PTCardiff February 2017_digital

What’s On Where FOR FAMILIES AND SCHOOLS
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Cardiff
& The Vale
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PARENTING • EDUCATION • DAYS OUT • NEWS & REVIEWS
www.primarytimes.net/cardiff | FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2017 FEBRUARY Primary HALF Times TERM 2017
1
6 FEB – 19 MARCH 2017

THE PAULINE QUIRKE
ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS
IS ENROLLING NOW IN CARDIFF!
With outstanding performing arts tuition for 4-18 year olds, your very own movie
screened at the cinema, free Trinity exams and our West-End show - what are you
waiting for?
FREE OPEN DAY
SATURDAY 11TH MARCH
Starts 1.45pm Ends 5pm
Find us at Ysgol Treganna,
Sanatorium Road, Cardiff, CF11 8DG
2
Call FREEPHONE 0800 531 6282
Visit www.pqacademy.com
Primary Times FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2017 | www.primarytimes.net/cardiff
OF BEING AMAZING

Dear Reader
Welcome to our February half term issue.
We hope that you all enjoyed the festive break and that you
have managed not to get the awful cold virus that seems to have
swept across our country. Daylight hours are already stretching
out and provide encouraging thoughts that outdoor play after
school is not far away now.
In this issue we offer a whole host of events and activities that
will be happening across Cardiff & The Vale during half term and
beyond – indoor and outdoor activities that will help to keep
children entertained, from a family bat walk at WWT Llanelli to
warrior school at Cardiff Castle! There is something to suit all
talents and abilities, and there are lots more events online at
www.primarytimes.net/cardiff.
It is time to start planning for Wear A Hat Day and Wales’ biggest
tea party, register online to get involved, see details page 26.
Plus don’t forget to get involved in Bake for Bobath and buy your
tickets now for Cardiff Children’s Literature Festival.
Don’t forget to send us your news – are you holding any
special events at Easter that you would like us to include in
our listings – email us on marion@schoolspublishing.co.uk.
With very best wishes from
Marion, Sam, Carol & Amie
Contents
Inside this issue...
4 Children’s Literature
Festival
6 WOW:
Family events
and activities
7 Royal Mint Experience
10 Rhondda Heritage Park
20 Top Tips
22 Box Office:
Your family
theatre guide
24 Competitions: Fabulous
prizes up for grabs
CALLING ALL
FAMILIES
AND TEACHERS!
Remember to send in
your news for our news
pages – we would love
to hear from you!
Don’t forget
to visit us
online at
www.primarytimes.net
/cardiff
CONTENTS
26 Pinboard
Primary Times
Club-Cardiff
THE PRIMARY TIMES TEAM
Editor:
Marion McAdam
marion@schoolspublishing.co.uk
Sales:
Sam Jackson
ptcardiff@schoolspublishing.co.uk
Tel: 01275 331382
Production:
Carol George
production@schoolspublishing.co.uk
Design:
Amie Joachim
Primary Times Cardiff & The Vale,
Schools Publishing Limited,
Unit 1A, Thamesview Industrial Estate, Newtown
Road, Henley on Thames, Oxon, RG9 1HG.
TEL: 01491 411848
FAX: 01491 411416
www.primarytimes.net/cardiff
...the UK’s biggest,
free ‘what’s on’
magazine for parents!
Primary Times in Cardiff
& The Vale distributes
more than 50,000 copies
six times a year, and is part
of a national network
distributing more than 2.7
million copies in 59 regions
across the UK and Ireland.
Enjoy a cuppa
and a welshcake
for Bobath like
Kitty here with
Hollywood actor
Matthew Rhys
Primary Times is independently published and distributed free through national primary schools in Cardiff and The
Vale. It aims to inform families and children about current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses, attractions
and to give teachers, pupils and parents the opportunity to participate in the magazine by adding to its contents or by
joining in the competitions. It is NOT our intention to publish any racist, sexist or politically based material whatsoever.
We also undertake not to carry any advertising which we would consider to be offensive to young families or harmful
to the best interests of young children. Primary Times would like to thank all the schools in Cardiff and The Vale for
their assistance in distributing the magazine and for their contributions to its contents. We would also like to thank all
the advertisers who have supported this publication and therefore made it possible. Please support their endeavours
when and where you can. The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by our studio
remains with Primary Times or with the relevant contributor. Primary Times is currently publishing over two million
copies per issue under franchise licences throughout Britain.
www.primarytimes.net/cardiff | FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2017 Primary Times 3

4CHILDREN’S LITERATURE FESTIVAL
Cardiff Children’s
Literature Festival
Welcome everyone to
Cardiff Children’s Literature
Festival 2017
This year the festival is
spread over two weekends
from 25 March – 2 April with
over fifty exciting events to
choose from.
The 2017 Cardiff Children’s
Literature Festival returns
for its fifth year and
after celebrating Dahl’s
splendiferous City of the
Unexpected, Cardiff is
looking forward to more
book-tastic fun.
Last year’s bilingual
festival was the most
successful year yet with in
excess of 5000 ticket sold for
over 50 events running across
two jam-packed weekends.
Once again, authors and
illustrators will be making
their words and pictures
come to life with amazing
tales and performances
featuring a cast of wonderful
characters.
The festival is ideal for all
those who love children’s
books and will welcome
Roald Dahl Funny Prize
winner Andy Stanton, festival
favourite David Solomons,
Hugless Douglas creator
David Melling, picture book
author and illustrators Chris
Haughton, Rob Biddulph,
BBC’s Mike Dilger, Clara
Vulliamy, Huw Aaron, Anni
Llŷn (Welsh Children’s Poet
Laureate), Manon Steffan Ros
and celebrated local author
Jenny Nimmo, to name
but a few.
For the full Cardiff
Children’s Literature Festival
programme, please see
www.cardiff-events.com
Tickets 02920 230 130
@CDFKidsLitFest
Primary Times FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2017 | www.primarytimes.net/cardiff
Gwyl Llên
Plant Caerdydd
Croeso bawb i Ŵyl Llên Plant
Caerdydd 2017
Eleni mae’r ŵyl wedi’i
rhannu dros ddau
benwythnos o 25 Mawrth - 2
Ebrill gyda dros hanner cant
o ddigwyddiadau cyffrous i
ddewis ohonynt.
Mae Digwyddiad Llên
Plant Caerdydd 2017 yn
dychwelyd am ei phumed
flwyddyn ac ar ôl dathlu gyda
Dinas yr Annisgwyl Dahl, mae
Caerdydd yn edrych ymlaen
at fwy o hwyl.
Gŵyl ddwyieithog y
llynedd oedd y flwyddyn
fwyaf llwyddiannus eto gyda
dros 5000 o docynnau wedi’u
gwerthu ar gyfer dros 50 o
ddigwyddiadau ar draws
dau benwythnos llawn.
Unwaith eto, bydd awduron a
darlunwyr yn rhoi bywyd i’w
geiriau a’u lluniau gyda
straeon a pherfformiadau
arbennig gyda chast o
gymeriadau gwych.
Mae’r ŵyl yn ddelfrydol
i bawb sy’n caru llyfrau
plant a bydd yn croesawu
enillydd Gwobr Ddoniol
Roald Dahl Andy Stanton,
un o ffefrynnau’r ŵyl David
Solomons, Hugless Douglas
crëwr David Melling, awdur
llyfrau lluniau a’r darlunwyr
Chris Haughton, Rob
Biddulph, Mike Dilger o’r
BBC, Clara Vulliamy, Huw
Aaron, Anni Llŷn (Bardd Plant
Cymraeg), Manon Steffan Ros
a’r awdur lleol poblogaidd
Jenny Nimmo.
I weld rhaglen lawn Gŵyl
Llên Plant Caerdydd, ewch i
www.digwyddiadaucaerdydd.com
Tocynnau 02920 230 130
@GwylLlenPlant

www.primarytimes.net/cardiff | FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2017 Primary Times 5

WHAT’S ON WHERE
6
WOW!
What’s on Where...
LOOKING AHEAD
25th March - 2nd April:
CARDIFF CHILDREN’S LIT FEST
Venues across city centre
Tel: 029 20 230 130. Listen to authors from
David Solomons, Jenny Nimmo, Andy
Stanton, Mike Dilger and many more.
www.cardiff-events.com
Saturday 25th March:
NOAH’S ARK TEDDY BEARS’ PICNIC
SSE SWALEC STADIUM
Sophia Gardens, Cardiff CF11 9XR
11am - 3pm. Take your family, your friends
and your furry companions and enjoy lots
of fun whilst raising money for Noah’s
Ark - Children’s Hospital charity. Tickets £7
- includes a picnic and entertainment. For
tickets visit website or tel: 029 2184 7310.
www.noahsarkcharity.org/
teddybearspicnic
Tuesday 9th May:
PRIMARY SCHOOL OPEN
MORNING CATHEDRAL SCHOOL
Llandaff, Cardiff CF5 2YH
Nursery - Year 6. 9.30 - 11am. All warmly
welcome. Tel: 029 2083 8504.
www.cathedral-school.co.uk
Saturday 15th April:
JUDGEMENT DAY
PRINCIPALITY STADIUM
Westgate Street, Cardiff, CF10 1NS
A great day out for the family with two
games of rugby. East v West. Blues v
Ospreys - kick off 2.45pm. Dragons v
Scarlets - kick off 5.15pm. Tickets only £10.
wru.wales/tickets
ONGOING EVENTS
1st - 8th March
BAKE FOR BOBATH
Make a difference for children in Wales
who have cerebral palsy. For a fundraising
pack or to organise your own coffee
We check listings carefully but details
and prices may be subject to change.
Please always check with the venue.
morning, cake sale or afternoon tea quote
“Primary Times 2017”. Tel: 029 2052 2600.
fundraising@bobathwales.org
NOAH’S ARK ZOO FARM
Clevedon Road, Wraxall, Nr Bristol
BS48 1PG. Tel: 01275 852 606
www.noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk
11th - 25th February
(closed Sundays):
LOVE WALK
Guided Keeper walk, family workshops,
faceprinting and more. See advert for
2 for 1 admission.
CHAPTER ARTS CENTRE
40 Market Rd, Cardiff CF5 1QE
www.chapter.org
Every Tuesday:
SM-ART CLUB
Fine art classes for children aged 6 -11
years. Limited places available. Call
Kristel on 07593 915696.
WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE
Bute Place, Cardiff Bay CF10 5AL
Tel: 029 2063 6464. www.wmc.org.uk
Until 31st March:
TIGER BAY TALES
All day. Suitable for all ages. Not ticketed.
Bringing to life the true spirit of this
fascinating corner of Cardiff, Tiger Bay
Tales is a story gathering project that
aims to capture and preserve the legends
of Butetown and Tiger Bay with a new
interactive trail. Follow the digital map
into the heart of Tiger Bay where you
can listen to interviews from community
members and see historical images and
videos of the area. Learn about how Tiger
Primary Times FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2017 | www.primarytimes.net/cardiff
Bay residents lived and spent their time,
and find out more about what makes it
such an interesting and exciting place.
Every Saturday:
FAMILY SATURDAY
11am - 4pm. Glanfa. Suitable for all ages.
Free. Let your imagination run wild every
weekend with our Family Saturdays. From
crochet workshops and crafty picnics to
creating your very own grizzly monster,
Saturdays at the Centre are perfect for
keeping little hands busy.
NATIONAL MUSEUM
Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NP
Tel: 029 2057 3000. Closed Mondays.
www.museumwales.ac.uk
Until 26th February:
FREE EXHIBITION: ARTES MUNDI 7
Every two years the Artes Mundi Exhibition
and Prize brings some of the world’s
best contemporary art to Cardiff. Artes
Mundi 7 showcases works by outstanding
international contemporary artists whose
practices explore current social issues and
everyday life.
Throughout 2017:
FREE EXHIBITION: WRIGGLE!
Explore the wonderful world of worms
from fossils to fantasy, from food to
spectacular beauty and the scary ones
too! See life from a worm’s point of view
or find out what museum scientists do
to extend our knowledge of these
fascinating animals.
Until 23rd April:
FREE EXHIBITION - NATURE’S SONG:
CHINESE BIRD AND FLOWER PAINTINGS
A stunning collection of traditional Chinese
flower and bird paintings spanning 600
years, on show in the UK for the first time.
This exhibition is the third in a series of
exhibitions co-produced with Three Gorges
Museum, Chongqing, strengthening
cultural ties between Wales and the
People’s Republic of China. Part of 2017
Year of Legends.
ST FAGANS NATIONAL HISTORY
MUSEUM
Cardiff CF5 6XB. Tel 029 2057 3500
www.museumwales.ac.uk
Closed Mondays
Everyday:
ST FAGANS EXPLORER PACKS
New activity trail packs available providing
a fun way for families to get the most out
of a visit to the Museum. Follow the map
around the Museum to find some special
hands on activities. Pick up an Explorer
Pack from the gift shop for only £3.50.
1st - 31st March:
#LAMBCAM - ONLINE ONLY.
Free. Springtime in Wales means lambs –
and lots of them! Follow all the action live
from the lambing shed. Celebrate the start
of Spring with the annual baby boom!
1st - 31st March:
LAMBING AT LLWYN YR EOS FARM
Free. Celebrate the start of Spring in the
lambing shed. Welcome the new arrivals,
and follow the progress of the mums
and babies on the Museum website via
#lambcam. Lambing at Llwyn yr Eos farm
will be open to the public every day this
year. If you’re planning a trip to the farm
to meet our mums and babies, please read
the advisory notes to help you get the most
from your visit.
WELSH HEARTS CHARITY
Tel: 029 2240 2670
www.welshhearts.org/teaparty
During March:
WALES’ BIGGEST TEA PARTY
Raise some dough for your local heart
charity any time during the month of
March. For your free fundraising pack to
hold your own afternoon tea, bake sale or
coffee morning please register online or
contact the fundraising office.
WWT LLANELLI WETLAND CENTRE
Penclacwydd, Llwynhendy, Llanelli,
SA14 9SH Tel: 01554 741087
www.wwt.org.uk
Every Monday during term time:
MONDAY MUNCHKINS
11am - 12pm. Take your toddlers along for
an hour of wildlife inspired fun including
different activities each week. Included in
admission price.
FEBRUARY
Wednesday 8th February
WELLY WEDNESDAY
National Botanic Garden of Wales,
Llanarthne SA32 8HN
Fun activities for preschoolers and their
grown-ups! Tel: 01558 667149.
www.botanicgarden.wales
Thursday 9th February
WHOLE SCHOOL OPEN AFTERNOON
Howell’s School & Co-Ed College, Cardiff
Road, Cardiff, CF5 2YD.
1.30 - 3.30pm. Howell’s School for girls
aged 3-16 and Co-ed College for 16-18
years. Tel: 029 2026 1832.
www.howells-cardiff.gdst.net
Friday 10th February
CARRY ON SCREAMING SCREENING:
LOVING (12A)
Chapter Arts Centre, 40 Market Rd,
Cardiff CF5 1QE.
Every Friday at 11am, Carry on Screaming
allows parents or carers to see a film
without having to worry about their baby
causing a disturbance. Exclusively for
people with babies under one year old.
Tel: 029 2030 4400. www.chapter.org
TODDLER TIME
National Museum, Cathays Park, Cardiff
CF10 3NP. 1.30 - 4pm. Tel: 029 2057 3000.
Every Friday afternoon you’ll find special
boxes of toys, games and books hidden
in different galleries to help parents and
children aged 1 – 4 years explore the
Museum through play. There will also be
play activities in the Clore Discovery Centre
each week. Enjoy a story or song at 3pm in
a new part of the museum each week. Free.
www.museumwales.ac.uk
Continued on page 8

Experience
Book
Today
Archebwch
Heddiw
ROYAL MINT EXPERIENCE
How well do you
really know the coins
in your pocket?
Strike while
it’s hot
Looking for something different
to do this half term?
Take a tour of The Royal Mint Experience,
Llantrisant and you’ll have the opportunity to
strike the new 12-sided £1 coin before it enters
general circulation.
Book tickets online at
www.royalmint.com/experience
or phone 0333 241 2223.
Manteisiwch ar
y cyfle i fathu
Ydych chi’n chwilio am rywbeth
gwahanol i’w wneud yn ystod yr
hanner tymor?
Ewch ar daith o Brofiad y Royal Mint, Llantrisant
a chewch gyfle i fathu’r darn £1 12 ochr newydd
sbon cyn iddo ddechrau cael ei ddosbarthu.
Archebwch docynnau ar-lein yn
www.royalmint.com/experience
neu ffoniwch 0333 241 2223.
The newly opened Royal Mint
Experience in Llantrisant
offers a wealth of fun
learning opportunities for
children of all ages.
It is the only place in the
world where they can watch
the UK’s coins being made.
Visitors can go behind
the scenes in a 45-minute
guided factory experience to
follow the journey of a coin
where they will experience
the sights and sounds of
thousands of glistening new
coins hot off the press. They
will even have the chance to
strike their very own coin and
be photographed surrounded
by a fortune. In addition, the
interactive exhibition is full
of fascinating facts, exhibits
and some of the rarest coins
in history. Here, they can
test their knowledge of the
coins that have been made
for countries around the
world, get up close to the
London 2012 Olympic and
Paralympic medals, and listen
to the stories of those whose
bravery has been rewarded
with the UK’s gallantry and
service medals. The Royal
Mint is open 7 days a week
and is located just 4 miles
from Junction 34 of the M4.
www.royalmint.com/
experience
www.primarytimes.net/cardiff | FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2017 Primary Times 7

WHAT’S ON WHERE
8
Saturday 11th &
Sunday 12th February
FAMILY FILM: A STREETCAT NAMED
BOB (12A)
Chapter Arts Centre, 40 Market Rd,
Cardiff CF5 1QE. 11am & 3pm. Soft subtitles at
11am. Tickets in advance: adults £4, children
£3. On day: adults £4.50, children £3.50.
Tel: 029 2030 4400. www.chapter.org
DON’T DO THIS AT HOME
Techniquest Cardiff Bay, CF10 5BW
Included in admission price. Have you ever
thought about making a bazooka from
a vacuum cleaner or a custard-powered
flamethrower? Hopefully not, but if you’d like
to see how it could be done visit Techniquest
for the Don’t Do This at Home show.
Plus:
GIANTS OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM
£1.50 addition to admission price. Jupiter,
Saturn, Uranus and Neptune are the largest
planets in the solar system; they are known
as the Gas Giants. However, these are not
just balls of Gas as their name suggests.
They are the guardians of the Solar System,
protecting the inner planets from potentially
life threatening collisions with space debris.
Find out about the true nature of these
Giants. Suitable for ages 7+.
Plus:
STARMAN AND HIS DOG
£1.50 addition to admission price. Did you
know that the Sun is a star? The star that is
in the sky in the daytime. Discover who the
Starman is as he helps you find pictures in
the night sky by joining the stars together
using imaginary lines. Did you know that
in the sky there are young, adult and old
stars? Suitable for under-7s.
Tel: 029 2047 5475. www.techniquest.org
CLORE EXPLORERS
National Museum, Cathays Park,
Cardiff CF10 3NP. Find out more about
objects from the museum’s collections.
Session themes vary but each workshop
will involve an opportunity to learn and
discover plus a craft activity. Free. Tel: 029
2057 3000. www.museumwales.ac.uk
FEBRUARY WEEKEND FUN
WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre,
Penclacwydd, Llwynhendy, Llanelli,
SA14 9SH. All day family fun including; den
building (all-day, self-guided), Practice
puddles, ahead of Welsh Puddle Jumping
Championship. Telescope in the Tower
11am – 12pm; Family bird watching in the
observatory 1pm – 2pm; seasonal crafts 2
– 4.30pm. Included in admission price.
Tel: 01554 741087. www.wwt.org.uk
Sunday 12th February
SEASIDE RANGERS
Ogmore-by-Sea Beach, Glamorgan
Heritage Coast, CF32 0QP
10.30am - 12pm. Free family marine
wildlife club. Full details on website.
Plus:
BEACH CLEAN
12 - 1pm. Join the Seaside Rangers family
marine wildlife club conserving the coast.
All equipment supplied. For both events
meet near the toilet block at Rivermouth
car park. Tel: 07966 572273.
www.seasiderangers.wixsite.com/joinus
Monday 13th February
DOGGY DAY
National Botanic Garden of Wales
Llanarthne SA32 8HN
Take your dog for a walk around the
Garden. Tel: 01558 667149.
www.botanicgarden.wales
Tuesday 14th February
VALENTINES DAY AFTERNOON TEA
Dyffryn Gardens, Nr St Nicholas, CF5 6SU
12.30 - 2.30pm. Celebrate Valentine’s
Day with your loved ones with an elegant
afternoon tea in Dyffryn’s grand house.
Enjoy homemade cakes and scones in
the Morning Room, looking out at the
magnificent Edwardian gardens. Admission
to the gardens is also included in the price,
so you will be able to enjoy a relaxing stroll
around our grounds before or after your
tea. Parking will be in the Visitor’s Car Park,
and the afternoon tea will take place in the
Morning Room of Dyffryn House. Booking
essential. Tel: 029 2059 3328. www.
nationaltrust.org.uk/dyffryn-gardens
Wednesday 15th February
WELLY WEDNESDAY
National Botanic Garden of Wales,
Llanarthne SA32 8HN
Fun activities for preschoolers and their
grown-ups! Tel: 01558 667149.
www.botanicgarden.wales
Friday 17th February
TODDLER TIME
National Museum, Cathays Park, Cardiff
CF10 3NP. 1.30 - 4pm. Every Friday
afternoon you’ll find special boxes of
toys, games and books hidden in different
galleries to help parents and children aged
1 – 4 years explore the Museum through
play. There will also be play activities in the
Clore Discovery Centre each week. Enjoy a
story or song at 3pm in a new part of the
museum each week. Free. Tel: 029 2057
3000. www.museumwales.ac.uk
CARRY ON SCREAMING SCREENING:
SING (U)
Chapter Arts Centre, 40 Market Rd, Cardiff
CF5 1QE. Every Friday at 11am, Carry on
Screaming allows parents or carers to see
a film without having to worry about their
baby causing a disturbance. Exclusively for
people with babies under one year old.
Tel: 029 2030 4400. www.chapter.org
MEMO FILMS: SING (U)
Memo Arts Centre, Gladstone Road, Barry,
CF62 8NA. Tel: 01446 738622.
5pm. The story of Buster Moon, a dapper,
down-on-his-luck koala whose theatre
has fallen on hard times. In a last-ditch
attempt to save it, he organises a singing
competition. It’s open to everyone, and
everyone turns up: Rosita, a pig who used
to sing but gave it up to have a family;
Ash, a punk rock porcupine; and Johnny, a
gorilla torn between his family’s criminal
gang and his showbiz dreams. Advance
tickets: £3; On the door £3.50.
www.memoartscentre.co.uk
TODDLER TIME
Wales Millennium Centre, Bute Place,
Cardiff Bay CF10 5AL
Primary Times FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2017 | www.primarytimes.net/cardiff
TECHNIQUEST
11am – 2:30pm. Free. Let your little
creatives express themselves through
these exciting and fun art and craft
workshops. Using a range of materials your
little one will create and play.
Tel: 029 2063 6464. www.wmc.org.uk
Saturday 18th February
FAMILY FILM: SING (U)
Chapter Arts Centre, 40 Market Rd, Cardiff
CF5 1QE. 11am & 12pm.
Plus
FAMILY FILM: THE QUEEN
OF KATWE (PG)
3pm. Tickets in advance: adults £4, children
£3. On day: adults £4.50, children £3.50.
Tel: 029 2030 4400. www.chapter.org
MEMO FILMS: SING (U)
Memo Arts Centre, Gladstone Road, Barry,
CF62 8NA. 10am. Advance tickets: £3; On
the door £3.50. Tel: 01446 738622.
www.memoartscentre.co.uk
THE BIG FELL
Millwood area of Porthkerry Country,
Park Park Road, Barry, CF62 3BY
12 - 3.30pm. Free. See Shire horses in
action, watch some trees being felled,
maybe even have a go (small ones!), make
a bird box, axe demonstrations, bush craft
activities, willow weaving and lots to do for
all the family! Walk in, if you can, or park in
main car park and walk up. Cwm Ciddi Saw
Mill and Millwood Area of park. It’s likely
to be muddy, so wear wellies! Tel: 01446
733589. www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk
JUGGLESTRUCK
National Botanic Garden of Wales,
Llanarthne SA32 8HN. Tel: 01558 667149.
www.botanicgarden.wales
TRY GAMELAN WORKSHOP
St David’s Hall, The Hayes, Cardiff CF10 1AH
1 - 3pm. The whole family can enjoy the
beautiful bronze Javanese percussion
instruments and learn to play a traditional
piece. The two hour sessions are fun and
non-stop hands on, offering something
new whether you’re a keen instrumentalist
or have no previous musical experience.
Try workshops are suitable for 7 years
upwards, under 11 years old must be
accompanied by a responsible adult. Adults
£8, children £5. Tel: 029 20 878 444.
www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk
FREE SEASON LAUNCH
Tredegar House Nr Newport NP10 8YW
Free entry. Enjoy the first day of the 2017
season at Tredegar House for free! Enjoy
nature activities throughout the gardens
and learn all about the Morgan family in as
you make your way through the 500 year
old mansion. Tel: 01633 815880.
www.nationaltrust.org/tredegar-house
Saturday 18th & Sunday
19th February
RECYCLED ROBOTS
National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.
SA13RD. 12.30pm – 3.30pm. Get creative
and make a robot from all sorts of bits and
bobs from the scrappy, happy recycled
heap. Free. Tel: 029 2057 3600.
www.museum.wales
UNDERGROUND CINEMA
Cardiff Castle, Cardiff CF10 3RB
Special cinema screenings in the
Undercroft on the theme of legends
including Mulan, The Incredibles, Hercules
and Aladdin. See website for full details,
prices and to book. Tel: 029 2087 8100.
www.cardiffcastle.com
PEMBROKESHIRE FALCONRY
National Botanic Garden of Wales,
Llanarthne, SA32 8HN. Tel: 01558 667149.
www.botanicgarden.wales
Saturday 18th - Sunday 26th
February
FIRE & ICE
Techniquest Cardiff Bay, CF10 5BW
Included in admission price. Can ice burn?
Can we start a fire with steam? In this
spectacular show, discover what happens
when things get really hot and when
things get really cold. See an ice-powered
cannon and how to turn a banana into a
hammer with liquid nitrogen.
Plus:
STAR TOURS
£1.50 addition to admission price. Find out
more about some familiar constellations,
the planets, how stars are born and how
they die. The Digital Planetarium can take
you through space for a close up look at
some of nature’s most beautiful sights such
as distant galaxies and exploded stars.
Suitable for ages 7+.
Plus:
SPACE HUNTERS
£1.50 addition to admission price. Nan’s
garden shed is no ordinary shed – it is a
space ship in disguise! Go with the children
on a treasure hunt in space to meet an
astronaut, ride on a comet’s tail, look for an
exploding star and much more! Suitable for
under-7s. Tel: 029 2047 5475.
www.techniquest.org
Continued on page 12

• Our Winter Season finishes
on 17 February!
• OPEN 7 days a week from Friday 17 February
(10am – 6pm)
• Adults FREE
• Toddler Events start Friday 3rd March
(check website and Facebook for further details)
SPRING TODDLER OFFER
Monday – Thursday before 3pm
Under 2 – £1.75 / Age 2-3 – £3.00
(27 Feb–23 March)
BOOK a Spring Afterschool Party for
ONLY £4.50 per guest or invite the whole
class for £175. Price includes admission,
invites, squash and cups.
NEW – Party Box option available
Book online at www.parcplay.com
OPENING TIMES
10am – 6pm
Last entry 5pm
ENTRY
Adults – FREE
Under 2s – £2.50 or FREE with older sibling
Ages 2–3 – £4.50
Ages 4–12 – £6
Unit 4, Curran Embankment, Cardiff CF10 5DX t: 029 2034 5696 / parcplay@gmail.com
HALF TERM HOLIDAYS
GWYLIAU HANNER TYMOR
Sat 18 – Sun 19 February
Castle Underground Cinema
Special cinema screenings in the Undercroft
Tues 21 February
Meerkats, Mongooses
and Maggots
Curious about these amazing creatures?
Find out more in this interactive encounter.
Timed slots:
10.15am/11.30am/12.45pm/2.30pm
Thurs 23 – Sat 25 February
Warrior School
Learn how to sword fight and become a
fully-fledged knight. Held indoors in the
atmospheric 15th century Undercroft.
Mini Warrior School (age 5- 9):
10am & 12.15pm (lasts 45 mins)
Warrior School (age 10 and over): 11am
(lasts 60 mins)
@
@
Dydd Sad 18 – Dydd Sul 19 Chwefror
Sinema Danddaearol y Castell
Dangosiadau sinema arbennig yn yr Is-grofft
Dydd Mawrth 21 Chwefror
Swricats, Mongwsiaid
a Chynrhon
Awyddus i wybod am y creaduriaid rhyfeddol hyn?
Dysgwch fwy yn y cyfarfod rhyngweithiol hwn.
Amseroedd penodol:
10.15am/11.30am/12.45pm/2.30pm
Dydd Iau 23 – Dydd Sadwrn 25 Chwefror
Ysgol Rhyfelwyr
Dysgwch sut i ymladd â chleddyfau a dod yn
farchog go iawn. Cynhelir yr ysgol gleddyfa
arbennig hon dan do yn yr Is-grofft.
Ysgol Rhyfelwyr i Blant Bach (5-9 oed):
10am a 12.15pm (yn para 45 munud)
^
Ysgol Rhyfelwyr (10 oed a hyn): 11am
(yn para 60 munud)
Please book in advance to ensure a place / Archebwch ymlaen llaw i fod yn siwr o gael lle
www.cardiffcastle.com 029 2087 8100 www.castell-caerdydd.com
www.primarytimes.net/cardiff | FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2017 Primary Times 9

RHONDDA HERITAGE PARK
Rhondda Heritage Park
Museum of Welsh Mining
A
n international story right here
on your doorstep - welcome to
Rhondda Heritage Park, the Museum of
Welsh Mining!
The ideal place to bring the family,
take a trip to Rhondda Heritage Park,
whatever the weather.
Visit an authentic coal mine in the
heart of the South Wales Valleys, a
living testament to the coal-mining
communities of the world-famous
Rhondda Valleys. The popular family
tourist attraction offers a fascinating
insight into the rich culture and
character of the area, and an industry
that changed the landscape, and shaped
a nation.
Enjoy the Black Gold Experience with
your children, in the company of our
experienced tour guides. Nobody knows
the coal industry better than them -
they are all retired miners! Marvel at
such sights as the two original engine
houses and fan house, cross the colliery
courtyard and visit the Lamp Room,
where you will be kitted out for the
Black Gold Experience. Look in awe at
the breath-taking Chimney Stack, which
dominates the Rhondda Valley skyline,
along with the original Pit-head Wheel
and Winding Gear.
Also visit the Black Gold Exhibition
Area, celebrating the history of the
Rhondda, its industrialists and the
famous steam coal that was exported
around the world.
Take a stroll around the indoor period
village shops, which look exactly as they
did the day they served the public - and
no trip to Rhondda Heritage Park would
be complete without popping into our
fully-stocked Traditional Welsh Gift
Shop, offering such souvenirs as local
interest books and jewellery to the more
unique items which are synonymous
with the Rhondda Valleys - such as coal
sculptures and replica Miners’ Lamps.
Not forgetting of course, dropping
into the brand-new Caffe Bracchi, the
Italian-theme café celebrating the
culture of the Italian communities who
emigrated to the South Wales Valleys
at the turn of the 20th Century. Most
towns and villages had an Italian café or
fish bar - many still do! So during your
visit, pop into Caffe Bracchi and sample
some of the amazing food and drinks on
offer. It is the ideal place to sit, chat and
relax and make the most of your visit to
Rhondda Heritage Park, the Museum of
Welsh Mining.
To book your place on the
Black Gold Experience, and for all
your latest news and updates, visit
www.rhonddaheritagepark.com
or call 01443 682036.
10
Primary Times FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2017 | www.primarytimes.net/cardiff

RHP Primary Times Advert 184x273.qxp_Layout 1 18/01/2017 14:30 Page 1
Stori ryngwladol
yn eich milltir sgwâr
An international story
on your doorstep
PARC TREFTADAETH CWM
RHONDDA
HERITAGE PARK
Amgueddfa Glofeydd Cymru
Museum of Welsh Mining
www.rhonddaheritagepark.com
rhonddaheritagepark
Parc Treftadaeth Cwm Rhondda Heritage Park
Coed Cae Road, Trehafod CF37 2NP ☎ 01443 682036
www.primarytimes.net/cardiff | FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2017 Primary Times 11

WHAT’S ON WHERE
12
HALF TERM ACTIVITIES
National Botanic Garden of Wales,
Llanarthne, SA32 8HN. Phone for daily
details that vary day to day. Tel: 01558
667149. www.botanicgarden.wales
FEBRUARY HALF TERM
Tredegar House, Nr Newport, NP10 8YW
11am - 4pm. Make a fresh start to the year
and get the whole family closer to Mother
Nature over the February half-term. Look
out for spotter trails through the gardens,
‘50 things’ activities to tick off your list and
bird box making. £9.20 per adult and £4.60
per child (NT members go free).
Tel: 01633 815880. www.nationaltrust.
org/tredegar-house
FEBRUARY HALF TERM FUN
WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre
Penclacwydd, Llwynhendy, Llanelli,
SA14 9SH. All day family fun including
self guided den building, Telescope in the
Tower 11am – 12pm, family bird watching
in the observatory 1pm – 2pm and
seasonal crafts 2pm – 4.30pm. Included
in admission price. Plus at 2pm Welsh
Puddle Jumping Championships - could
you be the WWT Welsh Puddle Jumping
Champion 2017? Competition running daily
during half term. Prizes available daily as
well as the chance to be the overall WWT
champion. Included in admission price.
Tel: 01554 741087. www.wwt.org.uk
Sunday 19th February
FAMILY FILM: THE QUEEN OF
KATWE (PG)
Chapter Arts Centre, 40 Market Rd, Cardiff
CF5 1QE. 11am.
Plus:
FAMILY FILM: SING (U)
12.30pm & 3pm. Tickets in advance: adults
£4, children £3. On day: adults £4.50,
children £3.50. Tel: 029 2030 4400.
www.chapter.org
MEMO FILMS: SING (U)
Memo Arts Centre, Gladstone Road, Barry,
CF62 8NA. 2pm. Advance tickets: £3; On the
door £3.50. Tel: 01446 738622.
www.memoartscentre.co.uk
MAN’S HAND IN NATURE
Nant Fawr, Rhydypenau Road, CF23 6PZ
10am - 12pm. The hand of mankind has
had a big influence on the landscape and
wildlife that we see in the countryside
today. Join the Ranger on a walk around
Nant Fawr to see some unusual landscape
features. Meet at the Reservoir car park -
NATIONAL ROMAN LEGION MUSEUM
access from Rhydypenau Road. Free. 2km.
Tel: 029 2233 0235.
www.cardiff.gov.uk/parks
HALF TERM MOVIE
National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.
SA13RD. 2.30pm. Free, family film.Tel:
029 2057 3600. www.museum.wales
PLANETARIUM SHOW
Rhondda Sports Centre, Gelligaled Park,
Ystrad CF41 7SY. 1.30 - 4.30pm. Join the
astronomer on a fascinating journey around
the stars of our night sky. The planetarium
allows you to see the most recognised
constellations, as well as sharing the legends
and stories of the stars. The show runs for 30
mins. Please arrive 10 minutes before it starts.
If you are unable to attend please cancel your
booking to allow others to book. Visit https://
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tour-the-starstickets-30487312372
to book your place
now. Tel: 01443 424052.
www.visitrct.wales
Monday 20th February
BRICK & BLOCK DROP-IN WORKSHOP
The Red Dragon Centre, Cardiff Bay,
CF10 4JY. 12 - 4pm. Celebrate the new Lego
Batman movie with a free drop-in Brick &
Block workshop in the Centre concourse.
Parking at the Centre is free for customers
(minimum spend applies). Find out more at
thereddragoncentre.co.uk
MEMO FILMS: SING (U)
Memo Arts Centre, Gladstone Road, Barry,
CF62 8NA. 10am. Advance tickets: £3; On
the door £3.50. Tel: 01446 738622.
www.memoartscentre.co.uk
DOGGY DAY
National Botanic Garden of Wales,
Llanarthne, SA32 8HN
Take your dog for a walk around the
Garden. Tel: 01558 667149.
www.botanicgarden.wales
FAMILY FILM: SING (U)
Chapter Arts Centre, 40 Market Rd, Cardiff
CF5 1QE. 11am & 3pm. Tickets in advance:
adults £4, children £3. On day: adults £4.50,
children £3.50. Tel: 029 2030 4400.
www.chapter.org
Monday 20th - Friday 24th February
ROMAN BOOT CAMP
National Roman Legion Museum, High
Street, Caerleon, NP18 1AE
11am, 12pm, 2pm & 3pm. £2 per child.
Booking essential. What was life like in
the Roman army? For many soldiers being
in the army was a great adventure! Meet
some Roman soldiers in costume who’ll tell
you all about it. Go marching with them
and make a craft shield. 029 2057 3550.
www.museum.wales/roman
Monday 20th - Saturday 25th
February
MAKE A MINI LIFEBOAT
National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.
SA13RD. 12.30 - 3.30pm. Inspired by the
lifeboat rescues exhibition, ‘Hope in the
Great War’, make and float an imaginative
mini lifeboat. Free. Tel: 029 2057 3600.
www.museum.wales
Primary Times FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2017 | www.primarytimes.net/cardiff
PAPER GARDEN
Wales Millennium Centre, Bute Place,
Cardiff Bay CF10 5AL
11am – 4pm. Glanfa. Suitable for all ages.
Free. Help the Paper Garden grow! Make
flowers, plants, earth, stones and the
weather out of colourful paper, cardboard
and tissue paper and see the paper come to
life! Tel: 029 2063 6464. www.wmc.org.uk
Tuesday 21st February
MEERKATS, MONGOOSES AND
MAGGOTS
Cardiff Castle, Cardiff, CF10 3RB
Timed slots: 10.15am;
11.30am;12.45pm;2.30pm Curious about
these amazing creatures? Find out more in
this interactive encounter when you can
touch and hold these exotic animals and
insects. See website for full details and
prices. Limited availability, please book in
advance on 029 2087 8100.
www.cardiffcastle.com
FAMILY FILM: SING (U)
Chapter Arts Centre, 40 Market Rd, Cardiff
CF5 1QE. 11am & 3pm. Tickets in advance:
adults £4, children £3. On day: adults £4.50,
children £3.50. Tel: 029 2030 4400.
www.chapter.org
MEMO FILMS: MOANA (U)
Memo Arts Centre, Gladstone Road, Barry,
CF62 8NA. 10am. Millennia ago, the greatest
mariners in the world sailed the Pacific and
charted its islands. But then, their voyages
stopped. Now, Polynesian princess ‘Moana’
is undertaking her own adventure. She’s a
young, spirited, headstrong girl who yearns
for adventure, descended from a long line
of legendary navigators. Along with Maui,
the (self-proclaimed) greatest demigod
in all the Pacific islands, she sets out on an
epic quest to discover the mysteries of her
ancestors. Join ‘Moana’ on her voyage across
the Pacific, and experience a world of magic
and monsters inspired by the mythology of
Polynesia.
Plus:
SING (U)
2pm. Advance tickets: £3; On the door
£3.50. Tel: 01446 738622.
www.memoartscentre.co.uk
Tuesday 21st - Friday 24th February
17TH CENTURY COURT SESSIONS AT
THE MANOR
Llancaiach Fawr Manor, Gelligaer Rd,
Nelson, Treharris. CF46 6ER
11am, 12.30pm, 2pm & 3.30pm. Find out
about 17th century justice. Event included
in admission prices - adult £8.50; children
£6.95. Tel. 01443 412248.
www.llancaiachfawr.co.uk
CHINESE LEGENDS FAMILY
WORKSHOPS
National Museum Cathays Park, Cardiff
CF10 3NP. 11am, 1pm & 3pm. Explore
Chinese Legends and make a piece of art
inspired by the exhibition “Nature’s Song:
Chinese Bird and Flower Paintings” free,
book on arrival.
Plus:
Artes Mundi Family Activities
11am, 1pm & 3pm. Find out about the
artists featured in the Artes Mundi 7
exhibition and create your own artwork to
take home. Free, book on arrival.
Tel: 029 2057 3000.
www.museumwales.ac.uk
Wednesday 22nd
CRAFTS
Cardiff Story Museum
The Old Library, The Hayes,
Cardiff, CF10 1BH
Get creative in a drop in family craft
session, only £1 per child!
Tel: 029 2034 6214.
www.cardiffstory.com
FAMILY FILM: SING (U)
Chapter Arts Centre, 40 Market Rd, Cardiff
CF5 1QE. 11am & 3pm. Tickets in advance:
adults £4, children £3. On day: adults £4.50,
children £3.50. Tel: 029 2030 4400.
www.chapter.org
APPLE BIRD FEEDERS
Cwmcarn Forest Centre, Crosskeys
NP11 7FA. 10.30 - 11.15am & 11.30am -
12.15pm. Make a tasty apple treat for the
birds to enjoy! Suitable for ages 4+. 2
sessions available. £2 per child. Booking
essential. Tel: 01495 272001.
www.cwmcarnforest.co.uk
MEMO FILMS: SING (U)
Memo Arts Centre, Gladstone Road, Barry,
CF62 8NA. 10am.
Plus:
Moana (U) 1pm. Advance tickets: £3;
On the door £3.50. Tel: 01446 738622.
www.memoartscentre.co.uk
TODDLER TIME MONTHLY MOVIES
National Waterfront Museum Swansea.
SA13RD. 10.30pm. Enjoy a free fun movie
screening each month exclusively for
preschool children and their parents or
carers. 10.30am. Tel: 029 2057 3600.
www.museum.wales
Wednesday 22nd - Friday 24th
February
CHILDREN’S CRAFT ACTIVITIES
Big Pit National Coal Museum
Blaenafon, Torfaen, NP4 9 XP12 - 4pm.
Small charge applies. Tel: 029 2057 3650.
www.museumwales.ac.uk/bigpit
CRAFT CLUB
The Winding House Museum, Cross St,
Elliots Town, New Tredegar NP24 6EG
11am – 12pm. £2.50 per child. Booking
essential. Tel: 01443 822666.
www.windinghouse.co.uk
Thursday 23rd February
FAMILY FILM: A STREETCAT NAMED
BOB (12A)
Chapter Arts Centre, 40 Market Rd,
Cardiff CF5 1QE. 11am. Soft subtitles.
Plus:
FAMILY FILM: SING (U)
11.30am & 3pm. Tickets in advance: adults
£4, children £3. On day: adults £4.50,
children £3.50. Tel: 029 2030 4400.
www.chapter.org
Continued on page 14

HALF TERM
EATS &
TREATS
Your half term destination for tasty food, family
films, and fun-tastic bowling, whatever the
weather! All in one place with free customer
parking*. For our half term events, see our website.
www.thereddragoncentre.co.uk
Cinema | Bowling | Dining | Bars | Casino
*T&Cs & minimum spend applies
RDC055_Half Term Eats and Treats.indd 2 23/01/2017 15:57
School Holiday
Childcare
February Half Term – Monday 20th – Friday 24th February
We provide the children with action packed days to ensure their holidays are full of fun and adventure
There is a fantastic, secure and safe dedicated area in Coconuts Play Centre – EXCLUSIVELY FOR CAMP
We have a great outdoor area for the children to enjoy
At Camp Coconuts we:
• Provide the best possible childcare for your children and excellent service to you, the parents
• Ensure the children have a healthy, tasty menu, cooked on the premises
• Strive to maintain a relaxed atmosphere for everyone
• Love to explore the locality we live in such as Porthkerry Park, Cosmeston Lakes and Barry Island
only
£24 per
day
Camp opens Monday – Friday 07:30am – 6:30pm (except bank holidays, unless demand is high)
Contact Leah at Daisy Day Nursery on 01446 724949 or email Leah@camp-coconuts.com
www.primarytimes.net/cardiff | FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2017 Primary Times 13

WHAT’S ON WHERE
A PRICKLY AFFAIR
Cwmcarn Forest Centre, Crosskeys
NP11 7FA. Four sessions from 12pm.
Hedgehog meet and greet! Join the
staff from the Hedgehog Rescue Centre
and learn all about these secretive little
creatures and how you can help them as
they wake up from their winter sleep.
You will also get the opportunity to meet
some of the hedgehogs in their care! A
very popular event so book early to avoid
disappointment. Adults £2; children £1.
Tel: 01495 272001.
www.cwmcarnforest.co.uk
MEMO FILMS: SING (U)
Memo Arts Centre Gladstone Road, Barry,
CF62 8NA. 5pm. Advance tickets: £3;
On the door £3.50. Tel: 01446 738622.
www.memoartscentre.co.uk
Sunday 23rd - Tuesday 25th February
WARRIOR SCHOOL
Cardiff Castle, Cardiff, CF10 3RB
Under the expert tuition of the The
Warwick Warriors, learn the techniques
of successful sword fighting and become
a fully-fledged knight. This special sword
school is held indoors in the atmospheric
15th century Undercroft. Archery display
at 2pm (weather permitting).
Limited availability - book in advance to
ensure a place. Mini Warrior School (age
5 - 9): 10am & 12.15pm (lasts 45 mins).
Warrior School (age 10 and over): 11am
(lasts 60 mins). Please note children must
be accompanied by an adult. Not suitable
for under 5s. See website for full details &
prices. Limited availability, please book in
advance on 029 2087 8100.
www.cardiffcastle.com
Friday 24th February
MAKE YOUR OWN BIRD NEXT BOX
WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre
Penclacwydd, Llwynhendy, Llanelli,
SA14 9SH. Receive expert one-to-one
tuition to make your own bird nest box to
take home and put in your garden to give
some fluffy chicks their first home. Drop
in anytime between 11am – 12 or 1pm
– 4pm. £7 per box plus admission. 01554
741087. www.wwt.org.uk
CARRY ON SCREAMING SCREENING: LA
LA LAND (12A)
Chapter Arts Centre, 40 Market Rd,
Cardiff CF5 1QE
Every Friday at 11am, Carry on Screaming
allows parents or carers to see a film
without having to worry about their baby
CARDIFF CASTLE
causing a disturbance. Exclusively for
people with babies under one year old.
Tel: 029 2030 4400. www.chapter.org
FEATHERY TODDLER CRAFTS
Cwmcarn Forest Centre, Crosskeys
NP11 7FA. Craft session filled with feathers
and paints. Make a colourful bird to
take home! Two sessions available from
10.30am. £2 per child. Booking essential.
Tel: 01495 272001.
www.cwmcarnforest.co.uk
FAMILY FRIDAY TALK
National Museum, Cathays Park,
Cardiff CF10 3NP
1.05pm. Wales’ Creature Collections and
the Family Tree of Life. Free. Book on
arrival, Tel: 029 2057 3000.
www.museumwales.ac.uk
Saturday 25th February
FAMILY FILM: THE QUEEN
OF KATWE (PG)
Chapter Arts Centre, 40 Market Rd, Cardiff
CF5 1QE. 11am.
Plus:
Family Film: Sing (U)
3pm. Tickets in advance: adults £4, children
£3. On day: adults £4.50, children £3.50.
Tel: 029 2030 4400. www.chapter.org
CWMCARN SCENIC WALK
Cwmcarn Forest Centre, Crosskeys
NP11 7FA. Moderate 5 mile walk taking in
spectacular views of the Nantcarn Valley!
See new views of the area which have
opened up since the felling! The walk
begins from the Centre with a steady
climb up to old car park 1 before levelling
out to an undulating stroll! On return to
the Centre enjoy a hot cuppa and muffin!
A lovely way to celebrate Mothers Day!!
Booking essential and pre-payable. Adults
£5.50; children £3. Dogs welcome!!
(Treat included). Tel: 01495 272001.
www.cwmcarnforest.co.uk
WINDING ENGINE RUNNING
The Winding House Museum, Cross St,
Elliots Town, New Tredegar NP24 6EG
12pm. See the historic Winding engine
running. Free event. Tel: 01443 822666.
www.windinghouse.co.uk
Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th
February
PEMBROKESHIRE FALCONRY &
JUGGLESTRUCK
National Botanic Garden of Wales
Llanarthne SA32 8HN
Tel: 01558 667149.
www.botanicgarden.wales
Sunday 26th February
MAKE YOUR OWN BIRD NEXT BOX
WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre
Penclacwydd, Llwynhendy, Llanelli,
SA14 9SH. Receive expert one-to-one
tuition to make your own bird nest box
to take home and put in your garden to
give some fluffy chicks their first home.
Drop in anytime between 11am – 12 or
1pm – 4pm. £7 per box plus admission.
01554 741087.
www.wwt.org.uk
TECHNIQUEST
FAMILY FILM: SING (U)
Chapter Arts Centre, 40 Market Rd, Cardiff
CF5 1QE. 11am.
Plus:
FAMILY FILM: THE QUEEN
OF KATWE (PG)
3pm. Tickets in advance: adults £4, children
£3. On day: adults £4.50, children £3.50.
Tel: 029 2030 4400. www.chapter.org
ST DAVID’S DAY CELEBRATION DAY
National Botanic Garden of Wales, Llanarthne
SA32 8HN. Free entry. Craft & Food Fair in the
Great Glasshouse. Tel: 01558 667149.
www.botanicgarden.wales
JUNK MODELLING WORKSHOP
National Waterfront Museum Swansea.
SA13RD. 12 - 4pm. Let your imagination run
wild and see how scrap you throw away
can be used to invent and make something
truly original to take home. Free.
Plus:
HALF TERM MOVIE
2pm. Enjoy a family-friendly free movie.
2pm. Tel: 029 2057 3600.
www.museum.wales
Monday 27th February
DOGGY DAY
National Botanic Garden of Wales,
Llanarthne, SA32 8HN. Take your dog for a
walk around the Garden. Tel: 01558 667149.
www.botanicgarden.wales
MARCH
Friday 3rd March
CARRY ON SCREAMING SCREENING:
PHONE FOR FILM DETAILS
Chapter Arts Centre, 40 Market Rd, Cardiff
CF5 1QE. Every Friday at 11am, Carry on
Screaming allows parents or carers to see
a film without having to worry about their
baby causing a disturbance. Exclusively for
people with babies under one year old.
Tel: 029 2030 4400. www.chapter.org
LITTLE MICE CLUB – WALES AND ST
DAVID’S DAY
National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.
SA13RD. 10.30am - 12pm. Drop in with
your little ones to play, make and sing on
a Welsh theme. Free. Tel: 029 2057 3600.
www.museum.wales
TODDLER DAY: FAIRYTALE FROLICS
Techniquest, Cardiff Bay, CF10 5BW
Under-4s free, accompanying adults
£5.50. Pre-school children have their run
of the exhibits with activities on a special
theme. There’ll be drawing and colouring
and something to make to take home.
Techniquest is buggy-friendly, with nappychanging
facilities and lockers.
Tel: 029 2047 5475.
www.techniquest.org
TODDLER TIME
National Museum, Cathays Park,
Cardiff CF10 3NP
1.30 - 4pm. Every Friday afternoon you’ll
find special boxes of toys, games and books
hidden in different galleries to help parents
and children aged 1 – 4 years explore the
Museum through play. There will also be
play activities in the Clore Discovery Centre
each week. Enjoy a story or song at 3pm in
a new part of the museum each week. Free.
Tel: 029 2057 3000.
www.museumwales.ac.uk
PONY FUN
Parc All Weather Play, Unit 5,
Curran Embankment, Grangetown,
Cardiff, CF10 5DX
10:30am - 2:30pm. Tel: 029 2034 5696.
www.parcplay.com
Saturday 4th March
FAMILY FILM: PHONE
FOR FILM DETAILS
Chapter Arts Centre, 40 Market Rd,
Cardiff CF5 1QE
11am. Tickets in advance: adults £4,
children £3. On day: adults £4.50,
children £3.50. Tel: 029 2030 4400.
www.chapter.org
ST DAVID’S DAY PARTY
National Waterfront
Museum Swansea. SA13RD
12 - 4pm. Celebrate St David’s with a day
of Welsh crafts, live music, a gallery trail
and a twmpath. Free. Tel: 029 2057 3600.
www.museum.wales
14
Primary Times FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2017 | www.primarytimes.net/cardiff
Continued on page 18

CAN YOU BEAT THE 2017
BRAIN
GAMES
?
SUNDAY 19th MARCH, 11am - 4pm
AMGUEDDFA GENEDLAETHOL CAERDYDD
NATIONAL MUSEUM CARDIFF
February Half-Term
Come rain or shine there'll be
plenty or family fun at Dyffryn
Gardens and Tredegar House
this half-term.
Enjoy the fresh air, go wild in the
woods and tick off some '50
things' activities.
Flip your eyesight, feel the
force of your brain and try
out DIY brain surgery - all at
the 2017 BRAIN
GAMES!
FREE ADMISSION
When you visit, donate, volunteer or join the National
Trust, your support helps us to look after special places
in Wales for ever, for everyone.
nationaltrust.org.uk/dyffryngardens
nationaltrust.org.uk/tredegarhouse
The National Trust is an independent registered charity, number 205846. Photography
©National Trust Images/John Millar.
#nationaltrust
CardiffUniversityBrainGames
BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Cerddorfa Genedlaethol Gymreig y BBC
SUNDAY SUL 25/3/17
THE SOUND OF SCI-FI | 3.30PM
CULT TV CLASSICS | 9PM
Presented by Cyflwynir gan Robert Llewellyn
(a.k.a. Kryten from o Red Dwarf)
St David’s Hall, Cardiff
Neuadd Dewi Sant, Caerdydd
0800 052 1812
bbc.co.uk/now @bbcnow
01_PrimaryTimes_GeekMusique_184x135.indd 1 23/01/2017 15:56
www.primarytimes.net/cardiff | FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2017 Primary Times 15

HALF TERM EVENT
ADULTS £8
CHILDREN £5
UNDER 5s FREE
BOOK ONLINE AT
Meet our animal couples on the
welshhearts.org/events
2for1
admission *
NAZF031
Half Term
11-25
February
NOT OPEN SUNDAYS
* Guided Keeper Walk
* Family Workshop
* Facepainting
* Animal Experience
* Terms & Conditions
* One adult (or child aged 2-16) may come in free of charge
with one full paying adult ticket.
* Children under 2 are already FREE
* This offer is valid from the 11-25th February 2017 only.
* Not valid with any other offer including online booking
* You must present this voucher to redeem the offer
www.noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk
PRIZES FOR
THE BEST
FANCY DRESS
CARDIFF BAY
ROALD DAHL PLASS, CARDIFF BAY
9 TH APRIL 2017 • 12pm
029 2240 2670 • welshhearts.org • WelshHearts
Registered charity number 1154109
GREAT
FAMILY
FUN
EASTER BUNNY
FUN RUN
16
Primary Times FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2017 | www.primarytimes.net/cardiff

www.primarytimes.net/cardiff | FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2017 Primary Times 17

WHAT’S ON WHERE
Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th March
SWITCHED ON
Techniquest, Cardiff Bay, CF10 5BW
Included in admission price. Explore how
visible light and light we cannot see plays a
part in all our lives.
Plus:
SPACE HUNTERS
£1.50 addition to admission price. Nan’s
garden shed is no ordinary shed – it is a space
ship in disguise! Go with the children on a
treasure hunt in space to meet an astronaut,
ride on a comet’s tail, look for an exploding
star and much more! Suitable for under-7s.
Plus:
MARS
£1.50 addition to admission price. The red
planet, as history suggests, is not for the fainthearted.
Take a closer look at what this planet
has to offer. Suitable for ages 7+. Tel: 029 2047
5475. www.techniquest.org
WEEKEND FAMILY FUN
WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre,
Penclacwydd, Llwynhendy, Llanelli,
SA14 9SH. All day fun every weekend with
activities such as den building (self-guided
all day), 11am -12pm minibeast hunt; 1 -
1.45pm family bird watching (observatory);
2pm Crane talk; 2.30pm – 4.30pm crafts.
All included in admission price.
Tel: 01554 741087. www.wwt.org.uk
CLORE EXPLORERS
National Museum, Cathays Park, Cardiff
CF10 3NP. Find out more about objects
from the museum’s collections. Session
themes vary but each workshop will
involve an opportunity to learn and
discover plus a craft activity. Free. Tel: 029
2057 3000. www.museumwales.ac.uk
Sunday 5th March
VEGGIE PATCH KIDS
WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre,
Penclacwydd, Llwynhendy, Llanelli,
SA14 9SH. 11am – 12pm. Take your little
ones to grow veggies in the patch and learn
how to care for plants and what they need
to grow! Included in admission price.
01554 741087. www.wwt.org.uk
MUSEUM MONTHLY MOVIES
National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.
SA13RD. 2.30pm. Enjoy a family-friendly
free film. Tel: 029 2057 3600.
www.museum.wales
Friday 10th March
CARRY ON SCREAMING SCREENING:
PHONE FOR FILM DETAILS
Chapter Arts Centre, 40 Market Rd, Cardiff
CF5 1QE. Every Friday at 11am, Carry on
Screaming allows parents or carers to see
a film without having to worry about their
baby causing a disturbance. Exclusively for
people with babies under one year old.
Tel: 029 2030 4400. www.chapter.org
F1 FOR SCHOOLS
National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.
SA13RD. 11am - 3.30pm. Young designers
take over the museum with their mini
Formula 1 cars. Tel: 029 2057 3600.
www.museum.wales
TODDLER TIME
National Museum, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10
3NP. 1.30 - 4pm. Every Friday afternoon you’ll
find special boxes of toys, games and books
hidden in different galleries to help parents
and children aged 1 – 4 years explore the
Museum through play. There will also be play
activities in the Clore Discovery Centre each
week. Enjoy a story or song at 3pm in a new
part of the museum each week. Free. Tel: 029
2057 3000. www.museumwales.ac.uk
CIRCUS ANTICS
Parc All Weather Play, Unit 5, Curran
Embankment, Grangetown, Cardiff,
CF10 5DX. 10:30am - 2:30pm.
Tel: 029 2034 5696. www.parcplay.com
Saturday 11th March
FAMILY FILM: PHONE FOR FILM DETAILS
Chapter Arts Centre, 40 Market Rd, Cardiff
CF5 1QE. 11am. Tickets in advance: adults £4,
children £3. On day: adults £4.50, children
£3.50. Tel: 029 2030 4400. www.chapter.org
THRIFTY KIDS: BOTTLE TOP FISH
National Waterfront Museum Swansea.
SA13RD. 10.30am - 12.30pm. Create a cool, fishy
piece of art using discarded bottle tops. Free.
Plus:
SUPER SCIENCE SATURDAY.
12 - 4pm. A packed afternoon of inspiring
demonstrations, hands on activities, jawdropping
experiments and 3D Science shows!
Free. Tel: 029 2057 3600. www.museum.wales
Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th March
SWITCHED ON
Techniquest, Cardiff Bay, CF10 5BW
Included in admission price. Explore how
visible light and light we cannot see plays a
part in all our lives.
Plus:
SPACE HUNTERS
£1.50 addition to admission price. Nan’s
garden shed is no ordinary shed – it is a space
ship in disguise! Go with the children on a
treasure hunt in space to meet an astronaut,
ride on a comet’s tail, look for an exploding
star and much more! Suitable for under-7s.
Plus:
MARS
£1.50 addition to admission price. The red
planet, as history suggests, is not for the fainthearted.
Take a closer look at what this planet
has to offer. Suitable for ages 7+.
Tel: 029 2047 5475. www.techniquest.org
WEEKEND FAMILY FUN
WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre
Penclacwydd, Llwynhendy, Llanelli, SA14
9SH. All day fun every weekend with
activities such as den building (self-guided
all day), 11am -12pm minibeast hunt; 1 -
1.45pm family bird watching (observatory);
2pm Crane talk; 2.30pm – 4.30pm crafts.
All included in admission price.
Tel: 01554 741087. www.wwt.org.uk
CLORE EXPLORERS
National Museum, Cathays Park, Cardiff
CF10 3NP. Find out more about objects from
the museum’s collections. Session themes
vary but each workshop will involve an
opportunity to learn and discover plus a craft
activity. Free. Tel: 029 2057 3000.
www.museumwales.ac.uk
Sunday 12th March
SEASIDE RANGERS
Ogmore-by-Sea Beach Glamorgan Heritage
Coast, CF32 0QP. 10.30am - 12pm FREE
family marine wildlife club. Meet near the
toilet block at Rivermouth car park. Full
details on website. Tel: 07966 572273.
www.seasiderangers.wixsite.com/joinus
NEWPORT BABY & TODDLER SHOW
Coldra Court Hotel Chepstow Rd, Langstone,
Newport NP18 2LX. 11am - 4pm Lots of free
activities. Great deals and offers. Advice
for parents, free creche & play area. Tickets
online: £2.50; on door £3. Children free.
www.newportbabyandtoddlershow.co.uk
Friday 17th March
CARRY ON SCREAMING SCREENING:
PHONE FOR FILM DETAILS
Chapter Arts Centre, 40 Market Rd, Cardiff
CF5 1QE. Every Friday at 11am, Carry on
Screaming allows parents or carers to see
a film without having to worry about their
baby causing a disturbance. Exclusively for
people with babies under one year old.
Tel: 029 2030 4400. www.chapter.org
FAMILY BAT WALK
WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre, Penclacwydd,
Llwynhendy, Llanelli, SA14 9SH. 6 - 7.30pm. An
after-dark exploration of the reserve using bat
detectors to look and listen for bats. Batty craft
making and hot drink included. £5 per person.
Tel: 01554 741087 to book. www.wwt.org.uk
TODDLER TIME
National Museum, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10
3NP. 1.30 - 4pm. Every Friday afternoon you’ll
find special boxes of toys, games and books
hidden in different galleries to help parents
and children aged 1 – 4 years explore the
Museum through play. There will also be play
activities in the Clore Discovery Centre each
week. Enjoy a story or song at 3pm in a new
part of the museum each week. Free. Tel: 029
2057 3000. www.museumwales.ac.uk
MEET THE OWLS
Parc All Weather Play Unit 5, Curran
Embankment, Grangetown, Cardiff,
CF10 5DX. 10:30am - 2:30pm
Tel: 029 2034 5696. www.parcplay.com
TODDLER TIME
Wales Millennium Centre, Bute Place,
Cardiff Bay CF10 5AL. 11am – 2:30pm. Free.
Let your little creatives express themselves
through these exciting and fun art and
craft workshops. Using a range of materials
your little one will create and play.
Tel: 029 2063 6464. www.wmc.org.uk
Saturday 18th March
BE GUNG-HO!
Bute Park, North Road, Cardiff CF10 3DX
Outdoor obstacles, inflatables and fun course.
No age requirement but participants must be
at least 123 centimetres/48 inches to tackle
these monstrous obstacles. Children under 11
must be accompanied through the course by a
participating adult.www.begung-ho.co.uk
FAMILY FILM: PHONE
FOR FILM DETAILS
Chapter Arts Centre, 40 Market Rd, Cardiff
CF5 1QE. 11am. Tickets in advance: adults
£4, children £3. On day: adults £4.50,
children £3.50. Tel: 029 2030 4400.
www.chapter.org
Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th March
SWITCHED ON
Techniquest, Cardiff Bay, CF10 5BW
Included in admission price. Explore how
visible light and light we cannot see plays a
part in all our lives.
Plus:
SPACE HUNTERS
£1.50 addition to admission price. Nan’s
garden shed is no ordinary shed – it is a space
ship in disguise! Go with the children on a
treasure hunt in space to meet an astronaut,
ride on a comet’s tail, look for an exploding
star and much more! Suitable for under-7s.
Plus:
MARS
£1.50 addition to admission price. The red
planet, as history suggests, is not for the fainthearted.
Take a closer look at what this planet
has to offer. Suitable for ages 7+.
Tel: 029 2047 5475. www.techniquest.org
WEEKEND FAMILY FUN
WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre,
Penclacwydd, Llwynhendy, Llanelli,
SA14 9SH. All day fun every weekend with
activities such as den building (self-guided
all day), 11am -12pm minibeast hunt; 1 -
1.45pm family bird watching (observatory);
2pm Crane talk; 2.30pm – 4.30pm crafts.
All included in admission price.
Tel: 01554 741087. www.wwt.org.uk
CLORE EXPLORERS
National Museum, Cathays Park, Cardiff
CF10 3NP. Find out more about objects
from the museum’s collections. Session
themes vary but each workshop will
involve an opportunity to learn and
discover plus a craft activity. Free. Tel: 029
2057 3000. www.museumwales.ac.uk
Sunday 19th March
MINIATURE RAILWAYS AND
TRAMWAYS
Heath Park, King George V Drive East,
Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4AW. 1 - 5pm.
Miniature train rides, steam diesel & electric
plus tram rides. Model railway layouts,
refreshments. For rides children under 3 must
be accompanied by an adult. Entry £1.50 per
person and all rides are just £1.50 each. No
advanced tickets are available or required.
www.cardiffmes.com
JUNK MODELLING WORKSHOP
National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.
SA13RD. 10.30am - 12.30pm. Let your
imagination run wild as you delve into our
scrappy heap to invent and make something
truly original to take home. Free.
Plus
MUSEUM MONTHLY MOVIES
2.30pm. Enjoy a free, family-friendly film.
Tel: 029 2057 3600. www.museum.wales
BRAIN GAMES
National Museum Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10
3NP. 11am - 4pm Take on challenges with your
friends and family and learn about your brain.
Flip your eyesight, feel the force of your brain
and try out DIY brain surgery - all at the 2017
BRAIN GAMES! Free. Drop in. Tel: 029 2057
3000. www.museumwales.ac.uk
18
Primary Times FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2017 | www.primarytimes.net/cardiff

TERM-TIME
‘ME TIME’
indulge at the Vale Resort
NEW
Exciting range
of indulgent
treatments from
Temple Spa!
Pt NHM January17.qxp_Layout 1 10/01/2017 14:09 Page 1
The Vale Resort offer a ‘5 Bubble Spa’
experience that will not disappoint.
SPA DAYS AND BREAKS
Sain Ffagan Amgueddfa Werin Cymru
St Fagans National History Museum
Mynediad
am ddim
Free entry
n
Mothers Day Pamper Package from £79pp*
n
Six Nations Spa Day
n
Wednesday Spa and Lunch
n
Sunday Lunch and Spa
n
Your Spa Day Your Way
n
Spa Breaks
from £69pp*
only £65pp*
only £69pp*
from £79pp*
from £75pp*
FACILITIES INCLUDES
n
19 treatment rooms
n
Six relaxation zones
n
Three double suites
n
20m pool, sauna and steam room
n
Extensive leisure facilities
n
FREE parking
01443 665888 | www.vale-hotel.com
Wales’ Leading
Spa Resort 2015
Hensol Park, Hensol, Vale of Glamorgan, CF72 8JY
*Terms & conditions apply. Subject to availability. †Sat & Sun supplement £10pp.
Pecyn Antur Sain Ffagan
Ffordd hwyliog i’r teulu ddarganfod yr Amgueddfa.
Dilynwch y map i ddod o hyd i weithgareddau difyr.
£3.50 yr un.
Am fanylion www.amgueddfa.cymru/sainffagan
St Fagans Explorer Packs
A fun way for families to get the most out of
their visit. Follow the map around the Museum
to find some special hands on
activities. £3.50 each
For details visit www.museum.wales/stfagans
www.primarytimes.net/cardiff | FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2017 Primary Times 19

TOP TIPS
TOP TIPS
Brain Games
Can you beat the 2017 Brain Games? Come and join us at the National Museum Cardiff on
Sunday 19th March, from 11am to 4pm. You can learn all about the power of your brain
at this fun and interactive event. Most of the games are aimed at children aged 7 to 11,
but there’s something to appeal to kids and grown-ups of all ages! Flip your eyesight,
feel the force of your brain and try out DIY brain surgery. Challenge your friends and
family and collect points and prizes as you discover just what a human brain can do...
Web: cardiff.ac.uk/braingames
Facebook: CardiffUniversityBrainGames
Love Food? Then You’ll Love JRC
JRC Buffet is a restaurant like no other. You’ll find hundreds of delicious, freshly
prepared dishes. Their stylish restaurants are perfect for any special occasion
or just catching up with family and friends. With so much choice, parents love
introducing new dishes to their children– even the fussiest eaters will find new
dishes they’ll love. Your kids will love watching JRC’s chefs prepare delicious
meals from fresh ingredients at the spectacular Live Cooking Stations which
add a sense of occasion to any meal.
At the Sushi Bar you’ll see chefs preparing authentic Japanese Sushi using
recipes that have been handed down from generation to generation. It’s
healthy, fresh and extremely delicious.
Watch in awe at the Teppanyaki Bar as expert chefs prepare your meal with
flair, creativity and a touch of showmanship. The chef takes your choice of
fresh ingredients and transforms them on the sizzling hotplate into delicious
creations. The Yakatori Grill is very popular in Japanese restaurants throughout
the world.
You’ll find food cooked in a wok at the Noodle & Wok Bar is as healthy as it gets,
as it uses a very small amount of oil. The Dim Sum Bar, each dim sum has been
handmade and filled with ingredients from traditional recipes. Remember you
can enjoy as much as you like for one set price.
Most soft and hot drinks are free of charge with free refills too and for the
adults there are special menus for World Banquet and Pan Asian drinks for an
extra cost. Don’t forget to leave room for one or a few of the indulgent desserts.
A trip to JRC is great value and great fun for the whole family. Visit www.jrcglobalbuffet.com
to find your local restaurant.
Half term Holidays
Beat the winter blues and spend the day at Cardiff Castle with plenty of exciting indoor
activities. The Castle’s Underground Cinema has taken off in a big way, with 2 days of
films, based around the theme of legends with film screenings of all -time favourites
such as ‘Mulan’ and ‘Aladdin’, ‘Willow’ and ‘Enchanted’. A welcome return of exotic
creatures to the Castle is promised with the chance to touch and hold meerkats and
mongooses. Too cool for school? Not when it’s Warrior School, run by The Warwick
Warriors and the lessons are on sword fighting! Check out the website
www.cardiffcastle.com for full details. Places are limited so the advice is always
to book in advance.
20
Primary Times FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2017 | www.primarytimes.net/cardiff

Discovering science
in Cardiff Bay
Sensational science this half-term!
18–26 February
Can ice burn? Can we start a fire with steam?
In the spectacular Fire & Ice show we discover what happens when things
get really hot and when things get really cold. See an ice-powered cannon
and find out how to turn a banana into a hammer with liquid nitrogen.
Science Theatre
Fire & Ice show
Planetarium
Star Tours
Exhibition
120 hands-on exhibits
SPECIAL OFFER: £3 entry after 2pm on Sundays!
029 20 475 475
www.techniquest.org
TQcardiff
Techniquest
www.primarytimes.net/cardiff | FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2017 Primary Times 21

BOX OFFICE
Your family theatre guide...
ST DAVID’S HALL
The Hayes, Cardiff CF10 1AH
Box Office: 029 2087 8444
www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk
7th February - Orchestradventure!
Specially devised to capture the imagination
of children and teachers through the power
of a live symphony orchestra. Through
music, singing and dancing, the Royal Welsh
College Symphony Orchestra and presenter
Tom Redmond vividly bring to life some of
the greatest stories ever told, and along the
way introduce the instruments and inner
workings of an orchestra in ways you’ve
never ever dreamed of! Standard tickets - In
advance £6 | On the day £7; U16s In advance
£5 | On the day £6; schools £3 for students,
teachers go free. Performance: 1pm.
15th February - Mr Bloom’s
Nursery Live!
Mr Bloom and his Veggies are getting the
Nursery ready for a very special occasion - a
member of the Royal family is paying them
visit! Can you lend a hand and help them get
the Allotment ready in time? Aimed at 2 - 7
year olds. Tickets: Standard price £15.50.
Family of 4 (at least one adult) £50.
Performance: 1pm & 4pm.
21st April - Naomi’s Wild and Scary
Packed full of fun and surprises as Naomi is
joined on stage by ‘Animal Mark’, and some
of his scariest creatures. Join Naomi as she
recalls some of her most exciting wildlife
experiences from the far flung corners of
the world and even introduces the audience
to some of the most fierce and frightening
animals she met along the way! The show is
suitable for kids of all ages and guarantees
a great time for the whole family. Family
audience, but ages 5 – 7 upwards.
Tickets: Adults/children £18.50; Family ticket
(Family of 4) £62. Performance: 2.30pm.
29th & 30th April - Dinosaur World
Interactive new show for all the family. Join
the intrepid explorer across unchartered
territories to discover a pre-historic world
of astonishing (and remarkably life-like)
dinosaurs. Meet a host of impressive
creatures, including every child’s favourite
flesh-eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex, a
Triceratops, Giraffatitan and Segnosaurus, to
name a few! Limited amount of Danger Zone
seats available. Ages 3+. Running time 50
mins + 15 min post show “meat and greed”
with the Dinosaurs! Age 3+. Tickets: Standard
£12.50 | Danger Zone £15 | Groups 1 in 10 free.
Performance: 11.30am & 2.30pm.
Box Office: 0800 052 1812
www.bbc.co.uk/now
Sunday 25th March - BBC National
Orchestra of Wales: The Sound of
Sci-Fi plus Cult TV Classics
OFFICE
Two shows from BBC NOw presented by
Robert Llewellyn. Performance: Sound of
Sci-Fi 3.30pm. Cult TV Classics - 9pm
NEW THEATRE
Park Place, Cardiff. CF10 3LN
Box Office: 029 2087 8889
www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk
21st - 25th February- Fantastic Mr Fox
Boggs, Bunce and Bean, three greedy,
smelly, horrid farmers hate the cunning
Mr Fox. Mr Fox is clever, smart and rather
fantastic, but he doesn’t realise how
determined the farmers are to get revenge.
A tale of greed, pride and the power of
friendship, this production promises a huge
theatrical feast with live music and songs
ideal for all the family.
Tickets: £11.50 − £21.
Performance: Tues 7pm; Weds 2.30pm;
Thurs & Fri 2.30pm & 7pm; Sat 11am & 3pm.
28th April - Northern Ballet:
Goldilocks & the Three Bears
Goldilocks is a mischievous little girl with
hair as bright as gold. Always on the lookout
for an adventure, one day her curiosity
leads her to a house full of many surprises.
With a family of friendly bears, a beautiful
blue bird and bowls of delicious porridge,
this is the perfect opportunity for your little
ones to enjoy live ballet, music and theatre
for the first time. Performance time approx.
40 minutes. All seats: £7. £2 off for children.
School Parties: £5 each - supervising
teachers free (1 free teacher for every 10
students). Performance: 12pm & 2pm.
SHERMAN THEATRE
Senghennydd Road, Cardiff, CF24 4YE
Tel: 029 2064 6900
www.shermantheatre.co.uk
29th April - National Dance Company
Wales: Discover Dance
Get dancing with National Dance Company
Wales. Learn some moves, get on stage
with the Company dancers, watch a short
performance and ask the dancers anything
you like! The perfect 90-minute introduction
to dance for families. Suitable for age 7+.
Tickets: £8. Performance: 2pm.
ROYAL WELSH COLLEGE OF
MUSIC & DRAMA
Cardiff CF10 3ER
Box Office: 029 2039 1391
www.rwcmd.ac.uk
4th March - Alice in Wonderland
Follow Alice and the White Rabbit as they
set off on a colourful, topsy-turvy adventure
like no other and meet a host of outlandish
characters Immersion Theatre proudly
bring their trademark energy to their most
spectacularly bonkers show to date, as
children and adults alike are invited to join
in the hilarity of seeing this classic story
brought vividly to life before having the
opportunity to meet the characters after
the show...why not come dressed up as your
favourite? Age guidance 4+. Tickets: £9.
Performance: 2.30pm & 5.30pm.
GRAND PAVILION
The Esplanade, Porthcawl, CF36 3YW
Box Office: 01656 815995
www.grandpavilion.co.uk
13th April - Don’t Dribble
on the Dragon
A spectacular, fun-filled musical adventure
about growing up and the importance
of family, with magic designed by the
legendary Paul Daniels. Age guide 2 - 102.
Running time 1 hour. Tickets: £8.50.
Performance: 2.30pm.
MOTORPOINT ARENA
Mary Ann St, Cardiff CF10 2EQ
Box Office: 029 2022 4488
www.motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk
5th - 9th April - Disney on Ice
100 years of magic
Be charmed by over 50 unforgettable Disney
characters, with Mouse-ter of Ceremonies
Mickey Mouse, the irresistible Minnie Mouse,
Donald Duck, Goofy and many Disney
Princesses. Relive the magic of Disney’s
Frozen with Anna, Elsa and Olaf. Times and
prices vary. Group offers available.
MEMO ARTS CENTRE
Gladstone Road, Barry, CF62 8NA
Box Office: 01446 738622
www.memoartscentre.co.uk
10th February - Superstars LIVE
Hear the voices, see the stars and experience
some of the World’s greatest tribute artists
as they sing & perform on stage with the
Superstars LIVE band! Three internationally
acclaimed, award-winning artistes take
part in an outstanding production bringing
to the stage the ultimate of live tribute
shows - Lady Gaga, Whitney Houston & Amy
Winehouse. VIP Tickets: Adult £18; children
U14 £13.50 VIP Tickets include: Premium
seat in Balcony (Rows A-C), Post show
priority ‘Meet & Great’, Photo opportunity.
Advance Tickets: Balcony Seated £15.50,
Auditorium standing £14.50; child U14: £10
Balcony only. On the Door Tickets: Balcony
Seated £18; Auditorium standing £15; Group
discount: 1 in 10 free. Performance: 7.30pm.
28th February - Royal Ballet Live:
The Sleeping Beauty
Classical ballet with splendid music and
talented dancers. The Sleeping Beauty
has wonderful ensembles, solos including
the Rose Adage as Princess Aurora meets
her suitors, and of course the concluding
celebratory dances for the happy union of
prince and princess. Tickets: Adults £15;
children £12.50. Performance: 7pm.
12th April - The Little Mix Experience
If you’re a fan of one of X Factor’s finest
exports you’re sure to L.O.V.E. The Little Mix
Experience! Four hugely talented girls pay
tribute to one of the UK’s finest Girl-Bands.
Tickets: In advance £10; On the door £12.
Performance: 6.30pm.
23rd April - Don’t Dribble
on the Dragon
Tom is a toddler with a cool older brother, a
secret dragon… and a dribbling problem
that just won’t stop! When Tom’s endless
drooling threatens to tear the brothers’
friendship apart can their dragon’s amazing
magic help them put it back together
again…or will it only end up making
things worse? Based on the new book by
Steven Lee and with magic designed by the
legendary Paul Daniels. As an extra treat,
Steven will be available to sign copies of
Don’t Dribble On The Dragon which you can
bring with you or buy in the theatre after the
show. Tickets: £8.50. Performance: 2.30pm.
WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE
Bute Place, Cardiff Bay CF10 5AL
Box Office: 029 2063 6464
www.wmc.org.uk
10th & 11th March - Justin’s Party
BAFTA award winning actor Justin Fletcher
is coming to town and YOU are invited!
JUSTIN’S PARTY is brand new show which
packed full of fantastic songs, dances and
hilarious games guaranteed to make it
THE party of the year. There will be lots
of exciting surprises along the way and
you’ll get to meet Justin’s adorable new
puppy Engelbert! Tickets: £15.50 - £19.50.
Performance: 10th March 1pm & 5pm; 11th
March 11.30am & 2.30pm.
14th - 18th March - The Red Shoes
Victoria Page lives to dance, but her ambitions
become a battleground between the two
men who inspire her passion. An intoxicating
drama where life imitates art with fateful
consequences; The Red Shoes will dazzle your
senses and break your heart. Suitable for ages
5+. Tickets: £17.50 - £42.50. Performance: Tue
– Sat 7:30pm, Thu & Sat 2:30pm.
29th March - 1st April - Cirque
Berserk!
Ages 5+.Combining contemporary cirquestyle
artistry with adrenaline-fuelled
stunt action, this astoundingly talented
international troupe includes over thirty
jugglers, acrobats, aerialists, dancers,
drummers, death-defying stuntmen and of
course the award-winning clown, Tweedy.
The show also features the world’s most hair
raising circus act - the legendary motorcycle
‘Globe of Death’. Tickets: £16.50 - £26.50
Performance: 28th - 30th March 7:30pm; 31st
Mar 5pm & 8pm; 1st Apr 2pm, 5pm & 8pm.
12th & 13th April - Tipping Point
Step into a teetering world as five
performers transform simple metal poles
into a rich landscape of images. The action
veers from catastrophe to mastery as poles
are balanced on fingertips, hung from the
roof, swung, lashed, climbed up and clung
to. Age 4+. Tickets £12. Performance: 8pm.
14th & 15th April - Jason
and the Argonauts
Jason is an ordinary human in a world
bursting with gods, monsters and
superheroes. Assembling a team of mighty
Argonauts, he takes the fabulous ship Argo
on the ultimate adventure – the quest for
the Golden Fleece. But it won’t be easy.
Jason & The Argonauts is a brand new
version of the classic legend – a thrilling
theatrical experience full of hope, heart
and humour for the whole family. Age 7+.
Tickets: £7. Performance: Fri & Sat 7:30pm.
Sat 2:30pm.
22
Primary Times FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2017 | www.primarytimes.net/cardiff

i
www.memoartscentre.co.uk
Holiday Music & Theatre Fun for All
The Little Mix Experience
Wednesday 12 April @ 6:30pm
A fantastic Little Mix tribute
show suitable for all ages!
Don’t miss this show packed
with Little Mix’s greatest hits
such as DNA, Salute, Black
Magic and many more.
SAT 4 MARCH
SAD 4 MAWRTH
2.30pm & 5.30pm
“A thrilling everyday
adventure that
is engaging
for all ages”
«««««
Broadway Baby
£10 advance / £12 on the door
Don’t Dribble on the Dragon
Sunday 23 April @ 2:30pm
A story full of laughs and sing
along songs, perfect fun for all
the family. Musical adventure
for ages 2+ featuring magic
designed by Paul Daniels.
£8.50
Marty MacDonald’s Toy Machine
Wednesday 31 May @ 2pm
Interactive show featuring the
voice of CBeebies’ Justin (Mr.
Tumble). Perfect for ages 2+,
everyone can join in singing
with Makaton signing!
U16s £7 / Adults £8.50 / Group £26
BOX OFFICE: 01446 738622 - Save Time, Buy Online!
GLADSTONE ROAD • BARRY • CF62 8NA Registered CIO. 1155291
Tickets | Tocynnau £9
Theatr Richard Burton Theatre
Immersion Theatre Company
Ages
4+
Oed
Tickets | Tocynnau
029 2039 1391
www.rwcmd.ac.uk
www.primarytimes.net/cardiff | FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2017 Primary Times 23

COMPETITIONS
WIN!
WIN!
A Family Ticket for 4 people to see
Mr Bloom's Nursery - Live at St David's Hall
Wednesday 15 February 4pm performance
Bring your ‘tiddlers’ along and join Mr Bloom and the Veggies on
their first ever live tour. Mr Bloom and his Veggies are getting the
Nursery ready for a very special occasion - a member of the Royal
family is paying them a visit!
Can you lend a hand and help them get the Allotment ready in
time. Featuring all of the much loved elements of the TV show, Mr
Bloom (Ben Faulks)
will be joined by all
his gardening friends:
Margaret, Joan,
Colin, Raymond and
Sebastian, the lovable
Wee MacGregors,
and not forgetting Mr
Bloom’s trusty machine
‘The Compostarium’.
Suitable for ages 2-7.
Performances at
1pm and 4pm.
To enter these fantastic competitions *
and more please go to...
www.primarytimes.net/cardiff/competitions
or Facebook at Primary Times Club-Cardiff
*Closing dates may vary
WIN!
Tickets for the Little Mix Experience!
Wednesday 12 April at 6.30pm
The Memo is offering two
lucky people the chance
to each win a pair of
tickets for The Little Mix
Experience on Wednesday
12 April at 6.30pm. If you're
a fan of one of X Factor's
finest exports you're sure
to L.O.V.E. The Little Mix
Experience! Four hugely
talented girls pay tribute to one of the UK's finest Girl-Bands. With
breathtaking dance moves, replica costumes and some of the finest
vocals in the UK, this is a high-energy show from beginning to end,
packed with all of Little Mix's greatest hits and suitable for all ages!
Featuring songs such as DNA, Wings, Salute, Black Magic, Love Me
Like You, Secret Love Song and many, many more. Tickets: £10 in
advance, £12 on the door. Box Office 01446 738622
boxoffice@barrymemo.co.uk
www.memoartscentre.co.uk
WIN!
A Family Ticket * (to the performance of
the winner’s choice) to Disney On Ice!
at Motorpoint Arena Cardiff
5th - 9th April 2017
Grab your Mickey ears and get ready
for Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years
of Magic skating into Motorpoint
Arena Cardiff. Be charmed by over
50 unforgettable Disney characters,
with Mouse-ter of Ceremonies
Mickey Mouse, the irresistible
Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy
and many Disney Princesses. Relive
the magic of Disney’s Frozen with Anna, Elsa and Olaf. Sing-along
to over 30 songs during Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story, Finding Nemo,
Disney’s The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and more.
Plus, learn the Mouse Bounce dance at the Fit to Dance pre-show.
It’s the ultimate Disney experience that will leave your family
with memories to last a lifetime. *Family ticket is 4 tickets.
Box Office: 029 2022 4488 motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk
WIN!
A Family Ticket to see Alice in
Wonderland at the Royal
Welsh College of Music & Drama
Saturday 4 March 2017 at 5.30pm
The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama are giving away
4 tickets to Immerson Theatre’s production of Alice in
Wonderland on Saturday 4 March 2017 at 5.30pm.
Join Alice and her flamboyant friends for this larger-than-life
musical adventure for
children aged 4+ and their
families. With tummy-tickling
laughs at every corner,
don’t be late for this very
important date! Call the
Royal Welsh College on
029 2039 1391 or book online
www.rwcmd.ac.uk
24
Primary Times FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2017 | www.primarytimes.net/cardiff

Eggs-perience Easter at
JRC Global Buffet...
An incredible dining experience with live cooking
stations, over 200 dishes from around the world,
and you can enjoy as much as you like for one price!
This is five star dining for a price you can afford!
PLUS KIDS EAT FREE ALL YEAR ROUND * !
Book your table now at www.jrc-globalbuffet.com
and check out our latest offers and events!
JRCGlobalBuffet
JRC_Buffet
Review us on TripAdvisor
*See website for T&Cs.
www.primarytimes.net/cardiff | FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2017 Primary Times 25

PINBOARD
Pinboard
Creating Thrills And Skills For Life
The Pauline Quirke Academy is a weekend performing arts school for 4-18 year olds - and
due to popular demand PQA Cardiff is opening a new afternoon Academy on Saturday
11th March. Students spend three hours with us, rotating through hour long sessions in
Comedy & Drama, Musical Theatre and Film & Television. Our specialist modules, packed
full of tips that Pauline has learnt from nearly 50 years in the business, will teach you
everything you need to know to act, sing, dance or direct like a professional. By working
with people we believe are outstanding in their field, we aim to provide our students
with a constantly evolving experience- something that is fresh, exciting and bang upto-date.
PQA believe in inspiring and rewarding our students, so we offer free group Trinity
exams, masterclasses, cinema screenings, the chance to join our exclusive agency -
Quirky Kidz and the opportunity to perform in London’s West End.
PQA Cardiff is holding a free open day on Saturday 11th March from 1.45 – 5pm at Ysgol
Treganna, Sanatorium Road, Cardiff, CF11 8DG. For more information please visit
www.pqacademy.com or call 0800 531 6282.
Cathedral School Trumpets Opening
Of The Memorial Hall In Llandaff
Following a £2.2m investment by the
Cathedral School, the Memorial Hall in
Llandaff was officially opened in January
by the Most Revd Dr Barry Morgan,
Archbishop of Wales.
The original building has been replaced
with a multipurpose hall which will be
used by the School’s Primary phase as
a dining space, gymnasium and performance/assembly hall. Outside of school hours,
it will be available to the local community for clubs, meetings, groups and special
events, on a not for profit basis.
The capacity in the main hall is 150 seats, theatre style.
Bookings will be managed by the Cathedral School Finance Office on 029 2056 3179.
February Half-
Term with the
National Trust
Step into spring with the National
Trust this February half-term and see
what their special places near you
have to offer.
Tredegar House, Newport
Make a fresh start to the year and get the whole family closer to nature with
daily activities throughout the February half-term. Look out for spotter trails,
tick off some of the National Trust’s ’50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ and get
bird box making between Monday 20 and Friday 24. There will also be a chance
for families to make their mark on the 500-year-old mansion house as part of the
Lifting the Lid conservation project . Tredegar House will also be kicking off the
new season on Saturday 18 February with a free-entry open day!
Visit the website for more information:
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tredegarhouse.
Dyffryn Gardens, Cardiff
Snowdrops are blossoming and birdsong is ringing through the trees of the
arboretum at Dyffryn Gardens. February half-term is the perfect time to blow
away the winter cobwebs and discover the first signs of spring through the 55
acres of magnificent gardens. With the National Trust’s ‘50 things to do before
you’re 11¾’ activities list to tick off and a game of I Spy to be had in the grand
Dyffryn House, there will plenty of family fun to be had.
Find out more about Dyffryn Gardens via the website:
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dyffryngardens
“A happy child is a
motivated child”
St Clare’s is a non-selective independent day
school for boys and girls aged 2 ½ - 18 years.
Established in 1938, the school stands in its own
magnificent grounds, in the picturesque village
of Newton, on the outskirts of Porthcawl. We’d love to show you around our beautiful
grounds and introduce you to our excellent teaching staff. Our next Open Morning is on
Friday 10th February. To book a place or for an informal chat, please ring our Registrar,
Holly Fowlkes on (01656) 789966 or visit our website www.stclares-school.co.uk
Like St Clare’s School, Porthcawl Follow @StClares_School
Save the date and put your thinking caps
on – Wear A Hat Day is coming again!
What is Wear A Hat Day?
Wear A Hat Day is the UK’s premier brain tumour research fundraising event. Taking
place on Friday 31st March 2017, which is the last day of Brain Tumour Awareness
Month, schools and families across the country get involved to help raise funds for
research into this devastating disease.
Why get involved?
BBC
Also known as the Doctor Who house band,
BBC National Orchestra of Wales brings to life
the extra-terrestrial, exploring the weird and
wonderful corners of the retro TV schedule in Geek
Musique, conducted by Edwin Outwater. Robert
Llewellyn a.k.a Kryten from Red Dwarf presents
two concerts at St David’s Hall on 25 March -
Sounds of Sci-Fi [3.30pm] and Cult TV Classics
[9pm]. In the afternoon, BBC NOW journey through
music from ten sci-fi favourites including Star
Wars, E.T. and Back to the Future, whilst vintage
synth sounds will fill the hall in a Doctor Who medley, alongside music from US detective
classics such as Diagnosis Murder and Murder She Wrote in Cult TV Classics.
BBC National Orchestra of Wales performs Geek Musique: Sounds of Sci-Fi [3.30pm]
and Geek Musique: Cult TV Classics [9pm] on the 25 March at St David’s Hall.
Tickets: £15-37. For further information and to book visit bbc.co.uk/now or call the
BBC NOW Audience Line on 0800 052 1812.
Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other
cancer… yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated
to this devastating disease. No parent should lose a child and no child should lose a
parent prematurely. Brain Tumour Research is the only national charity that invests in
sustainable long-term research at UK Centres of Excellence.
Wear A Hat Day is a great way to show support and raise money for this research.
Children and adults take part in days of hat-filled fundraising events. School children
maximise their fundraising by selling exclusive hat-shaped pin badges – with new
designs from the charity created each year, they have become collector’s items among
the youngsters!
Register now at
www.wearahatday.org
and start planning your
event. Your fundraising pack
will arrive in plenty of time
for your Wear A Hat Day.
Event ideas and fundraising
top tips can be found on the
website. All in all it is simply
too #HATTASTIC to miss!
26
Primary Times FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2017 | www.primarytimes.net/cardiff

www.primarytimes.net/cardiff | FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2017 Primary Times 27

Outstanding School for
Boys and Girls ages 3-18
Take your next step
at the Cathedral School
“Excellent” - Estyn Inspection
Primary Open Morning (Nursery-Year 6)
Tuesday 9th May 2017, 9.30-11.00am
All warmly welcome
Seniors Juniors Infants Nursery
029 2083 8504
registrar@cathedral-school.co.uk
www.cathedral-school.co.uk
EducationInvestor
Awards 2016
28
Primary Times FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2017 | www.primarytimes.net/cardiff

Cardiff Steiner School
learning to love learning
Thinking about School options?...
Rethink what’s possible for your child
Come and find out about our inspiring, joyful and creative
education for age 3 to 16. The international Steiner curriculum
draws on a 90-year-old www.cardiffsteiner.org.uk
teaching tradition - integrating arts and
academics into a rich, balanced education that ignites a passion for
learning.
Independent, non-selective school for girls & boys age 3 to 16
(029) 2056 7986 www.cardiffsteiner.org.uk
Hawthorn Rd West, Llandaff North, Cardiff CF14 2FL
Visit
Mornings
Weds 15 Feb
& 15 Mar
● St. Clare’s is a “Value Added” school
Over the journey from Nursery to Sixth Form, our pupils achieve a
combined VA equivalent to over a whole grade e.g. a pupil who
should get CCC gets BBB, or BBA gets AAA etc.
● Full-time Qualified Teachers in our Nursery
Small class sizes. Graded “Excellent” by Estyn. Early Years Education
Grant. Childcare Vouchers. Competitive rates.
● By end of Year 6, pupils are 6 months ahead
Compared to the national average.
● 29% A*/A grades at GCSE
Double the national average! We follow the English curriculum for
GCSEs with possibility of a grade 9 (equal to A** ).
● 100% pass rate at A-Level
38% A*/A grades at A-Level – the most A*s ever. 100% of pupils
went to their first choice university, including Oxford!
Visit our website now
www.stclares-school.co.uk
www.primarytimes.net/cardiff | FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2017 Primary Times 29

march 2017
Raise some dough for your
local heart charity
For your free fundraising pack to hold your
own afternoon tea, bake sale or coffee
morning, please register online at
welshhearts.org/teaparty
Contact fundraising@welshhearts.org
or 029 2240 2670
Count
yourselfin
We’re looking for foster
carers from all walks of life
“We foster children from
different cultures.”
“Rydyn ni’n maethu plant o
ddiwylliannau gwahanol.”
Mwynhau
Maethu
Rydyn ni’n chwilio am ofalwyr
maeth o bob cefndir
029 2087 3797
www.fostercarecardiff.co.uk
www.gofalmaethcaerdydd.co.uk
30
Primary Times FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2017 | www.primarytimes.net/cardiff

Wyt ti’n gwybod fod hawliau gan blant
a phobl ifanc Cymru?
www.hawliauplant.cymru
Do you know children and young people
in Wales have rights?
www.childrensrights.wales
WG30583
30583_Primary_Times_Advert_184x273mm.indd 1 12/12/2016 10:33
NO PROOFS REQUIRED
Welsh Government
ISO-15930 PDF/X-1a:2001
3 CertifiedPDF®for digital print
1
www.primarytimes.net/cardiff | WINTER 2016 Primary Times 31

1 GREAT FAMILY DAY OUT, 4 WELSH REGIONS, 2 AMAZING GAMES OF
RUGBY AND A FANTASTIC ATMOSPHERE AT PRINCIPALITY STADIUM
BLUES V OSPREYS
KO:14.45
DRAGONS V SCARLETS
KO:17.15
PRINCIPALITY STADIUM
SAT 15 APRIL 2017
TICKETS ONLY £10
WRU.WALES/TICKETS