witch on her journey through the enchanted wilderness. Pop on your headphones and help conjure up spells, magical brews and defeat evil spirits; Scarecrow Scare Maze; Escape the Creaky Hotel; Buddy & Blossom’s Halloween Bash: Hallowe’en show on the Piazza stage and The Spooky Street Circus. Keep your eyes peeled for the pop-up street entertainment across the Theme Park featuring new frightful characters. Open from 10am to 5pm, must be pre-booked online.

Hallowe’en Spooktacular

Saturday 22 - Sunday 30

Go to Exmoor Zoo and pick up a free quiz at reception for those wanting to have a bit of extra fun on top of the talks and activities with questions and answers based on Hallowe’en and extinction.

Hallowe’en Activity Afternoons

Thursday 24 & 31

Celebrate Hallowe’en with the ponies at the Exmoor Pony Centre, Ashwick, Dulverton. Follow the spooky Hallowe’en trail and claim

a treat, children’s crafts and activities, pony rides and grooming. Riders must be 4 years old or older. From 12 to 3pm, details on 01398 323093. Free admission, donations welcome, small charge for activities.

Spooky Steam Specials

Saturday 26, Sunday 27, Wednesday 30

Join in a spine-tingling journey by steam to Mendip Vale on East Somerset Railway and be prepared to be spooked and scared in the ghostly carriage. Back at the station find your way round the ghoulish trail, grab a bite to eat at the Station Cafe; check out the newly refurbished Museum, Ticket Office and period Waiting Room, the David Shepherd Discovery Centre and the gift shop - but beware of the Old Hag. Trains at 11am, 12.30, 2

Pumpkin Patch

October 15 &16; 20 - 30

Time to go big or GOURD home! Give your self a pumpkin to talk about with a fabboo-lous trip to the Pumpkin Patch at the Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park, Pixash Lane, Keynsham. Pick your perfect pumpkin and enjoy theatrical performers, fire show, fair rides, Pumpkin Paintball, Bottle Smash, Pumpkin Slingshot, and fire a Pumpkin Canon. Meet the Spooky Farm family as they roam the festival area and through the patch looking for the ‘Spirit of the Pumpkin’ and find the Golden Pump kin. From 10am to 4pm. Plus: Pumpkin Patch Nights

October 14 &15; 21 - 23; 25 - 30

An evening of fab-boo-lous fun. Not just open for pumpkin picking, there’ll be festi val vibes with a pop up bar, firepits, street food, performers, spectacular seasonal en tertainment and beautiful lighting. As the sun goes down, the patch lights up From 5 to 7pm or 7 to 9pm, details on 0117 986 4929.

Hide and Treat Hallowe’en Hunt

Until October 31

Do you dare to seek out the fang-tastic friends for a spookilious treat? Some specially made Hallowe’en Neddies have been hidden around the Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth, but which of these fang-tastic friends is hidden where? Follow the Hallowe’en Hunt to find the secret hiding spot of the Neddies. £5 per trail includes a treat on completion. Pick up a trail sheet from the Gift Shop. From 9am to 5pm. £8 per child, includes a picnic box. From 3 to 5pm tickets on 01752 690200.

A Grand Hallowe’en

Saturday 22 - Saturday 29

All manner of spooktacular entertainment for the entire family to enjoy on the Grand Pier, Weston-super-Mare. Wander from one ghostly space to another... if you dare. Includes Pumpkin carving; Hallowe’en

face painting; Webster the Spider and live performances from the The Ghouls of Weston College. Plus Pop goes the Pumpkin (£2, win a prize) and a Ghoulish Scavenger Hunt: Search for 12 numbered Hallowe’en themed pictures hidden around the Pier and unscramble the letters to discover the password to the wicked witches trick or treat cauldron.

Pumpkinfest

Monday 17 - Sunday 6

Celebration of all things autumnal at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm With Pumpkin Corner: Use the mini wheelbarrows to navigate pumpkin corner and choose a perfect pumpkin to take home (from £3). There will be Creepy crawly talks, held in the Ark Arena at 12pm and Owls of the World Trail. Spot the Owls around the zoo to find out fun facts about owls around the world. Find out what they like to eat, the noises they make and other amazing owly facts. And there will be extra owls in the Birds of Prey Displays at 12.30pm. The flying team will tell you all about these fantastic, feathered friends.

Hallowe’en Evenings

Saturday 29 - Monday 31

Go on a ghostly steam train ride on Yeovil Railway from the haunted house into the night with spooky goings on and party time. Go dressed in your scary outfit with a free Scary Bag for children. With a family Hallowe’en Disco from 5.30 to 9.30pm on Saturday and fancy dress competitions with prizes for 0 to 7 year olds, 8 to 14 year olds and adults. Tickets £8 (£7 in advance), under 5s free with a paying adult. Numbers will be limited. Details on 01935 410420.

American Trick or Treat Saturday 22 - Sunday 30

Children can visit the American Museum and Gardens, Claverton Manor, Bath dressed in a favourite costume for a real American Trick or Treat experience. Follow a child-friendly trail through the historic Manor House on a scavenger hunt for magic potion ingredients. Tiptoe though spooky rooms where a visiting witch and wizard have made themselves at home and collect a Hallowe’en treat. £2.50 per child. There is also a festive outdoor trail around our decorated autumnal gardens, plus a creation station in the Stables with seasonal activities. Details on 01225 460503.

Creepy Creatures Guided Walk

Saturday 29

Join in a walk around RSPB Ham Wall to try to spot as many creepy creatures as you can and learn more about the different wildlife you can find there at Hallowe’en. From 3 to 6pm, adults £10,

Spooky National TrustSpooky National Trust

School of Magic: Loyalty Quest

Until Sunday 30

One of the professors at the Dunster Castle School of Magic has turned to the Dark Side and is plotting to take over the school. Head Teacher, Profes sor Luttrell, senses something is wrong and saw a number of cryptic words appear in his dream. Armed with the list of words, will you complete the Loyalty Quest to see if you can work out who the traitor is? From 10am to 3pm, £3.

Lytes Scary Hallowe’en Trail

Saturday 22 - Sunday 30

Put your wellies on and go on a spooky adventure at Lytes Cary Manor near Charlton Mackrell, Somerton. Can you crack the riddle? Are you brave enough to take part? £1.50 per trail.

Scarecrow Trail

Saturday 22 - Sunday 30

Visit Dyrham Park to find scarecrows through the parkland and collect All Hallows’ Eve clues. £2, includes a prize.

Autumn Adventures

Saturday 22 - Sunday 30 (10am5pm)

Can you find the clues and complete the autumn and Hallowe’en inspired challenges at Prior Park Landscape Garden, Ralph Allen Drive, Bath to claim your prize? Spread through out the garden will be a number of autumn and Hallowe’en inspired stations. These will range from find the clue in the pumpkin patch, hook an apple, to spot the traditional Green Man amongst the trees. Collect your ‘Adventure Card’ from reception and fill in your answers as you go, hand this in to receive a prize. £2.

children £5, must be booked in advance.

Pick Your Own Pumpkin

Until Sunday 30

Go to new Pumpkin Patch at Palette and Pasture, Pyle Farm, Frome to pick your own pumpkin. Entry £1 per person, pumpkins range from £3.50 to £12.50.

Bookstore

If you fancy something spooky, funny, adventurous, thought provoking or touching, look no further. Plenty of books for you to snuggle up with and get lost in on these longer nights. Hope you enjoy them as much as I have.

Debbie

Rosie Raja: Churchill’s Spy - Sofiya Ahmed (Bloomsbury, £6.99)

Raised in India, Rosie is unhappy when her father moves them to rainy, wore torn England. To make matters worse, he keeps working away for long periods, leaving her alone. Everything changes when she accidentally discovers he is a spy for the British government about to go to Paris. Thinking anything would be better than being left behind, Rosie stows away on his plane, making him furious. She soon realises being in occupied France, helping the resistance is extremely dangerous. One false step could give them away leading to certain death for them and their helpers. Never knowing who to trust, Rosie is keen to learn all she can to help her father on his mission, which means she has to be very brave and resourceful. This is an exciting, atmospheric story giving you a real feel for the time. First in a new series.

How to be More Hedgehog - Anne-Marie Conway (Uclan, £7.99)

Lily has a stammer which she does her best to control, but certain letters cause more problems than others. Trying to say the name of her new teacher, Mr Daley causes problems, which knocks her confidence. Her friend, Mia, tries to help by offering to deliver the presentation of their joint project while Lily does the research, but who is this really helping? Lily would like to deliver a small part of the presentation and not hide away. Her worst nightmare comes true when someone uploads a practise recording she made to YouTube. She is cyberbullied and laughed at behind her back, even by Mia. Not able to discuss things with her mum, Lily tries to permanently extend a visit with her dad and his new wife in Scotland. But she realises that she can’t run away from her stammer and needs to become more like a hedgehog, her favourite toy, and develop ‘spikes’ to protect herself. The discovery of a fellow stammerer in her family who has spent his life hiding away makes her determined not to do the same. Her great love of animals and the need to protect them is the spur she needs to make a daring move. This is an uplifting story of someone finding the inner strength she needs to overcome obstacles and achieve her goals. You experience all her ups and downs, cheering her on all the way.

Hallowe’en

There Was a Young Zombie WhoSwallowed a Worm -Kaye Baillie/ Diane Ewen (Macmillan, £6.99)

For some reason a young zombie goes on an eating spree, starting with a worm. He soon regrets it and tries eating a bat to catch the worm. When that doesn’t go down well, he tries a toad and on it goes until the swamp he swallows has an unexpected result. This very funny book with brightly coloured pictures adding much to the story is told in rhyme and is a joy to read aloud. It shares more than a passing resemblance to an old lady who swallowed a fly. You may remember that didn’t end well. The result can’t be the same for a zombie, but it is quite dramatic.

The Festival of Witches - Valerie Thomas/ Korky Paul (Oxford Hb, £12.99)

Every year when it is time to go home from the Worldwide Witches’ Festival the witches invite each other to visit, but Winnie has never issued or accepted invitations. She likes

SStar Read

The Best Bear Tracker

John Condon/ Julia Christians (Templar, £7.99)

The heroine of this book believes she is the best bear tracker in the world and takes us on journey with her to prove it. She follows all the rules: looking for places bears like to be; offering food they like and folowing clues. You might be surprised by how happy she is by what she finds at the end, and her comments. Especially when the fantastically detailed pictures tell another story, showing us all the things she has missed. This is a really funny picture book that will have you laughing out loud. I love it!

A Bad God’s Guide to Taking theBlame - Louie Stowell (Walker, £7.99)

Loki is still banished on earth in the body of an 11 year old boy with his fake family. The good news is his enchanted diary says he starts with a virtue score of 0, much better than his previous massive minus score. He is glad Valerie is his friend, but when she also befriends Georgina, Loki experiences the human emotion of jealousy which doesn’t help his virtue score. He makes an effort and tries to be nice to new girl Sarah, only to have his kindness thrown back in his face. Things worsen when Thor’s hammer is stolen and Loki gets the blame despite being innocent for once. Can he prove his innocence, keep Valerie’s friendship and stop his virtue score diving into the deep minus? You will have to read this very funny story to find out. All the favourite characters return from the first book along with some new ones adding to the chaotic fun.

21% Monster - P. J. Canning (Usborne, £7.99)

S

Darren is short but very strong. He tries to ignore the bullies at school, but hates it and one day it gets too much for him. He loses his temper and destroys his school, without knowing how. After being arrested he is befriended by a woman who says she can help him. In the meantime he meets Marek, a very intelligent but weak looking boy who says they have something in common - neither is completely human. They have been created by a secret organisation who now wants to kill them, their only option is to destroy the organisation. Despite what he’s done, Darren doesn’t like violence or want to hurt anyone. He isn’t sure he can trust Marek and doesn’t agree with all his plans, but a lot of what he says makes sense. They are in for a very tough time as they are hunted down and attempts made on their lives. Darren has to work out who he can trust and what he is willing to do to safeguard his family. This is an inspiring, action packed adventure full of thrilling, edge of your seat moments. First in a new series.

living quietly in her house with Wilbur. This year however, Winnie had so much fun making friends and learning lots of new tricks that after a few days at home she misses the other witches and goes to visit some. When the visits are over home seems too quiet and peaceful, but luckily the others come and have a party. A special hardback anniversary edition of the original Winnie the Witch book has been produced to mark the 35th anniversary. As well as the story it has a gallery of Winnie and Wilbur’s most magical memories and a look at how Korky Paul brings the adventures to life.

The October Witches

Jennifer Claessen

(Uclan, £7.99)

Although they are witches, October is the only time of the year Clem’s family, the Merlyns, can use their magic, which makes it a very special time for them. Despite the animosity between them, the Merlyn and Morgan side of the family have to get together to start the magic, but separate as soon as they can. Things usually become rather hectic with the witches cramming all their spells into one month, but this year Aunt Prudie produces a giant pumpkin she has grown hoping to be able to harness the family’s power into it giving them magic all year round. After many false starts their huge effort seems to be paying off, when the Morgans steal it away and take Clem’s aunts with it to continue their exhausting magic. It just leaves Clem and her cousin,

Mirabelle, to try and rescue them. With little magic between them going against the powerful Morgans seems impossible. As they discover secrets from the past which explain unanswered questions, they draw closer together. Help comes from unexpected sources, but they are in grave danger. This is an exciting story with many breathtaking moments. It shows what can be accomplished when people work together, with or without magic.

Witchstorm

Tim Tilley (Usborne, £7.99)

People in the fens tell stories and sing songs of witches that used to live there, but only Will and his Ma believe they exist and the stories are real. They spend a lot of time searching for buried treasure of Agatha Crow until Ma suddenly disappears. Convinced finding the treasure will help find Ma, Will continues his search discovering an amulet which brings young witch, Magda looking for a powerful magical stone. In the wrong hands it could have devastating effects. Unfortunately, an evil witch is also searching for it to use for his own gains which will destroy Will’s home in the process and loose Ma for good. Will and Magda put themselves in great danger and will need much bravery, resourcefulness and riddle solving abilities to get the stone and stop a disaster. This is a gripping, fast paced story full of magic that highlights the importance of the natural world.

S h swoTheatre

Y our Guideto Family&Children

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.

Octagon Theatre

Box Office 01935 422884

Hendford, Yeovil

Brewhouse

Box Office 01823 283244

Coal Orchard, Taunton

The Selfish Giant

Saturday October 29 Grinter is a giant who lives happily alone. She shuts out the world, because long ago, the world shut her out, and so she hides, safe and quiet in her peaceful, icy home. The world outside has changed with very little green left. One day children climb into her garden changing the course of the children’s and Grinter’s lives forever. For 3 year olds and above at 11am and 2pm, tickets £9.

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.

Justin Live:

Sunday October 23

CBeebies Justin Fletcher live on stage in an all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza. A show for all the family packed full of well-known songs, lot’s of dancing, hilarious comedy and plenty of slapstick fun. For 2 to 7 year olds at 11am and 2.30pm. Tickets £18, £20, children £16, £18.

Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever

November 9 & 10

Peppa Pig is excited to be going on a day out with George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig - it’s going to be her best day ever. Join them on a road trip full of adventures with songs, games and laughter. Times vary, tickets £18, children £16.

The Nutcracker

Tuesday November 15 Snow flurries, sweets, princes, magic, and love are just some of the elements that will be brought together in this highly accessible ballet, full of familiar music.

Sleeping Beauty

Wednesday November 16 Ballet telling the story of the Princess Aurora, cursed at her christening by the evil Carabosse to prick her finger one day on a spindle and die. Both presented by Moldovan Ballet Theatre at 7.30pm. Tickets £37, children £21.

Rhythm of the Dance Christmas Special Wednesday November 23 Join in this festive journey and let the magic of Christmas begin with all your favourite festive songs being performed live by world class musicians, star vocalists and world champion dancers.

At 7.30pm, tickets £27.50, £29.50, concs £26.50, £28.50.

Princess Theatre

Box Office 01278 784464

Burnham-on-Sea

Top Secret

Saturday October 15

Fusing the mystery of magic with wondrous and miraculous feats of science. Hang on to your seats as the theatre is transformed into a real life science laboratory. Experience the non-stop action packed interactive magical science experiments that will capture the

TheSelfish Giant at

Peppa’s Best Day Ever at Octagon Theatre, 9 & 10 November.

Theatre

imagination. At 2pm, tickets £11.

The Dinosaur Show

November 3 & 4

Join Hunter and Shelly as they step back 65 million years on their mission to rediscover the Lost Kingdom of the Dinosaurs. A host of pre-historic creatures come to life with the opportunity for you to see them up close, but beware there might be a T-Rex on the loose. For 3 year olds and above. At 4pm, tickets £12.

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.

Tobacco Factory Theatre

Box Office 0117 902 0344

Southville, Bristol

The Snow Queen

December 1 - January 15

Join Gerda on her quest to the frozen north as she tries to save her best-friend Kaj from the icy, wicked clutches of The Snow Queen. Times vary, tickets £16, children £12.

Theatre Royal

Box Office 01225 448844

Sawclose, Bath

Bird

The McMillan Theatre

Box Office 01278 556677

Lower Bath Road, Bridgwater

Animals Unleashed

Saturday October 15

A show packed with animal effects, music and laughter, designed to both entertain and educate using no live animals, stunning puppetry and special effects to bring incredible life-like and size animals and dinosaurs to the stage right before your eyes. For all ages at 2pm, tickets £14, £16.

October 22 & 23

A joyous, energetic, roller coaster of a show about the fun times we spend together, and how these memories stay with us forever. For 5 year olds and above in the Egg at 11.30 and 3pm, ticket £10

Fisherman’s Friends

November 1 - 5

The true story of the Cornish chart topping buoy band. When a group of Cornish fishermen came together to sing the traditional working songs they’d sung for generations, nobody, least of all the fishermen, expected the story to end on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury. At 7.30pm, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm. Tickets from £27.

Jina and the STEM Sisters

November 9 - 12

Join lost budding scientist Jina on her adventure home, empowered by some of history’s super-STEM women including Ada Lovelace, Hedy Lamarr, Marie Curie and Mae Jemison. For 7 year olds and above in the Egg. Times vary, tickets £10.

Sing-Along-A Gareth

Sunday November 20 Join Gareth Malone, together with his band and a group of stellar singers as he guides you through an evening of song. Whether you go with a choir or as sing-along solo, all are welcome to join Gareth in this celebration of community and song. At 2.30pm, tickets £32.

A Stripy Evening

Wednesday November 2

An evening of thrills and spills, shocks and surprises built around the tiger. Martin Hughes-Games (BBC Springwatch) will show us how filming tigers (and other wildlife) has changed dramatically since he started at the BBC 45 years ago. Pauline Kidner will give a 20 minute ‘behind the scenes’ on the badger. At 7.30pm, tickets £18, children £15.

Pop Princesses

Saturday November 12

This is the children’s pop concert with a big difference. A musical spectacular starring four fabulous Fairy tale Princesses who just love to sing. At 2pm, tickets £18. VIP Meet and Greet 1 hour before performance, £43.

The Smartest Giant

In Town

Saturday November 19 George wishes he wasn’t the scruffiest giant in town. So when he sees a new shop selling giant-sized clothes, he decides it’s time for a new look: smart trousers, smart shirt, stripy tie, shiny shoes. Now he’s the smartest giant in town . . . until he bumps into some animals who desperately need his help – and his clothes. At 1 and 4pm, tickets £14, children £12, family £48.

The Dinosaur Show at Princess Theatre, 3 & 4 November.

Animals Unleashed at The McMillan Theatre, 15 October.

Magic of the Musicals

Saturday November 26

Spectacular production bringing you an array of show-stopping songs from the greatest stage and screen musicals of all time. At 7.30pm, tickets £19, children £17.50.

The Playhouse

Box Office 01934 645544 Weston-super-Mare

Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever

October 19 & 20

As the Octagon. Times vary, tickets £16.50 - £198.50; children £14.50 - £16.50; 612 months £11.50.

The Swan Lake Ballet

Tuesday November 15 Crown Ballet presents the most famous Ballet of all time. A tragic romance, the tale of two young women, Odette and Odilie, who resembles each other so strikingly one can easily be mistaken for the other. At 7.30pm, tickets £30.50, children £22.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Tuesday November 22 Dive into Eric Carle’s bright and colourful world as four of his beloved stories are transformed from page to stage using a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets and charming music. At 1.30 and 4pm, tickets £15.50, children £13.50.

Rondo Theatre

Box Office 0333 666 3366 St Saviours Road, Bath

The Railway Children

November 24 - 26

After the disappearance of their father, Bobbie, Peter and Phyllis move from their comfortable London home to a cottage in the Yorkshire countryside. There they make new friends and have many adventures, alongside their constant companion, the railway. Presented by Rondo Theatre Company at 2.30 and 7.30pm, tickets £15, children £8.

Cheese and Grain

Box Office 01373 455 420 Market Yard, Justive Lane, Frome

CSF Wrestling: SHOWDOWN

Saturday October 23

Twelve top stars from around the country will be in action as they do battle in five prob bouts. High flying, bone

crunching, action packed family entertainment. At 4.30pm, tickets £12.

Bristol Old Vic

Box Office 0117 987 7877 King Street, Bristol

The Nutcracker

Nov 24 - 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? Times vary, tickets from £10.

Belle and Sebastien

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.

Bristol Hippodrome

Box

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast

Until Nov 12

Spectacularly reimagined using the latest theatrical innovations, this beloved ‘tale as old as time’ will be brought to life on stage like never before. Times vary, tickets from £20.

Cinderella

December 2 - 31

Join Cinders as she goes from rags to riches, outwits her very wicked sisters and meets her dashing Prince Charming. Traditional panto with special effects and plenty of audience participation, Starring Craig Revel Horwood, times vary, tickets from £13.

Redgrave Theatre

Box Office 0117 315 7800

Percival Road, Clifton

SpongeBob SquarePants The Musical

October 18 - 22

SpongeBob and all of Bikini Bottom face the total annihilation of their undersea world. Just when all hope seems lost, a most unexpected hero rises up and takes centre stage. The power of optimism really can save the world. Presented by Bristol Musical Youth Productions at 7.30pm, Saturday matinee at 2pm, tickets £16.

Tales From Acorn Wood

October 26 & 27

Based on the favourite stories by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Poor old Fox has lost his socks, who’s that keeping tired Rabbit awake?

Join in with Pig and Hen’s game of hide-and-seek and discover the special surprise Postman Bear is planning for his friends. Packed full of toe-

St

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, at Bristol Hippodrome, until 12 November.

Belle

tapping songs, puppetry for 2 year olds and above. Times vary, tickets £16,25, concs £14.25, family £55.

Beauty and the Beast

Friday October 28

As Tacchi Morris. At 2 & 6pm, tickets £19.25, children £11.25.

Robin Hood and Marian

November 25 - Dec 2 Deep in Sherwood Forest, swashbuckling power couple Robin Hood and Marian are taking from the rich to give to the poor. BOVTS presents an explosive musical adventure awaits; swordwielding, dragons and more archery than you can aim your arrow at. Times vary, tickets £18, concs £13.

The Donkey’s Tale

Saturday November 26

A starry night, three kings and a very famous baby... Donkey, Dog and Camel meet once a year to tell their favourite story. Expect wonder, humour, music, magic and festive cheer in this tale as old as time, imagined anew for young audiences. For 5 year olds and above at 10am, tickets £8.

Wilda and the Winter Whirlwinds

Monday November 28 Wilda is excited to celebrate Christmas with her friends and family in their small mountain village – but the

wicked Winter Witch has reared her icy head and declared a forever freeze across the land! It is up to brave Wilda to save the day. For 5 year olds and above at 10am, tickets £8.

Regal Theatre

Box Office 01643 706430

The Avenue, Minehead

Beauty and the Beast

Friday October 21

As Tacchi Morris. At 7.30pm, tickets £18. students £12.

Memorial Theatre

Box Office 01373 462795

Christchurch Street West, Frome

Beauty & The Beast

Friday November 18

As Tacchi Morris. At 7.30pm, tickets £19, children £13.

Blakehay Theatre

Box Office 01934 645493

Wadham Street, Westernsuper-Mare

Disney’s Encanto (Sing-a-Long)

Tuesday October 25

See the hit musical about the Family Madigral with lyrics on screen that everyone can’t stop singing. Cheer on Mirabel as she tries to save the magic surrounding the Encanto. Fancy dress is strongly encouraged and full audience participation essential. At 11am and 12.40pm, tickets £6 - £8.

LDN Wrestling

Saturday November 19

Expect to see edge of your seat, death-defying moves as the stars of Wrestling take part in action-packed matches for the whole family to enjoy. At 7pm, tickets £15 - £18.

Merlin Theatre

Box Office 01373 465949 Bath Road, Frome

Little Red Riding Hood

Saturday November 26

A wolf in granny’s clothing knows all about what fun dressing-up can be and in this show the magical wardrobe opens its doors to a fantastic display of gorgeous garments as you are taken down the path into the snowy wild wood. There you’ll hear catchy songs on the wind and spot hilarious puppets between the trees. For 3 year olds and above at 2pm. Tickets £10, concs £8.50.

Panto & Christmas Show Round-up

Yes, it’s nearly THAT time again. Here’s a brief look at what else is coming — full details in our next issue.

This year you can follow Dick Whittington to London at The Octagon and Princess Theatre; go to the Ball with Cinderella at The Strode Theatre, Bristol Hippodrome and Memorial Theatre; see if anyone can wake Sleeping Beauty at Tacchi Morris Arts Centre, Playhouse Weston-super-Mare and The Brewhouse and find out what occurs when a lamp is rubbed by Aladdin at The Theatre Royal, Bath and Redgrave Theatre.

Then you can go to the Sahara Desert to meet The Little Prince at The Brewhouse; follow the yellow brick road to the Wizard of Oz at The Little Theatre, Wells; sail away to Treasure Island at The McMillan Theatre; adventure with Belle and Sebastien at Bristol Old Vic; see what secret is uncovered with Five Children and It at The Egg, Theatre Royal, Bath and listen to some Christmas Tales With Grandad at The Wardrobe Theatre.

Little Red Riding Hood at Merlin Theatre, 26 November.

Robin Hood and Marion at The Redgrave Theatre 25 November - 2 December.