Families Gloucestershire Issue 14 May - June 2013

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May/June 2013 Issue 14

www.familiesgloucestershire.co.uk

IT’S

PARTY TIME! How to help your child cope with EXAM STRESS

WIN... a family ticket to the Wychwood Festival ... a Balance Bike & helmet

For families with young children aged 0-12 in Gloucestershire

CONTENTS 2–4...NEWS & VIEWS

Welcome…

“The moment you realise your little girl is not only your daughter but your true friend”.

5.........MONEY MATTERS

Savings accounts for children

My mum’s touching response when I asked her what she found most rewarding about raising my sister and I. Remembering some of my antics as a teenager I was careful not to ask her about the most challenging moments!

My question was prompted by Joanna Moorhead’s article ‘Getting girls back on track’ describing her joy in her four daughters and a few scary moments since.

Parenting is not an easy job!

We’ve also got features on choosing the perfect party for your child, how to help your child cope with the stress of exams if they are on the horizon this summer, and tips to get your children gardening, plus all the news, events and competitions you’d expect from us.

Please support our local advertisers and mention Families when you call. And don’t forget there’s loads more on the website, or why not head over to Facebook or Twitter to keep up to date?

6-7....PARENTING

Getting girls back on track

8-10...EDUCATION

Should my child have a tutor?

Helping your child cope with exam stress

11.........HOW TO...

Get your children gardening

12-14.PARTY FEATURE It’s time to party!

Listings

15-16..WHAT’S ON GUIDE & COMPETITIONS Half term activities

Deborah Langham Editor editor@familiesgloucestershire.co.uk www.familiesgloucestershire.co.uk www.facebook.com/familiesglos Twitter: @familiesglos FG Circulation 15,000 copies distributed through nurseries, schools, libraries, activity classes and other selected distribution points throughout Gloucestershire. If you would like free copies for your organisation please contact us.

Cover Photograph

By Claire Greenway www.clairegreenway.co.uk Designed by Joanna Keogh

M

uch more than just a music festival, Wychwood 2013, at Cheltenham Racecourse from 31st May to 2nd June, leads the field when it comes to delivering entertainment that can be enjoyed by each member of the family, young or old.

It is the only festival in the UK to have a dedicated Children’s Literature Festival in association with Waterstones, the UK’s largest book retailer, hosting some of the biggest and best children’s authors the UK has to offer.

The ever-popular Roald Dahl Museum & Story Telling Centre will be returning this year to help children delve into the world of the classic author and for the first time this year Wychwood will welcome the Booktrust to the festival to educate children and parents alike in ways to make literacy fun.

Finally, with over 70 workshops on offer, from musical theatre to Ukulele playing to clay modeling, there really is something for everyone at Wychwood Festival. For more information visit www.wychwoodfestival.com

To win a family ticket for Wychwood 2013 see the Competitions section on the back page!!

Printed by CBF www.cbfnet.co.uk

Families Gloucestershire is part of the Families Group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. We take every care in preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.Paper used to print Families Gloucestershire is from fully managed sustainable sources - meaning trees which are felled are continuously replaced. Inks are soya based, which can be recycled.

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May/June 2013

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News and Views

Scruffs Dog Show returns to Cotswold Wildlife Park The third annual charity dog show, Scruffs, returns to Cotswold Wildlife Park on 11th May from 10.30am to 2pm.

Dogs of all ages and abilities are welcome to take part in this fun dog show, with categories such as ‘best biscuit catcher’ and ‘waggiest tail’, with all money raised supporting the charity Hearing Dogs for the Deaf. Classes include: Young handler under 10 years, Best biscuit catcher, Waggiest tail, Best puppy, Golden Oldie, Dog the judge would most like to take home and Best in Show. For more information visit www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk and www.hearingdogs.org.uk.

Join the Summer Reading Challenge

Summer Youth Theatre at Parabola Arts Centre The Parabola Art Centre announce two weeks of summer workshops for 6 to 18 year olds, inspired by the brilliant Propeller Theatre Company, who are coming to PAC this October.

From Mon 22nd to Fri 26th July, PAC will run a Performance Project in which participants will have the opportunity to work with theatre professionals, designers and technicians to create their own version of Shakespeare’s Richard III. Combining Propeller’s light-hearted and fun take on classic texts and the recent discovery of a dead monarch in a Leicester car park, they will work towards a show to be performed on the PAC stage.

A Physical Theatre Performance Project will run from Wed 31st July to Fri 2nd Aug, which will involve three days of physical theatre, movement, film and art, where students will devise and create their very own installation performance, in the style of the brilliant Propeller Theatre Company.

PERFORMANCE PROJECT 9-12 YEARS / 13-18 YEARS Monday 22nd July Friday 26th July, 10am – 4pm, £130 6-8 YEARS Wednesday 24th– Friday 26th July, 10am–4pm, £55

3-DAY PHYSICAL THEATRE PERFORMANCE PROJECT 6-8 YEARS / 9-12 YEARS / 13-18 YEARS Wednesday 31st July – Friday 2nd August, 10am-4pm, £55

More details and booking: www.parabolaartscentre. co.uk/youththeatre 01242 707 338

In your library this summer There are plenty of spinetingling surprises waiting for you at your local library!

From Sat 13th July, all children can register at their library for Creepy House. They will get a Creepy Fold out poster and a set of stickers (including some smelly scratch and sniff ones!) and a glow in the dark wrist band on their second visit!

To receive a certificate and a medal for completing the challenge, children need to collect all 6 stickers, and record 6 of their favourite books.

There will be lots to do in the library, quizzes, events, competitions and all completely free of charge!

For more information visit www. gloucestershire.gov.uk/libraries and www.creepyhouse.org.uk for fun things to do.

World

record skydive

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Take the plunge and do something amazing for children and young people with cancer.

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May/June 2013

3

News and Views

Bring some Carousel sunshine into your toddler group Summer is definitely in full swing at children’s boutique Carousel with top branded, gently worn shorts, T-shirts, summer dresses and UV swimwear at beautiful prices. And if it rains? There are always a selection of long sleeve tee’s, snuggly fleeces and wellingtons!

Located in Montpellier Courtyard, Cheltenham, children’s boutique Carousel specialise in pre-loved children’s clothes from newborn to 12 years.

In addition to their popular private evening shopping parties, owners Libby Reichwald and Jo Friel are delighted to bring Carousel to local toddler and pre-school groups.

“As mums we know how difficult it is to shop with small children” explained Libby. “That’s why we came up with the idea of bringing Carousel to playgroups so parents can browse peacefully while their children are having fun”.

The winners of Gloucestershire Echo’s ‘Love to Shop’ Best Newcomer 2013 are also joining other local independent labels, businesses and well-known fashion names to hold a Family Fashion Event in aid of Cancer Research on Saturday 15th June at St Andrew’s Church, Cheltenham. Find out more about this event in the ‘What’s On’ section.

For more information on Carousel please visit: www.carousel-clothing.co.uk or call Libby 07919 881 888/ Jo 07868 556382.

Climbing adventures for toddlers!

The Warehouse Climbing Centre near Gloucester Docks is well-known for its popular Kids’ Holiday Clubs. But during term-time, their Mini-Mice Toddler Group takes over the Kids’ Zone adventure area.

Toddlers and Pre-School children love discovering this soft-play style climbing environment, where little ones can play safely and have fun together with activities that build confidence, mental concentration and physical development.

You can also pre-order a healthy Lunch Box from the buggy-friendly Cafe-Bar to keep your little ones happy afterwards, while you enjoy a tasty lunch and great coffee (there’s even squishy sofas!).

Mini-Mice Sessions 10am-12 noon Mon, Wed, Fri (term time only) £3 per child plus one-off £2 Membership Fee, or £15 per term. Booking preferable. More details at www.the-warehouse.co.uk

Summer Time for Beach Babes at the Rosevine Toddlers and the under fives don’t have to wait until school’s out to head to the beach - June and July are an idyllic time to get away to Cornwall for an early summer baby friendly holiday. That’s why the Rosevine – a gorgeous Cornish hideaway, have created a special 3 night “beach babes” summer break.

Enjoy lazy mornings in the garden, before wandering down the lane to the beach with a family picnic prepared by Rosevine’s chef for an afternoon of rock pooling and a splash in the sea.

And at the end of the day, it’s back to your baby friendly bolthole for a swim in the indoor pool, an early tea for the little ones, and then there’s time for parents too. Drinks and a game of croquet on the lawn followed by dinner.

A perfect end to a summer’s day.

You can relax, knowing little ones are welcome, and your needs as a family are catered for.

For a Cornish beach getaway in June or July before the schools break up, get in touch with The Rosevine : www.rosevine.co.uk or 01872 580206 and get these goodies thrown in : A Rosevine canvas bag - Children’s toweling laundry bag - Family picnic for the beach.

Studio from £585 Apartment / Suite from £795 2nd June to 18th July on availability.

Get your child cycling this Summer A recent study (MORI, 2011) concluded that 43 per cent of children cannot ride a bike by the age of six.

With young children lacking the exposure, parental support and opportunity to cycle, an increasing percentage are unable to master the skill of riding a bicycle until around the age of 10 or older. This is a reason why of the 8.3 million children who travel to school every day, only two percent cycle, with one in 10 children never learning the skill (Tata Steel Study 2011). The founders of Cirencester-based myfirstbike.co.uk found this a sad statistic and decided to do something about it!

They have a range of fabulous lightweight, durable bikes for children aged 2 to 5 years to learn how to cycle; pedal free. This is a fantastic, fun way to learn and has a proven success rate.

So there has never been a better time for you to set your children up on the right road to fitness, health and fun. Check out www.myfirstbike.co.uk for more information.

To win a balance bike courtesy of myfirstbike.co.uk see the Competitions section on the back page!!

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May/June 2013

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Money Matters

Savings accounts for children

By MoneyVista www.moneyvista.com/families

M

ost banks and building societies offer special savings accounts for children. These often pay better rates of interest than standard savings accounts and are designed specifically for children with free gifts, magazines and birthday cards.

The one that’s right for your child will depend on whether:

you want to save on a regular basis or have a lump sum to put away you can afford to tie-up your money for a set period of time you want your child to have access to the cash

Savings Accounts Regular savings accounts often pay higher rates of interest. For example, Halifax is offering an impressive 6% on its regular savings account. But if you don’t want to save on a regular basis then opt for the best paying account you can find. For example, Virgin Money’s Young Saver account pays 3%. It’s also worth looking at standard savings accounts and if they offer better rates, you may want to opt for one of them.

Some children’s accounts, such as Lloyds TSB’s children account which pays 3%, are only available if a parent has an account with the savings institution. Other things to watch out for are minimum investment levels, how many withdrawals you can make each year and if you need to give notice before withdrawing your money.

As with any account, you need to regularly check the interest rates being paid to make sure you’re getting a good deal. You can do this at MoneyVista’s Savings Watch at www. moneyvista.com/savings-watch

Tax and savings Interest earned on savings is taxable. But as you need to earn more than the personal tax allowance (£8,105 in 2012/2013) to be a taxpayer, few children pay tax. To ensure they get interest tax-free fill in form R85. If they’ve already paid tax you

can reclaim this by completing form R40.

There are special rules if a parent gives savings to their child. If these savings earn gross interest of £100 or more a year (£200 if both parents contribute), then all the interest is taxed as if it belongs to the parent.

If you don’t want your child to be able to withdraw the cash you’ve saved for them, look for an account where you can name yourself as trustee. You can still register for tax-free interest by completing form R85.

Junior ISAs There are two types of Junior ISAs (JISAs) - cash JISAs and stocks and shares JISAs. Cash JISAs are just like savings accounts except all the interest earned is tax-free. Parents can invest up to £3,600 in the current tax year in JISAs and this money is then locked away until the child reaches 18.

Cash JISAs are offered by a number of banks and building societies and rates of interest are typically 2% to 3% at present.

The advantage of a JISA is that once a child reaches 18 this money is automatically tipped into an adult ISA which means the money remains in a tax-free savings account.

The potential disadvantage with JISAs is that you cannot get at the money before your child is 18 and when the account matures, it’s your child and not you who has access to the cash.

Any child under 18 is eligible for a JISA providing they don’t have a Child Trust Fund which was the predecessor to JISAs.

NS&I Children’s Bonds These are 5-year lump-sum investments for children under 16. You can invest between £25 and £3,000 in each issue of the bonds. They earn a guaranteed rate of interest (2.5% for the latest issue) and interest is tax-free.

MoneyVista is a free personal finance website. Full of guides, budgeting tips and expert help, we aim to help you take control of your money and plan for your family’s future.. To find out more visit www.moneyvista.com/families

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May/June 2013

5

Parenting

Getting girls back on track

By Joanna Moorhead

A

few years ago, psychologist Steve Biddulph was advising parents of boys on how to raise them to avoid a battery of difficulties. Now he’s back with a formula for how to raise girls. Joanna Moorhead, a mother of four daughters, asked him what matters most.

The day after I gave birth to our fourth daughter, my husband was involved in a puzzling exchange with our neighbour.

The baby had been born at home overnight, so the neighbour was keen to hear the news over the garden fence. “It’s another girl,” announced my husband excitedly. “Oh,” said the neighbour, looking downcast. “And are you very disappointed?”

Gary and I enjoyed telling the story, and we enjoy telling it to this day, because

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May/\June 2013

disappointment was truly the very last emotion we felt when our lovely little Catriona arrived to join her big sisters Rosie, Elinor and Miranda. Raising boys may, for all I know, be every bit as exciting and fun-filled as raising girls; but the truth is, I know nothing about it. I’m sure it’s similar, but I’m sure there

“All that really matters to a baby girl is that she feels safe and loved.” are also ways in which it’s different: and the point is that, by the time Catriona was born, I was already quite certain that bringing up girls was a fabulous task to be taking centre-stage in my life. So, from the moment the line went blue on

www.familiesgloucestershire.co.uk

my pregnancy test, I was secretly hoping for another daughter. And when she finally landed, Gary and I couldn’t have been more thrilled.

Fast-forward ten years, and it’s still every bit as wonderful now as it was back then. But the last few years have brought a few scary moments – and, explains psychologist Steve Biddulph, I’m certainly not the only parent of daughters to have discovered that.

Raising girls

F

ifteen years ago, Biddulph leapt to fame when his ground-breaking book ‘Raising Boys’ tackled the difficulties that were making life tough for parents of boys – rising rates of ADHD, aggressive behaviour, teenage drinking.

Back then, he says, “girls were doing just fine”. But no longer. “It all started to change about five years ago. We began

Parenting to see a sudden and marked plunge in girls’ mental health. Problems such as eating disorders and self-harm, which once had been extremely rare, were now happening in every classroom and every street. And more than this, the average girl was stressed and depressed in a way she hadn’t been before.”

Biddulph’s advice is simple.

A

void all sex-stereotyped toys and products like the plague. From her earliest days, think not about what material possessions you are giving your daughter: instead, concentrate on how you’re making her feel. From birth to two, he explains, all that really matters to a baby So now Biddulph is back with a new girl is that she feels safe and loved. In a book aimed at parents with girls. And world where the arrival of a little girl is often the message he wants to give us is that, seen as an invitation to start showering from their earliest times, we need to her with possessions bomb-proof them – cute outfits, a pretty from what he calls bedroom – he advocates “a world that seems If girlhood has forgetting all about what bent on poisoning she has (especially if it’s their confidence and sometimes seemed trashing their lives”. of the ‘girly’ variety) and scary, Biddulph reminds concentrating entirely What the onslaught how welcome, and is all about, says us that it’s exciting and on wanted, and loved Biddulph, is the fact she is in your life. The enriching that advertisers have deep-rooted confidence fixed their beady eyes that this brings will, he on our pre-teen daughters: they’ve realised promises, be something she carries with her that little girls are extremely malleable right through her life. from a marketing point of view, and

“

”

they’ve gone all-out to sell them not only pink-clad dolls and sex-typed toys, but also sexualised clothes (long, long before any little girl should be thinking about looking attractive to the opposite sex) and preadolescent make-up.

about people skills – what she most needs to discover, says Biddulph, is that while her feelings are very important indeed, other people’s feelings matter too.

With the coming of puberty, a girl’s thoughts shift towards what Biddulph calls ‘finding her soul’: if she is helped and encouraged to find what he calls her ‘spark’, some passion or interest that she cares deeply about and is willing to invest her time in, that will help her to find fulfilment through her entire life. It’s an empowering message: best of all, for parents like me, is Biddulph’s conviction that the family and the adults surrounding a girl are the most important elements in helping light the fire that will burn through all her days. If girlhood has sometimes seemed scary, Biddulph reminds us that it’s exciting and enriching – and guides us through the skills that will help us help our daughters, time after time.

Steve Biddulph’s Raising Girls is published

by HarperCollins, £12.99

From two to five, a little girl starts feeling interested in the world around her: now, she needs to be introduced to the world as an exciting and fascinating place, a place full of adventures. From five to ten it’s all

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A break for all beach babes on the Cornish coast

Mini-mice for your p u o r g r e toddl es i k n o m e l t lit g centre se climbin ehou at The War

Term-time Toddler Group for safe, fun, active play Soft-play style climbing environment, gives your child...

■ Confidence, mental concentration & physical development ■ Cafe-Bar with tasty food, great coffee & squishy sofas!

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Head to our beachside bolthole for a baby and toddler-friendly summer escape.

01872 580206 rosevine.co.uk

Call to book on 01452 302351 More information online at

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10am - 12noon Mon - Weds - Fri (please confirm dates when booking)

May/June 2013

7

Education

Should My Child Have A Tutor?

By Dr Ian Todd, Director at Cotswold Education

A

ll parents want to give their child all the benefits possible in life and a good education is probably towards the top of their list. But is it worth the hassle and expense of a tutor? And if so, how do you find a good one?

Of course, you don`t have to pay for a tutor as there is a lot you can do yourself with your child. Going through practice papers and explaining how to answer the questions will help a lot. However, some parents find it easier to put this task in the hands of an impartial professional as teaching your own children can be difficult or you may feel you don`t have the necessary skills.

Grammar and Independent schools have long been recognised for high academic achievement and a focussed curriculum. In Gloucestershire which has seven grammar schools, Cotswold Education about 2,000 children sit the test for 800 www.cotswoldeducation.co.uk info@cotswoldeducation.co.uk places, thus around half are successful.

01242 572411 Independent schools also generally Specialise in providing experienced, require an entrance test or examination qualified and CRB checked tutors in a range of subjects and levels from which typically include English and primary, to secondary and beyond. mathematics assessment in addition to iTutorMaths verbal reasoning.

So how can you maximise the chance of your child getting into an independent or grammar school? It is not a case of just passing the test; your child also has to be ranked high enough amongst those that are applying to the school to be offered a place. This means that a score of 85% on the tests may be good enough one year, but not the next.

www.itutormaths.co.uk 0845 038 0017.

Live, online, small group tuition service for GCSE Maths and 11 plus examinations.

Sarah Traversa – Primary Private Tutor Walton Cardiff 01684 275247 or 07963 367973 Experienced practicing primary school teacher with vast knowledge across the curriculum. Fun, engaging and stimulating lessons tailored for the individual.

A quick google search is likely to turn up many tutors in your area, but it is wise to take up references and ensure you check any CRB statement before hiring. Alternatively you may find a tutor from a personal recommendation or using someone from a reputable agency that does the checks for you. Whichever route you use to find a tutor, meet with them first for an informal chat and only proceed if you feel it would still benefit your child.

Tutors should ensure that your child gets plenty of practice of a range of questions, presented in a number of different ways. You can also do your bit to help your child learn new words from word lists, by watching word quizzes on TV, by playing scrabble and from reading lots!

UK tutor search engines: Some argue that if your child is `bright` Finally, consider whether you would like to www.tutorhunt.com enough they will pass and that those www.firsttutors.com enter your child into a `mock` exam. These requiring tuition may end up struggling www.uktutors.com are held throughout the country by a range of if they do get into grammar school. While organisations and are relatively inexpensive. this could be true, even the brightest child Schools do not usually teach anything about is likely to have more confidence if they have some idea and the grammar school entrance test so it is hard to get this kind of understanding of the tests they are likely to face. experience from school.

This is why tuition can be a great help, even if it may go against your Whatever the final outcome, you`ll know you`ve given your child the principles. The most able students may only need a few sessions to best possible opportunity and at the end of the process you may still familiarise themself with the test while others may progress slowly decide that grammar school is not the best way for them to succeed. over a period of time as the concepts being tested become clearer.

Get

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Wycliffe has more choice, better facilities, excellent results.

Wycliffe Nursery & Preparatory School Co-educational day and boarding school for 2 – 13 years.

For more information please call Wendy Robertson on 01453 820471.

Stonehouse, Gloucestershire GL10 2LD www.wycliffe.co.uk

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May/June 2013

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Yes, it’s that time of year again. 2013’s Walk To School Week runs from

20 - 24 May, bringing together nearly one million schoolchildren, teachers and parents and promising to be the biggest and best yet!

As part of National Walking Month, the campaign aims to teach children of walking including safety, discovery, healthy, eco-friendly and social time. of walking, plus download puzzles, pledges and challenges at:

www.livingstreets.org.uk/walk-with-us/walk-to-school/walk-to-school-week.

Education

Helping Your Child Cope With

exam stress ldren, d 6 chi n a 5 r of yea arents Dear p you to en for t t i r w ach en has be y appro e e l h c t i g t s r a ild lookin This a your ch will be y h t e i h u t w re es b t share emselv I am su h . t s r m fo a x nly able their e nsider t, not o o s c e b a r s i ay he e e’s alw to do t ut thes u. Ther at’ abo o h y ‘c r fo d s also ygroun nd thi t of pla -plus, a n 1 u 1 than o s e u h m t o a ally anxi i c e e r p o s e m exams, hildren rticle make c . This a e o s l t a s c d e th ten norma sed’ is ve been s a e r h t t ‘s h mig etting . to help s that g e ideas explain m o s s e ovid and pr

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o, I guess by now you have heard lots about the 11-plus exam and maybe you have discussed with your parents whether or not you will take this exam.

Or if you are taking SATs this summer, you might have been practising at school or have heard people saying it’s important to do well so you are in the right streams at secondary school.

Some children can be worried about these exams. This might be for lots of reasons. Maybe you’re worried about messing it up, or worried that you won’t understand the questions. This is fine and quite natural.

Now that you understand stress and the impact it has on you, we can look at what you can do to help yourself cope with it.

Look after yourself Make sure you get lots of sleep. Stop homework or playing on computer games at least one hour before going to bed. Exercise helps release tension in your body and boosts your mood. Build it into your timetable each day – perhaps walking around the block, or bouncing on a trampoline.

Your brain needs a steady stream of energy, and the right vitamins and minerals to work properly. Try and eat lots of healthy food. A good breakfast on the day of any exams is important too.

Use coping techniques Talk to your parents or someone else you know well. It’s really important that you don’t suffer alone. Sharing a problem can sometimes make you feel that a burden has been lifted. Others may have experienced the same sorts of feelings.

When you’re stressed, do some relaxing and enjoyable things. This calms your nervous system, stops the release of adrenalin and gives your body a rest. It creates ‘feel good’ chemicals in your body which help you relax. It’s especially important to do this in the evenings as this will help you sleep well.

Keep things in perspective Try to challenge any panicky thoughts like ‘If I don’t pass, my world is over.’ Of course it means a lot to you and your family to do well, however, many people don’t pass exams and life will go on.

Challenge any ‘negative’ thoughts you’re having which seem to make you stressed. Thoughts are not always true. Work out what your worrying thoughts are and then check out whether they are true or not by chatting to your parents or a friend.

Thanks for reading this article, we hope you found it useful.

Dr Lucy Russell is the lead child psychologist at Everlief Child Psychology in West Wycombe. Everlief’s website has lots of other useful information: www.everlief.co.uk

St Edward’s JuniorSchool Cheltenham

In fact getting ‘stressed’ or anxious when you’re faced with exams, is very common. Leading up to an exam, your body gets pumped with two substances called adrenalin and cortisol, which can actually help you focus. This ‘stress response’ was helpful when we were cavemen and needed to run away from wild animals…

But too much stress is not healthy and has a negative impact on your body and mind.

See how you react when stressed by completing this checklist:

How do I feel when I am stressed?

Jumpy

Worried or afraid over

Can’t sit still

little things

Fast breathing

Feeling like crying

Shaky hands

Dry mouth

Cold hands

Muscles feel tense

Heart pounding and

Upset stomach

beating fast

Sweating

Tight feelings in chest

Hard time falling asleep

Getting angry easily

Other...

Wonderful facilities, excellent teaching in small classes for pupils that are confident, intellectually curious, caring and creative.

From ages 2 - 11, come and see how much we have to offer.

Contact 01242 538900 or www.stedwards.co.uk

www.familiesgloucestershire.co.uk

May/June 2013

9

Education

Book Events for Children

Capture your child’s imagination

with a face-to-face encounter with their favourite author or see a book brought to life on stage. This May and June, Gloucestershire has a host of book-related events for you and your family to enjoy, including the Wychwood Festival from 31st May to 2nd June where you can meet Roald Dahl Funny Prize’ winner Philip Ardagh, Horrible Science illustrator Tony de Saulles and take part in workshops with The Roald Dahl Museum’s very own Oompa Loompas! Another highlight is The What on Earth? Wallbook of Natural History author, Christopher Lloyd appearing at the The Times Cheltenham Science Festival on 9th June.

For more information about these and other book-related events please visit www.familiesgloucestershire.co.uk and www.bookeventsforchildren.co.uk

iTutorMaths provides an affordable online tuition alternative Cheltenham-based iTutorMaths began its live, online, small group tuition service 18 months ago. It was set up to provide an effective alternative to the often prohibitively high cost of tuition for families, enabling greater numbers of students to achieve exam success. The service currently caters for GCSE maths and the 11+ and has already helped hundreds of students to achieve exam success since its launch in 2011.

Students logon from home to access lessons at the same time each week using their computer, an internet connection and a headset. In each tutorial, the students work through problems and develop skills with their tutor and the other students in the online classroom.

Each course is delivered over a number of weeks by an expert tutor who is highly experienced at teaching in UK schools.

Lessons and courses are structured to support school learning and match the student’s needs.

For more information, visit www.itutormaths.co.uk or call 0845 038 0017.

Ed’s Reading Room

Hi kids, parents, grandparents, teachers – and book lovers everywhere!

I’m Ed and here is my early Summer book selection for you to enjoy.

The books are all available online from Ed’s Reading Room at www. edontheweb.com.

Ed’s Reading Room is an exciting free online book and story club for primary children in homes and schools. Each month, recently published books are selected as Ed’s Books of the Month for Owlets (age 5-7) and Owls (over 7s). On the website, there are fun literacy activities to accompany each book, including wordsearches, quizzes, poetry and reviews, and there are new original stories in Edtime Stories. There are also lots of other fun online activities, complementary to the curriculum. Check out Ed’s Archive for Ed’s Books of the Month from previous months.

FOR AGES 5-7 YEARS

FOR AGES 7 YEARS PLUS

by Dave Lowe (Templar £5.99) ED SAYS: ‘When Ben Jinks announces that he’s going to build a rocket for the school science competition, his megabrainy hamster is more than a little surprised. Stinky realises he will have to do most of the hard work – and be very involved in the launch! But there’s a cunning plan afoot to upset their ambitious competition entry.

Will Ben and Stinky get their rocket off the ground?

‘This is a very funny story in the fantastic Stinky and Jinks series.

Laugh your socks off as Ben and Stinky aim for the stars.’

by Glenda Millard (Phoenix Yard Books £5.99) ED SAYS: ‘Griffin Silk is a very unusual boy who finds the children at school rather mean. He lives with his loving family though sadly without his mother and baby sister. Griffin holds a secret in his heart and it is only when he meets Layla and he knows he has found a true friend that he starts to deal with his secret. Will he have the courage of his mythical namesake? And will Griffin and Layla together find a way to bring peace to this young boy?

‘This is a beautifully written and extraordinary story that will move as well as entertain its readers.’

My Hamster is an Astronaut

Ed’s Reading Room is part of www.edontheweb.com, a DTI awardwinning website. It was created by Maggie Humphreys, a teacher of more than 25 years, and Les Snowdon, who together are authors of several books on fitness walking and healthy eating. You are very welcome to contact Maggie on 01753 730019 or by email at maggiehumphreys@aol.com about the website or about Ed on the Web Spelling Bees in schools.

10

May/June 2013

www.familiesgloucestershire.co.uk

2013 HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS

Work with Performers from shows such as: HAIRSPRAY, LES MIS, MAMMA MIA, THE LION KING and teachers from PINEAPPLE STUDIOS LONDON. Be inspired, grow in confidence and learn new skills!

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Rose Hill Wesonbirt School Co-ed Preparatory Day School & Nursery ages 3 – 11 Saturday 18th May 2013 Contact 01666 881375 or email aslark@westonbirt.org www.rhwestonbirt.co.uk

FOR AGES 4-18YRS

SING! D

Rendcomb College Co-ed day and boarding school ages 3 – 18 years Friday 3rd May 2013 Contact 01285 831213 or email info@rendcomb.gloucs.sch.uk www.rendcombcollege.org.uk

PERFORMING ARTS TUITION

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School Open Days Dean Close, Cheltenham Co-ed Day & Boarding ages 3 - 18 Saturday 11th May 2013 Contact: Senior School: 01242 258004 Prep and Pre-preparatory School: 01242 258001 www.deanclose.org.uk

The Naming of Tishkin Silk

N G ! DA N C

Summer Schools 2013 29th July - 2nd August in Stroud With competitive prices and unrivalled access to amazing tutors, places sell out quickly!

Book early to avoid disappointment!

t: 0845 519 6455 e: alice@shineonstage.co.uk

www.shineonstage.co.uk

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Start with margarine tubs, yoghurt pots, and any other small containers you might find lying around the house. Instead of fancy trays with separate sections, you’ll find just as much use in empty egg cartons. A lollypop stick can make a great plant label and can be used when dipping out seedlings. And what about a water pistol instead of a watering can. Who would have thoughts watering the plants could be so much fun. (hum good idea this?)

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s we reach for the back door, or open a window for the first time in several months, we may spot a daffodil emerging through the cold hard ground, and just maybe the first sight of blue sky overhead - what better time to encourage your children to explore their environment and discover the world of gardening. Involving children in gardening can be a great and fun experience for everyone regardless of age. Children can really get engrossed in planting and caring for flowers – even those with shorter attention spans! Most kids can’t get enough of the anticipation and excitement of waiting for a seed to sprout or a plant to grow, even making mud pies, as all children find pleasure in a patch of soil they can call their own. Imagine sparking the green fingers of little children, as you point out the wonder of the natural environment around them.

And what better way to learn about photosynthesis, by watching it happen in front of your eyes! Show your child the magic of Mother Nature.

Getting Started Gardening doesn’t require a huge garden or allotment; in fact, it can actually be beneficial to start out with smaller spaces such as a window box or a restricted area. Just ensure that the allocated area gets enough sunlight and start with a small, manageable project. It needn’t cost a lot of money either – you don’t need to buy anything special or fancy, and if you grow your own fruit and veg then you’ll ultimately be making a saving!

There is so much for children to learn. Explain to younger children that the seeds have popped underground and covered up to sleep, helping them understand that they need to be gentle with them and treat them with care. Make sure they know to water regularly and then sit back and watch it grow.

You don’t have to be green fingered yourself, gardening opens up a whole host of great experiments and different ways of looking at things, almost like having your own laboratory in your kitchen. A good idea to show how plants need time to grow, lots of sunshine and water is to grow three separate pots of cress. Place one in sunlight with plenty of water, one in a dark cupboard with plenty of water, and one in sunlight with no water. The difference will be there to see.

Inspire their senses We all have a particular fondness for plants which stimulate our senses and children are no different; point out plants with soft leaves and bright flowers, aromatic herbs, scented flowers, grasses and leaves that rustle when blown, etc. These can be particularly beneficial for children with special needs and requirements.

Plants attract wildlife, which can be hugely exciting. Wildflowers attract bees and butterflies, and watch out for the insects. All of them have a purpose in the garden, for example hedgehogs and toads eat the slugs and snails, and worms create holes in the soil.

Kids will eat anything they have grown themselves, just try with peas, cabbage and lettuce. Sheer pride will lend a flavour never to be forgotten. They will realise that whenever they eat yummy fruit and vegetables that someone had to grow them and that we can all grow our own fresh foods.

Prepare for mess! Gardening isn’t a clean business but its lots of fun and easy enough for children to get to grips with. So peel your children away from the TV and explore the garden - touch the flowers, feel the leaves, and look for bugs. Once they get in the garden and explore, in time they will want to take care of the plants they have learned to love and really gain pleasure along the way. Enjoy!

We do recommend: The Family Kitchen Garden

by Karen Liebreich, Jutta Wagner and Annette Wendland (14 May 2009)

www.familiesgloucestershire.co.uk www.twitter.com/familiesglos www.facebook.com/familiesglos

www.familiesgloucestershire.co.uk

May/June 2013

11

Party Feature

It’s party time!

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birthday party is the highpoint of the year for most kids - so the pressure is on to get it right.

The secret, as ever, is in the planning. But how do you find out which party is right for your child? We guide you through the options.

By Joanna Moorhead

The traditional party What is it? An at-home for the birthday child and friends, with traditional games like pass the parcel (always a winner), pin the tail on the donkey, and musical bumps.

Who’s it suitable for? Great for nursery and reception age children, but don’t neglect its values for older kids, especially girls of eight or nine who often enjoy nothing more than inviting their friends back to their house and having a girly time.

The pros: It’s cheap (or at least, it certainly can be); other parents often stay to help you out, keep you company, especially if you promise a glass of prosecco to help everyone through The cons: You may need to redecorate afterwards; you’ll certainly need to do a major tidy up. It can be difficult to keep your birthday child’s siblings out of the way, which could lead to conflict.

Top tips to make it work: 1 Agree ground rules with the birthday child beforehand about 2 3 4 5

Top tips to make it work: 1 If the activity is long and energetic it might be best to postpone a

which rooms are in and out of bounds Have a timetable for what’s happening when Think about a project, eg build a bear kits, jewellery-making, pirate games Give them chance to let off steam in the garden For tea, spread a huge paper tablecloth on the floor and get them to sit around the edges of it. At the end, simply fold it up with all the rubbish inside and bin.

2 3 4

The action party What is it? Paintballing, go-karting, swimming, Go Ape etc Who’s it suitable for? Older children (seven plus); kids with lots of energy who enjoy racing around The pros: Your house remains intact; the kids have something to focus on, and lots of opportunities to let off steam; many children end up covered in bruises from paintballing (though they don’t seem to mind!)

The cons: It can be very expensive; although some options, eg a swimming pool party, trip to an adventure playground, can be good value

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After a magical yoga adventure the children are relaxed, and their energy is contained. A party can be tailored to your child’s specific request - sail like a pirate, work magic like a fairy, roar with the lions or swim with dolphins.

Invites included

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7 The Courtyard, Montpellier, Cheltenham GL50 1SR. Call: 07919 881 888 07868 556 382

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May/June 2013

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What is it? An indoor party in a hired venue Who’s it suitable for? Children of five plus, who are confident about being left somewhere they don’t know The pros: A lot more space than they’d have if you were at home The cons: You’ll have to leave the place spotless afterwards, and pay for any damage

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winter birthday party to the spring (the kids might get wet and cold as they’ll be outside for ages).

Take plenty of water, squash, snacks including fruit - they’ll need plenty of energy for all that running around.

Make ABSOLUTELY sure you’ve checked all restrictions, eg height restrictions, beforehand - there’s nothing worse than finding out on the day that one of your guests is too small to participate.

Make sure you get parental consent forms signed well in advance the venue will require you to do this before they allow you in.

Ensure the kids wear any safety equipment at all times.

www.familiesgloucestershire.co.uk 19/02/2013

14:35

Party Feature

Party Listings Craft and makeover parties

Decorations and going home gifts

PAINT IT YOURSELF POTTERY

THE PARTY BAG COMPANY www.thepartybagco.com

Cheltenham 01242 575 700 www.piyp.co.uk

PICK-A-POT CIRENCESTER 01285 650405 www.pickapot.co.uk

© oksun70 - Fotolia.com

Top tips to make it work: 1 Try to find somewhere with outdoor space as well in case it’s a lovely day.

2 Ask if you can borrow/use playgroup play equipment.

3 Have lots of help, and have tea reasonably early in the afternoon so you can get it tidied away before the end.

4 If you’ve got the budget, consider hiring an entertainer - the extra 5

space will make it a lot more fun.

Musical games, dancing, discos etc are great fun in church halls.

Whatever sort of party you’re having don’t neglect the party bags!

Every kid, at every party, is secretly (or not so secretly!) longing for a party bag - and part of the excitement for your child is helping to put the bags together. Have a budget and stick to it - party bags can add hugely to the cost of a party - but try and limit the wasteful plastic toys that get thrown away immediately.

See our online Children’s Parties Section for more, including: 8 low cost party bags ideas: www.familiesonline.co.uk/lowcostpartybags Our editorial team top tips: www.familiesonline.co.uk/ourbestpartytips

JUST BOUNCING 0843 289 9050 www.justbouncing.com

Did you know that the award winning Carousel has wonderful party outfits for both boys and girls from 0 - 12 years? Wether it’s full on pretty party or smart casual we have beautiful items at a fraction of the price on the high street! Find us in Montpellier Courtyard, Cheltenham. Visit www. carousel-clothing.co.uk or call 07919 881 888/ 07868 556382

BISLEY BOUNCY CASTLES 01452 770613 www.bisleybouncycastles.co.uk

THE PAINT POT 01684 297747 www.thepaintpot-tewkesbury.co.uk SQUIGGLE & JIGGLE 07919 097590 www.kidspartieschelt.co.uk TEDDY BEAR & DOLL MAKING PARTIES 01453 890485 www.teddybearmakingparty.co.uk

Music for little ones MUSIC WITH MUMMY 01454 773267 www.musicwithannemarie.co.uk MONKEY MUSIC 07768 457403 www.monkeymusic.co.uk MUSICAL MINI’S 01242 228 232 www.musicalminis.co.uk JOJINGLES 01453 839 464 www.jojingles.com/centralglouc estershire

Entertainers

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CRAFTY MISS 07967 610063 www.craftymiss.co.uk

MAGIC MASKS 07810 445 774 www.magicmasks.co.uk CHELTENHAM FACE PAINTING 0771 7558 530 www.cheltenhamfacepainting.co.uk

www.dickwhittington.org Tel: 01452 831 000

ALL ABOUT FUN 01242 235 273 www.allaboutfunuk.com

ABACUS MAGIC 01452 617769 BOHEMIAN KIDS JEWELLERY PARTIES www.abacusmagic.co.uk 07810 015220 ACE OF DIAMONDS www.bohemiankids.co.uk 01453 823 971 www.aceofdiamonds.co.uk JUMANGILLOU 07939 260118 www.jumangillou.co.uk Party services

Face painting

Winner of th e ‘Forest of De an’ Tourism Aw ard.

Bouncy castle hire

PAINT-A-POT NAILSWORTH 01453 835043 www.paint-a-pot.co.uk

GLITTER & GLOSS 01452 417696 www.glitterandgloss.co.uk

FUN AND ADVENTURE

BALLOON CRAZY PARTY PALACE 01452 226557 www.ballooncrazypartypalace.co.uk

Mobile zoo

LET’S PARTY 01242 232993 letspartyuk.moonfruit.com COTSWOLD PARTY SERVICES 01285 885131 www.cotswoldpartyservices.co.uk

Active Parties HAPPY DAYS GYM 07947 054 277 www.happydaysgym.co.uk PLAYFARM 01242 257955 www.playfarm.co.uk

MAGICLAND 01285 885570 ROAMING REPTILES www.magicland.co.uk 07807 317239 www.facebook.com/roamingreptilesuk

Little London, Longhope, Gloucestershire GL17 OPH

www.familiesgloucestershire.co.uk

May/June 2013

13

Party Feature GO BANANAS 01453 769120 www.gobananas.org.uk

HEAD FOR HEIGHTS 01285 770007 www.head4heights.net

JUNGLE CHUMS MIBURY HEATH 01454 501016 www.junglechums.co.uk ® parties

Do you want something different for your child’s party?

After a magical yoga adventure the children are relaxed & their energy spent! A party can be themed to your child’s request.

Invites, party certificates & gift for birthday child included.

For more information call Andrea on 0845 6801769, email cheltenham@tattybumpkin. com or visit www.tattybumpkin. com/cheltenham

Half Term Activities

Please always phone before setting out in case details have changed since press or we got it wrong.

Days Out BRISTOL ZOO GARDENS

Clifton, Bristol BS8 3HA 0117 974 7300 www.bristolzoo.org.uk 30 May. Fabulous Falcons children’s holiday event Discover amazing facts about the Avon Gorge’s fastest and most beautiful predator and have lots of fun in our pigeon-peregrine game. In the afternoon create your own fabulous falcon kite. Suitable for 8 – 12 yrs. £8.50 per child. Book with the Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project on 0117 9030609 or e-mail mleivers@bristolzoo.org.uk

CHEDWORTH ROMAN VILLA

Yanworth, Cheltenham, GL54 3LJ 01242 890256 www.nationaltrust.org. uk/chedworth-roman-villa Half Term Activities at Chedworth Tremendous family fun including hands on activities with lots to do and see.

COTSWOLD WILDLIFE PARK & GARDENS Bradwell Grove, Burford, Oxfordshire OX18 4JP 01993 823006 www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk

25 - 31 May. Lemur Week A week of Lemur based talks and activities to highlight the park’s Lemur conservation work to save species such as the Great Bamboo Lemur and Sifaka from extinction. Find out more about the conservation projects

14

May/June 2013

Hold your party in a farm park full of fascinating wildlife and exciting activities. Children parties include invitations, party bags, 2 hours for food and play and much more.

For more information call 01452 831000 or visit www.dickwhittington.org.

JDR INDOOR KARTING 01452 311211 www.jdrkarting.co.uk CHELTENHAM CUB KARTING 01242 527095 www.cheltenhamcubkarting.com at www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk/ conservation

WESTONBIRT ARBORETUM

Tetbury, Glos, GL8 8QS 01666 880220 www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt Westonbirt Arboretum is a huge natural playground for children! From becoming a young adventurer on the natural play trails to taking part in family events or self-led trails, there’s something to suit families across the seasons.

28 – 30 May. Bug World - Half Term family event Discover the creepy crawlies that live at Westonbirt and their remarkable relationships with our trees. This activity will include a family trail and crafts. Suitable for 3 yrs plus. Free after admission.

Museums CORINIUM MUSEUM

Park Street, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 2BX Phone: 01285 655611 www.coriniummuseum.cotswold. gov.uk 28 May. Green Man Collages family drop in Summer is coming and the Green Man is a symbol of growth, rebirth and all things new. Join us and make your own Green Man to take home with you. 10:30am – 11:30am. Suitable for children 3yrs plus. £1 per child.

Free to season ticket holders.

30 May. Exploring fossils.

A children’s holiday workshop.

Explore some of the fossils in the Corinium Museum’s collections, and create a record of your own.

Using drawing techniques and clay modelling, you will create your own fossil assemblage to display at home.

10:00am – 12:00 midday. Suitable for children 8 – 16yrs . £6 per child. £5 for season ticket holders. Booking essential.

www.familiesgloucestershire.co.uk

GO KART PARTY 0870 116 2000 www.go-kartparty.co.uk

GL1 GLOUCESTER 0845 643 4203 www.gl1.org.uk

OXSTALLS SPORTS PARK 0845 643 4204 www.oxstalls.org.uk

LEISURE@CHELTENHAM 01242 528764 www.leisureatcheltenham.com

For a legendary kids’ party venue go to The Warehouse Climbing Centre in Gloucester.

Everyone loves our climbing Walls, soft-play style bouldering, hi-tech Digi-Wall and Wii® Wall.

Includes your own Party Room, great food and Party Host, so parents can relax! Visit www.thewarehouse.co.uk or call 01452 302351.

ANDY TUCKER SOCCER 01531 650387 www.atsoccercamps.co.uk 31 May. Anglo Saxon Shields family drop in Join the Corinium Museum to make your own Anglo Saxon Shield.

10:30am – 11:30am. Suitable for children 3yrs plus. £1 per child.

Free to season ticket holders.

MUSEUM IN THE PARK

Stratford Park, Stratford Road, Stroud GL5 4AF 01453 763394 www.museuminthepark.org.uk 28 May – 2 June. Drop in Half Term family fun: Treasure Maps What treasures and messages from the past lie hidden beneath our feet?

The Museum is full of incredible finds unearthed in the local landscape - Roman gold, precious jewellery, fabulous fossils and so much more.

11am – 4.00pm (drop-in). Family activity for children 5yrs plus. £1 per child

Days Out AT-BRISTOL

Anchor Road, Bristol BS1 5DB 0845 345 1235 www.at-bristol.org.uk 17 May. Toddler Takeover: Come rain, Come shine!

A fun-filled day just for the under fives!

From 11 May. Explore your universe family show Explore Your Universe with this exciting family show, bringing to life the latest discoveries in science – from atoms to astrophysics!

BERKELEY CASTLE

Berkeley, Gloucestershire GL13 9BQ 01453 810332 www.berkeley-castle.com

CATTLE COUNTRY ADVENTURE PARK

Berkeley Heath Farm, Berkeley, Gloucestershire GL13 9EW 01453 810510 www.cattlecountry.co.uk At Cattle Country you will find a whole range of activities to keep you and the

STRATFORD PARK LEISURE CENTRE Stroud 01453 766771 www.everyoneactive.com CASCADES LEISURE CENTRE Tewkesbury 01684 293740 GLOUCESTERSHIRE HEALTH AND RACQUET CLUB 01452 651 000 www.virginactive.co.uk/clubs/ gloucestershire-health-and-racquets-club VIRGIN ACTIVE GLOUCESTER 01452 634400 www.virginactive.co.uk/clubs/ gloucester whole family amused, whatever the weather.

COTSWOLD FARM PARK

Bemborough Farm, Kineton, Gloucestershire GL54 5UG 01451 850 307 www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk Since the beginning of February Adam and team have been kidding and lambing, with lots of cute newcomers to the Park for visitors to meet, greet and bottle-feed.

COTSWOLD WILDLIFE PARK & GARDENS

Bradwell Grove, Burford, Oxfordshire OX18 4JP 01993 823006 www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk 4 – 6 May and 25 – 27 May. Cotswold Falconry Flying displays of birds of prey.

11 May. Scruffs Dog Show Cotswold Wildlife Park’s third annual charity dog show from 10.30am-2pm 2 June. MG Car Rally

DICK WHITTINGTON FARM PARK

Little London, Longhope, Gloucestershire GL17 0PH 01452 831000 www. dickwhittington.org May 6. Children’s Food Festival Banquet At no extra charge, all visiting children will be able to sample a wide range of food and drink. 2pm – 4pm.

GLOUCESTER QUAYS

Gloucester Quays, St Ann Way, Gloucester GL1 5SH 01452 338933 www.gloucesterquays.co.uk 24 – 27 May. Gloucester Quays Tall Ships Festival Spectacular ships, fun living history characters, marauding pirates, live music, arts, crafts and food stalls, and activities for children. FREE ENTRY

NATIONAL TRUST GLOUCESTERSHIRE

Dyrham Park, Dyrham, near Bath, SN14 8ER (Sat Nav: SN14 8HY) 0117 937 2501 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ dyrham-park

What’s On May/Jun 13 12 May. Love Food Festival The Love Food Festival returns to Dyrham with plenty of mouthwatering local produce to try and buy.

NEWARK PARK

Ozleworth, Wotton-under-Edge, GL12 7PZ 01793 817666 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/newarkpark 23 June. Love Food Festival The Love Food Festival returns to Newark with plenty of mouth-watering local produce to try and buy.

PRINKNASH BIRD AND DEER PARK

Prinknash Road, Matson, Gloucester GL4 8EU 01452 812 727 www.thebirdpark.co.uk 18 and 25 May. Fairy and Wizard World Children can create their own miniature fairy grotto’s in the activities tent and this will then be followed by lunch in the Gypsy Caravan. £10.00 for children which includes entry to the park, the activities tent, lunch in the caravan, face painting and of course lots of fun.

SLIMBRIDGE WETLAND CENTRE

Bowditch, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT 01453 890 333 www.wwt.org.uk/visit/slimbridge To 31 Aug. Canoe Safari Grab a paddle and sail the watery passages of our canoe safari trail. Cruise down our km long trail in a canoe which will take you to see birds from around the world as well as wildlife native to these shores and unique to this area. Every day 11am – 4pm weather permitting.

WESTONBIRT ARBORETUM

Tetbury, Glos, GL8 8QS 01666 880220 www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt Westonbirt Arboretum is a huge natural playground for children! From becoming a young adventurer on the natural play trails to taking part in family events or self-led trails, there’s something to suit families across the seasons.

Museums BEATRIX POTTER’S THE TAILOR OF GLOUCESTER MUSEUM & SHOP

9 College Court, Gloucester GL1 2NJ 01452 422 856 www.tailor-of-gloucester.org.uk A charming museum and quaint shop staffed by volunteers who are both enthusiastic and knowledgeable about Beatrix Potter and her works.

Open Monday - Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday noon until 4pm.

CORINIUM MUSEUM

Park Street, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 2BX 01285 655611 www. coriniummuseum.cotswold.gov.uk

COTSWOLD MOTORING MUSEUM & TOY COLLECTION The Old Mill, Bourton-on-theWater GL54 2BY 01451 821255 www. cotswoldmotoringmuseum.co.uk

You can visit TV’s Brum at his home and see where he was filmed. The little super hero car, whose adventures start and end at the Museum, can be found at the Museum every day. The Cotswold Motoring Museum is open 10am- 6pm seven days a week from 10th February.

DEAN HERITAGE CENTRE

Soudley, Cinderford, Gloucestershire GL14 2UB 01594 822 170 www.deanheritagecentre.com 25 – 27 May. Fire and Wood Festival The popular festival celebrates its 6th year with wood craft demonstrations, chainsaw carvings, a traditional charcoal burn and great hands on activities for all ages.

9 June. 42nd Morris Dancing Festival View this thrilling, traditional spectacle as the Forest of Dean, Cotswold, North West Clog and Longsword dancers perform a massed display of Morris dancing.

GLOUCESTER WATERWAYS MUSEUM

Llanthony Warehouse, Gloucester GL1 2EH 01452 318200 www.gloucesterwaterwaysmuseum.org.uk 24 – 27 May. Gloucester Tall Ships Festival Gloucester Waterways Museum is set to welcome visitors to Gloucester docks as part of the city’s Tall Ships Festival 2013. Children’s craft activities will be taking place in the museum throughout the Festival weekend.

through to a Zoo of the petting variety. For tickets and more information visit www.asparafest.co.uk

THE COTSWOLD SHOW

Cirencester Park, Cirencester GL7 1XB 6 – 7 July. 9am – 6pm Attractions include The Imps Motorcycle Display Team, Scurry and Trials Driving, the Silver Stars Skydiving team and Cheshire Dog Display. The National Festival Circus will be making its debut in its own Big Top and children will love the fabulous funfair with traditional rides and candy floss!

Family tickets £27 for 2 adults and up to 3 children, adult tickets £10 and children (3-12 years) £4. Under 3s are free. For more information visit www.cotswoldshow.co.uk

P CA2M -11 4-

2013 CAMP DATES

Easter 25th-28th March Summer 5th-23rd August

10% OFF WITH THIS FLYER Based at St Edwards School in Cheltenham

THE WYCHWOOD FESTIVAL

Cheltenham Racecourse, Prestbury Park, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 4SH 31 May – 2 June.

Returning for its ninth year the family, folk and world music festival Wychwood has something for all ages. Younger festival –goers can get involved in children’s literature, poetry, theatre and dance workshops and the little ones will love Cbeebies entertainer Mr. Bloom who will appear on the Main Stage on Sunday!

For more information and bookings visit www.wychwoodfestival.com

Camp 4-2-11 is a Holiday Activity Club for Kids aged 4-11 We provide a creative alternative to sports based camps where children can explore, have adventures and make new friends.

Activities include

DRAMA+MUSIC ARTS+CRAFTS GAMES OUTDOOR FUN SWIMMING

t:07825 630751 t:01242 227748 www.camp4211.co.uk email: info@camp4211.co.uk

MUSEUM IN THE PARK

Stratford Park, Stratford Road, Stroud GL5 4AF 01453 763394 www.museuminthepark.org.uk 28 May – 2 June. Drop in Half Term family fun: Treasure Maps What treasures and messages from the past lie hidden beneath our feet?

The Museum is full of incredible finds unearthed in the local landscape - Roman gold, precious jewellery, fabulous fossils and so much more.

11am – 4.00pm (drop-in).

Family activity for children 5yrs plus. £1 per child

Outdoor Events AMBERLEY PAROCHIAL SCHOOL’S COW HUNT

4 – 5 May. 1pm – 5pm.

Celebrate the forthcoming arrival of the real cows to the Common with a fun afternoon of cow hunting. All funds raised go to help the school, as well as “Send a Cow” which provides livestock for families in Africa. Trail starts near Amberley Parochial School, at the top of Culver Hill, off A46, nr Stroud, GL5 5JG. For more information visit www.facebook.com/AmberleyCowHunt

ASPARAFEST 2013

Ashdown Farm, Badsey, Nr Evesham, Worcestershire, WR11 7PA 1 – 2 June. 10am – 9pm (Saturday) and 10am – 5pm (Sunday) A – Z of weekend entertainment from Asparagus Eating Competitions

www.familiesgloucestershire.co.uk

May/June 2013

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What’s On May/Jun 13 THE GLOUCESTER GUILDHALL

Theatre THE COTSWOLD PLAYHOUSE

Parliament Street, Stroud GL5 1LW 0870 432 5405 www.cotswoldplayhouse.co.uk 26 June. Moonfleet Smugglers, shipwrecks, a haunted crypt, hidden treasure, vengeance and enduring love are the ingredients of J. Meade Falkner’s classic tale Moonfleet, brought vividly to life in Bristol Old Vic Theatre School’s latest West Country touring production.

THE EVERYMAN THEATRE

7 - 10 Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ 01242 512 515 www.everymantheatre.org.uk 21 – 25 May. James and the Giant Peach The Birmingham Stage Company proudly presents Roald Dahl’s amazing story. If you’re looking for fruitfilled fun and wizzpopping wonders, then don’t miss James and his Giant Peach!

28 May – 1 June. Beauty and the Beast In a ‘tale as old as time’, Disney’s smash hit Broadway musical Beauty and the Beast is coming to the Everyman Theatre. Based on the Academy Award-winning animation, this spellbinding production contains all your favourite characters, as well as lavish sets and spectacular costumes.

23 Eastgate St, Gloucester GL1 1NS 01452 503050 www.gloucester.gov.uk/guildhall Mondays. LaLa Lounge (for parents with under 5’s) Escape the shopping frenzy for an hour or three in a comfy cinema.

Meet your friends, chill and chat, treat yourself to tea, coffee or a light lunch while the little ones watch CBeebies.

10am – 1pm. Free entry.

THE ROSES THEATRE

Sun Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5NX 01684 295074 www.rosestheatre.org 1 June. We Need Bees.

Bertie Bee is at the bottom of the heap in a tightly run, busy little beehive, and spending his day pollinating boring old apples. But Bertie dreams of pollinating the wild flowers in the countryside like his highly respected friend Bron Bee. Theatr na nÓg is one of Wales’s leading theatre production companies, and has been providing first-class theatre to young people of all ages for over 30 years. Tickets £7 .

Dates for your Diary SACRED HEARTS ANNUAL SUMMER FETE

Sacred Hearts Catholic Church, Moorend Road, Charlton Kings GL53 9AU 8 June. 12 Noon to 3.00pm.

WIN tickets to Wychwood Festival!

Britain’s best-loved family, folk and world music festival returns to Cheltenham Racecourse from 31st May to 2nd June.

As well as great music young festival-goers can enjoy Roald Dahl’s story centre, children’s literature, poetry, theatre and dance workshops.

For your chance to win a family ticket (which includes two adults tickets and two children under 10) to Wychwood 2013 simply visit: www.familiesgloucestershire.co.uk/competitions Closing date Sunday 19th May 2013.

Great entertainment for children and adults (including bouncy castle, belly dancers and tombola), good food, Nearly New toys, plant stalls etc Visit their Facebook page at Sacred Hearts Catholic Church, Charlton Kings Summer Fete 8 June 2013

AMBERLEY PLAYGROUP NEARLY NEW SALE

Amberley Parish Rooms, underneath Amberley Church, Amberley www.amberleychurch.org.uk Children’s clothes (aged 12 months +), children’s and baby equipment, pushchairs, maternity clothes and TOYS. Doors open between 10.00am and 11.30am. For queries or to register for a seller’s pack contact Katy Easey on: (01453) 872142, email: spearskaty@aol.com

NCT NEARLY NEW SALES

All Saints Academy, Blaisdon Way Cheltenham GL51 0WH 4 May. Toys & equipment. 10:30am – 12 midday For more information visit www.nct.org.uk/branches/ cheltenham/nearly-new-sales

Street, Cheltenham GL50 1SP 15 June. 3pm -5pm Fashions, workshops, demonstrations and activities for men, women and children of all ages on clothes, hair and beauty. Local independent labels and businesses, stall holders and well-known household fashion names will be participating. Raffle and light refreshments available.

MUM-TO-BE TIME: PAMPERING FOR PREGNANT LADIES

Chapel Spa, 10 North Place, Cheltenham GL50 4DW 9 May. 7pm New, exclusive and intimate mornings designed to make expectant mums feel even more ‘yummy mummy’.

Relax while you enjoy free treatments and tasters. Includes non-alcoholic cocktail and nibbles.

Tickets £12.50 per person or £20 for two.

For more information and to book visit www.jttevents.co.uk/events/ mum-to-be-time and follow www.facebook.com/metimeseries

ST MARY’S SUMMER FAYRE

St Mary’s Primary School, St Mary’s Road, Tetbury GL8 8BW 01666 502275 6 July. 12 midday – 3pm

FAMILY FASHION EVENT IN AID OF CANCER RESEARCH UK St Andrews Church, Montpellier

WIN a Too Too Premium Balance Bike with Myfirstbike and Families Gloucestershire are giving away a fabulous Too Too bike to the value of £110 to one lucky reader!

Also included is a helmet and free Balanceability Parent Guide which will help you get your child on their bike; and even some stickers for rewards.

This bike is ideally sized for children aged 2- 5 years and is a perfect, lightweight, easy balance first bike for your child.

To enter this competition simply go to: www.familiesgloucestershire.co.uk/competitions Closing date 28th June 2013.

May/June 2013

www.familiesgloucestershire.co.uk