36,500 COPIES FOR FAMILIES OF
PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN FREE INSIDE: WHAT’S O N WHERE GUIDE Gloucestershire
MAY HALF TERM 2022 SATURDAY 28 MAY-FRIDAY 22 JULY ISS.181
Buckle up for some cracking science fun as Cheltenham Science Festival reveals some of the universe’s wonders. P4
+ SCHOOLS’ NEWS
BRASS BAND PROJECT AND MUCH MORE!
www.primarytimes.co.uk
+ DISCOUNT CRESSIDA COWELL HEAVEN!
LIBRARIES CAMPAIGN LATEST
+ PLATINUM JUBILEE
RIGHT ROYAL KNEES-UPS NEAR YOU
DAYS OUT • EDUCAT ION • COMPET I T IONS • FAMILY FUN
Gloucestershire Grammar Schools’
entrance test dates for 2023 entry Register in Year 5 to sit Entrance Test in Year 6
register online 19 may to 30 june 2022 test day saturday 17 september 2022 See school websites for details and open events girls denmarkroad.org ribstonhall.gloucs.sch.uk stroudhigh.gloucs.sch.uk
boys marling.school strschool.co.uk
mixed cryptschool.org patesgs.org 02 MAY HALF TERM 2022
primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire
EE FR
INSIDE
Gloucestershire
Dear Readers,
Gloucestershire’s family events really are back in full swing now and the last few months have been slightly chaotic for everyone as the full implications of normal life, including planning ahead, have dawned on us. But, like the bluebells that burst forth at this time of year, a positive riot of family festivals, fetes, markets workshops and kids’ theatre shows adorn these pages. Most excitingly, we celebrate 70 years of royal stability with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee this summer (P21) But, not to forget the importance of reading, Cressida Cowell updates us on her exciting campaign to reinvigorate school libraries (P17). Whether celebrating in the streets or ensconced in a book, have a great May Half Term.
Mike Gartside - Publisher
04 COVER STORY 05 SCOOP 08 BOX OFFICE 10 W.O.W. 17 ON CRESSIDA FEATURE
May Half Term 2022 SALES MIKE GARTSIDE mike.gartside@ primarytimes.co.uk 01452 937123 SAM PHILLIPS sam.phillips@ primarytimes.co.uk
EDITORIAL & DESIGN MIKE GARTSIDE mike.gartside@ primarytimes.co.uk SUB-EDITOR & LISTINGS:
Tom Phillips
PUBLISHED BY STARFISH PUBLISHING LIMITED, The Create Centre, Smeaton Road, Bristol, BS1 6XN 01452 937123
23 FOR THE KIDS
Primary Times is independently published and distributed free through national 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. Primary Times is currently publishing over two million copies per issue under franchise licences throughout Britain.
SID FREE IN
E: WHAT’S ON
OF 36,500 COPIES FOR FAMILIES PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN
WHERE GUIDE
Gloucestershire
2022 MAY HALF TERM 22 JULY ISS.181 SATURDAY 28 MAY-FRIDAY
www.prima
rytimes.co.
uk
Buckle up for some fun cracking scienceScience as Cheltenham some of Festival reveals ers. the universe’s wond P4
+ SCHOOLS’ NEWS
BRASS BAND PROJECT AND MUCH MORE!
Competition winner Congratulations to the winners of last issue’s competition:
HEAVEN! CRESSIDA COWELL + DISCOUNT
LIBRARIES CAMPAIGN LATEST
+ PLATINUM JUBILEE
RIGHT ROYAL KNEES-UPS NEAR YOU
FUN I T IONS • FAMI LY AT ION • COMP ET DAY S OUT • EDUC
JOIN US FOR MAY HALF TERM 28th May - 5th June
Painswick Rococo Gardens Helen Tarling of Churchdown, Gloucester correctly identified that rococo is b) a flamboyant art style of the 1700s. She wins a Family Membership to Painswick Rococo Gardens.
PT IS GREAT FOR THE CLIMATE BECAUSE: #Our paper comes from sustainable forests in Scotland #sustainable forests for paper are part of the climate solution #we can be easily recycled
MONEY SAVING OFFERS
Splash Pool • Climbing Net • Indoor & Outdoor Play Tractor & Trailer Rides • Friendly Farm Animals to Meet Boating Lake • GRAZE Cafe • Gift Shop • Picnic Areas
Find these discounts in the latest edition of Primary Times
CAMP 4-2-11 10% off bookings for Summer Camps DICK WHITTINGTON PARK One adult goes free with Primary Times advert this May Half Term SPY ACADEMY £20 Amazon voucher to win primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire
Berkeley • Gloucestershire • GL13 9EW Book tickets at cattlecountry.co.uk MAY HALF TERM 2022 03
Gloucestershire Advertising feature
Cheltenham Science Festival Tuesday 7 June – Sunday 12 June www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/ science
Unlock Science Buckle up and prepare for a voyage of spectacular science at this year’s Cheltenham Science Festival as it celebrates its twentieth birthday.
Jon Chase
Evie Meg
C
heltenham Science Festival is back in all its live splendour, with a host of exciting activities for families and children. Wonder at galaxies far, far away with Star Wars expert Jon Chase, and learn about the super science behind everyone’s favourite superheroes in ‘The Science of Superheroes’. BBC One Show’s Marty Jopson presents his electrifying show ‘One Million Volts’ while Stefan Gates and his robot cat/dog
Free interactive zones MakerShack: code a robot, try out a virtual reality headset, discover curious squidgy stuff, and celebrate all things material with expert makers, crafters, scientists and engineers. The Arcade: fun, creative and cryptic challenges exploring the cyber world. Discover Zone: find out about the incredible technology transforming our planet. There are even more free activities to explore in the GE Pavilion, the Hartpury Science Hub, the Woodland Trust’s Nature Detectives and a Science Trail.
04 MAY HALF TERM 2022
Marty Jobson
Clank reveals the weird and wonderful science behind our favourite furry friends in ‘Dogology vs Catology’. Oceanographer Russell Arnott reveals the fascinating world of marine chemistry and goes head-to-head with marine biologist Claudia Allen in a fact-battle to decide who’s best in ‘Shark vs Whale’. ‘Bake-Off’ finalist Andrew Smyth demos his “bakineering” skills and Jamie Gallagher explores the scientific playground of ‘Kitchen Chemistry’. Comedy and quantum mechanics combine in ‘The Quantum Qrumpet’ presented by ANTS Theatre. Free events on the Apollo stage for all ages include festival guest curator Alom Shaha transforming household objects into homemade toys, a drawing workshop with ‘BLOBFISH!’ author Olaf Falafel, demonstra-
tions and explosive experiments from Science Made Simple, juggling and circus skills
with a science theme, and fun forensics with Diatom Dave.
WIN A FAMILY DAY OUT AT THE FESTIVAL!
W
in a family day out at Cheltenham Science Festival on Saturday 11 June with a set of four tickets to two fabulous shows – ‘The Science of Star Wars’ with Jon Chase at 10am and ‘One Million Volts’ with Marty Jopson at 2pm. That leaves you plenty of time to explore the whole Science Festival site and take in all the interactive zones. To enter, simply answer the following question correctly: How old is Cheltenham Science Festival this year? Send your reply, marked CHELT SCIFEST COMP, to gloscompetitions@primarytimes.co.uk by Mon 30 May stating your hometown and a mobile number for us to contact you about the prizes. The winner will be chosen at random and notified shortly after that date.
primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire
NEWS FOR GLOUCESTERSHIRE’S PRIMARY SCHOOLS
Belonging in sports T
his year’s National School Sport Week aims to get more than one million children across the country taking part in school sport. Taking place from 20-26 June, the campaign takes the theme of ‘Belonging - a place in sport for every child’ and is all about getting more young people to have fun by doing sport, especially after the huge disruption caused by the Covid pandemic. Schools, teachers, parents and organisations can all do their bit to raise awareness of the importance of school sport and play by signing up to both pledge their support for the campaign and receive free resources from its organisers the Youth Sports Trust to help spread the word. Everyone who signs up via the website will also be invited to join
Atlas Camps is 10
A
tlas Camps, the Gloucestershire-based company that runs multi-activity camps for children aged 4 to 14 during the holidays, celebrates its tenth anniversary. Schoolfriends James Harber and Dan Tanner launched the company in Cheltenham at Easter 2012 with just four children. Now Atlas Camps runs 22 camps across Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire and keeps more than 750 children entertained every day during the holidays. “Whilst sport-specific preferences are well catered for, there were very few childcare options that gave children a plethora of activities to choose from,” says Dan. W: www.atlascamps.co.uk
in five ‘one a day’ physical activity fundraising challenges taking place during the week itself. “School sport should be an important part of every child’s education and development every child should feel they have a place to belong,” the Youth Sports Trust says. “There is so much that all young people can gain from school sport - connecting with others, developing important life skills and improving both their physical and mental health.” National School Sport Week 20-26 Jun W: www.youthsporttrust.org/join-us/national-schoolsport-week
NEWS BITES
New fruit
Children from Grangefield Primary School, Cheltenham, have helped plant 20 fruit trees to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The new orchard on the Grangefield open space in Bishop’s Cleeve is part of the ‘plant a tree for the Jubilee’ Green Canopy initiative.
Safety in Mind This year’s Child Safety Week runs from 7-16 June with the theme Safety in Mind, It aims to help parents understand risks and make simple changes, enabling them to take charge confidently, especially under pressure. Resources are available from capt.org.uk
primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire
Schools’ brass appeal A new music education initiative run by the Brass Foundations is bringing live music workshops to schools across Gloucestershire, offering children a chance to play a range of musical instruments. Local brass specialist Paul McLaughlin, who runs the workshops, hopes to collect more instruments from music lovers and brass bands to ensure every child gets the chance to play one. So far 15 instruments have been donated or loaned, plus those provided by Gloucestershire Music. “I need to thank everyone
who has donated instruments so far,” Paul says. “Sandhurst Silver Band generously loaned us a number from their storage. Now they have new lives at Field Court Primary School Brass Band Club in Quedgeley.” Anyone wishing to donate or lend an instrument can find out more by visiting the Brass Foundations website or emailing Brass Bands England. Brass Bands England E: info@bbe.org.uk W: brassfoundations.com
Spy Academy Three Days of Spy Training & International Espionage! School Years 5 & 6 Discover ways to create and crack codes Use critical thinking to improve decision making Develop social skills by working together to solve clues Use the latest hi tech gadgets Solve a real time interactive multimedia crime case FREE SPY KIT INCLUDED! (WORTH £40)
MON 8TH AUG - WED 10TH AUG 2022 Led by highly qualified and DBS cleared educators
Book now: SpyAcademyUK.com cotswoldeducationuk@gmail.com or 07976218062
MAY HALF TERM 2022 05
Gloucestershire
It’s party time at last!
West country families including Primary Times prize winners can barely contain their excitement as Wychwood Festival returns to Cheltenham after two years of enforced closure
A
s the Covid 19 pandemic recedes and the lockdowns of the last two years gradually fade in our memories, Wychwood Festival is one of the first outdoor family events where Gloucestershire folk can truly let their hair down again. Held at Cheltenham Racecourse, from Fri 3 to Sun 5 Jun, it is one of the friendliest events for families with a huge programme of children’s activities including its very own kids’ literature festival. And the musical line-up on the main stage promises to keep everyone joyful. Although the kids weren’t even born when the likes of Boney M, The Undertones or The Selecter were regularly topping the charts, they, like fellow headliners Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Deacon Blue, The Levellers and The Real Thing, have proved they can entertain no matter which generation you were born in. And what could be better than bouncing around in a field with the family to your favourite tunes? Primary Times spoke to some of our readers who were lucky enough to win a family ticket to Wychwood in our February competition and, without exception, they were all thrilled to be getting together with family and friends at a big event for the first time. “We’re really excited,” says Rachel Bussey of Prestbury. “We’ve always heard good things about Wychwood – my sister-in-law raves about it – and finally being able to meet friends somewhere like that without restrictions will be amazing. I’ve looked at the schedule and was
06 MAY HALF TERM 2022
Robin and Rachel Bussey & family
Melissa Brench & family
blown away by how much there was for children.” For her, Cheltenham party band Thrill Collins will be a must-see. Kelly White from Warminster says, “I’m getting away with my daughter, Thea, aged 7, for the first time. We bought another ticket for her cousins and their mum.” She says planning for the festival has brought home what they’ve missed during the pandemic. “At the time I didn’t realise how much my daughter was missing out on and now the calendar is filling up we realise what we haven’t been doing. She’s very excited about going
with her cousins and loves music. I’m sure we’ll make good use of the children’s area.” “We have always looked forward to the day when we could take our children to a festival and Covid meant that we haven’t been able to so far,”
in the craft tents together. Our sons Elliot and Jacob particularly like the sound of the Snot the Dragon magic show and seeing Basil Brush - who we’ve told them about from when we were kids. I also really enjoy live acts, particularly if there is a
says Melissa Brench from Calne. “We look forward to letting our children participate freely in all the activities. I’m particularly looking forward to all the family events where we can have a go at trying new skills and making things
comedy element to them. There is so much on offer this festival weekend that we can’t wait to see!” Wychwood Festival Fri 3-Sun 5 Jun W: wychwoodfestival.com
Bring the whole family (including the dog!) and explore 56 acres of wild gardens, paths and streams at Batsford this summer!
Wychwood Festival competition winners Congratulations to: Rachel Bussey of Prestbury Melissa Brench of Calne Nicole Tierney of Cheltenham Kelly White of Warminster They correctly identified that the famous DJ attending Wychwood Festival this year is c) Craig Charles. They have each won a family ticket to the festival.
Join the Big Batsford Hedgehog Hunt! Daily from 23rd July to 4th September
www.batsarb.co.uk Batsford Arboretum & Garden Centre Near Moreton in Marsh, GL56 9AT. Tel: 01386 701441 Open daily
primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire
INDOOR BOULDERING FOR UNDER 18S Climbing is a fantastic sport for young people! It helps improve co-ordination, spatial awareness and motor skills, plus it’s great fun and a fantastic way to meet new friends! We run loads of activities for under 18s, from after school clubs to one off taster-sessions, as well as holiday clubs during every school holiday. Drop in to find out more, or head online!
CHELTENHAM.BOULDERSUK.COM
Morgan & West: Unbelievable Science
Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors
Wed 01 Jun 2022 | 2pm | from £9
Tue 26 Jul 2022 | 2.30pm & 6pm | from £15.50
Roald Dahl & The Imagination Seekers
Cinderella
Tue 25 Oct 2022 | 2pm | from £11.50
Thu 22 Dec 2022 - Mon 02 Jan 2023 | 11am/1pm/3pm/5pm | from £15
thesubrooms.co.uk | 01453 796880 | stroud, gl5 1ae primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire
MAY HALF TERM 2022 07
BOXOFFICE
THE VERY BEST THEATRE, ARTS AND FILM NEAR YOU
Some Enchanted Evening At various Gloucestershire venues this May and June Amberley Manor House
Amberley, Stroud GL7 5AW, 0330 660 0541, rainorshine.co.uk
Sun 24 Jul The Recruiting Officer
A pair of crooked army recruiting officers descend on Shrewsbury in George Farquhar’s romping Restoration comedy complete with swordfights and surprises. Rain or Shine do the honours in this touring outdoor production. 4pm, £7-£15.
Amphitheatre at Berrybank Park
Berrybank Park, Main Rd, Upper Oddington GL56 0XW, www.handlebards.com
Tue 19 Jul Twelfth Night
Duke Orsino loves Lady Olivia but she’s not interested - and then Viola washes up on their shores and everything starts getting complicated. The Handlebards’ bicycle-powered take on Shakespeare’s comedy promises laugh-out-loud entertainment. 7pm, £18.
Barn Theatre
5 Beeches Rd, Cirencester GL7 1BN, 01285 648255, barntheatre.org.uk
Until Sat 28 May Some Enchanted Evening
Musical theatre revue celebrating the songs of Rodgers and Hammerstein from musicals including ‘South Pacific’ and ‘Cinderella’. Suitable for ages 6+. Performances 7.30pm and selected mats 2.30pm (check website for dates). Tickets £11.50-£39 (adult)/£11.50-£37 (child).
Cheltenham High Street
Cheltenham GL53, www.cheltenhamfestivals.com
Sat 11 Jun CastAway
The cast in rehearsal power of imagination in this musical based on Roald Dahl’s much-loved story, performed here by a cast of 30 children from CODS Youth Theatre. 7.30pm (Sat mats 2pm), £15/£50 (family mats).
Cheltenham Science Festival: Apollo Main Auditorium Imperial Sq, Cheltenham GL50 1QA, www. cheltenhamfestivals.com
Sun 12 June The Juggling Of Science
Jugglers Ben and Fred use juggling and circus skills to bring to life key scientific concepts in a fun, entertaining way as part of Cheltenham Science Festival. 12.45pm, free.
Cheltenham Town Hall
Imperial Sq, Cheltenham GL50 1QA, 0844 576 2210, www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk
Mon 30-Tue 31 May Dinosaur Adventure Live
Lots of Jurassic dinos pitch up in this interactive experience that claims to be ‘the greatest prehistoric show on earth’. Performances at 2pm & 4pm. Tickets: £12.
Tue 19 Jul Rhythm of the Dance
08 MAY HALF TERM 2022
23 Eastgate St, Gloucester GL1 1NS, 01452 503050, gloucesterguildhall.co.uk
Box Tale Soup use puppets, innovative theatre and original musical to tell some of the Brothers Grimm’s most magical tales including Hansel and Gretel, shoe-making elves and a princess who’s a champion at hide-and-seek. Performances at 2pm plus 6pm Tue. Tickets £11.50.
Tue 7 Jun Some Enchanted Evening
Musical theatre revue celebrating the songs of Rodgers and Hammerstein from musicals including ‘South Pacific’ and ‘Cinderella’. Suitable for ages 6+. Check venue website for performance times and prices.
Fri 3-Sun 5 Jun The Gruffalo
The ever-popular children’s tale of Mouse’s journey through the deep, dark wood and meetings with enigmatic and hungry creatures returns. Ages 3+. Performances at 1.30pm plus 4pm (Fri) and 10.30am (Sat and Sun). Tickets £16.
Tue 5-Sat 9 Jul Private Peaceful
Private Tommo Peaceful recalls his life of courage, family and friendship in the WWI
Kings Theatre
Kingsbarton St, Gloucester GL1 1QX, 01452 300130, kingstheatregloucester.co.uk
Wed 18-Sat 21 May A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Feuding fairies, lost lovers and humorously hammy actors converge on a midsummer’s night. University of Gloucestershire drama students perform Shakespeare’s magical comedy set in the Athenian woods. 7.30pm, £5-£7.
OPEN DAILY
10 - 5pm
Join the buzz this half-term!
Thu 28 Jul
Find our bees hidden around the Garden & learn lots of fun facts!
Milkshake! Live
Milkshake Monkey returns with his favourite friends for a new show that sees the gang preparing to put on Milkshake’s very own musical. Performances 12noon & 3.30pm. Tickets £16.50/£68 (family).
Dinosaur World Live
Revel in the anarchy of childhood and the
Gloucester Guildhall
28 May - 5 June The Busy Bee Trail
Cheltenham Playhouse
Matilda Jr
Tue 31 May-Fri 3 Jun
Rescheduled performance for this dance and music extravaganza featuring more than 20 award-winning Irish dancers and musicians. Performance 7.30pm. Tickets £28.
Everyman Theatre
Fri 10-Sat 18 Jun
trenches. Shows at 7.30pm plus Wed, Thu and Sat mats at 2pm. Tickets £25-£39 (adult)/£27-£29 (concs).
Little Grimm Tales
Outdoor performance exploring the impact of the throwaway society on our waterways as part of Cheltenham Science Festival. 11.30am & 2pm, free.
47-53 Bath Rd, Cheltenham GL53 7HG, 01242 522852, www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk
after the show. Performances at 2pm plus 4.30pm (Mon) and 11am (Tue & Wed). Tickets £16.
Regent St, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ, 01242 572573, www.everymantheatre.org.uk
Mon 30 May-Wed 1 Jun It’s the battle of the dinosaurs in Cheltenham this week as ‘Dinosaur World Live’ pulls into the Everyman. Grab your compass and join an intrepid explorer to journey through the amazing world of Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops and more. With meet-and-greet
The Great Bee Day! 29 May • Bee keeping demos for all the family • Observation hives • Crafts • Find the Queen Bee & win a family membership! Maze | Rustic play area | Shop & Café | Dogs welcome www.rococogarden.org.uk Follow us on Painswick Rococo Garden Trust is a registered charity no 1107844 primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire
Gloucestershire
Thu 9-Sat 11 Jun Hansel and Gretel
Hardwicke Players re-locate their Christmas panto to June in this slapstick-laced mash-up of popular fairy tales. Performances at 7.30pm plus Sat mat 2.30pm. Tickets £9 (adult)/£7 (concs).
Llanthony Secunda Priory
Gloucester GL2 5FA, llanthonysecunda.org
Sat 18 Jun Awful Auntie
Tormented by her awful aunt Alberta and her giant owl, Stella Saxby struggles to hold onto her inheritance. Heartbreak Productions present this adaptation of David Walliams’ popular yarn. Ages 7+. 3pm, £9.50-£46.
Painswick Rococo Garden
Gloucester Rd, Painswick, Stroud GL6 6TH, 01242 572573, www.handlebards.com
Sat 1 Jul Twelfth Night
Duke Orsino loves Lady Olivia but she’s not interested - and then Viola washes up on their shores... The Handlebards’ bicycle-powered take on Shakespeare’s comedy promises laugh-out-loud action. 7pm, £18.
Parabola Arts Centre
Parabola Rd, Cheltenham GL50 3AA, 01242 707338, www.cheltenhamladiescollege.org
Sat 11 Jun The Quantum Qrumpet
ANTS Theatre bring together clowning and quantum mechanics. Ages 10+. 12noon, £7.
Sandford Parks Lido
Keynsham Rd, Cheltenham GL53 7PU, www. sandfordparkslido.org.uk
Sat 11 Jun Peter Pan
Take a trip to Neverland with Wendy Darling and Peter Pan as they do their best to defeat Captain Hook and his band of pirates. Illyria present this outdoor performance of J.M. Barrie’s classic story and promise it will include real flying. All ages 5+. 7.30pm, £14 (adult)/£12 (concs)/£8 (child).
Fri 24 Jun A Midsummer Night’s Dream
A Shakespearean summertime classic to enjoy outdoors from Quantum Theatre. 7.30-10.30pm.
St Michael’s Park
King St, Cirencester GL7 1JT, www.handlebards. com
Thu 30 Jun Twelfth Night
See Painswick Rococo Garden, left. 6.30pm, £18.
The Roses Theatre
Sun St, Tewkesbury GL20 5NX, 01684 295074, www.rosestheatre.org
Sat 11 Jun Some Enchanted Evening
Musical theatre revue celebrating the songs of Rodgers and Hammerstein from musicals including ‘South Pacific’ and ‘Cinderella’. Suitable for ages 6+.
Fri 1-Sun 3 Jul
Sat 4 Jun
(Almost) Treasure Island
The Royal-ish Variety Show
Voyage to a tropical island paradise for a swashbuckling adventure on the high seas. Outdoor performances in Victoria Gardens. Times vary - see website. Tickets £10-£15.
Sun 17 Jul Hamlet: The Comedy
Hamlet returns from university to discover that everything’s gone a bit topsy-turvy at home while he’s been away studying … Oddsocks perform Shakespeare’s famous tragedy as you’ve never seen it before … as a comedy. Performed outdoors in Victoria Gardens. Ages 7+. 6.30pm, £15.50-£17.50.
Sat 23 Jul Card Ninja
Javier Jarquin, otherwise known as Card Ninja, is in town for a date rescheduled from June. Expect deadly and risky fun as he performs his extreme card-flicking stunts. Performance at 2pm. Tickets £10-£12.
The Sub Rooms
George St, Stroud GL5 1AE, 01453 796880, thesubrooms.co.uk
Wed 1 Jun Morgan & West: Unbelievable Science
Magicians, time travellers and all-round spiffing chaps Morgan & West also happen to be bona fide scientists. Expect explosive thrills and spills as well as plenty of trademark wit and charm. 2pm, £14.50 (adult)/£9 (child).
Family entertainment to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with comedy, music, hoop spinning, ventriloquism, song and dance - and maybe even an appearance by the King of Rock’n’Roll himself. Expect a night of fun and frolics and a right royal knees-up. 6.30pm, £15.50 (adult)/£10.50 (child).
Sun 5 Jun Jubilee Lunch
Celebration lunch and afternoon concert for the Jubilee. 12noon, £21.50.
Fri 10 Jun Some Enchanted Evening
Musical theatre revue celebrating the songs of Rodgers and Hammerstein from musicals including ‘South Pacific’ and ‘Cinderella’. Suitable for ages 6+. 7.30pm, £23.50.
Fri 15-Sat 16 Jul Level X Dance Summer Showcase
More than 100 young dancers aged from 4 to 13 years from Level X dance school showcase their talents. Expect street, commercial and hip-hop dance styles across a mixture of solo, duet, small and large group dances. 6pm (Fri) and 12noon (Sat), £6.50.
Watson Hall
65 Barton St, Tewkesbury GL20 5PX, 01684 294639, www.handlebards.com
Thu 7 Jul Twelfth Night
See Painswick Rococo Garden, left.. 7pm, £18.
For a complete list of events and to book ckets visit EVERYMANTHEATRE.ORG.UK or call the box office on 01242 572573
primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire
30 MAY - 1 JUN
25 NOV - 8 JAN
3 - 5 JUN
24 NOV - 31 DEC MAY HALF TERM 2022 09
/glo E R E ucestershire
WH
W OW N
co
.u k
O . S ’ es T A W H ti m
discover all the flags. 10am-5pm (11am4pm Sun). THREAD OF LIGHT Museum in the Park, Stratford Park, Stratford Rd, Stroud GL5 4AF, www. museuminthepark.org.uk Exhibition of kiln-cast glass art by internationally renowned artists, including five from the Stroud Valley. 10am-4.30pm.
all age groups. Visit the website for a full list. Two week trials available for new students. Childcare vouchers and tax-free payments accepted. FRI 27-SUN 29 MAY 2022 LECHLADE MUSIC FESTIVAL Riverside Park, Lechlade-on-Thames, lechladefestival.co.uk Family-friendly music festival with lots of free workshops in music, dance, arts and crafts with a packed three-day line-up of live music headlined this year by The Boomtown Rats and Alexandra Burke. 11am-11pm daily, £25-£69.95.
UNTIL THU 30 JUN KINGSHOLM SCHOOL: MAKING THEIR MARK The Museum of Gloucester, Brunswick Rd, Gloucester GL1 1HP, www.museumofgloucester.co.uk Art from five year groups from the school, plus art prize winners exhibited on one feature wall in the museum’s Community Gallery. 10am-5pm (11am-4pm Sun).
w w w.primary
Living Your Best Life, Blackfriars Priory, Gloucester, Sat 9 Jul
UNTIL WED 1 JUN PARENT AND TODDLER YOGA Kingshill House, Kingshill Lane, Dursley GL11 4BZ, www.kingshillhouse.org.uk Exercise through stretching, balancing and having fun with different yoga poses at this friendly drop-in yoga session. No need to book. Suitable for ages 2.5-5 years (and their adults). 10-10.50am, £8.
Gloucestershire
UNTIL SUN 12 JUN RIVER OF HOPE: FLAGS TO CELEBRATE THE QUEEN’S JUBILEE & TRAIL The Museum of Gloucester, Brunswick Rd, Gloucester GL1 1HP, www.museumofgloucester.co.uk See more than 20 flags designed by local schools to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee plus a trail through the museum to
My Slimbridge is...
...MAKING NEW FRIENDS
UNTIL THU 30 JUN THE QUEEN’S HAT JUBILEE TRAIL Corinium Museum, Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX, coriniummuseum.org Can you find all the characters from children’s author Steve Antony’s ‘Queen’ books that are hidden around the museum? Follow the trail and get a special sticker as a prize. Free with admission. UNTIL FRI 15 JUL BOTTLE FEEDING Cotswold Farm Park, Guiting Power, Cheltenham GL54 5FL, www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk Make friends with some of the Farm Park’s youngest animals and bottle feed the new lambs and goat kids. Bottles available on a first-come-first-served basis twice a day at 11.30am and 3.30pm. Included in admission. UNTIL SAT 31 DEC MUSEUM EDUCATION PROGRAMME The Museum of Gloucester, Brunswick Rd, Gloucester GL1 1HP, www.museumofgloucester.co.uk Sessions range from 45 minutes to a full day and include object handling and a chance to explore the museum. They are suitable for KS1-3 and have curriculum links. Activity sessions available with all topics and all sessions can be offered as outreach for schools. 10am-5pm (11am-4pm Sun).
Discover what Slimbridge means to you
Search WWT Slimbridge 10 MAY HALF TERM 2022
UNTIL SAT 31 DEC STAGECOACH: NEW CLASSES OPEN Ribston Hall High School, Stroud Rd, Gloucester GL1 5LE, www.stagecoach. co.uk/gloucester#classes Classes in dance, singing and drama across
SAT 28 MAY PIED PIPER JUNIOR TRIATHLON + AQUATHLON Sandford Parks Lido, Keynsham Rd, Cheltenham GL53 7PU, www.sandfordparkslido.org.uk A fun and friendly sporting event for children aged 8-16. Fundraising for the Pied Piper Appeal and Sandford Lido Ltd. 7.30am-11am. SAT 28-SUN 29 MAY THE RAGGED VICTORIANS Dean Heritage Centre, Camp Mill, Soudley, Forest of Dean GL14 2UB, www. deanheritagecentre.com Historical re-enactment group The Ragged Victorians - The Great Unwashed recreate what life was like for the lower classes in England around the middle of the 19th century. SAT 28 MAY-SUN 5 JUN PENGUIN WEEK Birdland Park and Gardens, Rissington Rd, Bourton-on-the-Water GL54 2BN, www.birdland.co.uk A chance to meet the UK’s oldest penguin and some penguin film stars during this week focused on the park’s Antarctic residents. SHEEP SHEARING Cotswold Farm Park, Guiting Power, Cheltenham GL54 5FL, www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk Some sheep are getting extra woolly and it’s time to relieve them of their winter coats! Demonstrations every day in the Animal Barn throughout May half term: learn about the shearing process and qualities of wool. SUN 29 MAY TUDOR DAY Berkeley Castle, Berkeley GL13 9PJ, www.berkeley-castle.com Henry VIII is looking for a new wife, but
primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire
Gloucestershire
Tell them you saw it here!
which of the contenders should he choose? Past-Times Living History recreate the tale of the terrible Tudor’s marriage efforts. MON 30 MAY ANIMAL MOSAIC Corinium Museum, Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX, coriniummuseum.org Get inspiration from the museum’s Roman mosaic collection and then create your own animal mosaic to take home. 10.30am12noon, £15 (child). HALF-TERM NATUREQUEST Robinswood Hill Country Park, Reservoir Rd, Gloucester GL4 6SX, www. gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk/ events Explore meadows, ponds and woodlands and discover the forgotten wildlife that calls Gloucester home. Free. MON 30-TUE 31 MAY THE WARWICK WARRIORS Berkeley Castle, Berkeley GL13 9PJ, www.berkeley-castle.com
Learn how knights were trained in the 15th century and watch breathtaking displays of swordfighting by Dressed to Kill. MON 30 MAY-WED 1 JUN CAMP 4-2-11: MAY HALF TERM CAMPS St Edward’s Senior School, Cirencester Rd, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham GL53 8EY, camp4211.co.uk Two holiday camps offering activities, including dodgeball, bench ball and swimming, as well as themed arts and crafts, a mini Olympics, face painting and forest school. Camp 1 is for ages 3-6 and camp 2 for ages 7-14. 9am-4pm with extended hours (8.30am-5.30pm) available. £40 per day or £110 for all three. MAY HALF-TERM HOLIDAY CAMPS Cotswold Clubhouse, Bourton-on-theWater GL54 2HQ, www.cotswoldclubhouse.co.uk Children’s day camps, packed full of fun and learning. 10am-3.15pm. TUE 31 MAY QUEEN’S PLATINUM JUBILEE ART EVENT Corinium Museum, Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX, coriniummuseum.org Join other families to create a window mural
inspired by Steve Antony’s children’s books about the Queen to mark the Platinum Jubilee. 10am-1pm, free with admission. ROMAN SOLDIER TOUR The Museum of Gloucester, Brunswick Rd, Gloucester, GL1 1HP, www.museumofgloucester.co.uk Join Roman solider Lucius on an underground tour of Eastgate Chambers. 2-3pm, £5 (adult)/£3 (child). TUE 31 MAY-WED 1 JUN DIG PIT Corinium Museum, Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX, coriniummuseum.org Learn about archaeological techniques and try your hand in one of the museum’s dig pits, then complete your own mini excavation report, measure the objects you find, identify them and try drawing them too. 10am-12noon, free with admission.
PASSPORT TO THE PAST Online, www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/ archives Monthly online afterschool club hosted by Gloucestershire Archives and a chance to explore history and take part in activities on a different theme each month. Resources can also be downloaded for free from the website. HALF-TERM FAMILY FUN Kingshill House, Kingshill Lane, Dursley GL11 4BZ, www.kingshillhouse.org.uk A morning of fun crafts, inspiring stories and delightful dance. Advanced booking
Would you like your Summer
WED 1 JUN GLADIATOR PUPPETS Corinium Museum, Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX, coriniummuseum.org Make your own moving Roman gladiator puppet and have them used in short animations that will be sent to you after the workshop. 10.30-12noon, £9 (child).
events printed FREE in WOW?
Email GLOS@ PRIMARYTIMES. CO.UK BY FRIDAY 10 JUNE
Run the Rainbow
sunday 17 july cotswold airport
Get ready for powdered paint, foam, music, and inflatables. Our 5K route is set to be fun for all the family. Run, walk or even skip through the challenge... but one thing's for sure, it's going to be colourful! longfield.org.uk/run-the-rainbow Longfield Community Hospice, Burleigh Lane, Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire, GL5 2PQ fundraising@longfield.org.uk www.longfield.org.uk Registered Charity No. 298627 Company No. 02213662 primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire
Kindly sponsored by
MAY HALF TERM 2022 11
Gloucestershire
recommended. 10am-12noon, £4 (child)/ free (adults & babes in arms). THU 2 JUN NATURE TOTS Crickley Hill, Birdlip, Gloucester GL4 8JY, www.gloucestershirewildlifetrust. co.uk/events Discover the great outdoors with these nature activities for pre-schoolers. 1011.30am. THU 2-SAT 4 JUN FIRE AND WOOD FESTIVAL Dean Heritage Centre, Camp Mill, Soudley, Forest of Dean GL14 2UB, www. deanheritagecentre.com Special May Bank Holiday charcoal burn one of the very few opportunities to see this traditional craft being practised in the UK. Plus lots of family-friendly activities to celebrate local crafts and the Forest of Dean’s heritage. FRI 3-SUN 5 JUN WYCHWOOD FESTIVAL Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Rd, Cheltenham GL50 4SH, www.wychwoodfestival.com Gloucestershire’s family-friendliest festival is back in force with an exciting line up to appeal to all ages with Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Boney M, The Undertones, The Levellers, The Selecter and The Real Thing while appearing on Sunday are Deacon Blue, Peter Hook and The Light, The South and Dreadzone. Not to mention an amazing Children’s area with workshops, kids’ literature, performers, magicians and much more. Weekend tickets from £149 (adult, no camping)/£139 (with camping)/£74.50 (child aged 10-15)/£29.50 (child aged 5-9)/under-5s free. Primary Times Gloucestershire is proud to be a sponsor. GLOUCESTER TALL SHIPS Gloucester Docks, Gloucester GL1 2EL, www.gloucestertallships.co.uk The celebration of seafaring returns with a packed schedule of activities and entertainment for the whole family, not to mention tall ships, re-enactments, displays and a vintage fairground. Enjoy the Sea Shanty Festival that runs alongside too. SAT 4 JUN WILDFLOWER WALK Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Newgrounds Ln, Gloucester GL2 7BT, www.wwt.org. uk/wetland-centres/slimbridge Join a reserve manager for a behind-thescenes walk looking for the wetland’s finest wildflowers and orchids. 11am-1pm, £22. 12 MAY HALF TERM 2022
SAT 4 JUN, SAT 2 & SAT 16 JUL FISH AND CHIP SPECIAL Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway, Toddington Station GL54 5DT, www.gwsr.com Climb aboard the Cheltenham Fryer special at Toddington Station and enjoy a slap-up fish’n’chip supper while you travel along the line. Must be booked in advance. 7pm, £24. SUN 5 JUN JUBILEE LUNCH The Sub Rooms, George St, Stroud GL5 1AE, thesubrooms.co.uk Enjoy a delicious three-course celebration lunch and afternoon concert. Doors open 12pm for 12.30pm luncheon with complimentary Jubilee cocktail. 01453 796880, £21.50 . MON 6 JUNE-MON 18 JUL BEAUTIFUL BRAIN CLUB The Wheatsheaf Pub Function Room, Cheltnham GL53 9AJ, www.mybeautifulbrain.co.uk An hour of well-being fun for parents with a child who can be a worrier, overthinker or dealing with anxiety and would like them to learn some ways to grow their confidence and ability to become calm. Weekly sessions are £8 each and the first session is always free. Email Mel at beautifulbrainmel@gmail. com for details. TUE 7-SUN 12 JUN CHELTENHAM SCIENCE FESTIVAL Various venues, Cheltenham GL50 1QZ www.cheltenhamfestivals.com This year’s Cheltenham Science Festival explores the theme of ‘Be the Change’ through a wealth of in-person and online events that illustrate how science is shaping our future. A selection of family events are listed below marked (CSF). A full Science for Schools programme also runs during the festival with activities in the Discover Zone, The Arcade, MakerShack and elsewhere. MARY ANNING AND THE ‘SEA DRAGONS’ (CSF) Helix Theatre, Imperial Sq, Cheltenham GL50 1QA Hear how Dean Lomax has followed in the footsteps of pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning and watch a short film about her extraordinary life and battles as a 19thcentury female scientist. Ages 7+. 5pm, £7. SUNSET SWIM Sandford Parks Lido, Keynsham Rd, Cheltenham GL53 7PU, www.sandfordparkslido.org.uk Pool will close when sufficient daylight has gone, see website for details. 7.30-9.30pm.
SAT 11 JUN SCIENCE OF STAR WARS (CSF) Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Sq, Cheltenham GL50 1QA Find out how close to real cutting-edge science the fictional universe of ‘Star Wars’ is with author and scientist Jon Chase. Ages 7+. 10-11am, £7. WE MAKE TOMORROW (CSF) Helix Theatre, Imperial Sq, Cheltenham GL50 1QA Cheltenham Science Festivals’ Be The Change Young Changemakers talk to climate justice activist Daze Aghaji about raising publice awareness on issues ranging from protecting the oceans to mental health. 10.45-11.45am, £8. THE INCREDIBLE OCEAN CHEMISTRY LAB (CSF) School House Café, Imperial Sq, Cheltenham GL50 1QA Build a saltwater battery, create exotic gases and find secrets in seaweed with Russell Arnott and his water lab in this workshop suitable for ages 7+. 11am & 12.30pm, £10. THE MERMAID AND THE COW (CSF) Helix Theatre, Imperial Sq, Cheltenham GL50 1QA Lindsey Cole swam the length of the river Thames dressed as a mermaid - find out what happened when she came across a drowning cow. Ages 5-11. 12.45-1.45pm, £7. WONDERFUL WATER (CSF) Apollo Main Auditorium, Imperial Sq, Cheltenham GL50 1QA Fun demonstrations and explosive experiments exploring the amazing properties of water. Ages 5+. 11.30am, free. THE SCIENCE OF SUPERHEROES (CSF) Helix Theatre, Imperial Sq, Cheltenham GL50 1QA Learn about the super-science behind superheroes like Spiderman, Batman, Thor and The Hulk. Ages 7-13. 3.15pm, £7. LET’S CREATE Kingshill House, Kingshill Lane, Dursley GL11 4BZ, www.kingshillhouse.org.uk Child-led free play and the chance to take part in a range of unstructured activities, all designed to encourage children to use their imagination. Outdoors if weather permits. Suitable for toddlers and children up to 7 years. 10-11.30am, £3 (child)/£2 (additional sibling)/free (adult & baby). WILDFLOWER WALK Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Newgrounds Ln, Gloucester GL2 7BT, www.wwt.org.uk/ wetland-centres/slimbridge Join a reserve manager for a behind-thescenes walk looking for the wetland’s finest wildflowers and orchids. 11am-1pm, £22.
SUN 12 JUN DOGOLOGY VS CATOLOGY (CSF) Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Sq, Cheltenham GL50 1QA Author Stefan Gates digs up some wonderfully weird science facts about dogs and cats. Ages 7+. 10am, £7. SHARK VS WHALE (CSF) Helix Theatre, Imperial Sq, Cheltenham GL50 1QA Which is bigger, louder, faster, stronger - a shark or a whale? Russell Arnott and Claudia Allen go head-to-head in this scientific duel. Ages 7+. 11.15am, £7. MATHEMATICAL STORIES (CSF) The Cube, Imperial Sq, Cheltenham GL50 1QA Hear how mathematicians spent their lives working on the solutions that provide us with the maths that we use today with Katie Steckles. Ages 10+. 12.30pm, £7. LET’S GO WITH LEGO (CSF) Bottle of Sauce, Ambrose St, Cheltenham GL50 3LH Bring your Lego and build your own periodic table with the aid of physicist Ben Still. 5.30pm & 7pm, £8. HILLFEST Robinswood Hill Country Park, Reservoir Rd, Gloucester GL4 6SX, www. gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk/ events Celebrate the diversity and culture of Gloucester with live music, wild art, storytelling, foraging, bushcraft and landrover trips to the top of the hill. Free but small charge or pre-booking for some workshops. THU 16-SAT 18 JUN AEROEXPO UK Cotswold Airport, Cirencester GL7 6BA, www.aeroexpo.co.uk More than 500 aircraft and 100 international exhibitors participate in this general aviation showcase. 9am-5pm, £18£45/free (under-16). FRI 17 JUN & MON 4 JUL MESSY PLAY Cotswold Farm Park, Guiting Power, Cheltenham GL54 5FL, www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk Make as much mess as you want in this creative play session because you won’t have to clear up afterwards! 9.45-10.45am. SAT 18 JUN BRITISH WATER POLO CHAMPIONSHIPS Sandford Parks Lido, Keynsham Rd, Cheltenham GL53 7PU, www.sandfordparkslido.org.uk
primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire
Bottle feeding Returns! 30th April – 1 5 th July
Book Online
www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk
Shearing Live Demonstrations 28 th May – primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire
5 th June MAY HALF TERM 2022 13
Gloucestershire
Men’s and women’s water polo with highly entertaining and fast paced games. The fifth consecutive year hosted at the Lido: reigning men’s champions Cheltenham will seek to defend their title. 11am-5pm. SAT 18-SUN 19 JUN BIG 30TH BIRTHDAY WEEKEND Cattle Country Farm Park, Berkeley GL13 9EW, cattlecountry.co.uk To celebrate 30 years of Cattle Country Farm Park, the park’s throwing the ultimate birthday party for all the family. Tickets from £12. FEATHERED FATHERS Birdland Park and Gardens, Rissington Rd, Bourton-on-the-Water GL54 2BN, www.birdland.co.uk Find out how feathered fathers help look after their young in a series of talks and other activities over Father’s Day weekend. SUN 19 JUN FATHER’S DAY Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway, Winchcombe Station GL54 5LD, www.gwsr.com Treat dad to a ride on a heritage steam or diesel train between Cheltenham Race Course station and Broadway in Worcestershire. From 10am, £25 (adult)/£10 (child)/£60 (family).
FATHER’S DAY FARM Berkeley Castle, Berkeley GL13 9PJ, www.berkeley-castle.com Take your dad to visit Hogg’s Mobile Farm at the castle and learn about and meet the animals. FATHER’S DAY Dean Heritage Centre, Camp Mill, Soudley, Forest of Dean GL14 2UB, www. deanheritagecentre.com Take your dad to the Dean Heritage Centre for free and make a special memento in the craft hut. 9am-2pm. ALL-AGES WOOD CARVING WORKSHOP Painswick Rococo Garden, Gloucester Rd, Painswick, Stroud GL6 6TH, www. rococogarden.org.uk Learn the skills of basic woodcarving with Painswick’s resident artist Natasha Houseago. All tools and materials provided. Two sessions: 11am-12.30pm & 2-3.30pm, £25 (one adult and one child). TUE 21 JUN FOREST OF DEAN NATURE TOTS Angus Buchanan Fields, Coleford GL16 8DS, www.gloucestershirewildlifetrust. co.uk/events Discover the great outdoors with these nature activities for pre-schoolers. 1011.30am.
SUNRISE SWIM Sandford Parks Lido, Keynsham Rd, Cheltenham GL53 7PU, www.sandfordparkslido.org.uk Swim on the summer solstice: this most picturesque of events has been incredibly popular in recent years and is ideal for the early risers. 4-6am.
Iron Age natural pigment making as well as a cooking demonstration and some blacksmithing and more. 10am-5pm.
WED 29 JUN DISCOVER@THE STORES Corinium Museum, Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX, coriniummuseum.org Find out what’s kept in the museum’s stores - from Roman mosaics to 1950s vacuum cleaners. Event takes place at The Resource Centre, Old Prison Site, Northleach. 11am, £8. NATURE TOTS Robinswood Hill Country Park, Reservoir Rd, Gloucester GL4 6SX, www. gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk/ events Discover the great outdoors with these nature activities for pre-schoolers. 1011.30am. FRI 1-SUN 31 JUL DAISY DAY Museum in the Park, Stratford Park, Stratford Rd, Stroud GL5 4AF, www. longfield.org.uk Longfield Community Hospice raises funds with its third ‘in memory’ appeal: remember a loved one by making a donation and reserving one of hundreds of metal Michaelmas daisies on display in the grounds of the museum. FRI 1-SUN 31 JUL FLOWER FIELD Cotswold Farm Park, Guiting Power, Cheltenham GL54 5FL, www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk The Farm Park’s popular flower field returns this summer! Weave your way through a colourful haven of wildflowers, snap some gorgeous family photos and learn more about how the flowers can help to support and conserve pollinators and other wildlife. Check the website for exact dates and opening times. SAT 2 JUL HANDS ON HISTORY MINI-FESTIVAL The Museum of Gloucester, Brunswick Road, Gloucester, GL1 1HP, www. museumofgloucester.co.uk The museum hosts a mini-festival of bushcraft and historical events with activities including hazel bow making for kids, buckskin pouches with natural paints,
14 MAY HALF TERM 2022
SAT 2-SUN 3 JUL COTSWOLD SHOW AND FOOD FESTIVAL Cirencester Park, The Bathurst Estate, Cirencester Park GL7 2BU, www. cotswoldshow.co.uk Celebration of country life with falconry displays, dog display teams, sheep shows, BMX stunts, traditional rural skills, and lots of animals, family activities and food-related talks. 9am-6pm, £12/free (under-12). SUN 3 JUL VALE WILDLIFE HOSPITAL OPEN DAY & FUN DOG SHOW Vale Wildlife Hospital, Station Rd, Beckford, Tewkesbury GL 20 7AN, www. valewildlife.org.uk See inside one of the UK’s busiest wildlife hospitals, plus lots of things to do for all the family. GOLDEN DUCK RAFT RACE Wallbridge Lock, Stroud GL5 1QD, cotswoldcanals.org Watch teams of rafters from local businesses, young people’s groups and bands of friends (or form a team yourself) as they take part in a charity raft race as part of the Cotswold Canals Trust’s 50th anniversary celebrations. 11am-6pm. THU 7 JUL NATURE TOTS Crickley Hill, Birdlip, Gloucester GL4 8JY, www.gloucestershirewildlifetrust. co.uk/events Discover the great outdoors with these nature activities for pre-schoolers. 1011.30am. FRI 8-SAT 16 JUL CHELTENHAM MUSIC FESTIVAL Various venues, Cheltenham, www. cheltenhamfestivals.com/music Cheltenham’s eminent and wide-ranging celebration of music returns with another huge programme of performances across multiple genres. This year’s line-up includes: the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, the Brodsky Quartet, London Mozart Players, BBC New Generation Artists and more. Check the festival website for the full programme of concerts, talks and recitals. SAT 9 JUL LET’S CREATE Kingshill House, Kingshill Lane, Dursley GL11 4BZ, www.kingshillhouse.org.uk See Sat 11 Jun.
primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire
Gloucestershire
LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE Blackfriars Priory, Ladybellegate St, Gloucester GL1 2HN, www.gloucesterblackfriars.co.uk Browse stalls with art, jewellery, fashion, health and beauty, therapy, homeware and gifts. 12.30-4.30pm, free. SAT 9-SUN 10 JUL COLEFORD MUSIC FESTIVAL Various venues, Coleford, colefordmusicfestival.co.uk Free outdoor festival in Coleford town centre. TEWKESBURY MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL Tewkesbury Town Centre, , www. tewkesburymedievalfestival.org Probably the biggest medieval-themed gathering in the whole of Europe is a chance to watch a re-enactment of the Battle of Tewkesbury and find out about medieval life as more than 2,000 re-enactors turn back time. 11am-6pm, free. ALL-AGES WOOD CARVING WORKSHOP Painswick Rococo Garden, Gloucester Rd, Painswick, Stroud GL6 6TH, www. rococogarden.org.uk Learn the skills of basic woodcarving with Natasha Houseago. 11am-12.30pm & 2-3.30pm, £25 (one adult and one child).
WED 13-FRI 15 JUL EVENING ON THE ESTUARY Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Newgrounds Ln, Gloucester GL2 7BT, www.wwt.org.uk/ wetland-centres/slimbridge Watch the birds come in to roost across the Severn Estuary with up to 20,000 birds and seven different species of gull. 6.30-9pm, £22. FRI 15-SUN 17 JUL ROYAL INTERNATIONAL AIR TATTOO RAF Fairford, Fairford GL7 4DL, www. airtattoo.com Three days of static and flying displays by aircraft from all the over world, this year celebrating the 75th anniversary of the US Air Force and ‘Training the Next Generation’. New this year is a special family enclosure. Fri 7.30am-6pm with flying display starting 11am; Sat and Sun 7.30am-7.30pm with flying display 10am-5.30pm. Tickets from £44. SAT 16 JUL STROUD COUNTRY SHOW Stratford Park, Stratford Rd, Stroud GL5 4AJ, https://www.stroudshow.co.uk Celebrate the best that the Stroud valleys have to offer - whether that be amazing animals or even more amazing giant vegetables. 12noon-6pm, free.
PIED PIPER JUNIOR AQUATHLON & TRIATHLON
DICK WHITTINGTON PARK GREAT FOR FAMILIES & GROUPS Includes
ONE OF GLOUCESTERSHIRE’S LARGEST INDOOR PLAYBARNS
SATURDAY 28TH MAY £25 AQUATHLON £29 TRIATHLON
Great exercise for children whatever the weather
CATS WHISKERS RESTAURANT
MERMAIDS & INFLATABLE SPEND YOUR SCHOOL HOLIDAYS AT THE LIDO! See our website for dates, times & prices of sessions
REGISTER ONLINE NOW! primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire
HIDDEN VALLEY
Nature Trails & Gardens
FITNESS GROUPS Pond Water Swimming
LAKES Fishing BIRD & INSECT WATCH For opening times & to find out more visit dickwhittingtonpark.co.uk or call 01452 831000 Little London, Longhope, Glos GL17 0PH
ONE ADULT FREE ENTRY WITH THIS ADVERT Valid until 30 June 2022
MAY HALF TERM 2022 15
Gloucestershire Advertising feature
Advertising feature
Inspiring excellence For those about to rock M F arling School in Stroud is an 11-16 selective grammar school for boys with a coeducational sixth form. The majority of its students transfer from primary to secondary school at the start of a sevenyear journey with the school. Registration opens in the summer term of Year 5 to sit the entrance test at the beginning of Year 6. However, pupils can join the school as an in-year applicant, or, on reaching Year 11, as an applicant to its popular sixth form. “At Marling School, we respect our traditions while being forward thinking and progressive,” says Glen Balmer, who was appointed headteacher in January. “We are ambitious for our students and they thrive in a vibrant academic environment that provides pace and challenge. They feel safe and supported to engage with new ideas, to think deeply, to take
risks and be aspirational. Our aim is to develop character values including Glen Balmer intellectual curiosity, resilience, respect and kindness. “I am consistently struck by the exceptional quality of the relationships here among both students and staff. Our purpose is to bring out the best in every child: raising aspirations, inspiring excellence, succeeding together. Our success in doing so depends on those relationships. We want our students to enjoy school and I am confident that anyone visiting us will see how enthusiastic and engaged our students are in their education and how proud they are of their school.” Marling School Stroud GL5 4HE W: www.marling.school
Advertising feature
F
“Shear” delight on the farm
ollowing springtime lambing, Cotswold Farm Park is now teeming with fast-growing lambs and kids, ready to be bottle-fed. This is a family-favourite event and memorable experience for all ages. Bottles of milk will be available twice daily (11.30am and 3.30pm) for visitors to get hands-on in the Animal Barn. The youngsters love their milk… so remember to hold on tightly to the bottle! The warmer weather means that it’s also time for shearing when the older members of the flock are relieved of their thick woolly coats. The team at the farm park will be shearing in the week of May half term, with daily live demonstrations so that visitors can learn about the process. Half term is the perfect time to get outdoors and meet a variety of rare breed farm animals. Learn about the ancient Soay sheep, the giant Suffolk Punch horse or
16 MAY HALF TERM 2022
the spotty Gloucestershire pig. Your little farmer can also explore a wide range of exciting outdoor and indoor play. Bottle feeding takes place between 30 Apr and 15 Jul and bottles are available on a firstcome, first-served basis. Shearing demonstrations take place between 28 May and 5 Jun. Follow @cotswoldfarmpark for updates on the flock and visit the website to book tickets in advance or plan a holiday stay at the farm park. Cotswold Farm Park Guiting Power, Cheltenham GL54 5FL W: cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk
ollowing its successful Easter holiday climbing clubs, Boulders is back with more fun for May half term. The friendly bouldering centre in Cheltenham welcomes kids and adults alike. No experience is necessary and you can tackle a wide range of climbs under the expert instruction of fully qualified staff. All the equipment you need is provided too. If you’re new to bouldering, you can learn the basics in a safe environment at one of the centre’s ‘Give it a Go’ classes which are available both for children or for the whole family - an opportunity to have a go at one of the newest Olympic sports together. Boulders is also running children’s holiday clubs throughout the May half term and summer holidays. The holiday clubs offer you the chance to spend four hours learning new climbing skills and playing climbing games with
others. Or there are the centre’s after-school clubs: six-week courses designed to teach you new skills and covering footwork, flexibility and technique that will get you bouldering like a pro. You’ll find more details on the Boulders website, on social media or you can email the centre. Boulders 4 Centrum Park, Cheltenham GL51 9FD W: cheltenham.bouldersuk.com
Advertising feature
Hospice launches daisy appeal L ongfield Community Hospice in Minchinhampton is running its third ‘In Memory’ appeal, offering you the opportunity to remember a loved one with a metal flower displayed in the grounds of Stroud’s Museum in the Park. Hundreds of delicate blue aluminium Michaelmas daisies will be on display throughout the month of July and you can reserve one and dedicate it to someone you’ve lost simply by making a donation to the hospice’s appeal. “The mesmerising sight of hundreds of delicate blue daisies will give visitors a chance to pause and remember loved ones no longer with us,” the hospice says. “The flower was created by Paul Stanway of Red Dragon Metal Art exclusively in Longfield’s own colour and is designed
with a minimalistic feeling and interpretation which gives an elegant result that looks good in any setting. Aluminium has been chosen for the petals, for its long-lasting nature and rust-free properties with each flower being assembled by hand.” The money raised will go towards Longfield’s work providing home care as well as offering help and support to patients, families and carers through a range of wellbeing services at the hospice. The suggested donation is £30 per daisy and there are full details on the website. W: www.longfield.org.uk/ daisy-appeal.
primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire
LIFE-CHANGING LIBRARIES WITH
CRESSIDA COWELL
Primary Times chats with Cressida Cowell, bestselling author of ‘How To Train Your Dragon’, about her Life-changing Libraries campaign and the effect it has had on children so far. Cressida Cowell, the Waterstones Children’s Laureate 2019-2022 and bestselling author, launched the Life-changing Libraries campaign last year. The campaign aims to place primary school libraries at the heart of the government’s annual spending plans after it highlighted severe long-term underfunding. “The benefits of engaging with books and becoming a reader for pleasure are lifechanging,” Cressida explains. “Decades of research show a reader for pleasure is more likely to be happier, healthier, to do better at school, and to vote – all irrespective of background. The more a child reads, the greater the benefits. And that is where libraries come in. Libraries are where the magic happens. They are like sweetshops where all the sweets are free. When I was a child in the 1970’s, we went to the public library once a week, that was the norm back then, and I must have read practically every single book in that entire library. It allows a
child to experiment, find out what they like. I was convinced then about the importance of libraries – both local and school libraries – and I’m more convinced than ever of their magical power to create life-long readers. “The project spotlights the four pillars of a successful school library – space, book provision, expertise, and whole-school and parent involvement – through the creation of ‘pilot’ libraries in six very different primary schools. It has been extraordinary to see how these beautiful new spaces, since opening last June, have become the beating heart of these six schools, encouraging the development of well-being, empathy, learning and a whole school reading culture. “What has been clear from the reaction to the campaign is that people assume that all primary schools have libraries, and that those are well-stocked and resourced. But, this is simply not the case. One in eight primary schools has no library provision. I’ve been struck by how many people are
surprised that we even need to make this ask. Often, people know that reading for pleasure is important, but don’t know quite how life-changing it is. Reading opens up a world of new possibilities for children and develops aspiration, with research showing that it can drive social mobility and mitigate the effect of social inequality. But how can a child become a reader for pleasure if their parents or carers cannot afford books, and their primary school has no library, or that library is woefully insufficient? “We are nearing the end of these yearlong pilots and will be sharing our findings in June – but the words of a young boy in Griffin Primary School [in Wandsworth, London], where we introduced a new ‘Life-changing Library’ keep returning to me. When asked, ‘What does this library mean to you?’, his reply was: ‘Well, it means I don’t have to read the same book, again and again and again.’”
Advertising feature
Achieving the best N ewent Community School and Sixth Form Centre takes its responsibility for the education and wellbeing of its students very seriously and aims to ensure that, as well as loving school, they’re well-prepared for the future when they’re ready to leave. By then the school wants them to have achieved the best possible exam results, been involved in a wide range of activities, forged lifelong friendships and have happy memories of their school days. “We’re committed to inspiring learners for their future through a vibrant, innovative and supportive environment where students develop resourcefulness, resilience, accept responsibility and are challenged to take risks in order to succeed,” school principal Mrs Burke says. “Every day is about maximising individual students’ development and achievement. It is our aim that students leave us with a passion for life-long learning. We are a
‘kind’ school where staff support and encourage each other and students to achieve their best.” Newent continues to offer students a broad, balanced curriculum supported by extracurricular activities. Parents already thinking about options for September 2023 are welcome to attend the school’s Year 5 open morning on Wed 6 Jul (10am12noon) when you can meet Mrs Burke and her staff and see the school and the students in action. Newent Community School and Sixth Form Centre W: newent. gloucs.sch.uk
primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire
Pregnancy Baby Toddler Beginners
YOGA CLASSES
AT KINGSHILL HOUSE, GL11 4BZ Every Wednesday House kingshillhouse.org.uk Kingshill GL11 4BZ Registered Charity No. 1055651
MAY HALF TERM 2022 17
Learning in Community
THE ULTIMATE 11+ PREPARATION
The leading 11+ provider in Gloucestershire On location Mock Tests Online Short Courses At Home Mock Tests 11+ Summer Camp Online Revision Day 10+ Summer Activity Day FREE Resources & Events FREE Online Parents’ Meetings
EJS
Edward Jenner School
Making Learning Happen aStrong traditional Maths and English aInvestigative and exploratory Science aConfidence-building through individual programmes
aAffordable provision aSmall class sizes, gradual transitions Registered for children aged 5 to 16 years Space to learn and play
All our moc k tests includ e an extensi ve report!
Full time or part time places to support home schooling
To arrange a visit, please contact the school
For more information: Email cotswoldeducationuk@gmail.com or Call 07976 218062 or Visit www.cotswoldeducation.co.uk
Please phone or email:
01452 380808
office@edwardjennerschool.org www.edwardjennerschool.org.uk
44 London Road, Gloucester GL1 3NZ
large Visitor Attraction of the Year
taurus crafts half term activities
A wild OUTDOOR
ADVENTURE! Explore a world of animals in 50 acres
J17 M5 Motorway, near Bristol
Book your tickets
wildplace.org.uk
28th May until 5th June Children’s creative activities throughout school holidays Taurus Crafts, Lydney, GL15 6BU - enquire@tauruscrafts.co.uk 01594 844841 - www.tauruscrafts.co.uk
Registered charity no. 1104986
18 MAY HALF TERM 2022
primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire
Gloucestershire Advertising features
CORKBOARD Cat’s off to Everyman A bumper season of shows and opportunities are coming up at Cheltenham’s Everyman Theatre over the summer period. Its Summer Schools are a great way to spend the holiday working with theatre professionals. With schools covering everything from Shakespeare to Legally Blonde running for all ages, there are opportunities for everyone to tread the boards this summer. An exciting season awaits at The Everyman Theatre, with Michael Morpurgo’s award-winning Private Peaceful (pictured) taking to the stage in an amazing adaptation, transporting it’s audience to the First World War in this tale of courage, family and friendship. It’s never too early to book your tickets to the panto ‘Dick Whittington And His Cat Tweedy’. With a returning cast of favourites including Gloucestershire’s favourite clown Tweedy, it’s set to be the best yet! See Box Office (P8) for May-July shows and look out for: Dick Whittington Fri 25 Nov - Sun 8 Jan The Snow Queen Fri 25 Nov – Sat 31 Dec The Everyman Cheltenham W: www.everymantheatre.org.uk
Run them Ragged! Victorian life in the Forest of Dean was hard for everyday people. Most were not wealthy, and many struggled to make ends meet. Visit Dean Heritage Centre on 28-29 May and find out for yourself as characters from the Ragged Victorians living history group delight (and possibly disgust) you with what life was really like in the middle of Queen Victoria’s reign. You might meet a beggar or a rat catcher (maybe with some rats), but watch out for the petty thieves and pickpockets who will empty your pockets. Hopefully, there’ll be a friendly policeman around to keep some order! And don’t forget to visit the centre’s Forester’s Cottage to get a taste of what living in a Victorian ‘two up-two down’ cottage was like too. W: www.deanheritagecentre.com
Make a splash Cattle Country Farm Park’s Splash Pool is a firm favourite with children of all ages and the good news is it’s reopening for the summer on Sat 28 May. Pay a visit to the farm park and you’ll also find places to play both indoors and outdoors, a boating lake, climbing net, tractor and trailer rides, the Graze Café and, of course, lots of friendly farm animals to meet. Tractor and trailer rides and feeding the animals cost just £1 extra each, but everything else is included in the price of your ticket. What’s more, Cattle Country Farm Park is celebrating its thirtieth anniversary this year with a Big Birthday Weekend on 18-19 Jun and tickets are available online now.
Helping children with anxiety
PIED PIPER JUN JU AQUATHLON & TRI TR The Parenting with Anxiety Project at the University of Sussex is focused on finding ways to help parents and children navigate the world with confidence. If you feel anxious, you may find yourself feeling worried about your children. The project’s research shows that with the right support parents can help their children become more confident. The team now wants to find out if families will benefit from an eight-module online course. If you would describe yourself as high in anxiety with a child aged 2-11, then they would like to hear from you. Half of the parents will do the course and the others will just answer questions, but everyone is playing an important role in helping children with anxiety.
SATURDAY 28TH MAY
Cattle Country Farm Park W: cattlecountry.co.uk
£25 AQUATHLON £29 TRIATHLON
Good sports
Whether it’s frisbee golf, arts and crafts, swimming or drama, baking or archery Camp 4-2-11 has got it covered this May half term at two three-day half-term holiday camps at St Edward’s Senior School in Cheltenham. The camps run from Mon 30 May to Wed 1 June - one for ages 3-6, the second for ages 7-14 - and boast a packed programme of indoor and outdoor activities. Single day or three-day tickets can be booked online. Keep an eye on its socials, too, for news of summer activities at a new location in Stroud.
MERMAIDS & INFL W: www.parentingwithanxiety.org.uk
Just dive in!
Camp 4-2-11 T: 07825 630751 W: camp4211.co.uk
Summer in the woods Batsford is the perfect place to let off steam and enjoy the great outdoors this summer. There are more than 50 acres of wild gardens and meandering streams to explore beneath the cooling canopy of trees. You can join the Big Batsford Hedgehog Hunt (daily 23 Jul-4 Sep) - a fun children’s trail with a prize waiting at the end. There’s also the gift shop and garden to browse and why not enjoy lunch or a sweet treat in the sunshine from the arboretum café before visiting the children’s play area? The arboretum is open every day and dogs are welcome on a short lead. Visit the website to book tickets.
There’s lots to do over the May half-term at Sandford Parks Lido in Cheltenham. You can have a go at swimming like a mermaid or challenge your friends and family on the inflatable Aquarun. As well as daily swimming sessions, the Lido has a range of events coming up over the next few months, including the Sunrise Swim (21 Jun) and Midnight Swim (5 Aug). Before then, the Lido is also hosting a Junior Aquathlon & Triathlon (28 May) - a chance for 8-16 year olds of all abilities to test their swimming, running and cycling skills and help raise funds for The Pied Piper Appeal and the Lido in an event sponsored by Harrison Clark Rickerbys.
SP SCHO AT
See o dat price
REGISTER ONLINE NOW
Batsford Arboretum & Garden Centre Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 9AT. T: 01386 701441 W: www.batsarb.co.uk primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire
Parents’ and teachers’ news, resources and contacts
W: www.sandfordparkslido.org.uk MAY HALF TERM 2022 19
Gloucestershire Advertising features
CORKBOARD Fun for all weathers Regardless of the weather, Dick Whittington Park is the place for family fun. Kids will enjoy hours of excitement in the massive indoor Play Barn where hot and cold food and drinks are also available from the cafe. Outdoors there are new features. Nature trail walks around the Park are being opened up by the lake (see the ducks), through flower meadows, ancient wood, apple and plum orchards and the cottage garden. Also, there is now an outdoor exercise course and cold water swimming which even offers canoeing and paddle boarding. Horse riding for the kids is available on Saturday mornings.
And relax … The team at Kingshill House are delighted to launch new yoga sessions with Vicky from The Yoga Bird. Her sessions for parents with toddlers and babies join Relaxed Yoga for Beginners and Pregnancy Yoga on the programme and are a wonderful opportunity to have fun with your little one whilst taking time to exercise gently and relax your body. Join Vicky as she supports you on your yoga journey – sessions are on Wednesdays (term-time) and you can drop in on the day or book ahead. Visit the website to find out more. Signing up to Kingshill’s newsletter will also ensure that you’re among the first to hear about new class times and other exciting events at the house. W: kingshillhouse.org.uk
Dick Whittington Park T: 01452 831000 W: dickwhittingtonpark.co.uk
Crafty creatives A half term wouldn’t be complete without getting creative, so why not try some of the family activities lined up at Taurus Crafts? From Thu 28 May until Sun 5 Jun, the centre’s lined up a fun-filled week. With play areas for the kids, retail therapy for the parents and some good food in the on-site café, it’s a great place for the whole family to spend time together. The centre is part of the Camphill Village Trust which supports people with various support needs and so you’ll be helping a good cause on your day out too. Visit the website or follow Taurus Crafts on social media to find out what else the centre has to offer. Taurus Crafts W: www.tauruscrafts.co.uk SM: @tauruscrafts
Springing to life There’s lots to do and see at Slimbridge Wetland Centre this spring. Why not explore the Hawaiian landscape and duckery at Mission Possible and meet the world’s rarest goose, the nene (pictured)? Or look for adorable chicks, ducklings, goslings and cygnets across the site, meet the friendly otter Haha, be wowed by watery wonders in Toad Hall and spot wildlife from the water on a Canoe Safari or venture out into the wider reserve on a Wild Safari? There’s the Living Wetland Theatre and Waterscapes Aviary to visit too and Wonders of Wetlands bird demonstrations where you can meet Sprout the pelican, Nzuri the crowned crane or the marvellous magpie geese. And check out the family-friendly Wetland Heroes app created by Aardman to experience Slimbridge like never before. Slimbridge Wetland Centre W: wwt.org/slimbridge
20 MAY HALF TERM 2022
Parents’ and teachers’ news, resources and contacts Over and up! Over Farm’s Countryside Adventure is the perfect opportunity to get outside with the whole family and create some great half-term memories, sure in the knowledge you’ll have a funfilled day out that will tire out even the most energetic of children. New this year are not one, but two brand new adventure play areas where children of all ages can climb high and run free over balance beams, twisty slides and a huge combine harvester climbing frame. The team have also unveiled a new 14-hole mini golf course which is sure to ignite your competitive spirit: play in teams (kids vs adults?) or individually - you decide! It’s all included in the price of admission along with favourites like quad train rides, tractor rides and the animal trail. W: www.overfarm.co.uk
Book early to go to the ball! The Sub Rooms has lined up a family treat filled with festive fun for Christmas. Brought to you by the same team that produced ‘Beauty and the Beast’ last year, ‘Cinderella’ (22 Dec-2 Jan) will be a must-see show for families as the most famous girl in fairy-tale history defeats her ugly step-sisters, escapes her wicked stepmother and wins the heart of Prince Charming. “We can’t wait to return with a brand-new production of the greatest pantomime story of all,” says creative director Phil Dale. “We were delighted with how the people of Stroud took ‘Beauty and the Beast’ to their hearts and we are planning on delivering an even bigger treat with ‘Cinderella’. I can’t wait for everyone to find out how Cinders gets to the ball!” The Sub Rooms W: thesubrooms.co.uk primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire
Gloucestershire
"I wouldn't wish my anxiety on my worst enemy." "I want my children to thrive!"
Crowning glories
The Queen has close ties to Gloucestershire
Are you a parent who experiences anxiety and has a child aged 2-11? You could help test a free online course designed to prevent children developing anxiety.
parentingwithanxiety.org.uk
Fiona Kuipers guides you through Gloucestershire’s family-friendly Platinum Jubilee celebrations
G
loucestershire is hosting all manner of events to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of The Queen, who’s reigned for 70 years, and in traditional style, many communities are hosting street parties and picnics to mark the occasion. First up, Corinium Museum in Cirencester honours the Jubilee by hosting a children’s trail to search for characters from a book by author Steve Anthony about the birth of the Queen’s great grandson. The trail runs until Thu 30 Jun. At The Barn Owl in Gloucester, meanwhile, children can kickstart the weekend on Sat 4 with a Jubilee breakfast with a difference - a magician keeps guests entertained while they eat, prior to fun later in the day. Sudeley Castle marks the occasion - and its thousand-year history of royal connections - with a trail of wildlife sculptures from camels to crocodiles for families to find while they take in the suitably royal feel of the castle and grounds (until Sun 30 Oct). Hopefully, the weather stays jubilant over the holiday weekend, especially at Cleve Hill where children make Union Jack kites to fly in the sunshine and a not too strong wind (Fri 3 Jun - book in advance). Gloucester’s Memorial Ground hosts Liz Fest (Thu 2 Thu) where families can enjoy good food, drink and music while children get to play on inflatables in the Kid Zone. Charlton Kings in Eastcombe hosts an all-weekend event with
something different for children every day (Fri 3-Sun 5 Jun), including dancing with Lamby’s Disco, Morris dancers, live music and a dog show. Gloucester Tall Ships have packed out that same weekend with plenty for all the family to enjoy (Fri 3 -Sun 5 Jun), while, on the Sunday, South Cerney hosts its annual duck race and street fair (Sun 5 Jun). Hosting a street party, Speech House Hotel in Coleford has teamed up with Knit Me Knot and Local Discovery Card to bring families a fabulous Jubilee celebration (Fri 3 Jun). Families can make their own mosaic as a keepsake of the special day, join workshops and watch artist demonstrations. Food is in the form of afternoon teas and barbecues, local schools decorate the event with bunting. Children can play garden games, jump on bouncy castles and cuddle a special pooch from the Brynovation Canine Company. Activities will spill out into the Forest of Dean too. St Mary DeCrypt in Gloucester celebrates the Jubilee with a good old fashioned tea dance (Sun 5 Jun). Vintage tea sets are on display and there’ll be plenty of cake and dancing. Everyone can join in, no matter your level, but book in advance. (£10 adult, children free). Web links to these events can be found at primarytimes. co.uk/gloucestershire/news
primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire
s
d e fi si
s a l C
To advertise here call Mike on 01452 937123
Paint -aPot
For all your dancewear needs •Ballet •Tap •Modern • Home delivery service •Jazz • Gymnastics •Paint your own ceramics • www.colourdancewear.co.uk Gifts •Decopatch • Parties and events • • 07814 391050 • • 01453 766910 • www.paint-a-pot.co.uk
LONGLEVENS TUITION Online lessons for Primary Children with
Maths & English, Eleven Plus Dyslexia & Dyscalcula. Mrs Manley, NNEB, BSc (Hons), PGCE.
Gloucester (01452) 387228
Does your family have what it takes to be Ninja Warriors?
As seen on
Don't miss out on the action, book now
ninjawarrioruk.co.uk/gloucester
MAY HALF TERM 2022 21
22 MAY HALF TERM 2022
primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire
Gloucestershire
THEBUZZWORD TOO HARD? Why not ask a grown-up for ideas? Children under 7 will find the yellow clues easier.
Answers on our Facebook page, PrimaryTimesGloucestershire after publication.
ACROSS 1 & 6 Down A major one-off celebration taking place this June to cele-
DOWN 1 These come in many forms including black, bread and butter or sticky
brate the Queen’s 70th anniversary on the throne (8, 7) 5 The newsagent in lots of David Walliams’s books (3) 7 The headmaster of Hogwarts. (10) 10 A poem of praise (3) 11 An artist may rest their canvas on this. (5) 12 A cloth or headwear that conceals (4) 13 Single or unique (3) 15 Strange or weird (7) 17 A smart type of clothing (4) 19 Down or sad (3) 20 Abbreviation for Pounds per Square Inch (3) 23 A clear night might reveal a sky like this. Also part of the name of a famous Vincent Van Gogh painting (6) 24 Apollo was the Ancient Greek god of this (3) 25 Done in a way that’s got nothing to do with anything (12)
toffee (8) 2 Sadly, two of these are fighting in Ukraine right now (6) 3 A car does this when the engine is running but it’s not moving (5) 4. A state of mind, or good or bad humour (4) 5 Fish eggs (3) 6 See 1 Across 8 A main character in Disney’s ‘Encanto’ (7) 9 To show or explain (6) 14 In French, the prefix before negative verbs (2) 15 To go without food (6) 16 Gently throws a ball or stone in a high, curving action (4) 18 Both a verb meaning to say or make a sound, and an adjective meaning complete or total (5) 20 A ceremonial fire (4) 21 Shorter word for island (4) 22 The boy who owns the toys in Pixar’s ‘Toy Story’
Win!
FOR THE KIDS Help Agent Annie and win a £20 Amazon voucher
A
gent Annie has received a coded tip-off that she needs to meet an important “asset”. Spy Academy, part of Cotswold Education, is giving away a £20 Amazon voucher to the first person chosen at random who can decipher the message. Simply work out what’s missing from this instruction:
Mt m n frnt f th lbrry t svnpm n Thrsdy. Brng yr cmr! Send your answer, including a mobile phone number and the village, town or city where you live, and marked SPY ACADEMY COMP to gloscompetitions@ primarytimes.co.uk by Monday 13 June Good luck! See primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire/tcs for competition terms and conditions.
Explore,discover,enjoy! History, heritage & fun rolled into one
at the dean
heritage centre This summer
Petey’s Arty Party Enter Petey’s next art competition for a chance to win ‘Starboard’ the brilliant new book by Nicola Skinner. Paint a painting on the subject:
Sailing on a historic ship Send your pictures to Petey the Parrot, Starfish Publishing, The Create Centre, Smeaton Road, Bristol BS1 6XN or high resolution images to
gloscompetitions@primarytimes.co.uk by Mon13 Jun Don’t forget to put Petey’s Arty Party in the subject line, include your name, age, school and home address so we can send you the prize. See primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire/tcs for competition terms and conditions.
primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire
www.deanheritagecentre.com 01594 822170
MAY HALF TERM 2022 23
Newent Community School and Sixth Form Centre
NEWENT COMMUNITY SCHOOL AND SIXTH FORM CENTRE
SCAN ME
STRONG track record of academic success OPEN and friendly environment OUTSTANDING pastoral care EXTENSIVE community sports facilities FANTASTIC performing and creative art opportunities
Judged
‘GOOD’ by Ofsted 2018
Striving for
Excellence
If you are already thinking about your options for September 2023, please attend our Year 5 Open Morning on Wednesday 6th July between 10.00am and midday.
www.newent.gloucs.sch.uk Mrs Dawn Burke, Principal Watery Lane, Newent, Gloucestershire GL18 1QF Tel: 01531 820550 24Email: MAY HALF TERM 2022 admin@newent.gloucs.sch.uk
| Web: www.newent.gloucs.sch.ukprimarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire | Twitter: @newentschool
