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One of my New Year's resolutions was not to reminisce in this letter too often at nostalgic memories and seasons of yesteryear. So, give me a prod if I start with one of my ‘when I was a kid’ yarns!

In this issue as we approach the February half term there seems a plethora of clubs, sessions, days out and much more to choose from. Our regular Day Trippers series takes us to Cambridge which is an excellent day out. Punting, a host of free museums and a walk round the historic colleges, it's a trip that does not have to break the bank. The University of Cambridge Museums provide interesting exhibitions and family activities across a host of different periods and subjects. Don’t miss the excellent ‘Twilight with the Museums' where children can enjoy a variety of activities including afterhours museum exploration.

Look out for the Brick Wonders exhibition in Peterborough's Queensgate Shopping Centre which is celebrating the wonders of the world in 500,000 LEGO pieces. Vine House Farm near Spalding has a Blackbird Story and Bird Feeder workshop, plus a week-long wildlife trail.

In this issue we have three great books to win. You will see a host of winners also published from the Christmas period. This year we will aim to bring some excellent gifts and experiences to win for your family, schools and clubs.

Gardening was always a Saturday or Sunday morning activity for me as a child and in this issue we cover how your family can get the garden ready for spring and make it enjoyable for all to get involved. As a child weeding and stone collection duties were not always top of my favourite weekend list of pursuits, so have a read of what is a little more fun for your team to get involved in. There you go, you did not stop me! Wishing you all a happy holiday.

Mentioning the competition you're entering, send your name, age, address, phone number and school name to TermTimes, 70 Rutland Road, Stamford, Lincs PE9 1UW or via email to steven@termtimes.ltd.uk

Alternatively, competitions will be posted on our website at www.termtimes.ltd.uk Please ask your parents’ permission before entering via the internet. All winners will be picked at random and Term Times' decision is final. Does your child have a birthday soon? Would you like to have it announced in a forthcoming issue of Term Times? Just send us their name, photo, age, date of birthday and details of who it's from to: steven@termtimes.ltd.uk

Term Times/Term Times Ltd are independently

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Man Services and Solutions Ltd. Distributed free throughout primary schools in your area. Its aims are to inform families and children

current education issues, forthcoming events, places to visit, attractions etc. Every care is taken to ensure that the information in the magazine is correct at the time of going to press. However, please check opening times/entry fees etc., before setting out on a journey. We also aim to give teachers,

and children, the opportunity to participate in the content of Term Times. Term Times does not intend to publish any racist, sexist or political matters, nor carry out editorial or advertising that may be considered to be offensive to families. Opinions expressed

contributors/advertisers are not necessarily those of Term Times or the schools that distribute it. The publishers cannot be held responsible

any erroneous or misleading claims or comments made by any contributor/ advertiser. Competition winners will have their details shared with the competition supplier for purposes of fulfilling delivery/provision of the prize. Details of the winners will sometimes be published in a subsequent issue and by entering the competition you grant Term Times permission to publish these. Our thanks go to the schools for their assistance in distributing the magazine, and for their contributions to its contents. We would also like to thank the advertisers who have supported this publication and made it possible. Please support them where you can.

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Martial arts is more than just another after school activityit's a fun and exciting way to get your children to stay active, build confidence, and develop important life skills.

How Martial Arts Classes Can Support Your Child

From learning to focus and disciplining their minds, to developing physical strength and coordination, kids who train in martial arts are constantly challenged and motivated to grow.

Plus, with the supportive community of fellow students and instructors, there's always a sense of teamwork and camaraderie in the dojo which helps build lifelong skills and memories.

Hicks Family Martial Arts in Peterborough runs an award-winning martial arts programme. They have produced several British, European and World Champions with high quality instructors teaching a range of classes.

If it’s something you think your child could benefit from, now is an ideal time to give it a try as they’re offering a completely free, two week trial.

Hicks Karate Family Martial Arts Centre offers classes for a range of ages at Unit 4, Vicarage Farm Road, Fengate, Peterborough as well as classes in Orton, Eye, Werrington and Deeping.

To find out more visit www.hickskarate.co.uk or call Sensai Andrew Hicks on 07974 196256.

See the Wonders of the World – in LEGO!

Hey Duggee The Live Theatre Show

Children’s favourite Hey Duggee is touring for the first time and he’s coming to the New Theatre in Peterborough.

The big lovable dog will be live on stage on 14 and 15 February along with all your favourite characters.

It’s time for a Duggee Hug as the hit CBeebies show is brought to life with Duggee and the Squirrels ready to entertain in this new interactive production bursting with music, puppets and barrels of laughs along the way.

Betty wants to make costumes, Happy wants to sing, Tag wants to make music, Norrie wants to dance, Roly wants jelly and they all want you to join them at the Clubhouse.

There is so much to do, but luckily Duggee has his theatre badge. Will you get yours too? A-Woof!

The BBC and Studio AKA TV series Hey Duggee has won no fewer than six BAFTAS and multiple EMMYs, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to see Duggee live on stage in this exciting new production of the muchloved show.

To book your tickets head to www.newtheatre-peterborough.com or call the box office on 01733 852992.

If you’re looking for ways to get the kids out of the house over half term,take the family to see some jaw-dropping creations on show at the Brick Wonders exhibition in Peterborough.

There’ll be an incredible 500,000-piece LEGO display in Queensgate Shopping Centre, celebrating the world's wonders in an amazing new exhibition.

Starting 11 February and running until 19 February in North Square, Brick Wonders, created by Artist Warren Elsmore, will take families on a tour of beautiful modern, ancient and natural sights from around the globe. Visit the Egyptian Pyramids, London Bridge, and even a 9ft tall Great Barrier Reef packed with angel fish, tangs and even rays, all made of LEGO!

There’s a chance to get involved too with a three-day mosaic build following designs by Brick Wonder which will be immortalised in a frame to be added with other pieces from around the country.

Don’t forget to take part in Queensgate’s trail featuring 10 minifigures hidden in windows throughout the centre. Just pick up a trail sheet at the event.

For more details visit www.queensgate-shopping.co.uk and the centre’s social media.

Milkshake! Monkey’s Musical Live

Children’s favourite, Milkshake! Monkey is back with a brand new live show bringing all the fun and mischief to the stage.

If the kids love the Channel 5 TV show they’ll definitely enjoy this chance to get involved with all their favourite characters.

There are two performances at the Kings Lynn Corn Exchange on Wednesday 15 February hosted by two Milkshake TV presenters. Join Paddington, Daisy & Ollie, Milo, Noddy, Pip and Posy, Blue’s Clues & You! and of course Milkshake! Monkey for an unforgettable family time at Milkshake! Monkey’s musical.

The kids can learn the amazing songs and dances with their favourite Milkshake! friends and they’ll be captivated as the music, lights and costumes brings Milkshake! to life.

This brand-new show has plenty of fun, laughter and audience interaction to get everyone up on their feet. It’s a family event not to be missed.

To book your tickets visit www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk or call 01553 764864.

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Learn to Swim with Billie’s Fins

Billie’s Fins is a private swim school where they pride themselves on creating a welcoming, fun yet professional environment. It’s a happy and safe space where swimmers of all ages can flourish.

Swimming lessons give youngsters the confidence to achieve their goals not only in the water but also in everyday life and Billie’s Fins Swim School already provides this for over 1300+ swimmers each week.

The swim school runs at two pools, their own pool in Pinchbeck which has been purpose built, as well as at Eye C of E Primary school. The water is a comfortable 33 degrees and from baby swim classes from 3+ months through to Level 6, all ages can learn to be at ease in the water, improve or even learn to compete. Baby swim for 3+ months is available

at Pinchbeck and lessons start from 18 months in Eye.

Small class sizes ensure everyone gets the attention they need from expert tutors but they can also offer 1-1 teaching.

Schools, nurseries and groups can rent the pool for swimming lessons; fitness classes and evening lane swimming sessions are also available as well as private hire.

SEN and Disability swimming is fully catered for with qualified teachers, separate changing facilities and this year they will be installing a hoist for swimmers with limited mobility.

Benefits of Baby Swimming

Swimming has particular benefits for babies improving their fine motor skills, strengthening muscles, heart and lungs but also builds confidence.

It’s the opportunity for skin to skin contact and 30 minutes of complete uninterrupted bonding time. The mental and physical stimulation also improves sleep.

Benefits for Toddlers and Children

Swimming improves their cardiovascular system, lung capacity and strengthens muscles. Correct technique improves flexibility and posture.

It’s an essential life skill that could save your child’s life one day teaching important water safety. Swimming lessons have been shown to reduce the risk of drowning by 88%.

Some children can feel extremely anxious about learning to swim but the team are there to nurture and support them. When children overcome their fear they feel a huge sense of accomplishment which is an immense confidence boost.

Walking the Universities

Get a street map from the tourist office to guide you around some of the 31 wonderful colleges. Everywhere you turn is a building more beautiful than the last as you walk in the footsteps of some of the greatest people in history. FREE (but admission fee for some colleges). www.visitcambridge.org

Punting on the Cam

Try it yourself or hire a guide to steer you down the river and provide a commentary as you view magnificent, medieval colleges like King's, Trinity and Clare and the picturesque Backs. www.scudamores.com

Botanic Garden

This wonderful range of gardens has over 8,000 plant species to enjoy, a lake, fountain, glasshouses and much more. There are special events throughout the year. Kids will love the grass maze and exploring The Dell, and should take a camera or sketchbook to get the most out of their visit. www.botanic.cam.ac.uk

Centre for Computing History

The kids will love seeing some of these original computers and games – and so will parents. It’s a real trip down memory lane with around 38,000 items in this vast collection of home computers, games terminals and arcade machines from past decades, all up and running with games your parents used to play as well as mobile phones and calculators. www.computinghistory.org.uk

Fitzwilliam Museum

The Fitzwilliam houses a world-renowned collection of over half a million beautiful works of art, masterpiece paintings and historical artefacts. There’s a range of family activities and events to get the kids engaged with the incredible collections. FREE. www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk

Clip ‘n Climb

Described as ‘where climbing centre meets theme park’ this is adventurous and fun for ages 4 and above, and everyone can get involved. It features amazing climbing challenges that will keep everyone busy or entertained.

www.clipnclimbcambridge.co.uk

Sedgwick Museum of Earth Science

Take the family on a trip through more than 500 million years of the history of life on Earth with this extensive collection of geological specimens from around the world. Discover strange creatures from lost worlds including a dinosaur and other amazing skeletons. There are special events and family activities, puzzles and trails. FREE. www.sedgwickmuseum.org

The Polar Museum

Find out about those amazing Arctic and Antarctic explorers like Scott and Shackleton with this unique collection of artefacts, journals, paintings, photographs, clothing equipment, maps and other materials illustrating polar exploration, history and science. FREE. www.spri.cam.ac.uk/museum

Cambridge Leisure Park

This leisure complex is located directly next to Cambridge railway station and is home to The Light cinema, leisure and entertainment activities like Tenpin bowling and plenty of places to eat. www.cambridgeleisure.co.uk

Twilight with the Museums

During February half term there’s a whole week of free and low-cost family events and activities at Cambridge museums. Twilight with the Museums includes hands-on science, storytelling, afterhours museum exploration, space toys, carnival headdresses and underwater-themed discovery with different events at each venue so take your pick. Mostly FREE, although some charges apply.

www.museums.cam.ac.uk/theme/twilight

Museum of Zoology

One that will captivate the kids is the Museum of Zoology which is packed with amazing creatures great and small in brand new galleries; including one of the most complete Dodo skeletons in the UK. From moths to monkeys, mammoths to manatees, they can discover stories of extinction, survival, evolution and exploration. FREE.

www.museum.zoo.cam.ac.uk

Cambridge is also surrounded by many other attractions well worth a visit including: Anglesey Abbey, Wimpole Farm, Wicken Fen, Audley End House & Garden, Shepreth Wildlife Park, IWM Duxford air museum and Linton Zoo.

Take a look at www.visitcambridge.org for more ideas and to help plan your visit.

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Cambridge is a great destination for a family day out with something to suit everyone...

Get the Garden Spring Ready

The days are drawing out again, the birds are chirping just that little bit louder, the sun begins to have some strength in its rays - yes spring is very nearly here. But the garden that was left to freeze over into a somewhat muddy expanse is in need of some desperate help. Why not get your garden spring ready by engaging the kids in age-appropriate tasks? Here’s a selection of garden tasks for little hands.

Tidy Away

Although you may have already tidied the garden nicely for winter, chances are you’ll find bits and pieces out of place. Why not ask toddlers and younger children to point out what is out of place? Older children can be assigned to rake up leaves or to put away anything that you want tidied away. Clearing the ground is a great way to see the state of the grass and flower beds too.

Help Wildlife

If it is still early spring, then why not think about checking, repairing or installing birdhouses, baths or bug hotels. If you have little ones, you could make an arts and crafts opportunity and set out the paint and brushes. If you have teenagers; how about setting a project and making or installing a birdhouse in an ideal location? This can be a great practical way to get them to plan their own activities. If you have bird feeders, now is a good time to check for any damage that might have happened over the winter.

Check the Soil

If you fancy a more scientific, hands-on activity, why not dig up a little bit of soil and allow the kids to get their hands dirty. What soil does your garden have? Children are never too young to gain knowledge as budding young gardeners. The daffodils and snowdrops should be poking through by this time - why not look around and identify the different plants and flowers that are already established in your garden?

Plan Away

How about planning your garden for the year ahead? Younger and older children could be assigned a part of the garden or flower beds in which to grow plants or fruit and vegetables. Foster responsibility by giving older children the chance to caretake their section. Younger children or toddlers could be supervised to plant seeds or write labels. Could younger children sweep out the

greenhouse or inspect last year’s pots. Even small hands can be put to use filling small pots with new soil, ready for new seeds. This is a great way to help them practice their fine motor skills and may be a little warmer work in case the spring chill is too much.

Time Capsule

Although not strictly a chore that needs to be done in the garden, many families find time capsules to be a very rewarding activity and one that helps children to think further in time than the near future. Could you pick a quiet spot to bury a time capsule or treasure trove to be discovered either later in the year or at another time? It can be incredibly rewarding for parents too, to rediscover a snapshot of time from when the kids were younger. How about taking a special photo, selecting a newspaper, preserving a hand or footprint with paint or maybe even a letter?

Creative Arts Create Happy Healthy Kids

Experiencing the Creative Arts has many benefits for children - this we know. It’s been proven that watching a theatre show, singing together in a group, creating a piece of artwork from scratch, or taking part in a school drama production, are good for a child’s mental wellbeing.

Endorphins (we’ll call them happy hormones) are released when children experience these activities. So watching the local panto and booing or cheering along with everyone else, gives a child a sense of belonging and subconsciously makes them feel good.

Similarly, children singing together as a group, releases these happy hormones, it creates that sense of belonging - and is also really good for their physical wellbeing too, as they breathe deeply, using their lungs and vocal chords to express themselves.

Perhaps some of these benefits go unnoticed in day-to-day life, but have you ever stopped to think about what happens without the

creative arts and how that can impact their lives? Sadly, some schools are struggling to offer these along with the core subjects that they’re required to teach and so unfortunately drama lessons, singing lessons, choirs and regular school productions are simply not an option for many.

How does this impact on a child? Well, they no longer have a creative outlet, where they can just be themselves in the safe, inclusive space of a regular drama lesson. Releasing feelings of tension and anxiety in a performing arts group can help a young person’s mind to stay stable and balanced - and we all know the importance of good mental wellbeing. Drama groups also

For more information about singing and drama classes available from Little Voices Peterborough, visit www.littlevoices.co.uk /Peterborough or see their advert on page 3.

teach empathy as children learn to take on the role of the other person and consider their feelings too. This then filters through and can have a huge impact on bullying within the school. With no school choir, that sense of belonging to a group of like-minded people, singing a wide variety of songs and making new friends is lost.

Our children need a creative outlet to simply express themselves and remain healthy and happy. Not every child can be academically focused and having another outlet where they can shine and feel fulfilled is so important. And right now, we could all do with a happy hormone or two!

How to Write a Good Story and Books to Win

With World Book Day focussing attention on reading and the benefits it brings, Term Times once again has several chances to win some great children’s books in this issue.

We have three copies of the hilarious new young fiction book Bob vs the Selfie Zombies by Andy Jones to give away. A fun time travel adventure where an evil genius creates a smile-operated selfie camera that turns people into zombies. But while we like to encourage a love of reading have you ever thought about writing a story of your own? Term Times asked author Andy Jones for some tips.

‘I have one rule when it comes to writing: You must have fun,’ says Andy.

‘If you have fun when you’re writing, you’ll want to write more. And the more you write, the better you’ll get.’

The important thing to remember Andy says is for your characters to have a goal.

‘It can be something big like rescuing a friend from danger, or something more everyday, like making a new friend. Maybe your character wants to win a talent contest (like Bob in my new book Bob vs the Selfie Zombies), or maybe they need to save the world from a zombie apocalypse (also like Bob).

‘Whatever it is, it must be something really – I mean really – important to your character. Something that will keep

them going when the going gets tough.

‘When we throw some problems at our characters, things get interesting. They have to be clever, brave and resourceful. Give them a nemesis, a hurricane, an injury, interfering brothers, strict teachers, a long hike, a deep dive, a terrible cold.

‘In Bob vs the Selfie Zombies, Bob is a time traveller, which sounds like fun, right? The thing is, Bob can’t control it. It always happens at inconvenient times, throwing him into the future – and danger – when he least expects it. What this means for Bob is constant struggle. What it means for the reader – I hope – is constant excitement.'

Andy’s final word on how to write a good story – ‘Write fast and fearlessly. Don’t worry about making mistakes. Just keep going. Once you have a finished story, leave it alone for a day or two. Then, go back, read it through and make it better. You can always edit a story, but you can’t edit a blank page.’

Publisher: Bonnier Books UK/Piccadilly Press

Author: Andy Jones

Illustrator: Robin Boyden

RRP: £7.99

Bob doesn’t know why he can time travel. He does know that it always

comes face to face with his future self in the midst of a disastrous alternative reality, he’s got no choice but to try and do something.

In this future, an evil genius has created a smile-operated selfie camera that turns people into zombies, and the world as Bob knows it has completely collapsed. There’s not even anywhere to get a takeaway pizza from… Things are SERIOUSLY bad. Now it’s up to Bob to change the course of the present to save future him, future Malcolm AND the whole world!

Filled with laughs, zombie escapades and banana bread this is a brilliant title for ages 8+ and perfectly illustrated by Robin Boyden and an adventure you won’t want to miss.

Please go to page 3 for details of how to enter. The closing date for entries is 22 February.

Holiday Clubs and Family Fun for Half Term

If you are looking for family fun activities this half term, then read on. Whether it’s bugs, aliens, ice age discoveries or fairies and fables there’s something to keep children entertained.

Minibeasts and Aliens at Flag Fen 11–12 and 15–19 February

The city’s archaeological site, Flag Fen, is running Bugs and Aliens themed events for your little explorers.

Young nature lovers will love exploring on a minibeast hunt around the site, and taking a closer look at some of the creepy crawlies that live there. They can even make a Bug Hotel to take home.

Look out for their giant Alien on display in the visitor centre!

Find out more at: www.flagfen.org.uk/events

Storytelling and Crafts at Peterborough Libraries 14 and 15 February

Peterborough Libraries aim to bring imagination to life exploring the wonderful world of fairy tales and fables with magical storytelling and creative crafts inspired by the childhood classics.

Children can also hunt for the mythical characters hiding around the library in the Fantastic Fable Trail.

Events are suitable for children aged 3–7 years and are being held at Orton, Bretton, Central

and Werrington Library on different days throughout half term.

It’s just £1 per child, to book just visit any Peterborough Library or email reading@peterboroughlimited.co.uk

The Big Thaw at Peterborough Museum 14 and 15 February

The Ice Age collection has defrosted and it’s time to hunt down what ancient creature has been brought back from extinction using the clues it left behind, examining fossils and taking part in science experiments.

Find out more at: www.peterboroughmuseum.org.uk/events

Holiday Clubs – Werrington and Hampton

If you’re looking for fun and engaging childcare or just options to keep the children active during the school break, Club Viva is the answer. Running from 13 – 17 February, there are Club Viva holiday clubs at Hampton Leisure Centre and at Werrington Leisure Centre. They run from 8.30am–5.30pm for children aged 411 years. (£25 per day).

A Club Viva day is action packed with a wide range of different activities to choose from, plus plenty of time for free play (inside and out), and a daily theme to look forward to including: science, sport and pirates.

Find out more at www.vivacity.org/clubviva

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THREE TO GIVE AWAY!

Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books

Author: Barry Timms

RRP: £7.99

Author Barry Timms and illustrator Tisha Lee have teamed up once again to produce a charming children’s book celebrating the love that comes through baking, cooking and sharing food.

It follows on from their first collaboration Love Grows Everywhere, and in this latest beautiful story a boy and his grandmother are preparing for a big neighbourhood bake-off. See the loving (and sticky!) moments of their

tender relationship, along with the many other warm bonds that exist within their community.

Barry Timms’ gentle text written in rhyming verse, skillfully links these loving moments with the love that is represented by the food, while Tisha Lee’s illustrations give real depth to this vibrant and diverse neighbourhood.

To enter please head to page 3. Closing date 22 February.

THREE BOOKS UP FOR GRABS!

Publisher: Quarto Publishing/ Wide Eyed Editions

Author: Polly Owen

Illustrator: Gwen Millward

RRP: £12.99

Learn the funny and fascinating story of Charles Darwin and the groundbreaking discoveries that resulted from his love of the humble worm in this hilarious, illustrated children’s book.

Charles Darwin is widely known for his Origin of Species book, yet Darwin had another great love, and that was for worms.

Told for the first time for children, this is the silly and fascinating true story of how he came to discover that the humble earthworm is the most important species on our planet.

The story of Darwin and the worms not only centres around the perennially brilliant subject of poo, it teaches children about a key historic figure, the food cycle and deductive scientific thinking. It’s also a heartwarming story of the triumph of a zany underdog who won’t let bullies get in the way of his love for worms. It’s all told in a funny and engaging way, with nonfiction information on each page to help educate alongside the story with entertaining fullcolour illustrations.

To enter please head to page 3. Closing date 22 February.