News

Ladybird secrets revealed!

Whether it was a potted history of the Battle of Agincourt, the adventures of Peter and Jane, or an introduction to the letter C, Ladybird Books formed the basis of primary education for every child of a certain age in the 1970s and beyond. The expert collector behind ‘The Wonderful World of the Ladybird Book Artists’ exhibition at The Museum of Gloucester, Helen Day (pictured), has spent 20 years researching these books and the company that published them. This September she shares her insights about the artists and writers, and the process of creating these books in an online talk, inviting questions from viewers. Taking place on Tue 21 Sep, it lasts about an hour and a half, and costs £5 per person.

Ffi: www.museumofgloucester. co.uk/events

Festival flies with Figaro and Flutter

As Stroud Arts Festival turns 75 years old this year, it announces two events aimed at children and families in its autumn season. The award-winning Flutter and Fly is an interactive performance for young children and their parents or carers, which tells the story of a child called Rowan, whose paper plane leads the audience through a range of “enchanting” tales and tunes, comprising well-known pieces plus originals composed by Jack Ross. Artist Eleanor Meredith adds to the interaction with her live drawing. Promises to be perfect for young children with plenty of singing, dancing, lying down on beanbags and meeting musicians with their instruments. Meanwhile, in December, the festival presents a relaxed performance of Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro performed by The Hewletts Opera, especially aimed at children and adults with autism spectrum conditions and learning difficulties.

Flutter and Fly Sat 23 Oct, The Sub Rooms, Stroud. £7. Performances at 11am and 1pm. Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro, Relaxed Performance Sat 11 Dec, The Sub Rooms, Stroud, £12-£22.50, 2pm (with regular performance at 7.30pm).

JUST ONE Tree Day is held on Friday 15 October. Organised by JUST ONE Tree, an organisation dedicated to removing CO2 from the atmosphere through reforesting, the scheme invites schools to hold a non-uniform day when pupils bring £1 to pay to plant a tree. Ffi: www.justonetree.life/schools-sustainability.

Ava to inspire Generation Wild

Anew educational programme for schools launched this September sets out to inspire children from a disadvantaged background to reconnect with nature by including free trips to WWT Slimbridge in Gloucestershire as part of a wider teaching package.

WWT’s Generation Wild is expected to engage with 45,000 pupils at primary schools within travelling distance of Slimbridge by offering curriculum-based resource packs for teachers and free visits both for classes and for the families of participating pupils. For schools to take part, at least 25 per cent of their pupils must be eligible for free school meals.

Classes taking part are introduced to a character called Ava, the bird girl (pictured with puppet handler) in a digital storybook which features ospreys and wetlands – themes which can be incorporated into teaching. The class then boards a free minibus to Slimbridge, where they will meet Ava in puppet form, who they will help to fly during the visit. Pupils will be given a voucher for a free family trip on their visit and there are opportunities for following up the experience at home and school.

Places are on a first come first served basis.

Ffi: WWT Slimbridge and Generation Wild W: www.generationwild.org.uk