Gloucestershire Primary Times - Easter Half Term

Family What’s On Guide

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EASTER HOLIDAYS

3 APRIL-22 MAY 2020 ISS.170

SPEND YOUR SCHOOL HOLIDAYS AT THE LIDO!

ROOKIE LIFEGUARD Want to be a lifeguard in the future? Enjoy learning new skills and making new friends?

Explore 56 acres of wild gardens, paths and streams; browse our gift shop; enjoy lunch or a sweet treat in our café and discover our children’s play area. Batsford is a perfect day out for all the family – including the dog!

Join us for a 3-session course to learn first aid, personal survival and lifeguarding techniques (bronze, silver and gold awards available)

Suitable for children aged 8-14 years old - see our website for prices, dates & timings - advance booking only

SWIMMING LESSONS GROUP LESSONS Term Time: 12-session course (£72) School Holidays: 3-session course (£20)

Suitable for children aged 4+ See our website to find a suitable class for your child!

Individual lessons are also available - email us for more details swimlessons@sandfordparkslido.org.uk

www.sandfordparkslido.org.uk/lessons-courses/

www.batsarb.co.uk

Batsford Arboretum & Garden Centre Nr. Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 9AD. Tel: 01386 701441

Easter Penguin Trail 4 April - 31 May Help Stanley and his friends find their precious eggs, then learn more about the SS Great Britain’s incredible journey back home to Bristol in 1970.

For the best ticket prices, book online: ssgreatbritain.org/easter BRISTOL’S FAVOURITE VISITOR ATTRACTION

TripAdvisor 2019-20

2 EASTER HOLIDAYS 2020

Primary Times Gloucestershire

Contents Dear Reader REGULAR 6. News 7. Theatre 9. The Family Guide 12. Advertising features 14. Corkboard 15. For the Kids 15. Classified

We go to pres as Coronaviruss with Easter’s Primary T the UK, and be looks set to take a firm imes just shire family’s come part of every Gloucgrip on With public adlife, either directly or indi esterit goes witho vice changing on a regularectly. in this magazut saying that all the even r basis ts ine are subjec cancellation at t to change anlisted sh d or t no tice. However be maintainin , news service g an up-to-date familyI will our online fe over the Easter holiday events gloucestersh eds: www.primarytimes s via Times Glouceire, Facebook.com/Prim.co.uk/ an eye out fo stershire and #PTGlos arycheck with thr information there and al so keep out. I would ade venue in advance beforeways official guidan d - with the heavy caveat setting ce may so that am optimistic on say otherwise - I we cover this that many attractions outdoor ones issue, particularly the at least some, will remain open for be a clear ne of the time. There will ed and families to for healthy children more isolated continue to enjoy the settings allow activities that outdoor .

If, to reiterate vice, we keep the authorities’ ading our hands,calm and keep washmay still enjo a good number of us we have all bey the spring sunshine en longing fo r.

Mike (publi sher and e ditor)

e eatr ThOU CESTERSHIRE GL

The Family Guide

FEATURES 4. Easter at Westonbirt Discover one of the most beautiful of Gloucestershire’s natural attractions this Easter and enjoy all the fun activities they’ve laid on for children.

This magazine is great for the climate because: # We source our paper from sustainably managed forests # The environment needs more trees to soak up CO2 # Sustainable forests for paper are a big part of the climate solution # Unlike daily newspapers, our magazine is useful for at least six weeks # It is easibly recyclable after use and can be turned into new paper

Find your amazing offers inside!

Primary Times is independently published and distributed free through primary schools in Gloucestershire. It aims to inform families and children about current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses, attractions and to give teachers, pupils and parents the opportunity to participate in the magazine by adding to its contents or by joining in the competitions. It is NOT our intention to publish any racist, sexist or politically based material whatsoever. We also undertake not to carry any advertising which we would consider to be offensive to young families or harmful to the best interests of young children.

Primary Times would like to thank all the schools in Gloucestershire for their assistance in distributing the magazine and for their contributions to its contents. We would also like to thank all the advertisers who have supported this publication and therefore made it possible. Please support their endeavours when and where you can. The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by our studio remains with Primary Times or with the relevant contributor. Before entering a competition in this magazine, please see our terms and conditions at primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire/tcs.

Entry into the competition is deemed as acceptance of these conditions. Primary Times currently publishes over 2.7 million copies per issue under franchise licences throughout Britain.

Gloucestershire Primary Times Published under franchise from Primary Times Ltd by

Starfish Publishing Ltd

Editorial, design, sales and distribution: Mike Gartside Sub-editor and proof-reading: Tom Phillips Family What’s On Guide

All enquiries: Starfish Publishing, Create Centre, Smeaton Road, Spike Island, Bristol, BS1 6XN

01452 937 123 mike.gartside@primarytimes.co.uk

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Gloucestershire

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If you go down to Westonbirt Arboretum this Easter, you’re sure of...

WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO GIFFORDS CIRCUS - early deadline, so be quick!

COTSWOLD EDUCATION - 10% off Mock Test Events PAINSWICK ROCOCO GARDENS child only £1 with standard admission.

COPPID BEACH HOTEL - Special offer for Primary Times readers!

BRISTOL AQUARIUM - Kids entry for £1 with voucher NATIONAL DIVING AND ACTIVITY CENTRE - Up to 40% savings when Atlantis Aqua Park opens in May!

a spring

surprise!

Your new

Gloucestershire

Primary Times: Bumper new Family Guide

Money off!

New kids page More

news

More Gloucestershire!

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EASTER HOLIDAYS

3 APRIL-22 MAY 2020

Cover image by Johnny Hathaway

ISS.170

Gloucestershire Primary Times

EASTER HOLIDAYS 2020 3

Advertising feature

If you go down to Westonbirt Arboretum this Easter, you’re sure of...

a spring

surprise!

I

t’s spring at last, and after a long, chilly and rather wet winter, nature is finally coming back to life! Over the next few weeks we’ll see animals start to awake from their winter hibernation, wildflowers carpeting the grass and meadows, and tree buds bursting into a dazzling display of vibrant flowers; so you know it’s time to get the kids out of the house and into the great outdoors.

And there’s no better way to enjoy nature’s most beautiful season than by going down to the woods at Westonbirt Arboretum, where you’ll find an exciting programme of events and activities to put the whole family in touch with their wild side.

Gruffalo Spotter’s Trail Take a stroll through the deep dark wood and see whether you can spot any of your favourite characters from the beloved children’s tale! The popular augmented reality app and trail returns to Westonbirt Arboretum this spring.

Use the free app to bring the Gruffalo and his friends to life among the trees. Download the app before you arrive (signal in the arboretum can be a bit patchy!) and pick up a special Gruffalo Spotter’s Activity Pack from the Welcome Building (£3.50) to help you complete the trail, and for tons of other fun activities! Once you’ve completed the trail, there will be an opportunity to take a photo with the Gruffalo on the app!

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Take a walk among the treetops on the STIHL Treetop Walkway and discover the hidden world of the tree canopy. For the truly fearless, climb up into the

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4 EASTER HOLIDAYS 2020

pollinators and create bee-related crafts – it’ll bee brilliant!

And, if the kids still have energy to burn after all that, Westonbirt Arboretum provides the perfect location for tree climbing, running races between the flowering trees or having a family picnic on the beautiful downs!

Ffi: Westonbirt Arboretum W: forestryengland.uk/westonbirt The arboretum is open 9am–5pm every day. Last entry 4.30pm. £11 (adult)/£7 (student)/£4 (child 5 to 18)/free (under 5s).

Groom Johnny Hathaway and (below) Paul Images (this photo and above) by

crow’s nest and see what you can spot hiding in the trees.

Follow your nose at the Scent-sational Family Event, Mon 6–Thu 9 April, 11am–4pm. Create your own spring perfume and make different scented crafts.

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Create your own Spring Symphony at the Family Event, Tue 14–Fri 17 April, 11am–4pm. Take on the spring sounds challenge and create different instruments out of Westonbirt wood.

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Natural Play Trail As you walk through the trees, keep your eyes peeled for the arboretum’s natural play features. Build your very own woodland den in Tipi Town, whizz down the natural slides, or test your tightrope talents along the balancing logs.

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Discover more about the arboretum and the trees and animals which live there when you take to its Family Activity Trail. Use all your senses to discover how the wildlife at Westonbirt Arboretum uses sight,

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Primary Times Gloucestershire

touch, smell, hearing and taste to get around, find food and store it. Along the way you’ll discover a whole range of exciting activities to do.

Birt’s I Spy Adventure Even the tiniest visitors can join in the fun, with the ‘Birt’s I Spy’ activity book, where you’ll be able to join Birt the Woodchipper on an I-Spy quest around the arboretum. Pick up your free activity book from the Welcome Building and follow Birt on a journey to discover what you can see among the trees.

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Gruffalo Sculpture Wood Keep your eyes peeled as you head out into the deep dark woods of the Old Arboretum. Who knows what might be lurking in Gruffalo Wood… a mouse? A fox? An owl? A snake?

A squirrel? Luckily, as we all know, there’s no such thing as a Gruffalo!

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Tastes of Spring Family Activity Head to the arboretum on Tue 26–Fri 29 May to take part in its May half-term arts and crafts, making nature-themed art to take home.

Try the tree honey taste test, find out more about woodland fruit

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ai158264184932_Primary Times Giffords Ad.pdf

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20th

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01242 691 181 Starring

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Search WWT Slimbridge

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Burford, Oxfordshire

www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk Gloucestershire Primary Times

EASTER HOLIDAYS 2020 5

14:44

News All creatures small Apply by June to win a hands-on Insect Day for your school

W

hile being too near to humans is not such a great idea, apparently, in the current pandemic, the idea of getting up close to bugs is positively inspiring.

The annual Great Bug Hunt is open to primary schools in Gloucestershire and throughout the UK, introducing children to some amazing facts about insects.

Did you know that the most common centipede only has 30 legs, but that some of them have more than 300? Or that woodlice are the only crustaceans that spend their whole life on land?

Run by the Association for Science Education (ASE) and the Royal Entomological Society (RES), the hunt aims to take science out of the classroom to discover the multitude of minibeasts we share the world with.

Children carry out an exploratory hunt and enter their findings into the competition in any form they like - video, podcast, wallchart, poem etc. They’re then in the running for a bundle of insect exploration-related prizes including a hands-on Insect Day for your school, featuring RES experts. The closing date for entries is Friday 12 June so, public advice allowing, get out and discover all that life crawling around in the undergrowth.

Ffi: The Great Bug Hunt W: schoolscience.co.uk/bughunt

Walking the Walk

Resource packs for Walk to School Week, 18-22 May

D

o you already walk to and from school every day? If so, you’ll be able take the national Walk to School Week five-day walking challenge well in your stride. Organised by the charity Living Streets, the week runs from Monday 18 to Friday 22 May and aims to raise awareness of the benefits of walking among primary school pupils and grown-ups. Every day, pupils are challenged to walk, cycle or scoot to class - or if that’s not possible for the whole journey, to “park and stride” by being dropped off or getting off public transport a 10 minute walk from school.

The week’s theme for 2020 is “health and wellbeing”, with the

PENGUIN FEEDS 11AM & 2.30PM

emphasis not just on physical benefits, but also on mental health benefits which, the charity says, include “increased sense of calm and self-esteem, time to connect with friends, family and the natural world, awakened creativity and improved overall cognitive function.” A classroom resources pack suitable for classes of up to 30 pupils is available for £10 (+VAT) from Living Streets and includes a wallchart where children can log their journeys, activity and reward stickers.

Ffi: Living Streets W: livingstreets.org.uk

OPEN DAILY 2020

YEAR O

PARRFOTHTE www.birdland.co.uk

6 EASTER HOLIDAYS 2020

Primary Times Gloucestershire

FIND US: Bourton-on-the-Water, GL54 2BN T: 01451 820480

Theatre GLOUCESTERSHIRE CORONAVIRUS

The current pandemic has created an ever-changing environment for public events. All events listed here are subject to change and cancellation at short notice. But Primary Times Gloucestershire will be keeping in regular touch with venues and events throughout the Easter holidays to find out which events are going ahead. Please check Facebook.com/PrimaryTimesGloucestershire for the latest updates. Please also follow public advice and check announcements from venues and organisers direct to find out if an event is going to take place as scheduled.

CHELTENHAM PLAYHOUSE 47-53 Bath Rd, Cheltenham GL53 7HG. 01242 522852, www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk Easter Workshops Mon 6-Fri 10 Apr, 9am-9.30pm, £tbc • A chance for children aged from 4 to 11 years to indulge their love of singing, dancing and acting.

Experienced tutors from Theatre Studio lead a week of workshops in storytelling, creating characters, movement and song, as well as confidence-building and theatre games – all leading up to a fully costumed final performance on the theatre’s main stage. Email info@theatrestudio. co.uk for more details.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Fri 10-Sat 12 Apr, 2pm & 7pm, £12/£9 (under-18) • Shakespeare’s joyful romantic comedy takes on a distinctly ravey vibe as Theatre Studio relocate it to the world of 1990s festival culture, DJ Puck spins the discs and the fairies fill the forest with dream-like celebration. Expect an all-singing, all-dancing take on the classic tale of love and mistaken identity.

Mummy and Daddy Pig and George in this brand new live show packed full of songs, games and laughter – not to mention caves, castles, dinosaurs and dragons.

Malory Towers Tue 12-Sat 16 May, 7.30pm, 2pm (Wed, Thu & Sat), from £25 • When Darrell Rivers starts boarding school, she discovers a world of midnight feasts and pillow fights, friendships and rivalries. Expect high jinks, high drama and high spirits in this show based on Enid Blyton’s children’s novels, adapted and directed by Emma Rice.

FENNELLS FARM

Fennells Farm, Lypiatt, Stroud GL6 7NE. giffordscircus.com The Hooley Thu 9-Mon 20 Apr, times vary – check the website, £25/£15 (ages 3-14) • Giffords Circus rolls up for the opening dates of its 20th anniversary tour with a show directed by leading comedy director Cal McCrystal. Expect plenty of horses, fairies, music and dancing – as well as the reappearance of circus favourites like Nancy Trotter Landry, Lil Rice and Tweedy The Clown.

The Wizard of Oz Tewkesbury, We , Roses Theatre, d 8 Apr.

ROSES THEATRE

The Roses, Sun St, Tewkesbury GL20 5NX. 01684 295074, www.rosestheatre.org The Wizard Of Oz Wed 8 Apr, 3pm & 7pm, £16-£18 • Dorothy sets out along the Yellow Brick Road in the company of Scarecrow, Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion on a mission to meet the legendary Wizard and defeat the Wicked Witch of the West in the process. The Roses’ Easter pantomime returns with Basil Brush, Ryan ‘Wally’ Greaves, Phylip ‘Dolly’ Harries and an as-yet-unnamed big star guest joining the cast.

Shark In The Park Wed 15 Apr, 1pm & 3pm, £12-£14 • Can Timothy Pope really see a shark in the park through his brand new telescope? And what’s it doing there anyway?

Bringing together all three of Nick Sharratt’s ‘Shark …’ stories, this family musical sees Timothy and his Elvis-loving

Dad set out on a ‘fin’-filled adventure.

DAYLESFORD ORGANIC FARM Daylesford, Kingham, Moretonin-Marsh GL56 0YG. giffordscircus.com The Hooley Thu 7-Mon 18 May, times vary – check the website, £25/£15 (ages 3-14) • Giffords Circus’ 20th anniversary show continues its tour. See Fennells Farm listing.

SUDELEY CASTLE

Winchcombe GL54 5JD. giffordcircus.com The Hooley Thu 21 May-Thu 1 Jun, times vary – check the website, £25/£15 (ages 3-14) • Giffords Circus brings its 20th anniversary show to the castle.

See Fennells Farm listing above.

EVERYMAN THEATRE

Regent St, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573, www.everymantheatre. org.uk Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever Wed 15-Thu 16 Apr, 10am, 1pm & 4pm, £18-£23 • Join Peppa Pig for a very special day out with Mallory Towers runs from Tue 12 to Sat 16 May and Peppa Pig ‘s Best Day Ever (above) from Wed 15 to Thu 16 Apr, both at Cheltenham’s Everyman Theatre.

Gloucestershire Primary Times

EASTER HOLIDAYS 2020 7

EJS

Edward Jenner School

Making Learning Happen

Open Morning Friday 15 May, 9:30-11am aStrong traditional Maths and English aInvestigative and exploratory Science aConfidence building through individual programmes aAffordable provision aSmall class sizes Registered for children aged 5 to 16 years

Space to learn and play Full and part time places available

Please phone or email:

01452 380808

office@edwardjennerschool.org

44 London Road, Gloucester GL1 3NZ

www.edwardjennerschool.org.uk

T007-3158 CountryTastic Primary Times Advert Gloucester 184x138mm AW OL.pdf

8 EASTER HOLIDAYS 2020

Primary Times Gloucestershire

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13/03/2020

10:43

The Family Guide CORONAVIRUS

The current pandemic has created an ever-changing environment for public events. All events listed here are subject to change and cancellation at short notice.

Primary Times Gloucestershire will keep in regular touch with venues and events throughout the Easter holidays to find out which events are going ahead. Please check Facebook.com/PrimaryTimesGloucestershire for the latest updates. Please also follow public advice and check with venues and organisers directly.

TO SUN 19 APR EGG-CITING EASTER EVENTS Birdland Park and Gardens, Rissington Rd, Bourton-on-the-Water GL54 2BN, birdland.co.uk • Easter egg trails, quizzes and daily egg-themed talks and shows, plus the possibility of watching new life emerge in the hatchery. New for 2020 is the Parrot Pandemonium, which hosts 16 species of the colourful, exotic birds. 10am-5pm, standard admission applies.

THU 2 APR OPEN MORNING Marling School, Cainscross Rd, Stroud GL5 4HE, www.marling. school • A chance for parents and carers to look round the school on a normal working day. No need to prebook. 9am. admissions@marling. school, 01453 762251 FRI 3 APR ROMAN GLOUCESTER TOURS (CIVIC TRUST) Museum of Gloucester, Brunswick Rd, Gloucester GL1 1HP, www. museumofgloucester.co.uk • With the help of a Civic Trust guide, learn why the Romans came to Gloucester, discover Roman walls in the Eastgate Chamber, walk down to the site of the Forum and meet Emperor Nerva, then see aspects of Roman life, including mosaics, jewellery, weaponry and tombstones, on display in the Museum.

10.30-11.45am.

FRI 3-MON 6 APR SPRINGFEST Gloucester Quays, St Ann Way, Gloucester GL1 5SH, www.gloucesterquays.co.uk/ • There’ll be more than 100 stalls at this annual celebration of local food and crafts, plus live music.

SAT 4-FRI 17 APR EASTER HOLIDAY FUN FOR EVERYONE Dean Heritage Centre, Camp Mill, Sudeley, Forest of Dean GL14 2UB, deanheritagecentre.com • Activi-

ties include Easter in the Forest, an Easter egg trail and nature trails with guide Alex. 10am-4pm.

SAT 4-SUN 19 APR EASTER SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES Taurus Crafts, The Old Park , Forest of Dean, Aylburton, Lydney GL15 6BU, camphillvillagetrust.org.uk • The centre promises a fantastic programme of hands-on creative activities, performances and free trails for children. See website and Facebook for up-to-date details.

SAT 4 APR-SUN 31 MAY EASTER PENGUIN TRAIL SS Great Britain, Great Western Dockyard, Bristol, ssgreatbritain. org/easter • Help Stanley and his friends find their precious eggs and learn all about the ship’s epic journey back to Bristol from the Falkland Islands in 1970.

MON 6-THU 9 APR SCENT-SATIONAL FAMILY EVENT Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury GL8 8QS, www.forestryengland.uk/ westonbirt • Attractions include the Gruffalo Spotter’s Trail, Natural Play Trail, Family Activity Trail, Birt’s I Spy Adventure and the STIHL Treetop Walkway. Follow your nose, create your own spring perfume and make different scented crafts.

11am-4pm, standard admission applies.

MON 6-FRI 17 APR EASTER TRAIL Museum of Gloucester, Brunswick Rd, Gloucester GL1 1HP, www.museumofgloucester.co.uk • Look out for the Peter Rabbit-inspired trail this Easter. Daily (except Sundays) 10am-5pm.

TUE 7 APR NORTH NIBLEY EASTER EGG HUNT North Nibley Village Hall, Innocks Estate, North Nibley GL11 6DP, northnibleypreschool@hotmail.

co.uk • Annual Easter egg hunt around the picturesque village of North Nibley, raising money for the community-run charity preschool, which has been caring for the village’s children for more than 45 years. 10.30am-4pm, £2.50 per child, tickets available on the day.

THU 9 APR FOREST SCHOOL FOR TOTS Batsford Arboretum, nr Moretonin-Marsh GL56 9AD, www.batsarb. co.uk • A chance for pre-schoolers to engage with nature and explore Batsford’s Forest School site (complete with large covered area for wet days). Booking 01386 701441, 10.30am-12noon, £5 per child. Also runs on Fri 24 Apr, Thu 14 and Fri 22 May. THU 9 APR COUNTRYTASTIC Three Counties Showground, Malvern WR13 6NW, www.countrytastic.co.uk • Countryside fun galore on the theme of ‘Fur and Feather’. A chance for kids to

taurus crafts

SAT 4-SUN 19 APR ROCOCO EGGSPLORERS Painswick Rococo Garden, Gloucester Rd, Painswick, Stroud GL6 6TH, rococogarden.org.uk • Make some eggstraordinary discoveries in this historic garden, follow the trail and win a chocolate reward. £1 per child plus standard admission.

Craft studios - Artisan businesses Cafe - Local food & drink - Gift shop Local art - Special events - Markets

SAT 4-SUN 19 APR EASTER DUCK QUEST WWT Slimbridge, Bowditch, Slimbridge GL2 7BT, www.wwt.org. uk/wetland-centres/slimbridge/ • A group of ducks have decided to visit Slimbridge this Easter holiday.

Can your family spot them all? A fun hunt which will take you all around the grounds with prizes on return. 01453 891900, 9.30am5pm.

SAT 4-SUN 19 APR EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA Cotswold Farm Park, Guiting Power, Cheltenham GL54 5FL, www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk/ • Skip and jump into the spirit of spring with an egg hunt around the park with a prize for every child. 01451 85031, 10.30am-5pm, admission applies.

SAT 4-SUN 19 APR THE BIG BATSFORD BUNNY HUNT Batsford Arboretum, nr Moretonin-Marsh GL56 9AD, www.batsarb. co.uk • The Easter Bunny’s helpers have escaped and they’re hopping around Batsford Arboretum – find them and win a prize! 9am-5pm, £2.50 per child, plus normal arboretum admission fees.

Registered charity 232402.

APRIL

The Gruffalo Trail, one attraction at Westonbirt Arboretum this Easter

Childrens’ creative activities throughout school holidays Part of Camphill Village Trust a charity supporting people with learning disabilities lead a life of opportunity.

tauruscrafts.co.uk 01594 844841 Lydney, Forest of Dean, GL15 6BU Gloucestershire Primary Times

EASTER HOLIDAYS 2020 9

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continued

Mermaids’ Monday, Sandford Park s Lido, Cheltenham, Mon 25 May.

CORONAVIRUS

All events listed here are subject to change and cancellation at short notice. Primary Times Gloucestershire will keep in regular touch with venues and events throughout the Easter holidays to find out which events are going ahead. Please check Facebook.com/PrimaryTimesGloucestershire for the latest updates and check with venues and organisers directly. discover the countryside and meet furry friends. Special guest Adam Henson. 0844 338 5400. £9 (adult)/£6 (child)/free (under 2s)

SAT 11 APR EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA Sandford Parks Lido, Keynsham Rd, Cheltenham GL53 7PU, www.sandfordparkslido.org.uk/ events/2020-04-11-easter-eggstravaganza • Easter activities including hook-a-duck and egg & spoon races between 11am and 3pm, plus a visit from the Easter Bunny (11am-1pm). 01242 524430, normal entry fees apply: £5.50 (adult)/£3.50 (child/concs), family discounts available.

SUN 12 APR EASTER ANTIQUES AND VINTAGE FAIR Taurus Crafts, The Old Park , Forest of Dean, Aylburton, Lydney GL15 6BU, camphillvillagetrust. org.uk • Discover a hidden gem or two amongst the many stalls at Taurus Crafts, enjoy live music and experience the tasty bites on offer in the café. 10am-4pm.

MON 13-FRI 17 APR BECOME A ROOKIE LIFEGUARD Sandford Parks Lido, Keynsham Rd, Cheltenham GL53 7PU, www. sandfordparkslido.org.uk • The lido has opened its lifeguarding courses to 8 to 14 year olds, covering first aid, personal survival and lifeguarding techniques (bronze, silver and gold awards available), as well as offering a great chance for children to make new friends.

9am-11pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Group swimming lessons also available in holidays and term-time. 01242 524430, 9am-11am (13, 15, 17 Apr), £52.

TUE 14-FRI 17 APR SPRING SYMPHONY Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury GL8 8QS, www.forestryengland. uk/westonbirt • One in a series of holiday events at the arboretum which include Gruffalo Spotter’s Trail, Natural Play Trail, Family Activity Trail, Birt’s I Spy Adventure and the STIHL Treetop Walkway. Families can take the spring sounds challenge and create different instruments out of Westonbirt wood. 11am-4pm, standard admission applies.

WED 15 APR FAMILY WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY WWT Slimbridge, Bowditch, Slimbridge GL2 7BT, wwt.org. uk/slimbridge • 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.

10 EASTER HOLIDAYS 2020

WED 15 APR STORYTELLING Batsford Arboretum, nr Moretonin-Marsh GL56 9AD, www.batsarb. co.uk • Create stories with storyteller Michael Loader, explore the Forest School site and sow some seeds in your own handmade plant pot to take home. For under-12s.

01386 701441, 10.30am-12.30pm, £10 per child.

WED 15-THU 16 APR THE 11+ DEVELOPMENT SPRING HUB Cotswold Education, Contact organiser for meeting place, www. cotswoldeducation.co.uk • A two-day preparation for aspiring grammar school pupils, and much more besides. 07976 218062.

FRI 17 APR AQUA FUN FRIDAY Sandford Parks Lido, Keynsham Rd, Cheltenham GL53 7PU, www.sandfordparkslido.org.uk/ prices/aqua-fun-fridays/ • Aqua inflatable session. 01242 524430, £7 (adult)/£5 (child), discounts for Lido season ticket holders.

WED 22 APR-WED 27 APR LITTLE MAKERS & PAINTERS Kingshill House, Dursley, Kingshill House, Kingshill Lane, Dursley GL11 4BZ, www.kingshillhouse.org.uk • For pre-schoolers from 2.5 to 5 years old, this promises an exciting tactile and sensory experience that enhances learning, language and creativity. Two sessions each Wednesday morning, 10am and 11.15am. £5 per session for 1 child and 1 adult, inc. snack for the child.

FRI 24 APR WORLD PENGUIN DAY Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens, Bradwell Grove, Burford OX18 4JP, cotswoldwildlifepark. co.uk • A day of penguin-themed activities and competitions, as well as talks and the chance to help feed the park’s penguins - all in support of Sphenisco, a charity dedicated to Humboldt penguins.

1pm & 3pm (talks and feeding).

SAT 25 APR EASTINGTON EGG HUNT Eastington Primary School & around Eastington, Churchend, Eastington GL10 3SB, @eastingtonegghunt • Join the fun and hunt for Easter Eggs dotted around Eastington Village on this pushchair-friendly route. Follow the map to find the letters that reveal a phrase to exchange for a chocolate surprise. All funds raised are used to buy vital equipment for Eastington Primary School and Playgroup. £3 for first child, £2 for siblings. See Facebook for more information.

Primary Times Gloucestershire

SAT 25 APR THE GLOUCESTERSHIRE 11+ MOCK TEST Cotswold Education, Contact organiser for meeting place, www.cotswoldeducation.co.uk • A chance for children to take mock grammar school entrance exams in a realistic setting. 07976 218062.

SAT 25 APR-FRI 15 MAY SHEEP SHOW Cotswold Farm Park, Guiting Power, Cheltenham GL54 5FL, www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk • Find out all about sheep and enjoy the facilities on the farm.

10.30am-5pm.

SUN 26 APR MODEL-MAKING SKILLS Jet Age Museum, Meteor Business Park, Cheltenham Rd East, Gloucester GL2 9QL, jetagemuseum.org/ • The International Plastic Modellers’ Society of Gloucester demonstrates its model-making skills. Enjoy the aircraft, artefacts and cockpits in the museum too. Museum open Sat, Sun & Bank holidays, 10am4pm, free.

MAY FRI 1-SUN 3 MAY BIRDSONG WORKSHOP WWT Slimbridge, Bowditch, Slimbridge GL2 7BT, www.wwt.org. uk/wetland-centres/slimbridge/ • Celebrate International Dawn Chorus Day with this fascinating birdsong workshop. 7am-9.30pm.

SAT 2 MAY DINO DAY Throughout Gloucester • The dinosaurs are out in force on the streets of Gloucester. Discover some of the stories behind these extraordinary creatures and try not to be too terrified!

TUE 5-SUN 10 MAY THE CHELTENHAM JAZZ FESTIVAL (CJF) Festival Village and venues throughout Cheltenham, Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham GL50 1UW, www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/jazz/ • The cream of the jazz world descends on Cheltenham for five days. There are also plenty of free activities and events for families across the Festival Village and the rest of Cheltenham, including the Free Stages, fun hands-on sessions and silent bandstand at the

Yamaha Discovery Space, Jazz Puddles and special events to commemorate VE Day. See below for a selection, marked (CJF).

FRI 8 MAY SAM FRANKIE FOX AND RICARDO ROCHA (CJF) Yamaha Discovery Space, nr main festival entrance, Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham GL50 1UW, www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/ jazz/ • A special performance for 2-5 year olds featuring Sam Frankie Fox and Portuguese sound-explorer Ricardo Rocha.

Promising a beautiful selection of songs, stories and poems set to music, they also perform jazz-influenced pieces from around the world with their trademark playfulness, warmth and flair. 12.15-1pm, £6 plus booking.

FRI 8 MAY JAZZ KIDS: ALEX WOODS TRIO (CJF) Yamaha Discovery Space, nr main festival entrance, Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham GL50 1UW, www.cheltenhamfestivals. com/jazz/ • Saxophonist Alex Woods introduces jazz to a younger audience via a whole host of fun games, singing and performance. Discover new ideas about rhythm, improvisation, tempo and the blues. £6 plus booking.

FRI 8 MAY FREE DROP-IN YAMAHA JAZZ SESSIONS (CJF) Yamaha Discovery Space, nr main festival entrance, Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham GL50 1UW, www.cheltenhamfestivals. com/jazz/ • Whether you’re a learner or already playing an instrument, inspire your inner musician with a whole host of musical events and fun hands-on sessions aimed at the whole family. 3.15-7.30pm, free. Sessions also on Sat 9 May, 3.15-7.30pm, & Sun 10 May, 9-11am & 3.157.30pm.

SAT 9 MAY WORLD BINTURONG DAY Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens, Bradwell Grove, Burford OX18 4JP, cotswoldwildlifepark. co.uk • With a cat-like face, a bear-like body and a monkey-like tail, the binturong is a curious beast, originally hailing from SE Asia. Find out more about it at a keeper talk and help support binturong conversation by en-

The Big Batsford Bunny Hun, Batsford Arboretum, Sat 4-Sun 19 Apr tering a raffle to win a binturong encounter. 11.30 & 3.30pm (talks).

SAT 9 MAY GLOBAL FOLK ADVENTURES WITH KATIE STEVENS (CJF) Yamaha Discovery Space, nr main festival entrance, Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham GL50 1UW, www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/jazz/ • Discover a mix of world folk music and exciting new instruments with multi-instrumentalist Katie Stevens and friends. Listen to music and stories from the UK to the Middle East, the Balkans to Brazil (and plenty of places in between). Featuring the Bulgarian kaval and the Arabic ney, as well as clarinet, saxophone, whistle and flute. 12.15-1pm, £6.

SUN 10 MAY SHLOMO’S BEATBOX ADVENTURE FOR KIDS & SURPRISE GUEST (CJF) Jazz Arena, Montpellier Terrace side of main festival site, Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham GL50 1UW, www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/ jazz/ • Beatboxer supreme Shlomo amazes with the variety of sounds he can produce with just his mouth and a microphone, from entire drumkits to synthesiser bleeps, in an interactive show that’ll get the whole family on its feet. 11-11.45am, £8 plus booking.

SUN 10 MAY FAMILY SING WITH JULIET KELLY (CJF) Yamaha Discovery Space, nr main festival entrance, Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham GL50 1UW, www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/jazz/

• Popular family singing session led by acclaimed vocalist Juliet Kelly.

2-2.45pm, £6 plus booking.

FRI 15 MAY OPEN MORNING Edward Jenner School, 44 London Rd, Gloucester GL1 3NZ, www. edwardjennerschool.org.uk • A chance for parents to see this school, which promises strong traditional maths and English, an investigative and exploratory approach to science and lots of space to learn and play. 01452 380808, 9.30-11am.

SAT 16 MAY EMBROIDER YOUR CHILDREN’S ART Kingshill House, Dursley, Kingshill House, Kingshill Lane, Dursley GL11 4BZ, www.kingshillhouse.org.uk • In this fun and relaxed workshop, you’ll learn the basic stitches of embroidery, techniques for transferring images onto fabric and ideas for turning your child’s simple line drawing into a lasting work of art.

10am-1pm, £40.

SAT 16 MAY-SUN 21 JUN SHEARING Cotswold Farm Park, Guiting Power, Cheltenham GL54 5FL, www. cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk • Take part in the experience of shearing sheep for their wool, one of a farmer’s key annual tasks. 10.30am-5pm.

SUN 17 MAY MAY MARKET Taurus Crafts, The Old Park , Forest of Dean, Aylburton, Lydney GL15 6BU, camphillvillagetrust.org.uk • A chance for families to have a great

The Complete 11+ Programme

Published 31st March: Available from Amazon and at our events.

THU 21 MAY-TUE 31 DEC MISSION POSSIBLE WWT Slimbridge, Bowditch, Slimbridge GL2 7BT, www.wwt.org.uk/ wetland-centres/slimbridge/ • A new visitor experience exploring the methods used to bring the nene, the world’s rarest goose, back from the brink of extinction.

WWT Slimbridge founder Sir Peter Scott pioneered these methods and you can visit the duckery, with its rearing tanks and enclosures, to learn about the ground-breaking

Would you like your event listed here?

Email: mike.gartside@ primarytimes. co.uk Deadline for May Half Term MONDAY 27 APRIL

techniques he developed.

Discover how the centre applies his science to breeding birds today, including another endangered species, the Madagascan Pochard.

Standard admission applies.

SAT 23-MON 25 MAY LEMUR WEEKEND Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens, Bradwell Grove, Burford OX18 4JP, cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk • Help support the park’s Madagascan conservation initiatives by taking part in lemur-themed competitions and games, listening to talks in the walk-through enclosure and visiting the Madagascar exhibit. Cotswold Falconry will also be holding bird of prey demonstrations on the lawns at 1pm & 3.30pm.

MON 25 MAY MERMAID MONDAY Sandford Parks Lido, Keynsham Rd, Cheltenham GL53 7PU, www. sandfordparkslido.org.uk/prices/mermaid-mondays/ • Fun swimming lesson (equipment provided), ages/prices TBC, 2 x 45 min sessions (9.15am-10am & 10am-10.45am). 01242 524430.

OPEN DAILY 10:30-5pm

The Gloucestershire 11+ Grammar School Handbook The ultimate guide to do it yourself grammar school preparation from application to the test and beyond!

foodie day out with the best of local food and drink. Cooking demonstrations and music from local ceilidh band Banshee, while children and parents can get creative with food themselves at food-themed creative activities.

The Gloucestershire 11+ Grammar Scho ol Handbook Everything you wanted to know about Glouceste Grammar School rshire Entrance but were too afraid to ask!

For 2021 Entry

Grammar School (11+) Mock Tests

Saturday 25th April, 23rd May, 13th June & 25th July 2020

Six Session Preparation Course NEW! Friday 29th May—Friday 10th July 2020 (eves)

The Summer Hub – 11+ Revision and Tips Wed 22nd/Thurs 23rd July 2020 & Tue 18th/Wed 19th August 2020

For full details and to book visit www.cotswoldeducation.co.uk or call 07976 218062 for a no obligation chat.

Highly qualified, friendly staff leading a well established local learning community of children, parents and educational professionals.

Exclusive Offer! Book online using discount code PTOFFER for 10% off our Mock Tests!

4th-19th April Only £1 per child with standard admission

Something EGGStraordinary has hatched in the garden!

Follow the trail and discover EGGSactly what it is...

CHOCOLATE REWARD! Maze | Rustic play area | Shop & Café | Dogs welcome www.rococogarden.org.uk Follow us on Registered charity no 1107844

Gloucestershire Primary Times

EASTER HOLIDAYS 2020 11

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Run away with Giffords!

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Giffords Circus and the fairy folk are coming out to celebrate. Opening on 9 April, this year’s circus show ‘The Hooley’ will have fairies, trolls, pixies, leprechauns, wild horses, Celtic music and dancing and all the madcap magic for which Giffords is famed. Directed by comic genius Cal McCrystal and with costumes once again designed by Takis, ‘The Hooley’ promises to be a most magical and poignant show to celebrate the circus’s 20th year and pay tribute to its late co-founder Nell Gifford.

For those who have never experienced Giffords Circus, it’s unlike any other circus in the UK. Giffords has a big top, a clown and candyfloss as you’d expect, but it does circus with such a unique flair that it transports you back to a childhood where anything and everything is possible. A traditional big top on which proudly sit the illuminated words ‘Giffords Circus’ acts as a beacon to draw people into the magic.

The tent is surrounded by vintage-style, burgundy-painted wagons and the performers include acrobats on horseback, the much-loved clown Tweedy, a strap act who perform whilst suspended from the roof and a medley of Cuban acrobats.

‘The Hooley’ is the perfect way to celebrate Giffords Circus’s first 20 years, so get ready to join the dance to timeless Celtic rhythms and drums and get down with the fairy folk. Tickets are on sale now, so check the Theatre listings in this issue for upcoming dates and venues.

Fabulous at fifty The Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens, near Burford in Oxfordshire, are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year. The park opened on Good Friday, 27 March 1970. It cost five shillings (25p) for adults and two shillings (10p) for children to get in and that first weekend it welcomed some 17,000 visitors.

The park was the brainchild of one man, John Heyworth, who wanted to rescue the decaying manor house he grew up in. With the help of gardeners and keepers he turned a bramble-strewn wilderness into a home for a beautiful zoological collection. Over the past five decades, millions of visitors have enjoyed the beauty of nature at the park. John’s son Reggie now runs the attraction and continues his father’s work, with more than 260 different animal species living amidst 120 acres of picturesque parkland.

Cotswold Wildlife Park has also picked up a whole range of awards.

It was voted fourth best zoo in the UK by TripAdvisor in the 2015 Traveller’s Choice Awards and received a TripAdvisor Hall of Fame award in both 2018 and 2019 for winning a certificate of excellence for five years in a row. Last year too it received The Heart Best Visitor Experience in the 2019 Oxfordshire Business Awards, while it’s been voted ‘Best Day out with Dogs’ in the Kennel Club’s Be Dog Friendly Awards two years running.

Ffi: Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens Burford, Oxfordshire OX18 4JP W: www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk

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All the fun of the farm

Ffi: Giffords Circus T: 01242 691181 W: www.giffordscircus.com

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A trip to the Beech Are you looking for the perfect fun-filled family getaway? A staycation could be just what you need to relax and get away from it all. Whether you choose a weekend staycation break or a mid-week getaway, the Coppid Beech Hotel has got it covered.

Staff at the family-friendly hotel will ensure that children feel right at home and that parents will be able to enjoy a relaxing and comfortable stay.

The Coppid Beech Hotel is a unique Alpine-style resort hotel based in the heart of Royal Berkshire. It is ideally located as a base for many local attractions, including Legoland Windsor, Coral Reef Water World and Windsor Castle, as well as a neighbouring ski slope and ice-skating rink. The hotel offers a fantastic health and fitness club equipped with a swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room in addition to a wide range of dining options, which mean there’s something on offer for the whole family. Guests can enjoy complimentary high-speed wi-fi and free car parking too.

Uniquely, The Coppid Beech can also offer an Alpine sports experience all year round. The John Nike Leisuresport Complex is owned by the hotel’s partner company and is directly adjacent to the hotel. Facilities include: an ice rink, host to a variety of activities, including ice-karting and ice-hockey; a ski and snowboard centre; snow tubing; tobogganing and a snooker hall.

Ffi: The Coppid Beech John Nike Way, Bracknell RG12 8TF T: 01344 303333 W: www.coppidbeech.com When booking quote PTBREAK! 12 EASTER HOLIDAYS 2020

Primary Times Gloucestershire

For plenty of fur, feather and family fun on the farm, CountryTastic is the place to be this Easter, for young and old alike. It’s taking place at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern (Thu 9 Apr), where there’ll be a huge selection of animals – from giant rabbits to happy hens – for children to interact with, along with farmyard favourites like cattle, sheep and pigs.

Highlights include a parade of livestock, pig agility ring and mock livestock auction, which will have kids eager to meet and learn about farmyard animals.

Look out for demonstrations from the amazing Pirton Gundog Display team, plus den-building and cookery workshops.

TV presenter and Cotswold Farm Park’s Adam Henson will also be back to headline the show in the ‘Ask the Farmer’ classroom where children can have their burning questions answered.

CountryTastic takes place from 10am to 5pm on Thu 9 Apr. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are priced at £6 for children under 16 and £9 for adults (17+). Children under the age of two will go free, but will still require an entry ticket. No tickets will be available to buy on the day.

Ffi: CountryTastic W: www.countrytastic.co.uk; tickets from: www.threecounties.co.uk/buy-tickets/

d r a o b Cork

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Pick up a penguin

Waddle on over to Brunel’s SS Great Britain this Easter and you’ll meet a group of penguins visiting from the Falkland Islands, where the ship lay abandoned until 1970.

Stanley and his friends have come to find out more about the ship’s incredible journey home to Bristol 50 years ago, but they’ve been enjoying their visit so much they’ve lost their eggs! Set off on the Penguin Trail and search below decks to help reunite them with their precious chicks.

The Penguin Trail is part of a whole host of activities celebrating the SS Great Britain’s 50 years back home in Bristol - keep your eyes peeled for a photography exhibition along the harbour in April as well as exciting events during Bristol Harbour Festival this summer.

Ffi: SS Great Britain Great Western Dockyard, Gas Ferry Rd, Bristol BS1 6TY W: www.ssgreatbritain. org

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Chocolate heaven!

Taurus Crafts is the place to go this Easter if you’re looking to have fun learning new skills making and decorating chocolates and cakes.

The Forest of Dean arts and crafts centre runs activities for children and families every school holiday and this Easter’s programme is brim full of opportunities for families wanting a day out together, relaxing and getting creative.

Professional chocolatiers from The Chocolate Bar will be running activities where you can decorate and make your own chocolate treat using high-quality base chocolate, special moulds and edible paints. The edible theme continues with cakemaker supreme, Isabel, who will put her catering and teaching experience to good use running cupcake decorating and Easter chocolate nest-making workshops.

According to Taurus Crafts, “We’re lucky to have Isabel and The Chocolate Bar running workshops here as they are in high demand at Easter time, what with all the sweet treats, cakes and chocolates they’ll be making for clients and cafes.”

The creativity doesn’t stop there: pottery painting, throwing pots, rock painting and nature-themed crafts are all on offer throughout the two-week holiday. For those needing a break from craft activities, there will also be a magic show and puppet show. The magic show is £2 and the puppet show is free (or donations), so there’s something to suit all budgets.

The programme varies daily so it’s worth checking what’s on when to make the most of your visit and pick your favourite activity sessions. The Taurus Crafts website and Facebook are kept up to date with all the latest details and offers.

Ffi: Taurus Crafts T: 01594 844481 W: www.tauruscrafts.co.uk

Recycle and raise funds If your school wants to raise funds by collecting household textiles such as clothes, shoes, bags or belts, C&G Collections can help.

Set up in 2018 as a sister project to Bristol Textile Recyclers Ltd, the company supplies and services clothing banks for organisations wishing to raise money for themselves and the environment. C&G provides the facility with no associated costs, managing it and paying for every tonne of textiles collected. For every site it supplies, the company donates £10 to the 8 Billion Trees Foundation, which funds the planting and protection of woodlands worldwide.

The company already works with over 300 organisations, collecting approximately 500,000 kilograms of re-usable items.

“Our work helps prevent these items from going to landfill, which is a great benefit to the planet,” says a spokesperson for C&G. If you would like to work with C&G Collections, please contact the company via the details below.

Ffi: C&G Collections T: 0117 971 3222 E: haydn@cgcollections. co.uk W: www.cgcollections-ltd.co.uk

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Curtain rises on Theatre Stars Gloucester Exciting news for Gloucester children who want to learn theatre skills. Theatre Stars, a Gloucestershire-based stage school which already runs lessons in Cheltenham, Tewkesbury and Newent, is opening a new school in Gloucester this June. Theatre Stars founder Jon Morgan, who recently starred in the video for Lewis Capaldi’s hit ‘Someone You Loved’, says that while his pupils have gone on to roles in movies, television and the West End, his main focus is to help children build confidence and make friends.

“We teach musical theatre singing and acting to children aged 7 to 14 in two-hour sessions,” says Jon. “We also teach acting for screen, with a lot of work in front of camera. As an extra we also offer tuition in small groups for the nationally recognized London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts (LAMDA) gradings, something which can eventually be used on university applications.”

And to demonstrate how effective the school’s approach is, Theatre Stars won the 2020 GHP Social Care Award for Best Performing Arts Organisation in 2020. Theatre Stars has free introductory sessions at all its locations and, subject to the latest public health advice, looks forward to welcoming children to its Gloucester school this June. Please contact the school closer to the time to confirm exact dates.

Ffi: Theatre Stars E: theatrestars@hotmail.com T: 07428 004358 Gloucestershire Primary Times

EASTER HOLIDAYS 2020 13

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d r a o b k r o

C

Good grammar guide

The process of applying for grammar school can cause confusion and anxiety. While there are many useful resources available online, it is difficult to navigate the maze of information.

Two highly qualified Entry 2021 educators from Cotswold For Education have used their experience to create a new book which gathers crucial information into a single volume. It is clear, straightforward and accessible to all parents considering a grammar school place for their child.

You’ll find details on how to register and apply, how best to prepare your child for the 11+ test and chapters on each of the main topics children need to understand. There are tips and tricks to help your child approach the test with confidence.

‘The Gloucestershire 11+ Grammar School Handbook’ is currently available from Amazon or at any Cotswold Education events. It supports other Cotswold Education events such as mock tests and learning courses.

Find out more about Cotswold Education and book a place at any event by calling, emailing or visiting the website.

11+ The Gloucestershire book Grammar School Hand ire to know about Gloucestersh Everything you wanted ask! but were too afraid to Grammar School Entrance

Ffi: Cotswold Education T: 07976 218062 E: info@cotswoldeducation. co.uk W: www.cotswoldeducation.co.uk

Zip wire thrills!

Based in a flooded quarry near Chepstow, The National Diving & Activity Centre offers some of the best inland diving conditions in Europe, with depths of up to 80 metres. As well as diving, you can try out its 700m long zip wire slide and giant 3G swing, or take a look at its aircraft and amphibious vehicles.

There’s on-site accommodation in the Wooden Wigwam Village and a selection of food and drink in the View Café Bar. Over the Easter school holidays the centre expects to be open at weekends. Look out, too, for its new Atlantis Aqua Park. which expects to open in May. See advert on back cover this issue for full details, including any offers.

Wonders of the deep

Game, set and hatch!

Bristol Aquarium takes you, your family and friends on a spectacular undersea safari. Journey through the waterways of the world and marvel at the thousands of different creatures that call Bristol Aquarium home – from sharks and stingrays to seahorses and turtles. Then immerse yourself in an Urban Jungle teeming with exotic plants and trees – there are even bananas growing!

Over the Easter holidays (4-19 Apr), you can join a Great British egg hunt – but with shark and ray eggs instead of traditional ones. Learn too about a fascinating underwater world of spawning and take a peek at cute nursery tanks.

Bristol is the only UK aquarium to have a giant botanical house – see the exotic plants sprouting and immerse yourself in their beautiful colours when they bloom.

Open daily from 10am, Bristol Aquarium is an all-weather attraction on Bristol’s Harbourside. See the website for details and discounted tickets.

The Rococo Garden team need your help, eggsplorers! An unidentified egg has been found and they’re not sure what’s hatched from it.

Young detectives can explore the garden to track down the clues and hopefully find the hatchling. The trail is only £1 (plus admission) and, of course, there’s a chocolate prize. The brand-new trail has been created by local children’s author and illustrator Hannah Shaw.

The garden will also have a beautiful display of spring flowers, while families can battle their way through the unusual maze, play hide and seek in the nooks and crannies or enjoy the rustic woodland play area. With free parking, homemade cakes in the cafe, it really is a treat for everyone. Dogs on leads welcome to join the fun too.

Ffi: Bristol Aquarium W: www.bristolaquarium.co.uk

Ffi: Painswick Rococo Garden W: rococogarden.org.

Join the trail blazers!

Did you know some animal babies are born looking totally different to their parents? This Easter take on Wild Place Project’s new sticker trail to discover the amazing changes happening to British wildlife in the spring (3-20 Apr, from 10am daily). Match the baby to the adult and uncover

nature’s ‘Terrific Transformations’.

Adventurers can also get up close to exotic animals from around the world, including giraffes, cheetahs and lemurs, and have fun exploring beautiful woodlands and lots of wild play areas.

Don’t miss Bear Wood: a spectacular immersive experience unlike any other. Journey back to 8000BC and wander along raised woodland walkways, watching magnificent bears, wolves, lynxes and wolverines roaming below.

For an extra adrenaline rush there’s Leap of Faith, a thrilling high-ropes aerial adventure (additional charge applies).

Wild Place Project is just off junction 17 of the M5, near Cribbs Causeway. Book online a day or more in advance and save 10%.

Ffi: Wild Place Project W: wildplace.org.uk

Ffi: National Diving & Activity Centre W: ndac.co.uk 14 EASTER HOLIDAYS 2020

Parents’ and teachers’ new s, education an d contacts

Primary Times Gloucestershire

eFor the kidsf kidsf PAINT A PICTUR E AND

COMPETITION

WIN A BOOK

Win a family ticket!

for two adults and two children to see Giffords Circus 20th anniversary show The Hooley this Easter For a chance to win, just answer the following question correctly: is the name of Giffords’ popular clown:

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Send in your pain tings or drawings on the theme of MY PET IN SPRI NGTIME to Arty tude, Starfish Publishi ng, The Create Ce ntre, Spike Island, Brist ol, BS1 6XN or em ail a high resolution im age to mike.gartside@ primarytimes.c o.uk before Monday 27 DOWN A pril.

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NB: The family ticket is for a Mon-Thurs performance at Giffords’ opening show at Fennells Farm running from 9-20 April, subject to availablility. See Theatre section for full details.

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For a complete list of events and to book ckets visit EVERYMANTHEATRE.ORG.UK or call the box office on 01242 572573

15 - 16 APRIL

27 - 29 JULY

and Other Terrific Tales

24 - 25 JULY

16 EASTER HOLIDAYS 2020

Primary Times Gloucestershire

31 JULY - 2 AUG