Primary Times Somerset Easter 2022

Family What’s On Guide

Issue 95, 28 mar - 16 May 2022

Somerset

Get ready for Spring

THEATRE • EASTER FUN • HEALTHY EATING • BOOK REVIEWS

32,000 copies to local families

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28 March - 16 May 2022

04 In Somerset Chinadale, Churchinford, Taunton, TA3 7PW Tel: 01823 601188 email: primarytimes. eyrie@gmail.com

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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.

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Dear Readers

In this issue

SPRING has sprung. The days are getting longer and warmer, plants are starting to grow and all the eggciting puns are back! Intrepid eggsplorers can once again fill their baskets (and tummys) to their heart’s desires. See our holiday pages for details of these and many other less calorific events and activities.

To add some balance we have some tips to pass on from Heart Research UK on ways to promote positive eating behaviours. Talking of Spring, did you know it starts earlier in the south and travels northwards at 2 mph? We have other fun Spring facts you may not know as well.

Theatres are back in full swing and if you can’t wait nine months to see a panto, the Easter version is back, oh yes it is!

I’m writing this in full sunshine, let’s hope it continues so we can all get out and enjoy it.

Don’t forget we love to hear what schools have been getting up to and are happy to list any events in our Roundabout pages. See you again in May.

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Debbie

HEALTHY EATING

Forming positive eating habits early for a healthy life.

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ROUNDABOUT

Your day by day family what’s on.

10-11

NEWSBOARD

Useful news and information for parents, teachers and carers.

12-14

easter holidays

Check out what’s going on over the break.

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SPRING FACTS

Some interesting information about the season of rebirth.

16-17

EGGY FUN

Loads of egg-citing things to do.

Fam ily Wha

t’s On Guide

COVER IMAGES:

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

Issue 95, 28

MAR - 16

MAY 2022

Somerset

Meet the Animals at Ferne Animal Sanctuary, Wambrook near Chard this Easter.

Details on: 01460 65214 www.ferneanimalsanctuary. org

18-21 THEATRE Children’s and family shows

22-23 BOOKSTORE Great new reads.

Get ready for Spring

THEATRE • EAST ER FUN

• HEALTHY EATING

• BOOK REVIE

WS

32,000 Copies to local famili es

28 March - 16 May 2022

3.

Establishing Positive Eating Habits for Children

Childhood is a particularly important period for forming positive behaviours related to nutrition. Children who learn and practise positive eating habits from an early age are likely to make healthy choices when they grow up. The Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK have some advice to offer on ways to help promote positive eating behaviours: Stick to regular meal and snack times A regular eating pattern forms the basis of a healthy, balanced diet. Children love routine. Providing three meals, and two or three snacks a day, is ideal for them. Keeping mealtimes regular creates predictability and encourages a healthy appetite.

Set a good example In the long term, children and young adults are most likely to learn from how we behave rather than what we tell them. The more we can be a role model about healthy eating habits the better.

Set an example to your child by showing them how you make healthy choices and how you practice positive eating habits; this could be something as simple as choosing to eat a wide variety of foods, or by ensuring you drink plenty of water.

Eat together at the table Wherever possible allow your children to

eat with you. Family mealtimes offer an excellent opportunity to teach children good eating patterns as well as a time to connect and talk to each other.

Get them involved Children love to get involved in new things, so why not get them to help in the kitchen? Cooking with children and getting them involved in the meal preparation process may encourage them to try new healthy foods. Small children could be responsible for setting the table, any mixing or stirring and washing fruit and vegetables. Older children could get involved with preparing the shopping list, chopping and peeling.

Reward and punishment Carefully consider the use of food as a reward or punishment. Children have a natural ability to regulate their eating and using foods as a reward or punishment can undermine healthy eating habits, as it

encourages them to eat when they are not hungry. Why not offer children non-edible objects or experiences as rewards, rather than food? For example, you could offer stickers or a trip to the park, as an alternative treat. Also don’t underestimate the power of verbal praise.

Clean your plate Pressuring children to ‘clean their plate’ may work in the short term, but it doesn’t promote long term healthy eating. It can also lead to a distaste for those nutritious foods they are being forced to eat.

Instead, help a child to feel supported, safe, and relaxed at the dinner table, by creating positive interactions with food.

When a child feels safe, they are much more likely to want to eat and try new foods.

Offering choice As parents, we can’t give our children complete control over food, but we can guide them on making healthy choices.

For young children, you may give them to 2 or 3 options to choose from e.g., ‘would you like either toast or cereal for breakfast?’. Guided choices can be helpful as they enable a child to feel like they have their say and a degree of control, without feeling overwhelmed.

Eating better isn’t just about watching calories, it’s about making sure you are eating the right type of foods and in the right portion sizes. Go to www.heartresearch.org.uk/healthy-tips for more tips on how to stay healthy. You will also find Healthy Heart recipes there and a downloadable Healthy Heart cookbook.

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We take great care to ensure all this information is correct at the time of going to press. However things can change at short notice so it is important you check details before going anywhere.

Continuing Until April 24

Shoephoria!

A display at the Fashion Museum in Bath showcasing highlights of the museum’s world-class shoe collection. With 350 pairs of boots and shoes, it traces the evolution of shoe style over the last 300 years. From the oldest shoes in the collection to sneakers and trainers from the 2000s from shoes belonging to Queen Mary and Queen Victoria.

Until May 3

From Hogarth to Hodgkin Exhibition in Victoria Art Gallery, Bridge Street, Bath showcasing the best of the gallery’s print collection. Works on display will span 700 years.

Until June 5

Somerset Portraits and Voices Somerset artist Kate Lynch documents the people practising old crafts and trades in Somerset

Family Fun Day at Wincanton Racecourse, 10 April.

at Somerset Rural Life Museum , Glastonbury. There are 30 traditional craftspeople featured in the exhibition of work including basketmakers, weavers, blacksmiths, farriers, potters and hedgelayers.

Kate’s charcoal drawings and paintings pay tribute to their knowledge and time-honoured skills.

Until June 25

In Xanadu: Coleridge and the West Country An exhibition at the Museum of Somerset in Taunton in partnership with the British Library to showcase the earliest manuscript of Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s extraordinary poem Kubla Khan.

The exhibition celebrates the manuscript’s return to the county where it was written. It will tell the story of Coleridge’s time spent living in and near the Quantock Hills, his relationship with William and Dorothy Wordsworth, and the legacy of his writing.

Until June 28

Landmarks Exhibition A solo exhibition of gestural, painterly, expressive, and atmospheric imagined landscapes on paper and canvas from painter/printmaker, Gail Mason. In the Bishop’s Palace, Wells.

Until July 3

Dress for Redress: Exploring Native

American Material Culture An exhibition of the work of contemporary Anishinabe artist Celeste Pedri-Spade in The American Museum and Gardens in Bath.

Featuring a series of spectacular wearable-art pieces, personal artefacts and photography, alongside historical items from the Museum’s collection, the exhibition will demonstrate the continuing legacy and profound importance of visual and material culture.

area control brought to life by huge living history camps, military re-enactors and historic vehicles.

Until September 4

Magpie Market A market for vintage and contemporary gifts, jewellery and homemade crafts and produce. Free from 10am to 3pm in the Cheese and Grain, Market Yard, Frome.

Dress Code: Fashion Stories from the Box Exhibition dedicated to fashion, highlights from Plymouth’s The Box’s costume and textile collection will be displayed alongside paintings, drawings, film and archival material to tell important local and international stories about fashion and clothing. It spans the 1700s to today and speaks to contemporary conversations about identity, sustainability, shopping, design, making and craft.

Until February 2023

Wind in the Willows Sculpture Trail In conjunction with the Brewhouse Theatre, Coates English Willow have created 12 willowy Wind in the Willow Sculptures to find. At Stoke Road, Stoke St Gregory.

From 10am to 3pm, £4.50, tickets can be bought at the door.

April

Fabulous food at Eat: MInehead, 2 April.

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Sunday 3

Little Monsters Market Baby and children’s nearly new sale in Castle School Sports Hall, Taunton. Browse thousands of quality, nearly new children’s items including clothes, toys and equipment. From 10.30am to 12.30pm, adults £2, children free.

Spring Beach Clean and Walk Go along and help with a mass litter pick on Minehead Beach and around the town, part of the Keep Britain Tidy and Severn Estuary Beach Clean events.Then enjoy a walk to Dunster. Meet outside Channel Adventure, Warren Road at 2pm.

Street Fair Stalls, activities and entertainment on Watchet Esplanade and Harbour. From 10am to 4pm.

Friday 8 - Sunday 10

Spring Market A selection of local artisans selling beautiful handmade products.

From 10.30am to 4pm in the historic Cow Shed at Barrington Court.

Saturday 2

Eat: Minehead Locally focused food-and drink festival. Expect over 70 local food and drink producers and free entertainment all along the Avenue.

Free, from 10am and 4pm.

Britain’s Biggest Model Railway The railway will be at the Bath and West Showground along with additional layouts, manufacturers and trade stands. From 9.30am to 5pm, adults £12, children £8, under 5s free.

Saturday 2 & Sunday 3

Saturday 9

World at War Weekend 10th Anniversary Event with WWII Vehicles & Encampment at the Helicopter Museum, Locking Moor Road. See the land surrounding Weston Airfield’s original WW2

Coffee, Cake and Clean Up Annual Community Beach Clean hosted by the National Trust and supported by Exmoor National Park. Meet at Bossington Car Park at 10am to enjoy coffee and cake

before proceeding down to the beach to clear as much rubbish as possible. Booking is always advisable to ensure enough cake for all, visit www.nationaltrust.org. uk/bossington or contact Ruth Hyett on 01643 863124 for further information.

Spring Fair and Dog Show There will be a variety of stalls, attractions and games for all ages from 12 to 5pm in Allerford and Selworthy Community Hall, Hare Park, Allerford, near Minehead, Refreshments available.

Saturday 9 - Saturday 23

The Meerkat Trail Follow the special Easter trail in Bristol Shopping Centre featuring a Mob of Magnificent Meerkats.

Schools and youth groups across the city are decorating the Magnificent Meerkats during March and they will be displayed during the holidays. Maps showing their locations will be available from John Wesley’s New Room in Broadmead (opposite Boots) and all participating venues. Following the trail, all the meerkats will be displayed in John Wesley’s New Room for one week from Tuesday 26 April.

Saturday 9 - June 18

Queen and Community A look at service to the community with reference to Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Anniversary in Crewkerne Museum celebrating volunteering and service to communities.

Sunday 10

Family Fun Day All the family can enjoy an afternoon at the races at Wincanton Racecourse. As well as all the races, you can join in the Easter Egg Hunt. Clues will be around the

racecourse giving you the chance to win an Easter egg once you have found all the clues. There is also the opportunity to get your picture taken with the whole family once you have collected your prize. There will also be face painting, Climb Vertigo, rosette making and inflatables including a large obstacle course, bouncy castles, interactive sports zone and a giant garden games area. All free for under 18s.

Open Cockpit Day Visitors to the Helicopter Museum have a rare opportunity to access the cockpits of selected helicopters and have the controls explained by an experienced guide.

Fun for all the family. Plus: Helicopter Air Experience Flight Have the opportunity to learn how a helicopter works as the pilot explains the controls whilst you look down on Weston-super-Mare from a thousand feet in the air. From 2pm at the Helicopter Museum, Locking Moor Road.

Wednesday 13 Open Cockpit Day As April 10.

Spring Market Market on the Esplanade, Watchet from 9.30am to 3.30pm.

Friday 15 - Monday 18

Easter Open Weekend Secret World Wildlife Rescue will be open to visitors with wildlife talks, a learning tent, craft and gift market, pond dipping and a chance

Fashion from the 1700s to today at Plymouth’s The Box, until 4 September. to meet the resident animals including birds of prey, a red deer and an emu. From 10am to 4pm, adults £5, children £2.

Saturday 16

Easter Craft Market From 10am to 4pm in Dunster Tithe Barn, free admission.

Monday 18 - May 31

Repair Cafe Take your broken items to be fixed in St Edmund’s Community Hall. Glastonbury. Learn ‘how to’ save money by mending stuff; help climate change and reduce the waste mountain; drink coffee, eat nice cake and meet others who love making, mending and renewing pre-loved items. All for a donation from 10am and 12pm.

Saturday 16 & Sunday 17

Pageant of Transport See a variety of transport: cars, motorbikes, tractors, lorries, buses & military vehicles, from 8am on the Beach Lawns at Weston-super-Mare.

Sunday 17

Open Cockpit Day/ Helicopter Air Experience Flight As April 10.

Giant Flea Market Over 250 inside and outside stalls selling a plethora of items at the Bath and West Showground. From 9.30am, adults £5, accompanying children free. Details in 01278 784912.

Let There Be Light Exhibition An exhibition at Bath Abbey of over 20 pieces by local artist, Shelley Ashkowski, celebrating the history and beauty of churches, cathedrals and abbeys.

Wednesday 20 Open Cockpit Day As April 10.

Friday 22 - Saturday 23

Burnham Book Festival Literary event with talks, workshops and readings across several genres, including crime, historical, young adult, children’s, literary and non-fiction. In the Princess Theatre and Burnham Library. It will include local authors and well known figures on the literary scene culminating in award ceremonies for the first ever poetry and short-story winners of the Burnham and

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d n u Ro ut Abo Highbridge Prize, judged by professional authors. Go to burnhambookfest.co.uk for details.

Friday 22 - Sunday 24

Spring Steam & Diesel Gala Go to Midsomer Norton for the gala on the Somerset and Dorset Railway. There will be a busy timetable of demonstration freight trains from the yard and passengers trains from both platforms. Go to sdjr.co.uk for details.

Saturday 23

Yandles Spring Craft Market Free day out supporting local crafts people, featuring stalls, demonstrations and instore offers.

From 10am to 4pm in Yandles, Hurst Works, Martock.

Spring Vintage Bazaar Enjoy some eco-friendly retail therapy in the Cheese and Grain, Market Yard, Frome. Purchase from some of the country’s best dealers in vintage textiles, decorative antiques and French brocante as well as a handpicked selection of designer makers. From 9am to 2pm.

will have their own doggy cafe and doggy tea party with party games and hats (bookable online).It will also be raising funds for local pet charities and good causes, with a charity fun dog show and scurry.

From 10am to 4pm, adults £10, children £5, family £25.

Open Cockpit Day As April 10.

Antiques, Vintage & Collectors Fair From 10am to 4pm in the Tithe Barn, Priory Gardens, Dunster.

Tuesday 26

In Xanadu: Coleridge and the West Country Tours Find out more about the artworks and objects on display in this short gallery tour of the Museum of Somerset. At 2.30pm, must be booked, suggested donation £3.

Hidden Porlock Walk An opportunity to visit sites of historical interest and explore hidden parts of the village’s past. Meet at 10am at Porlock Visitor Centre Free event but donations to Care Moor Exmoor and Porlock Visitor Centre very welcome. Book online or on 01643 863150.

Thursday 28 - Sat 30

Spring Festival Hosted by the Culturally Chard Consortium. Includes themed workshops, Blue Plaque and Lace Riot Walks and an iSpy Trail around Chard Town Centre for families and young people. Go to www.chardmuseum.co.uk/events for details.

Friday 29 - May 2

Saturday 23 & Sunday 24

Glastonbury Abbey Medieval Fayre Fayre from 10am to 5pm across the entire abbey grounds. Includes battles, activities and jousts. Day tickets and full weekend tickets available, under 5s free.

Sunday 24

The Big Bark A fun interactive day out at Bath and West showground with plenty for the pooches to do with Havea-go agility & Hoopers, Temptation Alley, Canine Olympics, Dog Displays, Doggy Photobooth as well as talks and workshops from dog behaviourists, trainers and groomers, among other attractions. Dogs

Spring Steam Gala on the West Somerset Railway, 5-8 May.

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Abbey Hill Steam Rally Fun family day out at Yeovil Showground, Barwick with traction engines to motorcycles and over 100 trade stands and a programme of entertainment including ring events, live bands and singers in the refreshment marquee. In the evening the fun continues in the marquee and the fairground stays open until late.

The Big Bark at Bath and West Showground, 24 April.

Sunday 8

May Sunday 1

Magpie Market As April 3.

Street Fair As April 3.

Dino Day Roarsome Family Fun Day at Salisbury Racecourse as dinosaurs take over. Join the T Rex’s, Triceratops and Baby Dinos for a great value family day out which includes other free children’s entertainment. Take little explorers to help to try and tame and train the sneaky, cheeky dinosaurs – if you dare. Children free.

Tuesday 3 - Tuesday 10

Donkey Week A chance for you to have close contact with the residents of the Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth.

Activities on offer include guest speakers, social events, wildlife walks, demonstrations and plenty of opportunities to meet the donkeys throughout the week.

Daily trips are arranged to visit the outlying farms, not usually open to the public. Visitors can take tractor trailer rides or meet the donkeys.

You can spend a day, or enjoy a whole week of tours, events, insightful talks and lots of one to one time with the donkeys. Go to www. thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/events/ donkeyweek for details.

Saturday 7

The 821st Wells May Charter Fair Fair in Wells Market Place with Civic Opening and Blessing of the Fair at 11am.

Thursday 5 - Sunday 8

Spring Steam Gala Multiple steam locomotives will be in action on the West Somerset Steam Railway with an intensive timetable. The turntables at Minehead and Triangle and Norton Fitzwarren both in use and Stogumber Cattle Dock will be reopening.

Special offer children travel for £1 on the Sunday when accompanied by an adult.

Open Cockpit Day/ Helicopter Air Experience Flight As April 10.

Friday 13 - Sunday 29

Mayfest Bristol’s biennial international festival of contemporary theatre with dozens of performances, events, and parties in some of Bristol’s best-loved venues as well as in unexpected sites and locations throughout the city. Go to mayfestbristol.co.uk for details.

Sunday 15

Toy & Train Collectors Fair Over 300 stalls at the Bath and West Showground. Catering for all collectors, there are thousands of models in the Showering Pavilion and on the Balcony. From 10.30am to 2.30pm, tickets from £4.

May Fair Fair showcasing a host of local craft and produce suppliers from the region. From 10am to 4pm at Arnos Vale Cemetery, Bath Road, Bristol.

Friday 20 - Sunday 22

Foodies Festival A star studded line up of celebrity chefs and chart-topping music stars at The Downs, Stoke Road, Bristol. Visitors can enjoy the Chefs’ Theatre, Cake & Bake Theatre, Drinks Theatre, Shopping Village with award winning artisan producers, Street Food Avenue, Feasting Tent, Cook Book Shop, Kids’ Cookery School, fairground, live music stage and family-friendly areas with activities for children.

From 12 to 9pm, adult day ticket £25 (£19 in advance); weekend ticket £47 (£38 in advance); accompanied children free.

Saturday 21

Repair Cafe As April 16 but from 2 to 3pm.

For a free listing of your event — let us know the details by 29 April.

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Free books for schools children’s literacy charity UK Reads, together with their partner the circular economy bookseller AwesomeBooks, are asking schools to apply for free books for children living in poverty in their communities. Driven by a commitment to sustainability and literacy, AwesomeBooks collects books destined for landfill and repurposes high quality copies by reselling them or donating them to improve access to books and promote literacy, which means that no book is ever thrown away. They have pledged 30,000 high quality, pre-loved books to UK Reads, to support schools and children in disadvantaged communities. Reading for pleasure is the single biggest factor in determining a child’s future success, but there are currently more than 413,000 children in the UK who do not own a single book of their own. UK Reads are on a mission to ensure every child in the UK has access to free books and literacy support. All UK schools can go to www.ukreads.org/bookdrop to request free from UK Reads for children without access to their own books. Go to www. ukreads.org for more information about UK Reads and the work they are doing to end illiteracy in the UK.

Encouraging reading Michael Rosen has been appointed as the new Writer in Residence at BookTrust, the children’s reading charity.

The children’s author and performance poet is a long-standing champion for children’s reading and for many years he took his one-man show to schools across the country to enthuse children with his passion for books and poetry. Over the years, he has been involved in countless public campaigns to promote reading. In 2007 he became the Children’s Laureate, where he developed the Perform-a-Poem website in association with the London Grid for Learning. Michael is planning on using the residency as an opportunity to highlight the benefits and fun of reading with babies and toddlers. Michael Rosen said, “I am really looking forward to being

resident at BookTrust. We know that helping children start life playing with words, poems and songs is the perfect way to become a confident speaker and writer. Under-fives soak up language and we can help make that happen by sharing books with them. I want to do all I can to offer some ideas and inspiration to help carers, teachers and anyone who works with under-fives.”

Croaky! March of the amphibians Each night a sleepy corner of the county is being turned into a march of the amphibians as hundreds of toads and newts make a perilous journey across a busy road to breed.

This mass migration to the Woodland Trust owned Haddon Wood, near Castle Cary, has even led buses to stop and allow the toads to cross, and local truckers to change their route to protect the toads - who are being ably assisted by a team of committed volunteers.

On suitable evenings, after dusk, the toad patrollers hop into action by sticking on their boots, donning hi viz jackets and, armed with torches, spend hours helping the toads across the road towards the woodland, to safety.

The toads are making an intrepid journey from spending the year in vegetation and damp areas - towards a specially created pond to spawn.

The volunteers are out from sunset to 10pm on evenings when the weather is right - toads only launch their journeys when it is wet, and the temperature is higher than 5 degrees. The volunteers’ job is to encourage traffic to slow and aid the amphibians across the road from Alhampton.

This migration of toads is a success story amongst a climate change and nature emergency.

Fly the flag for Somerset The Somerset Day Community Interest Company celebrates Somerset and all it has to offer by encouraging communities, organisations, businesses and individuals to celebrate the birthday up to and over the weekend nearest to Somerset Day, 11 May. They want everyone to relish in the stunning countryside, historic cities, abundant produce, amazing businesses, festival culture and rich heritage of the county historically known as ‘the land of the summer people’. You can join in living our heritage by taking part in the 2022 Trail Challenge – an interactive map with details of physical destinations to help you explore the County and celebrate organisations, communities and landmarks reflecting the present and future as much as the past. Go to somersetday.com/ for details.

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Bath & West Show Drink tea returns change a life After an absence of two years, the Bath and West Show will be back on the Platinum Jubilee weekend, 2 to 4 June. To make it the best ever, organisers have listened to visitors and have blended previous favourite attractions with new celebrities. With lots of different animals to meet, demonstrations, games, a funfair and entertainers there are activities to appeal to all ages from the youngest members of the family to parents and grandparents and even the dog! See the website and our next issue for more details.

Green grants to help schools Somerset Waste Partnership is offering up to 50 grants of £500 to help schools on their Eco-School journey.

This can go towards the first step on a tried and tested programme or progressing towards the ‘Green Flag’ status (see www.eco-schools. org.uk for details). Any school receiving a waste service from SWP is eligible to apply. The closing date for school applications is the end of May. Go to somersetwaste.gov.uk/ education for details of how to apply.

Walk for wellbeing

Nothing stops a nation of tea lovers coming together over a cuppa! Small or large, at home or at work, even on a video call – you can make a difference by hosting a tea party for Guide Dogs. They are celebrating on 22 April but you can hold your tea party any day and any way you like. Hosting a party couldn’t be simpler, just sign up and decide where and when you want to host it. Then check out your tea party pack, set up your tea party fundraising page and get the word out to all your guests. Go to www. guidedoogs.org.uk/nationaltea-day/ to sign up; get your tea party pack and download free materials including posters and invitations; recipe cards; tips for going virtual, a Zoom background for your call and a tea quizz to add fun and help raise even more money for Guide Dogs.

Turn your school into a biodiverse hotspot Seedball are working with the BBC to deliver one million seed balls to school children as part of ‘The Green Planet’ TV series. However, due to the overwhelming response from teachers, all one million seed balls have been claimed.

children across the country are asked to join in Walk to School week which takes place on 16 to 20 May this year, during Living Streets’ National Walking month. This year’s campaign focuses on the benefits of walking, showing pupils how being active helps improve their health, happiness and local environment. Families will be encouraged to walk, wheel, cycle, scoot or ‘Park and Stride’ for the whole week to see the big differences that come from small steps, from healthier and happier children to fewer cars outside the school gates.

Each day, the #PowerUp challenge will take pupils through five levels: ‘Team Up’, ‘Defeat Danger’ ‘Boost Health’, ‘Save the Planet’ and ‘Lead the Way’. These daily missions will respectively teach them about the social, road safety, physical, mental, and environmental benefits of walking. Daily reward stickers and special reward badges are up for grabs at the end of the week for those who travelled actively every day. Go to livingstreets.org.uk/wtsw for details and to order classroom packs, containing resources for up to 30 pupils.

Seedball wants to continue to help re-wild schools and teach the next generation about the importance of biodiversity so is extending its wildflower revolution by inviting schools to register for ‘odd-balls’ through its blog.To continue to take advantage of the offer, all schools and parents need to do is cover postage (£6pp) and they will receive a 300-ball bag of odd balls to cover an area of 15-18 m.This can be used to create one wildflower area or to distribute in pots and hanging baskets.

Seed balls are a simple way to grow native wildflowers from seed that’s easy and accessible while providing a fun and hands-on learning experience for school children. One seed ball has the potential to grow a thousand wildflowers.

Once the wildflower plant is established, it will start reseeding naturally and in turn grow thousands more, turning schools into biodiverse hotspots and nurturing well informed future rewilders and biodiversity champions.

Teachers, parents and carers can go to seedball.co.uk/springschool-giveaway-2022 to fill in the form to request the seed balls.

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Things to do during the holidays. Please mention Primary Times Somerset when booking activities.

REMEMBER, things may change at short notice so make sure you check before you go.

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Wildflower seedbomb crafting and falcons at the Palace

Happy healthy holidays in Somerset

Tuesdays 12 & 19 Go to the Community Garden at the Bishop’s Palace, Wells to join in the crafting sessions. Seed bombs originated in New York City in the 1970s as a way to encourage wildflowers in the city. These make a wonderful family activity and a lovely springtime present. From 11am to 3pm. Plus:

Thousands of children and young people eligible for free school meals in Somerset can enjoy free fun activities during the holidays. Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP) in partnership with Somerset County Council coordinate the initiative across the county, with bookings for this Easter’s activities open. There are a total of 12,000 places available, with more than 70 venues offering a wide range of activities from kayaking to music workshops, swimming and climbing.

Go to www.sasp.co.uk/happyhealthy-holidays for details.

Monday 18 - Falconry Day Enjoy seeing amazing birds with skills that have been used since medieval times.

Display leader, Tony, will be bringing a selection of his finest falcons and owls to show off their marvellous moves in front of visitors on the South Lawn. Visitors will have the chance to get up close with some of the birds and handle them whilst finding out all about them from their handlers. Displays at 12 and 3pm, weather permitting.

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28 March - 16 May 2022

Follow the Hoppy Easter Trail at Ferne Visit Ferne Animal Sanctuary, near Chard this Easter to take part in the Hoppy Easter Trail and learn all about rabbits and the things they need to stay happy and healthy. Then sample some Easter treats in the café.

Adventure Play and family fun at Clarks Village

Families can enjoy the outdoor King Arthur’s Forest Adventure Play Park and landscaped gardens at Clarks Village in Street. There are also restaurants, cafes and grab and go kiosks for delicious diversions.

Children’s Entertainment Dinosaur Valley: LIVE! Saturday 9 - Sunday 24 Dinosaur Valley is taking over Avon Valley Wildlife Park for a totally ROARsome, interactive eggstravaganza.

Visit the South West’s largest collection of animatronic dinosaurs, including a 15 meter T-Rex in their beautiful riverside home. Follow a self guided trail and complete the quest; visit the Dinosaur Research Lab with a theatrical experience; meet baby dinosaurs; enjoy fossil excavation activities; build a dinosaur teddy; take a mini jeep safari and miniature train ride and meet all the animals.

From 10am to 4pm, adults and toddlers £25, children £35.

Magic at the Museum Wednesdays 13, 20 Special Holiday Activity Days for families at the Helicopter Museum, Locking Moor Road, Weston-superMare with different activities every week. Watch a live magic show, witness incredible balloon modelling, marvel at the slight of hand illusions and climb into the pilots seat of some of the helicopters, try on a pilot’s helmet. Plus

Sunday 24 - Silly Sunday Children’s Show A fun packed day of craziness with morning and afternoon family shows for under 10s. Live interactive show, expect funny magic, talking puppets, custard pies and general mayhem. our guides will be running ‘Kids Only - Open Cockpit Sessions’, climb into the pilots seat of some of the helicopters, try on a pilots helmet and have the controls explained to you by an experienced guide. The cafe will have a special Children’s Party themed menu.

Details online or on 01934 635227.

Children’s Easter Party Sunday 17 Party for accompanied children with dances, PDJ Disco and a special guest appearance from Peter Rabbit and Peppa Pig. Each child will go home with an Easter Egg. From 2.30pm in the Assembly Rooms, Frome. Children £8, adults free.

Meet Peter Rabbit Wednesday 20 Peter Rabbit will be appearing during story time sessions, led by a narrator, on the platform at Cranmore Station at quarter past the hour from 11.15am to 3.15pm. There will also be a Punch and Judy to entertain you. You can ride the steam train on East Somerset Railway, as many times as you like and look around the Engine Shed and workshop. Book online or on 01749 880417.

SOME FACTS ABOUT Dinosaur Eggs We tend to think a lot about eggs this time of year, usually concentrating on chocolate ones.

The idea of the chocolate egg comes from nature - we know birds, most reptiles, amphibians and fish and three mammals lay eggs, but did you know that every dinosaur hatched from an egg?

We know quite a lot about dinosaur eggs even though very few have survived as they were extremely fragile.

Here are some things scientists have discovered so far:

• Each female dinosaur would lay lots of eggs at one time, from as few as three to as many as 20.

• Other dinosaurs loved to steal eggs and so usually lots were laid at one time, in the hope that some would survive and hatch.

• The largest dinosaur egg found so far is 18 inches in diameter, the smallest is about 1 inch.

• Carnivores, the meat-eating dinosaurs, laid long eggs.

• Herbivores, the plant-eating dinosaurs, laid round eggs… why? Nobody really knows.

• Some dinosaurs dug nests and protected the eggs from other dinosaurs.

• Dinosaur babies grew very fast, perhaps doubling in size in the first six weeks, in order to have a chance of surviving.

• No T. Rex eggs have been found … so far!

28 March - 16 May 2022

13.

GET e v i t a Cre

Saturday 23 & Sunday 24 - Sow and Grow

Go to Yeovil Country Park for a morning of fairy door painting. Two doors per child, paint, brushes and fairy doors provided. These can be left with the rangers to use as replacement doors for the Playzone woodland fairies or taken home as a gift for the garden fairies.

For accompanied 3 year olds and above from 10am to 12pm, meet rangers in the gazebo on the grass next to Ninesprings cafe.

Celebrating Spring Saturday 9 - Saturday 23 Enjoy activities celebrating spring and Easter at the Museum of Somerset, Taunton Castle. Explore the museum on the Easter Egg Trail. Find the objects in the egg-shaped pictures to win a prize (£1 per child). Plus: Saturday 9, Sunday 10, Monday 18 Sow and Grow Sunflowers.

Tuesday 12 - Easter Card Making Wednesday 13- Egg Cup Decorating Thursday 14 - The Life of Bees

Family Art Class Tuesday 12 From 10am to 5pm. Booking is advised. Go to swheritage.org.uk or call 01458 831197 for details.

Easter Fun Tuesday 12 - Thursday 21

Wednesday 20 - Flower Crafts and Trail

Follow the clues around the Brick and Tile Museum, Bridgwater and find some Easter ink stamps along the way. A version is available to suit younger children.

Then enjoy some family paint and clay activities:

Thursday 21 - Eggy Activities

Tuesday 12 - Bunny Bowls

Saturday 23 - Easter Decorations

Thursday 14 - Pottery Painting

From 10am to 5pm, all activities £1 or £2 per child. Booking advised at museumofsomerset.org.uk .

Tuesday 19 - Paint Easter Decorations

Friday 15 - Stained Glass Crafts Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 - Making Bunny Ears Tuesday 19, Friday 22- Mosaic Crafting

Easter on the Farm Saturday 9 - Sunday 24 Explore Easter on the Farm at Somerset Rural Life Museum, Chilkwell, Glastonbury.

Saturday 9 - Old Fashioned Cooking Demonstration Tuesday 12 - Easter Bonnet Making Wednesday 13 - Chick Crafts Thursday 14 - Egg Cup Decorating Friday 15 - Hot Cross Bun Toasting Saturday 16 - Suncatcher Making Sunday 17 & Monday 18 - Egg Hunt Collect the plastic eggs and receive a prize Tuesday 19 - Daffodil Crafts Wednesday 20 & Friday 22 -Spring Cleaning Day Thursday 21 - Hen Day

Cracking Fun Saturday 9 - Sunday 24

Painted items can be taken home. Clay will need to be fired, will be available around 3 weeks after activity. Must be booked at swheritage.org.uk, £3.50.

Details on 01278 426088.

Join Bertie Bird for Easter at Hestercombe Saturday 2 - Sunday 24 Bertie bird and his feathered friends have taken up residence at Hestercombe Gardens and they’ve planned plenty of egg-citing spring activities to keep your little chicks entertained. Join Bertie the blackbird in the landscape gardens on his mission to find the best nest and learn some fabulous feathery facts along the way. Bertie has created his very own egg hunt around the formal gardens too.

Tuesday 12 - Petting Zoo (11am - 3pm) Thursday 14 - Paper Kites (12 - 4pm)

Wednesday 20 - Pinwheels Craft (12 4pm) Friday 22 - Science Butterfly Workshop (10am - 3pm) Drop in, no need to book.

28 March - 16 May 2022

Adults and children go to Somerset Skills and Learning 15 Palmer Street, Frome and enjoy a fun session to create an Easter craft to take away. From 10.30am to 12.30pm.

Thursday 21 - Clay Name Plaque

Saturday 16 - Bunny Marshmallow Workshop (11am - 3pm)

14.

Paint a Fairy Door Wednesday 20

Get your wellies on and go to the American Museum , Claverton Manor, Bath and hunt for the creative and colourful nest installations throughout the gardens and parkland. Pick up an activity pack on arrival and join the scavenger hunt (additional fee applies). Then visit the crafting station for some fabulous Easter themed crafts. Booking online recommended, especially over the Easter weekend. Details on 1225 820868.

Animal Magic Monday 11 Calling all animal lovers. Investigate how the Romans used animal images in decoration. Make a fridge magnet inspired by these creatures. From 10am to 12.30pm and 1.30 to 4pm at the Roman Baths in Bath.

Spring Facts Spring is celebrated as being the end of winter bringing longer and warmer days, but here are some things you might not know about the season.

Spring starts at different times

Spring Fever’ is real

According to the Gregorian and meteorological calendars, spring starts on the 1st of March every year and runs through until the 31st of May. But the astronomical calendar, which bases the seasons on the tilt of the Earth as it rotates around the sun, determines that spring in the northern hemisphere doesn’t start until the 20th of March and carries on to 21st June.

Everyone is excited at the passing of winter for a reason. The rise in temperatures and longer days, the chance to spend more time outside as well as wider availability of fresh food, that come with spring can increase the amount of serotonin in your body and dilate your blood vessels, which raises your mood and energy levels.

It travels at

2

mph

Using measures such as sightings of ladybirds, frogspawn and swallows, as well as the leafing of Oaks and hawthorns, the pace spring takes to travel from the south coast of the UK northwards has been calculated to be two miles per hour. This is quicker than in the past, potentially due to global warming – during the first half of the 19th century, spring travelled at just 1.2 miles per hour according to similar factors.

Everything smells stronger As there is generally more moisture in the air, your sense of smell can be more acute during the spring, for everything from blossoming flora to farmers fertilising their fields.

It’s more likely to snow than at Christmas According to the MET Office, snow or sleet falls in the UK on an average of 4.2 days in March, compared to 3.9 days in December.

The name ‘spring’ is literal The time around Lent was called the ‘springing time’ in Old English, in reference to plants springing up from the ground. It has since been shortened to ‘spring time’ and later ‘spring’ over the centuries, but only meant a source of water before around the 14th century.

A moveable feast There’s a formula to determine when Easter falls.

The main spring festival, Easter, is celebrated on a different date each year. It falls on the Sunday that follows the first full moon after the start of spring.

The first bloom The first flower to come out of the ground in spring is the snowdrop. Although most spring flowers begin popping up around March, snowdrops start to bloom as early as February and even January.

It isn’t a UK native, but became fashionable in the Victorian era, but it isn’t clear when they were first introduced. The first records of plants in the wild date from 1778.

28 March - 16 May 2022

15.

Egg-citing Events On this egg-stra special Easter event have fun learning to identify and discover more about our feathered friends on the Downs. In the afternoon, make an amazing bird mask to take home. Drop off children at 10am and pick them up at 3.30pm. On the Downs and at Bristol Zoo Gardens Conservation Education Centre.

Book online or on 0117 4285300.

Easter Egg Hunt Saturday 2 - Monday 25

Bertie Bird’s Spectacular Egg Hunt Saturday 2 - Sunday 24 Join Bertie the blackbird in the landscape gardens at Hestercombe Gardens on his mission to find the best nest and learn some fabulous feathery facts along the way. The fun doesn’t end here, Bertie has created his very own egg hunt around the formal gardens too. Follow the clues on the eggs to find the golden egg and claim your chocolatey prize.

From 10am to 5pm, details on 01823 413923.

largest, fiercest, cutest and strangest animals from around the world in the Safari Park. Plus, hop aboard the Jungle Cruise to meet gorillas and sea lions, wander through meerkats in Animal Kingdom, explore the Adventure Castle and lose yourself in the giant hedge maze. Don’t forget to pop in Longleat House, which is reopening to visitors. Join guided tours of the Great Hall, spectacular 19th century interiors, the magnificent State Rooms, ornate bedrooms and ‘backstairs’ areas..

Eggo-Saurus Dino Hunt

Easter Adventures in Wonderland

Saturday 9 - Sunday 24

Friday 8 - Sunday 24

Enjoy a Jurassic adventure across Crealy Great Adventure Park near Exeter. Set out to find all the dinosaur egg locations to win yourself an egg-ceptional chocolatey prize. Sink your teeth into your quest as you will be tasked to figure out the clues and riddles that will reveal the secret dino egg locations across the park.

Using your prehistoric map, tick off all the locations you’ve found and once you’ve found them all claim your egg-cellent reward. Your favourite rides will also be open from 10am to 5pm, must be booked online. Plus:

Step inside the magical world of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland at Longleat.

Get crafty with the Mad Hatter and help the clumsy playing cards. Plus hunt down the giant Easter eggs hidden around the park and crack the code for a little treat. Meet the first ever koala to have been born in England. The adorable baby spent the first six months of its life inside mum’s pouch but is now venturing outside – much to the delight of visitors and come face to face with some of the

Monday 11 - Sunday 24 - Alice’s Wonderland Show.

New show featuring comedy acrobatics, dance and aeriel arts.

Eggcellent Family Trails Saturday 9 - Sunday 24 Follow the family trails at Bristol Zoo Gardens and Wild Place. Plus: Thursday 14 - Feathered Friends

16.

28 March - 16 May 2022

Head to Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, Clevedon Road, Wraxall for egg hunt fun featuring amazing animals. The animals are hiding special Easter eggs around the zoo which spell out a hidden message. Will you find all the hidden animals with their eggs and crack the code? Hand in your trail to the gift shop to receive a special treat and for your chance to win a prize.

Then visit the Farm Barn to meet the latest arrivals. Don’t miss the daily Rare Farm Breeds talk at 2pm to find out all about the farm animals and how they are helping to protect the future of each of these rare native breeds. Details on 01275 852606.

Easter at the Station Sunday 17 & Monday 18 Enjoy a day at Midsomer Norton Station with an Easter theme including an Easter Egg Hunt for children with a special prize given to all completing the activity sheet and returning it to the station shop. The Easter special tickets include a Hot Cross Bun or Easter Biscuit and a hot drink or fruit juice from the railway buffet. All day rover tickets are available which will be valid on all passenger trains throughout the day and you can ride as many times as you wish.

Easter Adventure Quest Saturday 2 - Sunday 24 Have an adventure at Stonehenge.

Explore the site to hunt for clues and challenges, and discover traditional Easter games like egg rolling and the egg and spoon race. Track down the Easter eggs and you’ll be rewarded with a chocolate treat and an adventurer’s certificate. From 9am to 5pm, £1.50 plus normal ticket price.

Easter Adventures in nature Families can unleash their inner explorers with the National Trust trails.

Barrington Court near Ilminster Wednesday 13 - Sunday 24 Use your senses to have a spring adventure, make your way along the trail and find nature-inspired activities for the whole family. £3 per person, includes a trail map, pencil and a chocolate egg or alternative prize at the end. From 10am to 5pm, details on 01460 243122.

Dunster Castle near Minehead Saturday 9 - Sunday 24 Follow the nature trail and explore Dunster. Discover tropical plants, cosy dens and learn about the bats that live in the castle. £3 per trail per person with one egg prize, trail from Visitor Reception or ticket office. From 10am to 4pm, details on 01643 821314.

Dyrham Park, near Bath Saturday 9 - Monday 18 Make your way along the trail, finding nature-inspired activities for the whole family. £3 per child, includes a trail map, pencil and a chocolate egg at the end. From 10am to 5pm. Details on 0117 9371353.

Coleridge Cottage Saturday 9 - Sunday 17 Explore the wild flower meadow and look for bees, bugs, and beetles and win a chocolate egg at the end. £3 per trail per person, trail from Welcome Parlour. From 10am to 4pm, details on 01278 732662.

Fyne Court, Broomfield Saturday 9 - Sunday 24 Discover the wild landscapes of Fyne Court on this family adventure through the gardens, parkland, woodland and pond. Can you find

all the activities while avoiding the traps set by Sneaky Stephen the spider? Make it all the way round to earn a chocolate treat and then enjoy some natural crafts in the music hall. From 10am to 4pm, £3 per trail, details on 01823 451587.

Killerton, Broadclyst Saturday 9 - Sunday 24 Make your way along the trail, finding nature-inspired activities for the whole family. £3 per child, includes a trail map, pencil and a chocolate egg. From 10am to 5pm.

Details on 01392 881345.

Lytes Cary Manor, near Charlton Mackrell, Somerton Saturday 9 - Sunday 24 Make your way along the trail, explore Lytes Cary and find natureinspired activities for the whole family. £3, includes a trail map, pencil and a chocolate egg. From 11am to 4pm, details on 01458 224471.

finding nature-inspired activities for the whole family. £3 per child, includes a trail map, pencil and a chocolate egg at the end. From 10am to 5pm, details on 01225 833977.

Stourhead, Stourton, Warminster Saturday 9 - Sunday 24 Make your way along the trail and find nature-inspired activities for the whole family. From 9am to 3.30pm, £3 per trail, includes a trail

map, pencil and a chocolate egg at the end.

Tyntesfield, Wraxhall Saturday 9 - Sunday 24 Make your way along the trail, explore the beautiful grounds and find nature-inspired activities for the whole family. From10am to 4pm, £3 per trail, includes a trail map, pencil and a chocolate egg at the end..

Details on 01275 461 900.

Montacute House Friday 14 - Sunday 16 Pick up a trail pack from visitor reception and start your adventure.

As you make your way around the gardens look out for the spots marked on your map and discover a whole world of nature. Head to the shop when you have finished to collect your chocolate egg. For the more adventurous amongst you, why not try a lovely walk up St Michael’s Hill, the views are spectacular. From 10am to 4.30pm, £3 per trail. Details on 01935 823289.

Prior Park Landscape Garden, Ralph Allen Drive, Bath Friday 15 - Monday 18 Make your way along the trail,

28 March - 16 May 2022

17.

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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.

Brewhouse Box Office 01823 283244 Coal Orchard, Taunton

It’s OK Thursday April 19 An intimate dance piece performed in a perspex cube, especially for 0 to 5 years and their families. Join the performers as they discover that no feelings are right or wrong; they’re just feelings and it really is O.K. to feel them. At 11.30am, 1.30 and 3.30pm, tickets from £15 for 1 adult and 1 child.

Aidy the Awesome April 19 & 20 Aidy is a normal 8 year old girl… or so she thinks!

One day she discovers a

Wizard of Oz at The Octagon Theatre,Yeovil, 23 April.

family secret that changes everything. Aidy and her granny embark on an adventure that turns their world upside down. For 4 year olds and above, times vary. Tickets from £12, family from £40.

Ernie’s Journey April 20 & 21

A magical circus theatre adventure for the family.

The seamless integration of story-telling, circus, physical theatre, stage magic, poetry and puppetry will nurture and excite your innerchild. Particularly for 4 to 11s,

times vary. Tickets from £10.

Puss in Boots Friday April 22 Would you trust a talking cat?

You never know, he might turn you from a pauper to a prince just like the hero of this story. Furry tail with a host of puppets, a working windmill and an avalanche of fruit and nuts. At 11.30am, tickets from £9.50.

Oi Frog & Friends!

Live April 26 - 28 It’s a new day at Sittingbottom School and Frog is looking for a place to sit, but Cat has other ideas and Dog is doing as he’s told.

Little do any of them know that chaos is coming… For 3 year olds and above, times vary. Tickets from £15.

Act Two Sunday May 15 Strictly’s Ian Waite and Vincent Simone with a new evening of old fashioned variety – dance, comedy and song. At 3pm, tickets from £31, concs from £29, VIP from £57.

Aidy the Awesome, Brewhouse Taunton, 19-20 April.

18.

28 March - 16 May 2022

Octagon Theatre Box Office 01935 422884 Hendford, Yeovil

Fireman Sam Live Thursday April 21 When all of his friends go away, Norman Price decides to find adventure in Pontypandy and become the star of a visiting circus. But with a tiger on the loose and faulty lights, the adventure soon turns to danger. Can Fireman Sam come to the rescue and save the circus?

At 10.30am and 1pm, tickets £17.50, children £16.50, family £64.

Wizard of Oz Saturday April 23 Follow the Yellow Brick Road for a new Easter pantomime version of the story. Join Kansas farm-girl Dorothy and her pet dog Toto on this magical adventure. Watch in amazement as they are picked up by a tornado and carried off to the magical Land of Oz. Starring Bobby Davro, at 2 & 6pm, tickets £20.50, children £18.50, family £73.

Remembering the Oscars

Friday April 29 Strictly’s Aljaž and Janette celebrate the Oscar winning songs in this new dance spectacular. At 2.30 & 7.30pm, tickets £26 - £43.50.

The Addams Family Musical May 4 - 7 In the kooky, upside-down world of the Addams Family they have lived by their unique values for hundreds of years and Gomez and Morticia, the patriarch and matriarch of the clan, would be only too happy to continue living that way. But their dark, macabre, beloved daughter Wednesday, however, is now an eighteen year-old young woman who is ready for a life of her own. At 7.30pm, Saturday matinee at 2.30pm.

Tickets £15, £18, children £16, family £56.

That’ll Be The Day Saturday May 21

35th anniversary tour of this Rock’n’Roll show mixing brilliant vocals and superb musicianship with impersonations and hilarious comedy routines. At 7.30pm, tickets £26, £28.

Regal Theatre Box Office 01643 706430 The Avenue, Minehead

Spectacular Science Show at the McMillan Theatre, 22 April.

Aladdin April 16 - 23 A Genie-us panto, the classic story of a poor boy who works in a laundrette, along with his mother Widow Twankey, and his younger brother, Wishee Washee.

But poverty doesn’t stop Aladdin’s dreams of one day marrying the beautiful Princess Mandarin. So he jumps at the chance to help the evil Abanazar find a magic lamp . At 7.30pm, Saturday, Sunday & Monday matinees at 2.30pm. Tickets £10, children £6.50, family £30.

Animal Antics Saturday May 7 The Animal Guyz bring the stage to life with this brandnew funny, entertaining and educational live show packed with animal effects, music and laughter, designed both to entertain and educate. Using no live animals, but stunning puppetry and special effects to bring incredible life-like and life-size animals and dinosaurs to the stage right before your eyes. At 2.30pm, tickets £15, children £13, family £49.

The McMillan Theatre Box Office 01278 556677 Lower Bath Road, Bridgwater

Spectacular Science Show Friday April 22 Mark Thompson’s interactive show explores the strange and magical properties of matter with exploding elephant’s toothpaste, vortexgenerating dustbins and even howling jelly babies.

Continued on page 20.

28 March - 16 May 2022

19.

TAOS present the musical based on the life of showman P.T. Barnum combining musical theatre with the colourful and mesmerising spectacle of the circus. Times vary, tickets £15, children £12.

re t a e Th

Bristol Hippodrome Box Office 0844 871 3012 St Augustine’s Parade, Bristol

The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe

So You Think You Know About Dinosaurs?

Cheese and Grain, Frome, 19 April.

For 5 year olds and above, at 3pm, tickets £12.50, children £10.50.

I Spy With My Little Eye Sunday May 1 Join Molly and her pet dog, Bingo at her sixth birthday party, complete with a terrific treasure hunt, sensational sing-along songs and lots of fantastic games. A sweet surprise and photos with Bingo and the birthday girl will be available at the end of the show. At 11am, tickets £11, children £9.

weirdest predators that ever roamed the planet. Interactive show pitting the knowledge of adults against their children.

At 2.30pm, tickets £17, concs £13.

The Forum Box Office 0844 888 9991 1a Forum Buildings, St James Parade, Bath

Remembering the Oscars Wednesday April 13 As the Octagon. At 7.30pm, tickets £25 - £42.50, Meet and Greet £85.

composer Randy Newman’s musical score performed live to the film by the Novello Orchestra. At 6pm, tickets £29.50 - £65.50.

Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre Box Office 01823 414141 School Road, Taunton

Taunton Scout and Guide Show April 12 - 16 Family-friendly Variety Show full of songs old and new and comedy sketches to put a smile on your face. Times vary, tickets £10, concs £8.50.

May 3 - 7 Step through the wardrobe into the magical kingdom of Narnia for the most mystical of adventures in a faraway land. Join Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter as they wave goodbye to wartime Britain and say hello to a talking Faun, an unforgettable Lion and the coldest, cruellest White Witch. Starring Samantha Womack. For 6 year olds and above at 7pm, Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 2pm. Tickets from £12.

School of Rock

Saturday May 21 As the Octagon. At 2 and 7pm, tickets £9 - £14.

May 10 - 14 In need of cash, wannabe rock star, Dewey Finn poses as a substitute music teacher at an elite prep school. He exposes his students to the rock gods he idolises, transforming them into a mind blowing rock band. For 8 year olds and above at 7.30pm, Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm. Tickets from £13.

Cheese and Grain

Singin’ In The Rain

Blakehay Theatre Box Office 01934 645493 Wadham Street, Westernsuper-Mare

Toy Story in Concert Saturday April 23 Screening of the film with

The Addams Family Junior

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

So You Think You Know About Dinosaurs?

Tuesday April 19 Get ready to go on an exciting pre-historic adventure as Dr Ben Garrod explores the biggest, deadliest and

20.

The lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Bristol Hippodrome, 3-7 May.

28 March - 16 May 2022

Barnum April 26 - May 1

May 16 - 21 Journey back to the glamour of Hollywood during the roaring 20’s. Successful silent movie star Don Lockwood is about to be challenged as the silver screen finds its voice. A chance meeting with a talented young chorus girl is set to steal his heart and change both Don, and Hollywood, forever. Featuring

Strictly’s Kevin Clifton at 7.30pm, Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm, tickets from £13.

are putting on a 1920s murder mystery, but as the title suggests, everything that can go wrong… does. At 7.30pm, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2.30m, tickets from £26.

Warehouse Theatre Box Office 07943 779880 Brewery Lane, Ilminster

Cluedo

Oliver April 7 - 9 The streets of Victorian England come to life as Oliver, a malnourished orphan in a workhouse, escapes to London and finds acceptance amongst a group of petty thieves and pickpockets led by the elderly Fagin. At 7.30pm, Saturday matinee at 2.30pm, tickets £6 - £12.

Memorial Theatre Box Office 01373 462795 Christchurch Street West, Frome

Shrek The Musical May 3 - 8 The story of a hulking green ogre whose happy isolation is spoilt by a gang of homeless fairy tale characters. He sets off to get them their homes back in order to get his own back, but has to rescue Princess Fiona to do this.

When he meets her he likes her a lot, but she has a secret.

Presented by FMTC at 7pm and 2pm on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets £18.

The Playhouse Box Office 01934 645544 Weston-super-Mare

The Sooty Show Wednesday April 13 Izzy wizzy, let’s get busy.

Join Sooty for his brand new laugh out loud magic show with impossible tricks and sidesplitting jokes and a chance to meet Richard and Sooty after the show.

With special guests circus star Michael Jordan and the ultraviolet specialities of Fantasie de la Nuit. At 11am and 2.30pm, tickets £16.50,

of WW1, we join 18-yearold Private Tommo Peaceful in the trenches as he takes us on a journey through his most cherished memories and tells his story of courage, devotion, family and friendship. From the Michael Morpurgo novel. For 9 year olds and above at 7.30pm, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm.

Tickets £21.75 - £38.25, children £16.25.

April 25 - 30 Miss Scarlett, Professor Plum, Mrs Peacock, Reverend Green, Mrs White and Colonel Mustard have been invited to a country house by a mysterious invitation.

They all have something to hide and the mystery and hysteria grows as people start being killed. Based on the detective board game, for 10 year olds and above, starring Michelle Collins. At 7.30pm, Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm. Tickets from £28.50.

Hamelin

Bristol Old Vic

April 12 - 14 When a mysterious stranger comes to Hamelin, promising to solve the town’s troubles, will the townsfolk hold up their end of the bargain?

Join the Theatre Royal Bath Theatre School in their quest to uncover the truth in stories we think we know. For 6 year olds and above at 6.30pm, Wednesday and Thursday matinee s at 2pm. Tickets £10.

Box Office 0117 987 7877

Zog and The Flying Doctors, Bristol Old Vic, 19 - 24 April.

children £14.

This is Me Tuesday April 26 Strictly’s Giovanni Pernice and dancers with a new show paying homage to the music and dances that have inspired his career. At 7.30pm, tickets £35, VIP Meet and Greet, £75.

Act Two Tuesday May 17 As the Brewhouse. At 7.30pm,tickets £32 - £34, VIP Meet and Greet £60.

Theatre Royal Box Office 01225 448844 Sawclose, Bath

Squidge March 31 - April 2 A fun interactive dance show with live music and digital projection, which takes a light-hearted look at our sense of touch and how it influences our everyday lives.

For 3 to 8 year olds, times vary. Tickets £10.

Private Peaceful April 12 - 16 Set against the epic backdrop

The Play That Goes Wrong April 20 - 24 The Cornley Drama Society

The Sooty Show at The Playhouse, Weston-super-Mare, 13 April.

King Street, Bristol

Vixen April 13 - 16 After being scratched by a vixen Saffi begins to transform and dreams of running away to live with her fox family. But what about her father? Expect to see beauty hidden in unremarkable places, friendships that don’t follow the rules, the things that unite us and a girl aching to belong. For 7 year olds and above in the Weston Studio.

Times vary, tickets £12, children £10.

Zog and The Flying Doctors April 19 - 24 Zog, super keen student turned air-ambulance with his Flying Doctor crew , Princess Pearl and Sir Gadabout, tend to several patients, but Pearl’s uncle, the King, doesn’t believe princesses should be doctors, and locks her in the castle, back in a crown and a silly frilly dress. For 3 year olds and above, times vary, tickets £15, children £13.

28 March - 16 May 2022

21.

Bookstore

I’ve included a few extra picture books this time. They can often be overlooked as just being for very young or inexperienced readers, but they can be fun for all ages and abilities -I love a good picture book.

They are twice as much fun, with pictures cleverly adding to the story making them good to share. If you reread them you will often find gems you missed the first time. I like good novels as well and there is a variety of them here providing plenty of food for thought. Hope you enjoy them as much as I have.

The Forest Wolves Alex Milway (Piccadilly, £6.99)

S

Debbie

Star Read

Text © D J Williams 2022

Lindsay Littleson (Cranachan Books, £7.99)

to be allowed back. If he fails he will spend eternity in a pit of angry snakes. Odin gives him a magical diary he has to write in truthfully which keeps his score (and corrects any lies).

To make matters worse, his brother Thor is with him along with a giant and guard god to keep an eye on him, and he is faced with the torture called school. His arrogant nature gets him off to a bad start making his score go down instead of up and this trend continues until it is too low to count. Realising time is running out, Loki makes a real effort to be virtuous and raise his score, the trouble is he can’t really tell good from bad or understand how he is going wrong. Is he doomed or could he be developing a conscience?

This is an hilarious story full of cartoons and doodles which add to the fun and make it easy to read. Loki’s diary entries revealing his feelings draw you in and, despite his many shortcomings, you can’t help liking him. There are several times you want to shout at him to help him and tell him where he is going wrong (it won’t help!)

You can’t guess how he is going to go wrong again, but you’re sure he will, making this an unputdownable book. First in a new series, I can’t wait to see what he gets up to next.

Esme’s boring weekend staying with her Gran takes a very unexpected turn. Cora, a poor little kitten Gran had rescued turned out to be a wild lynx cub who was growing fast and causing all kinds of problems.

Now Gran wants Esme to rewild the cub by taking her back to the estate where she had been found and where wild lynx and wolves were being kept. Esme has company to help her, but worryingly it is Callum, a badly behaved boy from her school who she heartily dislikes.

She knows nothing about him, his sad past or how hurt he is by the way she and her friend treat him at school, but we do, because the chapters alternate between the two showing how both are feeling. They have to travel slowly on foot so Cora can become accustomed to being in the wild. This sounds dangerous, but they don’t realise how much danger they could be in until they hear wolves howling as they are camping on the moors. They aren’t the only ones potentially in danger - farmers sheep are being brutally killed.

If they see Cora they could blame her and kill her.

It is a scary time, but the pair help each other out as they get to really know each other and not their ‘in school’ versions. Will they be able to stay safe and get Cora back, and will this experience change them? There are plenty of surprises and hair raising moments in this endearing, thought provoking story.

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28 March - 16 May 2022

Indicates a book is part of a series

Sabotage on the Solar S Express- M.G. Leonard/Sam Sedgman (Macmillan £7.99)

Hal and Uncle Nat have been invited to go on the maiden voyage of the winning design of a train competition run by August Reza. It is supposed to be a nice relaxing holiday, Nat has assured Hal’s mum there will be no danger this time. That is how it starts, despite Reza’s daughter, Marianne’s insistence there is something odd about a gift left for her father by a stranger.

They are having an enjoyable time until they discover the train has been sabotaged and can’t be controlled leaving them speeding across the Australian outback towards disaster. Boaz, the train’s designer, is very clever, but will he be able to avert danger, especially when its full extent is revealed? Will Hal and his drawings be able to find out who is behind it all? This is a thrilling adventure full of exciting events so intense you have to remember to breathe! Once again new fully rounded characters back up the likeable main characters adding to the enjoyment. The ‘Adventures in Trains’ series just gets better and better.

A storm brings many animals seeking shelter in Rosa and Grandma’s cabin, including a wolf cub. Wolves are greatly feared, but this cub needs help and when the storm dies down Rosa and Gran set out to find its family, despite their fears. On the way they discover wolves have taken over the now overgrown woods leaving Higgs the Loki A Bad God’s S hedgehog too scared to look after the trees. However, Guide To Being he takes them to the wolves who don’t Good Louie Stowell attack them and agree to take in the (Walker, £7.99) cub, even though he isn’t from their Loki might be a god, but pack. But he runs away. Whilst trying he enjoys being a trickster, to help the cub they discover animals not caring who he annoys. can be misjudged and manage to get His behaviour is so bad wolves and buffalos working together. he is banished from Asgard to live among This second book in the Big Sky Mountain humans as a normal school boy for a month, series is full of hilarious animals and unable to use his powers. He is sent with a exploits whilst delivering a serious virtue behaviour score of -3,000 and must message. behave well enough to raise the score to +3,000

The Rewilders

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Marv and the Mega Robot S Alex Falase-Koya (Oxford, £5.99) Marvin and Joe are excited to be entering their home made reading robot into the schools’ Science fair. Both boys love Superheros and Marvin secretly wishes he could be one, even though he isn’t strong or brave. Imagine his surprise to discover a superhero’s outfit among his grandad’s keepsakes. Even more shocking is the fact his grandad was the superhero Marv, and Marvin is going to take his place. The suit can do incredible things, powered by kindness and imagination. Marvin soon discovers how incredible when a new supervillain sets a giant robot to destroy the Science Fair Marv to the rescue. It was all he had ever wanted - and more.

The only down side was having to keep it a secret, particularly from Joe. This is a very entertaining story, first in a new series, with a likeable title character and funny robot sidekick. I bet there are a lot of jealous readers who share Marvin’s dream!

A Gathering Storm

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Tamsin Mori (Uclan, £7.99) Stella is proud to be training to be a weather weaver with her cloud, Nimbus.

Knowing her mentor, Tamar, has always been a rule breaker, Stella hopes she will take her to the upcoming Gathering of weather weavers, but Tamar doesn’t think she is ready. It isn’t until a visit from Velda, an unpleasant member of the council, that Stella learns Tamar has broken the law by training Stella before she had been assessed. It means Stella will get her wish to go to the trials, but if she doesn’t pass she will lose everything, including Nimbus.

There’s a lot to be done, it is obvious Velda is hoping she will fail, and she’s not the only one. At the trails two of the other trainees seem to have it in for her as well. Usually a loner, Stella is surprised to make two friends who boost her confidence, but will she be able to beat the odds, control her temper, and Nimbus, and achieve her aim? There are lots of dramatic moments in this magical adventure that builds to a breath taking climax.

TAILS: The Animal Investigators of London - Martin Penny (Black Spring Press, £14.99) When stray kitten, Yowl, is adopted by a family he soon starts to make friends with the local cats, including wise old Diamond and Flash. Much to his surprise, they introduce him to other types of animals they call their friends, such as squirrels, dogs, a pigeon and an owl. Yowl’s happiness is blighted by the news that over 70 cats have gone missing from the area.

Police had looked into it, but have not been able to find out who was doing it and seem to have given up. If humans aren’t going to help, the animals decide they will have to go into action for themselves. This means they will need to work together and use all their resourcefulness and various strengths if they are going to succeed. It is soon clear they are going to need more help and team up with a family of foxes who track down the cat killer and are able to foil his attacks for a while, but how are they going to stop him for good? It is a very difficult task, fraught with danger. This is a very entertaining story with a variety of interesting, very likeable characters. There is plenty of excitement mixed with humour, some heart stopping and very touching moments. First in a new series.

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Libby and the Parisian Puzzle

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Jo Clarke (Firefly, £7.99) Libby is a bit nervous, but also excited, to be staying with her Aunt Agatha, the headmistress of her own school. It is a travelling school that moves between countries and will be in Paris this term. She soon makes friends and is settling down nicely until Agatha is arrested, accused of stealing from a jewellers. Libby’s sure it is a big mistake, but the police say they have evidence. Loving detective books, Libby sets out to find the real culprit. Being observant she keeps noticing a distinctly dressed woman turning up where they are and one of the teachers is acting strangely. Will she be able to prove Agatha’s innocence against seemingly impossible odds? This exciting story, the first in the new Travelling School Mysteries series, is full of intrigue. See if you can pick up on the clues as it goes along.

Beyond Belief Alex Woolf/ Jasmine Floyd (Little Tiger Hb, £14.99) Modern technology is developing at a startling rate, new breakthroughs happen all the time. Things that would have seemed like science fiction a few decades ago are now fact, but what does the future hold?

How many more visions from science fiction could became real? This book takes a look at the science of the future, explaining the facts behind concepts such as space colonies; super-intelligent machines; time travel; invisibility; human cloning; immortality; nanotechnology and teleportation. It then explains why some of these could be possible to achieve and others aren’t and why some would be undesirable.

All explained with big, bright illustrations, making it easier to understand. It finishes by looking at how technology has helped humans to improve and wonders how we might change in the future. Will we have real superheroes? Read this to find out!

Dread Wood Jennifer Killick (Farshore, £7.99) Angela, Hallie, Gustav and Naira think nothing could be worse than having to do a detention on a Saturday, without their phones. But they are wrong - things could be a lot worse - and soon definitely are! They can’t believe their eyes when their teacher is dragged underground, and he isn’t the last. Something is lurking ready to pull in anything that treads on the ground - what could it be? The strange behaviour of the caretakers suggests they have something to do with it whatever ‘it’ is. Although far from friends, the four soon realise they need to work together if they are to escape the grave danger they are in. They find out more about themselves and each other as they work out the connections that has brought them to this situation. They may even be developing friendships - if they live long enough. This is an intriguing, fast paced story with scary moments that will have you on the edge of your seat. Not for the feint hearted and definitely not for arachnophobes!

Full length novel for older juniors.

Take a look at

Picture Books

Land of Lots - Christian Carl/ Joyce Fan/ Chuck & Sue Willis (AuthorHouse) First book in a new series sees Lovelot finding a strange and magical place S as she roams through space. She decides to take a closer look and meets the Oomlots who live there. As she gets to know each one she finds they are all very different with their own habits which are mostly fun, although they sometimes have a down side. Nevertheless she loves every one of them. By the end of the day she is exhausted and glad to get back to her space ship for a rest. Are the Oomlots too much for her? The next morning her doubts fade when she sees what they have done for her. This is a gorgeous picture book with adorable characters. The story is simply told with just one or two sentences on each page making it perfect for new readers. The beautiful, bold pictures add lots of details giving much to discuss. You can find out more about two of the Oomlots in the next two books in the series: Plan Gill and Plan Paige which are out now.

The Tiger Who Came to Dinner - Joelle Dreidemy (Little Tiger Hb, £11.99) They might be a bit unusual, but a wolf called Wolf; lamb called Hotpot and their crocodile, Omelette, were a very happy family.

Their favourite game was throwing a stick for Omelette to fetch.

He didn’t always manage to bring back the same stick and sometimes what he brought back weren’t sticks at all, but no one minded. One day he brought back a little wet tiger. Hotpot loved her on sight, called her Fluffy and wanted to keep her, but Wolf said they had to take her back to her family. Everyone they passed on their journey said how cute Fluffy was. She seemed to be very taken with Hotpot, sniffing and snuffling behind her ear and chewing on her tail. She liked the mice and fish they passed, as well, but Omelette wasn’t fooled by Fluffy’s cuteness, as the pictures show, and kept an eye on her. She tricked him out of the way just as they reached her home where Fluffy had a big and far from nice surprise waiting for them. Will she succeed? This is a delightful story with appealing pictures showing us what Wolf and Hotpot didn’t notice. It makes you think about not judging people by the way they look and to try noticing what they do rather than thinking they are behaving how you expect them to.

Mayor Bunny’s Chocolate Town

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Elys Dolan (Oxford, £6.99) No longer in charge of the chocolate factory, Mr Bunny misses giving orders. When the chickens of Coop town decide they need a mayor to get things done and improve the town, Mr Bunny decides he would like the job as everyone has to do what the mayor says. Getting a crack team together he vows to do anything he can to win, despite being against a very nice, sensible opponent called Debbie (with a name like that, she would be!) Mr Bunny’s campaign consisted of making everything out of chocolate, telling lies about why that was a good idea and discrediting Debbie. It wins him the election, but when faced with a really big problem, will he be up to the job? Or will Debbie save the day - again? This hilarious picture book more than lives up to the previous, Mr Bunny’s Chocolate Factory. Once again it is told in a couple of sentences on each page, but there is so much more going on in the pictures that really round the story out. It makes it enjoyable for beginner readers but fun for all abilities and great to share. I love it!

Snowy White

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Gareth P. Jones/ Loretta Schauer (Farshore, £7.99) The cats of Purry Tale Lane are very vain, spending all day preening themselves so they can show off on the catwalk at night. Kingsley is the finest of them all, he knows so because his ‘crystal ball’ (oh, yes it is) tells him so. That is until a new cat, Snowy White, skates in. Kingsley is horrified when the ‘crystal ball’ declares she is finer and decides to scare her away. He startles her, and as she runs away she bumps into a mouse, picking up litter, part of the Mouse Cleaning Service who clean up every day after the thoughtless cats. Snowy offers to help and gets very messy. The cats on the catwalk see this and mock her, but Kingsley is mystified when his crystal ball still says Snowy is the finest. Will Kingsley learn the error of his ways? This lovely, really funny story is the third in the series that put an engaging new twist on familiar stories. Aided by gorgeous illustrations, full of lively details, it will make you think what being the finest really means.

Esme and the Sabre-Toothed Cub Simon Philip/ Magda Brol (Oxford, £6.99) When a cub walked into Esme’s village all the children thought he was cute, but the adults knew how dangerous he could be when he got bigger and shooed him away. Every day he came back and Esme was pleased he eat the food she left for him. She caught him and decided to make him her pet. Her friend, Morris wasn’t sure this was a good idea, but Esme was determined, called him Seb and started training him.

Things didn’t go well and in the end she had to admit Seb didn’t want to be her pet. Morris knew what was wrong and started playing with Seb, making him a friend. Will Esme see where she went wrong? This is a touching tale aided by funny illustrations, again making you think about first impressions and taking notice of what other people want and not just your own desires.

28 March - 16 May 2022

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