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Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
In the News Devon
We have pulled together some useful news and resources for families from Devon and beyond. If you have any articles that you think we would be interested in, please contact our editor at editorial@writeplacemedia.co.uk
Stargazing sites at Dartmoor
A recent study, conducted by Select Van Leasing, has found that Dartmoor National Park has the fourth highest number of recommended stargazing sites in the UK.
The recommended locations are Shapley Common North, Bennett’s Cross, Bonehill Rocks, Combestone Tor and Holming Beam
Find out more at https://www.selectcarleasing.co.uk/van-leasing/news/article/uk-best-stargazing-spots
Refurbishment at local gallery
Thelma Hulbert Gallery in Honiton, which is currently closed for upgrades to the gallery spaces are reopening on 22nd March 2025 with their new exhibition Ashish Ghadali: Sensing The Planet.
Check their website at www.thelmahulbert.com or social media for futher updates
New Duck Feeder in Torquay
SWISCo have introduced a new and sustainable method for feeding birds at Kings Gardens, Torquay.
As part of the national ‘Feed Ducks’ initiative, these duck feeders are designed to be a healthy alternative to bread for ducks by dispensing a measured amount of feed into your hand. Each feeder is constructed from recycled plastics, equivalent to 20,000 plastic bottles. Payments are £1, contactless and 10% of the profits are donated to a local charity, which is currently Animals in Distress – Torbay and Westcountry but there will be opportunities to vote for your preferred local animal or bird charities in the future.
Useful contacts for families
Check out our new online guide for a list of local and national charities and organisations that may be useful for families including financial assistance and mental health support
Gary – please can you make a QR code for www.primarytimes.co.uk/devon/useful-information-for-families
Important dates for 2025
Safer Internet Day 2025 – 11th February 2025
World Book Day – 6th March 2025
British Science Week 2025 – 7th to 16th March 2025
Red Nose Day 2025 – 21st March 2025
World Athletics Indoor Championships – 21st to 23rd March 2025
The Great British Spring Clean 2025 – 22nd and 23rd March 2025
Mother’s Day – 30th March 2025
Bank Holiday (Good Friday ) – 18th April 2025
Bank Holiday (Easter Monday) – 21st April 2025
Local government elections – 1st May 2025
Bank Holiday (Early May bank holiday) – 5th May 2025
Mental Health Awareness Week – 13th to 19th May 2025
Devon County Show – 15th to 17th May 2025
Bank Holiday (Spring bank holiday) – 26th May 2025
Devon Day – 4th June 2025
Open Farm Sunday – 8th June 2025
Father’s Day – 15th June 2025
British and Irish Lions tour of Australia – 28th June to 2nd August 2025
Wimbledon – 30th June to 13th July 2025
Women’s Euro 2025 – 2nd to 27th July 2025
Mid Devon Show – 26th July 2025
Totnes and District Show – 27th July 2025
North Devon Show – 6th August 2025
Women’s Rugby World Cup – 22nd August to 27th September 2025
Bank Holiday (summer bank holiday) – 25th August 2025
Heritage Open Days – 12th to 21st September 2025
Great British Beach Clean – 20th to 29th September 2025
Grandparents’ Day – 5th October 2025
World Book Day – 6th March 2025
This national charity event returns at the start of March with £1 vouchers being made widely available and events taking place at selected bookshops and libraries.
The list of £1 books, with options for each level of reading are detailed below:
Beginning:
The Magic Balloon – written by Carl Anka, illustrated by Amanda Quartey
Bluey’s Little Book
Who’s in Acorn Wood written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler
Barbara’s Very Useful Guide to Moods by Nadia Shireen
Early:
Fox and Son Tailers by Paddy Donnelly
The Adventures of Paddington: Farm Escape
All Poems Aloud by Joseph Coelho and Daniel Gray-Barnett
Pokemon: The Epic Pocket Guide
Fluent:
LEGO: Our Amazing Universe
The Fart That Broke World Book Day written by Stephen Mangan, illustrated by Anita Mangan
The Soccer Diaries: Rocky Takes The Lead by Tom Palmer
The Wolf Trials: A Geomancer Book by Kiran Millwood Hargrave
Independent:
This Story Is A Lie by Benjamin Dean
Find out more at www.worldbookday.com
Online safety resource for parents
The NSPCC have released an activity pack for families with young children who are starting to use technology and the internet. ‘Techosaurus’ is designed to instigate conversations around online safety with your child and help them to form healthy online habits, routines and behaviours from a young age and build basic knowledge and skills related to online safety.
The packs are available to order online for a minimum donation of £3.
Free duck activity guide
The Canal and River Trust have released a free guide which will give you some fun activities to do while feeding the ducks.Find out more and download at www.canalrivertrust.org.uk