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CHRISTMAS 2021 SAT 18 DEC-FRI 18 FEB ISS.178
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JK ROWLING ON HER LATEST TALE
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Gloucestershire
Dear Readers,
The packed family events calendar over Christmas and the new year is a sure sign that life for primary kids is almost returning to normal after nearly two years we hope never to repeat. While the winter still holds its perils, we can now see forward to a time when we can plan holidays, birthday parties, summer camps, school trips, fairs, fundraisers, and open days: all the events that make life normal for the primary school community in this county. As well as five pages of events this issue, we have features on family fitness (P13) and a conversation with JK Rowling (P6). We welcome your ideas, events info and contributions, so please keep sending them in. Happy Holidays!
Mike Gartside - Publisher
04 COVER STORY 05 SCOOP 07 BOX OFFICE 08 W.O.W. 11 CORKBOARD 14 FOR THE KIDS
Christmas 2021 SALES MIKE GARTSIDE mike.gartside@ primarytimes.co.uk 01452 937123
EDITORIAL & DESIGN MIKE GARTSIDE mike.gartside@ primarytimes.co.uk SUB-EDITOR & BOX OFFICE:
Tom Phillips WOW LISTINGS
Ellen White
PUBLISHED BY STARFISH PUBLISHING LIMITED, The Create Centre, Smeaton Road, Bristol, BS1 6XN 01452 937123
Primary Times is independently published and distributed free through national 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. Primary Times is currently publishing over two million copies per issue under franchise licences throughout Britain.
COMPETITION WIN CORINIUM MUSEUM PRIZES! Win a Family Membership to the museum and a Corinium Museum Explorer’s Handbook by visiting coriniummuseum.org and answering the following question:
What is the Roman name for Cirencester?
Learning in Community
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The leading 11+ provider in Gloucestershire For a chance to win the prize, submit entries by visiting the website
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CHRISTMAS 2021 03
Gloucestershire Advertising feature
Midnight’s Winter Trail
Brand new galleries at Corinium Museum take children on a journey from the pre-historic Cotswolds to Roman Cirencester.
Ben Miller with his new book and Iron Age dog, Rusty Children explore the Iron Age roundhouse
A mammoth adventure for families and schools V
isit Corinium Museum’s brand new Stone Age to Early Roman galleries! When families enter the new galleries they step back into the past, greeted by a huge tusk and teeth from a woolly mammoth which used to roam the Cotswold landscape. Handmade stone tools and tiny flints are clues left behind by people who lived alongside mammoths and other animals in this area. As you make your way through time from the Palaeolithic era to the Neolithic, beautiful pottery emerges. Yellow metals shine from the display cases with bronze axes and even gold jewellery telling visitors that the Bronze Age has arrived. By the time families reach the Iron Age, they are
welcomed by an Iron Age dog skeleton, nick-named Rusty through the museum’s ‘Name the Iron Age Dog’ competition. Children are invited to explore the replica round house with soft-play logs, a cauldron and a wood fire creating a realistic but safe experience of Iron Age living. Finally, the Romans arrive, bringing the Roman cavalry with their horses to Cirencester. The new galleries have interactive films and handling objects to bring the past to life for everyone.
SCHOOL WORKSHOP Corinium Museum has launched a fantastic new Stone Age to Iron Age workshop for schools which encourages children to explore the ancient past through hands-on
activities. Children can roleplay characters by dressing up in Stone Age furs, Bronze Age tunics or patterned Iron Age clothing. Secret feely boxes ask them to guess the ancient object. Is it a bronze axe, a fishing net, an ancient pot, or something else? Baskets of food are waiting to be sorted – did people from the past eat the same food as we do today? And a fun jigsaw lets children recreate the settlements from the Stone Age, Bronze Age, and Iron Age periods. The museum also has Stone Age to Iron Age loans boxes for schools with all resources meeting KS2 national curriculum requirements, making learning lots of fun!
Comedian and children’s author Ben Miller is leading families on a merry hunt through the Corinium Museum this winter to celebrate the release of his new children’s book ‘How I Became a Dog Called Midnight’. From 1 December 2021 to 28 February 2022, the museum is inviting families to follow Midnight’s journey through its galleries to find drawings from Ben’s book. The digital trail encourages younger children to use their observational skills while older children can click on the image they have found to reveal some of the story. Adults can take part too by reading snippets to the children. When children have finished the trail, they can claim a sticker as a prize from the museum’s Welcome Desk.
coriniummuseum.org
Corinium Museum Explorer’s Handbook
C
orinium Museum has just launched an interactive guidebook for children. The book aims to encourage children to ‘Discover Archaeology!’ It features at-home activities, including bread making, crossword puzzles, colouring-in and spot the difference. Special stickers,
04 CHRISTMAS 2021
included with the book, let children learn about Beaker burials, Roman town buildings, Roman gods and goddesses, the Anglo-Saxons and medieval monks. The book offers an enjoyable way for children to discover museum objects and is available from the museum or online shop.
Illustrations by Jess Stockham
primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire
NEWS FOR GLOUCESTERSHIRE’S PRIMARY SCHOOLS
HAP spells happy Christmas Council rolls out free holiday activities for children
C
hildren from across Gloucestershire can sign up for four days of free local activities during the Christmas holidays. Activities include sport, music, dance, science and arts & crafts, with face-to-face sessions at venues in every part of the county. The scheme also offers online activities which families can try at home, including fun experiments, dance and craft ideas. They’re all part of a winter edition of the Holiday Activities Programme (HAP) and Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme that Gloucestershire
Skates alive! W
hizz about on the ice to your heart’s content in Cheltenham when you visit the covered, all-weather ice rink in Imperial Gardens. It’s a great opportunity to practise your skating skills, have fun with friends and family and enjoy a bit of festive cheer.
County Council ran for 16 days over the summer, which now also take place between Monday 20 and Thursday 23 December. The scheme is funded by a £1.39 million grant from the Department of Education. HAP activities are open to all Gloucestershire children while activities on the HAF programme are for those aged 4 to 16 eligible for free school meals. They include a free meal and activity packs. Many sessions feature in both programmes and provide food for all children taking part. The rink is part of Cheltenham’s Christmas programme that also includes a Christmas market (to 19 Dec), ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ at the Everyman Theatre and GWSR’s Santa Special train rides. The rink is open until Sun 2 Jan. Cheltenham Ice Rink W: visitcheltenham.com/ice-skating
Grab a passport to history W ant to learn about the worst journey in the world, or about how Victorian children studied? Monthly online sessions to really bring history alive for children start again in the new year as Gloucester Archives relaunches its monthly after-school Passport to the Past series. Taking place on Zoom every first Wednesday of the month, its first sessions have proved a hit with South West children, who learn facts about the past, take part in fun activities
and discover how history affects their lives today. Sessions have followed Cheltenham explorer Edward Wilson to the Antarctic with Captain Scott, and met the staff of Gloucestershire’s stately homes. The first session of the new year starts at 4pm on Wed 5 Jan. Gloucestershire Archives W: www.gloucestershire.gov. uk/archives
primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire
Families can sign up for specific activities on the council’s Children Activities Booking Site. Those who registered for the summer programmes are already enrolled on the the winter edition. Holiday Activities Programme W: www.gloucestershire. gov.uk/education-and-learning/winter-holiday-activities-and-food-programme
NEWS BITE
Safety ’net
Safer Internet Day takes place on Tuesday 8 February with the theme of ‘All fun and games? Exploring respect and relationships online’. Parents and teachers interested in celebrating young people’s role in creating a safer internet can download free resources including guides to online safety and lesson plans from the event’s website. Safer Internet Day W: saferinternet.org.uk/ safer-internet-day/saferinternet-day-2022
YOUTH THEATRE for 7-11s, 11-15s and 15-18s in Gloucester
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• Tuesday and Wednesday evenings • Various locations across Gloucester • £70/term – free places also available
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CHRISTMAS 2021 05
J.K. ROWLING AND THE CHRISTMAS PIG
Primary Times caught up with J.K. Rowling about her newest children’s book, The Christmas Pig Her first children’s novel since Harry Poמּer, The Christmas Pig, illustrated by Jim Field, is the story of a liמּle boy called Jack, his beloved toy, Dur Pig, and the toy that replaces Dur Pig when he’s lost on Christmas Eve – the Christmas Pig. Together, Jack and the Christmas Pig embark on a magical journey to seek something lost, and to save the best friend Jack has ever known. If you had to describe the character Jack in three words, what would they be? How about the Christmas Pig? Jack is brave, loving and a liמּle lost, though he finds himself through his adventure with the Christmas Pig (CP for short), and I’d describe CP in exactly the same way. Where did you write the story? I wrote most of the story in my writing room in the garden, but I remember mapping out the Land of the Lost while our family was on holiday. My children were playing on the beach and I was
huddled beneath a sunshade, drawing maps and thinking through the logistics of the world.
be because I’m so used to losing socks. I’ve started to think they all come in mismatched pairs.
Did you have a treasured toy growing up? My equivalent of Dur Pig was a large, blue-eyed, pink and white teddy bear, which was bought for me by my grandparents. I ended up calling him Henry, aﬞer one of the trains on Thomas the Tank Engine. He’s still with me, bald in places due to my habit of picking at his fur when I was very small.
Who is your favourite character/thing from the Land of the Lost and why? I think my very favourite characters, other than the two pigs, are Pretence, Compass and Hope, but I genuinely love all of them, even the nasty ones. Horrible characters are always fun to write.
Do you lose things? What’s the worst thing you have ever lost? I lose things constantly. It’s one of the things that irritates me most about myself. The worst thing I ever lost was my mother’s engagement ring; it still makes me sad to think about it. Why are there no socks in the Land of the Lost? Very, very good question. There should have been at least one sock! It might
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“Text and Illustrations © J.K. Rowling 2021. THE CHRISTMAS PIG is a registered trademark. Illustrations by Jim Field.”
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The Christmas Pig by J.K. Rowling, illustrated by Jim Field, is out now, just in time for Christmas.
EASTER HOLIDAYS
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If you had to get stuck in The Land of the Lost, where would you choose? Though in many ways it’s quite creepy, I must admit that I love the City of the Missed, for its beauty and the oddity of some of the Things that live there. However, if I had to be stuck anywhere, I’d definitely be on the Isle of the Beloved.
Ages 3-14
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STAGE SCHOOL DOES YOUR CHILD NEED A CONFIDENCE BOOST? We are offering FREE taster sessions throughout January for our stage school MANDER HALL ACADEMY which is held at Balcarras School on a SATURDAY (term time only) www.manderhallacademy.co.uk
E: info@camp4211.co.uk primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire
BOXOFFICE
THE VERY BEST THEATRE, ARTS AND FILM NEAR YOU Cheltenham Playhouse
Beauty and the Beast
47-53 Bath Rd, Cheltenham GL53 7HG. 01242 522852. www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk
Sat 18-Fri 24 Dec Christmas at Toad Hall
Ratty, Mole and Badger are all getting ready for Christmas when Toad insists they join him at Toad Hall for a seasonal celebration they’ll never forget. Dreamshed Theatre present this specially written new production based on Kenneth Grahame’s much-loved characters from ‘Wind in the Willows’. Performances at 11am & 2pm (Mon-Fri), 2pm & 7pm (Sat). Tickets £9.
Wed 12-Sat 15 Jan Around the World in 80 Days
Phileas Fogg and his trusty sidekick Passepartout have only 80 days to get all the way round the world to win a bet. Sounds easy in the days of jet airliners, but these adventurers only have boats, trains and camels to rely on. Rain or Shine present a comic romp through Jules Verne’s famous yarn. Performances at 7.30pm. Tickets £13 (adult), £9 (child).
Sat 19 Feb Terry Deary’s Twisted Tales
The Sub Rooms, Stroud, Wed 22 Dec-Sat 1 Jan
Three actors take you on a fast-paced quest to discover if the past really can reveal the future as Victorian schoolteacher Mr Pimm does his best to teach his pupils a thing or two about history. Written by Horrible Histories author Terry Deary. Block booking discounts available for schools and youth groups. Performance at 2pm. Tickets £16 (adult)/£14 (child & OAP).
Cheltenham Town Hall
Imperial Sq, Cheltenham GL50 1QA. 08445 762210. www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk.
Thu 23 Dec
Bacon Theatre
Dean Close School, Hatherley Rd, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. www.bacontheatre. co.uk
Tue 14 Dec Santa’s Best Ever Christmas
Why does Santa think it’s going to be the best Christmas ever? Dotty the elf, Pompom the penguin and Dasher the reindeer all have their theories. Who do you think is right? Festive musical with lots of songs and a gift for every child. Ages 2-7. Performance at 10.30am. Tickets £10/£8 (concs).
Wed 22 Dec Circus Spectacular
Expect international circus acts, magic, laughter and a “slosh-style” finale in this circus show where the audience gets to choose which acts they want to see next. Suitable for all ages. Performance 3pm. Tickets £17.50/£15.50 (concs)/£60 (family of 4).
primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire
The Snowman - Film with Live Orchestra The Mozart Symphony Orchestra returns to Cheltenham to play the score of this Raymond Briggs classic, alongside a screening of the film. Also look out for the antics of Paddington Bear. Performances at 1.30 and 4.30pm. Tickets £10-£30.
Everyman Theatre
Regent St, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573. www.everymantheatre.org.uk.
Until Fri 31 Dec Hansel and Gretel
Production company Box Tale Soup with their take on the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale. Performances at 10am and 11.30am (see website for details). Tickets £8.50.
- until he receives some ghostly visitations. Box Tale Soup present Dickens’ classic Christmas yarn. Performances at 7.15pm, mats (Thu, Sat & Sun) at 2.30pm. Tickets £11.50/£10 (concs).
in Red Vest in this storytelling session (with afternoon tea for the grown-ups). Suitable for ages 7 and under. Starts at 12.30pm. Tickets £25.
Until Sun 9 Jan
Sun St, Tewkesbury GL20 5NX. 01684 295074. www.rosestheatre.org
Jack and the Beanstalk
The Everyman goes up the beanstalk in search of giants this Christmas with an all-singing, all-dancing panto starring local favourites Samuel Holmes, Kevin Brewis, Kane Verrall and, of course, Tweedy the clown himself. Expect a “giant comedy adventure”. Performance times vary - check website. Tickets from £5.
Tue 8-Sat 19 Feb Magic Goes Wrong
A group of magicians decide to raise money for charity by staging a night of grand illusions and trickery - but, naturally, it doesn’t go according to plan. Magic, comedy, pratfalls and daredevil stunts from the team behind ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’. Performances at 7.30pm and mats (Thu, Sat & Sun) 2pm. Tickets from £23.
Until Fri 31 Dec King Arthur: The Panto!
Humble baker boy Arthur sets out to fulfil his destiny and overcome the evil Morgana Le Fey in this traditional family panto written specially for The Roses Theatre by Nick Wilkes and Maurice Gran (writer of ‘Birds of a Feather’). Expect laughter, music, magic, brave knights and foolish jesters - and, of course, festive fun a-plenty. Performance times vary - see website. Tickets £15-£25.
Tue 22 Feb Morgan & West: Unbelievable Science
Time-travelling magicians and bona fide scientists Morgan and West present their live interactive science show for all the family. Performance at 2pm. Tickets £12-£14.
Thu 17 Feb
Wed 23 Feb
The Ballad of Mulan
Pinocchio
Discover the story of the real Chinese female warrior that inspired Disney’s film in this tale of a woman trying to find her true identity. Performances at 2pm & 7.45pm. Tickets £12.50/£11 (concs).
Tue 22-Sat 26 Feb Shrek: The Musical
Cheltenham Operatic and Dramatic Society present the hugely successful stage musical about the big green-headed hero and his quest to save Princess Fiona. Performances at 7pm and mats (Thu & Sat) 2pm. Tickets from £20.
Kings Theatre
Kingsbarton St, Gloucester GL1 1QX. 01452 300130. kingstheatregloucester.co.uk
Tue 13-Sat 15 Jan Hansel and Gretel
Who’s been nibbling Fairy Berry’s house? And why is Granny Gertrude using “fowl language”? Find out in this panto take on ‘Hansel & Gretel’ (and a few other tales to boot) from The Hardwicke Players. Performances at 7.30pm plus Sat mat 2.30pm. Tickets £9/£7 (concs).
Pittville Pump Room
East Approach Drive, Cheltenham GL52 3JE www. cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk
Until Fri 31 Dec
Sun 19 Dec
A Christmas Carol
The Magic of Christmas
Mean-minded Scrooge hates Christmas and is thoroughly horrible to everyone
The Roses Theatre
Mrs Claus gets out her magical seasonal storybook and tells the tale of Little Rob-
Norwich Puppet Theatre present the classic fairytale about the wooden boy who comes to life. Performance at 2pm. Tickets £10-£12.
Tue 12-Wed 13 Apr The Wizard of Oz
All-singing, all-dancing pantomime for Easter. Performance times vary - check website. Tickets £16-£18.
The Sub Rooms
George St, Stroud, GL5 1AE. 01453 796880. thesubrooms.co.uk
Wed 22 Dec-Sat 1 Jan Beauty and The Beast
A new production team has taken over the panto reins at The Sub Rooms and promises a bigger, better, more beautiful and beastly show than ever before! Join them this Christmas for the spellbinding story of Belle, the spirited and headstrong village girl who enters an enchanted castle and melts the heart of the monstrous Beast who dwells within its walls. See website for performance times & prices.
Sundial Theatre
Stroud Road, Cirencester, GL7 1XA. 01285 654228, www.ticketsource.co.uk/sundial/
Wed 15 Dec-Wed 22 Dec Aladdin
Promises to be the family pantomime to make your wishes come true. Show times 2pm & 7pm. Tickets from £16.
CHRISTMAS 2021 07
/glo E R E ucestershire
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w w w.primary UNTIL SUN 19 DEC
GLOUCESTER QUAYS CHRISTMAS MARKET High Orchard St, Llanthony Rd and Mariners Sq, Gloucester Quays, Gloucester GL1 5SH, www. gloucesterquays.co.uk Pop-up stalls from local traders every Saturday and Sunday, selling handmade gifts, art, jewellery, crafts, drinks and more. 10am-6pm/5pm Sun, free. CHELTENHAM CHRISTMAS MARKET The Promenade, Cheltenham GL50 1PJ, www.visitcheltenham.com Cheltenham’s new Christmas market has stalls from local traders with treats, gifts and more. 10am-7pm (MonWed)/9pm(Thu-Sat)/12-6pm (Sun), free. UNTIL TUE 21 DEC ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS Westonbirt Arboretum, The National Arboretum, Tetbury GL8 8QS, www. forestryengland.uk/westonbirt Search for the lost reindeer and reunite Santa with his transport. £18 (adult)/£9 (child). Book timeslots from 4-9.30pm. UNTIL THU 23 DEC BREAKFAST OR TEA WITH SANTA The Barn Owl, Thatcham Ave, Quedgeley, Gloucester GL2 2GS, www. barnowlpubquedgeley.co.uk Enjoy breakfast (or tea on Thu 23), plus magic show and special visit from Santa. Please book tickets in advance by calling 01452 720523. 9am-12pm (Sat 4, 11 and 18)/3-6pm (Thu 23), £7.50 per child. EC CATTLE COUNTRY CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE Cattle Country Farm Park, Berkeley Heath Farm House, Berkeley GL13 9EW, www.cattlecountry.co.uk Promising plenty of festive fun, including a visit to Santa in his grotto, a ride in the 08 CHRISTMAS 2021
Gloucestershire
sleigh, gingerbread decorating, toasting marshmallows, reindeer trail and more. Park open 10am-4pm, Book to see Santa in advance, £18.50 (child)/£13 (adult).
UNTIL FRI 24 DEC REAL CHRISTMAS TREES AT WESTONBIRT Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury GL8 8QS, www.forestryengland.uk/ westonbirt Wrap up warm and make a day of it when you go to choose a Christmas tree at Westonbirt. High-quality, sustainably grown British trees are for sale, plus experts on hand to help you choose the perfect one. 10am-4pm, trees from £25. SANTA’S GROTTO Dobbie’s Garden Centre, Bath Rd, Haresfield, Stonehouse GL10 3DP, www.dobbies.com Take a walk through the magical outdoor woodland to Santa’s grotto where children can meet Santa and his elves and select an age appropriate gift. Slots available between 10.30am and 5.30pm, please book in advance online, £11.99 per child. CHRISTMAS AT CLEARWELL CAVES Clearwell Caves, The Rocks, Clearwell, Coleford GL16 8JR, www. clearwellcaves.com Expect a unique display in the caves check the website for more information. 10am-4pm,
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CHILDREN’S REINDEER TRAIL John Lewis & Partners, 123 High St, Cheltenham GL50 1DQ, www. johnlewis.com Find all nine reindeer across the shop and guess the hidden word to claim a little treat. Visit the Experience Desk in store for more details. 9am-6pm/10.30am4.30pm (Sun). RIDE WITH SANTA Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway, The Railway Station, Cheltenham GL54 5DT, www.gwsr. com Choose from two Christmas experiences: Ride With Santa or the Santa Express. The first features Santa and his elves on board a diesel rail car where he promises to spend time with every family. Or travel by train to Winchcombe where Santa and his elves will be waiting in a winter wonderland. Both experiences include complimentary mince pies and hot drinks, presents for children and free parking. From 9.40am, £24 per person. UNTIL WED 29 DEC CHRISTMAS STORYTIME John Lewis & Partners, 123 High St, Cheltenham GL50 1DQ, www.johnlewis. com Join staff in the nursery department for a Christmas twist on the regular storytime. Expect festive tales alongside the usual favourites. Every Wednesday, ideal for preschoolers. 11am, free.
Cheltenham Ice Rink, Imperial Gardens, until until Sun 2 Jan
UNTIL FRI 31 DEC REGGIE THE RAPTOR’S TRAIL THROUGH TIME The Museum of Gloucester, Brunswick Rd, Gloucester GL1 1HP, www. museumofgloucester.co.uk/events “Roarsome” family-fun. Suitable for all ages. FESTIVE FUN AT THE MUSEUM The Museum of Gloucester, Brunswick Rd, Gloucester GL1 1HP, www. museumofgloucester.co.uk Seasonal family fun includes badgemaking from recycled Xmas paper, making your own Xmas outfits and a sack for Santa. CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS TRAIL Batsford Arboretum, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 9AT, www.batsarb.co.uk Find Santa and friends hidden around the arboretum to win a prize. £2.50 per child, plus admission fees. ENCHANTED LIGHT TRAIL Cotswold Farm Park, Guiting Power, Cheltenham GL54 5FL, www. cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk Explore the farm park after dark with what promises to be a spectacular nighttime journey with magical lights and sounds, crackling fire pits, a festive gift shop and hot food and drink at various points along the trail. 4.3010pm, book in advance online. UNTIL SUN 2 JAN
UNTIL THU 30 DEC SPECTACLE OF LIGHT Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe GL54 5JD, www.everymantheatre.org.uk The castle unfurls a beautiful new illuminated winter trail and nighttime family experience. Pre-booked slots from. 4.45pm9.15pm. £17.60 (adult)/£8.80 (child) (Earlybird prices).
CHELTENHAM ICE RINK Imperial Gardens, Cheltenham GL50 1QA, www.visitcheltenham.com/ ice-skating Experience Gloucestershire’s only all-weather ice rink this winter, set in the heart of Cheltenham’s Imperial Gardens. Sessions for all ages, including pre-school family sessions. See website for ticket prices and times, booking in advance recommended.
primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire
Gloucestershire
UNTIL MON 3 JAN GLOUCESTER QUAYS ICE RINK Orchard Sq, Gloucester Quays, Gloucester GL1 5SH, www. gloucesterquays.co.uk Gloucester Quays open-air ice rink returns for a spectacular season of celebration in the heart of Gloucester this Christmas. Ticket prices and times TBA. PERCY THE PARK KEEPER’S TRAIL Newark Park, Ozleworth, Wottonunder-Edge GL12 7PZ, www. nationaltrust.org.uk/newark-park Join Percy and his animal friends to give nature a helping hand on a trail around the grounds this winter. Fri-Sun only 3-19 Dec then everyday 26 Dec-3 Jan. 10am-3.30pm, standard admission prices apply plus £2 per trail. UNTIL MON 28 FEB MIDNIGHT WINTER’S TRAIL Corinium Museum, Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX, coriniummuseum.org See if you can spot the drawings from Ben Miller’s new book ‘How I became a Dog called Midnight’ as you go round the museum following this digital trail. See P4. WED 8 DEC REINDEER TRAIL AND SANTA’S GROTTO Robinswood Hill, Reservoir Rd, Gloucester GL4 6SX, www. gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk/ events Get well and truly into the Christmas spirit and follow the evening reindeer trail towards Santa’s grotto. 5-7pm, THU 9 DEC CHRISTMAS CAROLS Gloucester Cathedral, 12 College Green, Gloucester GL1 2LX, www. gloucestercathedral.org.uk Carols and readings with music by Upton St Leonard’s School Choir and the Ecclesiastical’s Staff Choir. 7.30pm. £4.50. FRI 10 DEC SANTA’S QUIET GROTTO Dobbie’s Garden Centre, Bath Rd, Haresfield, Stonehouse GL10 3DP, www. dobbies.com Dobbies has worked with the charity Autism Together to offer an adapted version of their grotto for children with additional needs. Families can expect a reduced number of
visitors, no queues and switched-off music and twinkling lights. 2.30-6pm, slots must be pre-booked in advance, £11.99 per child. SAT 11 DEC CHRISTMAS CRAFTING John Lewis & Partners, 123 High St, Cheltenham GL50 1DQ, www.johnlewis. com Join staff in the Discovery Room for two free children’s craft drop-ins - making hanging decorations and Christmas cards. Also on Sat 18 Dec. 10am-2pm, free. CHRISTMAS FAYRE Gas Green Youth and Community Centre, Baker St, Cheltenham GL51 9HQ, www.gasgreen.org.uk Expect stalls from local sellers, refreshments and a Christmas raffle. 12.30pm, free. VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS DAY INC. PROFESSOR COLLYWOBBLE’S MAGIC SHOW Holst Victorian House, 4 Clarence Rd, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2AY, holstvictorianhouse.org.uk See the house decorated for Christmas and enjoy traditional festive baking in the cosy Victorian Kitchen. Plus hands-on craft activities and Professor Collywobbles’ Christmas Magic show in the drawing room. 11am-3pm, magic show 11am and 1pm,
SAT 11-SUN 12 DEC TAURUS CRAFTS CHRISTMAS MARKET Taurus Crafts, Lydney GL15 6BU, www.tauruscrafts.co.uk Bustling Christmas market showcasing the best the area has to offer including original gifts, jewellery, artworks, crafts, sweets, and hundreds of Christmas trees. 10am-5pm, free. SANTA AT THE CLUB The Club at Tuffley Park, Tuffley Park, Tuffley Ave, Gloucester GL1 5NS, www. facebook.com/theclubtuffley Book a 10-minute private slot to see Santa, plus hot chocolate and a gift for every child. Don’t forget to take your letters and post them directly in the Elf Mail Post Box. 12-6pm, book via Facebook page. SAT 11 & 18 & SUN 19 DEC MEET SANTA AT JOHN LEWIS The Place to Eat, John Lewis, 123 High St, Cheltenham GL50 1DQ, www. johnlewis.com Santa’s back in store plus festive refreshments and the chance to post a Christmas letter. 9.30am or 4pm, £15 per
child (50% donated to to Sue Ryder Leckhampton Hospice). SAT 11 & 18, SUN 12 & 19 DEC SANTA’S COMING TO SLIMBRIDGE WWT Slimbridge, Bowditch, Slimbridge GL2 7BT, www.wwt.org. uk/wetland-centres/slimbridge Meet Santa and his elves over breakfast, plus receive a free gift for each child. Santa will be doing the rounds to speak to every family while they enjoy their meal, beautiful surroundings and wildlife. Sat and Sun only. Sessions at 10am, 11.15am, 12.30pm, 1.45pm and 3pm, £22 (adult)/£19.15 (child). MEET FATHER CHRISTMAS Newark Park, Ozleworth, Wottonunder-Edge GL12 7PZ, www. nationaltrust.org.uk/newark-park Father Christmas is stopping here before his busiest night of the year. Pop down for a little gift and a chat with the big man himself in the cosy drawing room grotto. Booking essential. 30 min slots available between 11am and 3pm, standard admission prices apply plus £6 per child.
CAMBRAY CHRISTMAS MARKET Cambray Baptist Church, Cambray Place, Cheltenham GL50 1JS, www. cambray.org Cambray Place is transformed with stalls, refreshments, children’s crafts, a visit from Santa and face painting inside the church. 10.30am-3pm, free. THE BIG PREMA CHRISTMAS CWTCH Prema Arts Centre, South St, Uley, nr Dursley GL11 5SS, www.prema.org.uk Join storyteller Hannah Ellis for a cosy afternoon, with stories from Scandinavia, tales of the Snow Queen, seasonal sweet treats and more. Snuggly onesies and festive jumpers highly encouraged. 2pm, all tickets £10/family £22. A TUDOR CHRISTMAS John Moore Museum, 41 Church St, Tewkesbury GL20 5SN, www. johnmooremuseum.org Discover how the Tudors celebrated Christmas, including what they ate, Christmas entertainment and the history behind the 12 days of Christmas. Talk approximately 45 mins followed by Q&A. 11am-12noon, £6 (adult)/£2 (child).
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CHRISTMAS 2021 09
Gloucestershire
SAT 11 & 18, SUN 12 & 19 DEC BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AT MR MULLIGAN’S Mr Mulligan’s, Unit 5a, The Brewery Quarter, St Margaret’s Rd, Cheltenham GL50 4FA, www. mrmulligan.com Join Santa this Christmas at a morning of breakfast, crazy golf, a visit with the man himself and a free gift for every child. 9-11am, £12 (adult)/£8 (child). SAT 11 DEC- SUN 9 JAN WINTER GLOW Three Counties Showground, Malvern WR13 6NW, www.winterglow.co.uk A range of festive experiences to choose from in one location. Follow the illuminated light trail through the Malvern Hills, skate on a large covered ice rink, enjoy a personalised meeting with Santa or take in the Malvern skyline from up the Giant Observation Wheel. Advanced booking essential, all activities must be booked separately.
SUN 12 DEC THE NUTCRACKER Corinium Museum, Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX, www.coriniummuseum.org Live screening of this festive favourite as performed by The Royal Ballet. 2-4.40pm, tickets £15-£17. MON 13 DEC CHRISTMAS FANCY DRESS DISCO The Haywain, Bristol Rd, Quedgeley, Gloucester GL2 4PE, www. haywainpubquedgeley.co.uk Tinsel and elf costumes de rigeur for this kids’ Christmas disco. Favourite festive tunes, plus games and goodies. 5pm, free.
Youth theatre sessions for ages 7-11, 11-15 and 16+, Dance classes are for ages 15+ and led by professional dancers from Rise Youth Dance. £70 per term (financial support available). See story P13.
SAT 18-THU 23 DEC FRI 17 DEC
PAINSWICK NAUGHTY ELF TRAIL Various locations, Painswick Village GL6 6QQ, www.ptaevents.co.uk/fotcs/index. cfm?event=event&eventId=43113#. YY4zs_nP02w Follow the map to find all the Cheeky Elves creating mischief in windows around Painswick. Complete the trail to be in with the chance to win a £200 John Lewis voucher. 10am, £3 per map.
FESTIVE FAMILY FIREWORK NIGHT Walls Club, Hammond Way, Gloucester GL4 3YL, www.wallsclub.co.uk Expect an evening of entertainment, Christmas music, food and drink and fairground rides, all topped off with what promises to be a spectacular firework display. Gates open 5.30pm, fireworks 9.30pm, £8 (adult)/£5 (child). SAT 18 DEC
TUE 14-WED 15 DEC STRIKE A LIGHT YOUTH THEATRE AND DANCE Various locations, Gloucester, strikealight.org.uk Weekly youth theatre and dance sessions organised by Gloucester’s Strike a Light.
SAT 18-THU 23 DEC
FESTIVE DOG WALK Pittville Park, Prestbury, Cheltenham GL50 4SH, gawa.org.uk Festive fun for four-legged friends organised by the Gloucestershire Animal Welfare Association and Cheltenham Animal Shelter. Best Christmas jumper wins a fun prize. 10.30am-12.30pm, £5. PLAY FARM CHRISTMAS DISCO The Play Farm, The Brewery Quarter, Unit 18, Cheltenham GL50 4FA, www.playfarm.co.uk Get in the party mood with a special Christmas Disco hosted by Little Viz Party Mix. Plus dancing prizes while you dance, unlimited squash and a free cold drink for adults. 5.30-7.30pm, . BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Hucclecote Community Association, Hucclecote Rd, Gloucester GL3 3RT, www.hucclecote.org.uk Kids can tuck into pancakes, waffles, cereal and fruit juice and receive a visit from the man in red. Book in advance. 10am-12pm, £5 (child)/£3 (adult) including tea/coffee and a bacon roll.
CHRISTMAS AT DEAN HERITAGE CENTRE Dean Heritage Centre, Camp Mill, Soudley, Forest of Dean GL14 2UB, www.deanheritagecentre.com A variety of Christmas activities in a forest setting. Visit Father Christmas in the Forester’s Cottage, make some festive arts and crafts, explore the galleries to look for missing presents from Father Christmas’ sack and visit the Gruffalo’s Child. 10am-4pm, standard admission prices apply. SUN 19 DEC CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY Hucclecote Community Association, Hucclecote Rd, Gloucester GL3 3RT, www.hucclecote.org.uk Get in the Christmas spirit with music, refreshments, games and a visit from Father Christmas. 3-5.30pm, £6.50 per child/adults free but must remain on site. MON 20 DEC-TUE 21 DEC
VICTORIAN STEAM TRAIN DAY Holst Victorian House, 4 Clarence Rd, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2AY, holstvictorianhouse.org.uk View up close and discover more about an authentic Victorian steam train and wagon diorama and then learn more about how they really work with a hands-on STEM activity for children. 11am-3pm, included in standard admission prices. SAT 18-SUN 19 DEC TAURUS CRAFTS CHRISTMAS MARKET Taurus Crafts, Lydney GL15 6BU, www.tauruscrafts.co.uk Bustling Christmas markets showcasing the best the area has to offer and 10 CHRISTMAS 2021
featuring a diverse range of original gifts, jewellery, artworks, crafts, handmade preserves, sweets, and Christmas trees. 10am-5pm, free.
STAGECOACH PERFORMING ARTS CHRISTMAS WORKSHOPS 4-6YRS AND 6-18YRS Severn Vale School, School Lane, Quedgeley, Gloucester, GL2 4PR, www.stagecoach.co.uk/ gloucester#workshops Join Stagecoach Gloucester this Christmas for its two-day musical theatre Christmas extravaganzas for both age groups. Stagecoach’s “awesome teachers sure know how to have fun”. Two days of festive dance and song while the older group is joined by a special West End guest to spread the Christmas excitement. Stagecoach is Ofsted registered and accepts childcare vouchers P12 and tax-free payments. 4-6 yrs: £30 per
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Gloucestershire Advertising features
CORKBOARD Walking in a winter wonder-wetland
Celebrate Christmas this year by treating your loved ones to a delicious meal at award-winning Slimbridge. Meet Santa and his elves over a tasty all-day breakfast on Saturday 11-Sunday 12 and Saturday 18- Sunday 19 December. Then wrap up warm, fill your lungs with fresh air and make some magical memories as you soak up the wonderful winter wildlife. Enjoy an adventure-packed day in over 100 acres of nature-filled wetland paradise. Look out for the beautiful Bewick’s swans or head to one of the new immersive exhibits including the Living Wetland Theatre. Discover what Slimbridge means to you this winter! Ffi: WWT Slimbridge W: wwt.org/slimbridge
Arthur rides again!
This year’s traditional family panto from The Roses, ‘King Arthur: The Panto!’, which runs until Fri 31 Dec, is truly special, written for the Tewkesbury theatre by Maurice Gran (the BAFTA-winning writer of ‘Birds of a Feather’ and hit musical ‘Dreamboats and Petticoats’). Set in medieval Tewkesbury, King Arthur tells the story of a baker boy who is destined for far greater things than his humble upbringing suggests. Of course, the path to glory is never straightforward and before he can fulfil his destiny, Arthur must overcome the evil Morgana Le Fey and a host of other unexpected foes and obstacles. Expect scones, stones, swords, laughter, danger, princesses, heroes, villains, dragons, wizards, magic, music, brave knights, foolish jesters and lots of fun in Tewkesbury this Christmas! Ffi: The Roses Theatre W: www.rosestheatre.org
Festive Forest magic
Add a little woodland magic to your celebrations this year and join the Dean Heritage Centre for a variety of Christmas activities in its beautiful forest setting. From Sat 18 to Thu 23 Dec Father Christmas takes time out to visit the centre’s cosy Forester’s Cottage. Discover the craft hut to create something festive with their facilitators, explore the galleries to look for missing presents from Father Christmas’s sack and visit the Gruffalo’s Child who has returned to visit the Gruffalo. Take time to enjoy delicious Christmas fare in the coffee shop and browse the new look gift shop packed with great products including locally produced, handmade items. The Dean Heritage Centre looks forward to welcoming you to the festive season. Ffi: Christmas at Dean Heritage Centre Sat 18 to Thu 23 Dec W: www.deanheritagecentre.com primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire
Holiday camp offers Camp 4-2-11, which runs activity camps for children aged 3 to 14 over the Christmas, February Half Term and Easter holidays, has announced new discounts of up to 25% on its events at Gloucestershire schools including St Edwards, Cheltenham, Balcarras School, Dinglewell School, Gloucester, Archway School, Stroud and Cotswold School, Bourton-onthe-Water. To claim the discounts, parents
Parents’ and teachers’ news, resources and contacts Original craft for Christmas
Taurus Crafts’ bustling Christmas markets over the first three weekends of December showcase the best the Forest of Dean has to offer, featuring original gifts, jewellery, artworks, crafts, handmade preserves, sweets, and hundreds of Christmas trees. Visitors get a chance to meet the talented onsite designer-makers based at the centre. “The Christmas markets are the highlight of the year at Taurus Crafts,” says Tom Haverly, the centre’s event manager. “We get the most visitors and have the most handmade and local products on sale. You are sure to find all you need to celebrate Christmas in style.” The market features the hands-on creative activities marquee with artist Jayme-Lee Cooper, with drop-in workshops focusing on using natural materials for seasonal gifts and decorations. Entertainment includes over 20 performances across the market weekends by ukulele bands, singing groups, choirs, a flute choir, and a growing number of local school choirs. Ffi: Taurus Crafts Christmas Market Sat 4, Sun 5, Sat 11, Sun 12, Sat 18 , Sun 19 December T: 01594 844841
must book before specified dates (see advert, P6). Its sister company Mander Hall Academy is offering free stage school taster sessions throughout January, on term-time Saturdays. You may be in time to grab the final places on its Christmas Camp, Mon 20-Wed 22 Dec, featuring crafts, elf hunts, sports and Santa. W: www.camp4211.co.uk W: www.manderhallacademy.co.uk
CHRISTMAS 2021 11
Gloucestershire
child. 9am-12noon daily. 6-18 yrs: £60
FROM per child. 9.30am-4pm daily. P10
you may see the first snowdrops starting to emerge. 10am-4pm, £7 (adult)/under 16s free.
TUE 21 DEC CHILDREN’S HOLIDAY CRAFTS VICTORIAN GIFTS Holst Victorian House, 4 Clarence Rd, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2AY, holstvictorianhouse.org.uk Join the team in the cosy Victorian Kitchen to craft traditional Victorian sweets, beautiful centrepieces for the table and Christmas crackers. All materials provided, booking advised. 11am-3pm, included in standard admission prices. WED 22 DEC CANDLELIGHT AND CAROLS Holst Victorian House, 4 Clarence Rd, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2AY, holstvictorianhouse.org.uk Visit after dusk to see the museum in atmospheric candlelight, then join in with carols at Pittville Gates and a glass of something warm back at the house. 4-6.30pm, included in standard admission prices. TOTS AND TALES Pittville Pump Room East Approach Drive, Cheltenham GL52 3JE www.cheltenhamtownhall. org.uk Morning of stories and crafts for under5s in the Pump Room. Drink for each child and hot drink for parents/carers included. 10am, under 5s free/parents & carers £5. THU 23 DEC THE SNOWMAN WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Sq, Cheltenham GL50 1QA, www. cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk Now a regular highlight of Christmas in Cheltenham, the Mozart Symphony Orchestra returns to Cheltenham Town Hall. Enjoy timeless classic ‘The Snowman’ on the big screen, with a live symphony orchestra providing the soundtrack. 1.30 and 4.30pm, £10-£30. SUN 26-FRI 31 DEC POST CHRISTMAS STROLL Painswick Rococo Garden, Gloucester Rd, Painswick, Stroud GL6 6TH, www. rococogarden.org.uk Fill the time between Christmas and New Year with a stroll around the beautiful Painswick Rococo Garden. If you’re lucky 12 CHRISTMAS 2021
MON 27- FRI 31 DEC VISITING THE CAVES AFTER CHRISTMAS Clearwell Caves, The Rocks, Clearwell, Coleford GL16 8JR, www. clearwellcaves.com Don’t worry if you missed this year’s Christmas display, The Caves re-open for a short time after Christmas with festive displays, gift shop and cafe for visitors to enjoy. 10am-4pm, standard admission prices apply. FRI 31 DEC FAMILY FRIENDLY NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY The Club at Tuffley Park, Tuffley Park, Tuffley Ave, Gloucester GL1 5NS, www.facebook.com/theclubtuffley Count down to the new year with an evening of family-friendly entertainment. Tickets include entry, entertainment, a basket meal and a drink to toast at midnight. 7.30pm-1.30am, £18 (adult)/£13 (child). SAT 1 JAN NEW YEAR’S RACING Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Rd, Cheltenham GL50 4SH, www. thejockeyclub.co.uk Start the new year in style with a day at the races. Expect plenty of fun on and off the track, including the Family Fun Zone, children’s activities and a full day of racing. Gates open 10.30am, first race around 12.10pm, ticket prices TBC/ under-18s free. TUE 4, 11, 18, 25 & WED 5, 12, 19, 26 JAN STRIKE A LIGHT YOUTH THEATRE AND DANCE Various locations, Gloucester, strikealight.org.uk Weekly youth theatre and dance sessions organised by Gloucester’s Strike a Light. Youth theatre sessions for ages 7-11, 11-15 and 16+, Dance classes are for ages 15+ and led by professional dancers from Rise Youth Dance. £70 per term (financial support available). See story P13. WED 5 JAN PASSPORT TO THE PAST Online, www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/ archives Monthly after school history club for children aged, 6-13, offering an exciting and creative way to explore the past.
BBC presenter and farmer Adam Henson welcomes families to Cotswold Farm Park from Mon 14 Feb as the lambing season starts
Monthly after school history club for children aged, 6-13, offering an exciting and creative way to explore the past. 4-5pm. See SCOOP, P5. THU 27 JAN-SUN 05 JUN THE ROYAL PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION 162 The Museum of Gloucester, Brunswick Road, Gloucester, GL1 1HP, https:// www.museumofgloucester.co.uk/ exhibitions In a new partnership between the museum and the RPS, this year’s 162nd International Photography Exhibition celebrates compelling contemporary imagery from photographers worldwide. Held continuously since 1854, the exhibition has enabled generations of artists to express themselves regardless of age, subject matter, or country. SAT 29 JAN MAD ABOUT ART: PAY AND PLAY Jolt Studios, First Floor, Kings Sq, Jolt Studios, 27 Aldate St, Gloucester GL1 1RP, www.mad-about-art.com A day of arts and crafts to make and take home, Leader Maddi will be on hand to encouragement with wild ideas. 10am-3pm, £10 per person/£5 for additional siblings/ friends. Booking advised, email maddi@ mad-about-art.com or 0771 348 8680. WED 2 FEB PASSPORT TO THE PAST Online, www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/ archives Monthly after school history club for children aged, 6-13, An exciting and creative way to explore the past. 4-5pm. See SCOOP, P5. TUE 1, 8, 15, 22 & WED 2, 9, 16, 23 FEB STRIKE A LIGHT YOUTH THEATRE AND DANCE Various locations, Gloucester, strikealight.org.uk Weekly youth theatre and dance sessions organised by Gloucester’s Strike a Light.
Weekly youth theatre and dance sessions organised by Gloucester’s Strike a Light. Youth theatre sessions for ages 7-11, 11-15 and 16+, Dance classes are for ages 15+ and led by professional dancers from Rise Youth Dance. £70 per term (financial support available). See story P13. SAT 12 FEB BABY AND CHILDREN’S MARKET CHELTENHAM Holy Apostles Church Hall, London Rd, Cheltenham GL52 6HW, www. babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk Expect lots of stalls bursting with top quality baby and children’s items from birth to 8 years, with great brands at up to 90% off the full retail price. And if you have lots of unused children’s items filling your house, you can book a stall yourself - sellers take home 100% profit on the day. From 2pm, £2 entry, kids free. MON 14 FEB -SUN 24 APR LIVE LAMBING Cotswold Farm Park, near Guiting Power, Cheltenham GL54 5FL, www. cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk Meet the newest arrivals this spring as lambing returns! This is always a popular event in the Farm Park calendar, particularly during the school holidays. Tickets are available to prebook at www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk TUE 22 FEB CHILDREN’S CRAFT DROP IN: SPRING BULBS Holst Victorian House, 4 Clarence Rd, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2AY, holstvictorianhouse.org.uk Plant your own spring bulb in a vintage cup or choose a pot to decorate yourself. Included in general admission.
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Gloucestershire
Keep fit in the family Local experts tell Primary Times how families can get and stay fit for little or no cost in the new year.
A
s any new parent will recognise, once children arrive in your life, it’s tough to stay in good physical shape with a living to earn, meals to prepare, clothes to wash, or homework to supervise. The gym, the leisure centre and the sports club all offer brilliant ways to keep fit, usually at prices from tens to hundreds of pounds per year. But Gloucestershire fitness professionals point out there are many simple, free ways to keep fit and help build togetherness as a family. Move More is a Gloucestershire charity that works with primary schools delivering PE and sports
programmes, holiday camps and professional development to PE teachers. Andy Herbert of Move More says, “Families can organise a local walk or a bike ride. Make walks exciting for young children by adding a nature hunt to spot leaves or insects. Children always enjoy it more if you arrange that with friends. Rather than watch a film, organise an active play date, with a football or frisbee. Families with older children might want to challenge them with a family run. Gloucestershire has lots of parkruns, some with 2.5k routes for younger children.” When the weather is cold, he says, “Keep sessions as active as
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He says countering negative stereotypes and mental training is important. “It’s easy to say you can’t do this today because you don’t feel like it,” says Luke. “Develop a mentality: be positive all the time about physical fitness.” Luke Norman Sports lukenormansports.co.uk Move More Move-more.org Parkrun parkrun.org.uk Joe Wicks youtube.com/c/ TheBodyCoachTV/videos
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Show and yell with Strike A Light
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oung people in Gloucester aged 7 to 18 can now join weekly, dynamic, high quality youth theatre and dance sessions run by locally-based performing arts charity Strike A Light. By taking part in the groups, young people can develop new skills, get opportunities to perform live, see touring shows and create their own performances. It’s also a fantastic way to make new friends and build confidence. The Youth Theatre and Dance companies are led by highly-skilled professional dancers, actors and practitioners. There are dedicated groups for ages 7-11, 11-15 and 15-18 – all working alongside Strike A Light’s programme of amazing live events. The group is one of the leading arts organisations in the South West, known for putting on exciting, high-energy, contemporary
possible – the more you move, the less cold you are. There are lots of free resources online: [popular fitness coach] Joe Wickes’ Youtube channel is good. And many sports clubs, including martial arts, allow you to attend on a drop-in basis.” (See also Samurai Martial Arts, below). Luke Norman, a coach at Cheltenham Town Football Club, suggests family sessions offering the children a say in what they do. “Organise a session with four activities each lasting 15 to 20 minutes,” he says. “Each family member chooses an activity you all take part in, perhaps running, football, sprinting, and you’re on a timer.”
events in Gloucester, from Krump dance shows to beatbox plays to Gloucester Rooftop Festival. The charity regularly works with major organisations such as the National Theatre and Bristol Old Vic. The youth theatre and dance groups are friendly, inclusive and welcoming – perfect for total newcomers or those who want to take their skills to the next level. There are free places available for anyone who might need them. Ffi and to register for next term: Strike A Light E: charlene@strikealightfestival. org.uk W: strikealight.org.uk
primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire
Confidence through karate
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aking friends and bringing communities together through the practice of karate is the main focus of Samurai Martial Arts (SMA). This year the club celebrates 20 years of teaching karate to the communities 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 at Sir Thomas Rich’s High School, Gloucester, and at St. Benedict’s High School, Cheltenham, the latter of which now thrives at the town’s Springbank Community Resource Centre, where it has operated for the past 10 years. Elsewhere, SMA has opened 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 international
competitions 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-appropriate classes to children of all ages, teens and adults. Through long term practice it sees shy and timid pupils grow in self-confidence as their technical ability and skill improves. Class members learn to understand their own strengths and weaknesses through regular training and healthy competition, and are better 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 CHRISTMAS 2021 13
or website (5) 9 A happy saying when you give someone a nice surprise (2,2) 11 The tiny building block of all matter (4)
through this (6) 4 Something you need a lot of will power to resist (10) 5 What Harry Potter and other wizards call a
12 A general name for monkeys, gorillas and other non-human primates (3) 13 Not always children’s favourite breakfast cereal (6) 14 Great for hanging things on (3) 17 Used by Shakespeare and Shania Twain: ‘...
human (6) 6 It happens every day at dusk (6) 10 A surprise attack (6) 14 Finish this expression: “putting you through your ...” (5) 15 What fish breath through (5)
ado about nothing’ or ‘That don’t impress me ...’ 19 Something you eat your ice cream from could be described like this. 20 This animal walked the earth before being wiped out 65 million years ago (8) 21 You might call your female sibling this.
16 Old-fashioned word for among (4) 18 To be able, or another word for tin (3) 19 The initials of the USA’s intelligence organisation, featured in lots of movies and television thrillers (3)
Gloucestershire
FOR THE KIDS
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TOO HARD? Why not ask a grown-up for ideas? Children under 7 will find the yellow clues easier.
writing and spelling (6) 8 The main component of any book, magazine or website (5) 9 A happy saying when you give someone a nice surprise (2,2) 11 The tiny building block of all matter (4) 12 A general name for monkeys, gorillas and other non-human primates (3) 13 Not always children’s favourite breakfast cereal (6) 14 Great for hanging things on (3) 17 Used by Shakespeare and Shania Twain:
‘... ado about nothing’ or ‘That don’t impress me ...’ 19 Something you eat your ice cream from could be described like this. 20 This animal walked the earth before being wiped out 65 million years ago (8) 21 You might call your female sibling this. DOWN 1 Something most families look forward to in the summer. (7) 2 This nation’s favourite vegetable, perhaps? (6) 3 Dr Who and other space explorers travel through this (6) 4 Something you need a lot of will power to resist (10) 5 What Harry Potter and other wiz-
ards call a human (6) 6 It happens every day at dusk (6) 10 A surprise attack (6) 14 Finish this expression: “putting you through your ...” (5) 15 What fish breath through (5) 16 Old-fashioned word for among (4) 18 To be able, or another word for tin (3) 19 The initials of the USA’s intelligence organisation, featured in lots of movies and television thrillers (3)
Petey’s Arty Party
What a great response to Petey’s art competition about autumn animals! (ok, so there were no parrots, but maybe next time...). To Kaliannah Jaziel Garcia, 7, YS Y SA ! Kingsholm Primary School, PETE LATIONS Gloucester and Sam Cinderey, TU GRA 8, Drybrook Primary School, CON Forest of Dean. They both win a children’s book. Forest animals by Kaliannah
A field mouse by Sam
If you’d like to enter Petey’s next art competition about...
Seeing my family again at Christmas send your pictures to Petey the Parrot, Starfish Publishing, The Create Centre, Smeaton Road, Bristol BS1 6XN or high resolution images to gloscompetitions@primarytimes. co.uk by Friday 7 January. 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.
Answers on our Facebook page, @PrimaryTimesGloucestershire @PrimaryTimesGloucestershire, after publication.
Review
Bear necessities N
ow that every childhood hero from Spiderman to Peter Rabbit comes with their own origin story and commercial tie-ins, it would be easy to view the new approved Winnie-ThePooh prequel ‘Once There Was a Bear’, as an attempt to squeeze extra emotional mileage from an especially beloved and cuddly old friend who perhaps should be allowed to rest untroubled in our memories. But this 95th anniversary edi-
14 CHRISTMAS 2021
tion, published by Harper Collins imprint Farshore, and reimagined by author Jane Riordan and “decorator” Mark Burgess, is so faithful to the spirit of creator A.A. Milne and illustrator E.H. Shepard that it appears to have arrived fully formed straight from their imaginations. Riordan has appropriated the Milne voice impeccably, offering us a tale of how the original stuffed bear, complete with consciousness and voracious
appetite for honey, narrowly avoids being purchased from Harrods (where else?) by a Veruca Salty princess, before being placed in the hands of one Christopher Robin. Burgess, too, channels his inner Sheperd with apparent effortlessness, creating pastel nostalgia on every page, as fresh to new readers as it was to our generation and that of our parents. In all, this is a compelling and irresistible homage to the original bear with
very little brain but oodles of heart. (Mike Gartside) Once There Was a Bear by Jane Riordan, ill. Mark Burgess. Inspired by A.A. Milne & E.H. Shepard, £14.99, Farshore www. fareshore.co.uk
primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire
Gloucestershire
Help Agent Annie and win a £20 Amazon voucher
S
ometimes spies have to think in a back to front way. Agent Annie has had a coded tip-off that that her adversaries are using three common types of spying equipment to snare her secrets. To celebrate the launch of its new Spy Academy this Christmas, Cotswold Education is giving away a £20 Amazon voucher to the first person chosen at random who cracks the code correctly. Simply use your powers of observation and code-breaking skills to work out what the three items of equipment listed below are.
EJS
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
1. yrmlxfozih 2. wilmv 3. kvm xznviz Send your answer, marked SPY ACADEMY COMP to gloscompetitions@primarytimes.co.uk by Friday 12 January. Good luck!
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
Classifieds
taurus crafts
CRAFTS 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
TUITION LONGLEVENS TUITION Help for Primary Children with
Maths & English, Eleven Plus Dyslexia & Dyscalcula. Online lessons always available
To advertise here call Mike on 01452 937123
Mrs Manley, NNEB, BSc (Hons), PGCE.
Gloucester (01452) 387228
The joke’s on us Q: Can you tell me of what origin Napoleon Bonaparte was? A: Of Corsican!
primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire
4th, 5th, 11th , 12th, 18th, 19th Dec
10.00am-5.00pm Free entry and parking “Arts, crafts, gifts, toys, food and drink, hundreds of fresh cut Christmas trees create the area’s largest Christmas markets”
Taurus Crafts, Lydney, GL15 6BU - 01594 844841 www.tauruscrafts.co.uk - enquire@tauruscrafts.co.uk @tauruscrafts #tauruscrafts
CHRISTMAS 2021 15
Give your child the gift of confidence this Christmas and New Year with
Free trial karate classes
Call or text venues in: Gloucester & Cheltenham 07971 584901 Tewkesbury - 07926 312645 Ross-on-Wye - 07891 603845
