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May /June2012 Issue No. 009
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IN THIS ISSUE
Parties! Featherdown Farm Competition Book Reviews The Cotswold Chef What’s On
For families with young children aged 0-12 in Gloucestershire
FGCONTENTS
FAMILIES GLOUCESTERSHIRE FGCIRCULATION
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.
MAY/JUNE 2012 CONTENTS
CONTACT US Wendy Hamm, Families Gloucestershire email: editor@familiesgloucestershire.co.uk web: www.familiesgloucestershire.co.uk tel: 01453 544658 Facebook: www.facebook.co/familiesglos Twitter: www.twitter.com/familiesglos COVER PHOTOGRAPH By Robling Photography www.roblingphotography.com
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2 May /June201 Issue No. 009
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2–3 NEWS & INFORMATION
10-13 PARTIES FEATURE
4 WRITING ON WALLS
14 JUBILEE FACE PAINTING
5 ED’s READING ROOM E
IN THIS ISSU
Parties! ws Book Revie Chef The Cotswold What’s On
For families with
young children
cestershire
aged 0-12 in Glou
15 -16 WHAT’S ON
6-7 EDUCATION NEWS
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8 THE COTSWOLD CHEF
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9 50 THINGS TO DO BEFORE YOU’RE 113/4
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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2 May / June 2012
CELEBRATE TREES! WESTONBIRT’S TREEFEST Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, 25-27 August 2012 amily activities to discover the intrepid world of plant hunting, expert carvers creating big play trail pieces and over 100 exhibitors join this year’s Treefest at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum in Gloucestershire. Kids go free at the event, which takes place from Saturday 25 to Monday 27 August at the Forestry Commission managed arboretum. Visitors can watch as carvers take inspiration from fairytales and nature to create large wooden sculptures that will become part of the new play trail in Silk Wood. Wood for the sculptures is sourced as part of the routine management of Westonbirt Arboretum’s tree collection Simon Hough, the Forestry Commission’s Recreation Manager at Westonbirt Arboretum commented: “Over 20,000 visitors came to our new-look Treefest last year and we had some great feedback about the event - particularly around the family activities, live music and exhibitors. “We know many visitors want to see big carving, so this year Treefest will have three expert carvers creating pieces to stay on site after the event. We hope visitors will enjoy watching these sculptures take shape across the weekend.” Local live music, traditional woodland skills, local food producers and live cookery demonstrations from local celebrity chefs will also entertain visitors. Rob Rees MBE, ‘The Cotswold Chef’ and Charlotte Pike from
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www.familiesgloucestershire.co.uk
Go Free Foods will use local, fresh ingredients to create delicious dishes in the Treefest Foodhall. Visitors can save money with advance weekend and daily tickets, available from www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirttreefest. Advance weekend tickets are £30 for adults and £26 for concessions. Advance daily admission is £10 for adults, £8 for concessions and Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum and kids go free throughout the event. Visitors to Treefest will again have the chance to camp at the event. This year, visitors can upgrade to a tipi or yurt for their weekend. Details on how to book can be found on Westonbirt Arboretum’s website. The festival will run from Saturday 25 to Monday 27 August, with the daily programme from 10am to 5pm and live music taking place into the evening. More details are available from www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt-treefest.
Credit: Paul Groom
FGNEWS&INFORMATION
BEST FOOT FORWARD
I
s your family up for the great British Walking Challenge? The national charity Living Streets is urging all of us to mark May by leaving our cars at home and walking to and from school, work and the shops. According to recent research, only one in ten commuters walks to work, and a quarter of us admit we rarely walk for as much as 20 minutes at a time. But walking is one of the most effective forms of exercise - and it's also one of the simplest to do, and one of the cheapest. Tony Armstrong of Living Streets says the secret to being successful is to make walking part of your ordinary life - so choose a journey you'd be making anyway, and work out how you can walk all or some of it. For more information see www.living streets.org.uk
OPEN FARM SUNDAY June 17th 2012
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s Open Farm Sunday moves into its seventh year, organisers LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) are encouraging more farmers than ever to open their gates on the 17th June 2012. Open Farm Sunday is a FREE nationwide event to encourage people to see what goes on in the countryside. Billow Farm, Berkeley, Gloucestershire we will be opening their gates for the 4th year in succession. Come and enjoy a tractor and trailer ride around the farmland, taste test our farm fresh organic bread and apple juice pressed from trees in our orchard. Farm made ice creams, homemade cakes and organic burgers and sausages from our BBQ will be available all day. Among some of the many activities we will have on the day, visitors will be able to take part in the first ever national farm pollinator survey, explore our nature trail, visit our new sensory barn, listen to a story in the hay barn, feed the pygmy goats, sheep and chickens and meet our horses and ponies. Picnic areas are available around the farm so why not make a day of it and bring family and friends. For more information visit www.farmsunday.org or www.billowfarmeducation.co.uk
REDUCING CHILD ACCIDENTS
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fter cancer, accidents are the biggest single killer of UK children - and even children who survive serious accidents are often left with injuries that take months or years to heal. What's more, the psychological damage caused to children and to their parents as the result of an accident can last a lifetime. This year's Child Safety Week, June 18-24, aims to raise awareness of accident prevention amongst parents and those who work with children - reminding them, for example, to make sure that hot drinks are placed out of a child's reach and that bathroom cleaning products are locked away. For more information on the activities planned see www.childsafetyweek.org.uk
GROOVY2SHOES
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assionate about Foot Health and Bringing the Very Best in Children’s Footwear to Stow on the Wold. Groovy2Shoes opened its doors on February 18th in Stow on the Wold. The shop has been very much designed with children and parents in mind, it is easily accessible for prams and buggies
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tart Imagining is a new recycling programme for schools and families, inspired by HRH The Prince of Wales to stimulate young people to create arts and crafts from scrap or reclaimed materials. To kick-start the campaign a national competition, ‘From Tip To Ship’, has been launched for ages 5 to 16 to create a model boat that will be exhibited in London throughout June. Children have the opportunity to create an extraordinary and visionary model using reclaimed materials. ‘Start Imagining’ is a collaboration between Start, Cool it Schools, Craft Club and Freecycle and is available to schools through free, online resource packs. So get re-using! www.startimagining.co.uk
GOTHERINGTON FUN PONY AND DOG SHOW 24TH JUNE 2012. ollowing the previous year’s amazing success plans are underway for the
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fourth Gotherington Fun Pony and Dog Show. The original Gotherington show ran for 13 years raising approx £24,000 for local charities however it came to an end in 1999. It was decided to resurrect the show in 2009 and create a fun day out for the whole family, centering on providing a safe and fun show especially for children. They have so far been able to donate £14,050 to local charities. The show does not just cater for pony and dog lovers, everyone can enjoy the traditional fun show from children to Grandparents alike. They offer a wide range of traditional and modern attractions. Pony Classes – Fun dog show – Vintage vehicles – Raffle – Trade stands – Ring and field attractions Dressage to music demonstration - Craft stalls – Face painting – Tombola – Alpacas – Exotic animals A licensed bar, food and live music - traditional working displays – Bird display – Pets corner and much more! The show is being organised primarily to raise funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care, Gotherington School and Toucan, a small local children’s charity supporting children who have experienced a crisis in their lives.
and the shop has a funky vibrant feel. The colourful artwork has been provided by local children’s artist Colourtown and to keep siblings and waiting children happy there are indestructible toys, a huge blackboard for the more creative customers and an integrated train set. For parents there are comfortable seating areas, a water dispenser, as well as magazines and newspapers for those times when a short wait is required. Our feet are one of the most important parts of our body and walk more than 115,000 miles in an average lifetime, but we
FAMILIES GLOUCESTERSHIRE
S
RECYCLE CREATIVELY
adly,this will be the last issue of Families Gloucestershire, at least in the short-term.
If you are interested in owning your own business and want the flexibility to work part-time hours that fit around your family then this could be your perfect opportunity to take over a well established magazine but one which still has huge potential to be developed further. . As the next editor/owner of Families Gloucestershire you will join a friendly group of fellow mums or dads from around the UK running your own franchise of Families Magazines Limited. No previous experience necessary, just a passion for all things of interest to parents in Gloucestershire! If you would like to discuss this unique opportunity, please contact Wendy on 01453 544658 email: editor@familiesgloucestershire.co.uk
mistreat them in so many ways. The Children’s Foot Health Register within the UK echoes this statement and suggests that around 70% of foot problems in later life are related to poor fitting shoes in childhood. Bev is passionate about promoting foot health and is only one of a handful of qualified shoe fitters in Gloucestershire working in children's footwear. She is already starting to forge links with local schools, and nurseries to educate on the importance of the developing child’s foot as well as providing guidance on buying footwear.
DON’T DREA
now enrolling for poppets! Drama, singing and dancing classes for 4 to 6 year olds every Saturday morning... We are enrolling now in this area Places are limited so visit us at www.pqacademy.com or call us now on 084567 32022
www.familiesgloucestershire.co.uk
May /June 2012 3
FGNEWS&INFORMATION
WHY YOU SHOULDN'T STOP YOUR TODDLER FROM WRITING ON YOUR WALLS! By Usha Patel Learning Difficulties Therapist. ushapatel.raviv@gmail.com
Introducing cursive handwriting in the first years of schooling is a daunting task for parent and child alike. Yet, more and more primary schools are insisting that a child entering school should embark on writing at this seemingly complicated level. As a mother and a therapist I completely agree with this line of thought. In fact, I made sure that this was a pre-requisite when selecting a school for my own child. The process may appear contrived but cursive script is a more natural progression from the circular scribbles and curved forms, than print block writing is. Printed letters requires more developed motor control of the hand, and more strength in the child's wrist than can be mustered by a five year old. The precision required to form clear geometric linear shapes can not be created as a starting point to writing, but an accumulative skill acquired much later in developmental terms. Just by looking at a child's (pre-school) drawings you can see that curved shapes are more frequent than angular linear shapes. There are a number of arguments
against this idea; opponents feel it causes confusion as cursive writing does not appear in printed form in books, or that it is too complicated to create and looks illegible. Of course there are exceptions to the rule when a child has a diagnosed problem such as dysgraphia/dyspraxia and the complexity of writing/drawing or any other fine motor activity is difficult. Everything else put aside the benefit of cursive script outweigh block print. The key advantages to this system are: • By making each letter in one movement children’s hands develop a ‘physical memory’ of it, making it easier to produce the correct shape; • Because letters and words flow from left to right children are less likely to reverse letters that are generally difficult (like b/d or p/q); • There is a clearer distinction between capital letters and lower case letters; • The continuous flow of writing ultimately improves speed as well as spelling. I have worked with many dyslexic children that do not reverse their letters when writing because they have been taught to write using cursive script; moving from left to right when writing without taking their pencil off the page and always starting at the same point when moving across the page. Initially it is not an easy route (early years are a challenge!) it is nevertheless worth to persist and give it sufficient time. Especially since complicated spelling easily can be embedded in the physical memory of how that spelling 'feels' as one writes the shapes in the memorised sequence. So what about writing on walls? Why should this be encouraged? 'Mark making' scribbling is a secondary skill for refining fine motor control. Its pre-requisite is gross motor skills acquired when using
our arms. Thus, coordination in our arms acquired when crawling, using a spoon to eat, climbing, throwing and catching all need to be developed first. Using a vertical surface to write on will: • Strengthen shoulders, upper arms and hand. • Strengthen wrist and intrinsic hand muscles needed later for fine motor co-ordination such as cutting and writing. • Allow a child to see what he/she is drawing whilst standing in front of it rather than being hunched over the table. • Allow better coordination between eyes and hands as the work is at eye level • Encourage bilateral integration (simultaneous use of both hands) if the child has to steady himself/herself with the other hand. • Possibly encourage hand dominance (establishing the hand for writing with) considering the child needs to stand up and lean towards the wall. By doing so he or she will be using more muscle groups and will be reaching/writing with the most stable hand (this is my own conclusion). What’s more, parents need not sacrifice their pristine walls for this endeavour. The use of easels, adhesive black board sheets or paper stuck to the fridge is fine. My personal favourite from when my daughter was younger was drawing with chunky chalk on the garage wall. © Usha Patel 2012 Usha Patel is a Learning Difficulties Therapist . She works through using simple movements and exercises specified according to every child's unique capability. Her focus lays on using non-invasive motor sensory techniques to help academic performance. You can contact Usha via her practice website www.ravivpracticelondon.co.uk
FAMILIES GLOUCESTERSHIRE COMPETITIONS!
Win!
one of the best-loved family holidays in the land!
One lucky family can win a three night weekend stay with Feather Down Farm Days this September worth £500! Farmers Robert and Jayne look forward to welcoming one lucky reader to Billingsmoor, their picture postcard organic farm in mid Devon. Their tranquil herd of Friesians, Kunekune pigs, sheep and chickens will soon lift the cares of daily life from your shoulders. You'll enjoy spectacular views across rolling countryside whilst your children enjoy the sort of freedom you remember from your youth.
To enter simply go to: www.familiesonline.co.uk/featherdown Closing date for entries: 9am, 2nd July 2012 Please quote this competition code: FDF2012 4 May / June 2012
www.familiesgloucestershire.co.uk
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
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d’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
Ed’s Reading Room is part of www.edontheweb.com, a DTI award-winning 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 mgh@edontheweb.com about the website or about Ed on the Web Spelling Bees in schools.
PERFORMING ARTS TUITION
FOR AGES 4-18YRS
2012 HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS
! ze w! ee o Fr N e g ic llin Pr ro En
BARNEY THE BOAT DOG: FAIRGROUND SURPRISE BY LINDA NEWBERY (USBORNE PUBLISHING £4.99) ED SAYS: ‘Barney loves living on Jim’s narrowboat and he particularly enjoys it when Jim’s young grandson is staying with them. Freddie is hoping to buy his grandfather a surprise birthday present but he is horrified when his piggy bank with all his savings falls into the canal. He tries to rescue it but things really start to go wrong and Barney realises it is time for him to try and sort things out. ‘This is a warm-hearted adventure in this lovely series. It is about fun, loyalty and friends and is ideal for newly-confident young readers.’
TITANIC: DEATH ON THE WATER BY TOM AND TONY BRADMAN (A & C BLACK £5.99) ED SAYS: ‘Billy is working in the shipyard on the giant ship Titanic. It is a dangerous life but Billy manages to find work on this floating city rather than in the dockyard. However even when Titanic sets off on its maiden voyage it is not all plain sailing for Billy as he has to avoid the taunts and bullying of a mean young colleague. Of course things become really dangerous when they hit the famous iceberg and Billy has to discover just how brave he is. ‘The well-known story of the sinking of Titanic has been complemented here by the fictional creation of Billy. It is a brilliantly written book and is a real page-turner.’
Work with Performers from shows such as:
FOR AGES 7 YEARS PLUS BOOBELA AND WORM TO THE RESCUE BY JOE FRIEDMAN (ORION CHILDREN’S BOOKS £7.99) ED SAYS: ‘Boobela is a young giant whose life changed when she met Worm. Boobela has to rescue her parents who have been taken prisoner in the Dabushta Jungle. She and Worm make the dangerous journey in a hot-air balloon, on a surfboard and a raft. They come across wild jungle animals, make new friends and have many adventures on the way. But can they deal with the dangerous Ralo? And will they be able to complete their quest? ‘This book is beautifully written and has amazing illustrations throughout. The unique characters and unusual storyline make for a truly memorable read.’
HAIRSPRAY, LES MISERABLES, MAMMA MIA, FAME and teachers from PINEAPPLE STUDIOS LONDON. Be inspired, grow in confidence and learn new skills!
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AC T !
· CE! ACT ! AN
E!
SING! D
MY UNCLE FOULPEST: DINOSAUR DISASTER BY TIMOTHY KNAPMAN (SIMON AND SCHUSTER £4.99) ED SAYS: ‘Wally is a fairly regular young boy with a very unusual uncle. Uncle Foulpest’s name is rather odd but the really odd thing is that he is an ogre and that makes Wally’s life far from regular! Wally becomes ill but is desperate to go to Tommy’s party, so Foulpest comes up with a cure – but as usual things don’t go to plan. And when Wally’s class goes on an outing he hopes Foulpest isn’t going to be there. But…you’ve guessed it. Foulpest is there in the middle of all the fun! ‘This is a hilarious book with fantastic illustrations. It has two laugh-out-loud stories about these wonderful characters and will be enjoyed by boys and girls alike.’
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Summer Schools 2012 30th July - 3rd 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 Shine on Stage really is a cut above the rest. Delivering exceptional tuition in dance, drama and singing, pupils can attend weekly at the Saturday stage school or casually as a summer school participant. Shine on Stage regularly hosts VIP tutors from west end shows such as WICKED, WE WILL ROCK YOU, LES MISERABLES, MAMMA MIA and renowned teachers that teach at the likes of PINEAPPLE DANCE STUDIOS. Whether you attend the fabulous stage school or the ever popular summer schools, you can expect inspirational tuition and great performance opportunities with a personal touch. Watch your youngster grow in confidence, be inspired, make new friends and have tons of fun!
professional. We recommend it to everyone!” Martin and Paula Smith, parents to Helly 18 yrs, Leah 13 yrs, and Jessie 10 yrs. Enrolling now for WEST END SUMMER SCHOOL (Ages 7 – 18yrs), SPARKLES SUMMER SCHOOL (Ages 4-7yrs) and STAGE SCHOOL (Ages 4 – 18yrs). SHINE ON STAGE offers a service that is second to none with fees that undercut the nationally franchised stage schools. Come and see what all the fuss is about! Contact: alice@shineonstage.co.uk/ 0845 519 6455/ www.shineonstage.co.uk.
“My children love Shine On Stage! They attend every week and during the holidays too. Their confidence has grown and the tutors are great fun and wonderfully
www.familiesgloucestershire.co.uk
May /June 2012 5
FGNEWS&INFORMATION
EDUCATION NEWS
By Joanna Parry
NEW CHECKS FOR CHILDREN
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ollowing on from a pilot scheme last year, new phonics tests are to be introduced to all Year 1 pupils this summer. The Year 1 phonics screening check is a short assessment to confirm whether children have learnt phonic decoding to an appropriate standard, and will apply to all Year 1 pupils in maintained schools, academies and Free Schools. The test will take place between 18 and 22 June 2012, with the aim of identifying children who need extra help and who can then be given support by their school to improve their reading skills. According to the Department of Education, the check will comprise a list of 40 words and non-words or nonsense words, which a child will read one-to-one with a teacher. Half of the words cover phonics skills that tend to be learnt in Reception, while the other half are based on Year 1 phonics skills. Word from
the DfE is that the tests will not be daunting, but are merely there to check that children at the end of Year 1 have the foundations they need to learn to read, such as skills for blending sounds into words and the phonic knowledge of recognising the sounds for basic letters and letter combinations. Find out more at http:// www.education.gov.uk/schools/teachingandlearning/pedagogy/ phonics. EXAM BOARDS GET TOUGH inally, exam boards are listening to the cries of parents and teachers that GCSEs are becoming too easy! The exams regulator, Ofqual, has announced that it will be making changes to GCSEs in English literature, maths, history and geography, tightening them up and ensuring students study the whole curriculum. This comes amid concerns that pupils are only studying topics likely to come up in exams, rather than the entire course. “We are tightening GCSEs in these key subjects to make sure
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NEW TWIST ON LABELLING KIDS’ CLOTHES
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s new summer uniform and summer camps hover on the horizon, why not try out a new labelling system from ‘Attach-aTag’ which promises to label your kids’ clothes quickly and easily without the use of a needle or iron.
Attach-a-Tag is a labelling system which uses a ‘dolphin’ shaped applicator to attach a small button to clothing. Your child’s name is permanently etched onto the button and once it’s attached, it’s there until you chose to remove it (with the integral removal tool) and use it elsewhere.
School Open Days
(please confirm details direct with the school as information may have changed)
Beaudesert School, Minchinhampton www.beaudesert.gloucs.sch.uk 01453 832072 Berkhampstead School Cheltenham Early Years Open Day - Friday 11th May 2pm www.berkhampsteadschool.co.uk 01242 523263 Cheltenham College Junior School www.cheltenhamcollege.org 01242 522697 Cheltenham Ladies College, Cheltenham 26th May & 16th June 09.00 - 12.30 www.cheltladiescollege.org 01242 520691 Dean Close Prep School, Cheltenham Saturday 12th May 09.30am - 11.30am www.deanclose.org.uk 01242 258001 Rendcomb College, Cirencester Friday 4th May - Junior & Senior School www.rendcombcollege.org.uk 01285 832306 Rosehill Westonbirt Prep School, Tetbury Saturday 12th May 09.30am - 12.30pm www.rhwestonbirt.co.uk 01666 881400 The Kings School, Gloucester Saturday 6th October10.00am - 12pm www.thekingsschool.co.uk 01452 337337 Westonbirt School, Tetbury Saturday 12th May 09.30am - 12.30pm www.westonbirt.gloucs.sch.uk 01666 880333 Wycliffe College, Stonehouse Year 3 Open Morning -Saturday 12 May 2012 Whole School Open Day - Saturday 15th September 2012 www.wycliffe.co.uk 01453 820471
6 May / June 2012
Attach-a-Tag can be purchased from good uniform shops and at www.attachatag.com
This spring’s announcement is part of a move away from teaching to the exam and to encourage wider study. Changes to GCSE geography will be introduced for teaching from this September, with maths from November and history and English literature papers from September 2013. “It is vital confidence is restored in the exams system,” added a Department for Education spokesman. “We are committed to raising standards for all pupils and are pleased Ofqual is taking action to ensure that GCSEs in these subjects are more challenging.”
Clothes Labelling made easy! Reusable Dry clean
l l
Secure l Comfortable l Boil wash Iron proof l Quick apply l Small You provide name
The button fits in the top of the dolphin’s ‘mouth’, the retainer in the bottom. The gadget is pressed together like a stapler and a small handle is twisted. The button is attached either to the clothing label or seam of a garment. What’s great about the system is that the button can be re-used (you just need new retainers which can be bought separately) so they’re perfect for temporary labelling too .
students cover the whole curriculum,” says Ofqual chief executive Glenys Stacey. “We want our young people to have the best possible educational experience, with qualifications that prepare them for the future. The exam boards have welcomed this steer from the regulator and are to look again at these qualifications and how the rules are interpreted to make sure that young people taking them have to study an appropriate range and depth of the subject.”
Clothes labelling made easy
We etch the name
We post
Order online at:
www.attachatag.co.uk email:
enquiries@attachatag.co.uk
me he c S h 01757 638926 ing cas ol aisxtra scho r nd e r us Fu rn ou ct ils E - ea or y onta deta E C or f f FR
or call
No sewing . No ironing . No markers
WYCLIFFE PREPARATORY SCHOOL
“Once our children had visited Wycliffe Prep they didn’t want to go elsewhere.” This comment from Mr Coffey, a parent, is typical of the many enthusiastic families who have discovered this thriving day and boarding school near Stroud. “We looked at quite a few options in the area, but Wycliffe places an emphasis on happy children and that appealed to us most. One of the most important things at Wycliffe Prep is pastoral care. We felt that if our son and daughter are looked after they will learn. Mr Palmer is a very approachable Head who runs a school with a family atmosphere,” added Mr Coffey. Wycliffe Preparatory School seems to be the perfect educational environment for its 350 lively, purposeful and enthusiastic pupils. The school is set within 23 acres of grounds centred around an impressive Cotswold stone mansion house. There have been many developments over the years as the school has grown. Its extensive facilities now include an array of state-of-the-art classrooms, a Drama Studio, Art Room, Design and Technology Centre, as well as Music and ICT suites. Wycliffe Prep even has its own sports centre, theatre and indoor swimming pool. Wycliffe Prep is within easy reach for parents from across Gloucestershire. If they are not able to drop their children to school each day, there is a network of minibus routes that stop at key towns and villages throughout the area including Cirencester, Malmesbury, Minchinhampton and Tetbury. Finally, Mr Coffey states, “Since our children joined Wycliffe Prep I’ve recommended the school to all our friends and encouraged them to see it in action for themselves.”
www.familiesgloucestershire.co.uk
All-round Award – a newUPaward TO
7 5 for pupils joining Year 3 in September 2012 OFF FEES %
All-round Award offers significant financial support towards school fees based on parents’ circumstances and on assessment of the child’s ability whether academic, sporting, artistic or musical. Wycliffe Nursery & Preparatory School Co-educational day & boarding from 2-13 years. Daily minibus service available. For more information please call Wendy Robertson on 01453 820471. Wycliffe, Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, GL10 2LD An Ofsted Outstanding school
www.wycliffe.co.uk
THINGS YOUR CHILD SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO WHEN THEY BEGIN SCHOOL Sarah Butters As soon as you find out which school your child is going to this September, it’s time to start preparing. Forget force feeding them phonics, this is about getting your child ready for the social challenges of school. The more prepared they are, the easier they will settle and the more they’ll get out of those early days. 1. CAN THEY DRESS THEMSELVES? Imagine the scene. One teacher faced with thirty children and their coats. By the time each child is zipped up and wrapped up, playtime is over. If your child is able to go some way to helping, they may get some fresh air. If you can see buttons on trousers and skirts becoming a problem during the post PE change, invest in elasticated waistbands. These will also help during any ‘last minute’ toilet visits. Avoid tights in the early days - they can also lead to unnecessary bathroom accidents. With shoes, laces and buckles are a no-no. Stick to Velcro fastenings which your child can do themselves. 2. ARE THEY USED TO SHARING? Sharing is a difficult lesson for a child to learn, especially if they only start learning it at school. But it’s a vital lesson if you want your child to settle in and make friends easily. No one wants to play with the boy who refuses to take turns and share, and before long that child becomes isolated. Start to make a point of praising your pre-schooler for sharing his bag of figures or his last few sweets. 3. CAN THEY USE THE TOILET ON THEIR OWN? Reception classrooms usually have a toilet nearby but children are expected to use it on their own. That can mean less confident children avoid a visit until it’s too late. Encourage your child to begin taking toilet trips without you to build up their confidence. Remind them that hand washing is part of the ‘visit’. Beginning school toilet training now will mean less accidents in September. 4. ARE THEY ABLE TO EAT INDEPENDENTLY? Lunchtimes can be a real flashpoint in the early days of your child’s school life. Dinner halls are noisy places and can make a child feel overwhelmed. Make sure they arrive at school able to pick up and use a knife and fork. If they’re opting for a packed lunch, make sure they can open a yoghurt, put a straw in a juice box and unpeel a banana. With school a few months off, it may seem like the easier option to feed them, but it won’t help in the long run. Practice, however painful, makes perfect. 5. ARE THEY ABLE TO RECOGNISE THEIR NAME? If your child can recognise their name, they’ll be
able to find their peg, identify their drawer in the classroom and find their cardigan if it gets misplaced. Starting school can make even the most confident child feel a little lost. If they can locate important places, it will make them feel more in control. 6.CAN THEY USE SCISSORS? Teachers look for this in the early stages of Reception to evaluate dexterity. Get crafty over the next few months. 7.DO THEY UNDERSTAND DISCIPLINE? It’s important your child understands what’s expected of them when they arrive at school. They need to know hitting, kicking, biting and hair pulling will not be tolerated. Not only will it bring your child to the attention of the head teacher for all the wrong reasons, but it will make your child unpopular with their classmates. Reputations earned in the early days of school tend to stick and can be hard to shake off. 8.CAN THEY COMMUNICATE WITH AN ADULT? Giving your child the skills to communicate with their teacher means they will be able to have some control. How else will they ask to go to the toilet? If they don’t understand how to get the attention of an adult, how will they let their teacher know they don’t understand their work? A child who can communicate will get more out of the school day than a child who is unwilling to speak up. Encourage your child to ask and even practice with a raised hand at home to make sure they understand the most appropriate way of getting a grown ups attention. 9.ARE THEY ABLE TO COUNT? If your child is about to count up to 20, and count back from 10, this will give them a really good head start. Use some of their favourite toys or foods to make counting fun. Lay out 10 grapes and get them to eat them one by one, counting as they go. It will give them confidence and help them see learning as fun. Plus it’s a great way to get one of their 5 a day down them! 10.CAN THEY FOLLOW SIMPLE INSTRUCTIONS? The school day is full of instructions. Your child will be asked to put coats on pegs, bring packed lunches into classrooms and sit cross legged on the carpet for circle time. If a child is used to following instructions, they will avoid being reprimanded. The more time a teacher dedicates to repeating instructions and encouraging co-operation, the less time there is for teaching. Start giving your child simple tasks – perhaps helping with the weekly shop or with some straight forward jobs around the house. It will prepare them for school life.
SOME BOOKS YOU MAY FIND USEFUL: • I am too absolutely small for school (Charlie and Lola) by Lauren Child •
Topsy and Tim Start School by Jean Adamson
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Starting School Sticker Book (Usborne) by Felicity Brooks
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Going to School (Usborne First Experiences) by Anna Civardi
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Starting School by Janet and Allan Ahlberg
STURDY KIDS!
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t is widely acknowledged that adults come in all shapes and sizes and we have a huge choice of clothing to match this. Children are no different but when it comes to clothing their choice is often limited by the expectation that they will fit into the average sizing for their age group. This often means a compromise on the fit or fashion of their clothes. Developed by a mum who came across this problem herself, Sturdy Kids has been created to provide quality, well fitting school uniform and casual clothing for boys and girls who are of bigger build or taller than their peers. We stock school uniform and PE kit in a range of colours plus jeans and casual tops. To ensure a perfect fit, we can also tailor the majority of our range to the length required for a small extra cost. Find us online at www.sturdykids.co.uk or call 01242 285999.
Sturdy Kids! Plus Size Children’s Clothing
Generous fit clothes in a multitude of lengths, especially for the kids we love!
othing ! l C l a Casu ol Uniform o & Sch
Call: 01242 285999 or Order Online:
www.sturdykids.co.uk www.familiesgloucestershire.co.uk
May /June 2012 7
the UK, who are rivalling their European counterparts. I’ve sampled a particularly good chorizo from Cannon and Cannon Fine Foods. Talking of potatoes, did you know that the Brits are the 3rd largest consumer of potatoes in Europe (only Portugal and the Irish eat more!!). So that means, apparently, that the average person eats their way through 103kg of potatoes each year (500 med sized spuds!!). People tend to think potatoes are “fattening” but remember it’s the butter/ cheese we put on them, or the oil we fry our chips in which causes the problems. The humble potato is actually an excellent source of starchy carbohydrate (slow release energy), is virtually fat free, and contains useful amounts of vitamin C, vitamin B6 and also fibre, if you leave the skins on. Remember though that potatoes do not count as one of our 5 a day portions of fruits and vegetables. For coeliacs who cannot tolerate gluten, and so are always looking for alternatives to flour, then mashed potato can be used quite successfully in range of cakes as an alternative to flour. This may sound a little strange, but we’ve tried making a lemon drizzle cake recipe recently at the Food Centre, which was a perfectly acceptable alternative – just a slightly denser texture. June sees the celebrations for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in full swing, focussed around the first weekend in June. Your children may well have been involved in preparations and events for this at school, but if you’re having a street party, or just getting together with family and friends then how about baking a traditional Victoria Sandwich Cake or Swiss Roll with your children. Either of these cakes would be great fun to make and, when filled with a mix of seasonal berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and a little whipped cream you will have a delicious red, white and blue concoction, without having to resort to the dreaded food colourings! If you’re near Cirencester then have a look at the window display of Cirencester Cupcakes, where the very talented Louise will no doubt have created a stunning display for the Diamond Jubilee – including the winning design from her competition to create a Diamond Jubilee cupcake. If picking strawberries is on your “to do list” this year, then making your own jam might be worth a try. Just remember that strawberries are quite low in pectin, so many recipes recommend using some lemon juice to help aid the setting process. This would be wonderful served with some warm out of the oven fruit scones and cream - try the delicious cream available from Mellissa Ravenhill at Woefuldane Dairy Shop in Minchinhampton
THE COTSWOLD CHEF TALKS TO FAMILIES! England in the Spring and early Summer really does take a lot of beating and regardless of all our moans and groans about the weather / lack of water/state of the economy it is still a very beautiful place to be – especially with the wonderful array of locally grown fruits and vegetables which are available to us, literally on our doorstep, at this time of year.
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he start of the new potato season is always wonderful and whether you like your potatoes simply boiled in their skins, with a little butter and fresh mint or chives, or as part of something more complex, then now is the time to enjoy their delicious flavour. There are so many different varieties of potato to try and the bonus is that they are relatively cheap and also very filling, which helps the weekly budget go further. Pop along to your local farm shop or one of Gloucestershires Farmers Markets to see what it has to offer in the way of locally grown potatoes, or try some of the eagerly awaited Jersey Royals. Many children appreciate a delicious home-made potato salad as an accompaniment to a meal. Waxy potatoes are best for salads - these are good at staying firm and keeping their shape, so make great salad potatoes. Popular waxy potato varieties include Charlotte, Maris Peer and Anya. As a change to the usual chilled version, how about a warm potato salad, served as a main course? Mix together warm, steamed or boiled new potatoes with some freshly cooked peas or mangetout, chopped spring onions and a little dressing of your choice. Next, pan fry a neck of lamb fillet which has been lightly brushed with olive oil and, once cooked to your liking, slice and arrange over the top of your potato salad. Garnish with the flowers from some freshly gathered wild garlic, or even some nasturtium flowers and you have the lovely flavours and colours of spring and early summer on a plate. Lamb from Chesterton Farm Shop is always one of my favourites but so many of The Cotswolds suppliers offer a fantastic supply. To find ideas for a range of more unusual potato based recipes go to www.lovepotatoes.co.uk. For example, there is a lovely potato kebab recipe (cooked new potatoes threaded on skewers with local butcher’s made sausages button mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes) or how about a chorizo & potato tapas (cooked new potatoes with fried chorizo, red pepper, spring onions and home-grown tomatoes). We tend to think of chorizo as a Spanish product but increasingly there are producers in
8 May / June 2012
www.familiesgloucestershire.co.uk
Alternatively, use your jam to make a lovely summer trifle – something the children will definitely enjoy helping with! Simply spread sponge cake or fingers with a generous layer of your prized jam. Soak the sponge in a mixture of fruit juice and sherry (or any liqueur which will complement the fruit you are using). Top with a range of soft fruits and then make a fresh custard using beautiful Cotswold legbar eggs, creamy milk from Cotteswold Dairy some sugar and sweet-smelling vanilla pods. Pour the custard over the fruit and once cooled, finish with a layer of whipped cream and decorate. May and June this year contain several bank holidays and, coinciding with these, are some brilliant local food festivals. If you are able to get to one of these, then there are always some interesting events which will engage the children in food related activities. I will be out and about demonstrating at several festivals this year, so do come along and have a look at some tasty new ideas to try, as well as the opportunity to buy some wonderful local produce, such as some delicious asparagus, strawberries, raspberries, broad beans and salad leaves. Local events include Cheltenham Food Festival www.garden-events.com from 15th – 17th June (We are doing a cookery demo at the Festival on the 16th June) and the Cotswold Show www.cotswoldshow.co.uk on30th June and 1st July ( come and see me cooking both days). If you’re venturing further afield, then it might be worth a look at VegFest in Bristol www.bristol.vegfest.co.uk from 25th-27th May, which is a large vegetarian/ vegan event. Before I go can I ask you to write to your MP and tell your friends to do the same to Save our School Food Standards. After 6 years of campaigning and improvements this current Government believes that schools should not have to comply to having quality lunch and nutrition standards in law. If Acadamies and Free Schools are allowed to do what they like there is a huge chance that school meals will see the return of heavily processed foods that are cheap and high in fat, sugar and salt. This we know causes poor health for our children today and in the future costing you billions of pounds per year. Not only that but we will witness infront of our very eyes a downward turn in performance, concentration and behaviour amongst school aged children and common sense will be undone.Do visit the following website for information on how to stop this crazy Government policy that will set our health system back years. www.sustainweb.org/sos/
Enjoy the bank holiday weekends with your families and friends. The Cotswold Chef Courses Rob Rees, MBE www.thecotswoldchef.com www.twitter.com/thecotswoldchef www.facebook.com/thecotswoldchef
Cheese Making (Adults) Chocolate Experts (Adults) Junior Chefs courses during summer holidays for 11-16 year olds University Surviviors Course - September Website www.thecotswoldchef.com
THE 50 THINGS TO DO BEFORE YOU’RE 11 ¾:
50 THINGS TO DO BEFORE YOU’RE 11¾
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he National Trust has launched a nationwide campaign to encourage sofa-bound children to take to the outdoors and enjoy classic adventures from skimming stones to building dens. The charity’s 50 Things To Do Before You’re 11¾ campaign provides a checklist for under-12s (and those who are young at heart) including everything from running around in the rain and bug hunting, to setting up a snail race, damming a stream, flying a kite and making a (delicious) mud pie. To help bring to life these simple pleasures, the Trust has formed a group of Elite Rangers who will share their expert tips on enjoying outdoor adventures including the South West’s Andrew Hunt, our Den building expert, also known as Den-Boy. The five rangers, all Trust staff, come from across the UK and range in age from 29 to 49. As well as Andrew the rangers are a 6ft 3” tree climbing expert, who has scaled 50 metre-high trees, (a.k.a. Tree Man), Captain Skim who can skim a stone over 26 times, Midas the treasure hunter and a minibeast expert (aka The Bug Catcher) who can name over 300 varieties of moth! The ‘50 Things To Do Before You’re 11¾’ initiative is in response to a report commissioned by the National Trust which reveals fewer than one in ten children regularly play in wild places; compared to almost half a generation ago, a third have never climbed a tree, one in ten can’t ride a bike, and three times as many are taken to hospital after falling out of bed, as from falling out of a tree. Kids can pick up a free 50 Things To Do Before You’re 11¾ scrapbook from participating properties and start ticking off their outdoor adventures. These properties can be found at nationaltrust.org. uk/50things where children can also fill in their completed activities and earn points towards their very own explorer badge. Andrew Hunt, Den-Boy comments:
1. Climb a tree 2. Roll down a really big hill 3. Camp out in the wild 4. Build a den 5. Skim a stone 6. Run around in the rain 7. Fly a kite 8. Catch a fish with a net 9. Eat an apple straight from a tree 10. Play conkers 11. Throw some snow 12. Hunt for treasure on the beach 13. Make a mud pie 14. Dam a stream 15. Go sledging 16. Bury someone in the sand 17. Set up a snail race 18. Balance on a fallen tree 19. Swing on a rope swing 20. Make a mud slide 21. Eat blackberries growing in the wild 22. Take a look inside a tree 23. Visit an island 24. Feel like you’re flying in the wind 25. Make a grass trumpet 26. Hunt for fossils and bones
27. Watch the sun wake up 28. Climb a huge hill 29. Get behind a waterfall 30. Feed a bird from your hand 31. Hunt for bugs 32. Find some frogspawn 33. Catch a butterfly in a net 34. Track wild animals 35. Discover what’s in a pond 36. Call an owl 37. Check out the crazy creatures in a rock pool 38. Bring up a butterfly 39. Catch a crab 40. Go on a nature walk at night 41. Plant it, grow it, eat it 42. Go wild swimming 43. Go rafting 44. Light a fire without matches 45. Find your way with a map and compass 46. Try bouldering 47. Cook on a campfire 48. Try abseiling 49. Find a geocache 50. Canoe down a river
“I’m based at Kingston Lacy, in Dorset, and as well as great little places to build dens in, there’s so much variety here, it’s easy to tick off more on the list of 50 things – from flying a kite to finding a geocache. I’ve always loved building dens, and my top tips for the perfect den are to choose a dry, flat spot, or start by leaning sticks against a low tree branch like a wigwam. Gather up fallen branches, twigs, leaves and mud, all of which are generously provided by nature for free and which make surprisingly cosy dens - then let your imagination run wild as you build the perfect spot to hideaway!”
Call 01242 252 415 or 01452 306 912
Mountainboarding, mountainbiking & grass sledges in Gloucester
WWW.BUGSBOARDING.CO.UK info@bugsboarding.co.uk / 07749897330 www.familiesgloucestershire.co.uk
May /June 2012 9
. Special family events Do the same walk every year, have dinner at the same place, go sledging, have a picnic on the beach. Do activities that are typical of what you are like as a family, e.g. if you are a musical family, hold a concert, if you are outdoorsy plan a boat trip. . Annual additions Plant a tree or flowers that bloom annually around your child's birthday. Ask grandparents to add to a charm bracelet or commemorative coin collection each year. . Tell a Tale Let the birthday child stay up a little later after the other children have gone to bed and tell them about the day they were born, and how you felt when they arrived. . Remind them of how special they are A simple way is give each member of the family a birthday candle, then pass around a small dessert. Each person puts in their candle and tells the birthday girl/boy something they love about them. They pass the dessert to the next person, who does the same until everyone has added their candle, light the candles and sing Happy Birthday.
BIRTHDAY TRADITIONS
INEXPENSIVE AND CLEVER WAYS TO MAKE THE MOST OF A CHILD’S BIRTHDAY BY CREATING SOME FUN TRADITIONS TO MAKE A CHILD’S BIRTHDAY A SPECIAL DAY TO REMEMBER
By Elisabeth Dolton Think of your child’s birthday and what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Already? What are we going to do this year? Whatever you think, instead of racking your brains thinking for the latest party ideas, what about actually doing some things the same as you did last year? Build simple birthday traditions that you all know about, look forward to, and that create memories that last a lifetime. This is the stuff of magic moments!
MAKE SURE BIRTHDAYS REMAIN SPECIAL FOR SPECIAL CHILDREN Since traditions are often visual and repeated, most children with special needs will really appreciate and learn to love these birthday traditions. To help ensure their special day, here are a few extra watchouts... Watch what they eat It’s easy to let slip strict dietary requirements during a day of celebration. For children with allergies and even vegetarian, let your party host know in advance and make appropriate plans. Avoid overload Don’t overwhelm with too many guests, lights, games, candles, music and presents. Decorate simply, put on a relaxing CD, and provide a quiet place where the child can go if s/he wants to. Prepare them Let your special needs child know in advance what to expect. Explain the plan of the day. Let them sit where they are comfortable and if out; provide them with an exit strategy. Give your child a signal they can use with you if they need to leave a place or situation. Natalie’s Kitchen Keep the day low key Treat the birthday as just another day, an important day, but not one that’s too busy. Let your special needs child, and all your children, plan the day so that it’s kept special and unique.
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Natalie’s Kitchen
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Children’s decorating parties New for 2012, Natalie’s Kitchen is excited to introduce our decorating parties for children…
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e have collected 12 fabulous traditions that can make your children’s birthdays special every year. Big-Day Countdown Make the approach to their birthday important. Hang a garland of seven envelopes, each with a small daily goodie, leading up to the grand finale. Decorate and Titivate The night before your child’s birthday sneak into their room and decorate it with a special sign wishing them a Happy Birthday. Blow up balloons and put birthday wishes all over the house. Bake a cake Make a birthday cake instead of buying one. Your child will appreciate even a simple cake made from a mix. Get your child to pi ck out what they want their birthday cake to look like, a rocket, princess castle, favourite animal, etc. Have a special meal Have breakfast in bed awakened by the whole family singing happy birthday. Create a beautiful tea party to enjoy the finger sandwiches and tea. Let the birthday child pick the dinner menu however crazy their wishes. Have a ‘birthday’ plate Have a special plate that each child uses for meals on their birthday. The same could be done for a birthday eggcup, a special seat at the table, or hat they have to wear all day. Opening presents Hide presents around the house and provide clues to help your child find them. Follow a ribbon to their first gift, or unroll string all around the house that take them to their presents. Celebrate them growing up Create a photo banner of your child’s annual photographs. Take a family photo on the same settee every year put them in a scrapbook that you add to every year. Ask them their favourite colour, ice-cream, hobby, etc., note them down and do this on every birthday. Capture the moment Get out the camcorder and interview your child about the special things they have done that year, include props like their award-winning science project that year, their sports trophies, the self-portrait they did of themselves, etc.
10 May / June 2012
www.familiesgloucestershire.co.uk
Hosted at the child’s house or party venue Decorating parties are perfect for birthdays and holiday celebrations such as Easter and Halloween, plus a fun activity to keep the kids amused during school holidays.
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Our package
Prices from £80. We will travel throughout Bristol and Gloucester
• Approx 1 ½ hours of fun! • The party package includes:
Each child will decorate 3 cupcakes, 2 to take home in their Natalie’s Kitchen cupcake box and 1 to enjoy at the party. Each child will then be able to decorate their cupcake box with stickers, glitter etc. We have a variety of butter cream colours a variety of decorations and sprinkles We use a ‘Cath Kidston’ oil-tablecloth Cupcake carry box to take their cupcake creations home We bring everything required to keep your child and their friends entertained and tidy up afterwards! We can also supply party bags, hats etc and the birthday cake please call to discuss
Please note:
We have found that the parties are most suited to children aged between 6 and 11 years. However, if your child is younger and you think they would enjoy the chance to be involved, then please give us a call or if you have an older child we do cupcake decorating parties for teenagers!
For more information call Natalie on 07766476343
www.natalieskitchen.co.uk
FG PARTIES FEATURE
THROWING A PARTY? Does the thought of throwing a party for your son or daughter make you want to cancel their birthday? Don’t worry – it doesn’t have to be! Just remember it’s about the birthday boy or girl, not about what anyone else has done, so make a plan, stick to it and enjoy it! NUMBERS
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o you want to invite the whole class? The pros to this are that you can avoid upsetting anyone in the class who isn’t invited, you don’t have to consider the ever changing list of friends, and hey if you are having a party why not go for it. But consider getting help probably some form of entertainment and rope in willing friends or relatives to help you with food and tidying up afterwards. The cons for this size of party is that it can become costly, think of the food, party bags, even the amount of party plates. The best sort of entertainment for a large party is a disco or magician. Hire a local hall, one close to your house or near to the school is usually best. Consider if you need parking, and access to a kitchen. Hall hire costs range but generally up to £20 per hour, hire the hall for an hour before the party to allow you and the entertainment to set up. HINT: IF PARENTS ARE LEAVING THEIR CHILD WITH YOU, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A CONTACT NUMBER FOR THEM.
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f you prefer a smaller party you can choose to have it at home or plan an activity at a venue. With fewer guests you can afford to spend a little more per head on entertainment or activities. You could have a craft party, go bowling, a climbing party, whatever your son or daughter likes to do really. Or how about keeping it traditional with a picnic in the park – but plan for the weather! Only have your party at home if you’ve got enough space and aren’t too house-proud. If you are, consider putting up a marquee style tent in the garden and going al fresco, if the weather is warm enough - frozen children will not be happy children! HINT: REMEMBER SOME PARENTS MAY WANT TO STAY – HAVE SPACE AND REFRESHMENTS FOR THEM.
INVITES
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nce you’ve decided who, where and when, get your invites out – usually 3 weeks before the party is a good time. You can buy ready made ones, order personalised ones online fairly cheaply or make your own. You need to include, date, venue, times and whose party it is. Remember to include an rsvp date and your contact details.
ENTERTAINMENT
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t’s a question of to do or not to do! Can you handle the party yourself? If the guests are young, you could do some party games and some craft activities. Good games for younger guests are musical statues, pass the parcel, treasure hunt, simon says.... Also, have some bubbles and balloons handy, great for shy guests and good time fillers, who doesn’t like catching bubbles? A bouncy castle is popular with the under 10’s.
Remember you will need to do the food so it’s a good idea to have the table set in advance. Or have a picnic on the floor instead, just expect a few more spilt drinks If the guests are older and you don’t fancy doing it yourself, you can always hire in some entertainment, cake decorating or make up parties are popular with the girls. If you want to splash out, a photo shoot party can be lots of fun and some will offer takeaway photos on the day – great for party bags. Sports are popular for the boys, for something different at home you can even hire racing simulators. If you’ve got both boys and girls coming you can have a science party or hire in a magician or a mobile zoo.
CAKE
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on’t spend hours making it and then forget to bring it out (not me – honest!) A birthday cake should have the wow factor, you can make your own, buy one, or have one made – just don’t forget the candles and extra napkins for wrapping the cake! If time is an issue, you can have iced biscuits or cake pops for the party bags then you don’t need to cut your cake at the party (or you can cut and serve it as dessert).
PARTY BAGS
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t’s up to you, you can keep them cheap and cheerful, or you can go to town. Ribbon tied gingham bags look lovely and one or two nice fillers plus some cake can be enough. There are companies that will do ready made bags for you. Or you could have a lucky dip box for guests to pick from on their way out. If you are doing an activity such as cake decorating then the guests get to take home their productions, no party bags needed!
DECORATING YOUR VENUE AND SETTING UP
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t always takes longer to set up than you imagine, give yourself at least an hour. Homemade decorations are easy to do, try an online search for ideas and instructions. Otherwise, just theme your table and put up some balloons – helium filled balloons look fantastic and you can get helium from supermarkets these days.
FOOD
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eep it simple! Party food is always good and can be prepared in advance. Don’t forget the fruit and keep the cakes hidden until you’re happy they’ve eaten enough of the good stuff. If you have time pizza is always a good extra for those that don’t like sandwiches and steer clear of any unusual sandwich fillings, cheese is good, as is ham. HINT: HAVE BIG JUGS OF JUICE AND WATER ON HAND.
PHOTOS
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f you’re doing the party yourself, task someone else with the job of taking photos or there won’t be any.
THE PARTY
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nce you’ve planned your party, expect it not go to plan – it doesn’t matter! As long as the guest of honour and the other guests have fun then it’ll be a success. If you cancel the pass the parcel, don’t worry, nobody will know. Relax and enjoy yourself. HINT: KEEP AN EYE ON THE TIME, IT’LL FLY BY.
Finally, make sure you’ve got nothing planned that evening – you’ll probably want a nice long bath and a big glass of wine! Article written by Jude Freeman, owner of Let’s party – a Gloucestershire company that will manage and host your whole party, offering venue and entertainment sourcing, catering, decorating, hosting and more.
www.familiesgloucestershire.co.uk
May /June 2012 11
FGPARTIES FEATURE
8 IDEAS FOR LOW BOHEMIAN KIDS COST GOING HOME Tel:07810 015220 www.bohemiankids.co.uk GIFTS A jewellery making party solves
Do you want an unusual and entertaining party activity for children?
Great parties don't have to end with expensive loot bags. Here are 8 simple ways to end the party in style without stretching the budget.
the problem of what to do for your daughter’s next birthday party! Girl’s love getting together with their friends to be creative and inspired. With a huge selection of gorgeous beads and 1. Brown paper bags with the child's name in charms to choose from, they will make big writing and decorated with stickers are very 2 items to take home and treasure.
Then why not have a jewellery making party! Perfect for children aged 6+ Please contact me for more details I also run parties for larger groups e.g. Brownies/Guides and Adults!
www.bohemiankids.co.uk
07810 015220
effective.
info@bohemianbeads.co.uk
2. Bake cookies or other treats and package them in cellophane tied with ribbon. 3. Let the birthday person create their own toys using clay, paint, beads and buttons. 4. Get cardboard picture frames and slip in a note about where the party pictures have been uploaded online. 5. Do something arty during the party and let the guests take their handiwork home - cheap plates or bowls can be decorated with ceramic paint, a strip of wood decorated with their initial, etc. 6. To last a little longer, give seeds to plant in the garden or a cookie cutter that's related to the party theme.
... a skilful communicator - by developing language and co-ordination.
MUSICAL MINIS
You don’t have to come to Musical Minis classes to enjoy the fun. Parties can be tailored to suit your child and include action songs, instruments, bubbles, parachute, puppets and favourite songs and rhymes. Parties are run by Jo, a qualified CRB checked Early Years teacher. joanna.musicalminis@hotmail.co.uk or phone 01242 228232 to discuss your child’s special day.
... emotionally developed - through sharing stories and songs whilst meeting new friends.
Musical Minis is a pre-school fun time music group for babies and toddlers. Each structured session encourages cognitive, physical and emotional development through the use of music, instruments and stories.
... a confident child - by joining in the activities in a relaxed group atmosphere.
To find your nearest group:-
visit:
www.musicalminis.co.uk
... a creative child - by exploring instruments, sounds, rhythm and movement.
call us on:
01242 228 232
or e-mail us at:
joanna@musicalminis.co.uk
learning made fun! 1989
Franchise opportunities available across the UK.
HAVING PARTY NIGHTMARES? Organising your child’s birthday party can be a stressful and time consuming event, it’s their biggest social event of the year and you want to make sure it goes without a hitch. Justbouncing.com can help relieve you of this burden, we supply bouncy castles, popcorn machines, sumo suits, space hoppers and giant garden games to anywhere in Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds ensuring that the laughter and smiles never stop at your event. Famillies Gloucestershire readers can also SAVE10% off their next purchase, simply enter 12FAMGLOSTEN upon checkout. Contact us on... 0843 289 9050 hire@justbouncing.com www.justbouncing.com
7. Buy enough bouncy balls for each guest, scatter them about your lawn before the party. The balls are a great decoration and each guest gets to take one home. 8. Print off free colouring sheets of favourite characters from the internet, and burn a CD of the birthday person’s favourite songs.
BUGSBOARDING
Maisemore, Gloucester Bugsboarding is well-known for being one of the most progressive mountain board centres in the UK.You can bring your bike or try a Grass Sledge.From a extreme-sports enthusiast to a basic novice, there will be something to challenge you at Bugsboarding. The centre has a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere making it the perfect place to spend a day or even a weekend. 07749 897330 www.bugsboarding.co.uk
The Party Bag Co Gorgeous Children’s Party Bags &
Funny female experienced clown ideal for the little ones aged 3-5. Bubbles, Balloons, Puppets.
Accessories Take a look at our website for the full range of outstanding party bags, Invitations, thank you’s, party decorations, party tableware and cake decorating kits.
The Party Bag Co
Gorgeous Children’s Party Bags & Accessories www.thepartybagco.com www.thepartybagco.com Tele 07974 825797
12 May / June 2012
www.familiesgloucestershire.co.uk
FAIRIES
A Magical 2 hour Party for Your Little Fairy. Glitter Makeovers, Games, Charm Bracelets Making and Real Fairy Training & Certificates! 01452 417696 glitterandgloss.co.uk
FGPARTIES FEATURE
Let us take the stress out of planning and hosting a party by doing all the work! venue ◦ entertainment catering ◦ birthday cake party bags ◦ invites thank you cards decorations ◦ balloons hosting ◦ photographs post party clean up
Just ask - we’ll sort it all.
Call Jude on 01242 232993 or email hello@letspartycheltenham.co.uk www.letspartycheltenham.co.uk
www.familiesgloucestershire.co.uk
May /June 2012 13
JUBILEE FACE PAINTING
Get in the spirit of things by painting your children’s faces. Just grab some red, white and blue face paints and follow the steps below (we used Snazaroo Union Jack Face Painting Kit, £4.99, www.snazaroo.com). 1 Using a damp sponge and white face paint, sketch out the white areas – no need to be exactly accurate as you can paint the other colours over it once it’s dry. 2 With royal blue paint and a brush, draw the outlines of the triangular areas and fill in using the sponge or the brush. 3 Using bright red paint and a brush, fill in the central cross and then carefully paint the fine diagonal lines. Or if you prefer a more understated look, here’s how to create the perfect Union Jack cheek art
1 Using a brush and white paint, sketch out the shape of the flag, the central cross and the diagonals with a fine line. Then fill in the diagonal lines. 2 With bright red paint and a brush, fill in the central cross and then add the fine diagonal lines. 3 To finish, using royal blue paint and the brush, fill in the eight triangular shapes that remain.
BHS approved establishment for 38 years Specializing in children aged 2 to 12 years Family run, friendly business Extra rides in holidays
01242 680888 www.kidsriding.com 14 May / June 2012
www.familiesgloucestershire.co.uk
PO BOX 2378, Watford WD18 1RF
WHAT’S ON 1 What’s On May- June 2012
Please always check with the venue to confirm details, including dates, prices and opening times. AT-BRISTOL At-Bristol 0845 345 1235 www.at-bristol.org.uk Olympic Torch celebrations May 22, 4pm onwards Join us on Millennium Square as we host part of Bristol’s evening celebratory event for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Find out more about the event: http://www.bristol.gov.uk/ page/2012-olympic-torch-relay Toddler Takeover: Come Rain or shine 25 May Come Rain or Shine’ is a toddler-friendly day of funpacked activities. Take part in the day’s special toddler activities, experience the wonders of the night sky in the Planetarium, and join in with storytime. Explore the weather scene, dress up and make some stormy or drip-droppy sounds in this month’s takeover exploring wind, rain and shine all for a reduced rate! At-Bristol’s Royal Jubilee Promotion June 3 All Elizabeths get a right Royal freebie to At-Bristol! To celebrate the Royal Jubilee, At-Bristol is offering all Elizabeths the chance to have a right Royal knees-up of their own with free entry to At-Bristol! Then take your picnic out onto Millennium Square and watch The Big Lunch and her HM the Queen’s royal celebrations on the Big Screen.
BRISTOL ZOO GARDENS 0117 974 7399 www.bristolzoo.org.uk WOMAD music festival at Bristol Zoo 30 June WOMAD (World of Music, Arts and Dance) returns to Bristol Zoo for a one-day festival. WOMAD is an internationally established festival, which brings together music, arts and dance acts from all over the globe.
CORINIUM MUSEUM Corinium Museum, Park Street, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 2BX Tel: 01285 655611 Website: www.coriniummuseum.cotswold.gov.uk Paint your own Commemorative Cup or Plate Workshop Saturday 12th May, 11am – 3pm Create your own commemorative crockery, inspired by the Jubilee exhibition. Pick a ceramic cup or plate to paint. Please allow up to an hour to decorate your item, which will be fired in a kiln and ready to collect the following week. This is a family workshop. Cost £12 (includes all materials) Family Drop-Ins Family drop-ins are suitable for children aged 3 and above. Cost £1 for activity only, or included in the price of admission. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Olympic Torch Drop In Saturday 19th May, 10:30am - 12:30pm. Make your own torch to carry when the official
Olympic Torch travels through Cirencester on 23rd May. Design Your Own Postcard Drop In Saturday 26th May, 10:30am – 12:30pm Create a commemorative postcard to pop in the post. You could send it to a friend or see how long it takes to reach your house. Coronation Crowns Drop In Saturday 2nd June, 10.30am – 12.30pm Create a Coronation Crown fit for a King or Queen to wear for the Jubilee celebrations. The Green Man Drop In Wednesday 6th June 10.30am - 12pm Find out about this mysterious character from British Folklore, and make a beautiful collage to take home. Animal Brooches Drop In Thursday 7th June 10.30am - 12pm Design your own animal brooch based on some of the brooches with zoomorphic designs you can see in the museum.
DEAN FOREST RAILWAY 01594 845840 www.dfr.co.uk Day Out With Thomas Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th June Meet ‘Thomas’, ‘Diesel’ , ‘Duck’, ‘Oliver’ and Troublesome Trucks. (See the advert on this page). GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL www.gloucestercathedral.org.uk THE 2012 OLYMPIC TORCH VISITS THE CATHEDRAL Thursday 24 May 8.00am-9.00am approx. You are welcome to join us at the Cathedral to be part of this historic occasion as the Olympic Torch passes through our City. DIAMOND JUBILEE THANK YOU LETTER 28 May – 10 June The people of Gloucestershire are invited to sign a thank you letter to HM the Queen in Celebration of her Diamond Jubilee. JUNIOR VOICES PROJECT CONCERT Wednesday 20 June 6.00pm The Cathedral Choir and Cathedral Junior Choir are joined by two local School Choirs to perform a short concert of choral music. Admission free with a retiring collection for the Junior Voices Project TEDDY BEARS’ PICNIC Wednesday 6th June 10.00am-2.30pm ‘If you go down to the Cathedral today, You’re in for a big surprise….’ Monk bears, bishop bear, king bear, Paddington, Pooh and friends are all coming to the Cathedral to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Bring your teddy and join in the fun. Follow our free special teddy trail and spot the bears in the Cathedral. Teddy themed crafts in the chapter house: Make a teddy sandwich, collage bears, stained glass bears and much more Fun for all the family and teddies of all ages! FREE activity, but donations welcome for craft
materials GLOUCESTER GUILDHALL www.gloucesterguildhall.co.uk Tel: 01452 503050 LaLa Lounge - for parents and their under 5s Escape for an hour or three in our comfy cinema. Meet your friends or simply treat yourself to tea and cake while the little ones watch CBeebies on our big screen and play with toys. Every Monday (excluding bank holidays) / 10am 1pm / FREE ZumbAtomic -for ages 4 - 12 Designed exclusively for kids, Zumbatomic® classes are high-energy dance-parties packed with specially choreographed, kid-friendly routines. Every Saturday 1.30 - 2pm for ages 4 to 7 - £2 2.15 - 3pm for ages 8 to 12 - £3
NATIONAL TRUST GLOUCESTERSHIRE Chedworth Roman Villa Chedworth Roman Villa office, 01242 890256 Dogs: Assistance Dogs only are welcome Holiday activites Sat 2 - Sun 10 Jun, 10am-5pm Come along to Chedworth Roman Villa and join in with our fun activities for the holidays. Trails, badge making, mosaic making, games and play. Welcome to the Golden Age of Roman Britain at Chedworth Roman Villa. Our fantastic new cover building enables you to see for the first time from suspended walkways all our in-situ mosaics. Enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of the dining room and bath house. Discover the museum, visit the shop or enjoy light refreshments in the brand new Café. Games and picnic on site. Interesting and fun for all the family. Some activities may incur an additional charge. Fathers Day: sell your Dad as a Roman slave! Sun 17 Jun, 10am-5pm By popular request, Legio Augusta ll return. See Gladiators training and in action. Bring your Dad to be sold as a slave. Great family fun at this very popular day out. Crickley Hill Contact: Nathalie Bradley, 01452 813597 Ebworth Spring Watch
Sat 19 May, 7-9pm Come to find out about the bats, badgers, deer that live at Ebworth. Come and join ranger Tim Jenkins on this early evening walk to discover the wildlife that can be found around the Ebworth estate at dusk Booking Essential 01452 813 597 Meet: The Ebworth Estate is a 15 minutes drive from Crickley Hill, 3 miles from Birdlip on the B4070, 1 mile drive off the B4070. Adult £3 Children free Dyrham Park Contact: Property Office, 0117 9372501 Dogs: Assistance Dogs only are welcome Tuesday toddler trails Tue 1, Tue 8, Tue 15, Tue 22, Tue 29 May, Tue 12, Tue 19, Tue 26 Jun, 10.45-11.30am For some fresh air and family fun, join one of our garden trails designed for toddlers; learn about shape, colour and numbers while exploring nature. Meet: Meet outside the Orangery down by the house at 10.45am. You will need to arrive in the car park by 10.30 in order to catch the first shuttle bus down to the house. Access: Designed for pre-school children. Children must be accompagnied by an adult. Trails lasts approx. 30-45mins. Trails may be cancelled in adverse weather. Love Food Festival Sun 27 May, 10.30am-4pm The Love Food Festival returns to Dyrham with plenty of mouth-watering local produce to try and buy. Entry to the food festival is free as it takes place in the visitor car park. Jolly Jubilee trail Fri 1 - Tue 5 Jun, 11am-5pm To celebrate the Diamond Jubilee, take part in our royal connections children's trail inside the house. Centigas living history camp Sat 2 - Sun 3 Jun, 10.30am-4.30pm Come and see the re-enactment group Centigas, as they portray Anglo Saxon life in their living history camp at Old Lodge in the park. Father's Day at Dyrham Park Sun 17 Jun, 10am-4pm Come and celebrate Father's Day at Dyrham Park, with a barbeque and beer tent in the garden.
DEAN FOREST
Sat 9th & Sun 10th June
RAILWAY
Meet ‘Thomas’, ‘Diesel’, ‘Duck’, ‘Wilbert’ and Troublesome Trucks. Listen to a story with ‘Daisy’ deep in the forest AND chase the steam train!
The Friendly Forest Line
Entrance price includes all additional attractions and rides.
Save pounds by booking on line at www.dfr.co.uk or just turn up. You can also book in advance online at
Day Out With Thomas ™ Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends ™ Based on The Railway Series by The Reverend W. Awdry © 2012 Gullane (Thomas) Limited.
www.thomasandfriends.com
www.familiesgloucestershire.co.uk
May /June 2012 15
WHAT’S ON 2 What’s On May - June 2012
Please always check with the venue to confirm details, including dates, prices and opening times.
Haresfield Estate Den building at Haresfield Thu 7 Jun, 10am-12noon A fun morning for all the family to learn den building. Come along and join Ranger Tim Jenkins to have fun and learn the skills of den buiding Booking Essential 01452 814213 Hidcote Contact: Pamela Johnston, 01386-438333 Dogs: Assistance Dogs only are welcome Tree climbing Sun 3 Jun, 10am-4pm Something for all the family to enjoy. Our expert instructors will be on hand to help you climb high into the branches of one of our most loved trees. Access: Children welcome Pottery painting Tue 5 Jun, Sun 17 Jun, 10am-4pm Get creative and paint your very own ceramic masterpiece. They also make great gifts for family and friends. Access: Children welcome Small additonal charge also applies, price depends upon size of pot chosen. Your pot can be collected from Hidcote after a few weeks once it's been fired. Picnic Weekend Fri 29 Jun - Sun 1 Jul, 10am-9pm Make the most of the warm, summer evenings and indulge in a picnic with family and friends. Access: Please note there are uneven pathways ans steps in the garden.Children welcome Lodge Park and Sherborne Estate Contact: Edward Armsden, 01451 844 130 Dogs: Assistance Dogs only are welcome Jubilee picnics at Lodge Park Fri 1 - Tue 5 Jun, 11am-4pm Are you looking for a grand location to bring your Jubilee Picnic and games? Lodge Park is the perfect choice to begin your Summer of Celebration. We offer the opportunity to look around this stunning building, relax, picnic and play games on the lawns or enjoy the beautiful space in the grounds and park for families to run around, play and to enjoy the walks. £5pp Lazy Sunday at Lodge Park Sun 24 Jun, 10am-4pm Anything might happen - this is the Summer of Celebration. Think brass band, face painters, maybe jazz band, jugglers, morris dancers, who knows what we might be able to produce? But if you want a relaxed, fun family time with interesting and surprising happenings, with lots of opportunity to play and with lots of fun for all, then come along and join in. Limited light refreshments, drinks and ice creams are available from the café. Bring a picnic. £5 per car, NT Members free. For non-members, optional entry to the house will be at standard prices. Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons Orchids and butterflies Sun 27 May, 10am-12noon Come and discover the wonderful world of orchids
16 May / June 2012
and butterflies of the Commons. This walk led by Ranger Richard Evans and Head Ranger David Armstrong will make you discover the different orchids and butterflies that live on a limestone grassland. Booking Essential 01452 813597. Newark Park Contact: Newark Park, 01453 842644 Go wild in our countryside Sat 9, Sun 10 Jun, 11am-4.30pm Explore the great outdoors. Bring a picnic, ramble in the countryside, children’s trail, take a deep breath of fresh air.
SLIMBRIDGE WETLAND CENTRE Slimbridge Wetland Centre , 01453 891900 www. wwt.org.uk/slimbridge Parent & Child Wildlife Photography Workshop Saturday 19th May, 2012 A practical and enjoyable day for budding young wildlife photographers (aged 8 or above) and their parents to learn how to get great shots of wildlife. This event is suitable for all skill levels and camera types (compact or SLR). All children must be accompanied by an adult. Due to small course numbers there will be plenty of time for 1-2-1 tuition. Cost: £50.00 for a Parent and Child Time: 10am Duration: 6 Hours Cost: £50.00, includes admission
THEATRE THE ROSES THEATRE 01684 295 074 www.rosestheatre.org There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly 6th June 2.30p, There was on old lady who swallowed a fly. I don’t know why she swallowed a fly. But The People’s Theatre Company do. Now you can too as they bring one of the world’s best loved nursery rhymes to life for the very first time. Little Red Riding Hood 9th June 4.30pm & The Three Little Pigs Award winning company Ballet Cymru present an extraordinary vision. Two stories from the mind of the most popular storyteller in the world, Roald Dahl. Pinocchio 30th June 2.30pm The classic story of a puppet’s quest to become a real boy. Along the way he falls in with an assortment of colourful characters who lead him astray, but in the end, courage and love see him through. Cube’s enchanting new adaptation delights children and adults alike. Pinocchio is a captivating tale featuring spellbinding puppetry, original music and a bundle of laughs. Plus meet the puppets after the show. A new adaptation by Ben Oldfield Suitable for ages 5 WESTONBIRT ARBORETUM 01666 880220 www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
www.familiesgloucestershire.co.uk
Meningitus Trust Toddle Waddle Saturday 5 May The Meningitis Trust is holding a Toddle Waddle fundraising event at Westonbirt - and everybody’s invited to join in. Parents, toddlers, other family members and friends can join the Trust’s mascot Monty on a short ramble around the arboretum. To register click on this link http://bit.ly/MT-ToddleWaddle or contact Becky Jones on 01453 769023 or email: beckyj@meningitis-trust. org. Silk Wood Spring Fair Saturday 5 - Monday 7 May 10am - 4pm The Downs/ picnic area Tree Champions Wednesday 6 - Friday 8 June 10:30am - 4:30pm Move over Usain Bolt! Meet the Olympic champions of the tree world… Free after admission.
EVENTS The Suffolks Annual Street Fair, Cheltenham Jubilee BankHoliday Monday 4th June. Don't miss over 100 Stalls, live music throughout the day, a children's area with rides and entertainment and street artists performing throughout the day. Come
along and join the Jubilee fun. Festivities start at 10.00am and will run all day long The GRAND Village Fête Saturday 26 May on the Brimscombe and Thrupp Playing Fields, (A419) London Road, Thrupp GL5 2SH. This will be the 23rd anniversary of this event. The English Civil War Society y will be performing a re-enactment using cannons and muskets – so bring your ear plugs! They will also be setting up camp and preparing food that soldiers of that period would have eaten. History talks will take place in the Tea Tent.
Open Farm Sunday Sunday 17th June 2012 Billow Farm , Berkeley, Glos www.billowfarmeducation.co.uk (see page 3) Gotherington Fun Pony & Dog Show 24th June 2012 (see page 3)