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
