Primary Times Gloucestershire October Half Term 2022

Dear

We’re excited to be back this October Half Term with a full schedule of Halloween and Bonfire Night events, after two years where these happy occasions have had to be hugely curtailed or cancelled. It feels as though life has truly returned to normal, albeit with many wellpublicised challenges.

I hope Gloucestershire Primary Times can help you with some of these challenges, as organisers offer discounts and prizes (see below), as well as plenty of seasonal cheer in the shape of Santa’s grottoes and pantos, also back in full swing. Happy autumn and please tell our advertisers you saw them here!

the Publisher

MONEY SAVING

Find these discounts

12 CORKBOARD 11 SNOWMAN FEATURE

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PETEY’S ARTY PARTY

prize for kids’ art

SAMURAI MARTIAL ARTS Free trial karate classes

WILD PLACE PROJECT 20% off for kids in Halloween costumes

Register to vote before Tuesday 22 November

As part of our Annual Canvass campaign, Cheltenham Borough Council have sent communications to every property in the borough to check who is eligible to register to vote at each household. The communication contains the details of those in the household already registered to vote.

Residents who live within the Borough of Cheltenham are urged to check that their electoral registration details are correct. The email or letter will explain what action, if any, you must take. If you have received a yellow paper letter, you must respond. You are required by law to update the information for the household if there are any changes and you have been asked to respond by Thursday 6 October. Please note that where an individual is not already registered to vote they have until Tuesday 22 November to complete an application in order that their name can be added to the register being published on 1 December 2022. Canvassers may visit properties who have not yet responded.

If you experience any difficulties online, have a query, or need further information, please contact our Electoral Services team by email: elections@cheltenham.gov.uk or call: 01242 264132.

IN THE GARDEN

The Everyman

Reasons to cheer loudly

This winter Gloucestershire’s legendary clown Tweedy dons purrs, furs and spectacularly coloured wellington boots to become the feline companion of perhaps the county’s most famous cultural export, Dick Whittington. Tweedy the Cat is joined by Sam Holmes as Fairy Bow Bells, Kevin Brewis as Sarah The Cook and Phoebe Samuel-Gray as Alice Fitzwarren, who help Dick “turn again” to seek his fortune in London. Can Dick and his friends defeat the dastardly rodent King Rat, cleanse the capital of vermin and win the hand of the fair maiden? Only a trip to this all-dancing, gag-filled pantomime in the Everyman’s Main House from Fri 25 Nov - Sun 8 Jan will tell. But the theatrical fun

The Everyman’s Irving Studio Theatre hosts a brilliant show for families seeking alternative Christmas fare, with Ham merpuzzle Theatre Compa ny’s production of ‘The Snow Queen’ (Thu 24 Nov - Sat 31 Dec). Best friends Gerda and Kai enjoy a life of play, song and roof-top hopping before being embroiled in a magical adventure as the Snow Queen steals a piece of Kai’s heart. Join Gerda on this gripping journey which celebrates the enduring love of friendship and the discovery of light in the darkness.

Next year, on Sat 18 Feb, children aged 3 to 8 and their grown-ups can enjoy a magical, funny interactive show ‘The Nosy Little Troll’, who lives deep in the heart of the Norwegian forest with other trolls of all shapes and sizes. Our hero, famed for his amazingly sensitive nose, decides to inves tigate the source of an especially stinky pong. Garlic Theatre promise spell binding antics with wonderfully crafted troll puppets, in a

show featuring live music and lots of joining in.

Shortly afterwards, the hit BBC and AKA TV series ‘Hey Duggee’ starts its first ever theatre tour of the UK, running at the Everyman from Tue 21Wed 22 Feb. It sees this big loveable dog, his friends the squirrels and other favourite characters in an interactive production bursting with mu sic, puppets and laughs: Betty, wants to make costumes, Hap py wants to sing, Tag wants to make music, Norrie wants to dance, Roly wants jelly and they all want you to join them at the Clubhouse.

That’s followed by a second helping of our favourite clown in ‘Tweedy’s Musical Mayhem’ on Thu 23 – Sat 25 Feb. Expect visual gags, slapstick and hilar ity aplenty.

And then the magical Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler series ‘Tales from Acorn Wood’

comes alive from Fri 3 – Sat 4 March, reintroducing us to its wonderful cast of characters. Who can forget ‘Hide and Seek Pig’, ‘Postman Bear’, ‘Rabbit’s Nap’ and the rest of those colourful stories?

Finally, Michael Rosen’s ‘Unexpected Twist’ brilliantly blends a modern story into the plot of ‘Oliver Twist’ by Charles Dickens: the new girl at school, Shona, is trying hard to stay out of trouble when she is unexpectedly handed a new mobile phone by a stranger, raising her suspicions about some new boys she’s met. The Children’s Theatre Partnership bring this thrilling production vividly to life from Tue 18 to Sat 22 Apr.

Whatever else you do, book your family theatre experienc es at The Everyman early this season.

Ice to see you

It’s time to get your skates back on this Christmas as Chelten ham announces the return of its all-weather ice rink in Imperial Gardens over the Christmas and New Year period. The rink won licence approval for the next three years this Septem ber and expects to welcome a similar number of people to last year, 43,000, over the season. Exact dates and tickets were not available as Glos PT printed but

last year the event ran from mid-No vember to the first weekend in January.

The rink complements the town’s Christmas launch on Sat 19 Nov and its seasonal lights, as well as its Christmas markets, a trail planned by Cheltenham BID and events organised by The Cheltenham Trust.

New circus plans delightful witches’ brew

Performer and impresario Lil Rice has launched her own circus this year, after running Stroud-based Giffords Circus following the death of its founder, her aunt Nell Gifford, in 2019. Fool’s Delight hosts its next production ‘An Ode to Witches’ from Sat 22 to Mon 31 Oct in the Cotswold village of Bampton after the circus’s first “sell-out” show in August. While the evening performance is parental advisory, the 11.30am performance suits all ages, with tickets £25 (adult) and £15 (children). www.foolsdelight.co.uk

Back to the 80s

For grownups of a certain age the 1980s seem like yesterday, but to primary-aged children the years of Ronald Regan and Margaret Thatcher must seem as distant as the Middle Ages. A new exhibition at Museum of Gloucester returns families to that brash decade, with its conspicuous spending, lycra and shoulder-pads. Displays feature iconic ‘80s items including a Cab bage Patch Doll (pictured), Walkmans, ’Spitting Image’ puppets and a Charles and Diana souvenir wedding mug. ‘1980s Britain: Money Changes Everything’, which runs from Sat 22 Oct to Sun 8 Jan, with child and family events. museumofgloucester.co.uk

AT A GLANCE STROUD BOOK FEST

THU 3-FRI 4 NOV

SBF SCHOOLS’ DAYS

Two days of events for local primary schools, featuring five different authors/poets.

SAT 5 NOV

11.30am What the Ladybird Heard at Christmas Julia Don aldson & Lydia Monks

1.30pm Escape Room: Find the Answer. Save the World. Christopher Edge

1.3pm & 2.45pm Meet the Cat in the Hat Storytelling

SUN 6 NOV

10am Supertato! Sue Hendra & Paul Linnet

11.45 Shifty McGifty and Slip pery Sam: Pirates Ahoy! Tracey Corderoy

12pm Are You Made of Star dust? Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock

1.30pm Friendship Across the Divide: Wartime Stories Jamila Gavin & Hilary McKay (See also WOW and P14) Stroudbookfestival.org.uk

BOX OFFICE

Bacon Theatre

Dean Close School, Hatherley Rd, Cheltenham GL51 6EP, 01242 258002, bacontheatre.co.uk

Sun 6 Nov

Beauty and the Beast

Ballet Theatre UK with the classic fairy tale. 2.30pm, £20 (adult)/£19 (concs)/£15 (child).

Mon 12 Dec

Santa Saves Christmas

Can Santa stop Christmas being can celled? Honalee Media returns with a show where every child gets a present. 10.30am, £11 (adult)/£9 (concs).

Bampton

Bampton OX18 2HG, www.foolsdelight.co.uk

Sat 22-Mon 31 Oct

Fools Delight Circus

A new circus show with meal. An accessible, child-friendly show celebrates witches everywhere. 11.30am, £25 & £15. NB. evening show adults only.

Barn Theatre

5 Beeches Rd, Cirencester GL7 1BN, 01285 648255, barntheatre.org.uk

Mon 21 Nov-Sat 31 Dec

The True Adventures of Marian and Robin Hood Robin Hood and Maid Marian hope to thwart the dastardly Sherriff of Nottingham. Suitable for ages 4+. From £11.50.

Cheltenham Playhouse

47-53 Bath Rd, Cheltenham GL53 7HG, 01242 522852, www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk

Tue 2-Sat 5 Nov

The Little Mermaid Jr.

The Cotswold Savoyards present the musical adapted from Disney’s stage and screen versions of the undersea yarn. 7.30pm & mat Sat 2pm, £16/£60 (family).

Sat 17-Sat 24 Dec

Chris Mystery and the Mystery of the Missing Christmas Tree

Eight-year-old Chris Mystery intends to solve the case of the missing Christmas tree.

11am & 2.30pm plus 6pm selected dates, £14 (adult)/£11 (child)/£45 (family).

Sun 18 Dec

A Christmas Night at the Musicals Ebenezer Nolan goes in search of the Christmas spirit with the aid of the singing ghosts of Christmas. 2.30pm & 7.30pm, £15 (adult)/£12.50 (child).

Cheltenham Town Hall

Imperial Sq, Cheltenham GL50 1QA, 0844 576 2210, www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk

Mon 24 Oct

You Choose Musical show where you choose what happens. 2pm, £12.

Fri 23 Dec

The Snowman

The Mozart Symphony returns with this ever-popular Christmas performance of a live soundtrack to timeless festive film ‘The Snowman’. 1.30pm, £10-£30.

Everyman Theatre

Regent St, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ, 01242 572573, www.everymantheatre.org.ukt

Thu 24 Nov-Sat 31 Dec

The Snow Queen Kai loses a piece of his heart in the frost. and best friend Gerda encounters the Snow Queen. 10am & 11.30am, £10.

Thu 25 Nov-Sun 8 Jan

Dick Whittington and his Cat Tweedy Gloucester lad Dick Whittington sets out to find his fortune in London with the “help” of his trusty cat Tweedy. This year’s all-singing, all-dancing festive treat. Times vary. £10-£36 (adult)/£20-£30 (under-16).

Sat 18 Feb

The Nosy Little Troll

A nosy troll sets out to discover the source of a huge stink. Ages 3-8. 11am, 2pm & 4.30pm. £8.50

Tue 21-Wed 22 Feb

Hey Duggee

The CBeebies hit goes live. Meet Duggee, Poly, the squirrels and the cast of other friends. 10am, 1pm & 3.30pm. £19-£26.

Fri 3-Sat 4 Feb

Tales from Acorn Wood

Donaldson and Scheffler’s tales on stage for the first time. 11am, 2pm & 4pm. £18/£16

The Roses Theatre

Sun St, Tewkesbury GL20 5NX, 01684 295074, www.rosestheatre.org

Sat 26 Nov-Sat 31 Dec

Snow White

The classic tale is udated by local play wright Nick Wilkes and Maurice ‘Birds of a Feather’ Gran. (NB some shows adults only.) Times vary - see website, £11-£26.

The Sub Rooms

George St, Stroud GL5 1AE, 01453 796880, thesubrooms.co.uk

Tue 25 Oct

Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seeker

Get Lost & Found explore Dahl’s bestloved stories through theatre, games and creative play. 2pm, £11.50-£13.50.

Thu 22 Dec-Mon 2 Jan

Cinderella

Will Prince Charming find Cinderella when he’s only got one slipper to go on? Another festive family treat. 1pm & 5pm, £15-£22.

Sundial Theatre

Stroud Rd, Cirencester GL7 1XA, sundial-theatre.co.uk

Thu 22 Dec

Santa Saves Christmas

Can Santa stop Christmas being can celled? Honalee Media return with the show where every child gets a present too. 11am & 2pm, £10.50 (adult)/£9.50 (child).

Tales from Acorn Wood

Theatre,

STAGECOACH: NEW CLASSES OPEN

Ribston Hall High School, Gloucester GL1 5LE, www.stagecoach.co.uk/gloucester

Try classes out for two weeks and see why they’re so popular.

UNTIL MON 31 OCT

PUMPKIN FESTIVAL

Cotswold Farm Park, Cheltenham, GL54 5FL, cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk

Enjoy the beauty of autumn on the farm and the “spooktacular” activities. The Pumpkin Patch is great for families seeking giant pumpkins to take home and carve.

UNTIL SAT 31 DEC

WONDERS OF WETLANDS BIRD DEMOS Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Slimbridge GL2 7BT, www.wwt.org.uk/wetlandcentres/slimbridge

Watch a film or interactive live demos with Slimbridge’s team, uncovering the science behind wetland conservation. Usual times 10.30am, 12.30pm & 2.30pm.

FREE MINES & COAL FACES EXHIBITION

Dean Heritage Centre, Studley, GL14 2UB, www.deanheritagecentre.com

Photos by Nick Hodgson documenting the free mining of coal in the Forest of Dean.

FRI 21 OCT-SUN 6 NOV

SPOOKTACULAR HALLOWEEN TRAIL Wild Place Project, BS10 7TP, www.wild place.org.uk

Find the spooky scenes hidden around Wild Place. The project’s “wild wood” is transformed with over 300 pumpkins and scary scenes. 20% discount for children dressed

in their favourite Halloween costumeuse the code WILD20. 10am to 5pm.

SAT 22-SUN 30 OCT

SPOOKYARD

Over Farm, GL2 8DB, overfarm.

Festival of Halloween shows, activities, rides and more. Farm opens 9am. £14-£17 (adult)/£18-£22 (child)/£9.50-£10.50 (concs)/£55-£66 (family).

HISTORIC GLOUCESTER IN LEGO

The Museum of Gloucester, GL1 1HP, https://www.museumofgloucester. co.uk/events

Three Lego models of Gloucester’s past: the Roman Forum, Gloucester’s lost Medieval Bridge (Foreign Bridge), Medieval Westgate Street. 10am-5pm (11am-4pm Sun).

HALLOWEEN AT DEAN HERITAGE CENTRE

Dean Heritage Centre, Soudley GL14 2UB, www.deanheritagecentre.com/

Exact dates TBC but activities include:

Pumpkin Carving & Halloween Trail

Select a pumpkin from the patch to carve. 1.30-3pm. £2 donation per child. And then follow the spooky trail In the museum (leaflets available for £1/£2). 10am-4pm.

Ghost Stories & Spell School

Hear spooky halloween stories in the centre’s cottage. Then attend a Thursday afternoon spell school for aspiring wizards and witches in the classroom and halloween crafts sessions in the craft hut. Free with admission.

SAT 22-MON 31 OCT

EEK! WEEK

Slimbridge Wetland Centre, GL2 7BT, wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/ slimbridge

Interactive trail exploring the “eek!citing” world of the wetlands promising “a weirdly wild day out for the whole family”.

SAT 22 OCT-SUN 8 JAN

1980’S BRITAIN: MONEY CHANGES EVERYTHING

The Museum of Gloucester, GL1 1HP, https://www.museumofgloucester. co.uk/events

This new exhibition highlights the bold, brash 1980s. The action-packed decade saw new technology and momentous events which shaped the modern world. 10am4pm (11am-3pm Sun).

SAT 22 OCT-TUE 31 JAN

WE ARE THE ROMANS!

Coronium Museum, Park St, Cirencester

GL7 2BX, coriniummuseum.org.uk

Find all the Romans on this trail. 10am.

MON 24 OCT

FIVE VALLEYS FIREWORKS

Marling School Playing Field, Stroud GL5 4HE, www.fivevalleysfireworks.org.uk Display, fun fair, Punch & Judy and food. The event’s raised money for charity for 50+ years. NB no parking. £10-£12 (adult)/£5-£6 (child).

MON 24-FRI 28 OCT

WONDERFUL WORLD OF FUNGI Westonbirt Arboretum, GL8 8QS, www. forestryenglanduk/westonbirt Fungi discovery trail and hands-on indoor craft. Ages 4-12. 10.30am-4pm, free with admission.

TUE 25 OCT

MUSEUM OF GHOULSTER HALLOWEEN Blackfriars Priory, Gloucester, GL1 2HN, www.museumofgloucester.co.uk Make your own sweet sack, ghoulish grub or a winged created costume from upcycled materials for Halloween. 10-12pm & 1-3pm.

TUE 25-THU 27 OCT

HALLOWEEN FUN

Kingshill House, Kingshill Lane, Dursley GL11 4BZ, www.kingshillhouse.org.uk

Enjoy spooky arts and crafts, storytelling, floral pumpkin workshop and explore the horror house trail from 2-4pm at Kingshill House. Pay what you decide from £3.50 per child - adults and babes in arms go free.

WED 26 OCT

HALLOWEEN CRAFT CLUB

The Wilson, Clarence St, Cheltenham GL50 3JT, cheltenhammuseum.org.uk Kids can let their imagination run wild on a Halloween theme. Ages 5-10. 10am, £25.

THU 27 OCT

ROMAN SOLDIER TOUR Museum of Gloucester, Brunswick Rd, Gloucester GL1 1HP, www. museumofgloucester.co.uk

Visit the Eastgate Chamber with the Roman soldier Lucius and find out how the original city walls were built. 2pm, £5 (adult)/£3 (U16).

FRI 28 OCT

DIWALI IN DURSLEY

Kingshill House, Kingshill Lane, Dursley GL11 4BZ, www.kingshillhouse.org.uk

An evening of celebration, live music,

THEM YOU SAW IT HERE!

bhangra dancers, Indian street food and lantern-making workshop. £8 in adv/£10 on door/free (under-16).

FIREWORK DISPLAY

De Vere Tortworth Hotel, GL12 8HH, www.devere.co.uk/tortworth-court Charity event supporting Hospitality Action. 6.30pm, £7.50/free (under-5).

SUN 30 OCT

LEGO® BUILD WORKSHOPS

The Museum of Gloucester, GL1 1HP, https://www.museumofgloucester. co.uk

Four one-hour workshops of Lego building alongside Historic Gloucester in Lego. 10am.

KLUB KIDZ HALLOWEEN PARTY

Pitville Pump Room, GL52 3JE, cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk Disco for kids aged up to 12 and their adults promising spooky surprises. £8, 2pm.

SUN 30-MON 31 OCT

FIREWORK FEST

Wall’s Club, Hammond Way, Gloucester GL4 3YL, www.fireworkfest.co.uk

The popular two-day firework and dance party is back. Lavish displays and music on both days: Monday’s show geared towards children. Sun 5-8pm, Mon 4.30-7.15pm.

MON 31 OCT-THU 10 NOV

(START DATES)

MOTHERS IN MIND & PREGNANCY & NEW BORN SUPPORT GROUPS

Venues in Tewkesbury, Bishops Cleeve, Cinderford, Lydney, Cheltenham, Ruardean and Innsworth, www. homestartnwglos.org.uk

Weekly term time sessions for mums and mums-to-be, promising a relaxed, safe space to chat and share concerns about any time during pregnancy and beyond. Usual start 10am, free.

WED 2-SUN 6 NOV

STROUD BOOK FESTIVAL (SBF) stroudbookfestival.org.uk

Annual celebration of stories and ideas for all readers. See also story, P14. Family events are marked (SBF)

THU 3 NOV

PTA COMMUNITY FIREWORKS DISPLAY

Thomas Keble School, Stroud GL6 7DY, thomaskeble.gloucs.sch.uk

Enjoy Chase Lane’s spectacular fireworks,

primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire

Through Wardrobe The

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grab something to eat from the barbecue and help support the school’s PTA’s fundraising efforts into the bargain. 6pm, £6 (adult)/£4 (child).

THU 3-FRI 4 NOV

SBF SCHOOLS’ DAYS (SBF)

Stroud Sub Rooms, George St, Stroud GL5 1AE, stroudbookfestival.org.uk

Two days of events specially programmed for local primary schools, featuring five different authors/poets and suitable for KS1 & 2. £4 per child; digital-only pass: £30 per class per event.

FRI 4 NOV

MESSY PLAY

Cotswold Farm Park, Guiting Power, Cheltenham GL54 5FL, www. cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk

Creative messy play to help young children improve their concentration and hand-eye coordination. Includes access to the Farm Park for the rest of the day. 9.45-10.45am.

SAT 5 NOV

BONFIRE NIGHT

Various venues, Gloucestershire, Many public displays weren’t confirmed as we went to press, but regular displays include: Baker’s Hill, Battledown, Brockworth, Calcot,

Charlton Kings, Cheltenham, Chesterton, Churchdown, Cirencester, Dodington, Hatherley, Nailsworth, Prestbury, Quedgeley, Swanley, Tetbury and Tidenham, plus the confirmed events below:

LIONS FIREWORKS

Speech House Field, Coleford GL16 7EL, lionsfireworks.org.uk/ Fireworks, bonfire, fun fair and refreshments for Forest of Dean and Severn Dean Lions Clubs. 4-9pm, £8/free (U12s).

TEWKESBURY FIREWORKS & FAIRGROUND

Pageant Meadow, Tewkesbury GL20 5RZ, www.rotary-ribi.org

The Rotary Club hosts Tewkesbury’s annual fireworks display and fairground.

JULIA DONALDSON & LYDIA MONKS: WHAT THE LADYBIRD HEARD & OTHER TALES (SBF)

The Sub Rooms, Stroud GL5 1AE, stroudbookfestival.org.uk

Catch the award-winning Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks on stage as they launch their new picture book, ‘What the Ladybird Heard at Christmas’. Ages 4+. £8.

TIM COLLINS: SHERLOCK BONES PUZZLE ADVENTURE (SBF)

Lansdown Hall, Lansdown, Stroud GL5 1BB, stroudbookfestival.org.uk

Sherlock Bones, the world’s greatest dog detective, and Dr Catson are back for an adventure in ancient Egypt. Join author Tim Collins to solve the puzzles and sniff out the suspects! Ages 7-10. £6.

CHRISTOPHER EDGE: ESCAPE ROOM (SBF)

Lansdown Hall, Lansdown, Stroud GL5 1BB, stroudbookfestival.org.uk

Welcome to the ultimate Escape Room - with puzzles and challenges. Join Gloucestershire author Christopher Edge on a heart-racing journey. Ages 9+. £6.

SAT 5-SUN 6 NOV

FIREWORKS

Cattle Country Farm Park, Berkeley GL13 9EW, cattlecountry.co.uk

Enjoy a weekend of fun in the park and a spectacular firework display set to music. £10.

SUN 6 NOV

DR MAGGIE ADERIN-POCOCK: ARE YOU MADE OF STARDUST? (SBF)

The Sub Rooms, Stroud GL5 1AE, stroudbookfestival.org.uk

Superstar space scientist and BBC broadcaster Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, shares fabulous facts and mind-blowing insights from her new book. Ages 8+. £8.

SUE HENDRA & PAUL LINNET: SUPERTATO PRESENTS EVIL PEA & THE BEANSTALK! (SBF)

Lansdown Hall, Stroud GL5 1BB, stroudbookfestival.org.uk

Join Supertato on his latest adventure with Evil Pea and the veggies as they put on a production of ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’. Laugh and sing with Supertato creators Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet. Ages 3+. £6.

JAMILA GAVIN & HILARY MCKAY:

FRIENDSHIP ACROSS THE DIVIDEWARTIME STORIES (SBF)

Lansdown Hall, Stroud GL5 1BB, stroudbookfestival.org.uk

Two authors who both have books about children in World War II discuss friendship in wartime. Ages 10+. £6.

SUN 13 NOV

FAMILY FUN DAY

Cheltenham Racecourse, GL50 4SH, thejockeyclub.co.uk/Cheltenham

Concluding a weekend of racing, today is dedicated to family fun. 12noon, U18s free.

FRI 25 NOV-WED 21 DEC

ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS

Westonbirt Arboretum, GL8 8QS, www. forestryenglanduk/westonbirt Spectacular illuminations and interactive displays around the arboretum. The elves’ plans to put up the lights haven’t gone to plan so you’ll need

to lend a hand! Also, meet Father Christmas on selected dates. Trail open selected evenings, 4-9.30pm. Adv booking. £19 (adult)/£17 (concs)/£11 (child).

FRI 25 NOV-SUN 31 DEC

ENCHANTED LIGHT TRAIL AND FATHER CHRISTMAS

Cotswold Farm Park, Cheltenham GL54 5FL, cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk

Discover what’s “through the wardrobe”. Book for Father Christmas. 4.30pm. See P13.

THU 1 DEC-SUN 1 JAN

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS TRAIL & SANTA’S GROTTO

Batsford Arboretum, Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 9AT, www.batsarb.co.uk

Find Santa & friends to win a prize! £3 per child, plus admission fees. 9.30am-5pm (10am-5pm Sundays). Also, Santa’s Grotto Sat 3-Sun 4 Dec & Sat 10 & Sun 11 Dec. 10-4pm, £10.

FRI 2 DEC

GOODWILL EVENING

The Sub Rooms, George St, Stroud GL5 1AE, thesubrooms.co.uk

“Truly festive” Christmas market with Santa’s Grotto. Booking required for grotto. 5pm.

FRI 2-FRI 23 DEC

CHRISTMAS AT CATTLE COUNTRY

Cattle Country Farm Park, Berkeley, GL13 9EW, cattlecountry.co.uk

Meet Father Christmas and enjoy a full day of festive fun.

SAT 17-FRI 23 DEC

FATHER CHRISTMAS

Dean Heritage Centre, Studley, GL14 2UB, www.deanheritagecentre.com

At the centre’s Forester’s Cottage. 11am-3pm.

SUN 18 DEC

ICE PRINCESS FAMLY EXTRAVAGANZA

The Watson Hall, Tewkesbury GL20 5PX

Family Christmas extravaganza by Down the Rabbit Hole Entertainment (DTRH), featuring the Ice Queen and surprise guests in “the ultimate” seasonal celebration. Enjoy afternoon tea and live performances, plus a gift. Dress as your favourite character, princess or superhero. £10 (adults)/£15 (children). Children must be accompanied.

FRI 23 DEC

THE SNOWMAN IN CONCERT

Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Sq., Cheltenham GL50 1QA, cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk

With the Mozart Symphony Orchestra. See feature, right. 1.30 & 4.30pm, £10-£30.

The Snowman flies again

For one day only the Mozart Symphony Orchestra performs its popular Christmas concert in Cheltenham, fresh from its appearance in London.

On Friday 23 December the Mozart Symphony Orches tra performs the soundtrack to Raymond Briggs’ classic film ‘The Snowman’, shown simul taneously on the big screen, at Cheltenham Town Hall. Thir teen-year-old Alice Mackenzie makes her fourth appearance with the orchestra, singing the song ‘Walking in the air’, made famous by Aled Jones 40 years ago.

First shown on Boxing Day, 1982, the film was an immedi ate success and nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film, winning a BAFTA TV award. It has since become a staple of Christmas family viewing and has been performed by the orchestra in Cheltenham every Christmas since 2015 (with one exception

Advertising feature

for Covid).

Audiences often comment how special it is to watch the film as a live orchestra provides the soundtrack. The Times newspaper wrote, “You would be hard pushed to find a more magical Christmas experience.”

The programme also features other pieces of music aimed at young audiences, with narrator and orchestra, but you’ll have to wait just a little longer before

Boulder than ever

Now that autumn has arrived and the weather is colder, what better time to try a new indoor activity? Boulders, Cheltenham, has indoor climbing to keep the kids active this October half term.

It is a friendly and welcoming bouldering centre for kids and adults alike. No experience is necessary, and you can tackle a wide variety of exciting climbs under the expert instruction of fully qualified staff, who’ll provide you with all the equipment you need, too.

Why not try one of their ‘Give it a Go’ classes? The team introduces you to bouldering and shows you the basics in a safe environment. There are classes just for children, but also for the whole family to get involved in one of the Olympics’ newest sports.  The centre is also running Children’s Holiday Clubs throughout the half term. Children

will spend four hours with the team, learning new climbing skills and playing climbing games with children their own age, which must be better than being stuck in front of the telly!  The centre also has a range of after school clubs. These six-week courses are designed to teach new skills, covering footwork, flexibility and technique to get kids bouldering like a pro.

All these exciting activities and more can be found at the centre’s website (below) but also feel free to reach out to them on social media or email and they’ll be happy to help. They look forward to seeing you soon!

Boulders Cheltenham W: cheltenham.bouldersuk.com E: cheltenham@bouldersuk.com

you can find out which ones… look out for an announcement on the Town Hall website soon!

The Mozart Symphony Or chestra of London is a new and contemporary ensemble and one of the most exciting orches tras to emerge from London’s vibrant classical music scene

in recent years. London has a much-deserved reputation as a leader in the world of classical music and the Mozart Symphony Orchestra is a vital part of that. Its famous children’s concerts are designed not just as pure entertainment but also as a fun way to introduce children to the amazing sound world of the symphony orchestra. All in all, ‘The Snowman’ is the ideal Christmas treat for the family. Shows last approximately one and a half hours, including an interval during which children and their grown ups may get an ice cream!

The Snowman Fri 23 Dec, Shows at 1.30pm and 4.30pm. Tickets Cheltenham Town Hall Box Office W: Cheltenhamtown hall.org.uk T: 01242 528764.

Child

Tickets Available @ dtrhentertainment.co.uk

Family Christmas Extravaganza

From Halloween to Diwali

This half term Kingshill House has lots happening for families to enjoy!

Parents’ and teachers’ news and resources

Join Down the Rabbit Hole Enter tainment (DTRH) at The Watson Hall in Tewkesbury on Sunday 18 December for a Family Christmas Extravaganza like no other, featuring the Ice Queen and her special surprise guests as they throw the ultimate Christmas Celebra tion.Enjoy afternoon tea, live performances, and a little gift from the team.

Supporting the Hollie Gazzard Trust

Halloween fun takes place on Tue 25 and Thu 27 Oct, from 2 to 4pm, when you can explore the Hallow een Trail with ten different activity stations from face painting to sensory boxes. There’s a storyteller, spooky treats and ‘make and take’ activities – tickets are £3.50-£5.50 and adults and babes in arms are free!

Go dressed as your favourite character, princess or superhero for meet and greet photo opportunities.

Adults £10, children £15 (All children must be accompanied by an adult) Tickets on sale now! The organiser is proud to support the Hollie Gazzard Trust with this event.

Down the Rabbit Hole

W: dtrhentertainment.co.uk

Ghostly crafts

There’s an incredible array of craft activities at Taurus Crafts. A visit to the Lydney-based attraction is a great way for families to enjoy time together crafting.  There is something on offer each day between Sat 22 Oct and Sun 6 Nov, so you can plan the perfect time together.

Parents can also explore a variety of indepen dent arts and crafts shops on a relaxing family day out.  Afterwards the whole family can enjoy a delicious meal at the onsite café, or enjoy a slice of freshly baked cake with locally sourced coffee.

Taurus Crafts W: www.camphillvillagetrust.org.uk/ shops-cafes/taurus-crafts/

Spooktacular forest fun!

October half term at the Dean Heritage Centre means spooktacular family fun! Can you find all the faces from the past around the museum or see the faces in trees that must be the result of witchery? Have a go at designing and creating your own ghoulish pumpkin design to carve and take home.

Explore the enchanted cottage where the resident witches may invite you in for a cup of witch’s brew. Listen to storytellers telling tales of ghostly goings on or sign up for spell school. Whichever day you visit you’ll have a scarily good time! Check their website to find out what’s going on and when.

Dean Heritage Centre W: deanher itagecentre.com/whats-on/octoberhalf-term-at-the-dhc

Then on Fri 28 Oct, from 7pm, there’s Diwali in Dursley! Celebrate The Festival of Lights with bhangra dancers, dance workshops, live music, food and more. All ages are welcome; £8 pre-booked tickets and under 16s are free!

Kingshill House T: 01453 549133

W: www. kingshillhouse. org.uk

The Christmas camps come to town

Cheltenham- Balcarras School Mon 19 to Thu 22 Dec. Gloucester -Dinglewell Junior Mon 19 to Wed 21 Dec. Gloucestershire’s family-run Camp 4-211 follows its October half term camps (Mon 24-Fri 28 Oct) with a four-day Christmas camp at Balcarras School, Cheltenham and a three-day camp at Dinglewell Junior, Gloucester.

As always, there is a huge selection of activities. There’s a festive flavour to the camp with Christmas arts and crafts, Elf hunts, Christmas Zumba, ‘Camp’s Got Talent’ show and, of course a Christmas party with a visit from Santa! A standard day runs from 9am4pm, but you can also book extended days (8.30am-5pm). Places are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment. Discount- Use code PT10 for 10% off

Camp 4-2-11 W: www.camp4211.co.uk

It’s eek! week at Slimbridge

Are you brave enough to explore Slimbridge’s Wetland Centre’s interactive trail this October half term?

Discover an eek!citing and mysterious world of wetland nature. Keep your eyes peeled and your ears pricked and engage your senses as you make your way around the wetlands, for a truly eek!citing experience. Put your spookometer to the test with lots of interactive activities! It’s a weirdly wild day out for the whole family.

Other seasonal highlights include exploring Mission Possible where you can meet the world’s rarest goose, or becoming a Wetland Hero with Slimbridge’s own app, created by Aardman. Admire the amazing amphibians in Toad Hall or meet marvellous mammals at Back from the Brink. Book now on the website.

WWT Slimbridge W: wwt.org/slimbridge

Register your vote! says council

As part of its annual canvass cam paign, Cheltenham Borough Council has sent communications to every property in the borough to check who is eligible to vote in each household. The communication contains exist ing details of those in the household who are already registered to vote. Residents are urged to check that their electoral registration details are correct.

The council’s email or letter will explain what action, if any, you must take. If you have received a yellow paper letter, you must respond. You are required by law to update the in formation for your household, if there are any changes. Although the council has asked for responses by 6 October, it is sending canvassers to visit non-re sponders throughout the autumn, and households have until 22 November to register their vote.

Cheltenham Electoral Services

E: elections@cheltenham.gov.uk  T: 01242 264132.

It’ll be a ball!

Cinderella, a fantas tic family treat filled with festive fun, is brought to you by the same team that produced last year’s critical ly acclaimed production of Beauty and the Beast from Thu 22 Dec-Mon 2 Jan.

Join the cast at The Sub Rooms, Stroud, to witness the most famous girl in fairy-tale history rise above the odds, defeat her ugly stepsisters, escape the shackles of her wicked stepmother and win the heart of the impossibly handsome Prince Charming.

A must-see theatrical ex perience for every member of every family in Stroud!

Cinderella W: thesubrooms.

Wild Place at Halloween

Explore the spooktacular Halloween trail at Wild Place Project, near Cribbs Causeway, Bristol, from Fri 21 Oct to Sun 6 Nov. Grab an activity trail leaflet and find all the spooky scenes: in the ‘wild wood’ there are over 300 pumpkins! Children who dress in their favourite Halloween costume, or bring a carved pumpkin to add to the trail, receive 20% discounted entry (use the voucher code: WILD20).

Also, see the brown bears, lynxes, wolves and wolverines in their natural surroundings, plus meerkats and some of the world’s smallest antelopes.  As the woodlands and meadow turn autumnal gold, grab a cof fee while the children burn off energy at indoor and outdoor play areas. Every visit supports Bristol Zoological Society’s work. Book now! Wild Place Project W: wildplace.org.uk

Lights fantastic at Farm Park

An eternal blizzard of snow and ice has befallen Cotswold Farm Park, with its best Enchanted Light Trail yet wowing visitors this winter. The ever-popular glittering event is guaranteed to become a tradition to treasure for years to come, with its twinkling sculptures, mythical characters and animal encounters. Immerse yourself in a spectacular night-time experience and set off on a whimsical journey as you go ‘Through the Wardrobe’. In the magical land of the Faun, White Witch and woodland creatures, you’ll also discover the farm park’s illuminated barns. Meet the donkeys, pet some fluffy bunnies, then grab a bag of animal food to help Pebbles the greedy goat and her friends settle down for the night with some bedtime snacks.

You don’t want to miss the Frozen Palace either, where sparkle-lit play areas, music and dancing fit for princes and princesses await.

As lights lead you along the trail, you’ll find warmth by the crackling fire pits, where you can indulge in seasonal drinks, toasted s’mores and festive food, all before you discover a handpicked selection of gifts in the festive shop.

This year, Cotswold Farm Park promises its enchanting tale will be told like never before! Book in advance.

Save 15% with Primary Times offer - scan QR code on P9 and use code PRIMARY15

Enchanted Light Trail W: https://cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk

Samurai confidence

Making friends and bringing communities

together through karate is the main focus of Samurai Martial Arts (SMA). This year the club celebrates 21 years of teaching karate to the people of Gloucester, Cheltenham and surrounding areas. By combining Japanese etiquette and discipline with the British sense of fair play SMA has helped many of its members achieve their personal goals.

In June 2001, SMA founder Brian Jarvis opened clubs in Gloucester and Cheltenham, more recently expanding to clubs in Kingsway and Quedgeley, Gloucester, and in Tewkesbury and Ross on Wye.

During this time the club has taught thousands of students of all ages, many of whom achieved black belt and beyond, attending

national and inter national competi tions and securing English and British titles. The school has sent teams to Mexico, Canada and Japan, securing medals and creating life-long friendships all over the world.

The club provides age-appro priate classes to children of all ages, teens and adults. Through long-term practice it sees shy and timid pupils grow in self-confi dence as their technical ability and skill improve. Class mem bers learn to understand their own strengths and weaknesses through regular training and healthy competition, and are bet ter able to handle nerves both in and outside the dojo or training hall. Free trial classes are available at all SMA venues.

Ffi: Samurai Martial Arts T: 07971 584901 W: www. samurai-martialarts.co.uk

Win a £25 voucher!PETEY SAYS

Petey’s Arty Party

Read all about it!

Stroud Book Festival plans some fantastic events for children and families from Wed 2 to Sun 6 Nov. Storyteller extraordinaire, Julia Donaldson, and illustrator Lydia Monks, make a welcome return with their new tale, ‘What the Ladybird Heard at Christmas’ (ages 4+).

Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, space scientist and presenter of BBC’s ‘The Sky at Night’ and ‘Mini Stargazing’, answers questions from her new book ‘Am I Made of Stardust’ (ages 8+).

‘Escape Room’ presents challeng es to children aged 9+ to save the world and authors Jamila Gavin and Hilary McKay talk about their inspirational new books about World War II, ‘Never Forget You’ and ‘The Swallow’s Flight’ (ages 10+).

For your chance to win a £25 voucher from a wellknown online retailer, or a book from our choice below, enter my next art competition. Just tell us which book you’d like to win and send your picture by post or by email on the subject of...

My halloween

...to Petey the Parrot, Starfish Publishing, The Create Centre, Smeaton Road, Bristol BS1 6XN or high resolution images to gloscompetitions@primarytimes.co.uk by

4 NOV

Don’t forget to put Petey’s Arty Party in the subject line, include your name, age, school and home address so we can send you the prize. See primarytimes.co.uk/ gloucestershire/tcs for competition terms and conditions.

book

Classifieds

Local author Tracey Corderoy recounts the latest exploits of hapless robber dogs Shifty Mc Gifty and Slippery Sam in ‘Pirates Ahoy!’ (ages 3 to 7), while Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet cele brate their 10th ‘Supertato’ book (pictured) with plenty of silliness for ages 3 to 6!

Christopher Edge’s adventure

Finally, there are two brilliant workshops: creative writing with Michelle Harrison in ‘A Pinch of Magic’ (ages 9 to 14), and “map your local area” with ‘Mouse’s Wood’ illustrator Alice Melvin (ages 6 to11). The festival’s two Schools’ Days for Gloucestershire primary schools feature authors, illustrators and poets, including John Agard and Lydia Monks.

Tickets and information www.stroudbookfestival.org.uk

Painswick garden’s explosive autumn

Did you know that bat poo used to

make explosives? BOOM! Have fun this half term spotting fun bat characters and learning lots of interesting bat facts. The Big Bat trail has been created by local author and illustrator Hannah Shaw and leads mini explorers around the unique Painswick Rococo Garden. Autumn is a beautiful time to visit the garden and see the colours transform to rich reds and oranges.

Nestling in a hidden valley, it is a fantastic place for families to explore together.  Children (and

grown-ups!) are encouraged to let their imaginations and feet run wild.  Whether navigating the maze, playing hide and seek in the nooks and crannies, or simply enjoying the rustic woodland play area, there’s plenty for all.

With free parking, delicious cakes and freshly-ground coffee, a visit to the garden is a stressfree and fun day out. Open daily during half term, 10am to 4pm, last entry 3pm, no booking necessary.

Painswick Rococo Gardens www.rococogarden.org.uk

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