Primary Times Staffordshire October 2017

42,000 COPIES FOR FAMILIES OF 

PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN 

Staffordshire & 

Stoke-on-Trent 

Stafford Gatehouse Theatre and Freedom Leisure Present... 

By Peter Rowe 

OCTOBER HALF TERM 2017 

9 OCT – 26 NOV 2017

Join our 

volunteers 

Could you help to empower children? 

In the average primary school class, 

two children have suffered abuse or 

neglect. But our dedicated volunteers are 

visiting local schools to give children the 

knowledge and confidence to speak out. 

Find out how you could volunteer and 

help children speak out and stay safe. 

Visit nspcc.org.uk/volunteer, 

call 0121 227 7577, or email 

VolunteerRecruitment@nspcc.org.uk 

©NSPCC 2017. Registered charity England and Wales 216401. Scotland SC037717. 

Photos by Alex Grace. Illustration by Rosie McKie. The people pictured are NSPCC volunteers. J20171201. 

DOWNLOAD THE MYSTAFFS APP FOR FREE 

We know you’re busy – doing the school run whilst balancing two book bags, 

a school jumper and a cardboard box castle in one hand and at the same time 

thinking about what’s for dinner and how you’re going to juggle the 

childcare next week. 

We want to make your life that little bit easier. 

My Staffs App will save you time and help you stay organised by giving you 

access to council services on your smartphone or tablet. 

You can check term dates, the school menu, renew library books, pay your 

council tax and more, all in one place. 

Download the My Staffs App for FREE today from the Google Play and iOS App Store

Dear Reader 

Welcome to our October issue. 

We are delighted to bring you this issue which is full of fun and 

exciting events and activities, including creepy critters and tales 

from the trenches at National Memorial Arboretum and the chance 

to meet a superhero at Freeport-talke! 

In our WOW section we have a fantastic selection of events for you 

to choose from that are taking place across the region including 

Halloween fright nights at Lower Drayton Farm and messy 

church at Lichfield Cathedral! We have even more events on our 

website www.primarytimes.net/staffordshire if you need extra 

inspiration when planning activities with your children. 

Panto season is nearly upon us – check out our Box Office section 

for child friendly productions appearing in a theatre near you. It is 

always such a thrill to watch children as they become engrossed in 

panto mayhem! Book now to save disappointment. 

We have some fabulous competitions for you to enter and don’t 

forget that there is still time to design the Primary Times Christmas 

card, see page 15 for details. 

As always, we love to hear your news so please email 

marion@schoolspublishing.co.uk if you have something 

to celebrate. 

Marion, Carolyn, 

Niki and Catherine 

Contents 

7 

15 

11 

inside this issue 

4 What’s On Where 

7 Pinboard 

8 Bonfires and 

Broomsticks 

11 Panto Preview 

14 Box Office 

15 Competitions 

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 / 

staffordshire 

CONTENTS 

THE PRIMARY TIMES TEAM 

Editor: 

Marion McAdam 

marion@schoolspublishing.co.uk 

Sales: 

Carolyn Wright 

ptstaffs@schoolspublishing.co.uk 

Tel: 01491 411848 

Production: 

Niki Ince-Green 

productionpt@schoolspublishing.co.uk 

Design: 

Catherine Crook 

Primary Times in Staffordshire, 

Schools Publishing Limited 

Unit 1A, Thamesview Industrial Estate 

Newtown Road 

Henley on Thames RG9 1HG 

TEL: 01491 411848 FAX: 01491 411416 

www.primarytimes.net/staffordshire 

...the UK’s biggest, 

free ‘what’s on’ 

magazine for parents! 

Primary Times in Staffordshire 

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 Staffordshire. 

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 

Staffordshire 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. 

BURNS AND SCALDS 

Autumn is an exciting time for children with lots 

to celebrate such as, Halloween, Bonfire Night and 

Diwali. However, pumpkins with candles, fireworks, 

bonfires and hot drinks all pose a risk to children. 

Burn prevention and good First Aid are key to 

reducing the number of burns and scalds occurring 

in the UK every day. In 2016, 6,637 children were 

seriously burned or scalded. 

National Burn Prevention day on October 18 is 

about raising awareness. 

REMEMBER: 

COOL the burn with running 

tap water for 20 minutes 

CALL for help, and 

COVER with Clingfilm 

and if your clothes are on fire 

STOP, DROP & ROLL. 

by Claire Porter, Lead Nurse Burns and Plastics at 

Leicester Royal Infirmary 

www.primarytimes.net/staffordshire | OCTOBER 2017 Primary Times 3

4WHAT'S ON WHERE 

If you are looking for more inspiration, there 

are over 350 events on our website 

www.primarytimes.net/staffordshire 

Until 12 Oct 

WW1 Children’s Explorer Backpacks 

National Memorial DE13 7AR 

www.thenma.org.uk 

Grab a backpack filled with gadgets and 

tools to explore further the WWI 

memorials and learn more about life 

on the front line. Read a Tommy’s 

postcard to home and use the 

periscope to look for advancing 

troops from the WWI trench. £2.50 

plus £5 returnable deposit. 

T: 01283 792333 

Until 31 Oct 

Halloween Trail 

The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery ST1 3DW 

www.stokemuseums.org.uk 

Find 12 items in the galleries that spell out Ozzy 

Owls favourite game to play at Halloween. £1 per 

trail which includes a free pencil. T: 01782 232323 

Until 11 Nov 

Puppets from the Douglas Hayward 

Collection 

Ancient High House ST16 2JA 

www.staffordbc.gov.uk 

Douglas Hayward spent a lifetime making and 

collecting puppets and his collection is now in the 

care of the Staffordshire County Museum. 

This fun and interactive exhibition 

features the whole puppet family 

including marionettes and 

shadow, rod and glove puppets - 

and of course, there would be no 

show without Mr Punch! 

T: 01785 619131 

14 Oct 

Wildlife Watch 

National Memorial Arboretum DE13 7AR 


10:30am-12:30pm Young explorers will be 

preparing for winter and discovering how 

hedgehogs get ready for the winter. Child £1.50. 

Booking essential T: 01283 245100 

Diwali 



11:00am Discover the story of Diwali as you 

celebrate the colourful and vibrant Hindu festival 

of Light at the museum with traditional music, 

dance and crafts activities. T: 01782 232323 

14 – 26 Oct 

Don’t forget to 

say you saw it in 

Primary Times! 

More Treat Than Trick 

Drayton Manor Theme Park B78 3SA 

www.draytonmanor.co.uk 

Trick or Treat. Beware of the hisses 

and listen out for any mysterious 

sounds as you creep your way into 

the park, ready to brave eerie 

entertainment and frightfully 

fun family activities. To book 

T: 0844 472 1960 

15 Oct 

Clay Play Workshops FREE EVENT 

World Of Wedgewood ST12 9ER 

www.worldofwedgewood.com 

1:00pm-3:00pm Join ceramic artist Alice 

Thatcher to play with clay. Your family will get 

inspiration from the amazing surroundings of 

the World of Wedgwood site whilst making 

with masses of liquid, dried, plastic and fired 

red clay. There are no rules during Clay Play! 

Come prepared to get very messy! Suitable for 

all ages. Also 24th October. T: 01782 282986 

20 – 29 Oct 

We check 

listings carefully but 

event details and prices 

may be subject to change. 

Please always check 

with the venue. 

Halloween Spooktacular 

National Forest Adventure Farm DE13 9SJ 

www.adventurefarm.co.uk 

10:00am-6:00pm Hair raising fun on 

the farm! Pick a free pumpkin 

from the patch and learn 

how to terrify your friends 

at Scare School. Learn 

how to fly and pick up tips 

to pass your broomstick 

flying test! Dare you enter 

the haunted hotel and crazy 

clown Funhouse? Track down 

all the mummies hidden in the Mini 

Maize Maze? Hear spooky stories and 

witchy whispers. Create a jack-o-lantern 

from the pumpkin you’ve chosen. (£2 for 

carving kit and tea light) One pumpkin 

per paying child. Normal admission 

charges apply. T: 01283 533933 

21 Oct 

Sticky Saturday FREE EVENT 

Red House Glass Cone DY8 4AZ 

www.dudley.gov.uk 

10:30am-3:30pm Drop in and have a go at 

being messy and sticky… Quick, simple crafts 

to make and take home with you. Suitable for 

ages 4+. T: 01384 815571 

Primary Times OCTOBER 2017 | www.primarytimes.net/staffordshire 

Spooky Stories and Creepy Crafts 

Stoke Library ST4 4SZ 

www.stoke.gov.uk 

11:00am-12:00noon Find out what happens 

when Love Monster meets a scary something 

and make some fabulous spooky crafts to take 

home. Suitable for ages 5-11. T: 01782 238449 

Twilight Trek 



Explore at twilight on this atmospheric early 

evening guided walk which is suitable for 

all ages. Price includes lantern, tour with 

guide, route map and owl encounter. £7.50 

per person, £26 for a family of four (2 adults 

and 2 children). Booking essential 

T: 01283 792333 

21 – 22 Oct 

Staffordshire Bat Group 

Trentham Monkey Forest ST12 9HR 

www.monkey-forest.com 

10:00am-5:00pm Learn about protecting and 

conserving the UK bat species, take part in some 

fun crafts and see live displays too. Normal 

admission charges apply. T: 01782 659845 

21 – 29 Oct 

Spooky Half Term 

Middleport Pottery ST6 3PE 

www.middleportpottery.org 

10:00am-4:00pm Fun filled games and trick or 

treat trail and play with clay. (Artist led 24th- 

25th) Cost £2. T: 01782 499766 

Holiday Activities FREE ENTRY 



10:00am-3:00pm Visit the above ground 

replica trench to hear family-friendly eerie 

stories told by a ‘British Tommy’, learn more 

about the living and working conditions 

of a First World War soldier using one of 

the Arboretum’s World War I backpacks, 

which are full of gadgets and tools, and 

don’t forget to create a creepy critter to take 

home. T: 01283 245100 

21 – 31 Oct 

Halloween Fun Day 

Canalside Farm ST18 0RQ 

www.canalsidefarm.co.uk 

Canalside Farm, Mill Lane, Great Haywood, 

Stafford, ST18 0RQ 

Pick Your Own Pumpkin! ‘Pick & Carve’ Kids 

Halloween Pumpkin Workshop to help children 

learn about where their food comes from and 

how they can transform this spectacular bulbous 

vegetable into a jack-o-lantern and yummy 

tasty treat! Child £9, accompanying adult goes 

free! To book T: 01889 881747 

21 Oct – 5 Nov 

Meet the Owls and Pumpkins Galore! 

Emma Bridgewater Factory ST1 3EJ 

www.emmabridgewaterfactory.co.uk 

9:30am Decorate an 8 1/2″ plate with our 

spooky Halloween sponges. Cost £8. Booking 

essential T: 01782 201328 

Halloween Puzzle Trail 

Beacon Park WS13 6QZ www.lichfielddc.gov.uk 

10:00am-3:00pm Follow a self-guided trail 

around the beautiful park and complete puzzles 

along the way. Suitable for ages 3+. 

T: 01543 308867 

Spooky Fun FREE EVENT 

Emma Bridgewater Factory Lichfield Street, 

Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 3EJ 


Come dressed to spook, take your picture under 

the pumpkin arch to be in with a chance of 

winning a family Experience Day a the Factory! 

Follow the Pumpkin Treasure Hunt and have a go 

at fun quizzes and competitions too! 

T: 01782 201328 

22 Oct 

Feed The Birds 

Beacon Park WS13 6QZ 

www.lichfieldhistoricparks.co.uk 

11:00am-3:00pm Create bird feeders so you can 

put them up in your gardens to help birds over 

the winter. Learn some facts and activity leaflet. 

Cost £1. T: 01543 308869 

23 Oct 

Gymnastics Course 

Burntwood Leisure Centre WS7 3XH 

www.lichfielddc.gov.uk 

10:00am-3:00pm The course covers basic skills 

such as balance, jumping, landing and body 

management. Suitable for ages 5-11. Cost £30. 

Booking essential. T: 01543 308810 

Trampolining Coaching Course 



10:00am-3:00pm Bouncing fun and games 

for boys and girls. The course covers basic 

skills such as seat drops, front drops and back 

drops. Suitable for ages 6-12. Cost £30. Booking 

essential. T: 01543 308810 

Pool Inflatable Fun 

Friary Grange Leisure Centre WS13 7EW 


2:00pm-3:30pm Have fun on the giant pool 

inflatable obstacle run. Ideal for strong 

swimmers aged 8+. Adult £4.90, Child £2.80. 

T: 01543 308842 

Multi Mix (includes Swimming) 

Stafford Leisure Centre ST16 3TA 

www.staffordbc.gov.uk/stepinto 

8:30am-4:00pm Experience a fun filled day 

of activities such as basketball, handball, 

dodgeball, cricket, swimming and much more. 

Suitable for ages 8-13. Cost £10. Booking 

essential T: 01785 619607 

Welephant and the Fire Engine FREE 

EVENT 



11:00am-2:30pm Meet Welephant the Fire 

Services well-loved mascot as he brings a real 

Fire Engine to the museum. Discover how this 

fire appliance works and have your photo taken 

with the vehicle. Children’s craft activities 

11:00am-2:00pm. T: 01782 232323 

Wildplay FREE EVENT 

Whitfield Valley Nature Reserve ST6 6QR 

www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk 

1:30pm-3:30pm Get outside and be Winter Wild. 

Activities might include building a den, going 

on a bug hunting adventure, playing on the 

slackline and more. T: 07854 532400 

23 – 25 Oct 

Sports Camp 

Friary Grange Leisure Centre WS13 7EW 


10:00am-12:00noon Try differing sports from 

quick cricket, basketball, table tennis and dodge 

ball. Suitable for ages 5-12. Cost £15. Booking 

essential T: 01543 308842

C 

M 

Y 

CM 

MY 

CY 

CMY 

K 

l 

C hrisat 

Nestled in the Staffordshire at countryside is 

a hidden gem, Blithbury Reindeer Lodge, 

situated just outside Rugeley, home to 

England’s largest working reindeer herd. 

traditional 

A beautiful 30-acre former dairy farm where you can experience 

a small piece of Scandinavia in the Staffordshire countryside. 

With its wooden clan Nordic style buildings, it is the only place in 

the country where visitors can see, fuss and even feed well over 

ur young100 reindeer Join of varying the Elves ages for and story-time 

types; from babies and young 

eer calves calves, to and sleigh-pullers gingerbread and tame decorating trained male reindeer. 

l Scandinavian 

Feed our young 

Visit Santa in 

Join 

his Nordic 

the Elves for story-time 

h rides Christmas is 

reindeer calves 

style magical grotto at Blithbury and 

and 

pick Reindeer 

gingerbread 

a gift Lodge, offering an 

decorating 

incredibly special 

lf School and 

from experience histoy workshop 

for children of all ages. Elves sing, 

Traditional tell stories Scandinavian 

help decorate gingerbread Visit Santa with in his the Nordic children; 

how we help 

sleigh rides 

Visit our 

Santa is definitely the real deal, style he’ll grotto convert and even pick the a most gift 

deer to fly 

Christmas Shop 

Attend adamant Elf School non-believers, and and reindeer from are histoy eager workshop 

for lots of fuss. 

find To out complete how the we magic, help truly beautiful male Visit reindeer our pull visitors 

the in traditional reindeer to sleighs fly down a twinkly Christmas tree Shop lined path. 

magical 

C hristmas 

magical 

unique 

unique 

We’ve got exciting new feeding areas, a new shop and a re- 

ts must be pre-booked in advance. 

styled courtyard for 2017. 

blithburyreindeerlodge.co.uk 

Bookings for Christmas at Blithbury 

for prices, 

Reindeer Lodge are 

availability Tickets now open, and must full to be details book. pre-booked can be found in on advance. 

their website, 

rm, Visit Uttoxeter www.blithburyreindeerlodge.co.uk 

Road, Blithbury, Rugeley, WS15 3HY for prices, 

availability and to book. 

Mad Science 

Autumnal Crafts 

New House Trentham Farm, Gardens ST4 Uttoxeter 8JG Road, Blithbury, Sudbury Hall and Rugeley, National Museum WS15 Of 3HY 

www.trentham.co.uk 

Childhood Sudbury, Ashbourne, DE6 5HT 

10:00am-2:00pm Join mad scientists for some www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sudbury-hall 

crazy hands-on indoor Halloween themed 

11:00am-1:00pm Drop into the Museum 

experiments. Caution, vampire blood making activity room for some seasonal themed crafts. 

and Frankenstein snot involved! Suitable for The golden autumn leaves are falling from the 

ages 3+. Normal admission charges apply. 

trees and autumn inspiration is all around. 

T: 01782 646646 

Cost £1, normal admission charges apply. 

T: 01283 585337 

23 – 26 Oct 

Halloween 

Ford Green Hall ST6 1NG 

www.fordgreenhall.org.uk 

1:00pm-3:30pm Brave 

the creaky floorboards and 

cobwebs and see the Hall decorated 

for Halloween! Childrens spooky trail and craft 

activity. Come dressed monstrously! Adult 

£1.50, Child £1. T: 01782 537696 

102454_FT_HalfTerm_PTAd_HIRES.pdf 1 29/09/2017 16:08 

23 – 27 Oct 

Super Half-Term 

Freeport Talke ST7 1XD 

www.freeport-talke.com 

11am-4pm. Its Freeport Talke is going 

Superhero crazy this half-term. Take 

the children along to meet and greet 

their favourite superhero character, and 

enjoy free face painting too. Superman 

and Ironman on Monday, Batman, and 

Wonder Woman on Wednesday, Thor and 

Spiderman on Friday. See website for more 

details. 

PLUS, enjoy free craft activities 

and face painting on the above dates too! 

uperhero characters 

n 

d 

s too! 

11AM 

- 4PM 

See website for more details 

Australia is the only 

continent in the 

world that has no 

volcanoes. 

your favourite superhero characters 

MONDAY 23RD 

Iron Man & Superman 

FREE 

WEDNESDAY 25TH 

Batman & his Batpod 

& Wonder Woman 

FRIDAY 27TH 

Thor & Spiderman 

11AM 

- 4PM 

FREE 

Activities subject to change freeport-talke.com 

Off A34, Talke Exit A500, Stoke, ST7 1XD 

Rookie Lifeguard Course 



9:00am-11:00am Learn what it’s like 

to be a lifeguard. Explore water safety 

and learn valuable life saving skills. 

Suitable for 8-12 year olds. Course costs 

£40. Booking essential. T: 01543 308810 

Haunted Castle 

Tamworth Castle Grounds, B79 7NA 

www.tamworthcastle.co.uk 

11:30am-4:00pm Ghostly goings on at the 

spooktacular haunted Castle. Visitors will 

be challenged by the hags to play ping 

pong eyeballs, make spells and engage in 

other Halloween activities. Look out for 

our spooky characters including the eerie 

executioner and St. Editha. 

T: 01827 709618 

23 – 29 Oct 

Spooky Pottery Painting FREE EVENT 

World Of Wedgewood ST12 9ER 

www.worldofwedgewood.com 

10:00am Choose from pumpkin tea light 

holders, clay cut outs or paint a pot with an 

Halloween scene. Prices from £2.50. 

T: 01782 282986 

NEW 

Feeding areas , shop and 

courtyard area for 2017 

www.blithburyreindeerlodge.co.uk 

New House Farm, Uttoxeter Road, Blithbury, Rugeley, WS15 3HY 

Chills and Thrills 

Trentham Monkey Forest The Trentham Estate, 

Stone Road, Trentham, 

Stoke-on-Trent ST12 9HR 

www.monkey-forest.com 

10:00am-5:00pm **Visit the Deadly Dungeon 

for some Halloween fun including fierce face 

painting, freaky fancy dress, gruesome games 

and a creepy colouring competition. Normal 


Halloween Frights On The Farm 

Lower Drayton Farm ST19 5RE 

www.lowerdraytonfarm.co.uk 

10:00am-4:00pm Bring the kids in fancy 

dress to take part in spooky activities - visit 

the pumpkin patch before carving your 

own pumpkin, find scary scarecrows in the 

Maize Maze, take part in pumpkin races 

and see if you’re brave enough to enter the 

haunted house! If you’re really brave join 

one of the special spooky evening events? 

26th-28th & 31st Oct 6:00pm-9:00pm. 

01785 330757 

24 Oct 

Multi Mix (includes Swimming) 

Alleyne’s Sports Centre ST15 8DR 


8:30am-4:00pm Experience a fun filled day 

of activities such as basketball, handball, 

dodgeball, cricket, swimming and much more. 


essential T: 01785 619607 

Wildfamilies Explore FREE EVENT 

Biddulph Grange Garden ST4 8FR 


10:00am-12:00noon Want to get the kids 

out this autumn? Explore the natural world 

together with activities which might include 

Hand Feed our Reindeer 

Attend Elf School 

Visit Santa in his Scandinavian style 

grotto. 

Choose a gift from the workshop. 

Enjoy a traditional Scandinavian 

Sleigh Ride 

Join the Elves for Storytime. 

Pre-book your tickets online 

for information on dates, times, prices and to book 

building a den, going on a bug hunting 

adventure, natural crafts and much more. 

T: 07538 967518 


Bunny Hill ST5 4AZ 


1:30pm-3:30pm Get outside and be Winter 

Wild. Activities may include building a den, 

going on a bug hunting adventure, playing 

on the slackline and more. T: 07854 532400 

Halloween Pottery Painting 

Gladstone Pottery Museum ST3 1PQ 


10:00am-4:00pm Paint a piece of pottery to 

take home as a unique souvenir of your visit. 

Choose from mini bottle ovens, animals, 

flowers and special witch and wizard and 

Halloween themed items. £1 plus normal 

museum admission charges. 

T: 01782 237777 

Meet The Wizard 



11:00am-3:00pm Meet Bumbledore, a 

wizard in training who is struggling to pass 

his exams (which he’s failed every year since 

1862!) Normal museum admission charges 

apply. T: 01782 237777 

Cycling Learning To Ride 

Sir Graham Balfour High School ST16 1NJ 


12:45pm-2:15pm or 2:30pm-4:00pm 

Delivered by National standard instructors, 

this Learn to Ride session is for complete 

beginners only. Riders will learn to control 

and ride their bike safely away from traffic. 


essential T: 01785 619607 

www.primarytimes.net/staffordshire | OCTOBER 2017 Primary Times 5 

WHAT'S ON WHERE

WHAT'S ON WHERE 

Wildplay 

The Wolseley Centre ST17 0WT 


10:00am-3:00pm Get outside and get wild 

during autumn!” This is the first Wildplay 

at Wolseley in autumn time so there will be 

some special activities such as leaf printing 

and making apple feeders. Activities may also 

include den building, fire lighting and games. 

Also 26th October. Child £15. Booking essential. 

T: 01889 562653 

Wild Families Explore : Arty Autumn 

Westport Lake Visitor Centre ST6 4RZ 


10:00am-12:00noon or 1:30pm-3:30pm 

Discover autumn’s natural colours to make a 

giant collage, creating natural paints, lots of leaf 

printing and trails. Suitable for ages 4-7. Child 

£4.50. Booking essential T: 01782 826985 

24 – 25 Oct 

Meet the Owls! 

Emma Bridgewater Factory ST1 3EJ 


1:30pm Meet majestic owls and stunning birds 

of prey that have inspired so many of Matthew 

Rice’s designs with Gentleshaw Wildlife Centre. 

Why not book a decorating session and create 

your own owl-inspired design. T: 01782 201328 

24 – 26 Oct 

Craft Activity - Batty Hats 



10:30am-1:15pm or 1:15pm-3:00pm Drop in 

and get creative making a bat inspired hat. Cost 

£1.50. T: 01782 232323 

Multi Active Team Challenge 

Newcastle Under Lyme School ST5 1DB 

www.kingscamps.org 

9:00am-4:00pm Fun activities and challenges 

designed to encourage communication & team 

work. Suitable for ages 5-11. Booking essential 

T: 0114 263 2160 

24 – 29 Oct 

Glow Ghosts Workshop 



11:00am-2:00pm Make your own hand held 

glow ghost using willow, tissue paper, glue and 

a glow stick. Suitable for ages 3+. Cost £2 which 

includes your entry to the lantern parade on the 

31st October 4:30pm-5:30pm. T: 01543 308867 

24 – 21 Oct 

Multi Sports 



5:30pm-7:00pm Try a range of sports. Suitable 

for ages 9-13. Cost £1. T: 01543 308810 

25 Oct 

Multi Mix Mini’s 

Alleyne’s Sports Centre ST15 

8DR 

www.staffordbc.gov.uk/ 

stepinto 

1:00pm-4:00pm Have a go at 

a mix of everything and learn 

new skills in this fun session, 

providing a great introduction to 

sport. Games and activities will be based 

around developing throwing, catching and 

movement. Certificates awarded! Suitable for 

ages 5-7. Cost £5. Booking essential 

T: 01785 619607 

Dreamt is the only 

English word that 

ends in the letters 

“mt” 

Parkour Session 

Cherry Close Skatepark WS7 4RJ 


5:00pm-6:00pm Physical discipline of training 

to move freely over and through any terrain 

using only the abilities of the body, principally 

through running, jumping, & climbing 

movement. Suitable for ages 7-11. Cost £1. 

T: 01543 308835 

Halloween Craft Activity - Wonderful 

Wands 



11:00am-3:00pm **Bring a little magic into 

your museum visit and make a wonderful 

wand to take home with you. Normal museum 


#GetWild FREE EVENT 

Hem Heath Nature Reserve ST4 8FR 


10:00am-12:30pm Leave your parents behind 

and we will go and explore, build dens, light 

a campfire and more. Suitable for ages 8-14. 

Booking essential. T: 07854 532400 

Halloween Family Fun 

Kingsley and Froghall Station ST10 2HA 

www.churnet-valley-railway.co.uk 

Enjoy an 11 mile return journey through 

Staffordshire’s spooky valley. Hop on and off as 

you wish to enjoy any one of our three stations, 

each with their own form of entertainment 

during your visit. To book T: 01538 750755 

Pirates and Princesses 

Museum Of Cannock Chase WS12 1TD 

www.museumofcannockchase.org 

11:00am-3:00pm Avast me hearties! Join a 

fantasy adventure, create art and craft to take 

home. Face art for pirates, a beard or a scar. 

Flower garlands for Princesses £1. ‘Be Our Guest’ 

tea with Belle, from Beauty and the Beast - £5 

booking essential 11:15am or 12:15pm. Outdoor 

treasure hunt £1. Indoor quizzes £0.50. Meet 

and greet with Belle after 1:30pm. Why not 

come along in fancy dress! T: 01543 877666 

Footie Fest 



9:00am-4:00pm Enjoy a day of football fun 

and skills with exciting challenges and familiar 

games! Cost £12. Booking essential 

T: 01785 619607 

Disability Football 

and Cricket 

Stafford Manor High School ST17 9DJ 


10:30am-2:30pm Staffordshire FA, in 

partnership with Aiming High and Stafford 

Borough Council Sports Development Team 

are providing opportunities for people with a 

range of disabilities / impairments to take part 

in fun coaching drills and competitive football. 

Specifically for players with cerebral palsy, 

visual impairments, deaf/hearing impairments, 

amputee (leg and arm) and learning 

disabilities. Suitable for ages 5-16. 

Cost £4. Booking essential 

T: 0300 111 8007 

Wild Families Explore: 

Build a Halloween 

Willow Lantern 

The Wolseley Centre 

ST17 0WT 


2:00pm-4:00pm **Make fun 

Halloween willow lanterns and decorate 

them in spooky materials! They are going to 

look spooktacular. Suitable for ages 4-7. Child 

£4.50. Booking essential 

T: 01889 880106 

Multi Sports 

Wade Street Church 8 Gloucester Close, 

Lichfield, WS13 6HL 


5:30pm-7:00pm Try a range of sports. Suitable 

for ages 9-13. Cost £1. T: 01543 308835 

25 – 29 Oct 

Halloween Hands On Horror 

Stafford Castle Newport Road, 

Stafford, ST16 1DJ 

www.staffordbc.gov.uk/heritage 

11:00am-4:00pm Creepy creations ‘drop in’ 

craft activities on 28th-29th October, ‘drop 

in’ pumpkin carving workshops on 30th-31st 

October. Cost £2 per session. T: 01785 257698 

26 Oct 

Halloween At The Haunted High House 



5:00pm-9:00pm **An evening of spooktacular 

fun. See the House decorated in glorious, 

gruesome fashion. Hear spine- tingling tales of 

terror. And make your own Haunted High House 

to take home. £2 per session. T: 01785 619131 

Pumpkin Party 

Calke Abbey DE73 7LE 

www.nationaltrust.org.uk 

11:00am-3:30pm Buy a home-grown pumpkin 

from Calke’s gardens, or bring one with you. 

Decorate it in your own spooky style, then add 

it to the fabulous display before taking your 

carved pumpkin home with you. Free event, 

normal admission charges apply. 

T: 01332 863822 

Half Term Fun 

Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum WS13 6LG 

www.samueljohnsonbirthplace.org.uk 

11:00am or 12:00noon Silhouettes and 

awesome illusions in hands-on arts and craft 

activities. Cost £2. T: 01543 264972 

Junior Jumble 



9:00am-12:00noon Play a variety of specific 

sports such as cricket, dodgeball, handball, 

tennis and more. For ages 6-8. Cost £5. Booking 

essential T: 01785 619607 

Wildplay 

Westport Lake Visitor Centre ST6 4RZ 


10:00am-3:00pm Get outside and get wild 

during autumn! Activities may include den 

building, fire lighting and games. Child £15. 


26 – 27 Oct 

Halloween 



11:00am-3:00pm Drop-in and create spooky, 

spine tingling crafts to take home. Follow the 

haunted trail. Child £2. T: 01543 877666 

26 – 29 Oct 

Brick Live 2017 

NEC B40 1NT 

www.bricklive.co.uk 

Build Zones featuring LEGO® Star Wars, 

Friends, Ninjago, Creator, City and 

Minecraft. To book T: 0844 338 7770 

27 – 29 Oct 

Spooktacular 

Beaudesert Activity Centre WS15 4JJ 

www.beaudesert.org 

Ghostly goings-on on the haunted hike, 

creepy campfire, the abandoned cinema 

and Grim’s grotto. A packed weekend of 

activities and themed events. Includes 

camp fees and a full activity programme 

including archery, crate stacking, Jacob’s 

ladder, Via Ferrata, cork guns, slack lining, 

traversing wall, low ropes, it’s a knockout, 

campfire, film, themed hike, craft, activity 

bases and lots more. Spooktacular weekend 

pass £24. T: 01543 682278 

Bonfire, Fireworks and Lantern Walk 

Biddulph Grange Garden ST4 8FR 


6:00pm-8:00pm Celebrate in style with the 

annual bonfire, lantern walk and BBQ! Have your 

face painted, walk around the candle lit garden, 

brave the spooky gothic tunnel. Enter the 

Halloween costume competition. Then it’s time 

to light your sparklers and the bonfire and watch 

the fireworks. Adults £8.50, Child £6. Booking 

essential T: 0844 249 1895 

Fireworks Display 

Drayton Manor Theme Park B78 3SA 

www.draytonmanor.co.uk 

7:00pm-9:00pm Science fiction themed display; 

Sky-Fi, A Galactic Gathering where you will be 

enthralled and entertained by fireworks set to 

music from popular classics such as Doctor Who, 

Star Trek, Star Wars and Guardians of the Galaxy 

and many more. Enjoy all the fun of the park, 

including Thomas Land. Many rides will remain 

open until 9:00pm. To book T: 0844 472 1960 

27 Oct 

Witches and Wizards Storytelling 



11:00am-1:00pm or 1:30pm-3:00pm Join the 

storyteller and hear tales of wonderful witches 

and wand-waving wizards. Normal museum 



Queen’s Park ST3 4AU 


1:30pm-3:30pm Drop in and enjoy activities 

which might include building a den, going on a 

bug hunting adventure, playing on the slackline 

and more. T: 07854 532400 

History... is magic! 

Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum WS13 6LG 


10:30am or 1:00pm Discover Samuel Johnson’s 

time in a magical interactive show, and make 

your own magic trick to take home! Cost £3.50. 

T: 01543 264972 

Little Bo Peep 

Stoke Library ST4 4SZ www.stoke.gov.uk 

11:00am-12:00noon or 2:00pm-3:00pm Join 

Little Bo Peep, Little Boy Blue and a host of 

other familiar nursery rhyme characters in this 

hilariously entertaining musical production 

from Sealegs Puppet Theatre. Watch out for the 

naughty mouse! Suitable for ages 5-11. 

T: 01782 238446 

6 

Primary Times OCTOBER 2017 | www.primarytimes.net/staffordshire

C 

M 

Y 

CM 

MY 

CY 

CMY 

K 

Pinboard 

OUTLET SHOPPING 





PINBOARD 

1 

- 

Activities subject to chan 

Off A34 

HALF-TERM ADVENTURES 

Take a Twilight Trek around the 

National Memorial Arboretum on 

an atmospheric early evening guided 

walk suitable for all ages on Saturday 21 

October. Advanced booking is required 

and the price includes lantern, tour with 

guide, route map and owl encounter. 

Visit during the half-term and children can 

explore the above ground replica trench to hear 

family-friendly eerie stories told by a ‘British Tommy’. 

They can also create some creepy critters to take home. 

Visit www.thenma.org.uk for more information on these and 

other events and to book. 

HAVE A SUPER HALF-TERM WITH 

FREEPORT-TALKE 

ZAP! POW! BOOM! Freeport Talke is going SUPERHERO crazy this 

half-term. Take the children along and they can meet and greet 

their favourite superhero character - they’ll be spoilt for choice. 

Will it be Ironman and Superman on Monday 23 October, 

Batman & his Batpod and Wonder Woman on Wednesday 25, or 

102454_FT_HalfTerm_PTAd_HIRES.pdf 1 29/09/2017 16:08 

Thor and Spiderman on Friday 27 October? 

Plus there will be lots of fun craft activities and face 

painting for the children to take part in and enjoy 

on the above days too. 

From 11am to 4pm and it’s all FREE! Visit the website 

for more details. www.freeport-talke.com 

FREE 

THE NEED TO SPEAK OUT 

AND STAY SAFE 

Did you know that in every primary school class, 

an average of at least two children have suffered 

abuse or neglect? 

It is a shocking statistic but thanks to the NSPCC’s Speak Out 

Stay Safe service, children are being empowered to speak 

out and seek help. 

It delivers essential safeguarding information to children aged 

four to 11 in a lively, memorable way. 

Child-friendly, interactive assemblies and workshops teach 

children about abuse in all its forms and how to spot the signs. 

The service also helps children understand who they can turn 

to for help, including the NSPCC’s Childline service. 

It is delivered by specially trained volunteers who know how 

important it is for children to have this knowledge. 

The service spoke to 1,711,275 children in 7,756 schools across 

the UK throughout 2016/17. Now the NSPCC needs your help to 

reach even more children. 

By signing up to become a volunteer for Speak Out Stay Safe, 

you can help the NSPCC change lives by delivering these vital 

assemblies and workshops. 

For more information on becoming a volunteer in your 

local area, please visit 

www.nspcc.org.uk/volunteer 

or call 0121 227 7577 


MONDAY 23RD 





HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR AT THE 

NATIONAL FOREST ADVENTURE FARM 

FRIDAY 27TH 





11AM 

- 4PM 

20 – 29 October 

Hair raising fun at the Farm! Have a day jam-packed with 

Halloween activities! Take the tractor and trailer ride to our 

pumpkin patch and select your perfect pumpkin to take home for 

FREE*! Learn how to scare your family and friends at our 

Scare School. Take a driving lesson with a difference and pick 

Activities subject to change freeport-talke.com 

Off A34, Talke Exit A500, Stoke, ST7 1XD 

up tips for flying at Broomstick Training. Be brave and enter the 

Haunted House. Find all the mummies hidden in the mini 

maize maze! There’s also live performances and storytelling 

from some very interesting characters. *One pumpkin per paying 

child or child member. Subject to availability. 

www.adventurefarm.co.uk 01283 533 933, National Forest 

Adventure Farm, Postern Road, Tatenhill, Burton on Trent, DE13 9SJ 

HALLOWEEN FRIGHTS ON THE FARM 

This Halloween half term take the kids to Penkridge’s Lower 

Drayton Farm, where you’ll find a host of spooky fun 

alongside the usual farm activities. 

Make sure they get decked out in their best 

fancy dress to make the most of their visit - 

during which they’ll visit the pumpkin patch 

and carve their own pumpkin, explore the 

Maize Maze to find all the scary scarecrows, 

take part in pumpkin races and see the spooks 

in the ‘haunted house’! When you’ve had your fill 

of frights, you can meet the farm’s friendly animals, let off 

steam on the adventure playground or take a stroll around the 

woodland walk before enjoying a farm trailer ride. 

With the farm open daily from 10am – 4pm from Sat 23rd – 

29th Oct 2017, those feeling really brave can bring a torch and 

head down for one of the evening events on 26th, 27th, 28th & 

31st Oct (gates open 6pm, last admission 8pm). 

For full details on Halloween activities at Lower Drayton Farm, 

including entry prices, visit www.lowerdraytonfarm.co.uk 


8BONFIRES & BROOMSTICKS 

Bonfires and 

Broomsticks 

Halloween Party Ideas 

Halloween Party Menu 

Halloween Party GaMes 


PumPkin carvIng 

WHen to carve your PuMPkIn: 

WHat you Will need: 

How to Carve: 

Be seen – Be Safe! 

other Halloween eventS local to you

Half Term Adventures 

Creepy Critters 

and Tales from 

the Trenches 

Saturday 21 - Sunday 29 October 2017 

Plus, 

discover our.. 

Sensory Play Garden, 

Heartfelt Messages 

Art Project and 

WWI Explorer 

Backpacks 

Creepy Critter Make and Take 

Learn about some of the crawly critters which 

were found in the WWI trenches and make 

your own creepy creature to take home. 

Daily 10am – 3pm. FREE - Donations Welcome 

Tales from the Trenches 

Join our British Tommy to hear family-friendly 

eerie stories about the trenches of the 

First World War. 

Daily 11am and 2pm. FREE - Donations Welcome 

Explore - Discover - Remember 

Free entry 

National Memorial Arboretum 

Part of The Royal British Legion 

National Memorial Arboretum 

Staffordshire DE13 7AR 


T: 01283 245 100 

E: info@thenma.org.uk 

Charity No. 1043992 


WHAT'S ON WHERE 

Halloween Fun Day 

The Brewhouse Arts Centre DE14 1EB 

www.brewhouse.co.uk 

10:00am-3:30pm A day full of spooky fun, lots of 

pumpkins to carve and Halloween decorations 

to make. There will be a Halloween related (PG) 

film in the afternoon. Tickets £15. 

T: 01283 508100 

Wild Families Explore : Spooky Spiders 

Westport Lake Visitor Centre Westport Lake 

Road, Longport, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 4RZ 


10:00am-12:00noon or 1:30pm-3:30pm 

**Come and look for spooky spiders and other 

monstrous minibeasts. Make your our own clay 

spiders and spider web dream catchers, playing 

games and much more in the great outdoors. 

Suitable for ages 4-7. Child £4.50. Booking 

essential T: 01782 826985 

27 – 29 Oct 

Wild Families Workshop : Halloween 

Spooky Stroll 



6:00pm-8:00pm A spooky Halloween themed 

stroll as night falls and the nocturnal 

creatures arise. You’ll be learning 

about them and also doing bat 

detecting! They’ll be some 

night games and fun spooky 

arts and crafts. Fancy Dress 

competition and the night will 

finish with hot chocolate and 

tasty marshmallows around the 

campfire featuring spooky stories. Child £10, 

Adults go free. Booking essential 

T: 01889 880100 

28 Oct 

Halloween Heebie Jeebie 



10:00am-4:00pm Join the funny bones to build 

your own skellywag - then watch him dance! £2 

per session. T: 01785 619131 

Wild About Gardens 

Dorothy Clive Garden TF9 4EU 

www.dorothyclivegarden.co.uk 

10:00am Join in autumn fun at this Wild About 

Gardens event! T: 01630 647237 

Creepy Cellars & Ghoulish Games! 

Erasmus Darwin WS13 7AD 

www.erasmusdarwin.org 

11:00am-5:00pm Apple bobbing, ghoulish 

Georgian games, eerie antics and ghostly trails. 

Join the spooky story-telling in the cellars if you 

dare! Tearoom with ghoulish treats, sausages, 

burgers. Dressing up encouraged. Child £2.50, 

adults go free. T: 01543 306260 

Halloweenning 

Tamworth Castle Grounds B79 7NA 


5:00pm-8:30pm A fun evening hosted by 

the Friends of Tamworth Castle. Bring all 

the family and enjoy the ghostly goings 

on around the castle. Each paying child 

receives a free pumpkin lantern. Adults £6, 

Child 3 years and over with pumpkin lantern 

£5. Booking essential T: 01827 709581 

It is physically 

impossible for 

pigs to look up 

into the sky. 

Trick and Treat FREE ENTRY 



10:00am-5:00pm Enjoy a Gothic theme and 

meet two giggling ghouls as they dance and 

prance along to malevolent music. Watch as 

they perform terrifying tricks and stupid stunts. 

Discover the natural and supernatural character 

of real hawks with Victorian naturalists and 

marvel at curious tales of extinctions and 

experiments. Children can also make their own 

Bird of Prey mask to take home. 

T: 01782 232323 

28 – 29 Oct 

Halloween Spooky Specials 

Apedale Valley Country Park Loomer Road, 

Chesterton, ST5 7LB 

www.avlr.org.uk 

4:00pm-8:00pm There’s something spooky 

going on down the line at Apedale so come and 

join the Spooky special. Don’t be afraid – Be 

Petrified! Less scary trains run at 11:30am each 

day. T: 0845 094 1953 

‘Pumping Station in Steam’ 

Claymills Victorian Pumping Station DE13 0DA 

www.claymills.org.uk 

10:00am-5:00pm Children can participate in 

model making, dress up in Victorian clothing, 

follow the rat trail as well as experiencing 

miniature steam engine rides and learning 

about woodwork and woodturning through 

demonstrations or how metals are made from 

stone! Adults £6, Child £3. T: 01283 509929 

28 Oct – 9 Dec 

Bookworms United 

Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum 

WS13 6LG 


10:30am-1:00pm Read, explore and enjoy 

popular titles in this fortnightly book and 

activity club for 7-10 year olds. A great way 

to develop skills and confidence and make 

new friends in an inspiring environment. 

£4 per session which includes books and 

refreshments. T: 01543 264972 

29 Oct 

Halloween 

Chasewater Country Park WS8 7NL 

www.chasewaterrailway.co.uk 

An eerie evening with ghost train rides and 

ghoulish goings on and freaky fun for all the 

family. T: 01543 452623 

The Canterville Ghost 

Kedleston Hall DE22 5JH 


6:00pm-7:00pm Enjoy comedy and chills in 

this original adaptation of the charming Oscar 

Wilde tale. This one-man show, featuring 

much audience participation, is guaranteed to 

raise more than just a ghost of a smile. £10 per 

person. Booking essential T: 01332 842191 

Halloween Trail 

Staffordshire Regimental Museum WS14 9PY 

www.staffordshireregimentmuseum.com 

10:00am-4:00pm Bring the youngsters along 

for some scary fun! T: 01543 434395 

Halloween Afternoon Tea 

The Potteries Museum and Art 

Gallery ST1 3DW 


12:00noon Join an afternoon Tea with a 

difference? Meet some fearsome fairy-tale 

villains and members of the 

spooky Addams Family. 

Bring your camera to 

capture a wickedly 

fun afternoon. 

Adults £10, Child 

£8. Booking 

essential 

T: 01782 232323 

Tigers have 

striped skin, not 

just striped fur. 

31 Oct 

Glow Ghost and Lantern parade 



4:30pm-5:30pm Join in the Lantern Parade and 

spot Halloween characters along the way. Cost 

£1 or free with a ghost glow lantern. 

T: 01543 308867 

Spooky Disco 

Little Green Frog Café WS13 6NF 

www.littlegreenfrogcafe.co.uk 

1:00pm-2:00pm Bring your little ones to this 

Halloween Spooky Disco. Dress up and come 

along for a boogie and some ghostly games. 

Cost 32. T: 01543 417298 

Wild Families Workshop : Halloween 

Campfire and Pumpkin Painting 



6:00pm-8:00pm Learn how to make your own 

campfire and have a go at painting a pumpkin. 

The night will finish with hot chocolate and tasty 

marshmallows around the campfire featuring 

spooky stories. Child £10, Adults go free. 


Caudwell Children’s Trick or Treat 

Family Fun 5K Run 

Trentham Gardens ST4 8JG 

www.caudwellchildren.com/fundraising-event 

6:00pm Join a frightfully fun Charity run, jog 

or walk around with only a head torch to light 

your way! Bring along your little monsters, 

vampires and pumpkins to trick or treat with a 

difference. As you reach the Italian Gardens you 

can choose to be scared by our very own ghosts 

and vampires or skip this area and head straight 

to the finish line where you will face the decision 

to choose a trick, or a treat! All participants 

will receive a head torch, finishers medal and 

a Trick or Treat surprise. Adults £12, Child £10. 

Registration essential T: 01782 646646 

1 Nov 

Firework Display 

Beaudesert Activity Centre WS15 4JJ 

www.beaudesert.org 

6:00pm Annual firework display with 

2 displays, a bonfire, sideshows and 

entertainment. First firework display at 

6:30pm, Second firework display at 7:00pm. 

Adults £6, Child £5. Your ticket price includes 

a hot dog. T: 01543 682278 

1 – 30 Nov 

Firework Trail 



Find 12 items in the galleries that spell out 

Ozzy Owls favourite firework. £1 per trail which 

includes a free pencil. T: 01782 232323 

3 Nov 

Little Saplings Sensory Play 



10:30am-12:30pm Little Saplings Sensory 

Play and Story Telling is designed to help our 

youngest visitors enjoy the Arboretum and 

heighten their development and enjoyment of 

learning. Sounds, colours, textures and other 

hands-on elements will add to the week’s 

chosen story. Following story time, children and 

accompanying adults will be given complete 

free-reign of our expanding and evolving 

array of sensory toys with the objective of 

encouraging creativity and multi-sensory 

experiences. Child £1.50. Booking essential. 

T: 01283 245100 

Bonfire and Firework Display 

Trentham Gardens ST4 8JG 

www.trentham.co.uk 

5:00pm-8:30pm Watch the fireworks explode 

above the lake at Trentham Gardens to a 

specially themed children’s musical score. 

See the bonfire being lit at 6:30pm and enjoy 

plenty of entertainment! Watch the fireworks 

explode above the lake at 7:30pm. Organised in 

conjunction with the Rotary Club of Stoke-on- 

Trent and 238 (Hartshill) Squadron Air Training 

Corps. To book T: 01782 646646 

4 Nov 

Dr D’s Science Club 

Erasmus Darwin House WS13 7AD 

www.erasmusdarwin.org 

10:00am-12:00noon Fun Physics and Mysterious 

Maths! The curious worlds of maths and physics 

revealed. Child £4.Booking recommended. 

T: 01543 306260 

The Rudyard Lake Firework 

and Light Show 

Rudyard Lake ST13 8XB 

www.rudyardlake.com 

5:30pm-9:30pm A Light Show illuminating the 

Lake’s boats and surrounding trees along with a 

Firework Spectacular set to music and launched 

off the Lake. Live entertainment along with food 

and refreshments. Adults £8, Child (5-16) £5, 

Under 5’s go free. T: 07718 808881 

Lego Play Free EVENT 

Rugeley Library WS15 2BB 

www.staffordshire.gov.uk 

Drop in and play with Lego. Suitable for ages 

4-12. Children to be accompanied by an adult. 

T: 0300 111 8000 

Fireworks Extravaganza - FREE 

ENTRY 



6:00pm The whole family can enjoy an 

evening of fun and entertainment with fire 

performers, face painting, a sparkler zone, 

family activities, food stalls and the fair. An 

impressive 20-minute pyrotechnic display 

set to music will light up the sky from 

8:00pm. T: 01827 709581 

5 Nov 

Bonfire and Fireworks Display 

Weston Park TF11 8LE www.weston-park.com 

5:30pm Come along to one of the regions largest 

and most spectacular bonfire celebrations 

with entertainment for all the family. The 

giant bonfire is lit at 5:30pm with two fantastic 

displays rocketing into action at 6:00pm and 

7:30pm. To book T: 01889 563232 

Bonfire Without The Bang 

Sudbury Hall and National Museum Of 

Childhood Sudbury DE6 5HT 

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sudbury-hall 

4:30pm-6:30pm For those who love bonfire 

night, but aren’t a fan of the bangs, there 

are two fire pits (one especially for toasting 

marshmallows) and a storytelling tent. Free 

event, normal admission charges apply. 

T: 01283 585337 

6 – 10 Nov 

Open Week 

Derby Grammar School DE23 4BX ` 

www.derbygrammar.org 

9:00am-3:00pm Visit Derbyshire’s leading 

10 


Panto 

preview! 

PANTO PREVIEW 

independent day school for boys aged 7-18 and 

girls aged 16-18. Take a tour, meet the Head, 

teachers, pupils, parents and governors of 

Derby Grammar School. See how education is 

brought to life. 

10 Nov 

Heartfelt Messages Art Project 



Suitable for visitors of all ages, why not create 

and add your own heartfelt message to the 

Arboretum’s multi-sensory origami 

installation which has been 

inspired by the thousands 

of messages sent during 

World War I. Free Event, 

donations appreciated. 

T: 01283 792333 

10 – 12 Nov 

Christmas At Blithbury 

Blithbury Reindeer Lodge WS15 3HY 

www.blithburyreindeerlodge.co.uk 

Enter into a magical wonderland and take 

the opportunity to feed and fuss over 100 

reindeer. Story-time by the fire. Attendance 

Elf School – where you’ll receive a certificate 

of attendance. A personal visit with Santa 

and access to the Elves Toy Workshop, where 

each child selects a gift. Every weekend in 

November from the 11th onwards, check site 

for details. Booking essential 

T: 01889 504 300 

11 Nov 

Messy Church 

Lichfield Cathedral WS13 7LD 

www.lichfield-cathedral.org 

2:00pm-4:00pm Church for all the family: 

singing, bible story, craft activities, prayer and 

light refreshments. T: 01543 306100 

12 Nov 

Kangaroos 

cannot walk 

backwards! 

Dino Day 



10:00am-6:00pm T-Rex and Velociraptor 

will be on the prowl around the Farm! 

Dinosaur Training - learn how to tame these 

ferocious creatures as the handler shows 

you tips to control the dinosaurs. The dinos 

will also be stalking the Farm for you to join 

them in a photo. Normal admission charges 

apply. T: 01283 533933 

18 Nov 

Pirates and Princesses Day 



10:00am-4:00pm Every visitor dressed as a 

pirate or princess will get free admission to the 

museum. Drop in and make and decorate your 

own pirate hat in the craft workshop. Normal 

admission charges apply. T: 01782 237 777 

Newcastle Under Lyme Christmas 

Light Switch On 

Ironmarket ST5 1RP visitcastle.co.uk 

10:00am-7:00pm A fun day of events and 

activities which builds up to the Switching on of 

the Christmas Lights in the early evening. 

T: 01782 922712 

Wildlife Watch 



10:30am-12:30pm Young explorers will be 

preparing for winter and learning more about 

light and dark, discovering how these affect 

animals, plants and ourselves. Child £1.50. 


Lanternory : The Lantern-Lit story! 



5:00pm-7:30pm Brand-new storytelling concept 

that follows the exploits of Raike a young thief as 

he attempts to acquire treasures from the Castle. 

The story is revealed in parts as you tour through 

the Castle lit by lantern light. Adults £7.50, Child 


19 Nov 

Winter Wonderland 



12:00noon-3:00pm Nature-themed activities and 

crafts for all the family. T: 01543 877666 

25 – 26 Nov 

North Pole Adventure 



10:00am-6:00pm You’ll be transported to 

the home of Father Christmas at the North 

Pole through a magic portal. In the Victorian 

high street, visit the sweet shop and make 

Christmas crafts. Visit the Ice Cave to meet 

the talking Polar Bear. Decorate gingerbread 

men with Mother Christmas in the Elf village. 

Take part in Elf Training and of course meet 

Father Christmas in his Grotto to receive 

a special gift. A magical 2 hour family 

experience. Booking recommended 

T: 01283 533933 

Pantomime season is nearly 

upon us once again… 

Oh no it isn’t! 

Oh yes it is! Ahem… 

O 

riginally, Pantomimes weren’t just restricted to 

Christmas time, but happened throughout the 

year, in conjunction with religious holidays or the seasons. 

200 years ago Pantomimes were very different, being mostly 

centred around dancing and music but over the years, 

audience participation and the Pantomime Dames were 

introduced and Panto became what it is today. 

Although often considered to be a British phenomenon, 

Pantomime actually developed from the Italian commedia 

dell’arte tradition, involving a part improvised, part scripted 

play that also paid homage to Greek comedies that date 

back to 400 BC. The idea of role reversal – a man playing the 

Dame and a woman playing the principal lead character – is 

thought to have its roots in Tudor tradition, where a “Feast 

of Fools” celebration would be directed by a commoner. 

Amazingly, this custom may have come from Rome where 

masters and servants would swap roles for a short time. 

Despite its roots, Panto does feel like a uniquely British 

phenomenon and can be baffling to those unfamiliar with 

it. Apparently, Kevin Spacey (actor and director at the Old 

Vic between 2003-2015) was “bewildered” by Pantomime 

when he first experienced it, prompting Sir Ian McKellen 

to reassure him by saying “So many disparate elements 

of theatre are on display…often stretching back to 

Shakespeare and the origins of Western theatre tradition 

and yet unique to Britain”. The truth is, that whilst Panto 

is not a universally popular form of theatre, it flourishes in 

Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and even Jamaica, where 

Panto combines with Anansi folklore. Next time you’re at the 

theatre for a Pantomime and you’re shouting “It’s behind 

you!!” – remember that there’s a lot of history behind Panto 

too!! Most importantly – Join in and have fun!! 

www.primarytimes.net/staffordshire | OCTOBER 2017 Primary Times 

11

12PANTO PREVIEW 

Panto 

preview! 

New Vic Theatre sets sail for Treasure Island 

this Christmas 

Saturday 18 November 2017 – Saturday 27 January 2018 

Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic adventure tale will be given the trademark New 

Vic treatment this Christmas, as the theatre stages Treasure Island, supported by 

KMF Group, from Saturday 18 November 2017 – 

Saturday 27 January 2018. 

Adapted and directed by New Vic Artistic Director Theresa Heskins, Treasure 

Island will take audiences on a journey across the high seas, filled with largerthan-life 

characters, swashbuckling sword fights, live music, humour, puppetry, 

and of course, plenty of pirates! 

Brought to the stage by the same creative team behind the New Vic’s spectacular 

adaptations of The Snow Queen, The Borrowers and The Hundred and One 

Dalmatians, the festive season at the theatre looks set to be a memorable 

adventure that the whole family can enjoy. 

Tickets for Treasure Island are on sale now, priced from £15.00 to £24.00 

(concessions and family tickets available) and can be booked online at 

newvictheatre.org.uk or by telephoning Box Office on 01782 717962. 

A transaction fee of £1.00 per ticket applies when booking online. 


Gatehouse set sights on next box-office 

hit with 2017 panto 

After the record-breaking success of Aladdin the “wok ‘n’ roll” panto, 

Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Management is busy gearing up for its next 

eagerly anticipated rock ‘n’ roll pantomime, Robin Hood and the Babes in 

the Wood. 

The festive show will open on Thursday 7th December 2017 and run until 

Sunday 7th January 2018. 

This hilarious version of the traditional tale provides a rock ‘n’ rolling rollercoaster 

of an adventure story, as Robin Hood attempts to outwit the evil Sheriff of 

Nottingham, free the unfortunate Babes and their outrageous, oversized Nanny, 

Nellie Nightnurse, and marry the beautiful Maid Marion. 

The result is a fast, furious and funny feast of festive entertainment, designed to 

delight all the family. 

A talented cast of actor/musicians will once again serve up over twenty rock and 

soul classic songs, including The Hippy Hippy Shake; I Shot the Sheriff; Girls Just 

Want To Have Fun; Kiss; Born to Run; Signed, Sealed, Delivered and many, many 

more. The whole family will be tapping their toes and clicking their fingers whilst 

enjoying all the magic, slapstick and audience participation of a traditional panto. 

Tickets for Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood are priced at £20 adult / 

£15.50 concessions / £66 family. School and group 

discounts are also available (full information on these 

can be obtained from the box office). 

Tickets can be booked by calling the box office on 

01785 619080 or by visiting 

www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk 

Aladdin promises to deliver lots of fun and 

laughter at Lichfield Garrick 

30 November – 6 January 

CBeebies Cat Sandion is the latest star name confirmed to perform at the 

Lichfield Garrick in their festive offering Aladdin. Cat, is a firm favourite on 

CBeebies, with her main character in the hugely successful ‘Justin’s house’ and 

her energetic moves and catchy songs in the hit CBeebies ‘Magic Door!’ 

The theatre is delighted to welcome back Sam Rabone as Dame Widow 

Twankey and Ben Thornton as Wishy Washy after their stellar performances had 

audiences in stitches in last year’s sell out show, Sleeping Beauty. 

This is the second year that the Lichfield Garrick have teamed up with Evolution 

Productions, the most successful pantomime company in the country producing 

spectacular shows throughout the UK. 

After the success of Sleeping Beauty, Aladdin promises to be the most fun-filled 

family pantomime ever seen at the theatre. Tickets are selling fast, book early to 

avoid disappointment. 

PRICES: £11.00 - £29.00. £48.00 - £74.00 - Family ticket for selected 

performances. To book visit www.lihfieldgarrick.com Box Office 01543 412121

Stafford Gatehouse Theatre and Freedom Leisure Present... 

By Peter Rowe 

PANTO PREVIEW 


PRODUCER 

Derrick Gask 

DIRECTOR 

Rob Salmon 

PRODUCTION DESIGNER 

Deborah Mingham 

MUSICAL DIRECTOR 

Craig Adams 

CHOREOGRAPHER 

Verity Bray 

SOUND DESIGNER 

James Bennett 

CASTING DIRECTOR 

Debbie O’Brien 


BOX OFFICE 

BoxOffice 

Your family theatre guide... 

0231512 

0231513 

TICKET 

TICKET 

LANDAU FORTE ACADEMY 

B79 8AH 

www.tamworthartsandevents.co.uk 

STAFFORD GATEHOUSE 

ST16 2LT 


THE BREWHOUSE ARTS CENTRE 

DE14 1EB 

www.brewhouse.co.uk 

25 – 28 Oct 

Monster Mash Up 

7:30pm A loose parody of classic 1970s Scooby Doo 

featuring all the memorable catchphrases and 

cheesy plot lines from the much-loved TV series. 

Musical theatre favourites from Wicked, Phantom 

of the Opera, Spamalot and Jekyll & Hyde, alongside 

pop hits such as Michael Jackson’s Thriller and Sweet 

Dreams by Eurythmics. The show culminates in a 

monstrous finale which mashes up crowd pleasers 

from across the decades. Adults £12.50, Child £10. To 

book T:01827 709618 

LICHFIELD GARRICK WS13 6HR 

www.lichfieldgarrick.com 

1 – 4 Nov 

Scrooge 

Join Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim and a 

host of Dickens’ other famous characters as Scrooge 

journeys with the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present 

and Future in this fun family show. Tickets £19.50. 

Booking essential T:01543 412121 

11 Nov 

Shakespeare’s Schools Festival 

7:00pm See Shakespeare as you’ve never seen it 

before with a series of unique performances by 

children from the local area. A wonderful way to 

experience the language, magic and possibilities of 

Shakespeare. Details of the schools performing can 

be found at shakespeareschools.org/the-festival. 

Adults £11, Child £8.50. To book T:01543 412121 

MITCHELL ARTS CENTRE 

ST1 4HG 

www.mitchellartscentre.co.uk 

25 Oct 

The Boss Baby (U) 

11:30am A new baby’s arrival impacts a family, told 

from the point of view of a delightfully unreliable 

narrator -- a wildly imaginative 7-year-old named 

Tim. Child £2, Adults Free. To book T: 01782 409307 

23 – 24 Nov 

Puss In Boots 

1:30pm or 7:00pm Tom the Millers’ son, has been left 

a cat, Tiddles, by his late Father, he now lives with his 

Aunt Dame Delia. After being given a spell by Fairy 

Poppins his cat is given a voice and is transformed 

into ‘The Puss in Boots’. Tom is in love with the King’s 

daughter Princess Pamela and dreams of marrying 

her, however, he is poor and has no Castle or Title. But 

Puss in Boots has a plan! Will the plan work? Or will 

it be foiled by the King’s Chief Advisor, the evil Baron 

Von Sqweezam…all will be revealed! Tickets £14. 

Adults £7.50, Child £6.50. To book T: 01782 409307 

NEW VIC THEATRE ST5 0JG 

www.newvictheatre.org.uk 

18 Nov – 27 Jan 2018 

Treasure Island 

1750, Sleepy Cove. Tired of the quiet 

life, Gem dreams of adventure and 

excitement. When a mysterious stranger 

comes to stay at The Admiral Benbow Inn, 

she believes her luck is about to change. 

And so begins an epic journey. A journey 

filled with pirates and possibilities; buried 

treasure and blue horizons; seafarers and 

scallywags. And in the middle of it all, a 

good-hearted cook called Long John Silver 

– but is he friend or foe? Booking essential 

T: 01782 717962 

PRINCE OF WALES THEATRE 

WS11 1DE 

www.princeofwales.live 

23 Oct 

Dick and Dom Live 

11:00am or 2:00pm Madcap challenges and audience 

participation games that will guarantee to have you 

in stitches.*WARNING - You may get messy* Adults 

£12, Child £10. Booking essential T: 01543 578 762 

ROUNDABOUT THEATRE ST1 4FA 

www.appetitestoke.co.uk 

21 – 22 Oct 

How To Be a Kid 

Molly cooks. Molly does the dishes. Molly gets her 

little brother Joe ready for school. Molly is only 12, 

but she doesn’t feel much like a kid anymore. Now 

Molly’s Mum is feeling better, maybe things will 

get back to normal. Can you help Molly learn how 

to be a kid again? Join Molly, Joe and her Nan for a 

larger than life story of family, friends and fitting in. 

Warning: Contains dancing, chocolate cake and an 

epic car chase! Tickets from £4.95. Booking essential. 

T: 01782 381373 

23 Oct 

There and Back Again - An 

Odyssey 

12:30pm or 2:30pm Follow 

Please check 

details of show times 

with each venue 

before booking, and 

have a great time! 

Patrick Lynch as he launches 

Ulysses and his companions 

on a fantastic voyage which 

comes to life on the big 

screen while he plays with 

sand, stones, boats, bowls, 

fire and water. The use of multiple 

cameras will magnify table-top props down to 

the smallest detail to turn a storm-in-a-teacup into 

an Aegean tempest. Tickets £8.50. Booking essential 

T: 01785 619080 

26 Oct 

Milkshake Live 

12:00noon or 3:30pm Starring Milkshake! favourites 

Bob the Builder, Little Princess, Noddy, Fireman Sam, 

Shimmer & Shine, Pip from Pip Ahoy!, Winnie and 

Wilbur, Wissper, Milkshake’s very own Milkshake! 

Monkey and two Milkshake! presenters, this all 

singing, all dancing, musical masterpiece, will 

take audiences on a journey through the world’s 

favourite fairy tales. Set amongst Milkshake’s 

magical bookcase, this brand new live show is sure 

to amaze and delight! Tickets £15. Booking essential 

T: 01785 619080 

29 Oct 

Dick and Dom Live 

11:00am or 2:00pm Madcap challenges and 

audience participation games that will guarantee 

to have you in stitches.*WARNING - You may get 

messy* Adults £12.50, Child £10.50. Booking 

essential T: 01785 619080 

4 Nov 

The Shark In The Park 

1:30pm Featuring Shark in the Park, Shark in the 

Dark and Shark in the Park on a Windy Day – this 

fin-tastic, family musical follows Timothy Pope (and 

his telescope!) on 3 exciting adventures… Tickets 


STOKE REPERTORY THEATRE 

ST4 2TR 

www.fivetownstheatre.org.uk 

21 – 25 Nov 

Oliver 

Bringing Charles Dickens’ beloved novel to life. 

Join young,orphaned Oliver Twist as he navigates 

the London’s underworld of theft and violence, 

searching for a home, a family, and - most 

importantly - for love. With spirited, timeless songs 

like “As Long as He Needs Me,” “Food, Glorious 

Food,” and “Where is Love” Tickets £12. Booking 

essential T: 01782 321666 

24 Oct 

Play In A Day - Disneytime 

10:00am-3:30pm Enjoy a day of learning 

spectacular musical numbers and scenes from 

everybody’s favourite Disney hits! SIngalong 

and dance to some of the greatest toe tapping 

songs from hits like Beauty and the Beast, 

Aladdin, The Lion King and Frozen to name 

but a few. Cost £20 or £35 for 2 siblings. To book 

T: 01283 508100 

THE REGENT THEATRE ST1 1AP 

www.atgtickets.com 

24 – 28 Oct 

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor 

Dreamcoat 

Retelling the Biblical story of Joseph, his eleven brothers 

and the coat of many colours, this magical musical is full 

of unforgettable songs including Those Canaan Days, Any 

Dream Will Do and Close Every Door To Me. Starring Joe 

McElderry. Booking essential T: 0844 871 7649 

FORUM THEATRE ST1 3DW 

www.mowcopplayers.co.uk 

25 Nov – 3 Dec 

Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs 

Mow Cop Players proudly present their 2017 

Pantomime Snow White, a classic family 

favourite, in the Forum Theatre at the 

Potteries Museum Hanley. See website for 

show times. Family tickets available for £24 

(2 adults & 2 children) and 10% discount for 

parties of 20+. Booking essential. www. 

mowcopplayers.co.uk 

E: ticketsmowcopplayers@hotmail.co.uk T: 

07902 054511. 

CREWE LYCEUM CW1 2DA 

www.crewelyceum.co.uk 

15 – 16 Nov 

Peppa Pig’s Adventure 

7:30pm Join Peppa as she gets ready to go on an exciting 

camping trip with her school friends, including Pedro 

Pony, Suzy Sheep and Gerald Giraffe. With lunch-boxes 

packed and Daddy Pig driving the bus, Peppa and friends 

are excited about their outdoor adventure, full of games, 

laughter and live music! The happy campers soon settle 

down to sleep and listen to the gentle pitter patter of rain. 

Safe and warm inside their tents the excited group can 

look forward to morning time, when their will be lots of 

muddy puddles to play in! Booking essential. 

T: 01270 368242 

14 


WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO SEE 

ROBIN HOOD AT THE STAFFORD 

GATEHOUSE THEATRE 

A Family 

Ticket for 

COMPETITIONS 

Enter now and join the 

excitement for the last 

BRICKLIVE event of the 

year! For tickets or further 

information visit 

www.bricklive.co.uk 

This hilarious panto version of the traditional tale 

provides a rock ‘n’ rolling rollercoaster of 

an adventure story. Festive entertainment 

does not come any better! 

For your chance to win just answer the following question; 

Which forest is associated with Robin Hood? 

Enter online at 

www.primarytimes.net/staffordshire/competitions 

or on Facebook at 

facebook.com/PTStaffs 

Closing Date: 5/12/2017 

Terms and conditions: Only available for performances on 11th, 14th, 19th and 20th 

December • Cannot be redeemed for any monetary value • Cannot be exchanged for a 

refund on tickets already purchased 

BRICKLIVE, the biggest LEGO® fan event in the UK, is coming 

to The NEC Birmingham between 26 th -29 th October and we’re giving 

you the chance to win a family ticket. 

Spend hours battling it out in the exciting new MegaBot arena, get 

creative in the all-new Urban Creator Zone, or witness the amazing 

LEGO animal sculptures with a brick-built safari. Plus, don’t miss out 

on the pumpkin parade with BRICKLIVE’s Halloween-themed fun! 

Winners will be notifi ed on October 23 rd and will have full access to 

the event on a day of their choice, where LEGO fans can stay and 

play to their heart’s content! 

To enter just answer the following question correctly – 

Which venue in Birmingham will BRICKLIVE take place at? 

A. NEC B. The Bullring C. New Street Station 

Enter online at 

www.primarytimes.net/staffordshire/competitions 

or on Facebook at facebook.com/PTStaffs 

Closing Date: 22/10/2017 

Kids get creative! 

DESIGN THE PRIMARY TIMES 

CHRISTMAS CARD! 

Every year, we at Primary Times send out thousands of Christmas 

cards and we would like you to create the picture for this 

year’s card. It can be any picture you like that you think means 

“Christmas”, a snowman, Rudolf with his red nose, a robin on a 

snow-covered branch or maybe a nativity scene. 

Our picture shows our card from last year which was created 

The picture on the front cover of this card 

was created by Sam Fletcher aged 7 

& May Fletcher aged 6 

Hawthorne Primary & Nursery School, 

Nottinghamshire 

by May and Sam Fletcher from Nottinghamshire. 

Sam & May won the 

“Create the Primary Times Christmas Card” 

Competition for 2016 

Closing date for entries is 29th October 2017. 

All you have to do is draw and 

colour or paint your picture on 

an A4 piece of card or paper and 

send your entry along with your 

name, age, address, telephone 

number and school name to: 

Christmas Card Competition 

Primary Times 

Schools Publishing Limited 

Unit 1A Thamesview 

Industrial Estate 

Newtown Road 

Henley on Thames RG9 1HG 

Unit 1A Thamesview Industrial Estate, Newtown Road, Henley on Thames RG9 1HG 

Our card from a previous 

year which was designed by 

Kavina Patel aged 8. 

Seasons Greetings 

Teachers and schools are very welcome to send in entries from an entire class in a single envelope ensuring that the 

school name, child’s name and age are clearly written on the back of each entry. The winner’s design will be used for the 

2017 Primary Times Head Office Christmas card and the winner will also receive 50 copies of the card with envelopes. 


FREE 


MONDAY 23RD 





FRIDAY 27TH 





11AM 

- 4PM 

freeport-talke.com 

Activities subject to change 

Off A34, Talke Exit A500, Stoke, ST7 1XD

Primary Times Staffordshire October 2017

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?