Page 85 - Phonebox Magazine December 2014

Sherington School
Children in Need: As usual the Sherington School community showed it’s compassion on this special day by a generous commitment to this charitable cause. The children dressed as their favourite superheroes and the PTFA supplied cakes and
prizes for a ‘guess the pumpkin weight’ competition. The latter, kindly donated by local gardener and ex-pupil Stevie Beal, was a hefty 20Kg (44.1lbs in old money) or about as heavy as the average Sherington pupil.
Early preparations for our Christmas play, a traditional Nativity performed in St Laud’s Church but seen from a new angle, may have caused some early excitement but the children seem to be in good voice and the season does draw near as witnessed by the gloom or spectacular sunsets at home-time. We wish all our friends and supporters all the best for 2015 and thank them again for the difference they continuously make to school life.
Please e-mail office@sherington.milton-keynes.sch.uk or telephone 01908 610470 if you wish to visit us. Our new website can be found at sheringtonceschool.co.uk
The School Run
It’s the season to be creative, and it’s one way to keep the children busy before Christmas. Whether it is for gifts and stocking fillers, or if you enjoy cooking, you can help them make their own presents.
Fudge, toffee and biscuits can all be made and wrapped at home, but remember to keep food free of peanuts if you are taking them into school for teacher presents!
Another way to keep little fingers busy and costs down over the holidays is making some of your own Christmas decorations. Try threading popcorn to hang on the tree instead of tinsel, paper chains or card cut-outs covered in tinsel and, for the more artistic, collecting pine-cones or twigs to spray and turn into a display (a real challenge for the less creative of us!). If you are really feeling adventurous, then you can even try making felt, knitted or papier mache decorations for the Christmas tree.
Think back to your own school days and unearth some long- forgotten talents. Pompoms, lavender bags, bookmarks and photo collages are all things that can be made with children. It may take a lot of glitter and patience (and possibly the promise of a large drink and chocolate later – for you, not the kids!), but they will have fun.
Other holiday activities are included opposite. And Merry Christmas!
Children in Need
Tis’ the season to be creative Samantha Smeraglia
FESTIVE DISPLAY
Centre MK Shopping Centre. Until Christmas Eve, 9am - 6pm each day
The Christmas display in Middleton Hall (in front of John Lewis) is free to walk round, or buy tickets to meet Santa inside his magical Christmas Grotto for £6.50 (it lasts approximately 30 minutes). Book in advance online at tickets. eskimojoevents.co.uk/centremk/ or at the Grotto.
DICKENS OF A CHRISTMAS
Olney Market Square and the Cowper and Newton Museum Sunday 7th December, 10am - 4pm
Every year, Olney hosts Victorian-style traders with stalls offering festive treats, gifts, holly wreaths and handmade crafts. The farmers’ market offers tasty local produce and children can visit Father Christmas and his elves in the grotto. There is also the chance to meet birds of prey, enjoy the street entertainers or fairground rides, listen to the brass band and visit three indoor craft fayres. Visitors can also have fun with Punch and Judy in the Cowper and Newton Museum courtyard where tea, coffee, hot chocolate and mince pies will be on sale.
MILTON KEYNES CITY ORCHESTRA CHRISTMAS CONCERT
The Church of St Peter and St Paul, Newport Pagnell Friday 12th December, 6 - 7.30pm
Join the Milton Keynes City Orchestra’s Symphonic Brass and the Polymnia Choir for a concert of festive music, including classic Christmas favourites and carols. Tickets cost £12 on (01908) 684116.
MK MUSEUM’S VICTORIAN FAMILY CHRISTMAS
(5th, 6th, 7th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 19th, 20th, 21st)
Held over the first three weekends in December, Fridays (4.30 - 7pm) Sat and Sun (1.30 - 6pm).
Enjoy a magical Christmas time at the local museum. From carols in the parlour to crafts in the Barn, the Victorian Christmas is the highlight of the museum’s festive season.
Soak up the atmosphere of Christmas past with the ladies of the house and keep a look out for Queen Victoria, or you can enjoy toasting bread on an open fire in the kitchen or hot chestnuts in the blacksmith’s forge. Lastly, you can visit Father Christmas and the elves in his workshop, and pick up some last minute presents.
Phonebox Magazine 85