Family What’s On Guide
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EASTER EDITION 2 APRIL-28 MAY 2021 ISS.173
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2 EASTER 2021
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Contents Dear Reader REGULAR
e eatr ThOU CESTERSHIRE GL
5. News 6. Theatre
We’re not ther turning. After e yet but it feels like the school closur a year of repeated lockdotide is es, home scho w ing restrictions oling and everns, , -changlif e ap pe ars to be retu new normalit rn have becomey. In lockdown most of our ing to a devices. Now, over-familiar with their onchildren happily, they with friends an can meet up line d fa m ily , and play outd outside again. With th oo dropped and e requirement to stay at r sports jo ur ne ys (s lightly) furthe home lowed, we expl r attractions av ore the wonderful Glouc afield alestershire ailable to you On an operat ional note, weagain (Page 4). deliver Primar have been preferred way y Times magazine to scho unable to ov ols in ou er the last 12 mon we have been ths. However, r us in g th e time well, impr coverage of G oving the loucesters community anhire’s primary school website and sod family issues on our hope to deve cial media, which we lo feed, keeping p into a regular news in touch with tween our term you beAccordingly, ly print editions. ers to benefi we’d like more readand encoura t from this service ge you to en prize draw be ter the lo Elsewhere, it’s w. theatres gear great to see local ing up for a re live performan turn to Family Guide ce (P6), while The (P7) is positive ly buzzAs the trickleing with online and in-perso of n re events. vi ve d ac flood in the ne tivities beco seeing you ag xt few months, we look fomes a ain in print fo rw edition. r our May Hal ard to f Term Happy Easter, ha pp y re ad happy renewal ing and, abov ! e all, Mike (publi sher and e ditor)
Latest Covid Guidance Please note: all events listed here assume we follow the government roadmap announced in February this year. Check in advance with venues and PT Glos Facebook page for possible changes.
The Family Guide
7. The Family Guide 9. Advertising features 10. For the Kids
FEATURE 4. A SPRING IN OUR STEP We explore the county’s attractions as they reopen.
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OPEN DAYS AND HIGHLIGHTS THIS ISSUE
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Primary Times is independently published and distributed free through primary schools in Gloucestershire. It aims to inform families and children about current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses, attractions and to give teachers, pupils and parents the opportunity to participate in the magazine by adding to its contents or by joining in the competitions. It is NOT our intention to publish any racist, sexist or politically based material whatsoever. We also undertake not to carry any advertising which we would consider to be offensive to young families or harmful to the best interests of young children. Primary Times would like to thank all the schools in Gloucestershire for their assistance in distributing the magazine and for their contributions to its contents. We would also like to thank all the advertisers who have supported this publication and therefore made it possible. Please support their endeavours when and where you can. The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by our studio remains with Primary Times or with the relevant contributor. Before entering a competition in this magazine, please see our terms and conditions at primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire/tcs. Entry into the competition is deemed as acceptance of these conditions. Primary Times currently publishes over 2.7 million copies per issue under franchise licences throughout Britain.
Gloucestershire Primary Times Published under franchise from Primary Times Ltd by
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Family What’s On Guide
Park tesy Cotswold Farm
All enquiries & competition entries:
Cover image cour
Editorial, design, sales and distribution: Mike Gartside Sub-editor and proof-reading: Tom Phillips
40,366 COPIES FOR FAMILIES OF PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN
Gloucestershire
Your family events guide - all the info in one place
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ucestershire
Renewal! Outdoor
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CHELTENHAM JAZZ FESTIVAL (ONLINE) - 1 & 2 MAY SANDFORD PARKS LIDO REOPENS - 1 MAY-8 OCT THE CRYPT SCHOOL OPEN MORNING - 24 & 30 JUNE PUZZLEWOOD REOPENS FROM 29 MARCH THE KING’S SCHOOL GLOUCESTER OPEN DAY - 22 MAY INTERNATIONAL BIRD OF PREY CENTRE REOPENS - 12 APRIL
LAMBING AT COTSWOLD FARM PARK - 12-18 APR
EASTER EDITION 2 APRIL-28 MAY 2021 ISS.173
Gloucestershire Primary Times
EASTER 2021 3
Feature
A
spring step in our
Puzzlewood
Mike Gartside can barely contain his excitement as a range of events return to Gloucestershire with the easing of lockdown.
Painswick Rococo Gardens
W
hile the natural world wakes up every year in spring, 2021 feels very different. As the daffodils bloom, birds build their nests and lambs leap in the field, we humans are undergoing a more profound re-awakening than usual: the pandemic that has held us in its thrall for the last year is gradually releasing its grip. Families throughout Gloucestershire are experiencing a wave of cautious relief as local attractions announce their reopening dates and we look forward to giving our children more adventurous experiences than those socially-distanced trips to the local park. Of course, outdoor attractions are the first to be allowed to reopen, with Monday 12 April being the first key date ahead of us on the government’s roadmap. Some places, including Batsford Arboretum, Westonbirt Arboretum and Painswick Rococo Gardens have remained open for local people through much of lockdown but are now allowed to welcome people from further afield. While the government is still encouraging us not to travel too far, the rules are open to interpretation and one reasonable approach, it seems to me, is that families from Gloucestershire are now free to travel anywhere 4 EASTER 2021
e Gloucestershire & Warwickshir Steam Railway
within their own county. So what can they look forward to? Painswick Rococo Gardens hosts The Egg Thief Easter egg trail from Friday 2 April-Sunday 18 April, as it’s able to open slightly earlier than most under the “local” rule. Some events continue to use the ingenious adaptations demanded by lockdown. Cheltenham Jazz Festival on 1-2 May is free to view on YouTube, and Gloucester History Festival’s Spring Weekend is also going ahead online. Elsewhere, show producer Car Park Party is teaming up with Birmingham Stage Company to stage a drivein production of David Walliams’ ‘Billionaire Boy’ at Cheltenham Racecourse on Sunday 18 April, while the Southam Car Boot Site near Cheltenham hosts a range of car-based holiday entertainment, from a production of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ to screenings of ‘The Greatest Showman’ and
“On Monday 18 May we can even dare to dream of going indoors.”
Primary Times Gloucestershire
‘Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban’ on Monday 12 and Tuesday 13 April. Equally exciting, the parks, gardens and natural open-air spaces are able to open almost as normal from 12 April on (although all are insisting on advance booking for the time being). It will surely be a more acute pleasure than usual to see those lambs-a-leaping at Cotswold Farm Park from Monday 12 to Sunday 18 April at the tail end of the lambing season. The International Centre for Birds of Prey in Newent shows no hesitation in welcoming visitors from that date, while Sandford Parks Lido, Cheltenham, opens for the summer on Saturday 1 May and Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Steam Railway fires up its engines on Tuesday 13 April. One unusual attraction is a spectacular herd of wooden elephants on one of their first stops on a world tour to highlight the plight of this endangered species, on view at Sudeley Castle from 12 April-Monday 31 May. On Monday 18 May, the next date on the roadmap, we can even dare to dream of going indoors, with the Museum of Gloucester throwing open its doors to the entire venue (its café operating takeaway from the earlier date).
Keep your eyes peeled on Primary Times’ social media and website as many more family attractions, outdoor and in, announce their return over the coming days and weeks. While we must all temper our excitement with a note of caution that the pandemic is not entirely defeated yet, most parents and guardians will be allowing themselves a secret whoop of joy as the possibility of giving our children better out-of-school experiences steadily opens up ahead of them. For more information see our Theatre section (P6) and The Family Guide (P7). Also check Facebook.com/GloucestershirePrimaryTimes for the latest news on activities reopening.
The Internation for Birds of Preyal Centre
News
A
preschool teacher from Cheltenham has published an interactive bilingual storybook designed to help children start to learn the French language. Katy Unsworth’s ‘Speak Scruffy! Have a Go!’ is aimed at children aged 3 to 8 and introduces them to language learning via the story of a dog’s adventurous Katy Unsworth travels. the dog who ins and Scruffy, independence on “The book was conceived with pired her book Sun 1 Aug and of all my dog Scruffy as the star to help things vintage with promote engagement and confiappreciation and respect Gloucester Goes dence in language learning,” Katy for other cultures. Learning a Retro on 28 Aug. says. “It helps with pronunciation language also provides many Autumn highlights and addresses what can often be benefits such as improving cogniinclude Gloucester confusing concepts for children, tive function.” History Festival (4-19 such as language and culture - all ‘Speak Scruffy! Have a Go!’ is Sep) and Bright Nights through an entertaining story. I published by Austin Macauley (Oct-Jan), when a passionately believe in the imporat £9.99 (but shop around, Katy range of artists will tance of encouraging children to advises!) and is available from all illuminate the city with ‘have a go’ so that they can build major booksellers. a festival of light. confidence in language learning “We are delighted from an early age and foster an W: www.austinmacauley.com that as the city starts to open up for business we have something for everyone in our festivals and events programme for the rest of the year,” says city f you think you could be the next David Attencouncillor Steve Morgan. “We look borough, then you’ve got until 31 May to enter forward to welcoming visitors and a new competition launched by international residents back into our city as wildlife charity Born Free. The competition is open soon as it is safe to do so and I am to all children aged 16 and under and entrants can particularly looking forward to our submit either a series of up to six photos that tell award-winning Tall Ships Festival a story or a short film up to three minutes long. returning next year in June 2022 The theme is ‘Hope springs eternal’ and all entries as we celebrate the platinum should focus on personal experiences with local nature and wildlife. Full jubilee of our Queen.” details on the website.
Summer fun flags up the Tall Ships revival T he return of the Tall Ships Festival in 2022 is just one of many family events Gloucester City Council has announced from this July through to next year, as the city’s culture takes its first steps back to life after the pandemic. Covid-19 meant the biennial celebration of maritime heritage last took place in 2019 and the 2022 return is among the most anticipated events in a busy of programme beginning this summer with the Fake Festival of tribute bands (Sat 10 Jul) and Gloucester Carnival (Sat 17 Jul). They are followed by the Rooftop Festival of music, dance and performance (22-25 Jul) and a Summer Party with McFly and comedians including John Bishop (23-24 Jul). Gloucester funfair rolls into town from 31 Jul-8 Aug; there’s a celebration of Jamaican
Allez, Scruffy!
Wildlife lens wizards wanted!
I
W: www.visitgloucester.co.uk
W: www.bornfree.org.uk/kids-competition
EASTER TRAIL
Open daily 10-5pm
Trail only 50p with standard admission
WANTED:
THE CRYPT SCHOOL Start your journey together with us at an
OPEN MORNING 24th & 30th June 2021 9.30am -11.30am
Visit cryptschool.org/open-events to book your place
2 - 18 April A dastardly egg thief has stolen Easter eggs from our garden friends... can you track down the culprit and save the day?
01452 530291 enquiries@crypt.gloucs.sch.uk
REWARD:CHOCOLATE
Podsmead Rd, Gloucester, GL2 5AE
Rustic play area | Takeaway Café | Dogs welcome
Find us on Facebook and Twitter @TheCryptSchool
www.rococogarden.org.uk
Follow us on Gloucestershire Primary Times
EASTER 2021 5
Theatre GLOUCESTERSHIRE
NEWS
M
any Gloucestershire theatres are leaping at the chance to put on live productions this spring, as the latest government guidance allows them to reopen with covid-secure measures on Monday 17 May (see panel, right). Some of those not reopening immediately are continuing with online productions, entertaining their audiences at home. In common with the whole sector, Primary Times hopes that the events listed here are a prelude to a full programme of productions throughout the county’s theatres by the time of our first print edition this year at May Half Term.
THE BARN THEATRE
5 Beeches Rd, Cirencester GL7 1BN. 01285 648 255 (Box Office open 10am-5.30pm, Mon to Sat) boxoffice@barntheatre.org.uk, barntheatre.org.uk, youtube. com/thebarntheatre, Tw: @thebarntheatre, Insta: @thebarntheatrecirencester, facebook.com/ thebarntheatrecirencester ONLINE An Elephant in the
EJS
Garden Fri 2-Sun 18 Apr, 7.30pm (24-hour access), £13.50 • Alison Reid performs this Michael Morpurgo tale, set in 1945 Dresden, following Lizzie, her mother and an elephant from the zoo as they flee the allied bombing in the final weeks of the Second World War. Staged by Poonamallee Productions. ONLINE Private Peaceful 19 Apr-2 May, 7.30pm (24-hour access), £13.50 • In a production originally scheduled to transfer to the West End last November, Emily Costello, the first woman to play this lead role professionally, brings Michael Morpurgo’s Private Tommo to life with James Demaine as Charlie and other roles.
CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE
Evesham Rd, Cheltenham GL50 4SH www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham/events-tickets/ Billionaire Boy Sun 18 Apr, 2pm & 5pm, £52 per car • This drive-in production of the David Walliams bestseller, staged by Car Park Party and Birmingham Stage Company, is clearly a winning formula in the final weeks of lockdown.
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
Full time or part time places to support home schooling
To arrange a visit, please contact the school
Please phone or email:
01452 380808
office@edwardjennerschool.org www.edwardjennerschool.org.uk
44 London Road, Gloucester GL1 3NZ
6 EASTER 2021
Primary Times Gloucestershire
An Elephant in the Garden, see The Barn
EVERYMAN THEATRE
Regent St, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573, www.everymantheatre.org.uk IKP’s Treasure Island Wed 2 June, 12noon & 4pm, £15 • A “bonkers” adaptation of the Robert Louis Stevenson classic from the company that brought us ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ and ‘Cinderella: The Pop-Up Panto’.
FENNELLS FARM
Fennells Farm, Lypiatt, Stroud GL6 7NE. giffordscircus.com The Hooley Wed 19 May- Mon 24 May & Thu 16 Sep-Sun 26 Sep, various times from 11am-7.30pm – check the website, £25/£15 (ages 3-14) • Delayed by a year, Giffords Circus’s latest production finally arrives. 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.
SUDELEY CASTLE
Winchcombe GL54 5JD. giffordcircus.com The Hooley Thu 27 May-Mon 31 May, times vary – check the website, • Giffords Circus returns. See Fennells Farm listing above.
THE PANDEMIC: LATEST GUIDANCE At the time of writing, Gloucestershire was enjoying the new freedoms allowed from 29 March, including the rule of six, with two families allowed to meet outdoors, even in private gardens. All events in this edition of Primary Times assume the government’s roadmap will continue to go to plan. The next key date on the roadmap is Mon 12 Apr when non-essential shops can open, and pubs and restaurants can open outdoors. Staycations are allowed in self-contained accommodation, while outdoor hospitality venues like zoos and theme parks can open, allowing many attractions in this county to reopen. On Mon 17 May, groups of up to six or two households can meet indoors, pubs and restuarants can open indoors, while entertainment venues including cinemas, children’s play areas and theatres can open subject to covid-secure guidance. The government hopes that all restrictions can be lifted by Mon 21 Jun and that life can return to as close to normal as possible. Please be aware that these dates can change at any time. Check with facebook.com/primarytimesgloucestershire for any changes to the roadmap and contact the venue concerned before travelling to any event.
The Family Guide APRIL MON 29 MAR PUZZLEWOOD REOPENS Puzzlewood, Perrygrove Rd, Coleford GL16 8QB, www.puzzlewood.net • Another of the county’s great open-air attractions reopens to the wider public, having been open to locals for a few days prior to this. Experience the other-worldly scenery that has provided a backdrops for film and TV franchises including Star Wars, Dr Who and Merlin. Open 10am-5pm. 01594 833187. FRI 2-SUN 18 APR WANTED: THE EGG THIEF Painswick Rococo Garden, Painswick GL6 6TH, www.rococogarden.org.uk • A dastardly egg thief has stolen some Easter eggs, can you track down the culprit and help save the day? All super sleuths will receive a chocolate prize! Prebooking is essential, visit their website. Trail sheets are 50p plus standard admission in to the garden. 10am5pm. 01452 813204. FRI 2-FRI 30 APR THE GREAT EGGSCAPE EASTER TRAIL Town Centre, Cheltenham, escaperoomscheltenham.co.uk/thegreat-eggscape • A digital Easter egg trail around Cheltenham town centre where players will visit shops and solve puzzles - free for everyone. All day. FRI 2 APR-FRI 31 DEC GLOUCESTER FARMERS’ MARKET The Gate Streets, City Centre, Gloucester GL1 1SE, www.gloucester.gov.uk/business-economy/ markets/farmers-market • Week-
Would you like to list your event here? Email: mike.gartside@ primarytimes. co.uk
Deadline for May Half Term
FRI 23 APRIL
ly market, every Friday, offering fresh produce by local farmers. 9am-3pm. 01452 528 796.
WED 7 APR PASSPORT TO THE PAST VICTORIAN SCHOOL EXPERIENCE Zoom, www.gloucestershire.gov. uk/archives/gloucestershire-archives-events • Gloucestershire Archives organise this online event where children can dress up as Victorian school children to find out how lessons were different in those days, what happened if you were naughty and were pens and pencils (or even Zoom) invented back then? Miss Fowkes and Miss O’Keefe order you to stop talking and learn your times tables (just kidding, they promise)! For ages 6 to 13. 2-3pm, free. MON 12 APR THE WIZARD OF OZ Southam Car Boot Site, Southam Lane, Cheltenham GL52 3PE, theparkinglotsocial.co.uk/easter • A live production of the famous tale of Dorothy and her companions the Tin Man, Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion as they strive to reach the Emerald City and defeat the Wicked Witch of the West. Broadcast on massive screens to an audience who remain in their cars. Gates open 2.15pm, screening at 3.15pm, £47.80-£58 per car.
Look out for the Egg Thief! Painswick Rococo Gardens, Fri 2-Sun 18 Apr.
MON 12 APR-MON 31 MAY ELEPHANT FAMILY AT SUDELEY CASTLE Sudeley Castle & Gardens, Winchcombe GL54 5JD, sudeleycastle. co.uk • Over 30 life-size elephant sculptures carved in wood form a trail through the gardens, as the castle starts to welcome visitors again, with the adventure playground and Castle Pantry reopening. The elephants will move on to form a 100-strong herd in London’s Royal Parks this summer before travelling to the USA. The castle itself remains closed until 17 May at the earliest. 10am-4pm, general admission £14 (adult)/£7 (child). Prebooking essential. TUE 13 APR SOCIAL KIDS Southam Car Boot Site, Southam Lane, Cheltenham GL52 3PE, theparkinglotsocial.co.uk/easter • Drive-in family fun as DJs host 90 minutes of immersive activities
including a silent disco, car-a-oke, an interactive quiz, party bingo and more. 2pm, £37.60-£47.80 per car.
TUE 13 APR HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN (PG) Southam Car Boot Site, Southam Lane, Cheltenham GL52 3PE, theparkinglotsocial.co.uk/easter • See the world’s most popular wizard in full drive-in glory at this socially-distanced screening. 5.15pm, £41.68-£51.88 per car. TUE 13-WED 14 APR THE DRAMA COMPANY WORKSHOPS Gorsley Goffs Primary School, Gorsley, Ross-on-Wye HR9 7SE, www.dramacompany.co.uk • Theatre workshop for children aged 5 to 10. Limited numbers to comply with covid restrictions. 9.30am, £13.50 (one day)/£25 (two days). 01989 720627 or 07814 624417.
#CheltJazzFest
MON 12 APR THE GREATEST SHOWMAN (PG) Southam Car Boot Site, Southam Lane, Cheltenham GL52 3PE, theparkinglotsocial.co.uk/easter • A drive-in screening of the Hollywood blockbuster. 6.30pm, £41.68-£51.88 per car. MON 12 APR INTERNATIONAL BIRD OF PREY CENTRE REOPENS The International Centre for Birds of Prey, Boulsdon House, Great Boulsdon, Newent GL18 1JJ, www.icbp.org/owl-evenings • A magical experience for families at this internationally renowned sanctuary for birds of prey of every description. Open 10:30amdusk, £13.50 (adult)/£8 (child). MON 12-SUN 18 APR LAMBING Cotswold Farm Park, Guiting Power, Cheltenham GL54 5FL, cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk • The government roadmap allows the farm run by BBC’s Countryfile presenter Adam Henson to open just in time to catch the end of the lambing season. Contact the farm for times and prices.
1 and 2 May 2021, 3pm until late FREE to view on the Cheltenham Festivals YouTube channel Hosted by Cerys Matthews and Gregory Porter Join us online and party in your garden or on your sofa
Subscribe now
Cheltenham Festivals
Gloucestershire Primary Times
EASTER 2021 7
TFG
continued
THE PANDEMIC: LATEST
All events listed here were correct at time of writing but are subject to change or cancellation at short notice. Please check with organisers before travelling. See also our summary of the government roadmap, P6.
TUE 13 APR-THU 1 JUL GLOUCESTERSHIRE & WARWICKSHIRE STEAM RAILWAY Toddington Station & other stops, GL54 5DT, www.gwsr.com • Trips resume on the county’s most popular steam railway. Several journeys per day calling at Broadway, Toddington, Hayles Abbey Halt, Winchcome, Gotherington and Cheltenham Race Course (when open). Operating most days apart from Fridays and some Mondays until Jul from 10am. SAT 17-SUN 18 APR GLOUCESTER HISTORY FESTIVAL SPRING FESTIVAL (GHSF) Online, www.gloucesterhistoryfestival.co.uk/spring-2021-events • The much-loved festival of Gloucester history offers a weekend of online activities on the theme of ‘Frontiers and
Pioneers’ this spring before hopefully resuming live activities in September. 01452 425295. A selection of events are listed below marked (GHSF).
SAT 17 APR DULVERTON HOUSE: A C13TH INFIRMARY TRANSFORMED FOR C21 LEARNING (GHSF) Online, www.gloucesterhistoryfestival.co.uk/spring-2021-events • A short film exploring how the redevelopment of Dulverton House, in the shadow of Gloucester Cathedral, has uncovered many historic features requiring the expertise of archaeologists and conservators as it undergoes its transformation into an educational facility for The King’s School. 1pm, entry by online donation. SAT 17 APR CATHEDRAL LIBRARY VIRTUAL TOUR (GHSF) Gloucester Cathedral (online), www.gloucesterhistoryfestival. co.uk/spring-2021-events • As part of Gloucester History Weekend, discover the historical treasures held at the cathedral’s library, accessed by a spiral staircase, high above the main body of the cathedral, in this virtual tour. The archivist introduces you to documents too fragile to be seen on a regular tour. Tour starts 2pm, entry by online donation.
Explore 56 acres of wild gardens, paths and streams and hunt for the missing bunnies at Batsford this Easter! A perfect day out for all the family – including the dog!
Cerys Matthew s (Left) and Gr Porter host Chelt egory online, Sat 1-Sun enham Jazz Festival, 2 May
SAT 17 APR HUM: ONSONG (GHSF) Online, www.gloucesterhistoryfestival.co.uk/spring-2021events • Sing historical songs with others online. Led by Bella Gibbins. 12noon, entry by online donation. SAT 17 APR DEAD FAMOUS: CELEBRITY FROM THE BRONZE AGE TO THE SILVER SCREEN (GHFS) Online, www.gloucesterhistoryfestival.co.uk/spring-2021-events • ‘Horrible Histories’’ Greg Jenner and ‘Raiders of the Lost Past’’s Janina Ramirez remind us that celebrity is not a modern phenomenon and that it dates back to the Ancient Greeks and probably beyond. Lord Byron, Sarah Bernhardt or Shakespearean-era actor Edmund Kean set historic pulses racing. 6pm. SUN 18 APR YOU CALLED, WE CAME (GHSF) Online, www.gloucesterhistoryfestival.co.uk/spring-2021-events • A trailer for an upcoming documentary about the All Nations Community Club, which explores Gloucester as a diverse city. 10am, entry by online donation. SUN 18 APR CATHEDRAL 360 TOUR (GHSF) Gloucester Cathedral (online), www.gloucesterhistoryfestival. co.uk/spring-2021-events • This digital tour of the cathedral led by Kevin Lewis promises the chance to see the landmark in “incredible detail” from the Norman nave and the crypt to the newly-restored medieval Lady Chapel. 12noon, entry by online donation. SUN 18 APR TAKE A TRIP TO THE CRYPT OF DECRYPT (GHSF) Online, www.gloucesterhistoryfestival.co.uk/spring-2021events • Take a peep into one of Gloucestershire’s hidden spaces via this video tour. Discover how DeCrypt’s vaulted space has served as a tavern, a store for Civil War timber and munitions, a workshop for 19th-century artisans and a repository for the dead. 2pm, entry by online donation.
Pre-booking is essential via www.batsarb.co.uk Batsford Arboretum & Garden Centre Nr. Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 9AT. Tel: 01386 701441
8 EASTER 2021
Primary Times Gloucestershire
THU 22 APR-THU 27 MAY 11+ ONLINE SHORT COURSE (6 WEEKS) Online, event.bookitbee.com/ cotswold-education • This accelerated learning course will enable your child to get to grips with the basics of the 11+ test
in just six weeks. 4.306.30pm.
SAT 24 APR 11+ MOCK TEST Christchurch Centre, Malvern Rd, Cheltenham GL50 2JH, event. bookitbee.com/cotswold-education • On location 11+ Mock Test with extensive report. First session 9.30pm, second session 12.30pm. SAT 24 APR WYCLIFFE COLLEGE: OPEN MORNING Wycliffe College, Ryeford Hall, Ebley Rd, Stonehouse GL10 2LD, www.wycliffe.co.uk • Discover in person what this independent school, which educates children aged 3 to 18, can offer your child, with timed trips around the campus allowing families the chance to see the school in action. Book via the website.
MAY SAT 1 MAY SANDFORD PARKS LIDO REOPENS Sandford Parks Lido, Keynsham Rd, Cheltenham GL53 7PU, www. sandfordparkslido.org.uk • Season tickets now available as one of Cheltenham’s most popular summer attractions reopens for the summer. SAT 1-SUN 2 MAY CHELTENHAM JAZZ FESTIVAL Online, www.youtube.com/channel/ UCXCVCHuZV3Csk6Nb-ceSGdw • One of the first events forced to move online last year due to the pandemic remains digital for now, but promises three more nights of live Jazz in July. This weekend of free streamed concerts, hosted
Would you like to list your event here? Email: mike.gartside@ primarytimes. co.uk
Deadline for May Half Term
FRI 23 APRIL
d r a o b Cork
Advertisement feature
Lido swims out of lockdown
Built in 1935 and operating as a charitable trust since 1996, Sandford Parks Lido is the perfect day out for all the family. Despite its two heated outdoor pools opening under Covid restrictions this coming year, it still has a variety of activities on offer, such as swimming lessons, Rookie Lifeguarding and general family-friendly swim sessions. The lido hopes that, as restrictions are lifted, it will be able to get back to “normality”, re-open the children’s pool and remove the current one-hour booking slots. For more information and more updates on its plans throughout the season, check its website regularly. The team looks forward to seeing you very soon. Ffi: Sandford Parks Lido W: www.sandfordparkslido.org.uk
Parents’ and teachers’ new s, education an d contacts
Grammar school ready?
How best can we prepare our child for grammar school, to give them the skills to approach the 11+ with confidence? Cotswold Education provides the complete 11+ preparation programme including an assessment test, 11+ mock tests and a range of courses and revision sessions to develop your child’s ability to understand and solve grammar school test questions. Its learning community of educators, parents and children meets regularly to discuss particular areas of concern, such as ‘Is tuition necessary?’ and ‘How has lockdown affected 11+ preparation?’. Membership is free, open to all and offers exclusive discounts and support. Cotswold Education is a well-established local business run by highly qualified and experienced educators who have been through the grammar school application process many times. To find out more about Cotswold Education’s events and to book a place, see the website or contact them via phone or email. Ffi Cotswold Education W: www.cotswoldeducation.co.uk E: cotswoldeducationuk@gmail.com T: 07976 218062
by US jazz legend Gregory Porter and BBC 6 Music presenter Cerys Matthews, is a superb introduction for children to the excitement and colour of jazz. The line-up includes Steve Winwood, Soweto Kinch, SK Shlomo, Cleveland Watkiss, Rachael Cohen, Faye MacCalman and Lara Jones, Zoe & Idris Rahman, and a premiere from guitarist Chris Montague. 3pm ‘til “late”, free.
all-round education. Visit website or call 01452 337337 for more details.
SAT 22 MAY WESTONBIRT 10K Westonbirt Arboretum, The National Arboretum, Tetbury GL8 8QS, www.forestryengland.uk/ westonbirt/10k • Although sold out, would-be runners can still join a waiting list. Race starts at 4pm.
Adam’s welcome back to Cotswold Farm Park
TUE 18 MAY MUSEUM OF GLOUCESTER REOPENING Museum of Gloucester, Brunswick Rd, Gloucester GL1 1HP, www. museumofgloucester.co.uk • Following the reopening of the café and Tourist Information Centre, the whole museum reopens, allowing visitors to discover the history of the city from its origins as a Roman settlement to its development through the Dark Ages and Medieval period. Also a significant collection of art including paintings by Richard Wilson, Thomas Gainsborough, John Atkinson Grimshaw and Thomas Dibdin.
MON 31 MAY-SUN 6 JUN MAY HALF TERM EVENTS Dean Heritage Centre, Camp Mill, Soudley, Forest of Dean GL14 2UB, www.deanheritagecentre.com/ whats-on/may-half-term • The exact details of these events for families and children are still to be confirmed, but the centre is planning a programme of activities - plus the chance to explore the surrounding forest - government restrictions allowing.
Cotswold Farm Park, home of farmer and television presenter Adam Henson, reopens its gates for an outdoor experience on Monday 12 April. The animals and team are very much looking forward to finally welcoming visitors back! The indoor barns must stay closed for now, but there’s a whole host of things to do outside while you soak up this beautiful patch of the Cotswolds. Arm yourself with some animal snacks and take to the rare breeds trail to meet a cast of characterful animals. Lambing and kidding season is just coming to an end, so there are plenty of little ones frolicking in the paddocks. Discover wonderful views, rare wildlife and stunning seasonal flowers on the two-mile Wildlife Walk (or the one-mile shorter route). Explore the Woodland Walk and Conservation Area, or whip up some messy delights in the Muddy Kitchen. There’s also a variety of outdoor play equipment; pedal tractors, swings, sandpits and bouncy pillows. The Ox Shed café will open for outdoor food service to begin with, until the restrictions around indoor hospitality are lifted later in the spring. The Milk Churn will also open, with a brand new menu of wrap boxes and healthy salads, as well as other snacks and drinks. Inside the park, Dolly’s will serve ice creams and other refreshments. All tickets need to be pre-booked online and capacity is limited.
SAT 22 MAY THE KING’S SCHOOL - WHOLE SCHOOL OPEN MORNING The King’s School, Pitt St, Gloucester GL1 2BG, www.thekingsschool. co.uk • Government guidance allowing, parents have an ideal opportunity to discover in person what this “unique” school can offer your child. King’s promises academic excellence, outstanding pastoral care and a programme of co-curricular opportunities to over 650 pupils, aged 3 to 18. Its “unequalled” cathedral setting offers “a special sense of identity”. Increasingly, families throughout Gloucestershire are sending their children to King’s for a great
JUNE TUE 1-WED 2 JUN THE DRAMA COMPANY WORKSHOPS Gorsley Goffs Primary School, Gorsley, Ross-on-Wye HR9 7SE, www. dramacompany.co.uk • Theatre workshop for children aged 5 to 10. Limited numbers to comply with covid restrictions. £13.50 (one day)/£25 (two days). 01989 720627 or 07814 624417. THU 24 JUN THE CRYPT OPEN DAY Podsmead Rd, Gloucester, GL2 5AE, www.cryptschool.org/admissions/ open-events • Parents of Year 5 pupils can discover what this school could hold for their children. 9.3011.30am. 01452 530291.
Advertising feature
Ffi: Cotswold Farm Park W: www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk Gloucestershire Primary Times
EASTER 2021 9
eFor the fun! f o s e g ole pa h w o tw
THEBUZZWORD
PAINT A PICTURE AND WIN A BOOK
Jolene has Artytude!
In the first picture, Energetic Jenny and her pals are having a fantastic autumn time kicking some Congratulaleaves in the tions to Jolene woodland. Hopkins, aged But, yikes!, 6, from Lydthings are a Church of bitney different Priin England the second mary School, picture as Gloucesterthe seasonal shire,takes for her scene onfabulous, even energetic more life. picture Can you of spot herself, difher 10 autumn and herbelow) teacher, Mrs Cooke, able to ferencest?friend (Answers play together for the first time in ages after schools returned. “We pretended we went ‘space camping’ and picked space grapes now that we are all together again,” she says. Primary Times is posting a children’s book out to Jolene right now.
If you would like the chance to win a book from the editor’s Jenga-like towers of children’s literature enter the next Artytude competition: ACROSS 1 A wonderful display (12) 7 Children have a lot of this when they’re running around (6) 8 To receive, obtain or acquire (3) 9 A sharp flavour (4) 11 Complete, or the sum of everything. (5) 14 A single point (3) 16 Opposite of rich. (4) 17 A serious, clever student. (7) 20 A style of tent created by the Native Americans (4) 21 A fuzzy, unclear noise, especially on a phone line or radio (7) 24 Unusually enlarged (7) 25 A regular post on the internet by a writer or artist (4)
4 Enormous (5) 5 When all the world’s asleep. (5) 6 Part of a play, or to behave unlike your real self (3) 10 The level of matter made up of electrons or molecules. Or, your parents might remember a pop band called ... Kitten. (6) 12 The capital of Norway (4) 13 What, hopefully, most of you are doing at school (8) 15 The colourful parts of a flower (6) 18 A type of white fish (4) 19 To stay faithful to someone or something (5) 22 How old someone is. 23 A negative reply (2)
DOWN 1 Each and ... (5) 2 The highest point of one of those things that forests are made of (7) 3 Travellers (8)
TOO HARD? Why not ask a grown-up for ideas? Children under 7 will find the orange clues easier.
The next competition is about MY FIRST VISIT TO A FARM OR A ZOO SINCE THEY REOPENED Send in your entry as a high resolution image to mike.gartside@primarytimes.co.uk by Monday 26 April. Don’t forget to 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
The joke’s on us If you know any good fish puns, ... ... ... let minnow! 10 EASTER 2021
Primary Times Gloucestershire
Answers published on our Facebook page, @PrimaryTimesGloucestershire, about @PrimaryTimesGloucestershire three weeks after publication.
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.
kidsf kids f
Classifieds CRAFTS
Print out these pages for maximum fun!
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
Get spotted! Call Mike on 01452 937123
Alternative
(or spot the difference)
universe
It’s Easter 2021 and children are allowed to play together outside again, with two families allowed to mix. In this scene several children are having fun in and around an amazing treehouse. But a few things have changed in the second picture. Can you spot 10 differences? Some are obvious but some are harder to spot (And, by the way, the most obvious difference counts as a single one - answers below).
TUITION 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. Contact: Lizzie Manley (NNEB, BSc (Hons) PGCE) on
01452 387228
Game Review Eldrador Creatures
Problem-solving thrills in a fantastical world
N
ewbies coming to Eldrador Creatures for the first time might find the step-by-step approach of this fantastical creatures game, set in four different worlds, slightly complicated compared to the immediate thrills of Minecraft or Roblox. But if they spend some time on the detailed tutorials, they will be well rewarded, learning to make strategic decisions as they navigate the maps, acquire skills and win weapons. The game is based on the fantasy creatures created by German toy manufacturer Schleich and the action is seen from above – as if you were playing with models in real life – rather than in the “first person” worlds of other games. The player chooses their map to play on, either Lava, Ice, Jungle or Stone, in the quest to win the Superweapon, a legendary sword. They are confronted by a range of mythical foes, from giant scorpions and outsized leopards to rocky beasts, engaging them in battle. The aim is to defeat progressively more challenging creatures for overall control of your map, and, ultimately, Eldrador itself. The actual fights have similarities to Pokemon, where the combatants trade blows, losing
health points depending on the success of the attack. Rated PEGI 7, Eldrador Creatures offers the most stylised, cartoon type of combat which will hold no fears for children in Years 4 and above. The graphics are fun and otherworldly while the commentator doesn’t take himself too seriously – my 10 year-old was delighted by the farting noise he makes in the Jungle area. All in all, this is a rewarding, problem-solving game which teaches children to plan ahead and deploy their resources effectively. (Mike Gartside & son) Eldrador Creatures Schleich. Available in Nintendo Switch, £31.49, PlayStation 4, £24.99, PC (Steam), £14.99
Gloucestershire Primary Times
EASTER 2021 11
ANSWERS - Alternative Universe 1. Yes, you noticed a forest of trees and bushes has grown around the treehouse in the second picture. 2. The group of children are joined by a boy with a water gun. 3. The football has moved from flying towards the boy on the right to stationary on the ground by the girl. 4. The swing has moved a bit so you can see more of it. 5. The bird has turned dark brown.
to black and white 6. The large flag on top of the treehouse is now blue, not orange. 7. The spectacles on the boy in the treehouse are now orange. 8. The door at the front of the treehouse has become a window. 9. The girl on the step ladder is now wearing a dark top. 10. The dog has changed from a brown colour
join us from April 12 th
Spring into Easter! Adventure Play | Feed the Animals | Wildlife Walk | Messy Mud Kitchen | Meet the Rare Breeds
Prebook your tickets online and save ££
www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk
