Gloucestershire Advertising features
CORKBOARD Dean’s a scream for all seasons Half term at the Dean Heritage Centre means spooktacular family fun. Enjoy scary trails, creepy craft and pumpkin carving, explore the ghoulish cottage where witches may invite you in for a cup of their brew or search the woodland for monsters. The centre’s team of artists and facilitators help you have a mons-terrific time! Then add some forest magic to your Christmas celebrations by joining the centre to enjoy festive activities in this beautiful setting. Father Christmas spends time in the homely kitchen of the cosy Forester’s Cottage, handing gifts to all the children who visit him. It’s an ideal opportunity to make sure all letters and present requests are given to the great man himself. Ffi: Dean Heritage Centre W: www.deanheritagecentre.com
Enjoy a Slimbridge Clem autumn! Pic: Hencher
Stevens Highlights at World Wildlife & Wetlands Trust this autumn include the Hawaiian landscape of Mission Possible (and meet the world’s rarest goose, the nene, pictured); the Living Wetland Theatre and Waterscapes Aviary; and birds like Sprout, the friendly pelican, Nzuri, the crowned crane, or the magpie geese. Become a Wetland Hero with Slimbridge’s own app created by Oscar-winning animators Aardman and unlock the secrets of Slimbridge. Wonder at the amphibians in Toad Hall, or the mammals in Back from the Brink and spot all six species of flamingo! During October Half Term try a Wetlands Interactive Sandbox and see what landscapes you can create or book a family-friendly photography workshop. Ffi WWT Slimbridge W: wwt.org/slimbridge
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Pic: Joab Smith
Spooky spiders and autumn colours Nestling in a hidden valley, Painswick’s Rococo Garden is a fantastic place for families to explore. Children (and grown-ups!) are encouraged to let their imaginations and feet run wild. Whether navigating the maze, playing hide and seek, or simply enjoying the woodland play area, there’s plenty for all. In autumn the garden colours transform to rich reds and oranges. This year, children can take part in the Spooky Spider Trail created by local author/illustrator Hannah Shaw. There are fun spider characters to spot and eight-legged facts aplenty! With free parking, cakes and freshly-ground coffee, a visit to the garden is stress-free and fun. Ffi: Painswick Rococo Garden W: www.rococogarden.org.uk
REVIEW: Thriller on the roof Gloucestershire author J.M.Forster follows her debut ‘Shadow Jumper’ (now over 90,000 copies sold) with ‘Twilight Robbery’, the adventures of Jack, who has an allergy to sunlight and explores the rooftops at night. But when he finds a package among the chimneys, he becomes the prime suspect for theft. Things go from bad to worse when friend Fabien falls from the roof. Was it an accident? Or something more sinister? Fans of ‘Shadow Jumper’ can expect another exciting mystery adventure with twists, turns and red herrings to keep reluctant readers engaged. Suitable for 9+ (Ellen White)
Camping at Christmas
Cheltenham’s family-run Camp 4-2-11 follows its October half term outing to St Edward’s Senior School (Mon 25-Fri 29 Oct) with two threeday camps at Balcarras School - one for children aged 3-6 and one for ages 7-14 (Mon 20-Wed 22 Dec). As always there’s a huge variety of activities on offer, from clay modelling and baking to theatre, magic and science workshops. With Christmas on its way there’s a festive flavour to the camp with seasonal arts and crafts, elf hunts, sports, a ‘Camp’s Got Talent’ show and, of course a Christmas party with a visit from Santa himself on the final day. A standard day runs from 9am-4pm, but you can also book extended days (8.30am-5pm). Places are limited, so book early.
Twilight Robbery J.M.Forster, £6.99, Scribblepad Press, www.jm-forster.com
Scarily creative!
Whether it’s being amazed at the magic show or painting your own scary pumpkin design, Taurus Crafts is the place to head to this October school holiday. Based in the Forest of Dean, the charity-run visitor centre is putting on a full programme of creative activities throughout the October holiday. So why not pop in, get creative and choose from a great selection of spooky workshops where you can make broomsticks, trick or treat bags, witches’ hats, monster head pots, spooky slime and more? Ffi. Taurus Crafts W: www.tauruscrafts.co.uk
Ffi: www.camp4211.co.uk
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