The Family Guide

THE PANDEMIC The situation has improved significantly since the summer, with socially distanced open-air and some indoor events going ahead, but programmes can still change at short notice, particularly with local lockdowns. All events listed here were going ahead at the time of writing and most needed booking in advance, so please check with organisers before travelling and follow the latest public advice. See also Facebook.com/ PrimaryTimesGloucestershire for updates.

OCTOBER

UNTIL MON 5 OCT GIFFORDS CIRCUS: THE FEAST Giffords Circus HQ, Fennells Farm, Lypiatt, Stroud GL6 7NE, everymantheatre.org.uk • Back in action after having to postpone their production ‘The Hooley’, Giffords return with this socially-distanced meal and circus experience in a big top featuring Tweedy, Lil Rice and the Giffords Circus Band. Book through The Everyman Box Office, Cheltenham. Lunch, tea and dinner performances. 01242 572573. Prices up to £60.

UNTIL SUN 1 NOV OF EARTH AND SKY Gloucester city centre venues, inc. Gloucester Bus Station, Gloucester Train Station, Llanthony Secunda Priory, ofearthandsky.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/printed-mapv3pah.pdf • A walking tour and poetry installation by artist Luke Jerram with poetry by Gloucestershire people used as the basis for a sculpture trail in 31 parks and public spaces across the city. Over 80 poetry submissions were received, curated by Jerram and local poet JPDL. The route can also by cycled with six, 10 and 25 mile routes.

UNTIL SUN 1 NOV BIRDLAND TIMED VISITS Birdland Park & Gardens, Rissington Rd, Bourton-on-the-Water GL54 2BN, www.birdland.co.uk/ • Experience an extraordinary selection of avian life, in bookable two-hour time slots. See review P11. 01451 820480.

THU 1-SAT 3 OCT SIR WILLIAM ROMNEYS SCHOOL OPEN MORNINGS Sir William Romney’s School, Lowfield Rd, Tetbury GL8 8AE., swr.gloucs.sch.uk/ • Experience the ethos and quality of teaching at this academy for 11 to 16 year olds. 9-11.15am. 01666 502378 x236. FRI 1-SUN 11 OCT CHELTENHAM LITERATURE FESTIVAL (CLF) Various Cheltenham venues & online, cheltenhamliteraturefestival.com • With the return of outdoor and some indoor events, this annual festival has a great selection of readings, workshops and talks for primary-aged children, some bookable in advance and lots available online until the end of the year. A selection is listed below, marked (CLF). Events listed at The Den digital hub are accessed via this section of the festival website and include both live, bookable events and online only. Venue details for live events on booking. See website for full family programme.

THU 1-SUN 18 OCT NEWENT SCHOOL OPEN VISITS Newent School, Watery Lane, Newent GL18 1QF, newent.gloucs. sch.uk/ • Instead of an open day, parents of Y6 students can pre-book their own visit around this high-achieving secondary school throughout the autumn. Virtual tours also available. 01531 820550.

SAT 3 OCT 11+ ONLINE REVISION DAY Online, www.cotswoldeducation. co.uk • Cotswold Education offers tips and tricks for the 11+ tests. 9am-4pm, £70.

SAT 3 OCT KING’S GLOUCESTER OPEN MORNING King’s School, Gloucester GL1 2BG, www.thekingsschool.co.uk • Discover what this independent day school for girls and boys aged 3 to 18 might be able to offer your child. 01452 337337, admissions@thekingsschool.co.uk

SAT 3-SAT 31 OCT PICK UP A PUMPKIN! Cotswold Farm Park, Guiting Power, Cheltenham GL54 5FL, www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk • Pick your own pumpkin at Cotswold Farm Park! Book online in advance. 9.30am-5pm. 01451 850307. hero and enjoy a reading with Of Earth and Sky by artist Luke Jerram, featuring poetry by

Gloucestershire people, runs throughout Gloucester until Sun 1 Nov. SUN 4 OCT ROB BIDDULPH: DOG GONE (CLF) Everyman Theatre, Regent St, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ, www. cheltenhamfestivals.com/literature • Illustrator and “draw along with” artist Rob Biddulph introduces his new picture book ‘Dog Gone’, talks about his #drawwithrob videos that kept us entertained in lockdown and shows you how to create some more of his characters. Take pens and paper! All attending must book. 12noon, £6. Age 4+. FRI 9 OCT JOSEPH COELHO: POEMS

SUN 4 OCT-SUN 1 NOV TAURUS CRAFTS: WELCOME BACK Taurus Crafts, The Old Park, Lydney GL15 6BU, www.camphillvillagetrust. org.uk/shops-cafes/taurus-crafts/ • Families are invited to take part in socially-distanced craft sessions, taking place in a new, heated marquee. Groups of four can come along, choose a craft kit and head to their own making space in a safe environment. More activities planned for November, so keep an eye on the centre’s website for new announcements. Opens 10am.

MON 5 OCT NIZRANA FAROOK: THE GIRL WHO STOLE AN ELEPHANT (CLF) The Den, Digital Hub, www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/literature • Step into the lush landscapes of Serendib with author Nizrana Farook as she delves into an incredible world of jungles, jewels, wildlife and adventure. Nizrana talks about her own journey as a writer, from notebook to published author. 8-8.40am. Age 8+.

TUE 6 OCT CPD: POETRY MATTERS! DEVELOPING A LOVE OF POETRY (CLF) Zoom, www.cheltenhamfestivals. com/literature • Aimed at primary teachers, this webinar draws from the findings of the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education’s ‘Poetry in Primary: What We Know Works’ booklet, exploring how a focus on poetry in the classroom can increase children’s motivation to read, write and perform. Introduces participants to ideas that can easily be transferred to the classroom. 5-6pm.

TUE 6 OCT STORIES ALOUD: LAUREN CHILD (CLF) The Den, Digital Hub, www. cheltenhamfestivals.com/literature • Author and illustrator Lauren Child celebrates 75 years of Pippi Longstocking with a new, lavishly illustrated edition of ‘Pippi Longstocking Goes Aboard’. Find out why Pippi was Lauren’s childhood storyteller Danyah Miller. 8-8.15am. Age 5+. Available to view online until 31 Dec.

THU 8 OCT STORIES ALOUD: SIMON FARNABY (CLF) The Den, Digital Hub, www. cheltenhamfestivals.com/literature • Simon Farnaby reads from ‘A Wizard in my Shed’. 8-8.15am. Age 8+. Available online until 31 Dec. See feature and review P6.

IN THE PRIMARY CLASSROOM ALOUD (CLF) The Den, Digital Hub, www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/literature • Roar with the traffic or croak like a frog as author and poet Joseph Coelho performs from his latest book ‘Poems Aloud’. Find out how he finds new ways of reading poems. 8-8.40am. Age 5+. View online until 31 Dec.

FRI 9 OCT STORIES ALOUD: JASBINDER BILAN (CLF) The Den, Digital Hub, www.

Fireworks latest

While several traditional fireworks displays are still scheduled around Gloucestershire, and the events listed here have told us they are going ahead, the final decision for many will depend on the latest social distancing advice and may not be announced until a few days beforehand. At the time of writing The Gordon League Rugby Club Fireworks Display, Gloucester, had not confirmed, while Coates Fireworks, which runs displays in Uley, Dursley and Gotherington Village, advise checking their website in the last two weeks of October for up-to-date details (see listing). Definitely cancelled are The Fire Service College Fireworks Display, Moreton-inthe-Marsh, Quedgeley Fireworks Display, Birdlip PTA Bonfire Night and Walls Rugby Club Fireworks, Gloucester.

TFG

continued

THE PANDEMIC 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 and see Facebook. com/PrimaryTimesGloucestershire for updates. Please follow the latest public advice.

cheltenhamfestivals.com/literature • The Costa Book Award-winning author reads from her new book ‘Tamarind & the Star of Ishta’, complete with a Himalaya and friendly monkey. 8-8.15am. Age 9+. Available to view online until 31 December 2020.

FRI 9 OCT CLIPPA POETRY AWARD SHOW (CLF) The Den, Digital Hub, www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/literature • Hear five poets perform from all the shortlisted collections for the Centre for Literacy in Primary Poetry Award (CLiPPA), watch author and illustrator Chris Riddell draw along and find out who has won the 2020 award, live! Also news about how your school can be involved in the shadowing scheme. 2-2.35pm. Age James (‘Pages & Co’) about “the original feelgood novel”, making

6+. WED 14-THU 15 OCT VIRTUAL OPEN DAY TUESDAY 13 OCTOBER - SUNchance to win tickets. Times and prices TBA.

SAT 10 OCT GUESS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU STORYTELLER SHOW (CLF) Everyman Theatre, Regent St, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ, www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/literature • Storytelling by Liz Frost based on the popular ‘Guess How Much I Love You’ by Sam McBratney and Anita Jeram, plus an enchanting new story in the same vein. 12noon12.45pm, £8. Age 3+.

SAT 10 OCT LIZ PICHON: SHOE WARS (CLF) Cheltenham Town Hall, Main Hall, Imperial Square, Cheltenham GL50 1QA, www.cheltenhamfestivals. com/literature • The Tom Gates author/illustrator introduces her new novel ‘Shoe Wars’, complete with a whole cast of new characters including super-baddy, Wendy Wedge. Bring pen and paper to take part in the drawing. 10-11am, £8. Age 8+.

SAT 10 OCT MALVERN ST JAMES GIRLS Olivera Raraty, following which parents can book a personal visit.

SCHOOL VIRTUAL OPEN MORNING Online, www.malvernstjames.co.uk/ visit • A virtual tour of the school hosted by head, Mrs Olivera Raraty, following which parents can book a personal visit. 10am.

SAT 10-SUN 11 OCT DOG SWIM Rd, Cheltenham GL53 7PU, www. sandfordparkslido.org.uk • Take your canine for a dip in the lido at the very end of the pool’s summer season. 10am-2pm, £12 (one dog & two humans).

SUN 11 OCT CARRIE HOPE FLETCHER: INTO THE SPOTLIGHT (CLF) Cheltenham Town Hall, Main Hall, Imperial Square, Cheltenham GL50 1QA, www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/literature • Actress and author Carrie Hope Fletcher’s children’s debut ‘Into The Spotlight’ is inspired by Noel Streatfield’s ‘Ballet Shoes’, published 125 years ago. Carrie talks with author Anna dreams come true and the similarities between writing and performing. 1-2pm, £8. Ages 9+.

SUN 11 OCT KITE DAY Taurus Crafts, The Old Park, Lydney GL15 6BU, www.camphillvillagetrust.org.uk/shops-cafes/ taurus-crafts/ • Get along, make and fly a simple kite (or bring your own), and enjoy a demonstration by the Avon Kite Flyers. 11am-4pm.

Online, The Crypt School, Podsmead Rd, Gloucester GL2 5AE, www.thecryptschool.org/ admissions/open-events • Instead of the usual open day, this is a chance to discover virtually what The Crypt School can offer your child. Advance booking essential. Sessions at 9.30am and 11.30am. 01452 530291, enquiries@crypt. gloucs.sch.uk. @TheCryptSchool

DAY 1 NOVEMBER GAIA Gloucester Cathedral, Gloucester, 12 College Green, Gloucester GL1 2LX, https://www.gloucestercathedral.org.uk/ • Artist Luke Jerram, whose Of Earth and Sky poetry exhibition is also running in Gloucestershire, exhibits this remarkable scale model of our planet, made up from high resolution images from NASA satellites. See also Page 15 for a

THU 15 OCT MALVERN ST JAMES GIRLS SCHOOL VIRTUAL OPEN EVENING Online, www.malvernstjames. co.uk/visit • A virtual tour of the school hosted by head, Mrs Sandford Park Lido, Keynsham

From 5.30pm.

SAT 24 OCT-SUN 1 NOV OCTOBER HALF-TERM ACTIVITIES Taurus Crafts, The Old Park, Lydney GL15 6BU, www.camphillvillagetrust.org.uk/shops-cafes/ taurus-crafts/ • A “fantastic” programme of hands-on creative activities, performances and free trails, see website and Facebook for up-to-date details. From 10am. Kite Day, Taurus Crafts, Sun 11 Oct

SUN 25-WED 28 OCT SPOOKTACULAR HALLOWEEN FUN WITH HENRY VIII Berkeley Castle, Berkeley GL13 9BQ, www.berkeley-castle.com/ • Berkeley Castle hosts ghastly goings on in All Hallows’ Week, including an audience with Henry VIII and the two wives he beheaded, while a grim executioner and gaoler tour the castle. Also face-painting. Two bookable sessions daily starting 11am and 2pm. 01453 810303.

2–11 October

Enter The Den for draw-alongs, storytelling, facts, fiction and poetry with a host of favourite authors and illustrators

Watch for free at home or school on cheltenhamliteraturefestival.com

SAT 31 OCT THEATRE TOUR Everyman Theatre, Regent St, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ, everymantheatre.org.uk • Discover the magic behind the scenes at one of the UK’s leading regional theatres, including the beautiful auditorium restored by renowned theatrical architect Frank Matcham. Tour lasts one hour. 10-11am, £10. Call 01242 572573 to join waiting list.

NOVEMBER

WED 4-SUN 8 NOV STROUD BOOK FESTIVAL Online, stroudbookfestival.org.uk/ • As well as fabulous array of talent for the grown-ups, including Joanna Trollope, Kei Miller, Jonathon Porritt, designer and businesswoman Cath Kidston and Michael Cashman, the Schools’ Day promises children’s events for all ages, including a weekend event with Ben Miller, children’s author and TV comedian of ‘Armstrong and Miller’ fame. All events are free. See News, P5

THU 5 NOV STROUD BOOK FESTIVAL: SCHOOLS’ DAY Online , stroudbookfestival.org.uk/ • Special events for KS2 classes from Stroud Book Festival, this year featuring poet/guitarist James Carter exploring space in ‘The Big Beyond’ (9.30-10.30am) and bestselling author Abi Elphinstone talking about her fantasy book ‘The Unmapped Chronicles’ (11-12noon). 9.30am12noon, free. See News, P5. lage of Bourton-on-the-Water is humming with people, although everyone is doing their best to stay the requisite distance apart. Expecting a huge queue to the attraction, we are relieved to find the modest line of people is well managed and moving swiftly.

Once inside, we head straight to the penguin enclosure, an early highlight on a continuing tour of delights and surprises. Standing so close to the Humbolt and Emperor penguins you can almost converse with them, their preening, cries and waddling so human-like as they await their feed, yet so graceful and nimble in the water.

As we orient ourselves, it’s clear that SAT 7 NOV BONFIRE NIGHT Hillside Brewery, Hollybush Farm, Ross Rd, Longhope GL17 0NG, www. hillsidebrewery.com • A roaring bonfire is promised lighting up the Hillside Brewery meadow, with “awe-inspiring” fireworks display and fire performer to keep kids (and big kids!) entertained all evening. From 6pm, £20 per car.

MON 16-FRI 20 NOV ANTI-BULLYING WEEK Nationwide, www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk • This year’s Anti-Bullying Week takes as its theme ‘United Against Bullying’ and opens on the Monday with Odd Socks Day when you can celebrate being unique by wearing odd socks to school. See

Would you like your event listed here? Email: mike.gartside@ primarytimes. co.uk

Deadline for Christmas & New Year FRI 30 OCT

the website for resources and ideas that schools can use to put across the anti-bullying message. See also News, P5.

TUE 24 NOV-THU 31 DEC LOCAL FIREWORK DISPLAYS 2020 Various, see website for up-to-date details, www.coatesfireworks.co.uk • Displays are scheduled in various places around Gloucestershire, but at the time of going to press most were awaiting confirmation. See website for details.

SAT 28 NOV-MON 21 DEC WESTONBIRT ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS Westonbirt Arboretum,, Westonbirt, Tetbury GL8 8QS, www.forestryengland.uk/westonbirt • Take a journey to the “West Pole” this winter, enjoy the beautifully illuminated arboretum, meet the elves who help Father Christmas create his toys and possibly meet a very special visitor. 4-9.30pm. £16 (adult)/£8 (children). Relaxed sessions on 28 Nov & 5 Dec. Advanced booking essential. NB Due to social distancing no presents will be handed out this year, although there is a small gift in the admissions pack.

SPECTACLE OF LIGHT Sudeley Castle & Gardens, Sudeley Castle & Gardens, Winchcombe GL54 5JD, sudeleycastle.co.uk/ events/spectacle-of-light • See the castle, gardens and romantic ruins lit under the stars and take a stroll around the grounds with its dazzling illuminations. The characters of ‘The Nutcracker’ are a new element of this display, now in its fifth year. Entry at six different time slots from 4.45pm onwards. £15 (adult)/£9 (child). Tickets available from Everyman Theatre box office.

SAT 28 NOV-THU 31 DEC ARCHIE AND THE UNICORN Clearwell Caves, nr. Coleford GL16 8JR, clearwellcaves.com • Experience this walk-through story for children, set in the beauty of this ancient iron mine, adorned with twinkling lights. You will encounter a Christmas stall with stocking fillers and café on the journey, offering perhaps the West Country’s deepest retail experience. 10am-3.30pm. Standard admission applies.

DECEMBER

SAT 5-SAT 12 DEC CHRISTMAS MARKET Taurus Crafts, The Old Park, Lydney GL15 6BU, www.camphillvillagetrust.org.uk/shops-cafes/ taurus-crafts/ • Arts, crafts, gifts, toys, food and drink, plus Christmas trees at this large Christmas market. Open 10am-5pm.

Review Birdland Rissington Rd, Bourton-on-the-Water, Glos, GL54 2BN (with sat nav. use GL54 2AY)

As we arrive, the pretty vil-

SAT 28 NOV-WED 30 DEC is still essential and open-air attractions are the best way for families to enjoy a relatively normal day out, a prebooked visit to Birdland is the ideal way to give the children a thrilling, fun and educational experience. (Mike Gartside) Ffi: Birdland T: 01451 820480 W: www.birdland.co.uk

the park is laid out in a series of walkways, with Out of Africa the main theme, leading to the larger and tropical species.

After a cup of coffee at the Flamingo Point Café, it’s over to the parrots, breathtaking in the brightness and variety of their colours. To an adult cooped up in urban environments most of the time, it’s a slight shock that these birds really are every bit as beautiful as they appear on the screen, while the two boys (just turned 10) pause their racing around, genuinely captivated to experience these exotic sights first hand.

About two hours of gentle strolling takes us past flamingos, the larger than life pelicans with their extraordinary bills, the baleful emus and a host of darting tree dwellers. The Jurassic Journey, with its dinosaur sculptures, is a winding forest walkway with a chance to sit in specially built watches and experience the wildlife inhabiting the waterways.

At a time when social distancing

the forest of pink that is the