1581592274594_Tees Feb 2020 lr

Family What’s On Guide
FOR FAMILIES OF
PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN
Tees Valley
www.primarytimes.co.uk
ISSUE 119
DAYS OUT • EDUCATION • COMPETITIONS • FAMILY FUN FEBRUARY 2020
3RD FEB - 22ND MAR ‘20

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01642 333333 • mbro.ac.uk

ISSUE 119
NEW PT LOGO.indd 1 18/06/2019 11:09
Contents
6 Bithday party ideas
Hello Readers,
Welcome to our first edition for 2020!
FEBRUARY
HALF TERM 2020
Family What’s On Guide
Tees Valley
FOR FAMILIES OF
PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN
WELCOME
14 What’s on where
We love this time of year at Primary
Times, with Spring just around the
corner and lots of great activities to look
forward to as the year progresses.
www.primarytimes.co.uk
21 Make time for reading
22 Competitions
31 Be inspired to illustrate
Primary Times in Tees Valley
PO Box 539, Middlesbrough, TS1 9EX
Telephone: 07394 296 453
Email: hello@primarytimes.info
www.primarytimes.co.uk/Teesside
Already we are getting news about holiday activities, some of which
begin in the February half term and in this edition, we’ve included
our annual party guide for you along with our clients who can host a
fabulous party for the birthday boy or girl! Look out for that on pages
6 & 7. Check out the competitions we have from page 22 with our
regular RSPB colouring competition and there are two AMAZING
competitions to win books and creativity workshops for your primary
school worth over £3000 in total on pages 24 & 25. We love to support
our local schools so this is a thankyou to them for supporting us here
at Primary Times by making sure your children receive copies of the
publication. We hope you enjoy this issue. Make sure you mention us
when you’re visiting all the lovely businesses in the publication also!
You saw them in Primary Times :-)
The picture is at the top of Roseberry Topping...we love it there!
Best wishes from Maureen & Olivia x
DAYS OUT • EDUCATION • COMPETITIONS • FAMILY FUN FEBRUARY 2020
3RD FEB - 22ND MAR ‘20
Publishing Editor:
Maureen McCarthy:
hello@primarytimes.info
Tel: 07394 296 453
Design:
Kelly Green
teesside@primarytimes.co.uk
®
Primary Times is independently published and distributed free through national primary schools throughout the boroughs of
Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland, Stockton-on-Tees, Darlington and Hartlepool. 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 Teesside 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 2.5 million copies per issue under
franchise licences throughout Britain.
Total Average Qualified
Circulation: 68,916
BPA August Statement 2019
The UK’s biggest free ‘what’s on’
magazine for parents! Primary
Times in Tees Valley distributes
68,916 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
HALF TERM AT
Great kids dishes. Create your own dessert
& table games for the family.
TGI Fridays Teesside
Haydock Park Road, Teesside Shopping Park, Stockton-On-Tees, Teesside TS17 7BG
0344 692 0289
www.primarytimes.co.uk/Teesside | FEBRUARY 2020 3

WHAT’S ON WHERE
Create memories to last a lifetime
on a Stay Play Explore short break
This year why not spend time with the
family and create memories to last a
lifetime?
Stay Play Explore short breaks are
a fabulous collection of great value,
flexible and easy to book UK family
holidays. Every break includes
admission into three top attractions or
experiences of your choice and bed
and full English breakfast in a family
friendly hotel, many of which have
swimming pools.
Available in Leicestershire, Warwickshire
and Yorkshire attractions include:
- Warwick Castle
- Twycross Zoo
- Conkers
- British Motor Museum
- Magna Adventure Park
- Cannon Hall Farm Park
- Ice Sheffield
and many more
These unique breaks are available all
year round, cost from £149 for a family
of four and are available to book
online now, so don’t miss out
and start planning your next big
adventure today!
www.stayplayexplore.co.uk
JOIN OUR
AWARD-WINNING
SWIMMING
LESSONS
AND GET A...
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Visit everyoneactive.com/kidspass
*Mainland GB only. 18+. Recipient must be parent/guardian if child lessons. 1x free 6-month subscription code to Kids Pass for each household enrolled on swimming lessons at participating centres. Opens 21 December
2019 to 31 March 2020. Visit www.everyoneactive.com/kidspass for full terms. Everyone Active manages these facilities in partnership with Middlesbrough Council and Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council.
W everyoneactive.com facebook.com/everyoneactive @everyoneactive
@everyoneactive
4
FEBRUARY 2020 | www.primarytimes.co.uk/Teesside

5
WHAT’S ON WHERE

5 Ways to
Throw a birthday
party on a budget
Primary Times takes a look at ways to throw a great birthday party on a sensible budget.
Birthday parties can be
expensive events. There’s
the invitations, the venue,
the presents, the party
bags, sometimes there’s
also a theme, not to
mention how many
children you invite. Don’t
despair! There are many
inventive options available
to throw your child a
spectacular birthday to
remember, on a sensible
budget.
1. Bake the
cake yourself
Embrace your inner Mary
Berry and bake the cake
yourself. It can save you
a good amount of money
and adds a personal
touch to the party as you
can customise the cake
to your child’s favourite
flavour and interests!
2. To do or not to
do party bags
If you want to do party
bags for your guests, they
can be homemade! Bake
cupcakes or biscuits and
ice the children’s names
on them, give away books
or toys that your child
is willing to part with, or
remove them entirely. It
does not have to be an
essential part of the party,
it’s more than enough for
the children to spend time
together celebrating and
better for the bank
balance too!
3. Send out e-vites
As beautiful as paper
invitations are, bespoke
invitations at a fraction of
the price (or no price at all)
can be designed online
and sent out by email to
the party guests. It’s better
for the environment and it
saves time and money
delivering them, so
everyone’s a winner! It’s
also helpful for last minute
additions to the party list
and prevents other children
in school or in the
class from being upset if
they aren’t handed
an invite.
4. Book the
venue early
Some venues offer
additional discounts on
the venue price or on their
own products, such as
the party food, drinks or
activities if the venue is
hired well in advance of
the party date. To avoid
disappointment and to
secure any early bird
deals, book your venue
of choice as soon as you
decide on the date!
5. Double up
If your child and their best
friend have birthdays
close together and want
to invite the same friends,
why not throw them a joint
party? They’ll love spending
time with their friends
and it also gives them an
opportunity to widen their
friendship group and get
to know other children in a
fun environment, outside
of the classroom.
Funfetti Cake
Ingredients
• 300g caster sugar
• 450g butter, softened
• 1tbsp vanilla bean paste
• 8 eggs, beaten
• 450g self-raising flour
• 1tsp baking powder
• 4tbsp whole milk
• 200g rainbow sprinkles,
with extra to decorate!
Icing
• 150g softened butter
• 450g icing sugar
• 180g tub full-fat cream
cheese
• 1tbsp vanilla paste
• Preheat the oven to 180c and line four 20cm cake tins. If
you don’t have four tins, halve the recipe and bake in two
batches.
• Beat the sugar, butter and vanilla paste in a large bowl
until light and fluffy. Gradually add the eggs to the mixture.
• Sift the flour and baking powder into the batter, before
adding the milk and beating the mixture to loosen it.
• Scatter the sprinkles into the cake batter before dividing it
into the tins.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.
• Meanwhile, make the icing by beating the butter with half
the icing sugar until fluffy. Then add the cream cheese to
the rest of the icing sugar and mix together. Drizzle over
the vanilla paste before placing it into piping bags.
• Pipe the icing in a circle covering the base of the sponge,
then place a sponge on top and pipe the top of that
sponge. Repeat with all the layers and then scatter the rest
of the sprinkles over the top to decorate!
6

Party packages from only £7!
Buy 1 get 1 half price with this voucher
1 voucher per family per visit
Offer ends 23rd March 2020
(Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. 1 voucher per family,
original copies only, no photocopies will be accepted.)
Lightwater Valley
Youngsters and their families can
enjoy a fun-packed day out during
February Half Term, whatever the
weather at Lightwater Valley (Saturday
15th – Saturday 22nd February).
Aimed at the under 8’s, Fab Feb Family
Fun features a whole host of fantastic
indoor and outdoor activities all on
offer throughout the school holidays.
A selection of Fairground rides will
also be open during the event so
visitors can enjoy a sightseeing tractor
ride around Eagles’ Creek Farm, take a
spin on the Carousel and Skyrider, soar
high in the grip of the Eagle’s Claw or
hop aboard the Lightwater Express
Train.
Families can delight in daily
entertainment in the Show Barn with
a spectacular line up of magic and
illusions. Catch the Magic Show which
leaves audiences spellbound by tricks
and the amazingly colourful Jungle
themed UV Puppet Show.
The Petting Farm will also be at
Lightwater Valley with lots of cute
and cuddly animals for visitors to pet
and feed, including rabbits, lambs,
donkeys, calves, alpacas and pygmy
goats.
Journey into a prehistoric party
with the chance to meet Jester and
Jasmine, Lightwater Valley’s resident
dinosaur duo, and take on the Jurassic
Adventure Golf* for a ‘hole’ lot of fun.
Don’t forget to visit the Jester’s Jungle
Fun indoor Soft Play & Cafe perfect
for under 8s to run off some energy
while the grown-ups have a seat and
a relaxing coffee. If lunch is in the plan
there are also places to grab a bite
to eat.
Due to the popularity of this event it
is strongly advised tickets are prebooked
online. Tickets cost £7.95
per person / Under 3’s are Free. Fab
Feb at Lightwater Valley will take
place Saturday 15th – Saturday 22nd
February, 10:30am – 3:30pm.
www.lightwatervalley.co.uk
www.primarytimes.co.uk/Teesside | FEBRUARY 2020
7

Primary Times Tees Valley
WHAT’S ON WHERE
Everyone Active Parties
Hosting a birthday party with Everyone Active
is a great way to make sure your child has
loads of fun celebrating their day with their
friends. Whichever you choose from our
huge range of available parties, we’re sure
everyone will have a day to remember.
There’s an enormous array of birthday parties
available, including climbing parties, football
parties, swimming parties, soft play parties,
ice skating parties and so much more.
Whatever your preference, you, your
child and their guests are sure to have a
wonderful time.
Funshack Half Page Teesside_Layout 1 23/01/2020 19:12 Page 1
Several of our centres will allow you to cater
for your party yourself, but why not let us take
the strain and provide all the food – including
the all-important cake – for your party.
Meanwhile, our party leaders will look after
all your needs to make sure everyone has a
great time. Most importantly, they’ll clear up
afterwards too, meaning you can have a party
for your kid with no hassle, no mess, just fun!
To find out more, visit
www.everyoneactive.com or get in touch
with your local Everyone Active centre.
ALL SITES
NOW WITH
INFLATABLE
ARENAS!
25% OFF BIRTHDAY PARTY
WITH THIS VOUCHER!
Valid only with this voucher. Party Must be booked by 30/03/2020. Available at any location.
No photocopies or downloads accepted. Cannot be used when booked online. Must be
booked in person on site. Subject to availability. Cannot be used in conjunction with
any other offer or promotion.
Centres located at: Stockton, Newcastle, Seaham
For More Info Please Visit www.Funshack.co.uk
CODE: PRIMARYTEES (MUST BE BOOKED IN PERSON ON SITE TO REDEEM)
25% OFF BIRTHDAY PARTY
WITH THIS VOUCHER!
Valid only with this voucher. Party Must be booked by 30/03/2020. Available at any location. No
photocopies or downloads accepted. Cannot be used when booked online. Must be booked in person
on site. Subject to availability. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion.
Centres located at: Stockton, Hartlepool, Newcastle
for more info please visit www.Jump360.co.uk
CODE: PRIMARYTEES (MUST BE BOOKED IN PERSON ON SITE TO REDEEM)
Inflate
Space
25% OFF BIRTHDAY PARTY
WITH THIS VOUCHER!
Valid only with this voucher. Party Must be booked by 30/03/2020. Available at any location.
No photocopies or downloads accepted. Cannot be used when booked online. Must be
booked in person on site. Subject to availability. Cannot be used in conjunction with any
other offer or promotion.
Units A4 & A5, Benfield Business Park Benfield Rd, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE6 4NQ
Tel : 0191 9170 360 www.inflatespace.co.uk
CODE: PRIMARYTEES (MUST BE BOOKED IN PERSON ON SITE TO REDEEM)
25% OFF BIRTHDAY PARTY
WITH THIS VOUCHER!
Valid only with this voucher. Available at Clip N Climb Stockton or Newcastle.
Must be booked by 30/03/2020. No photocopies or downloads accepted. Cannot be used
when booked online. Subject to availability. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer
or promotion.
Units A4 & A5, Benfield Business Park Benfield Rd, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE6 4NQ.
Tel: 0191 9170 360 www.newcastle.clipnclimb.co.uk
11 Cheltenham Rd, Portrack Interchange Business Park, Stockton-On-Tees TS18 2AD
Tel: 01642 605 688 www.clipnclimbstockton.co.uk
CODE: PRIMARYTEES (MUST BE BOOKED IN PERSON ON SITE TO REDEEM)
8
FEBRUARY 2020 | www.primarytimes.co.uk/Teesside

WHAT’S ON WHERE
OFFER
Book a Funky
Party and the
Party child
goes free
Only one offer accepted at a time
OFFER
Pay for 2
entries and
get a 3rd free
(per child)
Only one offer accepted at a time
OPEN
EVERY DAY
DURING
FEB HALF
TERM
Follow us on
social media
airtrail.co.uk
This facility is managed by Tees Active Ltd.
www.primarytimes.co.uk/Teesside | FEBRUARY 2020
9

WHAT’S ON WHERE
Brain
tumours kill
more children
and adults under
the age of 40
than any other
cancer
DISPLAY SALE
Sat 7th March from 9am
Visit our shop to view and try before you buy,
we specialise in quality toys from large climbing
frames, trampolines and ride ons to kitchens,
dolls houses and train sets. We are main stockists
of Little Tikes, Brio, Hape, TP toys, Winther &
Gonge and many others.
Check out our many offers that are constantly
changing, extra discounts instore.
**Did you know we supply all the spare parts for Little
Tikes & TP Toys**
Open Mon–Fri 9.30–5, Sat 10-5, Closed on Sunday.
Tel: (01609) 881302 (nr Northallerton) www.adventuretoys.co.uk
Wear A Hat Day 2020
Bigger! Bolder! Hattier! Save the date
for Wear A Hat Day in 2020 on Friday
27th March as the UK once again goes
hat crazy for a good cause.
The charity is inviting us all to take
part once again, by planning and
hosting hat-themed fundraising events
in order to help find a cure for brain
tumours, the bigger cancer killer of
children and adults under the age
of 40.
With Brain Tumour Research
celebrating its 10th anniversary this
year, there’s never been a more
important time for schools and
families to get together to ensure
Wear A Hat Day is not only great fun,
but is also seen as a powerful vehicle
of hope for the thousands diagnosed
and/or living with a brain tumour
every year.
Amazing events from schools across
the UK have included a world record
attempt for the longest line of hats,
millinery-themed fancy dress days,
hat-themed cake sales, hattastic
parties, brilliantly hatty colouring
competitions and so much more.
Primary Times is proudly supporting
Wear A Hat Day 2020, offering a
prize of £100 in book tokens for the
school which raises the most money
per pupil.
To find out more about this great
incentive to take part and how
everyone can get involved, visit
www.wearahatday.org
Register now
for your
FREE
FUNDRAISING
PACK
www.wearahatday.org
Registered charity number 1153487 (England and Wales) SC046840 (Scotland). Company limited by guarantee number 08570737.
Coughs & colds?
It’s faster at the pharmacy.
Developed by Clinical Commissioning Groups in the North East and North Cumbria
©NHS Commissioning Board 2019. Developed by NHS North of England Commissioning Support Unit (NECS)
10
FEBRUARY 2020 | www.primarytimes.co.uk/Teesside

BOX OFFICE
01642 552663
or visit us online
www.forumtheatrebillingham.co.uk
OI FROG & FRIENDS! October 22 - October 23
It’s a new THE day TIGER at Sittingbottom WHO CAME school and TO FROG TEA is looking
for a place March to sit, 17-18 but CAT has other ideas and DOG is doing
as he’s The told. doorbell Little do rings any just of as them Sophie know and her that mummy chaos is coming.
Join are them sitting in down this to new tea. stage Who could adaptation it possibly of be? Kes Gray and
Jim Field’s What bestselling they certainly books don’t Oi expect Frog!, to see Oi Dog! at the and door Oi Cat!
is a big, stripy tiger! Join the tea-guzzling tiger in
LITTLE
this
FIX
delightful
October
family show;
28
packed with oodles of
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and have MILKSHAKE churned out amazing LIVE! chart April hits 6 such as Wings,
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Experience Milkshake The Greatest friends come Showman to help, in creating the greatest the way
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a screening THE of BOWS the movie AND not BUNNY a live stage EARS show. TOUR
May 28
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It’s a spectacular show for
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singing and dancing from start to finish!
stage fright, so his favourite Milkshake friends come
to help, creating the most dazzling show you have
JUST ANNOUNCED
GOLDILOCKS AND
THE
SNOW
THREE
WHITE
BEARS
& THE
February SEVEN 18-20, DWARFS 2020
Roll up, December roll up! Don’t 1-January miss the 5, 2020
greatest show on earth as it marches
into Billingham Book early this February. for our 2019 /
Brought
2020
to you
Christmas
by the same team
Pantomime
that brought Sleeping Beauty to The
Forum Snow during half White term as 2019, tickets Tom
Rolfe Productions are thrilled to be
back with are their already biggest disappearing
and most
spectacular quickly. show yet … Goldilocks
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the music, the lights, the costumes
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GOLDILOCKS AND
THE THREE BEARS
February 18-20, 2020
ALADDIN
Roll up, roll up! Don’t miss the greatest
show on earth as it marches into
Billingham this February. Brought to you
by the same team that brought Sleeping
Beauty to The Forum during half term
2019, Tom Rolfe Productions are thrilled
to be back with their biggest and most
spectacular show yet … Goldilocks and
the Three Bears.
December 1 2020 -
January 3 2021
Book early for our 2020 /
2021 Christmas Pantomime
ALADDIN as tickets are
bound to “Fly Out Of The
Door”..
Running Time: Approx 2
hours 30 minutes.
Noddy, Shimmer & Shine, Digby
Dragon, Wissper, Nella the Princess
Knight and the Floogals, alongside
two Milkshake Presenters, this brandnew
show has plenty of laughter,
audience interaction and great fun to
get everyone up on their feet! It’s the
family show not to be missed!
WHAT’S ON WHERE
14 February − 1 March 2020
See
MOOR
STARS
Delve deep
into space
with over 100
events across
the North
York Moors
POLLY BALDWIN
darkskiesnationalparks.org.uk
#DarkSkiesFestival
www.primarytimes.co.uk/Teesside | FEBRUARY 2020
11

Primary Times Tees Valley
WHAT’S ON WHERE
Leap into Spring at The Hullabaloo
Theatre Hullabaloo, the theatre
company for children and young
people have announced their Spring
2020 programme of things to see and
do at the award-winning venue for
children and families, The Hullabaloo,
situated on Borough Road, Darlington.
Children, young people and their
families will be entertained with a
fantastic mix of world-class children’s
theatre alongside a wide range of
activities such as storytelling, themed
days and creative play installations.
Spring kicks off with A Hullabaloo
under the Sea, a themed takeover
day where families with children aged
3-10 years are invited to take part on
a voyage under the sea with dance,
craft activities and a sea themed
planetarium.
The youngest audiences aged 0-3 and
their grown ups are invited to Igloo, a
playful experience filled with warmth,
sensation and gentle exploration
whilst Meet me a Tree is an interactive
first opera for 0-2 year olds with music
by Schumann, Delibes and Handel as
well as original words and music by
Catherine Carter.
Older children will be entertained by
Jack and the Beanstalk, an awardwinning
show that has something
for everyone – enormous shoes, tiny
houses and a big leafy explosion!
Children aged 7+ are invited to join
world renowned scrapologist, Patricia
Barker as she discovers the secrets
revelated in each turn of the page
in the award-winning The Curious
Scrapbook of Josephine Bean.
April 2020 sees a new show from
Theatre Hullabaloo, a dark new
fairytale about the greatest witch of
all, Baba Yaga, a deliciously dark and
funny story for ages 6+ where danger
skulks but safety is closer than you
think.
Miranda Thain, Artistic Producer at
Theatre Hullabaloo says “We are
immensely proud of Spring 2020 at
The Hullabaloo, we have an excellent
mix of theatre for young children,
storytelling sessions and Hullabaloo
themed days along with our free
creative play installation Deep Sea
Adventures. Since opening we have
welcomed over 45,000 children and
young people to The Hullabaloo and
we look forward to seeing familiar
faces return to The Hullabaloo, as well
as welcoming many new families this
spring”
For more information on The
Hullabaloo please visit
www.theatrehullabaloo.org.uk
SPRING 2020
Tickets £7/
Group ticket
£24
The Curious Scrapbook
of Josephine Bean Age 7+
Sat 22 Feb
Who was Josephine Bean? the wonderful and
surprising secret is revealed with each page…
Meet me a Tree
Age 0-2 years
Fri 28 & Sat 29 Feb
An interactive first opera for 0-2 year olds and
their carers.
Jack and the Beanstalk
Age 3-8 years
Sat 7 Mar
Fee Fi Fum!
It’s a giant of a show, we’d love you to come!
Baba Yaga Age 6+
Wed 1 - Sat 11 Apr
A dark new fairytale, where danger skulks in the
least expected corners, but safety is closer than
you think.
PLUS lots more to see and do!
FREE HALF TERM FAMILY FUN
15–23 FEBRUARY
Visit locomotion.org.uk for more details
FREE ENTRY, DONATIONS WELCOME
SHILDON DL4 2RE
Borough r oad d arlington dl1 1Sg
Box office: 01325 405 405
theatrehullabaloo.org.uk
Future Engineers is brought to you by:
Angel Trains, Eversholt UK Rails Group, Network Rail and Porterbrook
12
FEBRUARY 2020 | www.primarytimes.co.uk/Teesside

Primary Times Tees Valley
See Moor stars
at the Dark
Skies Festival
The North York Moors is a stargazer’s
paradise, with some of the best night
skies in the country. Join us for our own
nebula adventure as we explore the
cosmos for the fifth Dark Skies Festival,
bringing headline acts and celestial
events from 14 February to 1 March.
Delve deep into space with over
100 events across 17 days, including
stargazing safaris, night navigation tours,
runs and bike rides in the dark, ghost
walks and night zips.
The National Park Centres at Sutton
Bank and Danby will also be hosting a
programme of daytime workshops and
activities for families to enjoy, including
moonrock geocache, galactic treasure
hunt, stargazing crafts and young artist
starry night workshop.
www.darkskiesnationalparks.org.uk
WHAT’S ON WHERE
www.primarytimes.co.uk/Teesside | FEBRUARY 2020 13

Primary Times Tees Valley
WHAT’S ON WHERE
WOW!
what’s on where
Until 23 February
LEGO®: Building The
Bowes Museum
The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle,
County Durham
www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk
There’s still time to enjoy the story of The
Bowes Museum told through the medium
of LEGO®. Follow the trail to find 15 of our
most loved objects, including the Silver
Swan and a replica of the Museum itself,
recreated by Brick This’ Steve Mayes before
having a go at recreating some of the items
yourselves in two mini build stations too.
Every Saturday
Lego Club
Marton Library and Community Hub
10.30am. Free event. Tel 01642 300255
Sundays from 16 February
Chess for All
Ingleby Barwick Library
inglebybarwick.library@stockton.gov.uk
1pm. Learn to play or perfect your moves.
For 8+ years. Free, 01642 528528
Tuesdays from 18 February
Baby and Toddler
Stockton Central Library
stockton.library@stockton.gov.uk
9.45am. Enjoy an hour of toys, crafts, stories,
rhymes and games. For under 5’s. Children
must be accompanied by an adult. free,
01642 526521
Once Upon a Rhyme
Billingham Library
billingham.library@stockton.gov.uk
8am. Fun musical session. For 5 years and
under. Children must be accompanied by an
adult. Booking essential. free, 01642 528084
Bookstart Bear Group
Roseworth Library, Redhill Family Hub
roseworth.library@stockton.gov.uk
10am. Storytime and stay and play session
for under 5’s. free, 01642 528098
Baby and Toddler
Ingleby Barwick Library
inglebybarwick.library@stockton.gov.uk
1.30pm. Enjoy an hour of toys, stories
and rhymes. For under 5’s. Children must
be accompanied by an adult. free,
01642 528528
Thursdays from 20 February
Baby and Toddler
Norton Library
norton.library@stockton.gov.uk
10am. Enjoy an hour of rhymes and toys. For
under 5’s. Children must be accompanied
by an adult. free, 01642 528019
Rhyme Time
Roseworth Library
roseworth.library@stockton.gov.uk
10am. Fun musical session, bring a drink
and soft toy. For 5 years and under. Children
must be accompanied by an adult. Booking
essential. free, 01642 528098
Baby and Toddler
Billingham Library
billingham.library@stockton.gov.uk
1.30pm. Enjoy an hour of toys, crafts, rhymes
and games. Refreshments provided. For
under 5’s. Children must be accompanied
by an adult. free, 01642 528084
Bedtime Stories
Stockton Central Library
stockton.library@stockton.gov.uk
Come in your PJs and enjoy some bedtime
stories. All families welcome. free,
01642 526521
Fridays from 21 February
Baby and Toddler
Ingleby Barwick Library
inglebybarwick.library@stockton.gov.uk
1pm. Enjoy an hour of toys, stories and
rhymes. For under 5’s. Children must be
accompanied by an adult. free,
01642 528528
Baby and Toddler
Norton Library
norton.library@stockton.gov.uk
10am. Enjoy an hour of rhymes and toys. For
under 5’s. Children must be accompanied
by an adult Booking essential. 01642 528019
Rhyme Time
Stockton Central Library
stockton.library@stockton.gov.uk
10am. Fun musical session, bring a drink
and soft toy. For 5 years and under. Children
must be accompanied by an adult. Booking
essential. free, 01642 526521
Chess for All
Billingham Library
billingham.library@stockton.gov.uk
3pm. Learn to play or perfect your moves.
For 8+ years. free, 01642 528084
Saturdays from 22 February
Lego Club
Billingham Library
billingham.library@stockton.gov.uk
10am. Show off your Lego skills and test the
limits of your imagination! For 5-11 years.
Drop in. free, 01642 528084
Rhyme Time
Ingleby Barwick Library
inglebybarwick.library@stockton.gov.uk
10am. Fun musical session, bring a drink
and soft toy. For 5 years and under. Children
must be accompanied by an adult. Booking
essential. Free, 01642 528528
Coding Club
Stockton Central Library
stockton.library@stockton.gov.uk
10am. Find out more about how to use
code, create your own computer games
and other exciting things. For 8-13 years.
free, 01642 526521
Coding Club
Thornaby Central Library
thornaby.central.library@stockton.gov.uk
10am. Become an ‘Imagineer’ in this fun
filled coding club for 9-13 year olds. Learn
how to build 3D models, programme robots
and much more! free, 01642 528117
Chess for All
Thornaby Central Library
thornaby.central.library@stockton.gov.uk
10am. Learn to play or perfect your moves.
For 8+ years. free, 01642 528117
Saturday Family Games
Norton Library
norton.library@stockton.gov.uk
10.30am. Parent and child games time.
Suitable for 5+ years. Younger siblings
welcome. free, 01642 528019
Chess for All
Stockton Central Library
stockton.library@stockton.gov.uk
1pm. Learn to play or perfect your moves.
Suitable for 8+ years. 01642 526521
Laid-back Lego Club
Billingham Library
billingham.library@stockton.gov.uk
1.30pm. For children with an Autism
Spectrum Condition who would like a
quieter, calmer Lego experience. For 5-11
years. Booking essential.
Mondays from 24 February
Rhyme Time
Yarm Library
yarm.library@stockton.gov.uk
10am. Fun musical session, bring a drink
and soft toy. For 5 years and under. Children
must be accompanied by an adult. Booking
essential. free, 01642 528152
14
FEBRUARY 2020 | www.primarytimes.co.uk/Teesside

Primary Times Tees Valley
*Subject to availability, additional charges apply
SUPER COOL
FAMILY
FUN
Open
EVERYDAY
in February
half term
excl. skate hire
DANCING ON ICE
WWW.FORUMICEARENA.CO.UK
This facility is owned and supported by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and is managed by Tees Active Ltd
“Skate like the stars at Billingham
Forum Ice Arena this Half Term!”
FAMILY
£31
TICKETS
ONLY
includes skate hire
LEARN TO SKATE
Learn to skate like the stars with our beginners
ice skating lessons or our Learn to Skate course
VISIT THE WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION
WHAT’S ON WHERE
www.primarytimes.co.uk/Teesside | FEBRUARY 2020
15

Primary Times Tees Valley
WHAT’S ON WHERE
Martyn the Music Man 2020 tour!
Join us for songs, rhymes and plenty of fun!
January-February
Tuesdays 10-11am 7th, 14th, 21st Jan 28th and 4th Feb
CENTRAL LIBRARY
Tuesdays 1.30-2.30pm 7th, 14th, 21st Jan 28th and 4th Feb
HEMLINGTON COMMUNITY HUB
Fridays 10-11am 10 th , 17 th , 24 th , 31 st and 7 th Feb
MARTON COMMUNITY HUB
February-March
Tuesdays 10-11am 25 th Feb, 3 rd , 10 th , 17 th , 24 th March
RAINBOW LIBRARY
Tuesdays 1.30-2.30pm 25th Feb, 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th March
NORTH ORMESBY COMMUNITY HUB
Fridays 10-11am 28 th Feb, 6 th , 13 th , 20 th , 27 th March
ACKLAM LIBRARY
Suitable for babies and children up to 4yrs old.
Thursdays from 27 February
Shake, Rattle and Roll
Thornaby Central Library
thornaby.central.library@stockton.gov.uk
10am. Rhymes, stories, crafts and games.
Refreshments provided. For under 5’s.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
free, 01642 528117
Baby and Toddler
Yarm Library
yarm.library@stockton.gov.uk
10am. Enjoy an hour of toys, crafts, stories,
rhymes and games. For under 5’s. Children
must be accompanied by an adult. free,
01642 528152
5 February
Toddler Takeover Day
Kirkleatham Museum, Kirkleatham,
TS10 5NW
www.redcarcleveland.co.uk/enjoy/
kirkleatham-museum
10am-3pm. Aimed at under 4s, we are
inviting your toddlers to ‘take over’
Kirkleatham Museum and help us with
some of our day-to-day museum jobs.
Move around each of the areas in any
order and in your own time, our staff will
be on hand to help and guide you. It is
recommended you spend approximately 60
- 90 minutes exploring the jobs. This event
is suitable for under 4s, and children must
be accompanied by an adult. This is a free
but ticketed event.
6 February
Harry Potter Book Night –
Celebrating the Tri-Wizard
Tournament.
Middlesbrough Reference Library
4.30pm. Our magical Reference Library will
be once again transformed into Hogwarts
great hall. Make a potion, meet beasts,
owls and Harry Potter himself!. £2 per child
plus £1 per accompanying adult. Tel 01642
729002 to book a place.
8 February
Chop Gate Community
Tree Planting
Chop Gate Village Hall, Chop Gate, TS9
7JW (OS Grid Ref: SE 558 993)
10am. Join our Ryevitalise team and beat
those winter blues by helping us create
habitats and improve our rivers; by planting
your own trees! Trees play an important
part in our environment, make our
communities more beautiful and improve
our wellbeing. Please wear appropriate
clothing and footwear for February! Not
wheelchair accessible. Dogs welcome on
short leads. All children to be accompanied
by an adult. Suitable for ages 6+. No
booking required, just drop in anytime. Free.
10 February
STEM Day at EDF Energy,
Hartlepool Power Station Visitor Centre
10am-3pm. Event for future engineers and
scientists aged 7 and above. Spend the day
at Hartlepool power station, taking a tour
and learning about atoms and how they
make up everything! All events are free of
charge. Spaces are limited so booking is
essential. Please phone 01429 853582 or
email hartlepoolsitetours@edf-energy.com
to book your session.
14 February
Toddler Takeover Day
Head of Steam – Darlington Railway
Museum
www.head-of-steam.co.uk
11am. Bring your toddler (aged 5 or under)
to takeover jobs at the museum! Included in
family annual passes, £2 per adult for nonmembers
with children aged 5 and under
free. Call 01325 405060 to book your place.
14 February - 3 March
Dark Skies Festival 2020
www.darkskiesnationalparks.org.uk
Look up and look out, and discover more
about the sky above you. National Parks
are a stargazer’s paradise, with some of
the best night skies in the country, and we
are excited to celebrate this at our annual
Dark Skies Festival. Events and activities
(suitable for all ages) include: guided
torchlight wildlife walks, coastal stargazing,
evening caving, storytelling, glow-in-thedark
writing, poetry readings, solar system
scavenger hunts, telescope-making and
craft workshops.
15 February
Explorer School
Preston Park Museum & Grounds
www.prestonparkmuseum.co.uk
11am-2.30pm. Drop in. This half term
discover the skills needed to be a true
adventurer. Led by the museum’s
resident performing arts students, this
fun interactive session is perfect for little
explorers (recommended for 4years +
but all are welcome). Normal museum
admission applies.
Dark Skies at Sutton Bank
Sutton Bank National Park Centre,
YO7 2EH
www.northyorkmoors.eventbrite.com
7pm. Part of Dark Skies Festival 2020.
Come to Sutton Bank to once again
join enthusiastic members of The York
Astronomical Society for a night of
stargazing. There will be a talk in the cafe
followed by sky observing using a range of
telescopes of all shapes and sizes. Wrap
up warm and bring a torch! All children
to be accompanied by an adult. Booking
essential Cost: Adult: £5 Child: £2.50. Tel
01439 772738
15 - 22 February
Fab Feb Half Term at
Lightwater Valley
Lightwater Valley
www.lightwatervalley.co.uk/events/
half-term-days-out-in-yorkshire
10.30am-3.30pm. Youngsters and their
families can enjoy a fun-packed day out
during February Half Term, whatever the
weather at Lightwater Valle. Due to the
popularity of this event it is strongly advised
tickets are pre-booked online. Tickets cost
£7.95 per person/ Under 3’s are Free.
Email: leisure@lightwatervalley.co.uk, tel:
01765 635321
15 - 23 February
Forces: Future Engineers
Locomotion, Shildon DL4 2RE
www.locomotion.org.uk
10am-4pm. Investigate the effects of forces
on your everyday lives and learn how
engineers conquer them in fun hands-on
activities Free admission & parking.
Tel 01904 685780
Once upon a fairytale
Ormesby Hall, Church Ln, Ormesby,
Middlesbrough TS7 9AS
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ormesby-hall
10.30am-4pm. Find the fairytales in
the house this half term, joining us for
storytelling, crafts and beanstalk planting
on selected days. Normal admission
applies. Tel 01642 328904
16
FEBRUARY 2020 | www.primarytimes.co.uk/Teesside

Primary Times Tees Valley
16 February
Nocturnal Goings On
Staithes Bank Top car park TS13 5BB
(OS Grid Ref: NZ 781 185)
www.northyorkmoors.eventbrite.com
5.30pm. Part of Dark Skies Festival 2020. A
candlelit evening 1.5-mile walk exploring
the narrow streets and alleys of Staithes,
finishing in a local hostelry. On the way,
listen to tales of night time activities
including smuggling and shipwrecks.
Please wear appropriate clothing and
footwear. Steep ascents and descents
(pavements, roads and steps). Varied and
uneven surfaces. Children are welcome but
must be accompanied by an adult. Dogs
allowed on short lead. Not accessible by
wheelchair. Walk subject to weather and
ground conditions (at the discretion of the
Walk Leader). Booking essential. Online
booking available at
www.northyorkmoors.eventbrite.com
or call 01439 772738 for more information.
Cost: £2.50pp.
16, 17, 21, 23 February
Get Crafty!
Preston Park Museum & Grounds
www.prestonparkmuseum.co.uk
10am-3.30pm. Come along to the museum
and make something special to take
home. Activities will be inspired by the
Tees Valley’s greatest explorers and the
exhibition To Boldly Go. Normal museum
admission applies.
17 February
Happy to be Me Stories & Rhymes
Community Hub Central, York Road,
Hartlepool
central.library@hartlepool.gov.uk
10.30am. Come along to our free fun
interactive story time sessions for under
5’s with songs, instruments and craft. No
booking necessary. Tel 01429 272905
Galactic Treasure Hunt
The Moors National Park Centre, Danby,
YO21 2 NB
11am-3pm. Part of Dark Skies Festival 2020.
Join us on a space themed treasure hunt.
Use your starry map to locate the clues
to claim your ‘out of this world’ treasure!
Please wear appropriate clothing and
footwear. Sorry, no dogs. Not wheelchair
accessible. All children to be accompanied
by an adult. Suitable for ages 4 and above.
No booking required, just drop in anytime.
Cost: Adult Free, Child:£3
Cops and Robbers
Stockton Central Library
(Innovation Station)
stockton.library@stockton.gov.uk
2.30pm. Design and create your very own
police badge using our 3D printers. For 8-11
years. Booking essential. £2, 01642 526521
Spring into wild-LIFE
Guisborough Forest & Walkway
11am – 2pm. Get buzzing for spring with this
fun, fast and fact filled celebration of our
native wildlife. Woodland trail, scavenger
hunts, games, crafts and build your own
bug hotel for an extra £3. £2 per child.
Tel 01287 631132
17 & 20 February
Storytelling with TillyToo Tales
Preston Park Museum & Grounds
www.prestonparkmuseum.co.uk
10am-3.30pm. Drop In. Normal museum
admission applies.
18 February
Story Time, Dorman Museum
Linthorpe road Middlebrough TS56LA
www.dormanmuseum.co.uk
11am. Drop-in to the museum and enjoy
listening to and watching beautifully
illustrated stories unfold. This is a FREE
session. Ticket to be picked up at front of
house. All children must be accompanied
by an adult.
Jellyfish Mobiles, Dorman Museum
Linthorpe road Middlesbrough TS56LA
www.dormanmuseum.co.uk
1pm. Enjoy creating your own species of
jellyfish to take home and remind us how
precious our ocean life is. £1 per child,
tickets to be purchased from front of house.
All children must be accompanied by an
adult. No organized groups please.
Parent & Toddler Group
Community Hub Central,
York Road, Hartlepool
central.library@hartlepool.gov.uk
10.30am. Come along to our warm and
welcoming session for parents/carers
and pre-school children to meet and
socialise in an informal environment. £2.50
per child includes refreshments for parents
and children.
Make a Changing Weather Picture
Headland Library, Middlegate,
Hartlepool
headland.library@hartlepool.gov.uk
10.30am. Come along to our fun craft
session. Suitable for children aged 4-10.
Booking Essential. £1 per child.
Tel 01429 268169
Count with Maisy Stories & Rhymes
Community Hub Central,
York Road, Hartlepool
central.library@hartlepool.gov.uk
10.30am. Come along to our free fun
interactive story time sessions for under
5’s with songs, instruments and craft. No
booking necessary. Tel 01429 272905
Create your own animation!
Central Library
2.30pm. Come along to Central Library with
small figures or toys to create your very own
animation using our iPads. Suitable for 5-12
year olds. Booking essential as numbers are
limited. Please ring 01642 729002 to book a
place. Free event.
Martyn the Music Man
Easterside Library and Community Hub
10am. Come along to a fun family session
with Martyn to enjoy music and songs. Free
event. Tel: 01642 513150
Martyn the Music Man
Grove Hill Library and Community Hub
1.30pm. Come along to a fun family session
with Martyn to enjoy music and songs. Free
event. Tel: 01642 822555
Tuesday Trails and Tales
The Moors National Park Centre, Danby,
YO21 2NB
www.northyorkmoors.eventbrite.com
11am. Part of Dark Skies Festival 2020.
Fun themed activity sessions for all the
family including park trails, storytelling and
crafts with a galactic twist. Please wear
appropriate clothing and footwear. Sorry, no
dogs. Wheelchair accessible. All children to
be accompanied by an adult. Suitable for
ages 2-7. Booking essential. Online booking
available or call 01439 772738 Cost: Adult
Free, Child £4.50. 11am – 12.30pm &
2pm – 3:30pm.
Mosaic Mania
Norton Library
norton.library@stockton.gov.uk
10am. Make your own mosaics including
a mask and card. Booking essential. free,
01642 528019
The Very Hungry Code-A-Pillar
Imagination Station at Thornaby
Central Library
thornaby.central.library@stockton.gov.uk
10am & 2pm. You’re never too young to
learn coding in this Very Hungry Caterpillar
themed session. Suitable for 3-6 years.
Booking essential. free, 01642 528117
bring out the
best in every child
www.lisamcgeeeducation.co.uk
Monday
5:45pm Gentle Flow
6:55pm Care Vinyasa
Tuesday
6pm Ashtanga
Wednesday
7:15am Vinyasa Yoga
5:45pm Vinyasa Yoga
Thursday
8:30am Hatha Yoga
Sunday
8:30am Ashtanga
Rascal Rebel Rabbit!
Stockton Central Library
stockton.library@stockton.gov.uk
2.30pm. Hop along to make all things Peter
Rabbit! Booking essential.
18 - 19 February
Hands on History with
Tees Archaeology
Preston Park Museum & Grounds
www.prestonparkmuseum.co.uk
10am-3.30pm. Drop In. Normal museum
admission applies. Meet a real history
detective and have a go at a range of
activities including helping our archaeologists
rebuild objects, create your own rune stone
name and handle real artefacts. Normal
museum admission applies.
#learningisforeveryone...
Quality, small group,
affordable tuition for Y5
and Y6 in Maths and SPAG
St Mary’s Church Hall,
Acklam TS5 7RX
The Barn, Hemlington TS8 9DA
Acklam Community Hub
and Library, TS5 7AB
£7 per session payable as half
term block
For more information contact 07968 100105 or
email lisa@lisamcgeeeducation.co.uk
Yoga that helps
you grow
Saltburn Community Hall, Windsor Road
www.treelivingyoga.com
07739446858
WHAT’S ON WHERE
www.primarytimes.co.uk/Teesside | FEBRUARY 2020
17

Do you think your child could be dyslexic?
WHAT’S ON WHERE
Dyslexia Matters Assessment & Tutoring
Our services:
Full diagnostic assessment
Dyslexia screening
Advice to parents
1-1 tutoring
Self esteem & confidence building sessions
Assessments & training is provided by specialist teacher
Nicola Thornton (Level 7 PGcert registered with AMBDA, BDA, PATOSS, APC).
Call 07704 926 486 or email nicola@dyslexiamatters.uk
18 - 20 February
Craft Activities at Kirkleatham
Museum
Kirkleatham Museum, Redcar,
TS10 5NW
www.redcarcleveland.co.uk/enjoy/
kirkleatham-museum
10am-3,30pm. All children must be
accompanied by an adult. Additional needs
hour available Thursdays 3pm-4pm. 01642
479500 Cost varied.
18 & 20 February
Can Fish See in the Dark?
Sutton Bank National Park Centre,
YO7 2EH
10.30am-3pm. To coincide with Dark Skies
Festival 2020, through trails, crafts and
quizzes, the Ryevitalise team will be on
hand to help answer one of the world’s
most asked questions… Can Fish See in the
Dark? Please wear appropriate clothing and
footwear. Dogs welcome on short leads.
Wheelchair accessible. All children to be
accompanied by an adult. Suitable for all
the family. No booking required, just drop
in anytime.
19 February
Drop in Craft Morning
Community Hub Central,
York Road, Hartlepool
central.library@hartlepool.gov.uk
10am. Come along to our Fun drop in
activity morning – suitable for children
of any age. Younger children may need
adult assistance. Join in anytime during the
session £1 per child. Tel 01429 272905
Paint a Ceramic Plant Pot
Community Hub South,
Wynyard Road, Hartlepool
owtonmanor.library@hartlepool.gov.uk
10.30am. Come along to our fun craft
session. Suitable for children aged 5-11.
Booking Essential. £1 per child.
Tel 01429 272835
Love Science Transport Workshop
Head of Steam – Darlington
Railway Museum
www.head-of-steam.co.uk
11am-3pm. Included in admission and
yearly passes. Come and explore how
we make things move this half term with
LoveScience. Sessions must be booked
via Eventbrite.
Make Bird Boxes at EDF Energy
EDF Energy, Hartlepool Power
Station Visitor Centre
10am & 2pm. Celebrate National Nest Box
Week by making a bird box and taking part
in other bird related fun activities!! All events
are free of charge. Spaces are limited so
booking is essential. Please phone 01429
853582 or email hartlepoolsitetours@edfenergy.com
to book your session.
Little Boots Wednesdays:
Little Stars
Sutton Bank National Park Centre,
YO7 2EH
www.northyorkmoors.eventbrite.com
11am. Part of Dark Skies Festival 2020.
‘Little Boots Wednesdays’ are set aside for
anyone aged 3 to 7 to enjoy, with activities
and games every Wednesday morning
in school holidays. The fun starts at 11am!
Follow the lunar trail and then come in for
some space crafts. Please wear appropriate
clothing and footwear. Sorry, no dogs.
Wheelchair accessible. All children to
be accompanied by an adult. Booking
essential. Online booking available or call
01439 772738. Adult: Free Child: £4.50
Wildlife Club at Sutton Bank:
Bird Feeders
Sutton Bank National Park Centre,
YO7 2EH
www.northyorkmoors.eventbrite.com
2pm. Come to the Bank and join the club!
Every Wednesday afternoon in school
holidays, we’re concentrating on bees,
birds, butterflies and beasties! Games, trails,
activities and crafts – the fun starts at 2pm!
Come along and get your sleeves rolled up
as we make some feeders for our feathered
friends. Please note that this event uses
animal fats and peanuts. Please wear
appropriate clothing and footwear. Sorry, no
dogs. Wheelchair accessible. All children to
be accompanied by an adult. Suitable for
ages 3+. Booking essential. Online booking
available or call 01439 772738. Adult: Free
Child: £4.50
Ahoy me Hearties
Yarm Library
yarm.library@stockton.gov.uk
10.30am. Join in the fun making pirate
inspired crafts. Booking essential. free,
01642 528152
Fab Feb!
Billingham Library
billingham.library@stockton.gov.uk
2pm. Have a groovy time making your own
paper jewellery and arm bracers. Suitable
for 5-11 years. Booking essential. free,
01642 528084
20 February
Board games bonanza,
Dorman Museum
Linthorpe road Middlesbrough TS56LA
www.dormanmuseum.co.uk
10.30am-3pm. There’s nothing like family
time around a good old fashioned board
game, come along and play a selection
of fun challenging games with family and
friends. Free activity. All children must be
accompanied by an adult.
Spring into wild-LIFE
Flatts Lane Woodland Country Park
11am – 2pm. Get buzzing for spring with this
fun, fast and fact filled celebration of our
native wildlife. Woodland trail, scavenger
hunts, games, crafts and build your own
bug hotel for an extra £3. £2 per child.
Tel 01642 459629
Make your own Bird Box
Preston Park Museum & Grounds
www.prestonparkmuseum.co.uk
Give the birds in your garden a little helping
hand this winter by building them a nestbox.
Places are limited so early booking is
recommended.. £6 per box (plus normal
museum admission applies) Visit
www.prestonparkmuseum.co.uk to book
your place.
Costumed selfie, Dorman Museum
Linthorpe road Middlesbrough TS56LA
www.dormanmuseum.co.uk
10.30am-3pm. Have fun dressing up in
one of a selection of costumes and pose
behind a frame for a daft selfie to share on
your social media or with pals. FREE gallery
activity. All children must be accompanied
by an adult
Harry in a Hurry Stories & Rhymes
Community Hub Central,
York Road, Hartlepool
central.library@hartlepool.gov.uk
10.30am. Come along to our free fun
interactive story time sessions for under
5’s with songs, instruments and craft. No
booking necessary. Tel 01429 272905
Make a 3D Caterpillar
Seaton Carew Library,
Station Lane, Hartlepool
seatoncarew.library@hartlepool.gov.uk
18
FEBRUARY 2020 | www.primarytimes.co.uk/Teesside

Primary Times Tees Valley
10.30am. Drop in craft session. Suitable for
children of all ages. Younger children may
need adult assistance. £1 per child.
Tel 01429 269808
Make a Fun Bag Puppet
Throston Grange Library, Glamorgan
Grove, Hartlepool
hrostongrange.library@hartlepool.gov.uk
2.30pm. A fun craft session, for children
aged 4-11 years. Booking Essential. £1 per
child. Tel 01249 263199
A Fairy Tale Family Fun Day
The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle,
DL12 8NP
www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk
10.30am-4pm. Adult £14; concessions £12;
family pass 2 adults and up to 4 children
£30; family pass 1 adult and up to 4 children
£16; students £6 and young people £5.
01833 690606. Enjoy a whimsical magical
day filled with fairies, dragons and shining
knights in armour.
Block Parties
Head of Steam – Darlington
Railway Museum
www.head-of-steam.co.uk
11am-3.30pm. Build and race your own
Lego vehicle down the custom ramp.
Sessions must be booked via Eventbrite.
Included in admission and yearly passes.
Create your own animation!
Acklam Library
2.30pm. Come along to Acklam Library and
Community Hub with small figures or toys
to create your very own animation using
our library iPads. Suitable for 5-12 year olds.
Booking essential as numbers are limited.
Please ring 01642 817810 to book a place.
Free event.
Superhero Party
Marton Library and Community Hub
2pm. Free event. Tel 01642 300255 to book
a place.
Moonrock Geocaching (Easy)
The Moors National Park Centre, Danby,
YO21 2NB
10.45am-2.30pm. Part of Dark Skies Festival
2020. Using one of our GPS units, enjoy a
walk searching for space themed clues
in hidden boxes along the way. You pay a
charge (per family) for the activity plus a
refundable deposit for the GPS unit. Please
wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
Sorry, no dogs. Not wheelchair accessible.
All children to be accompanied by an adult.
Suitable for all the family. No booking
required, just drop in anytime. Cost: Family
(max 6 people): £5, plus £20 deposit.
Young Artist Workshop: Inspired
by… “The Starry Night”
The Moors National Park Centre, Danby,
YO21 2NB
11am-3pm. Part of Dark Skies Festival 2020.
Have a go at art activities based on the
famous painting by Vincent Van Gogh and
find out what to look out for in our beautiful
winter skies. Sorry, no dogs. All children to
be accompanied by an adult. Suitable for all
the family. No booking required, just drop in
anytime. Cost: Adult: Free Child: £4.50
Mosaic Mania
Fairfield Library
Fairfield.library@stockton.gov.uk
10am. Make your own mosaics including
a mask and card. Booking essential. free,
01642 527962
Spring Crafts
Ingleby Barwick Library
inglebybarwick.library@stockton.gov.uk
1.30pm. Join in the fun making your own
Easter crafts. Booking essential. free,
01642 528528
Sublime Slime
Thornaby Central Library
thornaby.central.library@stockton.
gov.uk
2pm. Saunter down to our slime
station and make your own squelchy
substance. Suitable for 4-11 years.
Booking essential. free, 01642 528117
MAKEDO Cardboard
Construction! Den Making
Session
Stockton Central Library
stockton.library@stockton.gov.uk
2.30pm. Let’s make a reading den in
the library! Suitable for 8 -11 years.
Booking essential. £2, 01642 526521
Ordinary Wizarding Levels: An
Interactive Harry Potter Quiz
Imagination Station at Thornaby
Central Library
thornaby.central.library@
stockton.gov.uk
3pm. What are bowtruckles and
boggarts? Take your O.W.L.S. and
see how well you do. All participants
receive a certificate. free, 01642 528117
21 February
Coi carp windsocks, Dorman
Museum
Linthorpe road Middlesbrough
TS56LA
www.dormanmuseum.co.uk
1pm. Get creative by decorating a
windsock in the shape of a fish to catch
the wind. £1.00 per child, tickets to
be purchased from front of house. All
children must be accompanied by an
adult. No organized groups please.
Station Scamps and Crafts
Head of Steam – Darlington
Railway Museum
www.head-of-steam.co.uk
Scamps 10.00am - 12.30pm. Crafts
1.00pm - 3.00pm - Build a glider or a
paper plane. Drop in sessions. Included
in admission and yearly passes
Nature Crafts
Flatts Lane Woodland Country Park
1-3pm. Learn some quick and
versatile willow skills and choose a
template shape to follow; heart, star,
dreamcatcher or create your own! £3
per child. Tel 01642 459629
Martyn the Music Man
Neptune Library
10am. Come along to a fun family
session with Martyn to enjoy music and
songs. Free event. Tel: 01642 246947
Good Morning Sunshine!
Thornaby Spring Riverbank Library
thornaby.library@stockton.gov.uk
10.30am. Celebrate the return of the
sun with a weaving sunburst. For 4-11
years. Booking essential. free,
01642 528150
Fab February Crafts
Roseworth Library
roseworth.library@stockton.gov.uk
11am. Come along and make some
fabulous crafts. Booking essential. free,
01642 528098
22 February
Explorer School
Preston Park Museum & Grounds
www.prestonparkmuseum.co.uk
11am-2.30pm. Drop in. This half term
discover the skills needed to be a true
adventurer. Led by the museum’s
resident performing arts students,
this fun interactive session is perfect
for little explorers (recommended
The Smith family
walks to school.
Saves time and has fun.
20 active minutes done!
For more reasons to walk to school go to:
www.letsgoteesvalley.co.uk
WHAT’S ON WHERE
www.primarytimes.co.uk/Teesside | FEBRUARY 2020
A5 half page primary times ad Sept ver3 FINAL..indd 1 24/07/2019 14:31:59
19

Primary Times Tees Valley
WHAT’S ON WHERE
ART
CLASSES
AND HOLIDAY ART CAMPS
FOR PRIMARY CHILDREN
Ages 5-12YRS
Art, Craft, Design and Pottery
BOOK ON
www.thestartstudio.co.uk
for 4years + but all are welcome). Normal
museum admission applies
Stargazing Crafts
The Moors National Park Centre, Danby,
YO21 2NB
www.northyorkmoors.eventbrite.com
4pm. Part of Dark Skies Festival 2020. Get
creative and add some twinkle and sparkle
to a dark winter’s afternoon before heading
out into the grounds with the telescopes to
view the stars. (weather permitting). Please
bring a torch. Please wear appropriate
clothing and footwear. Sorry, no dogs.
Wheelchair accessible. All children to be
accompanied by an adult. Suitable for
ages 3+. Booking essential. Online booking
available or call 01439 772738. Cost: Adult:
Free Child: £4.40
Dark Skies at Danby: Star Party
The Moors National Park Centre,
Danby, YO21 2NB
www.northyorkmoors.eventbrite.com
6.30pm. Part of Dark Skies Festival 2020.
Whitby Astronomical Society invite you to…
observe the majestic winter canopy of stars
from the heart of the North York Moors.
Visit some of winter’s wonders, from stellar
nurseries and brilliant galactic clusters, to
supernova remnants and remote galaxies.
Stand at the edge of the solar system (at
least a scale version of it!) and contemplate
infinity. If cloudy outside, there will be an
indoor presentation – ‘Journey to the far
side – a ride across our Galaxy’. Hot drinks
available. Please bring a torch and wrap up
warm! Please wear appropriate clothing
and footwear. Sorry, no dogs. Wheelchair
accessible. All children to be accompanied
by an adult. Booking essential. Online
booking available or call 01439 772738
Cost: Adult: £5 Child: £2.50.
26 February
The Wheels on the Bus
Stockton Mobile Library Service,
Preston Hall Museum car park
mobilelibrary.services@stockton.gov.uk
9.15am. Clap, bounce and wiggle your
fingers and toes for rhymes, songs and
stories. For 5 years and under. free,
01642 528045
27 February
Storytime
Marton Library and Community Hub
10am. Free event. Tel 01642 300255
28 February
Beach Art Fun!
Runswick Bay (Meet point at the top of
the slipway) (OS Grid Ref: NZ 8099 1599)
www.northyorkmoors.eventbrite.com
11.30am-1pm. Join some of our Explorer
Volunteer families for some beach art
fun as we launch our National Beach Art
competition in conjunction with the ‘What
the Tide Left Behind’ exhibition at the
Inspired by… gallery. We are challenging
you to create a work of art using only
items that can be found on the beach. The
rules are simple! Your piece of art must be
created on the beach and include at least
one piece of plastic that you have found
to highlight the issue of plastic pollution.
Please wear appropriate clothing and
footwear. Sorry, no dogs. Not wheelchair
accessible. All children to be accompanied
by an adult. Suitable for ages 4+. Booking
essential. Online booking available or call
01439 772738. Cost: Adult: free Child: Free
2 March
‘Celebrate Dr Seuss Day’
Marton Library and Community Hub
2pm. Free drop in session. Tel 01642 300255
Dr Seuss Day!
Stockton Central Library
stockton.library@stockton.gov.uk
1.30pm. All things Seuss at the library today!
Suitable for 2-4 years. Booking essential.
free, 01642 526521
7 March
Rhyme Time
Norton Library
norton.library@stockton.gov.uk
10am. Fun musical session, bring a soft
toy. For 2-5years. Children must be
accompanied by an adult. Refreshments
provided. Booking essential. free,
01642 528019
7-15 March
British Science Week
Locomotion, Shildon DL4 2RE
www.locomotion.org.uk
A celebration of science, technology,
engineering and maths,Free admission &
parking. Tel 01904 685780
12 March
Storytime
Marton Library and Community Hub
10am. Free event. Tel 01642 300255
15 March
Durham Scratch Choir
The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle,
DL12 8NP
thebowesmuseum.org.uk
2pm. Enjoy some uplifting classical and
popular music in the picture galleries.
Adults £14; concessions £12; family pass 2
adults and up to 4 children £30; family pass
1 adult and up to 4 children £16; students £6
and young people £5. 01833 690606
18 March
The Wheels on the Bus
Stockton Mobile Library Service, Preston
Hall Museum car park
mobilelibrary.services@stockton.gov.uk
9.15am. Clap, bounce and wiggle your
fingers and toes for rhymes, songs and
stories. For 5 years and under. free, 01642
528045
20 March
Bedtime Stories
Ingleby Barwick Library
inglebybarwick.library@stockton.gov.uk
6pm. PJs and teddy optional. Age 4+ years.
free, 01642 528528
26 March
Storytime
Marton Library and Community Hub
Free event. Tel 01642 300255
Whilst we have tried to provide
the correct information here,
please check details with the
venue before you travel as
these may have changed after
the issue was printed.
If you would like to see your
event listed here next month,
email primarytimestees@
gmail.com
20
FEBRUARY 2020 | www.primarytimes.co.uk/Teesside

Make time
for Reading
With World Book Day
approaching there’s no better
time to get back into reading
with your child. It can be
difficult to find the time to read
in busy family life, but there are
so many benefits to picking up
a book: improving your child’s
mental health, igniting your
child’s creativity, increasing
their reading age and finding a
love of learning.
Reading also doesn’t have to
be an expense; there will be
an excellent selection of ageappropriate
books in your local
library, in the school library
or online. World Book Day
are also offering much-loved
children’s books for just £1.
Here are some of the reasons
to make time for reading.
Expand their Vocabulary
Even as adults when we read we come
across new words, so when children read
they will discover additional vocabulary
that will progress their reading age.
Reading is great for understanding English;
how to pronounce words and speak
comprehensively in class or with their friends
and family. Start reading with your child at
an early age so they develop it as a habit.
It will benefit their development as well as
their academic education at school.
Independent learning
As a solitary exercise, reading forces children
to relax and independently absorb the new
knowledge shared within the story. Being
able to read proficiently will improve your
child’s confidence reading in class and their
communication in general whether verbal
or written.
Improve their writing
Reading broadens a child’s vocabulary,
imagination and creativity all of which can
be channelled into other outlets such as
their own reading and writing. In literacy
your child will have to learn spellings and
understand the sound and letters in complex
words. It will help your child to have learnt
words from reading as they can then use
them in their Literacy to write a better story.
Dedicated family time
Story-time is popular at
bedtime for young children, but as your
child grows up it’s important to ensure that
dedicated reading time isn’t lost. Reading to
or with your child is a great activity that will
benefit them and also allow you to spend
quality time as a family working your way
through a book or series.
Better understanding of the world
Books are filled with morals for children to
learn, including how to behave with their
friends, ways to show kindness to others and
to appreciate diversity or difference. The
beloved Gruffalo tells children to not judge
someone on their appearance, as those
first impressions could be wrong. It’s about
appreciating our differences and being
friends with everyone.
If you’re struggling with where to start, here’s
some of our favourites!
• The Shark in the Park by Nick Sharratt
• The Mega Magic Hair Swap!
by Rochelle Humes
• Madame Badobedah by Sophie Dahl
• The Smeds and the Smoos
by Julia Donaldson
• My Monster and Me by Nadiya Hussain
Find out more about World Book Day at
www.worldbookday.com

Saltholme Wild Art
Seaton Carew Road, Port Clarence, Middlesbrough, TS2 1TU
01642 546625 www.rspb.org.uk/Saltholme
WIN ONE OF OUR FIVE
GREAT PRIZES!
It may be cold outside, but you’re
guaranteed a warm welcome at
Saltholme! This February and March
is Welly Season, we love wellies here
at Saltholme. Get yours on and come
along for a splash in our puddles, our
pupose built welly splash and even
our mud pit. There’s always lots to
see and do so wrap up warm pull on
your wellies and let’s go! This duck is
all ready for wet weather, give them a
colourful makeover for you chance to
win some great prizes.
UP FOR GRABS
We have one STAR PRIZE which
consists of;
- Annual Family Activity Pass
The family activity pass is for two
adults and up to three children and
includes entry to Saltholme, wildlife
explorer backpacks, nature trails and
hands-on activities (when available).
- Goody Bag
If you’re lucky enough you could take
home a mixture of all of our prizes,
including
- Cuddly Toy
You could have a new furry or feathery
friend to keep you company.
- Bird Feeder
Helping you give nature a home in
your garden, we’ll even be giving you
the bird seed for the job.
We also have four RUNNERS UP
prizes consisting of;
A one – day family activity pass for
two adults and up-to three children
- Free entry
- Explorer pack hire
- Family activities (when available)
- Drinks in the cafe
And don’t worry if you’re not a winner
this time, we’d still love you to come
and visit! We’ll have loads to do all
through the term with trails and
activities to keep the whole family
busy. So come along to Saltholme and
discover the wildlife on your doorstep!
Send your entry to-
Arty Barty, Primary Times
PO Box 539, Middlesbrough
TS1 9EX
Closing Date for entries is 6th March.
Issue 118 Winner
Runners Up
Holly Gosnay – Age 7 Sophie Cooling – Age 9
Sofia Azam - Age 6
Jessica Smitheringale – Age 8 Alfie Clark – Age 11

Primary Times Tees Valley
WHAT’S ON WHERE
To boldly go
February half term
Learn how to be an explorer,
meet an archaeologist,
crafts & storytelling.
prestonparkmuseum.co.uk
ENROL NOW
FOR 2020
AND RECEIVE A FREE
FAMILY SWIM PASS
* You must show this ad to receive the offer
and must enrol before 15/02/2020.
Family swim pass expires 31/03/2020.
Photocopies will not be accepted.
DID YOU KNOW
The Tees Active Learn to Swim
Scheme is proudly supported
by Commonwealth Gold
Medalist Aimee
Willmott
1 IN 3 KIDS CAN’T SWIM
CAN YOURS?
BILLINGHAM FORUM | STOCKTON SPLASH | THORNABY POOL
www.l2swimstockton.co.uk
www.primarytimes.co.uk/Teesside | FEBRUARY 2020
23

BRINGING
ART TO YOU
A competition for
primary schools
This month Primary Times Tees Valley
has teamed up with The Start Studio to
bring you an amazing new competition for
primary schools. Schools can WIN one of 12
wonderful creative workshops.
Sara from The Start Studio will visit your school and work
with classes. A half day workshop includes an assembly
and two classes (usually £180, full day £300).
Sessions are inspired by books about people who
dreamed of being artists, engineers, designers or
architects when they were children.
The books were carefully selected to promote the use
of creativity linked to STEM to create interest around
innovative professions.
The session includes a copy of the book which inspired
it (a choice of eight); materials, tools and resources.
The winners of the competition
featured in the last issue were:
1 2 3
Noah,
8yrs
Phoebe,
9yrs
Maymuna,
6yrs
See their artwork on our Facebook page
@ TheStartStudioLinthorpe
WIN
A CREATIVITY
WORKSHOP
We want to see what kind of creative work you’ve
been getting up to in school. Send us examples of
your art, design or craft using anything from inks,
pens, pencils, charcoal and chalks to pastels, print or
modelling - any subject!
Send your entry to Start Studio Competition,
PO Box 539, Middlesbrough, TS1 9EX, or take a
photograph and email to sara@thestartstudio.co.uk
Teachers - please include the name of the school
and the name and age of the pupil.
ENTRIES DEADLINE FEBRUARY 28TH 2020 | ONE ENTRY PER CHILD
www.thestartstudio.co.uk

Win a box of amazing new books for your school!
How would you like to win a box of amazing new
books for your school?
Primary Times Tees Valley has teamed up with
Stockton’s Drake - The Bookshop to launch a
fantastic competition, with almost £1,000 of books
up for grabs.
Twelve Teesside schools now have the chance to
win a Big Box of Brilliant Books from the awardwinning
store.
All you have to do is put pen to paper and show
us your creative talents.
The bookshop’s Big Boxes have been devised
as a way of helping schools keep up to date with
current titles and alternative authors.
Currently available to schools on a subscription
service, each month the store joins the school for
an assembly to promote how amazing reading is.
Costing £75, this also includes a box of around 10
books which cover a specific topic - if the store
knows in advance - or turn the spotlight on new
titles by favourite or up-and-coming authors
selected by Drake’s book experts.
Delivered in a wrapped box and showcased to
pupils during the assembly, the books can then
be added to the school library or classrooms at
the end of the month once pupils, parents and
visitors have had chance to enjoy them.
Drake, which is based on Silver Street, last
year celebrated success at The British Book
Awards 2019.
It was named North of England winner for the second
year running in the Independent Bookshop of the
Year Award.
COMPETITIONS
HOW TO ENTER
Primary Times Tees Valley is offering
12 schools the chance to win ONE Big
Box of Brilliant Books each.
All you have to do is design your very
own book cover and blurb.
Use the template to come up with
your design.
You can create a new cover for a
favourite book you’ve already read
or design one for a brand new tale
you’ve made up yourself.
You can draw, paint or even use
patterns and pictures cut from old
magazines – be creative as you like!
Don’t forget the blurb - add a short
description of why people should pick
up your book and take a look.
We want children right across Tees
Valley to have a go. Why not ask your
teacher to make it a class project and
get everyone involved?
All the winning designs will be
featured in our Easter edition.
We can’t wait to see what you come
up with!
- The deadline for entries is Friday
March 6th
- Entries can be dropped off at Drake
- The Bookshop, 27 Silver Street,
Stockton, TS18 1SX, or can be posted
to Primary Times Tees Valley, PO Box
539, Middlesbrough, TS1 9EX.
- Both Primary Times and Drake staff
will then get busy judging the entries
with the 12 winning schools to be
notified.
- Each winning school will win ONE
Big Box of Brilliant Books. No cash
alternative and the prize is nontransferable.

COMPETITIONS
Win!
WIN!
WIN!
Win a copy of Match a Mummy:
The Ancient Egypt Memory Game
Win a Stay Play Explore
break worth £149
Whether you want to enjoy some good times with the family, or an
escape for two, Stay Play Explore have the perfect selection of short
breaks for you, your family, friends or loved ones.
Enter their fantastic prize draw and you could win a Stay Play Explore
short break of your choice!
To enter, simply sign up to their newsletters and they will
enter you in the prize draw.
Sign up here: www.stayplayexplore.co.uk
Closing date – 30/04/20
Laurence King in partnership with the British Museum are releasing a
great new matching game for children on 6th April, Match a Mummy:
The Ancient Egypt Memory Game. Written by Anna Claybourne and
illustrated by Léa Maupetit, this simple and colourful matching game
features fun facts about the Ancient Egyptians.
Locate and match up the pairs to learn more about how the Egyptians
lived. Why did they shave their heads but wear wigs, use dark eye
make-up and worship dung beetles? How did they make toothpaste and
which internal organs did they remove before mummification? Includes 20
matching pairs on 40 cards, and a booklet with explanatory text. The game
is perfect for families to play at home, or can be used to complement
school lessons on the Egyptians. Perfect for after school clubs!
If you would like to win the game send in your best
Egyption inspired drawing!
All entrants to be posted to: Match a Mummy competition, PO Box 539,
Middlesbrough, TS1 9EZ
Closing date – 6/03/20
WIN!
Animals in the Sky is a graphically
stunning introduction to
constellations for the youngest
readers, following the meteoric rise
of global bestseller Seeing Stars.
Perfect for bedtime stargazing!
Art This Way is an interactive
exploration of famous artworks from
the Whitney Museum, inviting readers
to unfold pages, lift flaps, gaze into
mirrors and view art like never before.
Extinct: An Illustrated Exploration
of Animals That Have Disappeared
is a gorgeously illustrated tribute to
animals that no longer live on our
planet, paired with information on
how we can save future species.
Win a a bundle of books from Phaidon
Phaidon is the premier global publisher of the creative arts with over 1,500 titles in print.
All you have to do is draw a picture of your favourite character from a book and tell us why you
like them.
All entrants to be posted to: Book Bundle competition, PO Box 539, Middlesbrough, TS1 9EZ
Closing date – 6/03/20
The Ball Book mixes wordplay
and whimsy for readers to bounce
along with this rhyming read-aloud
about all kinds of balls. It’s a winning
formula for every young reader who
loves to kick, catch, throw or giggle.
Yayoi Kusama Covered Everything
in Dots and Wasn’t Sorry is a clever,
quirky book about one of the world’s
most beloved contemporary artists,
encouraging young readers to follow
their creative dreams.
26
FEBRUARY 2020 | www.primarytimes.co.uk/Teesside

Primary Times Tees Valley
Love trees and the environment?
There aren’t many industries planting trees these days, but the paper industry plants and grows far more than it consumes. As the
most recycled product in the world paper remains one of the more environmentally friendly products due to its ability to be recycled
over again. Here are some interesting facts that might change the way you view paper products like magazines.
WHAT’S ON WHERE
• The paper and magazine sector is one of
the lowest industrial emitters of greenhouse
gases, accounting for less than 1%
of all EU greenhouse gas emissions
• All of our magazines are printed on
recyclable paper which is sustainably
sourced. Paper is also one of the most
recycled products in the world.
• Thanks to growers like us, the European
forest has been expanding by an area
equivalent to 1,500 football pitches a day!
• As the paper industry relies on a reliable
source of wood fibre, it plants more trees
than are used, which helps in contributing
to reducing the amount of Co2 in the air
• By choosing a paper magazine you are
putting back into the earth by indirectly
planting more trees!
so do we
• Myth buster: you may think that
electronic devices are less harmful to the
environment however in 2016 alone, 447
million tons of e-waste was generated and
these numbers are increasing each year. Vast
amounts of water and electricity are used to
power and cool the electronic servers
• Greenhouse gases created by these
electronic media servers contribute to a less
than environmentally friendly planet earth
• 72% of consumers worldwide still prefer to
read a printed magazine, such as Primary
Times, compared to reading electronically
• A printed magazine helps with quality
family time by reading the publication
together, compared to an electronic device
which is usually read alone. Electronic devices
can increase chances of developing myopia
30
of happy PUBLISHED SINCE 1989
YEARStimes www.primarytimes.co.uk
www.primarytimes.co.uk/Teesside | FEBRUARY 2020
27

WHAT’S ON WHERE
FREE TRIAL
1-29 FEBRUARY
The Tiger Who Came To Tea
Direct from the West End, the Olivier
Award nominated smash hit show,
The Tiger Who Came to Tea returns
on tour, celebrating over 10 years on
stage!
The doorbell rings just as Sophie and
her mummy are sitting down to tea.
Who could it possibly be? What they
certainly don’t expect to see at the
door is a big, stripy tiger!
Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this
delightful family show; packed
with oodles of magic, sing-a-long
songs and clumsy chaos! A stunning
stage adaptation of the classic tale
of teatime mayhem... expect to be
surprised!
Running time: approx 55 minutes
(no interval).
Suitable for children aged 3+.
Watch the trailer at
TigersTeaLive.com
Kumon maths and English study can help your child achieve
beyond expectations. Book your one-week Free Trial now!
Hartlepool 0142 942 1682
Middlesbrough Central 0164 293 7383
Ability development for any child at any age
Terms and conditions apply.
kumon.co.uk
ONLY VALID ON
MONDAY 17th &
FRIDAY 21st FEBRUARY 2020
Sunday 10am to 5.30pm (last admission 4pm)
Friday 29 - Sunday 31 May
Friday 1.30pm & 4pm | Saturday 11am & 2pm | Sunday 11am & 2pm
ONLY VALID on Monday 17th & Friday 21st February 2020.
Tickets from £11 to £14
Family ticket | 4 tickets (min 1 adult/1 under 16) £48
Box Office: 01325 405 405
www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk
28
FEBRUARY 2020 | www.primarytimes.co.uk/Teesside

On Your Marks, Get Set…
It’s nearly time for Sport Relief! Phoebe Lill, Schools Fundraising
Manager for Sport Relief, suggests ten top tips to help schools and
families warm up for the event.
Sport Relief – which is coming up from 9–13 March – is a unique
opportunity for children to get active, have fun, raise money and
change lives.
We’re very aware of all the hard work that goes on behind the
scenes for an event like Sport Relief. Whether you’re a parent
baking into the wee small hours or a teacher shepherding 30
reception children around the Sport Relief Mile, we’re hugely
grateful for your efforts.
Please rest assured that every penny you raise this March will
be used to change countless lives, both here in the UK and
worldwide. Sport Relief money funds amazing organisations that
are tackling some of the most pressing issues of our time, including
homelessness, mental health stigma and domestic abuse.
The bonus is that taking part in Sport Relief is a great experience
for children. It’s an exciting, memorable day when everyone comes
together to make a difference through the power of sport. As well
as being great fun, it’s a fantastic opportunity to develop children’s
empathy and help them understand that they have the potential to
take action and change things for the better.
To Kick Things Off…
You’ll find everything you need at
sportrelief.com/schools/primary.
Whether you’re a teacher, parent or pupil, get online and
start exploring all the exciting resources on offer!
Top Ten Tips for Sport
Relief Success
Keen to take part? Here are our top ten tips to make sure your
children’s Sport Relief goes with a bang!
1. Get the date on the calendar. This year the Sport Relief fun and
games are set to begin on Monday 9 March, culminating on
Friday 13 March with TV
programmes on CBBC
and the live telethon in
the evening.
2. Make sure children
understand why they’re
raising money for Sport
Relief. There’s a short
film on the Sport Relief
website about Cameron,
a boy who experienced
homelessness and now
campaigns to help other
children. Talk together
about Cameron’s story
– check out the learning
poster and activities
for more information
and ideas. Explain that
the money you raise
for Sport Relief will be
used to help people
worldwide and in your
own community.
3. Look out for Sport Relief wristbands on sale. Just £1 to
buy, there’s no simpler (and cooler!) way for children to
show their support and kick-start fundraising. If you’re
a teacher, why not sell wristbands in school? With our
special offer, you can pay a deposit of £6.50 for a box of
20, then settle up later. (order from: www.sportrelief.com/
wristbands)
4. If your school is organising a Sport Relief healthy snack
sale, start preparing tasty treats with the children. You’ll
find a range of savoury and sweet recipes on the Sport
Relief website – all easy to make and good for you.
5. Children across the country will be making a donation
to dress up as their sporting hero or wear sports kit on
Friday 13th. To save a last-minute panic on the day, start
planning outfits in advance and prepare to accessorise with
face paint, wigs, deely boppers, ribbons, cheerleading pom
poms, medals…
6. Get creative with the children – there are lots of ideas
and templates for things to make on the Sport Relief
website. You could make bunting and flags to decorate
your home or the classroom and corridors. Or how about
using our template for a trainer-shaped money box to add
excitement to collecting sponsorship money?
7. This year’s official Sport Relief school song is a catchy
number called It’s Game On! Why not learn it with the
children, singing along to the video on the Sport Relief
website? If you want to take your music-making really
seriously, you can download the lyrics and sheet music.
You’ll even find a Makaton translation to get the children
communicating through sign and song.
8. The Sport Relief Mile is the perfect excuse for everyone
to get in shape together. If your school is planning to run
the Mile this year, get your running shoes on and organise
training sessions with the children in the run-up to the big
event.
9. Help out on the day. If you’re a parent, find out what
your school is going to do for Sport Relief and offer your
support. Could you help to supervise the Sport Relief mile?
Could you organise a healthy snack sale? Or just shake a
bucket at the school gate?
10. At the end of Friday 13th, sit down with friends and family
to watch a massive night of entertainment live on the BBC,
knowing that together you’ve played an active part in
changing people’s lives for the better.
We hope the ideas here have
inspired you to join in from
9–13 March and get set now
to go, go, go! Have fun and a
massive thank you for all your
support. We’re excited to have
you on the Sport Relief team.

Join us for BookFest 2020.
Returning for its second year, BookFest is a week-long extravaganza with free,
fun events for children aged 2 – 16. An exciting programme is on offer including
live music, children’s theatre, author and illustrator workshops and more.
Madam Dragons
Training School
Monday 2nd March 10.30am -
11.30am and 1.30pm - 2.30pm
Children are
invited to join
Madam Dragon
on their first day at
Dragon Training
School. Together
they sing songs
and carry out physical tasks such as
‘roaring’ and ‘flapping wings’ before
they go on to explore the special skills
of other famous dragons and how
they’ve come to celebrate their unusual
talents through interactive story telling.
For 2- 5 year olds. Booking required.
Story box Workshop
Monday 2nd March
10.00am - 12.00pm
Create and
take home a
story box to
help make
stories
at home
interactive and memorable.
An adult only workshop for parents,
grandparents and carers.
Booking required.
Interactive Storytelling
with Adam Bushnell
Tuesday 3rd March
4.00pm - 5.00pm
Storyteller and author,
Adam Bushnell will
excite and enthuse
young children with
tales of Knights and
Dragons. Adam
works internationally
and as an ex primary
school teacher is
perfectly placed to inspire young
minds. Recommended for children
aged 4 - 9 years. Booking required.
Sewing Pictures
with Memories
Wednesday 4th March
10.00am - 12.30pm
Whether you are
new to sewing
or already
accomplished, this
workshop will allow
you to experiment
with applique using
discarded clothing items from your
young child’s wardrobe or the materials
provided. An adult only workshop.
Booking required.
Teens and Tweens Evening
Wednesday 4th March
6.0pm - 8.00pm
Leave the grownups
at home and
visit us for your
choice of Online
Gaming, Stop
Animation or
Sewing. This free
event for 11 - 16 year olds lets you
choose which activity to get involved
with. Refreshments provided.
Booking required.
Princess Party
Thursday 5th March
10.00am – 10.45am
It’s World Book Day so let’s sprinkle
a bit of fairy dust! Themed fancy
dress is encouraged at our enchanted
Princess Party. For 2 - 4 year olds.
Booking required.
Superhero Show
Thursday 5th March
11.00am - 11.45am
It’s World Book Day so let’s bring
imagination to life! Themed fancy dress
is encouraged at our Superhero show.
For 2 - 4 year olds. Booking required.
The Night Pirates
with Imagine Me
Friday 6th March
10.00am - 10.45am
The Night Pirates “Down Down Down
the dark streets they came..” but who
are they and what do they want?
Come on a swashbuckling adventure
with Jo from Imagine Me! on “a
ship set for sailing, a ship off on
adventures”. Storms, mermaids and
even rough tough grown up pirates
can’t possibly get in our way as we set
sail with a map - looking for a very full
treasure chest. Adventure, imaginative
play, games and music all rolled into
one in this interactive, fun packed
session. For 2 - 4 year olds.
Booking required.
Emergency with Imagine Me
Friday 6th March
11.00am - 11.45am
Emergency “Call 999, emergency!”
- there’s nothing more exciting then
watching an ambulance screaming
past, a lifeboat launch or a fire engine
flying by...but maybe there is?? Come
along with Jo from Imagine Me! as
we jump straight into the pages of
“Emergency”. Sea rescues, helping
an injured puppy, saving a train from a
fallen tree on the tracks and putting out
a forest fire are all in a day’s work for
us. So why not come along for the ride
of your life? Adventure, imaginative
play, games and music all rolled into
one in this interactive, fun packed
session. For 2 - 4 year olds.
Booking required.
Big Goldilocks and
the Three Bears
Childrens Theatre
Saturday 7th March
10.30am - 11.20am
Everything is in disguise and the
story goes into the skies with this
hilarious retelling of Goldilocks and
the Three Bears. This comical story is
retold through a massive 6ft tall book
complete with pop ups and props
coming out of the book! For children
aged 4 and above. Booking required.
Little Red Riding Hood and
Friends Childrens Theatre
Saturday 7th March
1.00pm - 1.50pm
Little Red Riding Hood’s friend
arrives to tell us the story but has a
problem, there are no pages in the
book! Tradition is left far behind in
this fast, funny show that uses lots of
slapstick and child participation. A fine
introduction to theatre that presents
a variety of fairy tales. The children
will be captivated from start to finish.
For children aged 4 years and above.
Booking required.
Liz Million and Paul
Cookson present “There’s
a Crocodile in the House”
Saturday 7th March
1.00pm - 2.00pm
Local favourite Liz
Million is accompanied
by hilarious poet,
Paul Cookson as
they present their
new book, There’s
a Crocodile in the
House. Expect fun
and laughter whilst you draw along
with the super talented illustrator Liz.
For children aged 5 years and above.
Booking required.
Big Little Gig:
The Beatles Unplugged
Saturday 7th March 4.30pm -
5.30pm
BookFest 2020 will
conclude with our
big family friendly
gig; The Beatles
Unplugged. Your
favourite Beatles
tracks stripped
back and played
acoustically with
the usual fun you’d
expect of a BIG Little Gig. Children
and families of all ages can come and
dance along. Booking required.
Booking Information.
All sessions are FREE however booking is required in advance via our website: www2.darlington.gov.uk
All events are at Darlington Library, Crown Street, Darlington, DL1 1ND.
For more information please ring: 01325 349610
Tickets are available on Eventbrite from 8am on Monday 24th February.

Be inspired to illustrate with…
Nick Sharratt
Primary Times teams up with renowned illustrator, Nick Sharratt, to show the
wonders of stretching a child’s imagination through drawing
WHAT’S ON WHERE
Nick Sharratt is the artist behind
hundreds of beloved children’s book
characters created by authors including
Jacqueline Wilson, Julia Donaldson,
Jeremy Strong, as well as timeless
fairy-tale characters and characters of
his own creation – his personal
favourites being Timothy Pope and his
dad in ‘Shark in the Park’.
As an advocate of creative expression,
Nick has always had a passion
for drawing.
“I’ve loved making pictures for as long as
I can remember. It always felt incredibly
natural and enjoyable for me. I was the
artist of the class at school, and I was
very happy with that role!”
Whether it was for school or a
competition he’d found on a box of
cereal, Nick took drawing seriously and
encourages other children to do the same.
“Young children are brilliant at picture
making, but they can quickly become
self – conscious about it. I think
everyone has the potential to draw. It’s
a brilliant activity to do; it involves all
kinds of thought processes, and as with
everything, you have to work at it if you
want to improve. I used to be a
perfectionist and start a drawing, do a
few lines, then turn the page and start
again. I’d go through a whole pad that
way! But I taught myself to complete
my pictures and even if the drawing was
not quite what I’d expected, it gave me a
sense of achievement.”
Starting out as a magazine illustrator,
Nick has now illustrated over a hundred
books and written more than fifty of his
own. But, how does he do it?
“By the time I’ve read the manuscript,
I’ve got a clear idea of what the
character will look like as it seeps into
the story. When I’m working with
Jacqueline (Wilson), I just try and create
a visual interpretation from Jacky’s description.
There will always be mentions
of the character’s size, hair, dressing
style etc within the story. I spend a lot of
time thinking about hairstyles for my
characters, as hair can really reflect the
character’s nature.”
Having achieved his childhood aspiration
of becoming a professional artist, Nick
encourages children to find joy in art too.
“It’s so important to find time for drawing
and story-telling at a young age, as more
than anything else it’s fun! It’s a fabulous
way to stretch your imagination as
a child.
“When I used to go into schools it was
brilliant to see a classroom with art on
the walls. I think it’s good for children to
be shown how to draw things by their
parents or teachers or via YouTube.
There are lots of videos demonstrating
how to draw a character sharing top tips
such as starting with the shape of the
face. Group drawing activities are also
fantastic, where everyone contributes to
a picture so it’s a team effort.”
Illustrations in books are a great way to
grip the reader and create a memorable
story. “When I think of the books I had as
a child, the words are a bit hazy but the
pictures come back sharply in my
memory. Children interact with visual
images in a really direct and intense way
and it’s amazing to think that my
illustrations might be enjoyed like that.”
Nick’s top tip for aspiring artists is simple,
keep drawing!
Discover more of Nick’s tips and tricks
from his YouTube films and book ‘How
to Draw the world of Jacqueline Wilson’
(Random House Children’s Books) and
keep up to date with his latest books at
www.nicksharratt.com
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