NEWSBOARD

I n f ormation for Parents, Teachers an d C arersNews Round

COVID community archive collection

A NEW community archive project has been launched by the South West Heritage Trust and Open Mental Health to collect people of Somerset’s stories and experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic and how it has affected their mental health. Contributions to the community archive can be submitted at swheritage.org.uk

Transforming lives through reading

TO CELEBRATE its 20th birthday, the Reading Agency has launched its ‘Transforming Lives Through Reading’ campaign to inspire the nation to get reading.

Working in partnership with libraries, charities and other organisations, the campaign will celebrate the impacts of reading on health and wellbeing, social connection and life skills and learning. 2022 marks twenty years since the reading for pleasure organisation was founded by Debbie Hicks MBE, Miranda McKearney and Anne Sarrag. Since then, the charity has worked across the UK to prove the transformative effect reading has on people of all ages. The agency has launched a social media campsign, using the hashtag #ReadOn, encouraging the public to join in and share their stories of how reading has transformed their lives.

Throughout the year, The Reading Agency will deliver its longstanding programmes, including the annual Summer Reading Challenge for 4 to 11-year-olds; World Book Night, and its adult literacy programme Reading Ahead, along with special campaigns and projects with Sky Arts, Welsh Government and others. Highlights include: World Book Night - On 23 April, the annual celebration of reading takes place with public events across the country and a national book giveaway of 84,000 books - including this year’s Quick Reads titles - through organisations such as health services, prisons, food banks and housing associations. Summer Reading Challenge and Teachers’ Reading Challenge - From June to September, The Reading Agency’s flagship programme for children will return with an accompanying challenge for teachers, inspiring them to read new texts to teach and share with their students.

StoryTrails 15 cities - In July and August, as part of Unboxed: Creativity in the UK, The Reading Agency and partners such as the BFI will run a community-led immersive storytelling project which will tour 15 library authorities across the four nations, including Bristol, inviting people to reimagine local histories and share untold stories.

Reading Well - young people’s booklist launch - In September, The Reading Agency’s clinically curated list of books which help young people to manage their mental health and wellbeing will be gifted to public libraries across the country.

Go to readingagency.org.uk for details. Join in the conversation and follow the latest developments on social media: @ReadingAgency #ReadOn

Free education service from Wessex Water

SCHOOLS across the West can benefit from free expert lessons on water and waste, as well as guided tours of treatment sites, with Wessex Water’s free education service. With lesson content tailored for both key stages one and two, Wessex Water’s education advisers can cover a range of topics for your child’s class including the water cycle, river studies, human impact on the environment, water and sewage treatment and climate change. Parents are urged to spread the word to teachers to avoid missing out. Visit wessexwater.co.uk/education for more information, where parents can also download free resources for home learning.

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Winter minichallenge extended

THE READING AGENCY’S reading challenge has been extended to 20 February. To join in choose any book you like fact books, fiction, joke books, picture books, eBooks, audio books – the choice is yours. Each time you finish a book, add it to your personal profile page on the website. Add at least three books to your profile before the Mini Challenge ends to become a Wild World Hero and unlock your rewards. Visit your profile page and tap ‘Add a book to your profile’ to log your books. You can rate each book out of 5 and write a review to let everyone know what you thought. Download your Winter Mini Challenge Reading Record at summerreadingchallenge.org.uk to print out and keep track of your favourite books. Log your books online to unlock virtual rewards too and a certificate when you have. The website also has games and competitions to enter and book recommendations.

In Somerset

Chinadale, Churchinford, Taunton, TA3 7PW Tel: 01823 601188 email: primarytimes. eyrie@gmail.com Publisher/Editor: Debbie Williams Design: Alan Williams Advertising: Alan Williams

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

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

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

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

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

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Dear Readers

HAPPY New Year! Let’s hope it’s a good one as things slowly start to move towards something resembling normality. Places are starting to open up again and we’ve found plenty of events, activities and shows to keep you busy over the next couple of months. Conditions can still change, however, so don’t forget to check everything is going ahead before you go.

This seems to be a year of anniversaries. As well as the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, it is 45 years since the Brewhouse Theatre opened its doors in Taunton and the 25th anniversary of World Book Day which is on 3 March this year, hope you’ve got your costumes ready!

It is also the 20th anniversary of the Reading Agency, who are celebrating with a new campaign to inspire everyone to read. Bookstore has some great new books for you to enjoy as well.

As Mother’s Day approaches we take a look at its origins and different ways it is celebrated.

I’ll leave you to read it all and see you again in March.

Debbie

COVER IMAGES: The whole family can enjoy a day at at the Brymore Academy, Cannington, Lambing Day on 19 March from 10.30 - 3pm.

Family What’s On Guide

Somerset

Issue 94, 7 FEB - 28 MAR 2022

In this issue

02 NEWSBOARD

Useful news and information for parents, teachers and carers.

04 CELEBRATING MOTHERS

The history and traditions of mum’s special day.

05-08 ROUNDABOUT

Your day by day family what’s on.

10-12 HALF TERM

Check out what’s going on over the holiday with these activities.

13-15 THEATRE

Children’s and family shows.

16 BOOKSTORE

Great new reads.