Family What’s On Guide
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summer
Hmmm, so much to do in Glos this
Prizes Galore!
Artytude win a £5 book token
As she releases her next book Julia Donaldson shares writing tips Page 4
Birdland win a Family ticket Cotswold Education win a £20 voucher Details inside
SUMMER HOLIDAY EDITION 22 JULY-1 SEPTEMBER 2021 ISS.175
HOLMLEIGH PARK HIGH SCHOOL OPEN EVENING
Work hard. Be kind. Take responsibility. Come and see why we are one of the fastest improving schools in the country. Wednesday 15th September, 18:30 20:30 Visit www.hphigh.co.uk to find out more
Holmleigh Park High School, Holmleigh Road, Tuffley, Gloucestershire GL4 0RT T: 01452 301381 | W: www.hphigh.co.uk | E: contact@hphigh.co.uk
2 SUMMER HOLIDAY 2021
Primary Times Gloucestershire
Contents Dear Reader REGULAR 5. News 7. Theatre 8. The Family Guide 12. Corkboard 12. Advertising features 14. For the Kids 15. Classified
ROADMAP LATEST
While it feels as though we’re over the worst of the pandemic now, events listed in this magazine can still change or be cancelled at short notice. Please check our Facebook page (below) for any “roadmap”changes and contact the venue before travelling.
FEATURE 4. JULIA DREAMS Treasured children’s writer Julia Donaldson offers inspirational writing tips.
Win a Family Ticket to Birdland in the beautiful Cotswolds! With its idyllic setting, Birdland in Bourton-on-the-Water, is home to an astonishing array of our feathered friends, from rare tropical birds to birds of prey and, of course, England’s only breeding colony of King and Humboldt penguins. The park has kindly offered a family ticket (two adults and two children) to one lucky reader who successfully answers this question: Which colour is most commonly associated with the flamingo? a) Brown b) Yellow c) Pink d) Purple For a chance to win the ticket, please email your answer, with BIRDLAND as subject, your full name, and mobile phone (so we can contact you about the prize) to: gloscompetitions@primarytimes.co.uk By Friday 6 August The prize is valid for one visit on or before 31 December 2021. Ffi: www.birdland.co.uk (See primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire/tcs for terms and conditions)
WINNERS I’ve liked you! Congratulations to: Allen Jinson, Catherine Pinnock, Cath Tuck, Karen Mercer and Katie Jefferies They “liked” Glos Primary Times on Facebook and their names were first to be chosen randomly from the editor’s e-postbag. A £5 book token is on its way.
Gloucestershire Primary Times Published under franchise from Primary Times Ltd by
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Editorial, design, sales and distribution: Mike Gartside Sub-editor and proof-reading: Tom Phillips All enquiries & competition entries:
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Like most peop le, I have been ment where w waiting fo e is over, where can definitively say the r the mopandem w e ca n leap in the a bottle of so air, crack open ic m et hi ng fi zzy and let th run off, unfett e and indoor at ered, to birthday parties, children tr ac ti on s w ithout a care play dates world. Of cour in politicians an se, as we are told repeat the d sc ie nt is ts , it’s not like thedly by piece of good at. Ev news is hedged with a warning ery things could ea that we must rem sily get worse again and ain cautious. Nonetheless have an almos, it seems likely we will year and a ho t normal summer this magazine arest of events listed in this creasing conf being planned with inidence. Most get to enjoy th families will was unimagin emselves in a way that ab As the Gruff le this time last year. there’s lots haalo says on our cover, shire this sum ppening in Gloucesterfantastic outd mer, from fireworks, oor theatre an country d and craft sessshows to adventure trails io ns you’ve seen . If you visit organiser kn in these pages, please lean event ow have to stay in where you saw it. Andt the some tips fromdoors for any reason, why , if you write your ow Julia Donaldson (Page not take 4) and n children’s st ory? Mike (publi sher, edito r and tea boy)
KEY DATES AND HIGHLIGHTS Cheltenham Balloon Fiesta - Fri 23Sun 25 Jul Unpiggle Family Trail, Painswick Rococo Gardens - Fri 23 Jul-Sun 5 Sep Tuckwell Open Air Theatre Festival Tue 3-Sun 15 Aug Summer Family Firework Night - Sat 14 Aug Making Music in the Museum - Mon 16 Aug Moreton-in-Marsh Show - Sat 4 Sep This magazine is great for the climate because: • Our paper comes 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 • Primary Times remains useful for at least six weeks • It is easibly recyclable after use and can be turned into new paper 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 biased 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 any 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
SUMMER HOLIDAY 2021 3
Feature
Julia dreams
Perhaps Britain’s most prolific and treasured children’s writer today, Julia Donaldson shares her tips for a good story and says she still uses methods she learnt at primary school.
I
f your child hasn’t already been delighted by ‘The Snail on the Whale’, transported by ‘The Stick Man’, or terrified by ‘The Gruffalo’, a whole world of delicious rhymes and images await them as they dive into the works of Julia Donaldson, perhaps the most prolific and memorable children’s author this century. She spent her early career in publishing and community theatre, when her rhyme ‘A Squash and a Squeeze’ was turned into a children’s book in 1993. Since then, she’s penned no fewer than
184 children’s books, including the household names we know and love, and was appointed Children’s Laureate from 2011 to 2013. “I grew up in a house with my parents, aunt, uncle and grandparents,” Julia tells Primary Times. “My grandmother always used to save me big brown envelopes to write on. My first story was about a wizard who lost his tail. I remember at school writing a story about an orange rabbit running away from a farmer, perhaps there’s a bit of Beatrix Potter in there? All my books, re-
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4 SUMMER HOLIDAY 2021
Primary Times Gloucestershire
ally, are similar in nature to those I wrote at primary school.” Last year she wrote her fourth book in the Ladybird series, ‘What the Ladybird Heard at the Seaside’. “In every book [in this series] there’s this comic duo, Lanky Len and Hefty Hugh, bungling robbers who always have a plan to steal something,” she explains. “Here, they are trying to cut off a mermaid’s hair and sell it to a famous star. The ladybird gets the seaside animals to thwart the plan. The book is illustrated beautifully by Lydia Monk who has illustrated a number of my books now. The idea of the first Ladybird book came after Lydia and I worked on ‘Sharing a Shell’ and she suggested that we work on a book about farmyard animals. While on a walk with my son, we came up with Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len.” As the 2011-2013 Children’s Laureate, Julia has spent a lot of time promoting reading and writing in schools and libraries across the UK, She says that, to get into the flow of writing, children could start writing scripts, perhaps for homemade plays or videos, as they are plot focused and a fast form of creative writing. “I think children love to write short plays. I know I did when I was younger, as it’s actually easier to write a play than a book. You don’t have to write all the descriptive parts with a play like you do with a book.” If the creative juices just aren’t flowing, Julia advises, “Children could take an already well-known story and characters, say ‘The Three Little Pigs’, and create a play about them doing something. “When I was a working with children, I would ask them to create a character and give the character a problem. Then make the problem get worse before it gets better: don’t solve the problem too soon. And then come up with ways the problem gets solved. Following this flow can help channel the creativity. It’s very hard to create a plot but a child’s imagination can run wild and I would say let the child write
about whatever they want to write about without laying down the law to them.” Children’s literature can be quite scary at times and Julia is the master of finding that balance of light and dark in her writing, creating exciting twists and turns. “There needs to be a dark or threatening aspect,” she says. “I think all stories are like this, not just children stories. That’s what makes them interesting. But with all my children’s stories the bad element gets conquered. “If you can take the character out of their comfort zone, explain when they’re threatened, and pit their wits against an opponent and often things get worse before they get better - that’s the nature of all good stories.”
The Woolly Bear Caterpillar by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Yuval Zommer, is available from Macmillan Children’s Books, £12.99
News Organisers plan summer spectacular
F
irework fans won’t need to wait until Bonfire Night in November to enjoy a spectacular pyrotechnic display this year. So many firework nights were cancelled last year because of Covid restrictions that Chase Lane Fireworks have decided to fill the skies with light, colour and big bangs a little early, on Saturday 14 August, to be precise, when they stage a special summertime family firework night with a music-accompanied display at Wall’s Club in Gloucester. The gates open at 5.30pm but the main display won’t be exploding into the skies until 9.30pm - after dark. There’ll be plenty to keep you entertained before then,
T
though, including food and drink and a funfair. Tickets are on sale online now. Ffi: www.chaselanefireworks. co.uk/events
Gloucester arts project has won a national award for work it carried out during the pandemic to celebrate the people of the city as their communities faced up to coronavirus. Gloucester Looking Up, which saw life-affirming images posted in the windows of residents’ homes throughout the city, including the portrait of a Kindertransport refugee from the Nazi regime, displayed at the hostel he first stayed, won a ‘Pandemic Pivot Award’ at the National Museums and Heritage Awards this July. The project, a partnership between arts and heritage organisations City Voices, Gloucester History Festival and Gloucester Heritage, involved 25 artists, 125 volunteers and over 40 organisations installing the artworks over a two month period. The images told stories of Gloucestershire people including cleaners, a town crier, a poet and a veteran, through interviews, poetry, films
and activities for families. One piece, ‘We See Gloucester (Do You See Us?)’ shared support for campaigning group Black Lives Matter. Duncan Wilson of Historic England, which funded the project, says, “Gloucester Looking Up has won this award for a brilliant response to the impacts of coronavirus. Our Emergency Response Fund provided a safety net to small heritage organisations in the challenging early months of the pandemic, and it’s great to see just how much of a difference it has made.”
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behind the scenes to deliver a bumper show this year,” the show’s founder Earl Bathurst says. “The Cotswold Show has always been a firm favourite, with its wide variety of attractions for all ages, showcasing activities from the farming and countryside industries, with added entertainments. I am looking forward to personally welcoming everyone back again to our show in the heart of Cirencester Park.” Check website for tickets. Ffi: www.cotswoldshow.co.uk
Pupils to design bandstand roof
Y
ear 6 pupils of St John’s Academy, Coleford, learned about the long tradition of brass bands in the Forest of Dean earlier this summer on a visit to the recently restored Scarr Bandstand near Sling, which has hosted brass concerts for over 100 years. The bandstand fell derelict in the 1980s but now hosts a full summer programme of concerts since a group of enthusiasts, Friends of Scarr Bandstand, decided to restore it in 2015. St John’s pupils will be
“Brilliant” Gloucester Looking Up scoops national award
A
Cotswold Show becomes holiday highlight he postponement of the Cotswold Show from July to August is great news for families looking for extra excitement during the long summer holidays. Now taking place on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 August, it promises to be the best yet, according to organisers. Entertainment includes rural crafts, BMX displays, lots of farm animals and a fun run for dogs, plus more than 200 food stalls and trade stands. “The Cotswold Show team has been working incredibly hard
Gloucester Looking Up. Images by Ellie Shipman
part of the restoration when they help design a new permanent roof as part of their Design and Technology learning. Y6 teacher Carlota Appleby says, “My aim is for the children to see the space, to build up their knowledge, and to start being curious.”
Discover
AN AMAZING WORLD OF BIRDS & THEIR JURASSIC ANCESTORS
IENCE
EXPER
F OUT OA AFRIC
THIS SUMMER!
Get arty at Kingshill House
K
ingshill House in Dursley celebrates throwing open its doors again this summer with two family fun days. As part of its summer art exhibition, ‘Lazy Summer Days’ (19 July-27 August), the arts and meeting centre hosts two afternoons of crafts and family activities on Friday 30 July and
Friday 20 August when resident storyteller, Bill Church (pictured), is also on hand to entertain. It’s a chance to get inspired by the work of more than 20 artists on a seasonal theme. And, if the weather’s good, take a picnic to enjoy in the grounds. Ffi: www.kingshillhouse.org.uk
Penguin Feeds 11am & 2.30pm
Rissington Road, Bourton-on-the-Water, Glos. GL54 2BN
T: 01451 820480 E: info@birdland.co.uk
Tickets must be pre-booked online
www.birdland.co.uk Visit birdland.co.uk for latest news, events & feeding times
Gloucestershire Primary Times
SUMMER HOLIDAY 2021 5
info@deanheritagecentre.com
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Consider the benefits of joining our community Tutor:student ratio of 1:10 in core subject lessons enables individual attention No more school runs! Better for the environment - no travel costs for online teaching Less travelling time gives a gentler, more relaxed start to the day Confidence that your child is learning National Curriculum based core maths & English Social interactions are retained in a programme of regular, weekly meetings Opportunities for children to explore new subjects and take risks Active involvement in your child’s learning, development and progress Focussed preparation for secondary school through special sessions in year 6 Outstanding, highly qualified teachers guiding learning in a safe environment
www.cotswoldeducationacademy.com Any questions or want to find out more? Email:cotswoldeducationuk@gmail.com Phone: 07976 218062
6 SUMMER HOLIDAY 2021
Primary Times Gloucestershire
Theatre GLOUCESTERSHIRE
BACON THEATRE/ TUCKWELL AMPHITHEATRE
Dean Close School, Hatherley Rd, Cheltenham GL51 6EP (Sat Nav GL51 6HE). 01242 258002, www.bacontheatre.co.uk Listed here are the child-friendly productions in the Tuckwell Open Air Theatre Festival, Tue 3-Sun 15 Aug. Importance of Being Earnest Thu 5 Aug, 7pm £16 • Slapstick Picnic present this knockabout version of the Oscar Wilde classic, aimed at ages 9+. Songs of Purple Summer Wed 11 Aug, 7pm, £16 • Emerging and talented ensemble Stagedoor Learning play songs from the shows including ‘Sweeney Todd’ and ‘South Pacific’. The Great Gatsby Thu 12 Aug, 7pm, £16 • Heartbreak Productions present a jazzy version of one of the great American stories, set in the prohibition era. Ages 9+ The Railway Children Fri 13 Aug, 7pm, £16/£14 • Jenny Wren Productions bring Edith Nesbit’s tale of childhood separation and reunion to the stage. The children are now grown up and revisit their childhood adventures to help stimulate Peter’s ailing memory. Suitable for all ages. Mr Stink Sun 15 Aug, 5.30pm, £16/£14 • Heartbreak Productions return with David Walliams’s yarn about 10-year-old Annabelle’s particularly smelly new friend. Age 7+.
BARN THEATRE
5 Beeches Rd, Cirencester GL7 1BN. 01285 648255, barntheatre. org.uk An Elephant in the Garden Wed 1-Sat 11 Sep, 7.30pm, 2.30pm (Sat), 2pm & 5.30pm (Sun), £11.50-£36.50 • Michael Morpurgo’s tale of an extraordinary animal caught up in war, adapted by Simon Reade and performed by Alison Reid.
BARRINGTON
Off A40 nr. Great Barrington, between Cheltenham & Oxford. www.everymantheatre.org.uk The Hooley Thu 5-Mon 16 Aug, Tuckwell Open Air Theatre Festival, Tue 3-Sun 15 Aug
two to four shows daily, 11am9.15pm, £15-£30 • Delayed by a year, Giffords Circus’s latest production finally sees the light of day for its – now – 21st anniversary tour. Directed by leading comedy director Cal McCrystal, the performance promises 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.
BATSFORD ARBORETUM
Moreton in Marsh GL56 9AT, www.batsarb.co.uk Little Red Riding Hood & The Three Funky Pigs! Sun 18 July, 3-4pm • Join Little Red Riding Hood and her Karate Granny on their adventures with the Three Funky Little Pigs … but watch out for the cantankerous Mr Wolf who is always on the lookout for his next meal. Performed in the open air. See website for ticket info.
CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE
Evesham Rd, Cheltenham GL50 4SH. www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/ cheltenham/events-tickets/ Paw Patrol Live: Race to the Rescue Sat 14 Aug • POSTPONED TO 2022
CIRENCESTER
Off A417, half a mile from Cirencester town centre, towards Gloucester. www.everymantheatre.org.uk The Hooley Thu 9-Mon 13 Sep, two to four shows daily, 11am9.15pm, £15-£30 • The next stop on the Giffords Circus tour. See also Barrington.
DEAN HERITAGE CENTRE
Camp Mill, Soudley, Forest of Dean GL14 2UB HMS Pinafore Sun 1 Aug, 4pm, £14 (adult)/£5 (child) • Opera Anywhere present Gilbert & Sullivan’s operatic naval comedy.
EVERYMAN THEATRE
Regent St, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573, www. everymantheatre.org.uk Horrible Histories Live on Stage: Barmy Britain 2021 Thu 19-Sun 22 Aug, 11am (Sat & Sun), 2.30pm (Fri, Sat & Sun) & 6.30pm (Thu, Fri & Sat), £16-£18 • The “Horrible” team gets back into action with this lightning round-up of the comically nastiest bits of British history from Boudicca to Burke and Pantaloons present Wind in the Willows, Hare (in the Victorian era). Llanthony Secunda Priory, Wed 25 Aug Tweedy’s Lost Property Wed 27-Sat 30 Oct, 1.30pm (Wed, Thu & Fri), 10am & Mix Show Thu 26 12noon (Sat), £14-£19 • GloucesAug, 7-9pm (approx), £15-£17 tershire’s favourite clown and • Promises to be a thrilling slapstick legend Tweedy has to tribute to “everyone’s favourite get a “proper” job. What are the girlband”. chances he nails it from day one, with no mix ups, misunderstandSANDFORD PARKS ings or confusion? What the Ladybird Heard LIDO Wed 3-Sat 6 Nov, 1.30pm (Wed, Keynsham Rd, Cheltenham Thu & Fri), 10.30am (Thu & Fri), GL53 7PU. www.sandfordparks10am & 12noon (Sat), £15 • Julia lido.org.uk Donaldson and Lydia Monks’s chilMuch Ado About Nothing Sat dren’s classic about the sleuthing 7 Jul, 7.30pm, £14 (adult)/£12 ladybird and two crafty robbers (concs.)/£8 (child) • Illyria comes to life. Productions return with the Hansel and Gretel Fri 26 Novever-popular Shakespeare Fri 31 Dec, 10am & 11.30am (see comedy. website for details), £8.50 • Production company Box Tale THE SCARR Soup with their take on the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale. BANDSTAND B4228 nr. Coleford, Forest of Dean (Sat Nav GL16 8JA). everyFENNELLS FARM mantheatre.org.uk Opp. Lypiatt Park, 2.5 miles from The Railway Children Fri 1 Aug, Stroud along Bisley Rd. www. 6pm, £12 (adult)/£8 (child) • everymantheatre.org.uk Jenny Wren Productions bring The Hooley Thu 16-Sun 26 Sep, Edith Nesbit’s tale of childtwo to four shows daily, 11amhood separation and reunion 9.15pm, £15-£30 • The next stop to the stage. The children are on the Giffords Circus tour. See now grown up and revisit their also Barrington. childhood adventures to help stimulate Peter’s ailing memory. LLANTHONY Suitable for all ages. Booking via Everyman Theatre box office. SECUNDA PRIORY Gloucester GL2 5FA, llanthonysecunda.org/events SUNDIAL Pride and Prejudice Wed 7 Jul, THEATRE 7pm • Pantaloons present a “deStroud Rd, Cirencester GL7 1XA. lightfully innovative” adaptation www.ccda.co.uk/ of Jane Austen’s much-loved tale CCDA Musical Theatre Bootabout the Bennett family and the camp Mon 26-Fri 30 Jul, 9am will-they-won’t-they relationship • Musical theatre bootcamp for between Lizzy and Mr Darcy. An 8-18yrs. Perfect your singing, outdoor theatre show suitable dancing and acting skills and for all ages. Bring a picnic and perform a show on the final day. something to sit on. Email danceline@ccda.co.uk for The Wind in the Willows Wed full details. 25 Aug, 6.30pm • Pantaloons Hannah Mills Dance Collecbring their high-octane style to tive Wed 18 Aug, 7.30pm, £12 Kenneth Grahame’s classic river(adult)/£10 (child) • An evening bank tale of Mole, Ratty and the of dance and performance from infamous Mr Toad. the students and dancers of the H Dance Collective.
MINCHINHAMPTON The Common, opp. Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton, off A419 between Cirencester & Stroud. www.everymantheatre. org.uk The Hooley Thu 19-Tue 31 Aug, two to four shows daily, 11am9.15pm, £15-£30 • The next stop on the Giffords Circus tour. See also Barrington.
ROSES THEATRE
The Roses, Sun St, Tewkesbury GL20 5NX. 01684 295074, www. rosestheatre.org Woman Like Me: The Little
WESTONBIRT ARBORETUM The National Arboretum, Tetbury GL8 8QS. forestryengland.uk/ westonbirt The Grimm Sisters Sat 7 Aug, 12.30 & 3pm, £16 (adult)/£11 (ages 5-18) • Scratchworks Theatre Company bring you Brunhilde and Mitzi, who want to set the record straight about the stories traditionally attributed to the Brothers Grimm. Treachery, curses and bad luck loom large in their story.
Gloucestershire Primary Times
SUMMER HOLIDAY 2021 7
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While it feels as though the worst of covid is over, some pandemic restrictions remain at the time of writing, with the expectation that life will return to a new normal by Mon 19 Jul. The roadmap can still change and events can be postponed or cancelled at any time. Check with facebook.com/primarytimesgloucestershire for any changes to official advice and contact the venue or organiser before travelling to any event.
JULY TO TUE 31 AUG FLOWER FIELD Cotswold Farm Park, Guiting Power, Cheltenham GL54 5FL, www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk • Rejoice in a rainbow of natural colour this summer with an array of wildflowers from the start of the holiday and the ever-popular sunflowers due to bloom around mid-August. The Farm Park’s Flower Field display is a great setting for summer snaps and happy memories. Free entry for all Farm Park ticketholders and campsite guests. Flower Field-only tickets available to buy online. TO WED 1 SEP TED’S TIME-TRAVELLING TOILET TRAIL The Corinium Museum, Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX, coriniummuseum.org • Flush yourself back in time to discover the dayto-day essentials of Roman life in the ancient town of Corinium, including, of course, what you did if you had to “go”. Open 10am-5pm, free with museum admission. TO SUN 12 SEP CIRENCESTER OPEN AIR SWIMMING POOL Cirencester, Riverside Walk, Cirencester GL7 1LT, cirenopenair.org. uk • All levels of swimming are catered for at this volunteer-run open-air swimming pool in the heart of Cirencester - including an inclusive swim every Sunday morning from 9am for people with mental or physical issues, with limted numbers of swimmers. All sessions by booking only. TO SUN 26 SEP THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF THE LADYBIRD BOOK ARTISTS The Museum of Gloucester, Brunswick Rd, Gloucester GL1 1HP, www. museumofgloucester.co.uk/exhibitions • Uncover the story of the talented artists who illustrated Ladybird books for more than 30 years. This colourful exhibition puts an unparalleled collection of books, original artwork and
artefacts on display and shows how the numerous, talented Ladybird illustrators played such an enormous role in the success of the company in the 20th century. 10am-5pm.
TO SUN 17 OCT THE KINGFISHER TRAIL The Cotswolds, Winchcombe to nr. Bibury, via Wotton-under-Edge, www.kingfishertrail.org • A new Cotswold walking trail featuring 21 sculptures designed to engage with nature in a new way, using the kingfisher as a symbol of post-Covid resilience. Planned in two sections, the Thames in the East and the Severn in the West, it will raise money for Cotswold National Landscape Projects when the sculptures are auctioned afterwards. TO FRI 31 DEC RIDER SHAFIQUE IN THE COMMUNITY GALLERY The Museum of Gloucester, Brunswick Rd, Gloucester GL1 1HP, www.museumofgloucester.co.uk/ exhibitions • “What is community? Who are you? What do you love?” Using existing film and photography, co-curated by artist Rader Shafique, the museum’s CommUNITY exhibition asks the viewer to consider and respond to these questions. The Community Gallery aims to allow visitors to see and hear the people of Gloucester, providing a space to represent and empower the city’s communities. Open 10am-5pm. WED 14 JUL-WED 18 AUG TOTS AND TALES Pittville Pump Room, East Approach Drive, Cheltenham GL52 3JE, www.cheltenhamtownhall. org.uk • A morning of stories and crafts with hot drink for adults and a snack and drink for children. Every Wednesday, 10am, £5 (parent/carer)/free (child). SAT 17 JUL FOR KING & COUNTRY! Dean Heritage Centre, Camp Mill, Soudley, Forest of Dean GL14 2UB, www.deanheritagecentre. com • Meet the centre’s archaeologists and learn about the
Everyone’s looking forward to the delayed Cheltenham Balloon Fiesta taking off, Fri 23-Sun 25 Jul
Tell them you saw it here! English Civil War in the Forest of Dean. Part of the National Festival of Archaeology. Runs from 11am to 4pm, free with entry to the centre.
MON 19 JUL-FRI 27 AUG LAZY SUMMER DAYS ART EXHIBITION Kingshill House, Kingshill Lane, Dursley GL11 4BZ, www.kingshillhouse.org.uk • Summer art exhibition featuring art and craft activities for the whole family. FRI 23 JUL MCFLY - LIVE! Gloucester Park, Gloucester GL1 1LB, easyticketing.co.uk • One of a handful of outdoor summer shows in the UK by these popsters, replacing a national tour which was cancelled after repeated rescheduling. They plan to play their latest LP ‘Young Dumb Thrills’. Under-18s allowed, one adult must accompany every two children. £54.45 (inc. booking). FRI 23 JUL MAKE A BUG COSTUME The Museum of Gloucester, Brunswick Rd, Gloucester GL1 1HP, www. museumofgloucester.co.uk/events • Make your own bug costume from recycled materials. Suitable for ages 5-10. 10.15-11am, £2. FRI 23 JUL THE BUG BALL The Museum of Gloucester, Brunswick Rd, Gloucester GL1 1HP, www. museumofgloucester.co.uk/events • Learn the latest ladybird dance moves with dance teacher Ellie Maynard at the firefly disco. Go dressed as your favourite bug – or join a make your own costume session (see listing above). Suitable for ages 5-10. 11.15am-12noon, £2. FRI 23-SUN 25 JUL CHELTENHAM BALLOON FIESTA Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Rd, Cheltenham GL50 4SH, www.cheltenhamballoonfiesta. co.uk • Postponed from June, let’s hope this fiesta will finally
Would you like your event listed in this guide? Email: glos@ primarytimes. co.uk Deadline for our Back to School edition: WED 11 AUG
take off, with Balloons and Fireworks (Friday), The Big Balloon Fiesta Day (Saturday) and Family Fun Day (Sunday - NB no balloons on Sunday), plus live arena entertainment, funfair, independent traders, Saturday night fireworks display, food, drink and much more. Open 4pm (Fri) and 11am (Sat & Sun), prices range from £3£7 per day.
FRI 23 JUL-SUN 5 SEP UNIPIGGLE FAMILY TRAIL Painswick Rococo Garden, Painswick GL6 6TH, www.rococogarden.org.uk • A chocolatey, magical mayhem trail created by local artist and illustrator Hannah Shaw and based on her popular Unipiggle books published by Usborne. Daily 10am-5pm (pre-booking may be required), 50p plus standard admission. SAT 24-SUN 25 JUL FAMILY ARCHAEOLOGY DAY Dean Heritage Centre, Camp Mill, Soudley, Forest of Dean GL14 2UB, www.deanheritagecentre. com • Get your hands dirty with the archaeologists. Have a go at digging up archaeological finds, metal-detecting and geophysics surveys. Part of the National Festival of Archaeology. Runs from 11am to 4pm. No extra charge. MON 26 JUL THE CREEPY CRAWL: BUG HUNT The Museum of Gloucester, Brunswick Rd, Gloucester GL1 1HP, www.museumofgloucester. co.uk/events • There are bugs everywhere and you’re going to find them on this creepy-crawly walk from the museum to the medieval priory. And once you’ve found them, you can draw them in the Scriptorium, a place full of history and magic. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All materials provided. Suitable for ages 6-12. 11am-12noon or 2-3pm, £4.50/£8 per family.
experiences this summer, from circus skills and magic workshops to climbing walls, inflatables and laser tag. Ages 3-14.
FRI 6 AUG BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Hillside Brewery, Holly Bush Farm, Ross Rd, Longhope GL17 0NG, www.hillsidebrewery.com • IK Productions promise a “beautifully daft” production of this famous fairy tale. Take picnic and your own cushions to sit on. 01452 830222/07496 368452. FRI 6 AUG YOUNG BIRDER ID WORKSHOP WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Bowditch, Slimbridge GL2 7BT, www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/ slimbridge • Young birdwatchers aged 13-18 can learn bird identification with the help of one of the centre’s experienced reserve wardens. 10am-12 noon, £6 per child. FRI 6-SAT 7 AUG MISCHIEVOUS ANIMALS TRAIL Pittville Park, Cheltenham GL50
4SH, www.naturewatch.org • Naturewatch Foundation invites children to discover the mischievous beasts hidden around the park. Buy a map for £1, follow the cryptic clues and when you’ve identified all the animals, claim your reward. A fun nature trail for the whole family. 10.30am3.30pm.
SAT 7-SUN 8 AUG ORCHARD STREET FOOD & CRAFT MARKET Orchard Square, Gloucester Quays, Gloucester GL1 5SH, www. gloucesterquays.co.uk/events/ orchard-street-market-august/ • Promises the very finest in locally-produced food, drink, arts and crafts, with live music to keep things swinging as life returns to this shopping hub. 10am-5pm. MON 9 AUG THE CREEPY CRAWL: BUG HUNT The Museum of Gloucester, Brunswick Rd, Gloucester GL1 1HP, www. museumofgloucester.co.uk/events • See Mon 26 Jul.
My Slimbridge is...
...SURPRISING
SAT 31 JUL THE BAG THAT WENT BOO! Tewkesbury Abbey, Church St, Tewkesbury GL20 5RZ, www. rosestheatre.org • Mime, clowning and puppetry from Garlic Theatre, who promise “children’s theatre at its best”. Book via The Roses Theatre website. 3.30pm, £8-£10.
AUGUST SUN 1 AUG OPEN DAY Llanthony Secunda Priory, Gloucester GL2 5FA, llanthonysecunda.org/events • Visit the Priory buildings and explore more than five acres of grounds. Volunteers are on hand to answer questions. Pre-booked tours available, but places limited so advance booking recommended. 11am-3pm. MON 2-FRI 27 AUG NEW SUMMER CAMP Cotswold School, The Avenue, Bourton-on-the-Water, Cheltenham GL54 2BE, camp4211.co.uk • Camp 4-2-11 offers children a range of amazing outdoor
Discover what Slimbridge means to you
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SUMMER HOLIDAY 2021 9
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Forest of Dean’s brass band Year 6 children learn about the which hosts Hospital Saturtradition at Scarr Bandstand, the Bandstand, Sat 4 Sep day, Sat 28 Aug and Songs at
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MON 9-SUN 15 AUG THE GRUFFALO’S PICNIC Dean Heritage Centre, Camp Mill, Soudley, Forest of Dean GL14 2UB, www.deanheritagecentre. com • Take your favourite soft toy along and enjoy a picnic on site and maybe win a prize in a competition. Details on website. No extra charge. THU 12 AUG THE GREATEST SHOWMAN (PG) Cowley Manor, Cowley, Cheltenham GL53 9NL, www.alfrescofilm. co.uk • Experience this hit movie about the circus founder PT Barnum in the great outdoors. Film starts at 9pm, £13-£20. FRI 13 AUG THE GREATEST SHOWMAN (PG) International Centre for Birds of Prey, Boulsden House, Newent GL18 1JJ, www.alfrescofilm.co.uk • See above. Tickets £11-£18. SAT 14 AUG SUMMER FAMILY FIREWORK NIGHT Wall’s Club, Hammond Way, Gloucester GL4 3YL, www. chaselanefireworks.co.uk • Enjoy fireworks and music in (hopefully) balmy summer weather rather than the chill of November, courtesy of local fireworks provider Chase Lane Fireworks, who promise it will be among the
10 SUMMER HOLIDAY 2021
ROADMAP LATEST The pandemic roadmap can still change and events can be postponed or cancelled at any time. Check with facebook.com/ primarytimesgloucestershire for any changes to official advice and contact the venue or organiser before travelling to any event. most spectacular displays the city has ever seen. Gates open 5.30pm, main display 9.30pm, £8 (adult)/£5 (child).
SAT 14 AUG BIRDING FOR BEGINNERS WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Bowditch, Slimbridge GL2 7BT, www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/ slimbridge • Get to grips with bird identification with the help of one of centre’s experienced reserve wardens. 8-10.30am, £18 per person. SAT 14-SUN 15 AUG THE COTSWOLD SHOW AND FOOD FESTIVAL Cirencester Park, entrances via Deer Park School GL7 1XB & Cirencester Park Polo Grounds GL7 6JT, www.cotswoldshow. co.uk • A hugely welcome return for this exciting family event, cancelled last year due to Covid and postponed until August following the most recent “roadmap” delay. The show exhibits all the crafts,
Primary Times Gloucestershire
lifestyles and livelihoods of the Cotswold countryside, as well as a few from further afield. Look forward to World of Dogs, BMX biking, falconry displays, a polo demonstration, combine harvester displays, gymnastics displays, a vast array of locally produced food and much more. 9am-6pm (Sat), 9am5pm (Sun), £15 (adult, online)/ free (children under 14).
MON 16 AUG MAKING MUSIC IN THE MUSEUM The Museum of Gloucester, Brunswick Rd, Gloucester GL1 1HP, www.museumofgloucester.co.uk/ events • Visitors have the entire museum to themselves to make music on iPads, create soundscapes and bring story books to life with the award-winning Music Works. Explore digital sounds and
ambient noises from the museum and collaborate on musical ideas with other children. All materials provided. Ages 9-15. 10.30-2pm with break for lunch (pre-ordered or bring your own), £10.
TUE 17 AUG YOUNG BIRDER ID WORKSHOP WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Bowditch, Slimbridge GL2 7BT, www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/ slimbridge • A new event for young birdwatchers aged 13-18. Get to grips with bird identification with the help of one of the centre’s experienced reserve wardens. 10am-12noon, £6 per child. SUN 22 AUG SUMMER FAIR Taurus Crafts, Lydney, Forest of Dean GL15 6BU, www.camphillvillagetrust.org.uk/shops-cafes/ taurus-crafts/ • Local food, drink,
The Bag That Went Boo, Tewkesbury Abbey, Sat 31 Jul art, crafts, picnics and live music, showcasing all that’s great about this unique craft centre. An ideal family day out. Free
THU 26 AUG THE BUG BALL The Museum of Gloucester, Brunswick Rd, Gloucester GL1 1HP, www.museumofgloucester.co.uk/ events • Learn the latest ladybird dance moves with dance teacher Ellie Maynard at the firefly disco. Go dressed as your favourite bug – or join a make your own costume session. Suitable for ages 5-10. 11.15am-12noon, £2. FRI 27-SUN 29 AUG THE BIG FEASTIVAL Alex James’ Farm, The Cotswolds, nr. Kingham, Oxfordshire OX7 6UJ, thebigfeastival.com • The Cotswolds food and music festival staged by cheesemaker and Blur bass player Alex James returns, restrictions allowing, for its 10th birthday, headlined by Rag & Bone Man and Nile Rodgers & Chic. Also lots for families and foodies. Only Friday day tickets available at time of writing. £82 (adult). SAT 28 AUG HOSPITAL SATURDAY The Scarr Bandstand, B4228 nr. Coleford, Forest of Dean (Sat Nav GL16 8JA), www.scarrbandstand. co.uk • Brass and silver bands stage this free concert to celebrate the work of local hospitals and medical staff. Donations to Friends of Dilke and Lydney Hospitals.
SAT 28 AUG GLOUCESTER GOES RETRO The Gate Streets, Northgate, Eastgate, Southgate and Westgate St, Gloucester GL1 1SE, www. facebook.com/gloucestergoesretro/ • After a one-year hiatus, the vintage car, fashion and music festival is back. Features more than 500 classic vehicles filling the city’s historic Gate Streets. Opens 8am, free. SAT 28-MON 30 AUG FIRE & WOOD FESTIVAL Dean Heritage Centre, Camp Mill, Soudley, Forest of Dean GL14 2UB, www.deanheritagecentre. com • Fire, smoke and forest crafts at this annual charcoal burn. 11am-4pm, no extra charge. MON 30 AUG BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Painswick Rococo Garden, Painswick GL6 6TH, www.rococogarden.org.uk • A “delightfully daft” retelling of the classic story of Beauty and the Beast. 2.30pm, £13 (adult)/£7 (child)/concessions available/under-3 free.
displays and competitions, country crafts, stunt quad biking and much more. 8.30am-6pm, adv tickets: £18 (adult)/£6.25 (child)/£43 (family). Age 6+.
SAT 4 SEP SONGS AT THE BANDSTAND Scarr Bandstand, B4228 nr. Coleford, Forest of Dean (Satnav) GL16 8JA, www.scarrbandstand. co.uk • Monmouth Male Voice Choir and Drybrook & District Male Voice Choir lead this lighthearted concert, 2.30-5pm, free (donations welcome). THU 9 SEP PATE’S GRAMMAR SCHOOL OPEN DAY Pate’s Grammar School, Oldbury Rd, Princess Elizabeth Way, Cheltenham GL51 0HG, www.patesgs. org • An opportunity to look around the school on a normal working day and listen to a presentation by the headmaster.
SEPTEMBER
FRI 10-SUN 12 SEP HERITAGE OPEN DAY Llanthony Secunda Priory, Gloucester GL2 5FA, llanthonysecunda.org/events • A chance to explore this historical Gloucester attraction.
SAT 11 SEP BIRDING FOR BEGINNERS WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Bowditch, Slimbridge GL2 7BT, www.wwt.org.uk/ wetland-centres/slimbridge • Get to grips with bird identification with the help of one of the centre’s experienced reserve wardens. 8-10.30am, £18 per person.
SAT 4 SEP MORETON-IN-MARSH SHOW Moreton-in-Marsh Showground, Sat Nav: from south & west use GL56 9AJ and from north & east use GL56 9NT and follow signs to show, moretonshow.co.uk • Promises the whole countryside in a single day, with farm animal
SAT 11 SEP ST PETER’S CHURCH FETE St Peter’s Church, Gloucester St, Winchcombe GL54 5LU, www.winchcombe.co.uk/st-peters-church-fete • This real village fete returns with the theme of “together again”. 12.30-6pm.
WED 15 SEP HOLMLEIGH PARK HIGH SCHOOL OPEN EVENING Holmleigh Park High School, Windsor Drive, Tuffley GL4 0AT, www.hphigh.co.uk • Discover the facilities and environment of this ambitious academy. 6.308.30pm.
taurus crafts
Registered charity 232402.
Craft studios - Artisan businesses Cafe - Local food & drink - Gift shop
Children’s creative activities throughout school holidays Part of Camphill Village Trust supporting people with learning disabilities lead a life of opportunity.
tauruscrafts.co.uk 01594 844841 Lydney, Forest of Dean, GL15 6BU Gloucestershire Primary Times
SUMMER HOLIDAY 2021 11
d r a o b ork
Advertising features
C
No kidding! Moreton Show is back, Sat 4 Sep
As the country opens up after the pandemic, Moreton-in-Marsh Show is keen to reopen the gates for one of the best-loved family events in the Cotswolds Calendar. With the hope that restrictions will have eased by September, the show looks forward to welcoming back its many visitors, exhibitors, and traders to reconnect and celebrate all the best of the countryside. The showground layout has been improved to ensure its safe for everyone and walkabout attractions have been designed to reduce crowds. With a range of competitions for children, from showing sheep to decorating vegetables, there is something for everyone to take part in. Family focus is a huge part of the show, with free activities and educational displays including Butterfly Garden, Rural Crafts, Heavy Horses, Mini Zoo, and many more. An entertaining day out for all the family! Ffi and tickets: Moreton Show Sat 4 Sep, 8.30am-6pm, The Showground, Batsford Road, Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 0AV W: www.moretonshow.co.uk
Great times in Dean! Dean Heritage Centre has stacks of family fun this summer! If you like doing things and getting your hands dirty it has a weekend of Family Archaeology Days. Meet the centre’s archaeologists, and kids of all ages can join in the digging. It also has lots of different Summer Activities, making all sorts of exciting things. Fancy something more relaxing? Then take your favourite soft toy along to join in the Gruffalo’s Picnic competition (by the way you can buy “the best” picnics in the Forest of Dean at the centre). If it’s fire, smoke and woodcraft you’re into then check out the Fire & Wood Festival. Plus there’s the Gruffalo Trail, playground, museum activities and the woods to explore! Ffi: Dean Heritage Centre W: www.deanheritagecentre.com
Flights of fancy Discover an amazing world of birds and their Jurassic ancestors this summer at Birdland, Bourton-onthe-Water! Meet over 500 birds including birds of prey, large cassowary and rare species like the Waldrapp ibis. Spot flamingos, pelicans, cranes and waterfowl that live in their riverside habitats with many more inhabiting over 50 aviaries. See England’s only breeding group of king penguins and the comical Humboldts. Explore the Out of Africa area home to hornbills, village weavers and many more amazing birds from across the continent. Venture into the woodland and encounter life-sized dinosaurs lurking between the trees in the Jurassic Journey area. Don’t miss the Park’s newest addition, the Parliament of Owls where visitors can meet some amazing species and have a hoot! Birdland is open daily and tickets must be pre-booked online. Please note: Close Encounter area will be temporarily closed. See website for full details. Ffi: Birdland Rissington Rd, Bourton-on-the-Water, Glos, Satnav GL54 2BN T: 01451 820480 E: info@birdland.co.uk W: www.birdland.co.uk
An alternative for Y5 and Y6? If you’re tired of school runs and looking for a realistic alternative to traditional or private school, the Cotswold Education Academy might be what you’re looking for. It’s a ground-breaking hybrid of online lessons in small groups and weekly, in-person gatherings. Core maths and English sessions plus multidisciplinary themed projects ensure children learn in a new and exciting way, while being fully prepared for secondary school. The academy enables parents to be part of their child’s education in a community where critical thinking is encouraged and “mistakes” are recognised as learning opportunities. Safety is a top priority and the academy uses only, highly experienced, qualified, DBS-checked tutors in an environment with policies and procedures where everyone is valued and cared for. Ffi: Cotswold Education Academy T: 07976 218062 E: cotswoldeducationuk@ gmail.com W: www.cotswoldeducationacademy.com
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Smell the adventure!
SUMMER!
Exotic Animals, crafts, tor Tracts o T & More! ler Todd gs nin
mor
Different events throughout Summer
Tractor rides & lots of play! Check our website for details
Prebooked tickets only www.newbridgefarmpark.com 12 SUMMER HOLIDAY 2021
Primary Times Gloucestershire
This summer, visitors to Brunel’s SS Great Britain in Bristol are promised more smells and sounds than ever before as they explore the historic ocean liner and two family-friendly museums. Families can also see behind the scenes of a working shipyard for the first time with a new viewing area offering fascinating views of the harbour and the city’s historic dry dock. Natalie Fey manages the attraction’s interactive experiences for visitors. She says: “We’re thrilled to be welcoming families back safely for a fun day out. They can try out the bunks and cabins for size, wander among the sounds and smells imagining what a 60-day voyage would have been like, and spot rats scurrying about in the galley. Mr Brunel welcomes visitors every day, along with our cast of Victorian characters. And they might even spot Izzy the ship’s cat in the dockyard.” The smells and sounds extend to the two museums alongside the ship. The Dockyard Museum brings Victorian engineering to life with an interactive propeller lifting frame, while the Being Brunel museum brings bumpy railway lines to life with a shaking broad gauge carriage that visitors can step aboard. Be sure to stop and talk to Mr Brunel and challenge him with your questions about the SS Great Britain or simply pose for a selfie with the great Victorian engineer. Don’t worry if you run out of time, tickets include free unlimited returns for one year. Ffi: SS Great Britain W: ssgreatbritain.org
Animal crackers
Have a crafty summer! The Naturewatch Foundation team Calling all brave Taurus Crafts promises a summer invites families of family creativity and fun with to join them this explorers! activities, outdoor playground, summer for their
Friday 6th–Saturday 7th August
10:30am-3:30pm
Summer Fair and delicious food and drink. The Forest of Dean visitor centre is renowned for its activity programmes, run every school holiday for the last 16 years. The Animals of all shapes and sizes programme includes pottery paintwill be hidden throughout Pittville Using your scavenger map clay play, jewellery making, Park. Whether they areand up cryptic high, clues, ing, find the slime, animals and crack their magic shows, and more. All down low or hidden amongst the mysterious riddles to activities follow current governbushes, it will require a keen eye unlock a secret codeword! ment guidance. and a true adventurer spirit to Part of the Camphill Village find them all! The Wait, animals will be hidden Trust, a charity supporting adults there’s more! Each animal in unexpected places, so with learning disabilities, autism will have a riddle to solve. Work you’ll need a keen eye and and complex needs, Taurus Crafts out adventurer all these riddles true spirit to to crack the runs its shops and café with a secret findcodeword them all! and claim your mixed ability team providing opprize. portunities for individuals to learn No pre-registration required. Once the codeword has been and develop. tch foun Simply purchase an adventure found, triumphant explorers wa The gift shop and home and canCafe makeor their way to the map at The Boathouse ! Boathouse Café to fashion sell fair trade, Sundae Shack for £1, with all proRDshop claim their W E A local, and ethically ceeds going to the Naturewatch Rsustainable, sourced products. Its café serves Foundation charity. breakfast No pre-registration required – simplyhats turn upon, on the day and speak to staff at baps, light bites, vegan Get your explorer your Thebinoculars Boathouse or theready Sundae Shack to get your map. Maps cost £1 per child.and cakes and ice creams. specials and prepare for All profits go to Naturewatch Foundation, a registered animal welfare charity. And Taurus Crafts’ free Summer lots of fun with the family! For more information, call 01242 252871 or email info@naturewatch.org. Fair on Sun 22 Aug is a great choice for a family day out. Ffi: Naturewatch W: naturewatch.org Ffi: Taurus Crafts W: www.camphillvillagetrust.org. uk/shops-cafes/taurus-crafts/ animal scavenger hunt in Pittville
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Unleash your inner detective as Park, Cheltenyou seek out mischievous ham, fromhidden the Fri 6- Sat 7 Aug, animals around 10:30am-3pm. Pittville Park, Cheltenham!
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Discover with the family The Belfry Resort and Hotel near Sutton Coldfield has something for everyone to enjoy, with 550 acres of outdoor space offering the chance for a picnic or a game of football or cricket. Guests can take a stroll through its woodland walk, where little ones can spot wildlife, discover bug hotels, or enter the Woodland Adventure Zone, fully equipped with swings, a climbing obstacle course, slide, zip wire, tree house and more. Look out, too, for the mini golf and disc golf courses. The Belfry offers a range of spacious family rooms with additional amenities including baby changing mat, a nappy bin, a baby bathtub and lots of other facilities. There are also a number of exciting activities on the doorstep including Twycross Zoo, Drayton Manor and Cadbury World. Nearby you could also discover Ash End House Children’s Farm, National Sea Life Centre Birmingham or Lucky Tails Alpaca Farm where guests can book an alpaca experience. Ffi: The Belfry W: www.thebelfry.com
Parents’ and teachers’ new s, education an d contacts
Immerse yourself in Wetland WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre has been transformed with new immersive wildlife experiences and activities allowing you to get closer to wildlife. This summer, visit new exhibits including Mission Possible where you can hand feed the nene, the world’s rarest goose. Explore the Hawaiian landscape and learn how WWT founder Sir Peter Scott brought this species back from the brink of extinction. Enjoy the sites and sounds of the Living Wetland Theatre. Visitors can watch birds flying overhead and discover how each bird is adapted to the wetlands they live in. At the Waterscapes Aviary, experience the sights and sounds of a UK wetland and get up close to our amazing British wetland wildlife. There’s something for everyone at this award-winning day out. Ffi: WWT Slimbridge W: wwt.org.uk/slimbridge
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Two years of achievement for Holmleigh Park High School
Based in a quarry just five minutes from the M48 Severn Bridge (now free to cross!), The National Diving & Activity Centre (NDAC) in Chepstow near the Forest of Dean is one of Gloucestershire’s hidden gems, featuring two adrenaline-fuelled attractions for family excitement, plus glamping accommodation in its Wooden Wigwams. The Wire Zip Slide is one of the UK’s longest, tallest and fastest zip slides, running the 700 metre length of NDAC quarry. Launch yourself from the 70m high cliff edge and speed along the length of its 80 metre deep flooded quarry. Reaching speeds up to 40 miles per hour, this exhilarating ride will take your breath away. New for 2021, the centre has installed two additional zip wires, so now four of your family and friends can enjoy the Wire Zip Slide together. The Atlantis Aqua Park, meanwhile, is breathtaking in size, fun and location. The aqua park has over five floating zones to choose from, with each zone offering increasing challenges, so you can put yourself and your friends and family to the test. What better way to spend the day than with your friends and family bouncing, hopping, jumping and diving all over Chepstow’s incredible floating Atlantis Aqua Park? Just a reminder you will get wet... very wet! And to round it all off, there’s food and drink in the View Café Bar, with spectacular views over the lake, so why not pop in for a coffee, relax, and find out more about the glamping, while you’re there?
This summer marks two years since Holmleigh Park High School opened in Tuffley, Gloucester, and the school is proud of how far it’s come in such a short space of time. It has achieved high standards with its no-nonsense approach to behaviour. Patrick Farmbrough, who was appointed Head in 2019, explains, “Good behaviour is essential. Our parents send their children to school to learn and nobody has the right to disrupt that.” This has meant that staff are able to focus on teaching, and the progress has been considerable. A completely new curriculum has been rolled out and the school is investing heavily in teacher development. “Everyone gets coaching feedback at least fortnightly – even me,” says Mr Farmbrough, who also teaches Year 11 English. The school offers an extensive extra-curricular programme, with around 50 different after school clubs and activities on offer for all year groups – as well as a fiercely contested House Competition which runs throughout the year. “I couldn’t be prouder of what our students, parents and staff have achieved in the last two years,” he adds. “While our Year 11 and 13 cohorts might not have the chance to prove how far we’ve come, I know that, if future years live up to their example, we’ve got a great future ahead of us.”
Ffi: National Diving & Activity Centre W: www.ndac.co.uk/
Ffi: Holmleigh Park High School W: www.hphigh.co.uk/
Water, wires and thrills
Gloucestershire Primary Times
SUMMER HOLIDAY 2021 13
eFor the Artytude! PAINT A PICTURE FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A
£5 BOOK TOKEN
THEBUZZWORD
Tess
Max Jolene
PR
S
R EV E N IOU S ARTYTUDE WIN
If you’d like the chance to win a £5 book token, enter the next Artytude competition on the subject:
MY FAVOURITE THING TO DO ON SUMMER HOLIDAY ACROSS 1. A ferocious storm (9) 5. Either/... (2) 8. The best known fruits of all (6) 9. Part of a well-known phrase used to start a race (5) 10. A very serious word meaning how much your mum, dad or carer get paid (6) 11. A pot where you might keep your own 10 across (3) 13. Plural of “to be” (3) 14. To leave or start (2) 15. What you might do to put butter on bread (6) 18. A little island (5) 20. To vigourously stroke a surface or skin (3) 22. A short laugh (2) 23. Someone has to do this if your parents go out in the evening (7) 25. A fabulous place to visit, full of art and historical things, usually with lots of fun activities for children (6) 26. A large vehicle for carrying heavy loads. You might have a toy one (5)
DOWN 1. A spell of extremely hot weather (8) 2. A formal word for answers (7) 3. Someone who buys something from a shop (8) 4. From Norway - like the gods (5) 6. ... of sunshine, or ... of hope (3) 7. Wonderful stringed instrument widely used in traditional jazz and American folk (5) 12. Rubbish, awful, terrible and usually very stinky (6) 16. You might find one on a beach (6) 17. A smelly, polluting fuel (6) 19. Afterwards, or see you ... (5) 20. Ancient Egyptian sun god (2) 22. A meat from pigs (3) 24. Shh... don’t tell anyone I’ve put this slightly rude word in the puzzle! (3)
Send in your entry as a high resolution image to gloscompetitions@primarytimes.co.uk by Monday 2 August. Don’t forget to put Artytude 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.
Number crunching
1
TOO HARD? Why not ask a grown-up for ideas? Children under 7 will find the yellow clues easier.
4 3
The joke’s on us Q: What’s the difference between a bogey and brocolli? A: Kids won’t eat brocolli! 1
14 SUMMER HOLIDAY 2021
2
Answers published on our Facebook page, @PrimaryTimesGlouces3 4 5 after 6 tershire, tershire about three weeks publication. 7
Primary Times Gloucestershire 8
2
How to play this mini-sudoko: fill the empty boxes with a number from 1 to 4. Each box, each row and each column contains all four numbers but the same number cannot appear twice in the same box, row or column.
9
kidsf kids f
Classifieds CRAFTS
Solve this puzzle for a chance to
win a brilliant £20 voucher M eet Agent Stilton, a spy employed by our friends at Cotswold Education, who has asked you all for some help. He has been sent a coded message with important news and knows that the letters in the message have been changed by shifting each letter along a certain number of places in the alphabet. Can you crack the code and tell Stilton what the message is? Hint: the type of voucher you might receive is hidden in the puzzle.
Get spotted!
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
To advertise TUITION here call Mike on LONGLEVENS TUITION Learn online with Lizzie! Primary Maths and English booster lessons. 11 Plus preparation. Specialised help for children with dyslexia. Places are limited, so sign up now for the autumn.
01452 937123
Contact: Lizzie Manley (NNEB, BSc (Hons) PGCE) on
01452 387228
CK QTUC EUA RUBK VAFFRKY YU CK CORR YKTJ EUA GT GSGFUT BUAINKX OL EUA IXGIQ ZNOY IUJK GTJ GXK VOIQKJ UAZ LOXYZ. Get your parents to send your answer to gloscompetitions@ primarytimes.co.uk with AGENT STILTON in the subject line by Monday 9 August. Don’t forget to include your name, age and the school you go to, plus a contact number so we can organise how to send you the prize. See primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire/tcs for competition terms and conditions.
The joke’s on us Q: Why should you never trust stairs? A: They’re always up to something!
Review Painswick Rococo Garden
Gloucester Rd, Painswick, Stroud GL6 6TH
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ppearing on our family radar as an intriguing place for the grown ups to visit, but perhaps not one for the children, Painswick Rococo Gardens demonstrated its kid-friendly credentials from the minute we walked through the gate and into this ornamental fairyland. Set in the Cotswolds just north of Stroud, and named after the flamboyant artistic style of the 18th century, in which even the decorations are decorated, the garden of Painswick House was recreated in the 1980s by owners Lord and Lady Dickinson, from a detailed 1748 painting of the layout. The result is a portal back in time, where the gentle slopes, dominated by exotic structures such as the Exedra - perhaps a small slice of a princess’s castle - and the gothic Red House – where Dracula might take his tea - present a playground for families to picnic, ramble and romp to their hearts’ content. The gardens cater for all tastes, offering manicured lawns and flowerbeds for the horticulturalists in your party, while letting the rest of the space run wild. Further down the hill there’s woodland and gullies to explore, a tree swing and a play castle to fight over, not to mention “abandoned” historic structures such as the Pigeon House. On the walk back up the hill, the trees
The Exedra, Clockwise from left: Red House, e Th , tle cas ved a car lovers and flora for the garden the kids for fun ing sw d wil
boast ornate carvings such as an owl or a fairy castle. Painswick Rococo Gardens is Frances Hodgson Burnett’s ‘The Secret Garden’ come to life, where children can let their imaginations run amok while parents and grand-parents dawdle among
the ornamental walkways in complete confidence that everyone is having a safe and happy time. (Mike Gartside) Ffi: Painswick Rococo Garden T: 01452 813204 W: www.rococogarden.org.uk Gloucestershire Primary Times
SUMMER HOLIDAY 2021 15
THE BELFRY Whether you are looking for an action packed staycation or a laid back countryside getaway, The Belfry is the perfect place for your holiday, with fantastic onsite facilities and many local attractions.
DISCOVER FUN. DISCOVER THE BELFRY.
ENGLAND’S LEADING RESORT WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS 2020 Standard Belfry terms and conditions apply.
