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42,000 COPIES FOR FAMILIES OF<br />
PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN<br />
<strong>Staffordshire</strong> &<br />
S<strong>to</strong>ke-on-Trent<br />
BACK TO SCHOOL <strong>2017</strong><br />
6 SEPT – 8 OCT <strong>2017</strong>
DOWNLOAD THE MYSTAFFS APP FOR FREE<br />
We know you’re busy – doing the school run whilst balancing two book bags,<br />
a school jumper and a cardboard box castle in one hand and at the same time<br />
thinking about what’s for dinner and how you’re going <strong>to</strong> juggle the childcare<br />
next week. <strong>Staffordshire</strong>. County Council want <strong>to</strong> make your life that little bit<br />
easier with their My Staffs App.<br />
My Staffs App will save you time and help you stay organised by giving you<br />
access <strong>to</strong> council services on your smartphone or tablet. You can check term<br />
dates, the school menu, renew library books, pay your council tax and more,<br />
all in one place. Download the My Staffs App for FREE <strong>to</strong>day from the Google<br />
Play and iOS App S<strong>to</strong>re
Dear Reader<br />
Welcome back <strong>to</strong> the new school year, and a particularly<br />
warm welcome <strong>to</strong> everyone who is reading <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong><br />
for the first time. We hope you all had a wonderful summer<br />
break and were able <strong>to</strong> recharge your batteries ready for<br />
the adventures that await us in the coming months.<br />
The <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong> team are delighted <strong>to</strong> bring you the back <strong>to</strong><br />
school issue, packed with lots of fun ideas and exciting things<br />
<strong>to</strong> do with your children – see our What’s On Where guide and<br />
Box Office pages for more information.<br />
Our competitions are on page 13, win family tickets <strong>to</strong> see<br />
Treasure Island, a craft course at Eco Centre, and the chance <strong>to</strong><br />
win a £250 Toys R Us voucher. Plus on page 15 you will find details<br />
of our annual <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong> creative competition <strong>to</strong> design our<br />
Christmas card! Good luck <strong>to</strong> all who enter.<br />
Don’t forget that if you have an event coming up in your<br />
school or if you have news <strong>to</strong> celebrate, write <strong>to</strong> us at<br />
marion@schoolspublishing.co.uk and we will try <strong>to</strong> include<br />
it in our Oc<strong>to</strong>ber issue.<br />
Marion, Carolyn,<br />
Niki and Catherine<br />
It is a great honour but it’s also a great responsibility. It feels slightly<br />
unreal <strong>to</strong>o, partly because my career began almost 20 years ago,<br />
exactly the time Quentin Blake was the first Children’s Laureate.<br />
Quentin was a huge influence my becoming an illustra<strong>to</strong>r. I<br />
loved his illustrations really before I knew who he was as a person.<br />
There was the Grimble and the illustrations from Betsy Byers 18th<br />
Emergency, my favourite book as a child. And I remember watching<br />
him Contents<br />
television back in the days when the BBC had a programme<br />
called Jackanory. It was so wonderful <strong>to</strong> see live drawing as the s<strong>to</strong>ry<br />
was <strong>to</strong>ld, and in fact Quentin Blake was the first illustra<strong>to</strong>r I realised<br />
was an actual real person. It was so different in those days. You didn’t<br />
have the same chance <strong>to</strong> meet authors and illustra<strong>to</strong>rs as you do now.<br />
6<br />
What do you plan <strong>to</strong> do as Laureate?<br />
I’m interested in championing children’s creativity and I want <strong>to</strong><br />
encourage children <strong>to</strong> spend a little of their time looking, listening<br />
and making things because they’re driven <strong>to</strong> create. I’ll be starting a<br />
blog soon called ‘Staring In<strong>to</strong> Space’ where I’m going <strong>to</strong> hopefully help<br />
inspire that.<br />
I also want <strong>to</strong> champion reading and drawing for pleasure and <strong>to</strong><br />
elevate children’s book illustration <strong>to</strong> the level of other art forms. I<br />
think illustration is seen as something less than fine art, and writing<br />
for children as slightly less than writing for adults. I think we can<br />
be a little bit patronising about it. That’s a shame, because we know<br />
that literature is life-changing for children and the first art we really<br />
get up close <strong>to</strong> is in books. That’s where we begin with reading and<br />
s<strong>to</strong>rytelling. We do children a disservice if we can’t see and celebrate<br />
its power.<br />
I also want <strong>to</strong> talk about diversity, as inclusivity is really important <strong>to</strong><br />
me. There 10aren’t enough books written by and about people of all<br />
kinds of backgrounds and culture. It’s important because if as a child<br />
you don’t see yourself on the front cover of a book then how do you<br />
feel part of society?<br />
Which books, authors and illustra<strong>to</strong>rs are your<br />
main inspirations?<br />
I have so many. When I was a child I loved The Secret Garden by<br />
Frances Hodgson Burnett. I remember reading it when I was about<br />
14<br />
inside this issue<br />
could be yourself like Pippi Longs<br />
No. I was terrible at being myself. I was very self<br />
worried about what people were thinking - am I<br />
thing, am I saying the right thing? All of my charac<br />
now are at least moving in the direction of being<br />
How important do you think it is f<br />
<strong>to</strong> daydream and stare out of the<br />
I think it’s vital. You can’t come up with anything<br />
amount of boredom, because boredom is the be<br />
invention. Solving problems and letting your mind<br />
the edges of something. It’s how you get <strong>to</strong> an in<br />
become creative. When I get really stuck in my o<br />
out and look around at things. I go <strong>to</strong> the cinema<br />
4 What’s On Where<br />
put on the radio, I tune in<strong>to</strong> people’s conversatio<br />
amazing things. And when I hear or see somethin<br />
write it down. You end up with notebooks full of<br />
6 Did You Know?<br />
What are you working on now?<br />
10 Classics For Kids<br />
12 Box Office<br />
13 Competitions<br />
I’m writing a chapter book for younger readers,<br />
nine-year-olds. It’s very, very illustrated because I<br />
so much when I was writing my Ruby Redfort se<br />
drawings. My new Charlie and Lola book A Dog W<br />
coming out in the Autumn. It was inspired by loo<br />
in the park near our home with my daughter and<br />
kind of dog we would like <strong>to</strong> have.<br />
14 Interview With<br />
Lauren Child<br />
Do you have any advice for childr<br />
starting <strong>to</strong> write?<br />
My advice would be <strong>to</strong> write what you enjoy. You<br />
about something that interests you. It might be s<br />
that you see out of the window or something th<br />
or about your family. You’ve got <strong>to</strong> enjoy what yo<br />
won’t be able <strong>to</strong> carry on. You’ve got <strong>to</strong> let thing<br />
and watch how people talk and interact. Dig dee<br />
15 Design Our<br />
Christmas Card<br />
CONTENTS<br />
memory and try and tap in<strong>to</strong> how things feel.<br />
Lauren Child’s latest<br />
book in the Charlie<br />
and Lola series, ‘A<br />
Dog With Nice Ears’,<br />
is published CALLING ALL by<br />
Orchard<br />
FAMILIES<br />
Books<br />
AND<br />
on 28<br />
TEACHERS!<br />
September and will<br />
Remember <strong>to</strong> send in your news<br />
for be our news available pages – we from would<br />
high love <strong>to</strong> street hear from books<strong>to</strong>res<br />
you!<br />
Don’t and forget online <strong>to</strong> visit at us online a<br />
at www.primarytimes.net recommended priced / of £12.99.<br />
staffordshire<br />
THE PRIMARY TIMES TEAM<br />
Edi<strong>to</strong>r:<br />
Marion McAdam<br />
marion@schoolspublishing.co.uk<br />
Sales:<br />
Carolyn Wright<br />
ptstaffs@schoolspublishing.co.uk<br />
Tel: 01491 411848<br />
Production:<br />
Niki Ince-Green<br />
productionpt@schoolspublishing.co.uk<br />
Design:<br />
Catherine Crook<br />
<strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong> in <strong>Staffordshire</strong>,<br />
<strong>School</strong>s Publishing Limited<br />
Unit 1A, Thamesview Industrial Estate<br />
New<strong>to</strong>wn Road<br />
Henley on Thames RG9 1HG<br />
TEL: 01491 411848 FAX: 01491 411416<br />
www.primarytimes.net/staffordshire<br />
...the UK’s biggest,<br />
free ‘what’s on’<br />
magazine for parents!<br />
<strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong> in <strong>Staffordshire</strong><br />
distributes more than 42,000<br />
copies seven times a year, and<br />
is part of a national network<br />
distributing more than 2.7<br />
million copies in 59 regions<br />
across the UK and Ireland.<br />
<strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong> is independently published and distributed free through national primary schools in <strong>Staffordshire</strong>.<br />
It aims <strong>to</strong> inform families and children about current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses, attractions<br />
and <strong>to</strong> give teachers, pupils and parents the opportunity <strong>to</strong> participate in the magazine by adding <strong>to</strong> its contents<br />
or by joining in the competitions. It is NOT our intention <strong>to</strong> publish any racist, sexist or politically based material<br />
whatsoever. We also undertake not <strong>to</strong> carry any advertising which we would consider <strong>to</strong> be offensive <strong>to</strong> young<br />
families or harmful <strong>to</strong> the best interests of young children. <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong> would like <strong>to</strong> thank all the schools in<br />
<strong>Staffordshire</strong> for their assistance in distributing the magazine and for their contributions <strong>to</strong> its contents. We would<br />
also like <strong>to</strong> thank all the advertisers who have supported this publication and therefore made it possible. Please<br />
support their endeavours when and where you can. The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising<br />
artwork produced by our studio remains with <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong> or with the relevant contribu<strong>to</strong>r. <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong> is<br />
currently publishing over two million copies per issue under franchise licences throughout Britain.<br />
www.primarytimes.net/staffordshire | BACK TO SCHOOL <strong>2017</strong> <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong> 3
WHAT’S ON WHERE<br />
We check listings carefully but details and prices may be subject <strong>to</strong> change. Please always check with the venue.<br />
Ongoing – 30 Sept<br />
Play & Display - Paper and<br />
Card Toys Exhibition<br />
Museum Of Cannock Chase WS12 1TD<br />
www.museumofcannockchase.org<br />
11:00am-5:00pm Relive childhood memories with<br />
this charming exhibition of paper and card <strong>to</strong>ys.<br />
Examples on display include paper dolls, model<br />
theatres, puppets, panoramas and cut-out books.<br />
They date from the 1880s <strong>to</strong> the 1960s and reveal<br />
how they have been endlessly updated <strong>to</strong> meet<br />
changing fashion. T: 01543 877666<br />
5 Sept – 14 Oct<br />
Up Close and Personal<br />
Exhibition FREE ENTRY<br />
Ancient High House ST16 2JA<br />
www.staffordbc.gov.uk<br />
10:00am-4:00pm A joint exhibition featuring<br />
animals in two very different art styles. Julia’s<br />
artwork focuses on animal portraits with the<br />
attention being on the eyes of a subject and<br />
capturing personality. Egle is an illustra<strong>to</strong>r<br />
and creates her images using pencil, pen, inks,<br />
watercolour and also includes the use of digital<br />
pencils and brushes. T: 01785 619131<br />
6 Sept<br />
Wildlings Wednesday<br />
FREE EVENT<br />
Bean Covert DE14 3HU<br />
www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk<br />
10:30am-12:00noon Give your children a chance <strong>to</strong><br />
experience fire, get mucky and play independently<br />
in the outdoor classroom. Parents/carers must<br />
attend with child, but we’ll be encouraging parents<br />
<strong>to</strong> take a step back and observe their kids ‘in the<br />
wild’. Activities mostly appropriate for children<br />
aged under 5. Also 13th/20th September.<br />
T: 01889 880100<br />
7 Sept<br />
Community Events Local Day<br />
Out Chell FREE EVENT<br />
Monks Neil Park Deakin Road, ST6 6HT<br />
www.s<strong>to</strong>ke.gov.uk<br />
12:00noon-3:00pm Fun activities including<br />
kayaking, climbing, large inflatables, Zorb balls,<br />
games, face painting and crafts. T: 01433 631757<br />
7 – 8 Sept<br />
Heritage Open Day - Lord<br />
Mayor’s Parlour FREE ENTRY<br />
Lord Mayor’s Parlour ST4 1HH<br />
www.s<strong>to</strong>ke.gov.uk<br />
See behind the scenes. Take part in a treasure hunt<br />
and have your pho<strong>to</strong> taken in the Lord Mayor’s chair<br />
and hat. Booking essential T: 01782 232625<br />
7 – 10 Sept<br />
Heritage Open Day<br />
World Of Wedgewood ST12 9ER<br />
www.heritageopendays.org.uk<br />
10:00am-5:00pm See artisan craftsmen at work.<br />
Try your hand at the potter’s wheel and create<br />
your own work of art <strong>to</strong> take home.<br />
T: 01782 282986<br />
8 Sept<br />
Glittering Museum Treasures<br />
by Torchlight - FREE ENTRY<br />
The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery ST1<br />
3DW www.s<strong>to</strong>ke.gov.uk<br />
6:00pm or 7:15pm After hours <strong>to</strong>ur of significant<br />
treasure pieces including items from the<br />
<strong>Staffordshire</strong> Hoard. Booking essential<br />
T: 01782 232323<br />
Wildlings Friday<br />
The Wolseley Centre Stafford ST17 0WT<br />
www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk<br />
10:30am-12:00noon Give your children a<br />
chance <strong>to</strong> experience fire, get mucky and play<br />
independently in the outdoor classroom. Parents/<br />
carers must attend with child, but we’ll be<br />
encouraging parents <strong>to</strong> take a step back and<br />
observe their kids ‘in the wild’. Activities mostly<br />
appropriate for children aged under 5. Child £5<br />
and £2 for additional siblings. Also 15th/22nd<br />
September. T: 01889 880106<br />
9 Sept<br />
Heritage Open Day - BBC<br />
Radio S<strong>to</strong>ke FREE ENTRY<br />
BBC Radio S<strong>to</strong>ke ST1 1JJ<br />
bbc.co.uk/radios<strong>to</strong>ke<br />
10:00am-2:00pm See what happens around<br />
the scenes with a <strong>to</strong>ur around the studios.<br />
Booking essential T: 01782 208080<br />
Heritage Open Day - Visit<br />
His<strong>to</strong>ric Canal boat Keppel<br />
FREE ENTRY<br />
Etruria Industrial Museum ST4 7AF<br />
www.etruriamuseum.org.uk<br />
11:00am-3:30pm Have a go at traditional canal<br />
crafts, see how the people who worked on the<br />
canal boats lived. T: 07900 267711<br />
Heritage Open Day<br />
Glads<strong>to</strong>ne Pottery Museum ST3 1PQ<br />
www.s<strong>to</strong>kemuseums.org.uk<br />
10:00am-5:00pm Try your hand at throwing a<br />
pot, making a bone china flower or painting a<br />
piece of pottery. Free entry, small charges for<br />
some activities. T: 01782 237777<br />
Heritage Open Day<br />
The Locksmith’s House<br />
WV13 2DA www.bclm.co.uk<br />
Heritage Open Day -<br />
Fountains Of Family Fun<br />
FREE ENTRY<br />
Hanley Park Hammersley Fountain ST1 4DX<br />
www.s<strong>to</strong>ke.gov.uk<br />
10:00am-12:00noon Make a splash the Vic<strong>to</strong>rian<br />
way! Craft your own fountain using principles of<br />
gravity, pressure, and plenty of water! Dress for<br />
mess. T: 07787 005946<br />
Heritage Open Day -<br />
Behind The Scenes<br />
Hanley Town Hall ST1 1XP www.s<strong>to</strong>ke.gov.uk<br />
10:00am-4:00pm View the old courtroom and look<br />
in the cells in the basement. Booking essential. T:<br />
01782 232042<br />
Festival Of Imagination -<br />
S<strong>to</strong>rywalk FREE ENTRY<br />
Stafford Castle ST16 1DJ<br />
www.staffordbc.gov.uk<br />
11:30am-1:00pm Join Sarah Rundle, famed for her<br />
humorous and irreverent tales, for a family ‘s<strong>to</strong>ry<br />
walk’ around the grounds and Keep. Part of the<br />
first Stafford S<strong>to</strong>rytelling Festival programme.<br />
Supported by Stafford Gatehouse Theatre.<br />
T: 01785 619619<br />
The Wherever People<br />
FREE EVENT<br />
Tamworth Library B79 7DN<br />
www.staffordshire.gov.uk<br />
11:00am or 2:00pm Two sisters, as close and as<br />
quarrelsome as all sisters are, travel the world<br />
in their magical miniature Romany wagon,<br />
on a quest <strong>to</strong> collect and share all the s<strong>to</strong>ries<br />
in existence. Become immersed in traditional<br />
Syrian, Scottish, Ghanaian, Australian and Native<br />
American folktales and migration s<strong>to</strong>ries; of<br />
shipwrecks and mermaids, knights and monsters,<br />
terrible captures and amazing escapes, stinky<br />
wizards and daft young boys, happy love and lost<br />
love, adventures and dangers, and beating the<br />
meanies. A fabulous, fun, interactive s<strong>to</strong>rytelling<br />
show and play session for younger children.<br />
Suitable for ages under 12. T: 01827 475645<br />
Heritage Open Day<br />
The Locksmith’s House<br />
WV13 2DA www.bclm.co.uk<br />
10:00am-5:00pm Step back in<strong>to</strong> the past with<br />
the Hodson family of lock makers who left the<br />
house exactly as it would have been in the late<br />
19th century. See demonstrations in the gas lit<br />
rooms, hear the clatter of belt driven machinery in<br />
the workshop and find out more about the trade<br />
that made Willenhall famous. See an impressive<br />
collection of handmade locks that have exhibited<br />
everywhere from the Far East <strong>to</strong> the Grand<br />
Exhibition. Booking essential T: 0121 557 9643<br />
UK Kids Fun Triathlon<br />
Trentham Gardens ST4 8JG uktriathlon.co.uk<br />
12:00noon-3:00pm Distances <strong>to</strong> suit all abilities.<br />
Suitable for ages 7-16. Entry £24. Registration<br />
essential. T: 01270 842800<br />
Library Mouse FREE EVENT<br />
Tunstall Library ST6 6DB www.s<strong>to</strong>ke.gov.uk<br />
11:00am-12:00noon Sam is a library mouse. Follow<br />
his adventure in this s<strong>to</strong>ry session and have fun<br />
with mouse-themed crafts. Suitable for ages 5-11.<br />
T: 01782 238471<br />
9 – 10 Sept<br />
Heritage Open Day FREE ENTRY<br />
Etruria Industrial Museum ST4 7AF<br />
www.etruriamuseum.org.uk<br />
10:30am-4:30pm Vintage Stationary Engine Rally<br />
(9th) Classic Cars and Commercial Vehicles (10th).<br />
Bone and Flint Mill in steam 12:30pm-4:30pm. Get<br />
creative with clay and art in the canal warehouse.<br />
Guided <strong>to</strong>urs of the mill from 12:00noon. Adults £6,<br />
under 16’s free. T: 07900 267711<br />
Heritage Open Day<br />
Middleport Pottery ST6 3PE<br />
www.heritageopendays.org.uk<br />
10:00am-4:00pm Enjoy free access <strong>to</strong> the Vic<strong>to</strong>rian<br />
offices, bottle oven, mould s<strong>to</strong>re and see the<br />
original steam engine in operation. Drop in play<br />
with clay activities. £2 each. Guided <strong>to</strong>urs available<br />
£5 per person. Booking essential T: 01782 499766<br />
Spudfest<br />
National Forest Adventure Farm DE13 9SJ<br />
www.adventurefarm.co.uk<br />
10:00am-6:00pm Take the Spud Shuttle<br />
trac<strong>to</strong>r and trailer ride <strong>to</strong> the pota<strong>to</strong> plot and<br />
dig up your own pota<strong>to</strong>es for FREE! Normal<br />
admission charges apply. T: 01283 533933<br />
10 Sept<br />
Heritage Open Day<br />
Ford Green Hall ST6 1NG<br />
www.heritageopendays.org.uk<br />
11:00am-3:30pm This timber framed farmhouse<br />
offers visi<strong>to</strong>rs a fascinating insight in<strong>to</strong> life in the<br />
17th century. Learn about everyday life from a<br />
costumed member of staff. Children’s craft activity<br />
and trail. T: 01782 537696<br />
Lichfield 10K and Family<br />
Fun Run King Edward VI Leisure Centre<br />
WS14 9DE www.lichfield10k.co.uk<br />
10:30am Organised by Lichfield Running Club<br />
promoting a more active lifestyle and raising<br />
funds for many local causes. For the 10k race,<br />
entrants must be 15 years of age or over on<br />
race day. No age limits in the fun run but<br />
children under 9 must be accompanied by an<br />
adult. 10k race – unaffiliated £17, affiliated<br />
£15, Family Fun Run £3.50. To register<br />
T: 01543 433015<br />
Heritage Open Day - Hands on<br />
Arms and Armour FREE ENTRY<br />
Stafford Castle ST16 1DJ<br />
www.staffordbc.gov.uk<br />
11:00am-4:00pm Try on armour and costumes<br />
from the medieval period. With guided <strong>to</strong>urs of<br />
Stafford Castle’s Keep. T: 01785 257698<br />
A Fairytale Afternoon Tea<br />
The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery ST1 3DW<br />
www.s<strong>to</strong>ke.gov.uk<br />
12:00noon Enjoy a delicious homemade Afternoon<br />
Tea in the company of fairy-tale princesses<br />
including Snow White and Cinderella. Visi<strong>to</strong>rs can<br />
meet and greet the princesses, ask questions and<br />
even serve them a cup of tea. Children are invited<br />
<strong>to</strong> come along in their favourite glamorous dress <strong>to</strong><br />
4<br />
<strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong> BACK TO SCHOOL <strong>2017</strong> | www.primarytimes.net/staffordshire
Academic & Musical Excellence for 3 <strong>to</strong> 18 year olds<br />
Pre-<strong>School</strong> & Juniors<br />
Welcome Wednesdays<br />
9.00am <strong>to</strong> 11.00am<br />
See the Junior <strong>School</strong> on<br />
a normal day and meet our<br />
wonderful teachers and pupils<br />
20 September<br />
11 Oc<strong>to</strong>ber<br />
8 November<br />
22 November<br />
17 January<br />
14 February<br />
14 March<br />
Admissions: 01543 306168<br />
lichfieldcathedralschool.com<br />
Green Gables, Longdon WS15 4PT | The Palace, The Close, Lichfield WS13 7LH<br />
Toddler Rhyme Time<br />
Tuesdays 9.30am <strong>to</strong> 10.30am<br />
Free weekly music group for 1-4 year olds<br />
Call now <strong>to</strong> book your place<br />
Learn how <strong>to</strong> sing choral music in Lichfield Cathedral<br />
Vocal training • Lunch provided • Sing in Eucharist service<br />
01543 306168<br />
<strong>to</strong> book your<br />
free place<br />
Free Singing Workshop<br />
Saturday 20 January, 9.30am <strong>to</strong> 3.00pm<br />
Open <strong>to</strong> Boys aged 6 <strong>to</strong> 11 and Girls aged 9 <strong>to</strong> 13<br />
Lichfield Cathedral <strong>School</strong><br />
The Palace, The Close, Lichfield WS13 7LH<br />
lichfieldcathedralschool.com
Did you<br />
know?<br />
Useful information for parents<br />
FREE SINGING WORKSHOP<br />
On Saturday 20 January, boys aged 6-11 and girls aged 9-13 are invited <strong>to</strong><br />
a free Singing Workshop (9.30am-3.00pm) at Lichfield Cathedral <strong>School</strong>.<br />
The children will learn how <strong>to</strong> sing choral music and experience what it is<br />
like <strong>to</strong> be a chorister when they sing during the Eucharist service that day.<br />
Expert tuition by professional vocal tu<strong>to</strong>rs, lunch and all music is provided<br />
free. This is a unique, relaxed, informal and rewarding day of singing with<br />
children of a similar age and ability. No experience is necessary, just a<br />
willingness <strong>to</strong> give it a go!<br />
Be a chorister <strong>to</strong> dramatically reduce independent school fees<br />
Did you know that boy and girl choristers get large scholarships <strong>to</strong> help<br />
<strong>to</strong>wards school fees? On <strong>to</strong>p of this, parents can apply for bursaries and<br />
other financial support, such as from the Choir <strong>School</strong>s Association. This<br />
way, children who are interested in and enjoy singing can benefit from an<br />
independent school education, without the associated costs.<br />
To book your free place on the Singing Workshop, call the Admissions team<br />
on 01543 306168 or email admissions@lichfieldcathedralschool.com<br />
for a booking form.<br />
SPUDFEST AT THE NATIONAL<br />
FOREST ADVENTURE FARM<br />
Every weekend in September, plus Sunday 1st Oc<strong>to</strong>ber, you can get<br />
your hands dirty at the Adventure Farm. During Spudfest you can take<br />
the Spud Shuttle trac<strong>to</strong>r and trailer ride <strong>to</strong> the Pota<strong>to</strong> Plot. There you’ll<br />
be given a fork <strong>to</strong> dig up your own pota<strong>to</strong>es <strong>to</strong> take home for FREE!*<br />
www.adventurefarm.co.uk *1 bag per paying child or child member<br />
BEAUDESERT ACTIVITY CENTRE<br />
Beaudesert Activity Centre is run and managed by the Beaudesert Trust,<br />
which was founded <strong>to</strong> manage lands gifted for use by scouts, guides and<br />
other youth organisations. Beaudesert offer a range of exciting and safe day<br />
visits, overnight camping, residential experiences, holiday activity days and<br />
children’s parties. They provide fun and adventurous activities <strong>to</strong> promote<br />
learning and development of young people, catering for a vast array of<br />
groups including schools, scouts, guides, youth groups, colleges, Prince’s<br />
Trust, family & friends and many more….. Coming soon is the September<br />
Sleepover, perfect for the new term teambuilding, and in Oc<strong>to</strong>ber they are<br />
offering their first Wilderness weekend. Visit www.beaudesert.org<br />
STUDIO 5 IS A FAMILY-RUN STAGE SCHOOL<br />
Studio 5 is a family-run stage school offering classes and private tuition<br />
<strong>to</strong> pupils from 2 ½ through <strong>to</strong> adults. Ballet tuition, modern dance and<br />
tap lessons. They are based in Rugeley, <strong>Staffordshire</strong>.<br />
Studio 5 builds upon 32 years experience in dance tuition, and they pride<br />
ourselves on small class sizes and a friendly atmosphere.<br />
Their national reputation as a leading stage school is still growing thanks<br />
<strong>to</strong> many performances throughout the Midlands and the rest of the UK.<br />
The pupils of Studio 5 have many opportunities throughout the year <strong>to</strong><br />
demonstrate their talents and perform for a live audience. They stage their<br />
own annual show featuring all pupils, which is always a special event and a<br />
great chance for friends and family <strong>to</strong> see how pupils are progressing.<br />
IT DOESN’T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS!<br />
Derby Grammar <strong>School</strong> pupils Elliot Butterworth and Arvin<br />
Suddhi are celebrating after achieving six A* grades and three<br />
grade 9s each in their GCSE examinations.<br />
Elliot said “All the nervous energy I’ve built up over the past few<br />
weeks has suddenly disappeared! Since Christmas I’ve spent most<br />
weekends revising, gradually building up as we got closer <strong>to</strong> the<br />
exam dates.”<br />
Arvin added: “I am speechless, I put in such a lot of work and extra<br />
hours studying, especially<br />
in English Literature, but the<br />
results are definitely worth it.”<br />
Acting Head, Lesley Reynolds,<br />
said: “Our pupils have achieved<br />
outstanding success in this<br />
year’s GCSEs. 72% of all passes<br />
are at A*, A or numerical<br />
equivalent, and 80% of science<br />
passes are at A* or A. Elliot and<br />
Arvin’s results in particular are<br />
truly inspiring and show what<br />
can be achieved with hard<br />
work and unfailing support<br />
from teachers.”<br />
HELEN O’GRADY IS A WORLD WIDE<br />
INTERNATIONAL DRAMA ACADEMY.<br />
Helen O’Grady pride themselves on their unique drama<br />
curriculum, which is proven <strong>to</strong> improve the confidence, self<br />
esteem and inter personal skill of their students. With 100%<br />
LAMDA pass rate for their exams, students don’t just learn<br />
and develop through drama, they have FUN meet new friends<br />
and are allowed <strong>to</strong> express themselves freely!<br />
September <strong>2017</strong> is the new academic year – term 1 begins!<br />
They are offering FREE trial lessons <strong>to</strong> all new students from<br />
5th September <strong>2017</strong><br />
So call Helen O’Grady now <strong>to</strong> BOOK YOUR PLACE AND<br />
BE A PART OF THE ACT!<br />
01889 802376 email staffs@helenogrady.co.uk<br />
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<strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong> BACK TO SCHOOL <strong>2017</strong> | www.primarytimes.net/staffordshire
STUDIO 5<br />
STAGE SCHOOL<br />
Tuition from 2 1 /2 yrs of age in:<br />
Ballet ● Tap ● Modern Jazz<br />
● Acrobatics<br />
● Adult Ballet ● Adult Tap<br />
NEW TOTS CLASSES WEDNESDAYS<br />
4.30-5PM/SATURDAYS 9.30-10AM<br />
Our students train <strong>to</strong>wards:<br />
Theatre productions ●<br />
Examinations ● Competitions<br />
For more information call Heather Peskett<br />
01889 584387<br />
Brewery Street, Rugeley, Staffs<br />
www.studio5stageschool<br />
OPEN<br />
MORNING<br />
SEPTEMBER 30,<br />
9.30AM – 12 NOON<br />
Visit Derbyshire’s leading<br />
independent day school for boys<br />
aged 7 <strong>to</strong> 18 and girls aged 16 <strong>to</strong> 18<br />
Book your place at<br />
derbygrammar.org<br />
www.primarytimes.net/staffordshire | BACK TO SCHOOL <strong>2017</strong> <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong> 7
WHAT’S ON WHERE<br />
impress the enchanted guests of honour. Bring a<br />
camera <strong>to</strong> capture a fairy-tale moment!<br />
T: 01782 232323<br />
12 Sept – 11 Nov<br />
Puppets from the Douglas<br />
Hayward Collection<br />
Ancient High House ST16 2JA<br />
www.staffordbc.gov.uk<br />
Douglas Hayward spent a lifetime making and<br />
collecting puppets and his collection is now in<br />
the care of the <strong>Staffordshire</strong> County Museum.<br />
This fun and interactive exhibition features the<br />
whole puppet family including marionettes and<br />
shadow, rod and glove puppets - and of course,<br />
there would be no show without Mr Punch!<br />
T: 01785 619131<br />
13 Sept<br />
Nature Tots<br />
The Wolseley Centre ST17 0WT<br />
www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk<br />
10:00am-12:00noon Fun nature themed<br />
activities for under 5s and their parents/carers.<br />
Each session has a different natural theme and<br />
includes crafts, outdoor exploration, s<strong>to</strong>ry-time<br />
and free play. Suitable for those aged 18<br />
months- 5. Cost £4.50. Also 27th September.<br />
T: 01889 880100<br />
14 Sept<br />
Wildlings Wednesday<br />
FREE EVENT<br />
Hem Heath World Of Wedgewood, S<strong>to</strong>ke-on-<br />
Trent, ST12 9ER www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk<br />
10:30am-12:00noon Give your children a chance<br />
<strong>to</strong> explore, get mucky and play independently in<br />
this beautiful woodland. Suitable for ages 5 and<br />
under. Also 28th September. Booking essential<br />
T: 07854 532400<br />
15 Sept<br />
Nature Tots<br />
Westport Lake Visi<strong>to</strong>r Centre ST6 4RZ<br />
www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk<br />
10:00am-12:00noon or 1:30pm-3:30pm Fun<br />
nature-themed activities for under 5s and their<br />
carers. Seasonal, child-led outdoor exploration,<br />
s<strong>to</strong>ry time, and free play. Child £4.50.<br />
T: 01782 826985<br />
16 Sept<br />
Paddle Boats<br />
Etruria Industrial Museum ST4 7AF<br />
www.s<strong>to</strong>ke.gov.uk<br />
10:30am-1:30pm The City Adventures project<br />
gives the people of S<strong>to</strong>ke-on-Trent access <strong>to</strong> a<br />
variety of paddle boats. Various prices from £10<br />
per person per hour. Book in advance <strong>to</strong> save<br />
money. T: 01782 233500 or T: 01782 233222<br />
Family Forest Fun<br />
Kedles<strong>to</strong>n Hall DE22 5JH<br />
www.nationaltrust.org.uk<br />
10:30am-12:00noon (ages5-8), 1:00pm-2:30pm<br />
(ages 9-12) Come along for a mix of craft, games,<br />
s<strong>to</strong>ries and woodland skills. Adult £1, Child<br />
£3, normal admission charges apply. Booking<br />
essential T: 01332 842191<br />
Wildlife Watch<br />
National Memorial Arboretum DE13 7AR<br />
www.thenma.org.uk<br />
10:30am-12:30pm Young explorers will be<br />
preparing for winter and discovering how<br />
hedgehogs get ready for the winter. Child<br />
£1.50. Booking essential T: 01283 245100<br />
Magic Festival<br />
Peak Shopping Village DE4 2JE<br />
www.peakshoppingvillage.com<br />
11:00am-4:00pm Close-up, street magic<br />
and children’s workshops. Reality of Magic<br />
Show 4:00pm featuring the trickery of Adam<br />
Evans, the brain-popping antics of The Head<br />
Hackers, the deep mystery of Sylvia Sceptre<br />
and the headline act (as seen on Britain’s Got<br />
Talent) Sir Leopold Aleksander, otherwise<br />
known as The Mighty Moustache!. Adults £6,<br />
Child £4. Booking essential T: 01629 735326<br />
Bookworms United<br />
Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum WS13<br />
6LG www.samueljohnsonbirthplace.org.uk<br />
10:30am-1:00pm Read, explore and enjoy<br />
popular titles in this book and activity club for<br />
7-10 year olds. A great way <strong>to</strong> develop skills and<br />
confidence and make new friends in an inspiring<br />
environment. £4 per session which includes<br />
books and refreshments. Also 30th September.<br />
T: 01543 264972<br />
16 – 17 Sept<br />
Spudfest National Forest Adventure<br />
Farm DE13 9SJ www.adventurefarm.co.uk<br />
10:00am-6:00pm Take the Spud Shuttle trac<strong>to</strong>r<br />
and trailer ride <strong>to</strong> the pota<strong>to</strong> plot and dig up your<br />
own pota<strong>to</strong>es for FREE! Normal admission charges<br />
apply. T: 01283 533933<br />
20 Sept<br />
Pre-<strong>School</strong> & Junior Open<br />
Mornings - Welcome<br />
Wednesdays<br />
Lichfield Cathedral <strong>School</strong> WS15 4PT<br />
www.Lichfieldcathedralschool.com<br />
9.00am-11.00am Go along and meet the<br />
senior staff, teachers and pupils and see the<br />
school’s fantastic facilities! To arrange an<br />
open morning visit, use the online form or<br />
contact the Admissions Team by telephone<br />
on 01543 306168, by email admissions@<br />
lichfieldcathedralschool.com<br />
23 Sept<br />
Community Event<br />
FREE ENTRY<br />
Hanley Park Cleveland Road, Hanley,<br />
S<strong>to</strong>ke-on-Trent, ST1 4DX www.s<strong>to</strong>ke.gov.uk<br />
12:00noon-3:00pm Fun activities including<br />
kayaking, climbing, large inflatables, Zorb<br />
balls, games, face painting and crafts.<br />
T: 07775 958 800<br />
Samuel Johnson’s 308th<br />
Birthday FREE EVENT<br />
Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum<br />
Breadmarker Street, Lichfield, WS13 6LG<br />
www.samueljohnsonbirthplace.org.uk<br />
10:30am-4:00pm Celebrate Samuel Johnson’s<br />
Birthday at his family home. With an exhibition,<br />
activities and the great Garrick dressing-up chest<br />
<strong>to</strong> enjoy plus a slice of birthday cake for all!<br />
T: 01543 264972<br />
23 – 24 Sept<br />
Shakespeare Garden Trail<br />
and Seed Planting<br />
Beacon Park WS13 6QZ<br />
www.lichfieldhis<strong>to</strong>ricparks.co.uk<br />
11:00am-3:00pm Follow a trail around the<br />
beautiful park <strong>to</strong> find plants mentioned in some<br />
of Shakespeare’s works. Plant some “Shakespeare<br />
seeds” <strong>to</strong> take home. Trail £0.20. Seed planting £1<br />
for 2 pots (includes free trail map)<br />
T: 01543 308867<br />
Canal Art Family Learning<br />
Workshop<br />
Black Country Living Museum DY1 4SQ.<br />
www.bclm.co.uk.<br />
2:00pm-3:30pm Find out about the traditional<br />
skills of canal art and learn how <strong>to</strong> paint a rose<br />
design. Part of the IgnitEd programme of Handson<br />
Heritage for Families and Young People. Cost<br />
£3. Booking essential T: 0121 520 8054<br />
His<strong>to</strong>ric Boaters Gathering<br />
Black Country Living Museum DY1 4SQ.<br />
www.bclm.co.uk.<br />
10:00am-5:00pm ‘Leg it’ <strong>to</strong> the Black Country and<br />
take part in one of the most atmospheric inland<br />
waterway events of the year! Navigate your way<br />
through colourfully decorated working boats and<br />
discover life aboard a traditional narrowboat as it<br />
would have been in the 18th and 19th centuries.<br />
T: 0121 520 8054<br />
‘Pumping Station in Steam’<br />
Claymills Vic<strong>to</strong>rian Pumping Station DE13 0DA<br />
www.claymills.org.uk<br />
10:00am-5:00pm Children can participate in<br />
model making, dress up in Vic<strong>to</strong>rian clothing,<br />
follow the rat trail as well as experiencing<br />
miniature steam engine rides and learning<br />
about woodwork and woodturning through<br />
demonstrations or how metals are made from<br />
s<strong>to</strong>ne! There is something for all the family.<br />
Adults £6, Child £3. T: 01283 509929<br />
6th Annual Chilli Festival<br />
Dorothy Clive Garden TF9 4EU<br />
www.dorothyclivegarden.co.uk<br />
10:00am-5:00pm A fun and fiery family<br />
event; enjoy a chilli market, live music, a chilli<br />
trail around the garden, chilli cooking demos,<br />
a chilli eating contest and more! Adults £7.50,<br />
Child £2.50 (5-17 years old)<br />
T: 01630 647237<br />
Spudfest<br />
National Forest Adventure Farm DE13 9SJ<br />
www.adventurefarm.co.uk<br />
10:00am-6:00pm Take the Spud Shuttle trac<strong>to</strong>r<br />
and trailer ride <strong>to</strong> the pota<strong>to</strong> plot and dig up<br />
your own pota<strong>to</strong>es for FREE! Normal admission<br />
charges apply. T: 01283 533933<br />
Derbyshire Woodland<br />
Festival<br />
Elvas<strong>to</strong>n Castle Country Park DE72 3EP<br />
www.derbyshire.gov.uk<br />
10:00am-5:00pm Watch expert crafts<br />
people at work and have a-go yourself. Fire<br />
lighting, survival skills, chair making, willow<br />
weaving, the Green Man and so much more.<br />
Lots of activities for children, delicious food,<br />
bespoke gifts, plants and an array of stalls.<br />
T: 01629 533870<br />
Autumn Steam Gala<br />
Foxfield Railway Station ST11 9BG<br />
www.foxfieldrailway.co.uk<br />
Throughout the day a passenger service will<br />
connect Caverswall Road with Dilhorne Park<br />
from where visi<strong>to</strong>rs will be able <strong>to</strong> alight and<br />
make the short walk <strong>to</strong> Foxfield Colliery. At<br />
Foxfield colliery you will be able <strong>to</strong> view the start<br />
of the no<strong>to</strong>rious Foxfield Bank where engines<br />
of all sizes will take their turn on hauling the<br />
heavy trains up ruling gradient averaging 1:25!<br />
T: 01782 396210<br />
24 Sept<br />
Woodland Skills Day<br />
Dudmas<strong>to</strong>n Estate Quatt WV15 6QN<br />
www.nationaltrust.org.uk<br />
11:00am-5:30pm Talented woodcraftsmen will<br />
demonstrate their skills in basket weaving and<br />
wood carving. Speak <strong>to</strong> our forestry rangers <strong>to</strong><br />
find out how we manage the woodland on our<br />
estate and watch them work the pole lathe and<br />
log mill. Free event, normal admission charges<br />
apply. T: 01746 780866<br />
Family Fun Raceday<br />
Ut<strong>to</strong>xeter Racecourse ST14 8BD<br />
www.ut<strong>to</strong>xeter-racecourse.co.uk<br />
12:15pm See your favourite Mascot’s Race in this<br />
Mascot Raceday featuring the Autumn Chase<br />
& Hurdle! Organised by The Children’s Trust<br />
Charity, the UK’s leading charity for children with<br />
brain injuries. There’’ll be 7 races and plenty of<br />
entertainment for the kids in the Centre Course,<br />
plus all under 18s go FREE! Entertainment from<br />
the likes of Twis<strong>to</strong>pher, and also Castle fun<br />
slides, a Children’s play area, face painting, and<br />
loads more inflatables <strong>to</strong> keep the little ones<br />
entertained! T: 01889 562561<br />
29 Sept<br />
Senior Open Mornings<br />
Lichfield Cathedral <strong>School</strong> WS13 7LH<br />
www.Lichfieldcathedralschool.com<br />
9.30am-11.30am Tours are taken by current<br />
pupils in the senior school and parents can<br />
meet members of the teaching staff and<br />
the Head Teacher over coffee. To arrange an<br />
open morning visit, use the online form or<br />
contact the Admissions Team by telephone<br />
on 01543 306168, by email admissions@<br />
lichfieldcathedralschool.com<br />
30 Sept<br />
Wild Families FREE EVENT<br />
World Of Wedgewood S<strong>to</strong>ke-on-Trent,<br />
ST12 9ER www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk<br />
11:00am-12:00noon Drop in Nature based<br />
activities for all the family which may include<br />
bug hunting, natural crafts ...and much more!<br />
T: 07854 532400<br />
8<br />
<strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong> BACK TO SCHOOL <strong>2017</strong> | www.primarytimes.net/staffordshire
Derby Grammar <strong>School</strong><br />
Open Morning DE23 4BX<br />
www.derbygrammar.co.uk<br />
9:30am-12:00noon Go along and experience<br />
Derby Grammar <strong>School</strong> for yourself. Take a<br />
<strong>to</strong>ur of the school, meet the Head, teachers,<br />
pupils, parents and governors. See how<br />
education is brought <strong>to</strong> life. Everyone<br />
welcome. To book a place contact Admissions<br />
E: admissions@derbygrammar.org or<br />
T: 01332 510030<br />
30 Sept – 1 Oct<br />
War In The Valley<br />
Kingsley and Froghall Station ST10 2HA<br />
www.churnet-valley-railway.co.uk<br />
Annual wartime weekend, as the Churnet Valley<br />
is transported back <strong>to</strong> the 1940s. Steam hauled<br />
Passenger Service, 1940s Military Goods Train,<br />
Saturday Evening “Live” Radio Show. Froghall<br />
Allied Camp - Singer Paul Harper, North West<br />
Military Collec<strong>to</strong>rs Battle Re-enactment, North<br />
Staffs Military Vehicle Trust Display. Consall Axis<br />
Camp - NWMC Axis Camp. Cheddle<strong>to</strong>n Home<br />
Front - 30s/40s Singer Brandyn Shaw, Notts &<br />
Derby ‘Women’s Land Army’ Display “Life on the<br />
Home Front”. Rationing Exhibition, Black-out<br />
Display and Evacuee Puzzles, Air Raid Siren Reenactment.<br />
Adults £20 Child (4-14) £14, Under 4’s<br />
go free. T: 01538 750755<br />
Spudfest National Forest Adventure<br />
Farm DE13 9SJ www.adventurefarm.co.uk<br />
10:00am-6:00pm Take the Spud Shuttle trac<strong>to</strong>r<br />
and trailer ride <strong>to</strong> the pota<strong>to</strong> plot and dig up your<br />
own pota<strong>to</strong>es for FREE! Normal admission charges<br />
apply. T: 01283 533933<br />
Thomas Pegg Memorial<br />
Trac<strong>to</strong>r Rally<br />
National Forest Adventure Farm DE13 9SJ<br />
www.adventurefarm.co.uk<br />
9:00am Registration Join with your<br />
vehicular pride and joy whether it be a<br />
trac<strong>to</strong>r, car, lorry, van or mo<strong>to</strong>rbike. The rally<br />
commemorates Thomas Pegg, a teenage<br />
farming enthusiast, who tragically died in<br />
a car accident in 2010. All proceeds from<br />
the event will be donated <strong>to</strong> the Royal<br />
Agricultural Benevolent Institution and<br />
Ut<strong>to</strong>xeter based Youth Emotional Support<br />
Services. Normal admission charges apply.<br />
T: 07815 725 392<br />
1 Oct<br />
Puppet Play Day Ancient High<br />
House ST16 2JA www.staffordbc.gov.uk<br />
String, shadow and glove puppets. Enjoy puppet<br />
show performances throughout the day. See<br />
shadow puppet demonstrations and make your<br />
own character <strong>to</strong> take home. With children’s craft<br />
workshops, craft stalls and face painting. Free<br />
entry, charges for workshops apply.<br />
T: 01785 619131<br />
6 Oct<br />
Little Saplings Sensory Play<br />
National Memorial Arboretum DE13 7AR<br />
www.thenma.org.uk<br />
10:30am-12:30pm Little Saplings Sensory Play<br />
and S<strong>to</strong>ry Telling is designed <strong>to</strong> help our youngest<br />
visi<strong>to</strong>rs enjoy the Arboretum and heighten their<br />
development and enjoyment of learning. Sounds,<br />
colours, textures and other hands-on elements<br />
will add <strong>to</strong> the week’s chosen s<strong>to</strong>ry. Following<br />
s<strong>to</strong>ry time, children and accompanying adults<br />
will be given complete free-reign of our<br />
expanding and evolving array of sensory <strong>to</strong>ys<br />
with the objective of encouraging creativity and<br />
multi-sensory experiences. Child £1.50. Booking<br />
essential. T: 01283 245100<br />
Nature Tots<br />
Westport Lake Visi<strong>to</strong>r Centre ST6 4RZ<br />
www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk<br />
10:00am-12:00noon or 1:30pm-3:30pm Fun<br />
nature-themed activities for under 5s and their<br />
carers. Seasonal, child-led outdoor exploration,<br />
s<strong>to</strong>ry time, and free play. Child £4.50.<br />
T: 01782 826985<br />
6 – 8 Oct<br />
Wilderness <strong>2017</strong> at<br />
Beaudesert<br />
Beaudesert Activity Centre WS15 4JJ<br />
www.beaudesert.org.uk<br />
Brand new bushcraft event. Massive range<br />
of bushcraft demonstrations, training<br />
courses and workshops. Including the<br />
cooking zone, wilderness camping zone,<br />
hammock camping zone, bivouac zone,<br />
professional talks, paddle sports zone, back<br />
<strong>to</strong> basics activities, trade show, evening<br />
entertainment and much more. £35 per<br />
person weekend ticket (Friday through<br />
until Sunday, includes camping, access <strong>to</strong><br />
all talks and demonstrations, and an event<br />
t-shirt). Weekend meal deal £20. Weekend<br />
hammock hire £10 per person. £25 per<br />
person day pass Saturday only until 10pm.<br />
T: 01543 682278<br />
E: info@beaudesert.org.uk<br />
7 Oct<br />
Family Forest Fun<br />
Kedles<strong>to</strong>n Hall DE22 5JH<br />
www.nationaltrust.org.uk<br />
10:30am-12:00noon (ages5-8), 1:00pm-2:30pm<br />
(ages 9-12) Come along for a mix of craft, games,<br />
s<strong>to</strong>ries and woodland skills. Adult £1, Child £3,<br />
normal admission charges apply. Booking<br />
essential T: 01332 842191<br />
Art Attack FREE EVENT<br />
Tamworth Castle Grounds B79 7NA<br />
www.tamworthartsandevents.co.uk<br />
As part of Tamworth Arts in Unusual Spaces<br />
enjoy the Big Draw with a day of free<br />
activities with professional artists and<br />
illustra<strong>to</strong>rs. Activities include chalk<br />
drawings in St Editha’s Square, land art<br />
creations in Tamworth Castle Grounds<br />
and the all new Body Draw in Ankerside<br />
Shopping Centre, where participants wear<br />
drawing gloves, hats and shoes <strong>to</strong> get loose<br />
with their creativity. T: 01827 709618<br />
Wildlife Watch -<br />
Raft Building<br />
The Wolseley Centre ST17 0WT<br />
www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk<br />
10:00am-12:00noon Using natural materials you<br />
find have a go at building and racing your own<br />
raft down the river. Suitable for ages 5-13. Child<br />
£1. Booking essential. T: 01889 562653<br />
Film & DVD<br />
Preview Guide<br />
A Dog’s Purpose Available on DVD<br />
This autumn bring home the pawfect family film that follows the s<strong>to</strong>ry of one special dog<br />
as he tries <strong>to</strong> find his purpose. Based on the beloved international<br />
bestselling book, ‘A Dog’s Purpose’ shares the heart-warming<br />
and uplifting s<strong>to</strong>ry of one devoted dog who finds the meaning<br />
of his own existence through the lives of the humans he<br />
teaches <strong>to</strong> laugh and love. The film follows Bailey as he moves<br />
through several lives, being born anew in<strong>to</strong> different species<br />
and sometimes even gender. As he journeys, Bailey forms an<br />
unbreakable bond with a kindred human spirit, Ethan, who he<br />
must help <strong>to</strong> make sense of the world, of identity, of life and of<br />
death. Follow Bailey and his other canine counterparts through<br />
this feel-good film with a fantastic all-star cast. If you’re a lover<br />
of animals then ‘A Dog’s Purpose’ is definitely for you. Lap up<br />
the loveable ‘A Dog’s Purpose’ which is available on Blu-ray<br />
and DVD now, courtesy of Entertainment One.<br />
The Jungle Bunch Returns<br />
Based on the award winning French-American-British TV series, the Jungle<br />
Bunch are back. Maurice may look like an emperor penguin but he’s a real<br />
tiger inside. He journeyed from Antarctica <strong>to</strong> the equa<strong>to</strong>r because he believed<br />
he belonged there. Raised by a tigress, he’s the clumsiest Kung-Fu master ever.<br />
Maurice has a group of friends who <strong>to</strong>gether make The Jungle Bunch. Junior<br />
is a fi sh who has been aptly named due <strong>to</strong> being the adopted son of Maurice.<br />
He is usually found in a bowl under<br />
Maurice’s arm. They are joined by<br />
Miguel, an innocent, banana eating<br />
gorilla, Gilbert, a clever but often<br />
grumpy tarsier, Batricia the bat,<br />
Fred the warthog and Al and Bob,<br />
two <strong>to</strong>ads with distinct personalities.<br />
Along with his friends, Maurice<br />
intends <strong>to</strong> maintain order and justice in the jungle as his mother did before him.<br />
But Igor, an evil koala, wants <strong>to</strong> destroy the jungle once and for all with the help<br />
of his army of silly baboons. The Jungle Bunch is released in UK cinemas on 15<br />
September.<br />
Captain Underpants Comes <strong>to</strong> DVD<br />
Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie, based on the worldwide sensation<br />
and bestselling book series, is coming <strong>to</strong> DVD. It boasts an A-list cast of comedy<br />
superstars headed by Kevin Hart and Ed Helms and comes from DreamWorks<br />
Animation.<br />
This raucously subversive comedy for<br />
the entire family tells the s<strong>to</strong>ry of two<br />
overly imaginative pranksters named<br />
George and Harold. George, the writer,<br />
and Harold, the artist, spend their days<br />
creating comic books and dreaming<br />
up pranks. One day they accidentally<br />
hypnotize their school principal in<strong>to</strong><br />
thinking he’s a ridiculously enthusiastic,<br />
incredibly dim-witted superhero named Captain Underpants whose costume<br />
consists of underwear and a cape. As if this isn’t bad enough, their newest<br />
teacher is a disgraced evil scientist bent on exacting his revenge at their school.<br />
When Captain Underpants stumbles upon this villain, he must band <strong>to</strong>gether<br />
with George and Harold <strong>to</strong> thwart the scientist’s evil agenda.<br />
Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie is due <strong>to</strong> be released on DVD on<br />
12 September and is also available for digital download from iTunes and<br />
Amazon Video.<br />
London Film Festival<br />
The BFI London Film Festival is returning from 4-15 Oc<strong>to</strong>ber.<br />
The Festival sees hundreds of new UK and international films<br />
screened at more than fifteen locations across the capital for the<br />
UK’s leading, and most prestigious, film event. One of the regular<br />
highlights of the festival is the Family Strand. The Family Gala is<br />
The Big Bad Fox and Other Tales which is an outstanding, laugha-minute<br />
animation guaranteed <strong>to</strong> appeal <strong>to</strong> adults as much as it<br />
will children. For more information and a full programme, visit<br />
www.bfi.org.uk/lff<br />
WHAT’S ON WHERE<br />
www.primarytimes.net/staffordshire | BACK TO SCHOOL <strong>2017</strong> <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong> 9
An Ancient Mediterranean diet<br />
– by Julia Wills<br />
Nowadays the<br />
Mediterranean diet<br />
often makes the<br />
news and it’s widely<br />
accepted that eating<br />
all those good fats<br />
from olives and oily<br />
fish boost your brain<br />
big-time.<br />
But guess what?<br />
The Mediterranean diet has always been<br />
good for us – except that I’m not talking<br />
about feta cheese and salad in the sunshine<br />
here. I’m talking about the Classics, those<br />
much older gifts from Greece and Italy that<br />
have always built better cognitive health and<br />
are guaranteed <strong>to</strong> boost children for life.<br />
Of course, primary school children already<br />
have a taste of these: the opportunity <strong>to</strong><br />
learn about Ancient Greece and Rome,<br />
discovering how the Greeks gave us<br />
democracy, the Olympics, breathtaking<br />
architecture, drama and the Iliad, whilst the<br />
Romans thumped their sandals all over the<br />
globe, sharing brick houses, roads, central<br />
heating, sanitation, irrigation, writing and<br />
Christianity. But, <strong>to</strong> paraphrase Monty<br />
Python’s question, “What have the Romans<br />
(and Greeks) ever done for us?” Those<br />
ancient civilisations are far more than a tick<br />
list of what they left behind.<br />
Classics comprise learning Latin and Ancient<br />
Greek, studying ancient civilisations and<br />
ancient his<strong>to</strong>ry. All of these can be accessed<br />
at primary and secondary school level.<br />
Better still with the growth of organisations<br />
such as Classics For All, there is funding<br />
available and access <strong>to</strong> teaching skills and<br />
subject frameworks <strong>to</strong>o.<br />
But schools are overstretched already, aren’t<br />
they, so why should yours consider Classics?<br />
And besides, isn’t it all a bit snooty, the<br />
hallmark of an elite education? In a word:<br />
no. You see, Latin is now taught in more<br />
state schools than private ones. And it,<br />
<strong>to</strong>gether with Classics’ other doctrines, can<br />
set children up as thinkers and doers for life.<br />
Latin forms the bedrock of much of the<br />
English language, and when studied as<br />
a foreign language it opens the door <strong>to</strong> a<br />
masterful command of grammar and an<br />
enviable fluency of written and spoken<br />
language. Ancient Greek is intrinsic in<br />
our language <strong>to</strong>o, and <strong>to</strong> anyone who<br />
says otherwise, I would simply say,<br />
“Hippopotamus*”! Studying ancient<br />
civilisations and his<strong>to</strong>ry builds children’s<br />
critical thinking, their ability <strong>to</strong> build an<br />
argument, their lateral and logical thinking.<br />
But infusing all those good things, like<br />
beautifully mixed oil and vinegar dressing<br />
drizzled over salad, is something even tastier:<br />
the Classics nurture imagination like no other<br />
discipline.<br />
“Imagination”, said Lewis Carroll (who,<br />
incidentally, had a degree in Classics)<br />
“is the only weapon in the war against<br />
reality”. Whilst Albert Einstein (who didn’t)<br />
concluded, “Imagination is more important<br />
than knowledge. Knowledge is limited.<br />
Imagination encircles the world.” And,<br />
let’s face it, in an era where our recent<br />
reality has sprung some truly appalling<br />
surprises, imagination has never been more<br />
important: the imagination <strong>to</strong> come up with<br />
new solutions, the imagination <strong>to</strong> persuade<br />
people that there are better ways <strong>to</strong> live and,<br />
most humanely, the imagination <strong>to</strong> wonder<br />
what it’s like <strong>to</strong> actually be someone else.<br />
Empathy flourishes when children consider<br />
what life as an Ancient Greek slave must<br />
have been like. Or a Roman emperor,<br />
plotted against by his friends. What did a<br />
ten-year old Spartan boy think about his lot<br />
as a soldier? Or an Ancient Bri<strong>to</strong>n whose<br />
<strong>to</strong>wn was invaded by the Roman army?<br />
Being immersed in different ways of lives<br />
and unfamiliar values develops an empathy<br />
that last a lifetime. And I, for one, can’t think<br />
of anything more important for youngsters,<br />
whether in an educational context or out of it.<br />
Through their ideas, military conquests<br />
and societies, the Greeks and Romans<br />
established the framework of the Western<br />
world, from the governments that rule it<br />
<strong>to</strong>day <strong>to</strong> the coins that are spent each day<br />
in our shops. But it is through their s<strong>to</strong>ries,<br />
thinking and thinkers that they informed<br />
our understanding of what it means <strong>to</strong> be<br />
human. The first s<strong>to</strong>ry in Western literature<br />
is Homer’s Iliad – on the face of it a tale of<br />
the Trojan War. But it’s the s<strong>to</strong>ry’s take on<br />
jealousy, wrath, glory, love, fury and futility<br />
that draw the modern reader. Anyone who<br />
experiences it cannot help but take sides<br />
– the noble Hec<strong>to</strong>r versus the vainglorious<br />
Achilles – conflict, as fresh and relevant as<br />
the day it was written down, mixed with<br />
tragedy, bloodshed and immortality. The<br />
Romans left a legacy of conquests and a<br />
cast of real-life characters with jaw-dropping<br />
s<strong>to</strong>ries, such as Caligula, who threatened <strong>to</strong><br />
make his horse consul, or Livia, rumoured <strong>to</strong><br />
have poisoned her husband with figs <strong>to</strong> s<strong>to</strong>p<br />
him from denying her son’s right <strong>to</strong> become<br />
emperor.<br />
Beyond primary and secondary school,<br />
a degree in Classics leads <strong>to</strong> a surprising<br />
number of career opportunities. Whilst not<br />
a vocational degree – unless you count<br />
academia and archaeology – graduates thrive<br />
in journalism, law, politics, art, theatre, writing,<br />
computer gaming – and most other things<br />
besides. Mark Zuckerberg, Chris Martin and<br />
J K Rowling are all proof of the remarkable<br />
outcomes of studying Classics. But, for me,<br />
this ancient Mediterranean diet is far more<br />
nourishing. With its heady mix of his<strong>to</strong>ry,<br />
myth and magic, it captures children’s interest<br />
early and leads them <strong>to</strong> become creative,<br />
empathetic thinkers with an internalised sense<br />
of justice, equality and responsibility. And,<br />
for me, that’s what makes it one of the most<br />
important and life-affirming subjects we can<br />
offer our youngsters.<br />
Hippopotamus: from the Greek<br />
hippos meaning horse and potamos<br />
meaning river, so literally a ‘river<br />
horse’.<br />
Julia Wills brings the Classics <strong>to</strong><br />
life with her books ‘Fleeced!’ and<br />
‘Rampage!’<br />
108<br />
<strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong> BACK BACK TO TO SCHOOL SCHOOL <strong>2017</strong> <strong>2017</strong> | | www.primarytimes.net/staffordshire<br />
www.primarytimes.net/derbyshire
Spooky Sprint<br />
Wolla<strong>to</strong>n Hall, Nottingham<br />
Saturday 28 Oc<strong>to</strong>ber <strong>2017</strong><br />
Prizes<br />
for best<br />
costumes<br />
Join us for a family fun run, 5K or 10K race.<br />
A fang-tastic evening for you and your<br />
little monsters!<br />
parkinsons.org.uk/spookyhall17<br />
020 7932 1314<br />
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Environmental education and woodland based family activities near Ashbourne in<br />
the Peak District National Park and Cannock Chase, <strong>Staffordshire</strong><br />
<strong>Primary</strong> <strong>School</strong> Visits:<br />
Enchanted Woods, S<strong>to</strong>ne Age,<br />
Habitats, Pond Dipping, Survival,<br />
Outreach Visits, Forest <strong>School</strong>s<br />
and much more…<br />
Plus… Family Fun, Woodland Themed Birthday<br />
Parties, Little Woodlander Toddler Group, Wild<br />
Woodlander Holiday Club<br />
www.tanglewooddays.com<br />
Call 07989 492768 info@tanglewooddays.com<br />
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PLUS: GALA SHOW 4PM<br />
BOOKING: WWW.PEAKSHOPPINGVILLAGE.COM<br />
FOLLOW US:<br />
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www.primarytimes.net/staffordshire | BACK TO SCHOOL <strong>2017</strong> <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong> 11
BOX OFFICE<br />
OFFICE<br />
Your family theatre guide...<br />
PLEASE CHECK DETAILS<br />
OF SHOW WITH<br />
EACH VENUE BEFORE<br />
BOOKING, AND HAVE A<br />
GREAT TIME!<br />
BUXTON OPERA HOUSE SK17 6XN<br />
Box Office: 01298 72190<br />
www.bux<strong>to</strong>noperahouse.org.uk<br />
4 – 5 Oct<br />
The Tiger Who Came To Tea<br />
2:00pm The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her<br />
mummy are sitting down <strong>to</strong> tea. Who could it<br />
possibly be? What they certainly don’t expect <strong>to</strong><br />
see at the door is a big, stripy tiger! Following a<br />
smash-hit West End season, the tea-guzzling tiger<br />
is back on the road in this delightful family show;<br />
packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and<br />
clumsy chaos! A stunning stage adaptation of the<br />
classic tale by Judith Kerr... expect <strong>to</strong> be surprised!<br />
Tickets £14.50.<br />
CREWE LYCEUM THEATRE CW1 2DA<br />
Box Office: 01270 368242<br />
www.crewelyceum.co.uk<br />
16 – 17 Sept<br />
Musical Mayhem<br />
A fantastic opportunity <strong>to</strong> support 2 great charities<br />
whilst being entertained by some of the best local<br />
talent. Let them take you back <strong>to</strong> the roaring 20’s and<br />
the fabulous 40’s, with an injection of cheesy 90’s<br />
pop and a taste of some modern musicals along the<br />
way. All proceeds will go <strong>to</strong> The Cystic Fibrosis Unit at<br />
Wythenshawe Hospital and St. Luke’s Hospice. Don’t<br />
Miss it! Tickets £12. Booking essential.<br />
STAFFORD GATEHOUSE THEATRE<br />
ST16 2LT<br />
Box Office: 01785 619080<br />
www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk<br />
15 – 16 Sept<br />
Just So<br />
Enjoy one last summer trip <strong>to</strong> the ‘Great grey-green<br />
greasy Limpopo River,’ where you will meet the most<br />
curious elephant ever! And discover how the leopard<br />
got his spots and the zebra her stripes. And how did<br />
the rhinoceros get his scritchy, itchy skin? Presented<br />
by Staged Right Youth Theatre based on the ‘Just<br />
So S<strong>to</strong>ries’ by Rudyard Kipling, this tale of how<br />
everything began is great family fun. Adult £12, Child<br />
£10. Booking essential.<br />
THE BREWHOUSE ARTS CENTRE<br />
DE14 1EB<br />
Box Office: 01283 508100<br />
www.brewhouse.co.uk<br />
6 – 7 Oct<br />
Can’t S<strong>to</strong>p The Feeling<br />
Laura Pyatt Performing Arts pupils aged 4-18<br />
perform singing and dancing routines from musicals<br />
and the charts. Adults £10, Child £8.<br />
THE REGENT THEATRE PICCADILLY<br />
ST1 1AP<br />
Box Office: 0844 871 7649<br />
www.atgtickets.com<br />
9 Sept<br />
Heritage Open Day<br />
11:00am-2:00pm Have a look round, view technical<br />
demonstrations and have a sneak peak at the<br />
dressing rooms. Face painting, bouncy castle. Guided<br />
<strong>to</strong>urs must be pre-booked.<br />
1 Oct<br />
Sing A Long A Frozen<br />
2:00pm A full screening of Disney’s Frozen with lyrics<br />
on screen <strong>to</strong> help you sing along during the film.<br />
Introduced by a live host who will guide you through<br />
this interactive screening by showing you how <strong>to</strong><br />
use your free prop bag, warm up your singing voices<br />
and teach you some dance moves with the help of<br />
the Singalonga Princesses. Dress up as your favourite<br />
character. Suitable for ages 5+ for optimum<br />
enjoyment. Child ticket from £12. Booking essential.<br />
4 – 8 Oct<br />
Awful Auntie<br />
When Stella sets off <strong>to</strong> visit London with her parents,<br />
Lord and Lady Saxby, she has no idea her life is in<br />
danger! Waking up three months later, only her Aunt<br />
Alberta can tell Stella what has happened. But not<br />
everything Aunt Alberta tells her turns out <strong>to</strong> be true.<br />
David Walliams’ amazing tale of frights, fights and<br />
friendship, features a very large owl, a very small<br />
ghost and a very awful Auntie! Booking essential.<br />
TICKETS<br />
SELLING FAST!<br />
CARROTPRODUCTIONS PRESENTS...<br />
Tou r<br />
Big screen<br />
Iconic film<br />
World class musicians<br />
As featured in The Guardian, The Sunday <strong>Times</strong><br />
& The Telegraph “Top things <strong>to</strong> do at Christmas”<br />
© Disney<br />
COVENTRY CATHEDRAL<br />
9 th December <strong>2017</strong><br />
ALSO FEATURING The Bear and the Piano by David Litchfield<br />
Animated film of the award-winning book with the voice of JOANNA LUMLEY narrating.<br />
18th – 29th<br />
Oc<strong>to</strong>ber <strong>2017</strong><br />
0844 338 8000 * or<br />
0844 847 2255 *<br />
*Calls cost a maximum of 7 pence per minute plus your phone company’s access charge.<br />
Calls from mobiles may be higher and are dependent on your mobile company’s<br />
charges and tariffs.<br />
WORCESTER CATHEDRAL<br />
20 th December <strong>2017</strong><br />
LICHFIELD CATHEDRAL<br />
21 st December <strong>2017</strong><br />
ALSO FEATURING The Nutcracker<br />
An exclusive animated film bringing TCHAIKOVSKY’S beautiful music <strong>to</strong> life.<br />
SEATS AVAILABLE FROM www.carrotproductions.com/<strong>to</strong>ur-dates.html<br />
carrotproductions.com<br />
© Snowman Enterprises Limited “The Snowman” by Raymond Briggs is published by Puffin www.thesnowman.com<br />
12<br />
<strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong> BACK TO SCHOOL <strong>2017</strong> | www.primarytimes.net/staffordshire
WIN! A FAMILY TICKET TO<br />
SEE TREASURE ISLAND<br />
AT THE NEW VIC THEATRE, NEWCASTLE-UNDER-LYME<br />
We have teamed up with the<br />
award-winning New Vic Theatre,<br />
Newcastle-under-Lyme, <strong>to</strong> give away a<br />
Family Ticket <strong>to</strong> see Treasure Island.<br />
1750, Sleepy Cove. Tired of the quiet life,<br />
Gem dreams of adventure and excitement.<br />
When a mysterious stranger comes <strong>to</strong><br />
stay at The Admiral Benbow Inn, she<br />
believes her luck is about <strong>to</strong> change. And<br />
so begins an epic journey. A journey filled<br />
with pirates and possibilities; buried<br />
treasure and blue horizons; seafarers and<br />
scallywags. And in the middle of it all, a<br />
good-hearted cook called Long John Silver<br />
– but is he friend or foe? As Gem helps<br />
search for treasure on faraway shores,<br />
meeting larger than life characters along<br />
the way, she discovers there’s far more <strong>to</strong> a<br />
life of adventure than she ever imagined.<br />
Answer the following question for your chance <strong>to</strong> win a<br />
ticket for a family of four<br />
Who wrote the original novel, Treasure Island?<br />
a: Robert Louis Stevenson b: Daniel Defoe<br />
c: Charles Dickens<br />
Tickets are for any performance of Treasure Island excluding from Friday 15 <strong>to</strong> Saturday 30 December.<br />
The production runs at the New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, from Saturday 18 November<br />
<strong>2017</strong> <strong>to</strong> Saturday 27 January 2018. The prize is a Family of Four Ticket – the group must include one<br />
child and one adult. Tickets are non-transferable and are subject <strong>to</strong> availability.<br />
Enter online at<br />
www.primarytimes.net/staffordshire/competitions<br />
or on Facebook at<br />
facebook.com/PTStaffs<br />
Closing Date: 6/10/<strong>2017</strong><br />
Win a £250<br />
Toys R Us voucher<br />
Germolene* is working with The Wild Network<br />
charity <strong>to</strong> encourage children <strong>to</strong> CELEBRATE<br />
OUTDOOR PLAY EVERYDAY.<br />
Outdoor play is important for childhood<br />
development and children should be<br />
encouraged <strong>to</strong> spend more time in<br />
the open air, even if that brings a<br />
small bump along the way – it’s<br />
all part of growing up!<br />
To help your children make the<br />
most of their free time grab the<br />
chance <strong>to</strong> win one of three, £250<br />
Toys R Us vouchers. To enter, send a<br />
description of your favourite family outdoor<br />
memory <strong>to</strong>: germolenecompetition@thisispegasus.co.uk.**<br />
PLUS – visit Mumsnet.com/competitions <strong>to</strong> be in with a chance of<br />
winning one of two £5,000 grants <strong>to</strong>wards outdoor<br />
play equipment for your child’s school.<br />
*Germolene Antiseptic<br />
Cream contains phenol<br />
and chlorhexidine<br />
gluconate. Always<br />
read the label.<br />
**Competition open <strong>to</strong> residents of UK, over 18s only and closes<br />
6/10/17. <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong> is not responsible for collating entries or<br />
choosing winners. T&Cs apply visit www.primarytimes.net/competitions<br />
COMPETITIONS<br />
NEW VIC THEATRE SETS SAIL FOR<br />
TREASURE ISLAND THIS CHRISTMAS<br />
Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic adventure tale will be given the trademark<br />
New Vic treatment this Christmas, as the theatre stages Treasure Island,<br />
from Saturday 18 November <strong>2017</strong> – Saturday 27 January 2018.<br />
Adapted and directed by New Vic Artistic Direc<strong>to</strong>r Theresa Heskins,<br />
Treasure Island will take audiences on a journey across the high seas,<br />
filled with larger-than-life characters, swashbuckling sword fights, live<br />
music, humour, puppetry, and of course, plenty of pirates!<br />
Brought <strong>to</strong> the stage by the same creative team behind the New Vic’s<br />
spectacular adaptations of The Snow Queen, The Borrowersand The<br />
Hundred and One Dalmatians, the festive season at the theatre looks set <strong>to</strong><br />
be a memorable adventure that the whole family can enjoy.<br />
Tickets for Treasure Island<br />
are on sale now, priced from<br />
£15.00 <strong>to</strong> £24.00 (concessions<br />
and family tickets available)<br />
and can be booked online at<br />
newvictheatre.org.uk or by<br />
telephoning Box Office on<br />
01782 717962. A transaction<br />
fee of £1.00 per ticket applies<br />
when booking online.<br />
A New Vic, Newcastle-under-<br />
Lyme production<br />
Treasure Island By Robert<br />
Louis Stevenson<br />
Adapted by Theresa Heskins<br />
Saturday 18 November <strong>2017</strong><br />
– Saturday 27 January 2018<br />
A Family Craft Course at<br />
the Eco Centre<br />
Derbyshire County Council’s Eco Centre at Middle<strong>to</strong>n-by-Wirksworth<br />
offers a range of courses and workshops for the whole family. The<br />
centre is the county hub for sustainability learning in a high quality,<br />
enjoyable and supportive environment. Here’s your chance <strong>to</strong><br />
sample one of their family learning sessions for FREE! They are giving<br />
away two family places on the Family Crafts with Natural Materials<br />
course on Wednesday 25 Oc<strong>to</strong>ber (10am-12.30pm), where you will<br />
be able <strong>to</strong> use found natural materials <strong>to</strong> create magical creatures,<br />
s<strong>to</strong>ry sticks, potions, etc .<br />
Find out more about the Eco Centre at their stand at the Derbyshire<br />
Woodland Festival (see advert on page 7) or visit<br />
www.derbyshire.gov.uk/ecocentre<br />
Answer the following question correctly for your chance <strong>to</strong> win<br />
What other family ‘making’ course is on offer at the<br />
Eco Centre in the Oc<strong>to</strong>ber half-term?<br />
A. Puppet making B. Mosaic making C. Model making<br />
• The family<br />
place is for up<br />
<strong>to</strong> 2 adults and<br />
2 children.<br />
Extra Children<br />
£5 each.<br />
Maximum 3<br />
children per<br />
adult.<br />
Closing<br />
Date<br />
30 September<br />
<strong>2017</strong><br />
Clue: Take<br />
a look in the<br />
Autumn courses<br />
brochure on the<br />
website<br />
Enter online at www.primarytimes.net/derbyshire/competitions<br />
or https://www.facebook.com/<strong>Primary</strong><strong>Times</strong>Derby<br />
www.primarytimes.net/staffordshire | BACK TO SCHOOL <strong>2017</strong> <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong> 13
An Interview with Lauren Child<br />
<strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong> have been talking <strong>to</strong> Lauren Child, the new<br />
Waters<strong>to</strong>nes’ Children’s Laureate. A writer and illustra<strong>to</strong>r,<br />
she is best known for the Charlie and Lola, Clarice Bean<br />
and Ruby Redfort series. She has received numerous<br />
awards and was given an MBE in 2010 for her services<br />
<strong>to</strong> literature. Her latest book in the Charlie and Lola<br />
series, ‘A Dog With Nice Ears’, is due <strong>to</strong> be released on 28<br />
September.<br />
nine years old, and as soon as I finished it, I read<br />
it all over again. Another is Astrid Lindgren’s<br />
Pippi Longs<strong>to</strong>cking. I loved her because she<br />
was a child like no other. She was a girl<br />
and she was funny and there weren’t enough<br />
books about funny girls in those days. She’s<br />
very courageous and doesn’t really care<br />
what people think about her in the best<br />
possible way. She doesn’t worry about what she’s wearing and doing<br />
and she is able <strong>to</strong><br />
be herself.<br />
How does it feel <strong>to</strong> be the new Waters<strong>to</strong>nes’<br />
Children’s Laureate?<br />
It is a great honour but it’s also a great responsibility. It feels slightly<br />
unreal <strong>to</strong>o, partly because my career began almost 20 years ago,<br />
exactly the time Quentin Blake was the first Children’s Laureate.<br />
Quentin was a huge influence on my becoming an illustra<strong>to</strong>r. I<br />
loved his illustrations really before I knew who he was as a person.<br />
There was the Grimble and the illustrations from Betsy Byers 18th<br />
Emergency, my favourite book as a child. And I remember watching<br />
him on television back in the days when the BBC had a programme<br />
called Jackanory. It was so wonderful <strong>to</strong> see live drawing as the s<strong>to</strong>ry<br />
was <strong>to</strong>ld, and in fact Quentin Blake was the first illustra<strong>to</strong>r I realised<br />
was an actual real person. It was so different in those days. You didn’t<br />
have the same chance <strong>to</strong> meet authors and illustra<strong>to</strong>rs as you do now.<br />
What do you plan <strong>to</strong> do as Laureate?<br />
I’m interested in championing children’s creativity and I want <strong>to</strong><br />
encourage children <strong>to</strong> spend a little of their time looking, listening<br />
and making things because they’re driven <strong>to</strong> create. I’ll be starting a<br />
blog soon called ‘Staring In<strong>to</strong> Space’ where I’m going <strong>to</strong> hopefully help<br />
inspire that.<br />
I also want <strong>to</strong> champion reading and drawing for pleasure and <strong>to</strong><br />
elevate children’s book illustration <strong>to</strong> the level of other art forms. I<br />
think illustration is seen as something less than fine art, and writing<br />
for children as slightly less than writing for adults. I think we can<br />
be a little bit patronising about it. That’s a shame, because we know<br />
that literature is life-changing for children and the first art we really<br />
get up close <strong>to</strong> is in books. That’s where we begin with reading and<br />
s<strong>to</strong>rytelling. We do children a disservice if we can’t see and celebrate<br />
its power.<br />
I also want <strong>to</strong> talk about diversity, as inclusivity is really important <strong>to</strong><br />
me. There aren’t enough books written by and about people of all<br />
kinds of backgrounds and culture. It’s important because if as a child<br />
you don’t see yourself on the front cover of a book then how do you<br />
feel part of society?<br />
Which books, authors and illustra<strong>to</strong>rs are your<br />
main inspirations?<br />
I have so many. When I was a child I loved The Secret Garden by<br />
Frances Hodgson Burnett. I remember reading it when I was about<br />
When you were growing up did you feel you<br />
could be yourself like Pippi Longs<strong>to</strong>cking?<br />
No. I was terrible at being myself. I was very self conscious and<br />
worried about what people were thinking - am I wearing the right<br />
thing, am I saying the right thing? All of my characters in my books<br />
now are at least moving in the direction of being themselves.<br />
How important do you think it is for children<br />
<strong>to</strong> daydream and stare out of the window?<br />
I think it’s vital. You can’t come up with anything without a certain<br />
amount of boredom, because boredom is the beginning of<br />
invention. Solving problems and letting your mind wander and find<br />
the edges of something. It’s how you get <strong>to</strong> an inspired place and<br />
become creative. When I get really stuck in my own work now, I go<br />
out and look around at things. I go <strong>to</strong> the cinema, an art gallery, I<br />
put on the radio, I tune in<strong>to</strong> people’s conversations. You hear these<br />
amazing things. And when I hear or see something interesting I<br />
write it down. You end up with notebooks full of interesting things.<br />
What are you working on now?<br />
I’m writing a chapter book for younger readers, for around six <strong>to</strong><br />
nine-year-olds. It’s very, very illustrated because I missed drawing<br />
so much when I was writing my Ruby Redfort series. So - lots of<br />
drawings. My new Charlie and Lola book A Dog With Nice Ears is<br />
coming out in the Autumn. It was inspired by looking at all the dogs<br />
in the park near our home with my daughter and imagining what<br />
kind of dog we would like <strong>to</strong> have.<br />
Do you have any advice for children that are<br />
starting <strong>to</strong> write?<br />
My advice would be <strong>to</strong> write what you enjoy. You need <strong>to</strong> write<br />
about something that interests you. It might be something funny<br />
that you see out of the window or something that you’ve imagined<br />
or about your family. You’ve got <strong>to</strong> enjoy what you’re writing or you<br />
won’t be able <strong>to</strong> carry on. You’ve got <strong>to</strong> let things develop, listen,<br />
and watch how people talk and interact. Dig deep in<strong>to</strong> your own<br />
memory and try and tap in<strong>to</strong> how things feel.<br />
Lauren Child’s latest<br />
book in the Charlie<br />
and Lola series, ‘A<br />
Dog With Nice Ears’,<br />
is published by<br />
Orchard Books on 28<br />
September and will<br />
be available from<br />
high street books<strong>to</strong>res<br />
and online at a<br />
recommended priced of £12.99.
Learning <strong>to</strong> write made easier<br />
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Kids get creative!<br />
DESIGN THE PRIMARY TIMES<br />
CHRISTMAS CARD!<br />
Every year, we at <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong> send out thousands of Christmas<br />
cards and we would like you <strong>to</strong> create the picture for this<br />
year’s card. It can be any picture you like that you think means<br />
“Christmas”, a snowman, Rudolf with his red nose, a robin on a<br />
snow-covered branch or maybe a nativity scene.<br />
Our picture shows our card from last year which was created<br />
The picture on the front cover of this card<br />
was created by Sam Fletcher aged 7<br />
& May Fletcher aged 6<br />
Hawthorne <strong>Primary</strong> & Nursery <strong>School</strong>,<br />
Nottinghamshire<br />
by May and Sam Fletcher from Nottinghamshire.<br />
Sam & May won the<br />
“Create the <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong> Christmas Card”<br />
Competition for 2016<br />
Closing date for entries is 29th Oc<strong>to</strong>ber <strong>2017</strong>.<br />
All you have <strong>to</strong> do is draw and<br />
colour or paint your picture on<br />
an A4 piece of card or paper and<br />
send your entry along with your<br />
name, age, address, telephone<br />
number and school name <strong>to</strong>:<br />
Christmas Card Competition<br />
<strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong><br />
<strong>School</strong>s Publishing Limited<br />
Unit 1A Thamesview<br />
Industrial Estate<br />
New<strong>to</strong>wn Road<br />
Henley on Thames RG9 1HG<br />
Unit 1A Thamesview Industrial Estate, New<strong>to</strong>wn Road, Henley on Thames RG9 1HG<br />
Our card from a previous<br />
year which was designed by<br />
Kavina Patel aged 8.<br />
Seasons Greetings<br />
Teachers and schools are very welcome <strong>to</strong> send in entries from an entire class in a single envelope ensuring that the<br />
school name, child’s name and age are clearly written on the back of each entry. The winner’s design will be used for the<br />
<strong>2017</strong> <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong> Head Office Christmas card and the winner will also receive 50 copies of the card with envelopes.<br />
www.primarytimes.net/staffordshire | BACK TO SCHOOL <strong>2017</strong> <strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Times</strong> 15
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