Primary Times Buckinghamshire - May 2017

42,000 copies for families of 

Primary School Children 

Buckinghamshire 

& Milton Keynes 

MAY ISSUE N o 93 

15 May – 2 July 2017

Dear Reader 

Welcome to our May half term issue of the number one 

What’s on Guide for families in Buckinghamshire & 

Milton Keynes. 

The weather seems to be improving and warming up nicely, 

although doubtless there are some amongst us who are doing 

a little bit of a rain dance as we write. If the rain does fall, we 

hope it does so outside of the half term holiday which will 

soon be upon us! 

In this issue we are delighted to bring you lots of wonderful 

events and activities to help you keep your children busy during 

half term and beyond – many of them are either free or a nominal 

cost. Don’t forget to check our website for more fun things to 

do or if you are going to visit a different county this holiday and 

would like to see What’s On, visit www.primarytimes.net. 

May half term can often be a tricky school holiday for some 

families, particularly for working parents who prefer not to take 

extra leave so close to the summer holidays. We offer suggestions 

that will be a big hit for children with a variety of holiday activity 

camps – many with convenient early drop times. 

Our regular Box Office features some family favourites to choose 

from – a trip to the theatre is always a treat for a family outing. 

Our competitions are on page twenty-two with some fabulous 

prizes up for grabs. 

We hope you enjoy this issue and have a happy and fun filled time 

over the coming weeks. 

With very best wishes 

Marion, Sue, Carol & Charlotte 

Contents 

Inside this issue... 

Calling all 

families 

and teachers! 

Remember to send in 

your news for our news 

pages – we would love 

to hear from you! 

Don’t forget 

to visit us 

online at 

www.primarytimes.net 

/buckinghamshire 

6 WOW 

10 Get Involved with 

your PTA 

12 Talking Tuition 

18 Box Office 

20 Family Fun 

22 Competitions 

contents 

The Primary Times Team 

Editor: 

Marion McAdam 

marion@schoolspublishing.co.uk 

Sales: 

Sue Wintersgill 

ptbucks@schoolspublishing.co.uk 

TEL: 01295 750250 

Production: 

Carol George 

production@schoolspublishing.co.uk 

Design: 

Charlotte Morgan 

Primary Times in Buckinghamshire, 

Schools Publishing Limited 

Primary Times Magazine Group 

Unit 1A, Thamesview Industrial Estate 

Newtown Road, Henley on Thames 

Oxfordshire RG9 1HG 

TEL: 01491 411848 FAX: 01491 411416 

www.primarytimes.net/buckinghamshire 

...the UK’s biggest, 

free ‘what’s on’ 

magazine for parents! 

Primary Times in 

Buckinghamshire distributes 

more than 42,000 copies 

seven times a year, and is 

part of a national network 

distributing more than 

2.7 million copies in 59 regions 

across the UK and Ireland. 

Primary Times is independently published and distributed free through national primary schools in Buckinghamshire. 

It aims to inform families and children about current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses, attractions and to 

give teachers, pupils and parents the opportunity to participate in the magazine by adding to its contents or by joining 

in the competitions. It is NOT our intention to publish any racist, sexist or politically based material whatsoever. We also 

undertake not to carry any advertising which we would consider to be offensive to young families or harmful to the best 

interests of young children. Primary Times would like to thank all the schools in Buckinghamshire for their assistance in 

distributing the magazine and for their contributions to its contents. We would also like to thank all the advertisers who 

have supported this publication and therefore made it possible. Please support their endeavours when and where you 

can. The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by our studio remains with Primary 

Times or with the relevant contributor. Primary Times is currently publishing over two million copies per issue under 

franchise licences throughout Britain. 

www.primarytimes.net/buckinghamshire | MAY Issue Primary Times 3


what’s on where 

1 – 31 May 

Family Explorers: We’re 

going on a Bug Hunt! 

Stowe Landscape Gardens, MK18 5EH 

www.nationaltrust.org.uk 

10am Will you dare to peek under a log? Are 

you brave enough to hold a scary beast? Can 

you set up your very own snail race? Pick up our 

creepy-crawly guide for tips and pictures of 

things you might find. Free with admission. 

T: 01280 817 156 

10 May 

Enchanted Museum 

Chiltern Open Air Museum, HP8 4AB 

www.coam.org.uk 

4pm Families can enjoy spending the evening 

exploring the Museum’s historic buildings lit 

up by candle, lantern and firelight, taking a 

magical walk through the woods and trying 

their hands at fairytale crafts and activities. 

T: 01494 871117 

Working with Wool 

Green Dragon Eco Farm, MK18 3LA 

www.greendragonecofarm.co.uk 

11am Find out about the magic of Felt-Making 

during sheep shearing time. T: 01296 670444 


Pirate’s Picnic 

Black Park, SL3 6DS 

www.old.buckscc.gov.uk 

11am Come along to Foxley Copse for some 

pirate themed fun and games. Remember to 

bring a picnic. T: 01753 511060 


Tiny Talk Time: We’re Going 

on a Bear Hunt 

Wycombe Museum, HP13 6PX 

www.wycombemuseum.org.uk 

10.30am and 1.15pm A special time for ages 2-4 

years. Session includes stories, trails and craft 

activities. Cost £3 per child. Booking essential. 

T: 01494 957210 


The Night Shift 

Bletchley Park The Mansion, MK3 6EB 

www.bletchleypark.org.uk 

5pm Explore the grounds, Codebreaking Huts, 

and Mansion House as the daylight fades; just 

as workers would have done during World 

War 2. There will be the option to join one of 

our special guided tours which will give you a 

deeper insight into the history of the Park and 

add to the atmosphere of the evening. 

T: 01908 640404 

20 May – 17 June 

Game of Thrones: Special 

Exhibition of the Hardhome 

Embroidery 

Bucks County Museum, HP20 2QP 

www.buckscountymuseum.org 

10am Stunning large scale embroidery 

featuring a White Walker from the epic TV 

series. Free entry. T: 01296 331441 


Open Sunday 

Linford Lakes, MK14 5AH 

www.theparkstrust.com 

10am Join the Friends of Linford Lakes for the 

monthly open day at the nature reserve. Free 

event. T: 01908 255379 

WOW! 

What’s on where... 

We check listings carefully but event 

details and prices may be subject to change. 

Please always check with the venue. 


Animal Encounter: 

Lamb Watch 

Abbotts View Farm, HP22 4NF 

www.abbottsviewalpacas.co.uk 

10am Booking essential. Child ticket £7, 

adults £10. T: 07989 063595 


Fantabulous Family 

Photo Frames 

Roald Dahl Museum, HP16 0AL 

www.roalddahl.com 

11.30am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3pm 

Roald Dahl kept lots of special 

pictures on the wall of his Writing Hut. 

Find out more about what decorates his 

walls and then make your own swishwiffling 

picture frame to put your own special 

photos in. Cost £3 per person. Suitable 

for ages 4+. Booking essential. 

T: 01494 892192 

History & Nature 

Ride 

Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway, 

OX39 4ER 

www.chinnorrailway.co.uk 

10.30am Discover local history and the 

lineside flora and fauna in an hour-long 

railcar trip. T: 01844 353535 

Quiet Day 

Thomley, HP18 9JZ 

www.thomley.org.uk 

10am The theme is woodland animals. 

Games, activities and workshops. Booking 

essential. 

T: 01844 338380 

Alpaca Walks 

Abbots View Alpacas, HP22 4NF 


2pm Join us for a walk around our private 

farm with some of our wonderful alpacas. 

We will share interesting stories and facts 

with you about our animals along the way. 

Booking essential. T: 07989 063595 

Children’s Crafts 

Haddenham Library, HP17 8EE 

www.buckscc.gov.uk 

11am Fantastic free craft session for children 

where we make things celebrating upcoming 

events and celebrations. T: 0845 2303232 

Elmer the Elephant 

Hazlemere Library, HP15 7PY 


10.30am It’s Elmer’s birthday so join us for an 

afternoon craft activity and make your very own 

patchwork Elmer model to keep! 

T: 0845 2303232 

Elmer Day 

Micklefield Library, HP13 7HU 


11am Wear your brightest clothes to celebrate 

the world’s most colourful elephant. Elmer 

stories, crafts and games, fun for all the family. 

T: 0845 2303232 

Elmer Day Story and Craft 

Iver Heath Community Library, SL0 0DA 


10.30am Come along to our special Elmer Craft 

Session and get creative with paper, tissue, glue, 

stickers, colouring pens. T: 0845 2303232 

Elmer Day 

Buckingham Library, MK18 1JP 


10.30am Celebrate Elmer Day with Stories and 

Crafts. T: 0845 2303232 

Tree Blossom Craft 

Chesham Museum, HP5 1HG 

www.cheshammuseum.org.uk 

10.30am Make your own blossom tree. There 

will be coloured pencils and pens so that you can 

drawn and colour in your own tree trunk. You 

can make your tree blossom with coloured tissue 

paper. Free drop in sessions until 12.30pm. 

T: 01494 792549 


Book Art 

Claydon House, MK18 2EY 


12pm Get creative and learn how to create 

hedgehogs and other beautiful pieces of art 

from old books. Cost £2.50 per piece of art. 

T: 01296 730349 

Look at Life Weekend 

MK Museum, MK12 5EL 

www.miltonkeynesmuseum.org.uk 

11am Invasion, civil war and the war of Spanish 

Succession all feature in almost two thousand 

years of living history at the Museum’s History 

Festival. The festival is a chance to see and join 

in with people living, working, fighting and 

playing during key periods in this area’s history. 

T: 01908 316222 

Railex 2017 Model Railway 

Exhibition 

Stoke Mandeville Stadium, HP21 9PP 

www.railex.org.uk 

10am Many Model Railway Layouts from 

all over the country, as well as around 

50 manufacturers, traders, societies and 

demonstrations. Sunday opening from 10.30am. 

Cost £9 adults, £5 children. T: 01296 437475 


Blenheim Palace Food 

Festival 

Blenheim Palace, OX20 1PP 

www.blenheimpalace.com 

10am Enjoy demonstrations, local producers 

and plenty of tastings. The festival promises a 

fantastic range of food, drink and activities for 

the whole family to enjoy. T: 0800 849 6500 

Floating Market 

Stoke Bruerne Grand Union Canal, NN12 7SE 

www.canalrivertrust.org.uk 

10am A family day out & fun for everyone. 

Browse the vast array of goods & hand crafted 

items on sale from the boats of our very clever 

traders. Learn about how people live & work on 

the canals. 


Half Term Activities 

Old Gaol Museum, MK18 1JX 

www.buckinghamoldgaol.org.uk 

10am New quiz around the museum on 

The Grand Old Dukes of Buckingham. Usual 

admission charge plus 50p for the activities. 

T: 01280 823020 


Knights and Princesses 

Week 

Odds Farm Park, HP10 0LX 

www.oddsfarm.co.uk 

10am Celebrate the opening of the new Fort 

with shows, crafts and much more! 

T: 01628 520 188 

Lemur Week 

Cotswold Wildlife Park, OX18 4JP 

www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk 

10am As Lemurs are now one of the most 

threatened groups of mammals on the planet 

we are hosting a week of fun activities and 

keeper talks to help raise awareness and funds 

for Lemur Conservation in Madagascar. 

T: 01993 823 006 

Bugs and Beasties 

Hughenden Manor, HP14 4LA 


10.30am Pick up a craft pack and make a bug 

friend. Then hunt for bugs in the walled garden. 

T: 01494 755573 

Gnometastic 

Waterperry Gardens, OX33 1JZ 

www.waterperrygardens.co.uk 

Help the gnomes in the gardens who have 

forgotten their names. Find all eight gnomes 

and their names to claim your prize in the 

garden shop. Cost £2 per child. 

T: 01844 339254 

6 

Primary Times MAY Issue | www.primarytimes.net/buckinghamshire



Woodland Wonders 

Burnham Beeches, SL2 3LB 

www.bucksfamilyinfo.org 

10am Have a wonderful woodland adventure 

on this popular half term trail. Suggested 

donation £1. T: 01753 647358 

Den Building 

Boarstall Duck Decoy, HP18 9UX 


Try building your own den in the woodland. 

Free with admission. T: 01280 817156 

Tabbalabba 

Gulliver’s Theme Park, MK15 0DT 

www.gulliversfun.co.uk 

10.30am The ultimate family festival. Discover 

Tabbalabba traditions in all shapes and sizes, 

from sock puppets to bluecake. Entrance fee 

applies. T: 01925 444888 


Boggling Building Science 



11.30am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3pm Get hands-on 

with us as we investigate how places are built. 

We’ll be making bridges, building towers and 

creating places for both human beans as well as 

animals. Cost £2 per person. Suitable for ages 

4+. Booking essential. T: 01494 892192 

Teddy’s Train ride 

Bucks Railway Centre, HP22 4BY 

www.bucksrailcentre.org 

10.30am Children with a Teddy go free! 

T: 01296 655720 

Classic Car Rally 


OX39 4ER 


10.30am Come and ride the trains and see a 

wide selection of classic and vintage cars on 

display. T: 01844 353535 

Go Wild with Nature 

Micklefield Library, HP13 7HU 


2pm Use natural materials to craft some 

beautiful gifts. Cost £2 per child. Suitable for 

ages 4-11 years. T: 0845 2303232 


Roman Gladiators 



10am Watch provincial gladiators in action 

as a team of criminals, barbarians and other 

prisoners of war, disgraced soldiers and thrill 

seekers fight for the entertainment of the 

crowds and the Emperor. T: 01494 871117 

Teddy Bear’s Bank Holiday 

Leighton Buzzard Railway, LU7 4TN 

www.buzzrail.co.uk 

10.30am Fun with bears, and accompanied 

children who bring their bears for a ride will 

travel free. T: 01525 373888 


Swishwiffling 

Storytelling Walk 



12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm Join Chip Colquhoun on 

a family storytelling walk around Roald Dahl’s 

home village, and up to Angling Spring Wood. 

There will be plenty of swashboggling stories 

including local folklore and stories told to Roald 

Dahl by his mother when he was a chiddler. 

Cost £3 per person. Suitable for ages 4+. 


Open Day 

Pitstone Green Museum, LU7 9EY 

www.pitstonemuseum.co.uk 

11am A Rural Life Museum with many exhibits 

relating to farming and country life. 

Bus Rally 



10.30am Annual heritage bus rally. 

T: 01296 655720 

Larking Around 

Northchurch Common Berkhamsted, 

HP4 1LT 


10am Come along and help the rangers count 

and record singing Skylarks and parachuting 

Meadow Pipits. There will also be a range of 

activities for children throughout the day. 


The Great Big Tree Climbing 

Company 

Cliveden Taplow, SL6 0JA 


10.30am Enjoy adventurous tree climbing in 

the woods at Cliveden. Cost £20. Suitable for 

ages 6+. Booking essential. T: 0344 249 1895 


Wild Week 

Cliveden Taplow, SL6 0JA 


11am Come along and join in a flower-power 

themed ‘Wild Week’. Kids will get crafty in this 

creative outdoor session. All children must be 

accompanied by an adult. Cost £2 per child. 

T: 01628 605069 

Half Term Fun 



11am Extraordinary science, arts and crafts 

workshops, and magic lantern shows. 

T: 01908 316222 

Supercamps 

The Royal Grammar School, HP13 6QT 

www.supercamps.co.uk 

8am This camp offers a variety of sports, 

games, and arts and crafts for ages 4-12, 

including Lego, Super Camps Driving School, 

Swimming and Avengers School of Archery. 

T: 01235 467300 


Half Term Fun 



11am Watch the Sheep shearing and meet the 

young animals – piglets, lambs, kids, chicks, 

ducklings and rabbits. T: 01296 670444 


What’s In Your Secret 

Collection 



11.30am, 1pm and 3pm Find out about Roald 

Dahl’s special objects and unlock the secret 

powers of special things in this workshop using 

music, drama and imagination. Why not bring 

your own special object to share? Cost £3 per 

person. Suitable for ages 4+. Booking essential. 

T: 01494 892192 

Terrific Tuesday 



11am Find out about the creatures that 

live on our site and chat to the RSPB. Come 

and discover what we have growing in our 

allotment. Listen to spring stories and have 

a-go at planting some sunflower seeds. Travel 

along the springtime trail and see what you 

can discover. Make sugar paste ladybirds and 

enjoy spring themed craft activities. Free with 

admission. T: 01494 871117 

Loads of Lava 

River and Rowing Museum, RG9 1BF 

www.rrm.co.uk 

10.30am Create a flaming papier mache 

volcano and fiery scraper board picture. Learn 

about Mount Vesuvius and have a close up look 

of Ancient Roman artefacts. Suitable for ages 

4-7 years. Cost £8.50. Booking essential. 

T: 01491 415600 

Beasts and Butterflies 

Walk 



10.30am Join a ranger for a walk through 

Hughenden’s estate as you learn to catch 

and identify bugs. Cost £4 per child. Booking 

essential. T: 01494 755573 

Tremendous Tapestry 



10am and 1pm Crafty fun for all the family. Cost 

£3 per child. T: 01296 331441 

May Meadow Fairies 

Queens Park Arts Centre, HP21 7RT 

www.qpc.org 

10am Come and make a gorgeous little 

blossoming fairy with a flower hat and leafy 

wand. Suitable for ages 7+ years. Cost £20, 

members £18. T: 01296 424332 

Art and Sensory Workshop 

Curzon Centre, HP9 1RG 

www.littlelollapalooza.com 

10am & 11.30am Use your imagination to 

discover, explore and create. Suitable for 

children 8 and under. Cost £7. Children must be 

accompanied. Booking essential. 

T: 07825 299 541 

Interactive Storytelling 

Workshop 

Hazlemere Library, HP15 7PY 


10.30am An exciting workshop where the 

children have control over the action and 

adventures they create within this interactive 

storytelling session. T: 0845 2303232 


Woodland Wonders 

Burnham Beeches Farnham Common, 

SL2 3LB 

www.bucksfamilyinfo.org 

10am Fun and activities for ages 4-12 years. 

Cost 32 per child. T: 01753 647358 


Activity Day Camp 



8.30am A full schedule of action packed 

activities during the half term. Suitable for 

children aged 4-11 years. Booking essential. 

Cost £39 per day. T: 01296 670444 

Supercamps 

Griffin House, HP17 0XP 




including Lego, Super Camps Driving School 

and Avengers School of Archery. 

T: 01235 467300 

Supercamps 

The Beacon School, HP6 5PF 




including Swimming, Super Camps Driving 

School and Avengers School of Archery. 

T: 01235 467300 


Fantabulous Family 

Photo Frames 



11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm 

Roald Dahl kept lots of special pictures on 

the wall of his Writing Hut. Find out more 

about what decorates his walls and then 

make your own swishwiffling picture frame 

to put your own special photos in. Cost £3 

per person. Suitable for ages 4+. Booking 

essential. T: 01494 892192 

Adventures with the Ice 

Dragon 


www.rrm.co.uk 

10.30am Create a dragon puppet and make 

it come to life. Suitable for ages 7-11 years. 

Cost £8.50. Booking essential. T: 01491 

415600 

Wild Wednesday: We’re 

Going on a Bug Hunt! 

Stowe Landscape Gardens, MK18 5EH 


10.30am Uncover Stowe’s hidden world of 

creepy-crawlies. Borrow a magnifying glass 

to spy under logs and see what you can spot. 

Cost £2 per child. Booking essential. 

T: 0844 249 1895 

Pony Care Fun Days 

Wendlebury Gate Stables, 

OX25 2NS 

www.wgriding.co.uk 

10am Hands on experience of ponies at a 

working stable. No experience necessary. 

Ages 4-12 years. Booking essential. Cost £35. 

T: 01869 320665 

Frog & Teddy Stitch 



10am and 1pm Crafty fun for all the family. 

Cost £3 per child. T: 01296 331441 

Lake Life 

Willen Lake, MK15 


11am Come along to the Water Safety Day 

to take a look at a life in and on the water. 

Enjoy a range of different free outdoor 

games and activities. T: 01908 255379 

Exotic Zoo 

Friars Square Shopping Centre, 

HP20 2QF 

www.friarssquareshopping.com 

11am Families are invited to a day of beastly 

fun with Blue Peter animal expert Scott 

Adams this May half term. T: 01296 483169 

8 



10 



Talking 

Pen & Ink 

Why do children need to learn 

Times Tables? 

You wouldn’t dream of building 

a house without first digging 

the footings and putting the 

foundations in place. Nor would 

you attempt to put a meal 

together without assembling the 

right ingredients in the correct 

proportions. 

Everything starts with a solid 

foundation, and in maths, that’s 

where times tables comes in. 

Schools have to make sure 

that children learn the times 

tables as part of the national 

curriculum. There is no silver 

bullet to learning them; it is 

simply a case of going over and 

over it until it is solidified into 

memory. 

A few years ago OFSTED 

did a study that said that, 

without a solid grasp of the 

times tables, children’s ability in 

maths suffered. Tuition can help 

children learn their times tables 

and other aspects of Maths. For 

more information please call 

01494 773300 or visit 

www.penandinktuition.co.uk 

Radley 

At Radley we offer an 

environment for boys to grow 

in self-confidence, thrive 

academically, and make the 

most of the many opportunities 

we offer. We pride ourselves 

on the pursuit of excellence 

and on encouraging boys 

to develop their talents and 

discover new interests. 

Radley defines itself by its 

caring community where all 

are passionate about what 

they do, and dedicated to it. 

A Radley education 

is about independent 

thought and learning with 

enthusiasm. It is about 

cultural awareness and the 

benefits of team sport. It is 

about academic ambition. 

It is about learning to live 

with others; it is about 

preparation for the world 

beyond its gates. Above all, 

it is about the core values 

that will underpin success 

in all its forms throughout a 

Radleian’s life: as leaders, as 

citizens, as human beings. 

Radley has Awards that 

can be worth up to 100% 

of the fees for talented 

boys at 11+ or 13+. We 

welcome applications for 

boys currently attending a 

maintained school who excel 

academically or at music, 

sport, art or drama. Radley 

will provide financial support 

for two years at a Prep 

school before continuing to 

Radley at 13 years of age. 

To find out more please 

contact Admissions on 

01235 543 174 or visit 

www.radley.org.uk/ 

11-13-Bursaries. 

RADLEY COLLEGE 

12 


Tuition 

Learn with 


Adult Learning and 

Return to Work 

At Buckinghamshire Adult 

Learning we offer interesting and 

exciting opportunities for adults to 

fulfil their ambitions, further their 

interests and achieve potential 

through learning and training. 

With a broad programme of 

over 2,000 part-time courses 

delivered from 120 locations 

across the county, there is 

something to suit everyone. 

We run a wide variety of 

part-time courses including 

Cookery and Cake-Decorating, 

Interior Design, IT, Jewellery 

Making, Patchwork, Photography, 

Pottery, Sewing, Stained Glass, 

Upcycling, Upholstery and Work 

Skills. 

Our courses give learners the 

opportunity to develop new skills 

and the possibility of returning 

to work or starting their own 

business. On a recent ‘Sew as 

You Earn’ course we have taught 

young mothers how to sew and 

sell their products on social 

media. 

We offer flexibility with classes 

in the day and in the evening 

allowing you to develop your 

skills, knowledge and confidence 

in an environment where both 

tutors and learners offer support 

and encouragement. 

Part-time courses are starting 

mid September. 

For a free 2017/18 part-time 

course brochure, visit 

www.adultlearningbcc.ac.uk 

to download a copy or phone 

01296 382403. 

Farquhar’s Vocabulary 

Flash Cards 

Improve 11+ Vocabulary in a Flash 

Does your child’s vocabulary need 

a boost ready for the 11+ exam? 

Farquhar’s Vocabulary Flash 

Cards have been specifically 

created to improve children’s 

verbal reasoning skills and 

ultimately help them succeed in 

the 11+ Entrance Examination. 

This comprehensive resource 

includes 5 distinct sets, each with 

200 key words plus over 1,000 

synonyms. Levels 1 and 2 lay down 

broad vocabulary foundations, 

Opposites 1 and 2 focus on 

antonym pairs and the Compound 

set completes the resource. www. 

vocabularyflashcards.co.uk 

AE Publications have got 

11+ exams covered 

AE Publications’ new range of 

Testpacks are ideal for preparing 

your child for 11+ exams at home. 

By working through the practice 

papers within a Testpack, your 

child will familiarise themselves 

with the examination procedure 

and gain confidence in the 

process. 

The practice papers and answer 

sheets are arranged to enable you 

to simulate an 11+ exam with your 

child at home. The answers are 

provided in a separate booklet 

within the Testpack folder, and 

a certificate of achievement 

is included in each Testpack 

as motivation for your child to 

progress. 

Visit www.aepublications. 

co.uk to purchase a Testpack or 

browse AE Publications’ full range 

of 11+ exam preparation material. 

Ultimate Activity Camps come 

to Aylesbury and Beaconsfield! 

Children will have the most fun during the summer holidays as 

Ultimate Activity Camps are running their outstanding holiday 

childcare programmes in Aylesbury and Beaconsfield for children 

aged 4-14 years! 

Ultimate Activity Camps offer the opportunity for children to have 

fun, meet friends and try a brilliant array of exciting activities during 

the school holidays. From swimming, zorbing and tennis to archery, 

art and fencing, there are over 40 games, sports or creative activities 

giving children a new experience every day. 

Book by 13th June for £20 off a week (now £179), or £4 off a day 

(now £39). 

www.ultimateactivity.co.uk or call 0330 111 7077 (local rate). 

Professional tuition by 

qualified teachers 

Kip McGrath provides 

individually tailored tuition 

based on your child’s current 

educational level. We offer 

a FREE initial assessment 

to identify your child’s 

strengths and weaknesses 

and write a bespoke 

programme based on their 

current ability. 

We offer professional 

tuition by fully qualified 

teachers which allows us 

to help students who have 

fallen behind, as well as 

those high achievers who 

need extra stimulation. Our 

proven programme is a great 

way to boost confidence and 

develop a love for learning. 

To book a FREE 

assessment, call us now on 

01908 559331 

Booker Gym 

Holiday Camps 

Learn all aspects of gymnastics 

including floor, beam, bars, 

tumble, vault and rings plus fun 

and activities such as rhythmic 

gymnastics, circus skills, dodge 

ball and parachute. We are 

taking bookings now for our 

Summer Holiday Camps details 

of which will be published on 

our website. Sessions run for 3 

years old to 10 years old from 

10am – 3pm, costing £25.00 

per session including a cooked 

lunch. Additional siblings are a 

reduced price of £20.00 per 

session. Option to drop off 

early at 9am for an additional 

£3.50. Bookings are available 

for single days or whole weeks. 

We run camps to help shape 

your children’s future health and 

happiness, promoting fitness 

through fun. Booker Gym Club, 

High Wycombe 01494 471566 

www.bookergymclub.co.uk 

13


Pottery Frogs 


www.qpc.org 

10am Sculpt your very own pottery frog, and 

then make a Lilli pad for it to sit on. Suitable for 

ages 7+ years. Cost £20, members £18. 

T: 01296 424332 

Half Term Crafts 

Buckingham Library, MK18 1JP 


10.30am Join us for a morning of fun free 

crafting. T: 0845 2303232 

Pond Dipping 

Bedgrove Park, HP21 9TT 


2pm Come along and see what creatures 

you can find. This session will be led by Tring 

Anglers experienced volunteers. Suitable for 

ages 3-10 years. T: 01296 585 195 

Lakeside Fair 



12pm Fantastic family fun close to the Lake, 

Cafe & Adventure Playground. Free entry - 

individual activities may charge. 

T: 01753 511060 

1 June 

Crackling Clay Treasures 



11.30am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3pm Make your 

own special collection of treasures. You’ll find 

out more about the wonderful things that 

Roald Dahl kept close to him before choosing 

your own treasures to make in clay. Cost £3 per 

person. Suitable for ages 4+. Booking essential. 

T: 01494 892192 

A Viking Quest 


www.rrm.co.uk 

10.30am Dress up as a Viking and journey to the 

land of the Norsemen! Live like a Viking for the 

day, and create your own legendary story. Free 

with admission. T: 01491 415600 

The Great Big Tree Climb 



10am Two highly skilled and friendly 

instructors can help all ages reach new heights 

in a fantastic tree at Hughenden. Cost £20. 

Suitable for ages 6+. Booking essential. 

T: 0800 0556760 

Mr Duck 

Old Gaol Museum, MK18 1JX 

www.buckinghamoldgaol.org.uk 

1.30pm Magician and all-round entertainer, Mr 

Duck, will have a 2-hour show in the museum. 

Great fun for all. Cost £3. Tickets available from 

the museum shop and should be bought in 

advance. No unaccompanied children. 

T: 01280 823020 

Fantasy Figures 



10am and 1pm Crafty fun for all the family. Cost 

£3 per child. T: 01296 331441 

Mouse and the Moonlight 


www.qpc.org 

10am Our silvery moon beams its light on a 

little mouse friend, balancing on its crescent 

tip. Suitable for ages 7+ years. Cost £20, 

members £18. T: 01296 424332 

2 June 

The Building Boy with Ross 

Montgomery 



12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm Go on a magical 

journey with The Building Boy. When a little 

boy makes a model of his Grandma out of 

her old building materials, she sweeps him 

away on a thrilling adventure. Join author 

Ross Montgomery for storytelling and lots of 

interactive fun. Cost £3 per person. Suitable for 

ages 4+. Booking essential. T: 01494 892192 

Creepy Crawly Roadshow 



10.30am Join an expert for a one hour show 

meeting creatures from the rainforest. Cost £5 

per child. Booking essential. T: 0344 249 1895 

Pack a Picnic 


www.qpc.org 

10am Stitch your own wonderful picnic basket 

full of fairy cakes, iced buns and delicious 

drinks. Suitable for ages 7+ years. Cost £20, 

members £18. T: 01296 424332 

3 June 

Terrific Twits Garden 



12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm Roald Dahl loved 

gardens, especially his own. He included a 

particularly icky one in The Twits. Join us to 

make your own miniature gruncious Twit 

garden full of scary and disgusterous things. 

Cost £3 per person. Suitable for ages 4+. 


Get Creative with 

Blossoming Cooks 

Beaconsfield Library, HP9 2NJ 


10.30am Come along to this fun activity where 

learning about food and cooking is combined 

with creativity and love of nature. Cost £3.50 

per child. Suitable for ages 3+. Booking 

essential. T: 01296 382415 

3 – 4 June 

1940’s Vintage Weekend 



9.30am Come along to Bletchley Park and 

have yourself a fabulous time at our forties 

weekend! This two day event, featuring 1940’s 

Swing Band The Bevin Boys, vintage salon and 

pop-up shop, and vintage market place, will be 

great fun for all the family. T: 01908 640404 

Miniature Traction Engine 

Rally 



10.30am Live entertainment and specialist 

steampunk traders, who can help with outfits, 

accoutrements, and accessories if visitors want 

to join in and get into the spirit of the event! 

T: 01296 655720 

Free Railway Open Days 


OX39 4ER 


10.30am Unique opportunity to see behind the 

scenes. Special timetable will apply. 

T: 01844 353535 

4 June 

Dahl’s Door Hanger 



12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm No one was allowed 

inside Roald Dahl’s Writing Hut! Find out 

more and then make a door hanger either to 

keep people away from Roald’s hut or your 

own special space. Cost £3 per person. 


T: 01494 892192 

MGs in the Park 

Cotswold Wildlife Park, OX18 4JP 

www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk 

10am Annual MG Owners Club meet attracting 

over 600 MGs. T: 01993 823 006 

Transport Rally 

Didcot Railway Centre, OX11 7NJ 

www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk 

10.30am. A wide selection of buses, coaches 

and commercial vehicles and miniature railway 

rides. T: 01235 817200 

Orienteering 

Howe Park Wood, MK4 3BX 


10am Orienteering for all abilities. Cost £5 per 

team. T: 01908 233600 

7 June 

Information Event: 

11 Plus 

Shenley Brook End School, MK5 7ZT 

www.elevenology.com 

6pm Information evening for parents with 

regards to the recent 11 plus changes. A free 

assessment can also be undertaken on the day. 

Also on 3 July. Free event. T: 07594 995424 

8 – 12 June 

Gifford’s Circus 

Blenheim Palace, OX20 1PP 

www.giffordscircus.com 

Various Times It’s 2017 and Gifford’s Circus is 

visiting the Spanish court of the 17th Century. 

A thrilling, candle-lit, international gymnastic 

show with dancing horses, a live band and of 

course the king of mis-rule Tweedy the clown. 

T: 0845 4597469 

9 June 

Tiny Talk Time: Row Row 

Row Your Boat 






T: 01494 957210 

Tiny Talk Time: Kipper’s Toy 

Box 






T: 01494 957210 

Tiny Talk Time: Rub a Dub 

Dub 






T: 01494 957210 

Tiny Talk Time: Teddy Bears’ 

Picnic 






T: 01494 957210 

Totally Batty Walk 

Ashridge Estate, HP4 1LT 


8.30pm See if you can spot a bat on this 

fascinating walk with one of the rangers. Cost 

£8 adults, £5 children. Booking essential. 

T: 01442 851227 

10 June 

Stony Riverside Fair 

Millfield, MK11 


1pm An afternoon of summer fun for families 

with free activities organised and run by the 

Riverside Parks Group. 

StarBQ & the Science of 

Star Wars 



11am A fun day out for all the family with 

a ‘outer space’ theme, including hands-on 

science activities and talks, themed crafts, 

competitions, and costumes. T: 01296 670444 

10 – 11 June 

Steam, comic & Culture 

Festival 



10.30am Please see website for full details. 

T: 01525 373888 

Dino Encounters 



10.30am You can expect Jurassic adventures 

with exciting activities plus meet and greets 

with ‘living’ walking dinosaurs. Take part in 

the dino trail for the chance to dig for long lost 

fossils. T: 01925 444888 

11 June 

Open Day 





Rabbit Awareness 

Hula Animal Rescue Glebe Farm, MK17 8HZ 

www.hularescue.org 

1pm The centre will be open until 4pm. 

T: 01908 584000 

Open Farm Sunday 

Abbotts View Farm, HP22 4NF 


10.30am Visit the rare breed sheep and pigs, 

pygmy goats, miniature ponies, and the farm’s 

ducks, guinea pigs and rabbits. There will be 

craft activities and needle felting demos. 

T: 07989 063595 


Manor Farm, MK43 8SQ 

www.farmsunday.org 

10.30am A great day out for all the family. See 

the farm animals including baby turkeys and 

all the farm machinery used throughout the 

farming year. Bouncy castle and face painting. 

Entry by donations. T: 01234 822330 

14 





Scald End Farm, MK44 2DP 


11am Tractor and trailer rides, sheep shearing 

and ‘Ask the Farmer’ question time. 

T: 01234 772688 


Orchard View Farm, HP179UG 


11am A fun day for all the family with farm 

tours, tractor rides, vintage farm machinery, 

local food producers, hog roast, bbq, bug hunts 

and wildlife displays. T: 07770 262849 

17 June 

Father’s Day Model Train 

Exhibition 



10.30am Wycombe & District Model Railway 

Society will be back at Hughenden with a two 

day train exhibition of mixed layouts, including 

an interactive children’s layout. Free with 

admission. T: 01494 755573 

17 – 18 June 

Festival of History 

Campbell Park, MK6 


11am Cannons exploding into the air, swords 

clashing at the joust, the drone of a Spitfire 

circling overhead, while on the ground a riot 

of sound and colour from storytellers, dancers, 

musicians, cooks and traders. Enjoy 2000 years 

of living history at this fabulous free event. 

T: 01908 316222 

Father’s Day Weekend 



10.30am Dads go free throughout the weekend. 

T: 01925 444888 

18 June 

Squiffing Speedy Science 



12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm Roald Dahl loved 

all sorts of transport! Explore with us how 

different forms of transport move and how far 

or fast we can make them go in this hands-on 

family workshop. Cost £2 per person. Suitable 

for ages 4+. Booking essential. 

T: 01494 892192 

Heavy Horse Show 



10am Watch spectacular arena events 

and parades and enjoy demonstrations of 

traditional farm work. Meet a variety of 

working horses. T: 01494 871117 

Father’s Day BBQ 



12pm Dads and their families can enjoy a 

traditional barbecue whilst listening to the 

vintage sound of 1940s Swing Band, The Bevin 

Boys. Swing Dance MK will also be on hand 

to demonstrate some 1940s dance moves to 

create a lively and vintage atmosphere. 

T: 01908 640404 

Father’s Day 



10.30am Steam train rides on the Main 

Demonstration Line. T: 01235 817200 

Commercial Vehicle Rally 



10.30am Up to 60 historic vehicles will be on 

display. Steam trains will be offering unlimited 

free rides and the miniature ride-on steam 

trains will be running too. T: 01296 655720 



OX39 4ER 


10.30am Dad travels free with any accompanied 

ticket holder. Sunday Cream Teas will also be 

available for the perfect treat. T: 01844 353535 




10.30am Treat Dad to a free ride with a steam 

engine driver. T: 01525 373888 

Open Sunday 

Linford Lakes, MK14 5AH 


10am Join the Friends of Linford Lakes for the 

monthly open day at the nature reserve. Free 

event. T: 01908 255379 

Soapbox Derby 

Whitehill Park, HP19 8EN 

www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk 

11am A fantastic day out for the entire family. 

Enjoy the kart races, music, an 85ft inflatable 

assault course called The Whopper, young 

person’s bouncy castle, bungee run, face painting, 

crafts, games and much more, all for free. 

Alpaca Walks 



2pm Join us for a walk around our private farm 

with some of our wonderful alpacas. We will 

share interesting stories and facts with you 

about our animals along the way. Booking 

essential. T: 07989 063595 

Father’s Day Bushcraft 



10.30am & 1.30pm Try your hand at firelighting 

& shelter building in Black Pine’s 

Camp. Cost £25 for 1 adult and 1 child. Advance 

booking required. T: 01753 511060 

24 June 

Roald Dahl’s War 



12pm, 1pm and 3pm To celebrate National 

Armed Forces Day, join former RAF pilot 

Graham Laurie for some free family talks to 

learn about Roald Dahl’s time in the RAF during 

the Second World War. Free event, booking 

essential. Recommended for ages 8+. 

T: 01494 892192 

24 – 25 June 

Star Tugs Weekend 



10.30am Trains in operations all weekend. 

T: 01235 817200 

25 June 

Vintage Vehicles Rally 



10.30am Please see website for full details. 

T: 01525 373888 

Dragon Boat Festival 



9am The festival is the largest one-day charity 

dragon boat event in the country, attracting 60 

teams and 14,000 spectators annually. 

T: 01908 550700 

26 June 

Superhero Picnic 



11am Come along in costume for some fun and 

games. T: 01753 511060 

1 July 

Nature Day 



11am A day dedicated to discovering nature. 

Activities will include guided walks, nature 

stalls, children’s activities, pond dipping and 

bug hunting. T: 01908 255379 

1 – 2 July 

Victorian Weekend 



11am An exciting extravaganza of 

entertainment for the whole family. 

T: 01908 316222 

2 July 

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 

Cars 



12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm When Roald Dahl 

wrote the script for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, 

he invented a marvellous flying car! Find out 

more and create your own crazy vehicle in our 

junk modelling workshop Cost £3 per person. 


T: 01494 892192 

Meet Paddington Bear 



10.30am Special timetable applies, 

appearances throughout the day. 

T: 01525 373888 

Orienteering 



10am Orienteering for all abilities. Cost £5 per 

team. T: 01908 233600 

Alpaca Walks 







essential. T: 07989 063595 

Aylesbury on Sea 

Kingsbury Aylesbury on Sea, HP20 2JA 

www.aylesburytowncouncil.gov.uk 

11am Donkey rides, sand-pits 

and deckchairs; a brass band, 

Punch & Judy, and the wild 

and wacky “Day Trippers”, 

who ride into town on 

their pink motorbike and 

sidecar whilst playing the 

trombone. 

T: 01296 425678 

3 July 

Information Event: 11 Plus 

Shenley Brook End School, MK5 7ZT 

www.elevenology.com 

6pm Information evening for parents with 

regards to the recent 11 plus changes. A free 

assessment can also be undertaken on the day. 

Free event. T: 07594 995424 

8 July 

Milton Keynes Bike Ride 


www.bhf.org.uk 

Take on the brand new Milton Keynes Bike Ride 

this summer and join the celebrations of the 

50th birthday of this famous town. With on and 

off-road routes, each of which has a 50 km or 

50 mile option to choose from, and a children’s 

ride, there truly is something for cyclists of all 

ages and abilities on this unique 2 wheeled 

day out. Online registration required. 

T: 0845 130 8663 

8 – 9 July 

Sharpe’s Rifles 



10am Meet Napoleonic soldiers and find out 

about the life of a Rifleman in Wellington’s 

army. Visit the living history encampment and 

learn how the soldiers’ families lived. 

T: 01494 871117 

9 July 

Open Day 





Teddy Bear’s Picnic 



10.30am Free admission for children with Teddy 

Bears. Competitions, activities and crafts. 

T: 01235 817200 

Children’s Fun Day 

Hula Animal Rescue Glebe Farm, MK17 8HZ 

www.hularescue.org 

1pm The centre will be open until 4pm. 

T: 01908 584000 

Alpaca Walks 







essential. T: 07989 063595 

15 July 

Summer Fete 

Berryfields Primary School, HP18 0FG 

www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk 

12pm The theme this year is Pirates and 

Mermaids and everyone is welcome. Plenty of 

stalls and activities. 

16 



Famous Gladiators 

at Chiltern Open Air 

Museum 

On Whitsun Bank Holiday 

weekend 28th - 29th May from 

10 am to 5 pm, Roman Gladiators will be invading Chiltern Open Air 

Museum. 

Watch fearsome gladiators in action as a team of criminals, 

barbarians and other prisoners of war, disgraced soldiers and thrill 

seekers fight for the entertainment of the crowds and the Emperor. 

Who will live, and who will die: you decide! Meet the costumed 

re-enactors and learn about life in the 1st century AD with gladiatorial 

displays taking place at 12 and 3pm. 

The gladiators will be brought to life by Britannia, one of the 

largest (and oldest) re-enactment groups in the UK, they will be 

demonstrating the excitement and brutality of life in the late Roman 

period. Britannia have worked on over 150 TV and film projects, 

including Ridley Scott’s Gladiator and all five series of CBBC’s 

Horrible Histories. 

Siân Hammerton-Fraser, Visitor Experience Manager at Chiltern 

Open Air Museum, says “Having worked on Ridley Scott’s Gladiator, 

Britannia’s gladiatorial combat, weapons and battle tactics are 

fantastic and definitely get our crowds roaring! This will be a brilliant, 

unforgettable way to teach the whole family about Roman history.” 

The Roman Gladiators event is a thrilling action packed and 

educational day for the entire family. Be warned there may be (fake) 

blood! Find out more www.coam.org.uk 

Famil 

Super Camps 

Super Camps’ fabulous new Multi-Activity programme allows children 

to get involved in some great new activities. As well as taking part in 

the fun-packed programme, children are cared for by fully qualified and 

vetted staff to create a thoroughly enjoyable time on camp. As Ofsted 

noted, Super Camps runs “an excellent programme of well-planned, fun 

and exciting activities that contributes highly to the children’s play and 

learning environment”. 

The Early Years programme just for 4 to 5 year olds ensures learning 

and development within a fun environment. The 6 to 9-year-old crews 

can explore new activities and take on new challenges such as The 

Avengers School of Archery, Super Camps Driving School and Motor 

Mania. Our 10 to 12 year olds can come together in their very own 

common room as well as spend more time tackling activities in depth. 

Camps run throughout the school summer holidays. Save 15% with 

code PRIMARY15. 

360 Play is definitely THE place to play this summer! There is so much for the family 

to do – race each other on the dodgems, ride the carousel, dress up as a favourite 

character in 360 street – and that’s even before the kids have taken on the playframe! 

360 Play is about creating quality memories for families spending quality time together 

– that’s why our playtime is unlimited and our entry price is all you will need to pay to 

use all of the facilities. Our centres in Milton Keynes, Leicester and Basildon also have 

outdoor play areas, so you really can have it all – whatever the weather! Keep up to 

date with special offers and events at 360play.co.uk 

Gulliver’s Tabbalabba Family Festival 

27th May – 4th June 2017 

Gulliver’s Theme Parks are hosting their annual 

Tabbalabba event with fantastic activities for the 

whole family to enjoy. It’s a unique family festival 

featuring bubbles, bunting and blue cake. Save 20% 

on children’s tickets by using the online discount code 

TLBMK by 31st May 2017. There will be a free return ticket for every child wearing a sock 

puppet and all guests will have the chance to see brand new characters arriving especially 

for Tabbalabba. Take part in the Gulliver’s Cake-off, join the sock puppet parade and enjoy 

the magical bubble show, only at Tabbalabba! www.gulliversfun.co.uk 

Thomas the Tank Engine is coming to Quainton! 

Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd July 

All aboard! If you are looking for a First Class family day out this summer, look no further 

than Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, for a fabulous Day Out With Thomas! 

Coming on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd July, you can join Thomas the Tank Engine 

at Quainton and experience a ride in a train with Thomas himself, along our 1/3-mile-long 

track! Meet The Fat Controller, enjoy the live children’s show, have your faces painted, and 

take part in Thomas-themed activities including storytelling, colouring and badge making! 

Wander through our site and you will also find the ride-on miniature steam train - a 

delight for visitors young and old! Take a trip on the 1km-long track through a little wooded 

area, across a level crossing and through a tunnel! 

If you then go over the footbridge (with disabled access) you will come across another 

steam engine offering rides. You can also visit our magnificent museum with loads to see 

and learn about, and spend some time in our beautiful glass-roofed visitor centre with 

café, shop and stunning vintage locomotives on display. 

All activities are included in the ticket price. 

Visit: www.bucksrailcentre.org and follow the link 

to book your Day Out With Thomas. Bring the whole 

family and enjoy a fun day out with Thomas! 

WORKING WITH WOOL 

AT GREEN DRAGON! 

A day of demonstrations 

and exhibitions at sheepshearing 

time…. 

Currently, we are now well into 

our lambing season, steadily 

adding to our mixed rare breed flock which is made up 

of seven different rare breeds. With the warm weather 

creeping up on us, shearing is on the calendar for the 

end of May and we’re starting on Saturday 20th May, 

when we will be shearing our six rare breed rams – 

among them, Jupiter the Jacob and Boris the Badgerfaced! 

The different breeds mean the fleeces vary 

considerably and have different uses. 

Felt-making from wool 

We are delighted to be joined by members of the 

International Felt Maker Association from local counties 

who will be with us on the day: 

The felt-makers will demonstrate the magical process 

of turning wool fibre into woollen cloth using some of 

the wool from the breeds of sheep that you see at Green 

Dragon. Herdwick fleece can add such character to 

a heat resistant table mat! Only water and soap and 

the most basic equipment is needed. Not surprising 

that there is a revival of interest in Felt making. Other 

demonstrations and their Exhibition in the Gallery will 

show the amazing diversity of Felt today, from fine art 

pictures to fine lace like scarves and functional 3D items 

that can be both decorative and sculptural. 

See our website for programme times - http:// 

greendragonecofarm.co.uk/family/whats-greendragon/ 

Green Dragon – 2 years old! 

Since opening in March 2015, Green Dragon Eco Farm 

has become a popular destination for young families 

with its year-round all-weather offer and friendly staff on 

45 acres of north Bucks countryside. Visitors of all ages 

are encouraged to take part in hands-on activities on the 

farm where we keep our rare breeds animals and small 

pets. Adult Entry £8, Child Entry £7. 

18

y Fun 

Sing, 

Stoke Bruerne- An amazing day out for 

families! 

Located in the pretty Northamptonshire village of Stoke Bruerne, 

The Canal Museum, is a true hidden gem. With its boat trips, 

pond dipping, flight of locks, colourful narrowboats, waterway 

walks, infamous tunnel, two pubs, shop, events and a café it 

provides a great family day out. In the museum you will discover 

the story of Britain’s canals, from the great engineers and navvies 

who created them to the boat families, leggers and lock-keepers 

who lived and worked on 

them. You’ll find models of 

working boats, traditional 

clothing, canal crafts, 

painted ware, a recreation 

of a boat builder’s 

workshop, beautiful 

historical signs and much 

more. 

For further information 

and details of events 

please call 

01604 862229 or visit 

canalrivertrust.org.uk/ 

thecanalmuseum. 

MINI HEART RIDERS - ASSEMBLE 

Saturday 8 July 2017 

This July will witness the inaugural year of our brand new Milton Keynes 

Bike Ride – and we’ve got an extra special 5km route that means Heart 

Riders of all ages can come and join the fun. 

Designed for under 16s, but perfect fun for the whole family. This is 

the perfect opportunity for new and younger cyclists to take part in a 

completely traffic free, fun-filled adventure - and see for themselves just 

how much fun can be had on two wheels. 

The Route 

Taking you around Willen Lake, riders will be taken on a beautiful, flat 

adventure, surrounded by wildlife before crossing the finish line at our 

event site – that will be buzzing with entertainment and activities to 

entertain children. The event is also forming a special part of the 50th 

birthday celebrations of the Town of Milton Keynes – so keep your eye 

out for some special surprises. 

Registration 

As we know this will be many of our participants’ first experience of a 

cycling event, we ask that all children are accompanied by an adult (one 

adult can be responsible for more than one child). 

To sign up, simply head to our website, download a registration form 

and follow the instructions to send it back to us. 

Accompanying adult £5 Child entry £5 

The Milton Keynes Bike Ride 

This event is forming a part of our Milton Keynes Bike Ride, sharing the 

same start and finish line. This therefore provides the perfect opportunity 

for youngsters to cross the finish line alongside any loved ones who are 

participating in the main event. 

To find out more and sign up, head to bhf.org.uk/MKBikeRide 

Dance and Act this Summer 

with Stagecoach! 

The Summer holidays are just around the corner again, and many 

parents are wondering just what their children are going to do with all 

their free time. Stagecoach Performing Arts has the answer in their 

exciting summer workshops! 

Stagecoach Performing Arts is the largest network of part-time 

theatre schools in the UK with many years of experience in training 

children in the skills of singing, dance and drama. Each summer 

we open our doors to all children to come along and experience 

everything that goes into putting on a performance. Our workshops 

are taught by experienced professionals who are passionate about 

sharing the joy of performing and are guaranteed to inspire and 

educate throughout the week. All our staff hold an enhanced DBS 

(formerly CRB) ensuring that everyone is in safe hands. 

Children do not need any prior performing experience - all we ask is 

that everyone comes with energy and enthusiasm ready to work hard, 

make new friends, learn new skills and develop confidence through 

singing, dance and drama. 

The highlight of the week is a performance on the final day for 

family and friends, where the children can showcase all they have 

learned during the week. You will be amazed at what can be achieved 

in a short space of time! 

Booking is now open and places are limited, so contact your local 

Stagecoach today and book your place to avoid disappointment. 

Stagecoach Amersham - 31 July - 4 August 

Main School 6-16 years Fugitives Fable, learn an original musical in a 

week. 

Early Stages 4-6 years, Circus Big Top Fun, a great fun activity week, 

with a small performance for family and friends. 

Stagecoach High Wycombe - 31 July - 4 August - Musical Swap 

Fun! 

Main School 6-16 years 

Early Stages 4-6 years 

Stagecoach Thame & Watlington - 

Juniors (age 4-8) 14-18 August - A Dalmatian Tale 

Juniors (age 4-8) 21 - 25 August - A Dalmatian Tale 

Seniors (age 9-18) 14 - 18 August - Singin’ in the Rain JR Principal 

Role Auditions Sat 1 July) 

AMERSHAM: 01494 565402 : amersham@stagecoach.co.uk : 

stagecoach.co.uk/amersham 

AYLESBURY: 01525 790795 : aylesbury@stagecoach.co.uk : 

stagecoach.co.uk/aylesbury 

BEACONSFIELD: 07795 157014 : beaconsfield@stagecoach.co.uk : 

stagecoach.co.uk/beaconsfield 

HENLEY AND MARLOW: 01494 533203: 

henleyandmarlow@stagecoach.co.uk: 

stagecoach.co.uk/henleyandmarlow 

HIGH WYCOMBE: 01494 533203 : 

highwycombe@stagecoach.co.uk : stagecoach.co.uk/highwycombe 

MILTON KEYNES: 01908 698333 : 

miltonkeynes@stagecoach.co.uk : stagecoach.co.uk/miltonkeynes 

THAME: 01865 763767 : thame@stagecoach.co.uk : 

stagecoach.co.uk/thame 

19

BOX OFFICE 

office 

Your family theatre guide... 

Aylesbury Waterside 

Theatre 

HP20 1UG 

Box Office: 0844 871 7627 

www.atgtickets.com 


Gangsta Granny 

It’s Friday night and Ben knows that means 

only one thing – staying with Granny! There 

will be cabbage soup, cabbage pie and cabbage 

cake and Ben knows one thing for sure – it’s 

going to be sooooooooo boring! But what Ben 

doesn’t know is that Granny has a secret – and 

Friday nights are about to get more exciting 

than he could ever imagine, as he embarks on 

the adventure of a lifetime with his very own 

Gangsta Granny! 

9 – 10 June 

Northern Ballet: The Boy in the Striped 

Pyjamas 

7.30pm Divided by a barbed wire fence, Bruno 

doesn’t understand anything about where 

Shmuel lives, or who he is. To him, he’s just a 

new friend – a boy wearing a pair of striped 

pyjamas. As this unlikely friendship blossoms 

against the backdrop of the unthinkable events 

of World War II, Bruno’s childlike curiosity leads 

this poignant story to a devastating conclusion. 

10 June 

Northern Ballet: Goldilocks and the 

Three Bears 

12.30pm and 2.30pm Goldilocks is a 

mischievous little girl with hair as bright as 

gold. Always on the look-out for an adventure, 

one day her curiosity leads her to a house full of 

many surprises. With a family of friendly bears, 

a beautiful blue bird and bowls of delicious 

porridge, this ballet is just right! 

NT Live - Peter Pan 

2.30pm Captured live at the National Theatre, 

a recorded performance of JM Barrie’s muchloved 

tale. When Peter Pan, leader of the Lost 

Boys, loses his shadow, headstrong Wendy helps 

him to reattach it. In return, she is invited to 

Neverland, where Tinker Bell the fairy, Tiger Lily 

and the vengeful Captain Hook await. A riot of 

magic, music and make-believe ensues. 

Claydon House 

MK18 2EY 

Box Office: 01296 730 349 


1 July 

Great Expectations 

7.30pm Bring a picnic and join Chapterhouse 

Theatre Company for an unforgettable evening 

of love, fortune and family. 

Milton Keynes Theatre 

MK9 3NZ 

Box Office: 0844 871 7652 

www.miltonkeynestheatre.com 


Evita 

Telling the story of Eva Peron, wife of former 

Argentine dictator Juan Peron, Evita follows 

Eva’s journey from humble beginnings through 

to extraordinary wealth, power and iconic status 

which ultimately lead her to be heralded as the 

‘spiritual leader of the nation’ by the Argentine 

people. 


Billy Elliot 

Set in a northern mining town, against the 

background of the 1984/’85 miners’ strike, 

Billy Elliot is the inspirational story of a young 

boy’s struggle against the odds to make his 

dream come true. Follow Billy’s journey as he 

stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet 

class where he discovers a passion for dance 

that inspires his family and whole community 

and changes his life forever. Age guidance: 8+ 

Please note that Billy Elliot the Musical contains 

some strong language. 

Stowe School Stowe 

MK18 5EH 

Box Office: 01280 818000 

www.stowe.co.uk 


The Insect Circus 

2pm The magical world of The Insect Circus 

invites the audience to forget reality and 

become immersed in the strange and beautiful 

world of insects. Beetles and grasshoppers, 

wasps and dragonflies, demonstrate their 

dexterity with great skill and humour. 

Presented using marionettes, the show breathes 

new life into the traditional techniques used in 

Victorian trick marionettes. 

27 June 

Macbeth 

8pm Shakespeare’s dramatic story of ambition 

turned bad is brought vividly to life in Oddsocks’ 

hilarious Steampunk musical adaptation. 

The Elgiva 

HP5 1HR 

Box Office: 01494 582900 

www.elgiva.com 


Alice Through the Looking Glass 

2pm When Alice climbs through the mirror on 

her mantelpiece she finds herself in Looking 

Glass world, a world where everything’s the 

same, except it isn’t, a world where everything 

familiar is strange and nothing behaves as it 

should. 

20 


8 – 10 June 

Hairspray 

It’s 1962 in Baltimore, and the lovable plus-size 

teen Tracy Turnblad has only one desire -- to 

dance on the popular Corny Collins Show. When 

her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed 

from social outcast to sudden star. She must use 

her newfound power to dethrone the reigning 

Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob 

Link Larkin, and integrate a TV network, all 

without denting her ‘do! 

22 – 24 June 

Time Steps 

Pupils of Chesham’s very own Maggie Monk 

School of Dancing, showcase their wonderful 

singing and dancing talents in this timetravelling 

adventure that will take you all the 

way back to the age of the dinosaurs. 

1 – 2 July 

Rhythm of Life - Memory Lane 

1pm and 5pm Tuffney Performing Arts Academy 

Ltd takes you on an exciting journey through 

time portraying eras throughout history, 

featuring 250 dancers of all ages who will take 

you on a trip down memory lane through, 

Classical Ballet, Street Dance, Tap and Rock 

’n’ Roll. 

8 July 

Dance Fever 

6pm Talented students from Aylesbury 

Performing Arts Centre will showcase a mix of 

Modern, Tap, Ballet, Commercial, Contemporary 

and Musical Theatre. 

The Stables 

MK17 8LU 

Box Office: 0844 871 7627 

www.stables.org 


Dr Dee’s Daughter and the 

Philosopher’s Stone 

2.30pm A new family friendly show featuring 

live recorder consort music and handmade 

puppets. In 1595, Dr John Dee, alchemist, 

astronomer and magician, relocates to 

draughty Manchester College. While he is 

immersed in study, his daughter Katherine 

reads about his abandoned quest to discover 

the Philosopher’s Stone, the Elixir of Life… 

Join us for magic, music and 

mischief in this exciting blend of 

music, puppetry 

and storytelling. 

Waterperry 

Gardens 

OX33 1JZ 

www.operaanywhere.com 

7 July 

The Pirates of Penzance 

6pm An unfortunate case of 

mishearing initiates the plot 

for The Pirates of Penzance, 

resulting in a dramatic change 

of direction for Frederic who 

sets course to become a pirate 

rather than a ‘pilot’! The 

twists and turns of this classic 

operetta unfold with ingenious 

characters, sublime lyrics and 

some of the best-known songs 

in opera! 

8 July 

HMS Pinafore 

6pm This is a tale of mismatched love 

across different social classes. Josephine is 

the captain’s daughter and has fallen for 

lowly sailor Ralph. Yet her father has other 

ideas – he has promised her to Sir Joseph 

Porter, the First Lord of the Admiralty. Will 

love prevail? Climb aboard to find out and 

enjoy a feast of fun along the way. 

West Wycombe Park 

Box Office: 01494 513569 


24 June 

The Wind in the Willows 

6pm Join Badger, Ratty, Mole and Toad 

in what starts as a search for the best 

picnic spot and rapidly turns into the 

most hilarious of escapades. With the 

bumptious Toad’s heart set on a shiny 

new motorcar and his very liberty soon at 

stake, will his faithful friends come to his 

rescue - and will he let them? Alive with 

music and song this magical family show 

is presented in traditional costume and 

everyone is invited to join the woodland 

parade during the interval. 

Wycombe Swan 

HP11 2XE 

Box Office: 01494 512000 

www.wycombeswan.co.uk 


Mister Maker & The Shapes Live! 

1pm and 4pm With a fabulous supporting 

cast and art at its heart, this fantastic live 

show encourages Mini Makers and grownups 

to sing, dance and make some noise! 


Fantastic Mr Fox 

Mr Fox is smart, clever and rather 

fantastic, but he doesn’t realise how 

determined the farmers are to get 

revenge. Can he hatch a plan to save his 

family and friends? Can they outrun the 

diggers and outsmart the farmers? And 

can Rabbit shut up long enough not to give 

the game away? 

www.primarytimes.net/buckinghamshire | MAY Issue Primary Times 21 

BOX OFFICE

competitions 

PLEASE LIKE US ON FACEBOOK 

win!To enter these competitions and more, please go to... 

www.primarytimes.net/buckinghamshire/competitions 

or via Facebook at www.facebook.com/primarytimesbuckinghamshire 

Closing dates may vary 

WIN! a family ticket to visit the 

Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery 

Discover what’s new in the fabulous Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery at Bucks 

County Museum which is in the historic heart of Aylesbury. Explore sound 

with the BFG’s Super Hearing Machine, investigate tiny things with an 

amazing new video microscope and appear in your own drawings on TV. The 

gallery is full of exhibits inspired by Roald Dahl’s fabulous stories so you can 

crawl along Fantastic Mr Fox’s tunnel, travel into space in the Great Glass 

Elevator and see the Twits’ upside-down room. 

To enter, just answer the following question: 

Where is Bucks County Museum? 

a) High Wycombe b) Chesham c) Aylesbury 

Closing date Monday 30th June 2017 

*Family tickets are for 4 people (including at least 1 adult) and are valid for a 

year from date of issue. Please check our website for opening times and visit 

information. www.buckscountymuseum.org 

WIN! a Free Week on a Super Camps 

Multi-Activity course 

Super Camps is the UK’s No.1 for childcare during the school holidays with 75 

camps around the country dedicated to entertaining and educating children 

over the summer holidays. 

Having consistently entertained children while reassuring parents at their 

activity camps for over 20 years, they’re available at fantastic and convenient 

locations. Each camp offers age appropriate activities to maximise fun 

and develop skills. Activities include swimming, quad biking, archery tag, 

bouncy castles and much more. Not to mention, they’re all run by a team 

of specialized and trained staff to maximise fun as well as the safety and 

wellbeing of each child. 

Super Camps is giving one lucky parent a free week on the Multi-Activity 

course worth up to £210. To enter, simply head to 

www.supercamps.co.uk/win and enter your details. 

Closing date 30 June 2017 

WIN! A family voucher 

for a day’s play at 

Safari MK Milton 

Keynes, with lunch 

included. 

Enjoy a family fun visit (2 adults and up to 3 children) with a fantastic 

huge 3-tier play frame with sections for all ages, the Jungle Base Camp 

imaginative role-play rooms, as well as sports arena and the didicar track, 

there’s plenty to keep all the family busy playing together. 

To enter, simply answer the following question: 

What is the name of the chief monkey at Safari MK 

a) Bobby b) Charlie c) Ziggy 

Closing Date – 3Oth June 2017 

www.safarimk.co.uk 

*Terms and conditions: Prize is for a family day ticket (2 adults and 3 children) 

with lunch 

* Valid any day except on Saturdays and Milton Keynes October half term 

*Valid for admission only and cannot be used against membership, group 

booking or birthday parties. 

*Prize valid until 23rd December 2017. 

WIN! a *family ticket 

to Bletchley Park with 

a children’s spy kit, spy 

book and a Bletchley 

Park teddy bear. 

Once Britain’s best kept secret, today Bletchley Park is a vibrant heritage 

attraction. Open every day, visitors can explore the iconic WW2 

Codebreaking Huts and Blocks and discover the astonishing achievements of 

the Codebreakers whose work helped shorten the war. 

Visit Bletchley Park this May half-term and take part in our fun Holiday 

Hero family workshops, inspired by our new exhibition celebrating the 

achievements of Codebreaker + Mathematician, Bill Tutte. Join us in learning 

about his amazing achievements through breaking codes, playing with 

patterns and other exciting puzzles and challenges. Under 12s free 

#BletchleyPark www.bletchleypark.org.uk 

Just answer the following question: 

Bill Tutte was a 

a. Codebreaker + Magician b. Mathematician + Crossword writer 

c. Mathematician + Codebreaker 

Closing date 30th June 2017 

*Family ticket is for 2 adults and 2 children 

22 


What flies 

without wings? 

Time! 

Ehsan 

Why did the teacher 

wear sunglasses? 

Because his class 

was so bright! 

Annabel, aged 8 

What do you call cheese 

that isn’t yours? 

Nacho cheese! 

As’ad, aged 10 

What did one wall say 

to the other wall? 

I’ll meet you in the 

corner! 

Oliver, aged 9 

Send jokes to: 

Primary Times 


Schools Publishing Limited 

Unit 1A Thamesview 

Industrial Estate, Newtown 

Road, Henley on Thames 

RG9 1HG

Primary Times Buckinghamshire - May 2017

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?