Gloucestershire Primary Times, Easter 2022

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EASTER 2022 SATURDAY 9 APRIL-FRIDAY 27 MAY ISS.180

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R E AC H

for the sky!

WIN

R NG FOU ULDERI ES! C O B PLA

P.4

INSPIRE THEIR ILLUSTRATIONS WITH

QUENTIN BLAKE Primary Times talks with Sir Quentin Blake about his inspiration for illustration and the variety of his work for children During his 70-year-long career Quentin Blake has illustrated more than 500 books. He is the artist behind many beloved children’s book characters, working alongside famous authors such as Roald Dahl and David Walliams. He is also the author and illustrator of popular children’s books such as Zagazoo and Mrs Armitage. Quentin has had amazing success through his much-loved drawings. “I am extremely grateful that I’ve had the opportunity to take my drawing into many different situations,” Quentin told us. “I was born in 1932 where things were very boring. Nobody did any art in my home but me. Almost everything I got for my drawings came from my school.”

what I’ve done ever since. The fundamental collaboration in illustration is the collaboration with the story and I like to think that books take people away, not just to different places but also to different experiences of how other people feel and live and react. However, I did take art classes outside of school. In the classes you would draw from a model, then turn around so you could draw only what you can remember. Then you go home and you draw it again. If you draw something that is in front of you, the amount of visual information is sometimes too much to deal with. But I think that if you go away, then you discover different feelings that you can get down on the paper. It isn’t only the technical information, it’s the feeling.”

alien environment and so Planet Zog strange environment but friendly. Th that correspond to the doctors and c and aliens having their leg bandaged Really it’s quite a simple message: ye environment but the aliens can be qu

Head to Boulders Cheltenham for fun, fitness and adrenaline-packed adventure + FAIRYTALE GARDENS!

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While at school, Quentin never studied art directly.

Instead, he enjoyed reading and studying English Literature while still holding a keen passion for drawing.

“I never went to an art school but I don’t regret that because learning to read books has a lot to do with

+ DISCOUNT QU EN TI N HEAVEN! BL A K E

The feeling of the artwork has been incredibly

important to Quentin throughout his career. His + SUMMER’S COMING! drawings have not only had a positive impact on

LEARN FROM A GIANT OF ILLUSTRATION

THE TALL SHIPS TO RETURN TO GLOUCESTER

Illustrations by Quentin Blake

children during their happiest times but also during their scariest times. “You might not know this but I’ve done a lot of drawings in hospitals,” Quentin told us as he explained his inspiration behind one of his murals for a children and young people’s centre in Harrow, commissioned by The Nightingale Project. “’Welcome To Planet Zog’ went in a waiting room for children. I felt that a hospital is quite an

Quentin’s very first illustrations were in the children’s book A Drink of Wa Yeoman and were published in 196 Quentin has had lots of experience genres and shares his tips for illustr “Sometimes people say that I seem children very well but of course I do been married, I’ve never had any ch that I know about children, but that one. What is fascinating about child that there’s so many opportunities i a lot like acting. You don’t have mod you have to imagine that you are th have to imagine things happening a kind of mime out the actions when them so I know exactly how to draw

To discover more about Sir Quentin quentinblake.com or watch Quentin Drawing of my Life available on BB

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Book online at longleat.co.uk

02 EASTER 2022

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INSIDE

Gloucestershire

Dear Readers,

As the days grow longer, there’s a real buzz of renewal in the air. And not just the change of season that comes every Easter, but the sense that Gloucestershire families are emerging from two years of genuine hardship: a global pandemic that has spared noone. This Easter, Gloucestershire attractions and events can plan their programmes with a real confidence that children and their grown-ups will be able to turn up and enjoy themselves. This is reflected in our eight pages of theatre and what’s on listings (Box Office, P6, and WOW, P8), packed with exciting family days and evenings out. Elsewhere, illustrator Quentin Blake offers children some artistic ideas (P20). Happy Easter!

Mike Gartside - Publisher

04 COVER STORY 05 SCOOP 06 BOX OFFICE 08 W.O.W. 20 BLAKE SAYS...

FEATURE

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

22 FOR THE KIDS

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.

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Gloucestershire

EASTER 2022 27 MAY ISS.180 SATURDAY 9 APRIL-FRIDAY

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uk

Congratulations to the winners of last issue’s competition:

R EA C H

sky! the sky for the for

WIN

RING FOURULDE ES! BO PLAC

ATIONS WITH INSPIRE THEIR ILLUSTR

P.4

QUENTIN BLAKE his Sir Quentin Blake about Primary Times talks with the variety of his work for children and fundamental inspiration for illustration ever since. The what I’ve done collaboration

is another and so Planet Zog alien environment are aliens but friendly. There strange environment consultants to the doctors and Blake has illustration is the that correspond up as well. career Quentin collaboration in books take their leg bandaged During his 70-year-long books. He is the artist I like to think that and aliens having yes, it’s an alien than 500 with the story and places but also simple message: illustrated more characters, just to different Really it’s quite a quite nice.” children’s book feel people away, not the aliens can be behind many beloved of how other people such as Roald environment but famous authors to different experiences art classes working alongside However, I did take also the author featured Walliams. He is and live and react. illustrations were would draw Dahl and David books such In the classes you Quentin’s very first Water by John popular children’s outside of school. you could draw book A Drink of and illustrator of has turn around so in the children’s Since then, Mrs Armitage. Quentin from a model, then published in 1960. you go home as Zagazoo and remember. Then Yeoman and were with children’s through his much-loved only what you can something that lots of experience had amazing success that I’ve had them.

Quentin has had again. If you draw extremely grateful and you draw it information his tips for illustrating drawings. “I am into many genres and shares the amount of visual to understand to take my drawing is in front of you, say that I seem But I think the opportunity “I was born in I’ve never “Sometimes people much to deal with.

Quentin told us. is sometimes too different but of course I don’t. different situations,” Nobody did It’s not then you discover children very well were very boring. that if you go away, never had any children. been the paper. It 1932 where things everything I been married, I’ve can get down on I have but me. Almost feelings that you the feeling.” children, but that any art in my home information, it’s books is that I know about came from my school.” only the technical about children’s isn’t drawings my fascinating is for got one. What them. I find it opportunities in incredibly Quentin at, artwork has been that there’s so many models to look While at school, His The feeling of the You don’t have directly. throughout his career. a lot like acting. person. You never studied art important to Quentin impact on that you are that only had a positive you have to imagine Instead, he enjoyed and I actually drawings have not also during things happening happiest times but have to imagine reading and studying I’m drawing this but children during their the actions when while “You might not know kind of mime out them best.”

English Literature their scariest times.

Quentin exactly how to draw drawings in hospitals,” them so I know still holding a keen one I’ve done a lot of his inspiration behind Blake, visit passion for drawing. told us as he explained people’s about Sir Quentin an To discover more a children and young Blake: The “I never went to of his murals for or watch Quentin The Nightingale by don’t I but quentinblake.com commissioned art school BBC IPlayer. centre in Harrow, in a waiting Life available on To Planet Zog’ went Drawing of my regret that because Project. “’Welcome is quite an books I felt that a hospital learning to read room for children. has a lot to do with

nham enham helte Chelt ers C Boulders to Bould Head to Head nd and fittness a fi fun, fitnes for fun, for ure dventture adven packed a aline-packe adrenalineadren + FAIRYTALE GARDENS!

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Competition winner

BL A K E QU EN TI N HEAVEN! + DISCOUNT

LEARN FROM A GIANT OF ILLUSTRATION

+ SUMMER’S COMING!

THE TALL SHIPS TO RETURN TO GLOUCESTER

FUN I T IONS • FAMI LY AT ION • COMP ET DAY S OUT • EDUC Illustrations by Quentin

Blake

Craft Festival Cheltenham Clare Hozier of Up Hatherley correctly identified that the activity not on offer at the craft festival was c) Welly Throwing with Adge Cutler. She won two adult tickets to the event at Cheltenham Town Hall.

MONEY SAVING OFFERS Find these discounts in the latest edition of Primary Times

OVER FARM £5 off your family ticket with the code PT5FAMILY CAMP 4-2-11 Discounts for Primary Times Readers with code PT10 DICK WHITTINGTON PARK One adult goes free with Primary Times advert this Easter (see P7) SPY ACADEMY Free spy kit worth £40 with training SAMURAI MARTIAL ARTS Free trial classes primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire

Spy Academy Three Days of Spy Training & International Espionage!

School Years 5 & 6 Discover ways to create and crack codes Use critical thinking to improve decision making Develop social skills by working together to solve clues Use the latest hi tech gadgets Solve a real time interactive multimedia crime case FREE SPY KIT INCLUDED! (WORTH £40)

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EASTER 2022 03

Gloucestershire Advertising feature

Fun, fitness, and adrenaline-packed adventure!

C

As a new Boulders centre opens in Cheltenham, why not try out this fun, engaging, and challenging sport, which recently achieved Olympic status?

B

oulders Cheltenham is a friendly and welcoming bouldering centre for kids and adults alike. The centre provides you with all the equipment you need, and no experience is necessary, as you tackle a wide variety of exciting climbs under the expert instruction of its fully qualified staff.

This Easter holidays, why not get down to the centre and try one of its ‘Give it a Go’ classes?

Instructors will introduce you to bouldering and show you the basics in a safe environment.

There are classes just for

children but also for the whole family, so you can bring your mum and dad, even your grandma if you like!

The centre also runs Children’s Holiday Clubs throughout the Easter holidays. Pupils spend four hours there, learning new climbing skills and playing climbing games with children their own age… much better than being stuck in front of a screen – just ask Dan, aged 8, who says, “It was hard, but really fun! Me and my mates really enjoyed it!”

Boulders Cheltenham is also pleased to offer a range of after-school clubs. These six-week courses are designed to teach new skills, covering footwork, flexibility, and technique to get you bouldering like a pro!

All these exciting activities and more can be found on the centre’s website (see below), but you can also get in touch via social media or email them – the staff will be only too happy to help. “Our team are so passionate about climbing

Win four Give it a Go sessions!

heltenham Boulders are giving four free places on a bouldering Give it a Go session to the lucky winner of this competition. Simply answer the following question correctly: Bouldering was in the Olympic Games for the first time last year. How often do the Olympics usually take place?

For a chance to win, send an email with GLOS PT COMP in the subject line, with your answer and mobile phone number to cheltenham@ bouldersuk.com before Friday 22 April.

and we want to share our love of the sport with you,” says the Boulders team. “We hope you’ll visit us soon!”

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

Fun, fitness and self defence for the whole family

Free trial karate classes

Venues in: Gloucester & Cheltenham 07971 584901 Tewkesbury 07926 312645 Ross-on-Wye 07891 603845 04 EASTER 2022

primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire

NEWS FOR GLOUCESTERSHIRE’S PRIMARY SCHOOLS

Children with dyslexia: tell your story

C

hildren who have difficulties reading and writing can enter short poems, stories or articles on the theme of ‘Dyslexia and Me’ in a new competition launched by Gloucestershire Dyslexia Association (GDA). It’s a chance for young people to de-

grammar and spelling. They can also send us a short audio file or video.Writing is about thoughts, feelings and opinions, and you

scribe their challenges, triumphs and how they deal with misconceptions about the condition.

Children who haven’t yet been officially assessed for dyslexia are also welcome to enter.

“It may seem illogical to hold a writing competition for dyslexic children and those who struggle to read and write,” says GDA chair Claire Penketh. “However, we will be focusing on their storytelling and ideas, not their

don’t necessarily need perfect spelling and grammar to express yourself.”

The closing date is Thu 14 April and there will be an awards ceremony with competition judges, children’s writer John Dougherty (pictured) and Ziggy the Poet at The Sub Rooms, Stroud on Sat 30 April.

Gloucestershire Dyslexia Association W: gloucestershiredyslexia.org.uk

C

Waterways’ family amble

otswold Canals Trust marks its 50th anniversary with a fundraiser on Sun 1 May, the CanAmble, a sponsored walk along the towpath between Stroud and Sapperton. Families can enjoy beautiful countryside and learn about how the trust is restoring and reunifying the Cotswolds’ canals with the national network.

Walkers meet at Wallbridge in Stroud between 10am and 11am, with various options for food and refreshments along the way. Registering costs £20 per adult, free for children, but every extra pound you raise through sponsorship and donations is welcomed by the trust.

CanAmble 2022 Sun 1 May W: cotswoldcanals.org

Tall ships ahoy!

G loucestershire families should get ready to splice the mainbrace and cry ‘anchors aweigh!’ as Gloucester Tall Ships and Adventure Festival heaves into view after its postponement last year due to Covid-19. The rescheduled event sails into Gloucester Docks for the Queen’s platinum jubilee weekend (Fri 3-Sun 5 June), and includes the Sea Shanty Festival with performers in streets already decked out for the jubilee.

As well as the chance to climb aboard the tall ships, there’ll be live battle re-enact-

FESTS RETURN

Two family-friendly festivals return to Gloucestershire, with Wychwood Festival back at Cheltenham Racecourse from Fri 3 Jun to Sun 5 Jun, with a brilliant kids area, and music from Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Boney M. Before that, Lechlade Music Festival returns from Fri 27-Sun 29 May, with kids’ tent, bouncy castles, fairgrounds and headliner Alexandra Burke. U16s go free.

primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire

Gloucester Tall Ships and Adventure Festival Gloucester Docks 3-5 June W: www. gloucestertallships.co.uk

How will will you you vote vote How at the the elections elections in in at May? May?

IN PERSON

NEWS BITE

ments, seafaring characters and music of all kinds to enjoy.

The event was named one of the 40 best UK festivals to book for 2022 by the i newspaper and normally attracts some 100,000 visitors to the city. Keep an eye on the website for more details as the big weekend approaches.

BY POST

Apply for a: • postal vote by 5pm on 19 April • proxy vote by 5pm on 26 April

BY PROXY

Find out how at:

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EASTER 2022 05

BOXOFFICE

THE VERY BEST THEATRE, ARTS AND FILM NEAR YOU

Bacon Theatre

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

Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World

Fri 8 Apr Twirlywoos Live

Great BigHoo, Toodloo, Chickedy, Chick and friends set out on a great big live Twirlywoo adventure. Expect lots of colourful fun and laughter in this show from the makers of ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’. Performances at 1.30 and 4.30pm. Tickets £16/£14 (child)/£56 (family).

Thu 28 Apr Henry V

Kit Harington (of ‘Game of Thrones’) leads the charge, taking England once more unto the breach, in this National Theatre Live screening of Shakespeare’s tale of Henry V’s military campaign against France (12A). Screening at 7pm. Tickets £16.50 (adult)/£14.50 (concs)/£12.50 (student).

Sat 30 Apr The Wind in the Willows

Join Ratty, Mole, Badger and Toad as they set out on the adventure of a lifetime in the musical adaptation of the classic riverbank story. Immersion Theatre bring their socially distanced performance to the Bacon after it had to be re-scheduled from last year.

Performance at 2pm. Tickets £10/£8 (concs).

Barn Theatre

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

Until Sat 30 Apr The Mozart Question

An acclaimed violinist looks back on his life growing up in Venice and reveals the story of a violin with a haunting past in this adaptation of the story set against the background of the Holocaust that author Michael Morpurgo considers to be his most important work. Suitable for ages 8+. Performances 7.30pm with Sat mats 2.30pm. Tickets £11.50-£22/£11.50-£20 (child).

Thu 5-Sat 28 May Some Enchanted Evening

Musical theatre revue celebrating the songs of Rodgers and Hammerstein from musicals including ‘South Pacific’ and ‘Cinderella’.

Suitable for ages 6+. Performances 7.30pm and selected mats 2.30pm (check website for dates). Tickets £11.50-£39 (adult)/£11.50-£37 (child).

Fri 19 Aug-Sat 17 Sep Driving Miss Daisy

Alfred Uhry’s play follows the relationship between rich Southern widow Daisy Werthan and Hoke, the African American she somewhat reluctantly employs as her chauffeur. Spanning 25 years, the play both illustrates life in pre-civil rights movement America and celebrates an

06 EASTER 2022

Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, Tue 17-Sun 22 May unexpected friendship. Suitable for ages 9+.

Performances at 7.30pm plus selected mats 2.30pm (check website for dates). Tickets £11.50-£39 (adult)/£11.50-£37 (child).

and performing mischievous magic. Performance at 2.45pm. Tickets £12.

Cheltenham Playhouse

Steve Backshall: Ocean

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

Sat 9 Apr The Navy Lark

On-stage recreation of the classic radio comedy that originally featured the likes of Leslie Phillips, Ronnie Biggs and Jon Pertwee and ran from 1959-1977. Expect nostalgic belly-laughs. Performance 7.30pm. Tickets £16.

Fri 15- Sat 16 Apr Guys and Dolls

Nathan Detroit has big ambitions, his girlfriend Adelaide’s wondering why they’ve been engaged for 14 years, and his friend Sky falls for a straight-laced missionary.

Theatre Studio present Frank Loesser’s musical comedy about gambling and falling in love beneath the bright lights of Broadway.

Performances at 2pm & 7pm. Tickets £14 (adult)/£12 (senior)/£10 (under-18).

Cheltenham Town Hall

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

Sat 9 Apr Circus Sonas

Northern Irish father and son duo Martin and Logy perform circus stunts and magic tricks with plenty of ‘wow factor’ in this family-friendly show. Suitable for ages 6+.

Performance at 1pm. Tickets £12.

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

Mon 25 Apr

Mon 11-Thu 14 Apr

The famed TV naturalist and adventurer presents “a love letter to the most exciting environment on our planet” in a show that combines stunts, experiments, cutting-edge science and big-screen footage. Starts 7pm.

Tickets £29.50.

Mon 30-Tue 31 May 65 million years in the making... Are you ready for the adventure? Lots of Jurassic dinos pitch up in this interactive experience that claims to be ‘the greatest prehistoric show on earth’. Performances at 2pm & 4pm. Tickets: £12.

Tue 19 Jul

Milkshake Monkey returns with his favourite friends for a new show that sees the gang preparing to put on Milkshake’s very own musical. Performances 12noon & 3.30pm.

Tickets £16.50/£68 (family).

THU 19 MAY

Family Comedy Club

Swan Lake

Screening of the Royal Ballet’s production of Tchaikovsky’s much-loved ballet. Screening starts at 7.15pm. Tickets £15-£17.

The hills are alive as the Cotswold Savoyards present this popular Rodgers and Hammerstein musical. Set in Austria just before the WWII, it features muchloved songs, from ‘Do-Re-Mi’ and ‘Climb Ev’ry Mountain’ to ‘My Favourite Things’.

Performances at 7.30pm with matinees 2pm Wed and Sat. Tickets £19-£23.

A father and son with a shared love of Shakespeare write to one another about the common events of their lives in this drama that weaves together dramatized poems and some of Shakespeare’s most well-known monologues. Performances at 7.45pm. Tickets £11.50 (adult)/£10 (concs).

Thu 28 Jul

Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX, 01285 655611, coriniummuseum.org

Tue 12-Sat 16 Apr

From Age To Age

Rescheduled performance for this dance and music extravaganza featuring more than 20 award-winning Irish dancers and musicians. Performance 7.30pm. Tickets £28.

Corinium Museum

Four-day theatre workshop for ages 8-12 that culminates in a live performance in the Everyman Studio Theatre. See website for full details. £120.

Fri 29-Sat 30 Apr

Rhythm of the Dance

Milkshake! Live

Everyman Play in a Week

The Sound of Music

Dinosaur Adventure Live

Sat 9 Apr Family-friendly comedy line-up with Ada Campe, Howard Read and Ben Van der Velde telling tall tales, singing silly songs

Everyman Theatre

Sat 7-Sun 8 May Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever

Peppa Pig sets out on a road trip with George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig and ends up having a whole string of fun adventures. Expect songs, games and laughter in this brand new live show. Performances at 10am, 1pm and 4pm. Tickets from £20 (adult)/£18 (child).

Tue 17-Sun 22 May Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World

Jade sneaks a peek behind the scenes

primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire

M

Gloucestershire at the not-yet-open Gallery of Greatness and discovers the real-life stories of Frida Kahlo, Rosa Parks, Amelia Earhart, Marie Curie, Emmeline Pankhurst and other fantastically great women who have indeed changed the world. The Everyman plays host to the world premiere of this new pop musical. Performances at 7pm plus Thu, Sat and Sun mats 2pm. Tickets £20-£29 (adult)/£23-£27 (concs).

Thu 9-Sat 11 Jun

Wed 25-Fri 27 May

Pittville Pump Rooms

Young orphan Pip journeys from the marshes of Kent to London with a view to becoming a gentleman with the aid of a large fortune from a secret benefactor …

Hotbuckle present a vivid adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic novel. Performances at 7.45pm. Tickets £11.50 (adult)/£10 (concs).

Mon 30 May- Wed 1 Jun Dinosaur World Live

It’s the battle of the dinosaurs in Cheltenham this week as ‘Dinosaur World Live’ pulls into the Everyman. Grab your compass and join an intrepid explorer to journey through the amazing world of Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops and more. With meetand-greet after the show. Performances at 2pm plus 4.30pm (Mon) and 11am (Tue & Wed). Tickets £16.

Giffords Circus giffordscircus.com

Thu 14 Apr-Mon 22 Aug (all venues) Carpa!

Giffords Circus return with their new spectacular inspired by Mexico and 1920s and 1930s touring theatre. The Giffords troupe is joined by Mexican performers for a show “full of skill, humour, turmoil and excitement”. Performances usually at 5pm & 7pm (check website). Tickets from £20/£10 (child). Venues & dates as follows: Thu 14-Mon 25 Apr Fennells Farm Lypiatt, Stroud GL6 7NE Fri 6-Mon 16 May Daylesford Organic Farm Kingham, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 0YG Thu 19-Mon 30 May Sudeley Castle Winchcombe GL54 5JD Thu 4-Mon 8 Aug Frampton Court Frampton-on-Severn GL2 7HS Thu 11-Mon 22 Aug Minchinhampton Common Minchinhampton GL6 9BP

Gloucester Guildhall

23 Eastgate St, Gloucester GL1 1NS, 01452 503050, gloucesterguildhall.co.uk

Thu 19-Mon 23 May Swan Lake

Live screening of the Royal Opera House Ballet’s performance of Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet about the battle between good and evil and love’s attempt to conquer all. Live broadcast Thu 7.15pm, recorded replay Mon 2pm. Tickets £15.

Who’s been nibbling at Fairy Berry’s house and why is Granny Gertrude using ‘fowl’ language? Hardwicke Players re-locate their Christmas panto to June in this slapstick-laced mash-up of popular fairy tales. Performances at 7.30pm plus Sat mat 2.30pm. Tickets £9 (adult)/£7 (concs).

East Approach Drive, Cheltenham GL52 3JE, www. cheltenhamtownhall.org

Wed 27 Apr Tots and Tales

Morning of stories and crafts for the under-fives. Starts 10am. Free for under-5s, £5 (parent/carer).

The Roses Theatre

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

Tue 12-Wed 13 Apr The Wizard of Oz

All-singing, all-dancing pantomime for Easter. Performance times vary - check website.

Tickets £16-£18.

Thu 21 Apr Henry V

Kit Harington (of ‘Game of Thrones’) leads the charge, taking England once more unto the breach, in this National Theatre Live screening of Shakespeare’s tale of Henry V’s military campaign against France (12A).

Screening at 7pm. Tickets £12.50-£17.50.

Sat 4 Jun Card Ninja

Javier Jarquin, otherwise known as Card Ninja, is back in town. Expect deadly and risky fun as he performs his extreme card-flicking stunts. Performance at 2pm.

Tickets £10-£12.

Sat 18 Jun Dream

Ballet Cymru present a brand new fulllength ballet based on Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’: a tale of magic, love, fairies and enchantment. Performance at 7.30pm. Tickets £15-£22.

Fri 1-Sun 3 Jul (Almost) Treasure Island

Voyage to a tropical island paradise for a swashbuckling adventure on the high seas.

Outdoor performances in Victoria Gardens.

Times vary - see website. Tickets £10-£15.

The Sub Rooms

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

Wed 13 Apr Circus Sonas

Kingsbarton St, Gloucester GL1 1QX, 01452 300130, kingstheatregloucester.co.uk

Northern Irish father and son duo Martin and Logy perform circus stunts and magic tricks with plenty of ‘wow factor’ in this family-friendly show. Suitable for ages 6+.

Performance at 2pm. Tickets £9-£14.50.

Sat 7 May

Tue 26 Jul

Sherlock’s Excellent Adventure

Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors

Kings Theatre

The game’s afoot as Holmes and his trusty sidekick Watson set out to resolve a dispute over a family will in this spoof comedy based on Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous sleuths. Performance at 7.30pm. Tickets £13 (adult)/£10 (concs).

primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire

Meet horrible Henries, evil Elizabeth, bloody Mary and survive the Spanish Armada in this riotous tour through Tudor times by the Horrible Histories crew. Performances at 2.30pm and 6pm. Tickets £15.50-£17.50.

Registered charity no. 1107844

Great Expectations

Hansel and Gretel

9th-24th April

Fun Trail just 50p with standard admission

A Baby Dragon has hatched & escaped into the Rococo Garden this Easter!

Can you help Unipiggle and magical friends reunite it with Mum Dragon?

We’re open daily 10am-5pm Rustic play area | Shop & Café | Dogs welcome

www.rococogarden.org.uk

Follow us on

DICK WHITTINGTON PARK GREAT FOR FAMILIES & GROUPS Includes

ONE OF GLOUCESTERSHIRE’S LARGEST INDOOR PLAYBARNS Great exercise for children whatever the weather

CATS WHISKERS RESTAURANT HIDDEN VALLEY

Nature Trails & Gardens

FITNESS GROUPS Pond Water Swimming

LAKES Fishing BIRD & INSECT WATCH For opening times & to find out more visit dickwhittingtonpark.co.uk or call 01452 831000 Little London, Longhope, Glos GL17 0PH

ONE ADULT FREE ENTRY WITH THIS ADVERT Valid until 1 May 2022

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UNTIL SUN 16 OCT FUN RIDES Cotswold Farm Park, Guiting Power, Cheltenham GL54 5FL, www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk Horse owners can have exclusive access to the farm’s private estate. Follow woodland trails, gallop across grasslands and try a few jumps. Under-14s must be accompanied by an adult. ‘Novice ride’ slots can also be booked for new or nervous riders. Available on selected dates - check with website for details.

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UNTIL SUN 24 APR CRACKING EASTER FUN Birdland Park and Gardens, Rissington Rd, Bourton-on-the-Water GL54 2BN, www.birdland.co.uk Follow Easter trails, take quizzes and enjoy egg-themed talks and shows - and look out for the park’s new arrivals too because dozens of eggs are expected to hatch over the Easter holidays.

UNTIL SUN 24 APR GLORIOUS COTSWOLD GRASSLANDS Nature in Art Museum, Wallsworth Hall, Gloucester GL2 9PA, www.natureinart. org.uk Take a look at selected artworks from the Glorious Cotswold Grasslands competition for 11-19 year-olds as part of a project to restore the flower-rich grasslands of the Cotswolds.

UNTIL SAT 30 APR THE GREAT EGGSCAPE Cheltenham Town Centre See if you can track down all the eggs hidden in and around Cheltenham town centre. Look out for businesses displaying an egg with a special QR code, scan the code and solve a puzzle.

UNTIL SUN 5 JUN THE ROYAL PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION 162 The Museum of Gloucester, Brunswick Rd, Gloucester, GL1 1HP, www.museumofgloucester.co.uk/exhibitions Held continuously since 1854, this is the 162nd annual exhibition held by the RPS, showing compelling images from photographers worldwide without restrictions on age, subject matter or country. A programme of events for all ages runs alongside the show - see website for details.

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UNTIL SAT 31 DEC REGGIE THE RAPTOR’S TRAIL THROUGH TIME The Museum of Gloucester, Brunswick Rd, Gloucester GL1 1HP, www.museumofgloucester.co.uk Explore the museum for “roarsome” familyfun with Reggie. Trail sheets available to buy at reception by donation: simply pay what you think. Book museum admission tickets online to avoid disappointment. Suitable for all ages. 10am-4pm (11am-3pm Sun).

THU 7 APR DAWN CHORUS AT ROBINSWOOD HILL Robinswood Hill Country Park, Reservoir Rd, Gloucester GL4 6SX, www. gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk/ events If you’re happy to get up with the larks, you might hear some at this dawn birdwatching event. 6-8.30am.

CREATURE FEATURES: BUGS LIFE Prema Arts Centre, South St, Uley, nr Dursley GL11 5SS, www.prema.org.uk Drawing, painting and collaging pictures of bugs with the help of Katherine Witchell and Elisa Peel. Ages 7-11. 4-6pm, £2.

NATURE TOTS Crickley Hill, Birdlip, Gloucester GL4 8JY, https://www.gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk/events Discover the great outdoors with these nature activities for pre-schoolers. 1011.30am.

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season with a fun Easter challenge - see how many eggs you can find hidden around the caves and have a chance of winning a prize in a grand draw. See website for booking times and prices.

SAT 9 APR FISH AND CHIP SPECIAL Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway, Toddington Station GL54 5DT, www.gwsr.com Climb aboard the Cheltenham Fryer special at Toddington Station and enjoy a slap-up fish’n’chip supper while you travel along the line. Must be booked in advance. 7pm, £24.

STAGECOACH DISCOVERY DAY Ribston Hall High School, Stroud Rd, Gloucester GL1 5LE, www.stagecoach. co.uk Stagecoach hosts four free workshops for children aged from 4-6yrs and 5-18yrs where you can find out all about their performing arts classes and take part in dance, drama and singing activities with their performing arts teachers. Children attending the workshops will also be entered in a prize draw for the chance to win one of two free places at Stagecoach’s Easter school. Workshop times: 10.30am11.30am and 1.30-2.30pm for ages 4-6; 10am-12noon and 1-3pm for ages 6-18.

RED ROSES VS WALES Kingsholm Stadium, Gloucester GL1 3AX, englandrugby.com/tickts The Red Roses - England’s national women’s rugby union team - take on Wales in this third round Six Nations match, the first match the Red Roses have played at Kingsholm stadium. Kick-off at 4.45pm. Tickets £15 (adult)/£5 (junior).

SAT 9-MON 18 APR EASTER EGG HUNT Dyrham Park, Dyrham, nr Bath SN14 8HY, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ dyrham-park Pick up a trail map and pencil and explore the grounds of Dyrham Park, taking part in nature-inspired activities as you go - and then get a chocolate egg at the end. 10am5pm. £3 per child with admission.

SAT 9-SAT 23 APR EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA Over Farm, Over, Gloucester GL2 8DB, www.overfarm.co.uk Pull on your wellies and join in a host of activities down on the farm, including tractor trailer rides, mini games, arts and crafts, mini golf, an Easter egg hunt and a chance to meet the Easter bunny. Lots of animals to meet too - including this year’s new lambs. £14.50 (child)/£11 (adult)/£7 (conc)/£45 (family). 01452 341510 SAT 9-SUN 24 APR EASTER LAMBING Cotswold Farm Park, Guiting Power, Cheltenham GL54 5FL, www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk Join the team at Cotswold Farm Park this Easter for the final weeks of lambing season. Take a seat next to the lambing pens and enjoy a lambing talk from one of the experts; if you’re lucky, you may time it just right to see a live birth too! There are also hundreds of recent arrivals to meet, as well as a whole host of play opportunities Cheltenham Jazz Festival, which runs from Wed 27 Apr to Mon 2 May has a wealth of events for children and families including Yolanda’s Band Jam, Mon 2 May.

FRI 8-SUN 24 APR SPOT THE EGGS Clearwell Caves, Nr Coleford GL16 8JR, clearwell.caves.com Clearwell Caves re-opens for the new primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire

Gloucestershire

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BY MONDAY 25 APRIL and a delicious new menu in the restaurant.

Check the website for more details.

DRAGON EGGSCAPE Painswick Rococo Garden, Gloucester Rd, Painswick, Stroud GL6 6TH, www. rococogarden.org.uk Can you help Unipiggle and friends find the baby dragon that’s escaped in the Rococo Garden and reunite it with Mum? Join this fun Easter trail and find out. Open 10am5pm. Trail 50p with standard admission.

EASTER HOLIDAY FUN Dean Heritage Centre, Camp Mill, Soudley, Forest of Dean GL14 2UB, www. deanheritagecentre.com Two weeks of family-friendly activities at the heritage centre and in the surrounding woodlands. Create nature-inspired art and explore the site.

EASTER EGG HUNT Hidcote, Hidcote Bartrim, nr Chipping Camden GL55 6LR, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/hidcote Easter nature trail with nature-inspired activities - and an Easter egg as your reward. Pick up a trail map and explore the Arts & Crafts-inspired gardens. 10am-5pm.

Free with admission.

EASTER EGG HUNT Newark Park, Ozleworth, Wotton-under-Edge GL12 7PZ, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/newark-park Earn yourself an Easter egg by following the Easter adventure trail through the gardens of Newark Park. 11am-4pm. £3 per child.

EASTER EGG HUNT Snowshill Manor and Garden, Snowshill, Broadway WR12 7JU, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/snowshill-manor-and-garden Explore Snowshill’s gardens on an Easter adventure trail with nature activities and an

Easter egg waiting for you at the end. 11am5pm. £3 per child with standard admission.

EASTER DUCK TRAIL Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Newgrounds Ln, Gloucester GL2 7BT, www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/ slimbridge Pick up a trail card and see if you can ‘quack’ the clues and find the bright yellow ducks hiding around the wetlands centre. Prizes for the best duck finders. And don’t forget to find out more about the real ducks in the wetlands while you’re following the trail.

Free with admission.

MON 11-THU 14 APR STAGECOACH PERFORMING ARTS GLOUCESTER EASTER SCHOOL 4-6YRS Ribston Hall High School, Stroud Rd, Gloucester GL1 5LE, www.stagecoach. co.uk/gloucester#workshops Join Stagecoach for four days this Easter Holidays at Ribston Hall High School, Gloucester, and put together an amazing performance of dance, drama and singing that you will be proud to perform to an invited audience at the end of the week.

A great way to kick off Easter and dance your way into the bank holiday weekend.

Superstars aged 4-6 yrs hone their performance skills daily from 9am-12noon daily with a free t-shirt for every student.

Childcare vouchers and tax-free payments accepted. Open to all children, not just Stagecoach students. £80 for all four days.

STAGECOACH PERFORMING ARTS GLOUCESTER EASTER SCHOOL 6-18YRS Ribston Hall High School, Stroud Rd, Gloucester GL1 5LE, www.stagecoach. co.uk/gloucester#workshops For students aged 6 to 18. See above. £130 for all four days.

WESTONBIRT TREASURES Westonbirt Arboretum, The National Arboretum, Tetbury GL8 8QS, www. forestryengland.uk Join the hunt for the treasures of Westonbirt by picking up a blank map when you arrive and using it to record your favourite places in the arboretum. Then make your own view finder in the Great Oak Hall. Free with standard admission.

10.30am-4pm.

TUE 12 APR FAMILY COOKERY EXPERIENCE Harts Barn Cookery School, Harts Barn Craft Centre, Monmouth Rd, Longhope GL17 0QD, www.hartsbarncookeryschool.co.uk

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nd Centre at Slimbridge Wetla

SAT 9 - SUN 24

APRIL Can you ‘quack the case’ this Easter and find the bright yellow ducks hiding around our wetlands!

For more information search WWT Slimbridge EASTER 2022 09

Gloucestershire

Work together as a family to create a delicious three-course meal with help and guidance from one of the Harts Barn tutors.

After the cooking, you dine together in the dining venue or outside.

WED 13 APR FAMILY WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Newgrounds Ln, Gloucester GL2 7BT, www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/ slimbridge A practical and enjoyable day for young wildlife photographers (aged 8 or above) and parents to learn how to get great wildlife shots. Suitable for all skill levels and camera types (compact or SLR). 10am-1pm, £32 per adult and child/extra person £10 each.

WED 13-THU 14 APR THE APRIL MEETING Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Rd, Cheltenham GL50 4SH, www.thejockeyclub.co.uk Expect an exciting two days of racing with the last chance to watch the professionals on the track before the summer break. Gates open 12noon, first race 2.05pm, tickets from £10.

THU 14 APR COUNTRYTASTIC Three Counties Showground, Malvern WR13 6NW, www.countrytastic.co.uk Interact with lots of farmyard animals and find out all there is to know about farming and rural life through hands-on activities and displays. 10am-5pm. £9.85 (adult)/£5.85 (ages 3-15)/free (under-3, but ticket req’d).

FRI 15 APR YOUNG BIRDER ID WORKSHOP Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Newgrounds Ln, Gloucester GL2 7BT, www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/ slimbridge Get to grips with bird identification with the help of one of the experienced reserve wardens. Join them to complete morning visits to the bird hides to see what birds are around and get help identifying a variety of species including waders, ducks and passerines.

FRI 15-SAT 17 APR EASTER EGG HUNT Chastleton House, Chastleton, nr Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 0SU, www. nationaltrust.org.uk/chastleton

Find and complete 10 nature-themed activities as you follow an Easter adventure trail around the grounds of Chastleton.

Looks through the eyes of a bug and design a bug hotel. 1-4pm. Activity pack costs £3 per child with standard admission.

SUN 17-MON 18 APR EASTER EGG HUNT Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway, Winchcombe Station GL54 5LD, www.gwsr.com Join GWSR for a fun Easter egg hunt on Winchcombe Station before or after a ride on the trains. Times and details tbc.

FRI 15-MON 18 APR EASTER EGG HUNT Chedworth Roman Villa, Yanworth, nr Cheltenham GL54 3LJ, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chedworth-roman-villa Pick up a trail map, with an Easter egg as your reward. 10am-4pm. £3 with standard admission.

SAT 16 APR EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA Sandford Parks Lido, Keynsham Rd, Cheltenham GL53 7PU, www.sandfordparkslido.org.uk Easter games and activities for all the family (see website for details). 11am-3pm. Normal entry fee applies.

SUN 17 APR KLUB KIDZ Pittville Pump Room, E Approach Drive, Cheltenham GL52 3JE, www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk

Easter family rave with classic club music, balloons, bubbles, confetti, games, face painting, glow sticks and some Easter surprises. Ages from birth to 11 or so with their adults. Starts 12noon. Tickets £9.

TUE 19 APR FOREST OF DEAN NATURE TOTS Angus Buchanan Fields, Coleford GL16 8DS, www.gloucestershirewildlifetrust. co.uk/events Discover the great outdoors with these nature activities for pre-schoolers. 1011.30am.

TUE 19-FRI 22 APR THE COLOURS OF SPRING Westonbirt Arboretum, The National Arboretum, Tetbury GL8 8QS, www. forestryengland.uk See how many spring colours you can

Set out on an amazing adventure to Roman Britain – meet Roman costumed characters and discover all about their lives with our free kids activity trail and audio guide!

Book in advance to avoid disappointment romanbaths.co.uk

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Gloucestershire From Hoglets to Hedgehogs, Old Baptist Chapel, Tewkesbury, Sat 23 Apr

collection. No experience needed, sketching material can be supplied on request.

Runs 4th Thursday of the month (except December and January). 10am-1pm. Free admission - donations gratefully accepted.

Tell them you saw it here!

discover as you walk around the arboretum on this “colour scavenger hunt” and look at colour in more detail by visiting the undercover area. Free with standard admission.

See also P17, for other Westonbirt activities this spring. 10.30am-4pm.

THU 21 APR CREATIVE EXPLORERS Pittville Pump Room, E Approach Drive, Cheltenham GL52 3JE, www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk Artist-led holiday club offering children the chance to express themselves while making new friends and learning new skills, from mask-making to clay play and printing.

10am, £25.

FAMILY COOKERY EXPERIENCE Harts Barn Cookery School, Harts Barn Craft Centre, Monmouth Rd, Longhope GL17 0QD, www.hartsbarncookeryschool.co.uk See Tue 12 Apr. SAT 23 APR HOGLETS TO HEDGEHOGS Old Baptist Chapel, Off Church St, Tewksbury GL20 5RZ, www.johnmooremuseum.org Find out all about hedgehogs, their habitats and behaviour and how Wild Hogs Hedgehog Rescue has been helping sick and injured hedgehogs. Tickets include entry to the John Moore Museum and Merchant’s House. 2-3pm, £6 (adult)/£4.50 (conc)/£2 (child).

SAT 23-SUN 24 APR WARTIME IN THE COTSWOLDS Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway, Winchcombe Station GL54 5LD, www.gwsr.com GWSR hosts a weekend of events that take a lighthearted look at life on a west of England railway during the second world war. Travel up and down the line to meet the Home Guard and other re-enactors, enjoy wartime entertainment and check out vintage vehicle displays. Period dress encouraged. 10am-4pm. £27-£30 (adult)/£13.50-£15 (child)/£72-£80 (family).

MON 25 APR WORLD PENGUIN DAY Birdland Park and Gardens, Rissington Rd, Bourton-on-the-Water GL54 2BN,

www.birdland.co.uk Celebrate World Penguin Day with the park’s only breeding group of king penguins as well as the Humboldts. Twice-daily penguin feeds and talks.

Plant, Gregory Porter, PP Arnold and loads more. See events marked (CJF) elsewhere in the listings for events with a family-friendly leaning. Full line-up, venues, times, prices etc on the website.

WED 27 APR TOTS AND TALES Pittville Pump Room, E Approach Drive, Cheltenham GL52 3JE, www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk Morning of stories and crafts with a snack and a drink for each child and a hot drink for each parent or carer. For toddlers and pre-schoolers. 10am.

DISCOVER@THE STORES Corinium Museum, Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX, coriniummuseum.org Go behind the scenes at the museum stores and discover the fascinating artefacts from prehistory through to life in the Cotswolds in the 1950s. Then learn more about specific items from the storekeepers. NB This event takes place at The Resource Centre, The Old Prison Site, Northleach GL54 3JH. 11am-12 noon. Tickets £6.50-£7.50.

NATURE TOTS Robinswood Hill Country Park, Reservoir Rd, Gloucester GL4 6SX, www. gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk/ events Discover the great outdoors with these nature activities for pre-schoolers. 1011.30am.

THU 28 APR ART IN THE GALLERIES The Museum of Gloucester, Brunswick Rd, Gloucester GL1 1HP, www.museumofgloucester.co.uk Bring a sketchbook and pencil to join artist Claire Taylor-Jones to explore the museum

WED 27 APR-MON 2 MAY CHELTENHAM JAZZ FESTIVAL (CJF) Various venues inc. Imperial Gardens, Cheltenham GL50 1QZ, www.cheltenhamfestivals.com The internationally renowned jazz festival is back live this year and celebrating its 25th anniversary in style, with musicians from all the world including Jamie Cullum, Imelda May, Paloma Faith, Nitin Sawney, Robert

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Learning in Community

SAT 30 APR SLOW STITCH SATURDAY The Museum of Gloucester, Brunswick Rd, Gloucester GL1 1HP, www.museumofgloucester.co.uk Spend a relaxed couple of hours hand stitching, knitting, crocheting and working on your own projects. Artist Claire TaylorJones will be on hand to help if needed.

10am-12noon. £5 tea/coffee included.

AQUATHLON Sandford Parks Lido, Keynsham Rd, Cheltenham GL53 7PU, www.sandfordparkslido.org.uk A swim and run event for participants aged 16 and over (see website for details).

7.30-11am.

MUSEUM CRAFT WORKSHOPS (MASK SELFIE PORTRAIT) The Museum of Gloucester, Brunswick Rd, Gloucester GL1 1HP, www.museumofgloucester.co.uk Aimed at adults and older children (14+), these three hour workshops promise a

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fun afternoon with the museum’s artist in residence, learning a new skill. 1-4pm.

BAM! BABIES’ ADVENTURES IN MUSIC (CJF) Discovery Space, Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham Gl50 1UW, www.cheltenhamfestivals.com Interactive show for babies, families and friends with singer Sam Frankie Fox and multi-instrumentalist Ricardo Rocha. Expect stimulating sounds and playful tunes.

10.45am-11.30am. £6.

ADRIANO ADEWALE: A WORLD OF SOUND AND PERCUSSION (CJF) Discovery Space, Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham Gl50 1UW, www.cheltenhamfestivals.com Discover new rhythms and instruments with Brazilian-born percussionist Adriano Adewale. Ages 5+. 12.15-1pm. £6.

FAMILY SING WITH JULIET KELLY (CJF) Discovery Space, Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham Gl50 1UW, www.cheltenhamfestivals.com Return for a festival favourite - vocalist Juliet Kelly pays tribute to the great jazz divas who’ve inspired her and you get to join in with an hour of singing and fun music. All ages. 2-3pm, £6.

SAT 30 APR-MON 2 MAY DINOSAUR WEEKEND Birdland Park and Gardens, Rissington Rd, Bourton-on-the-Water GL54 2BN, www.birdland.co.uk Explore a Jurassic-themed landscape, and see if you can unearth some fossil remains.

FROM SAT 30 APR STAGECOACH: NEW CLASSES OPEN Ribston Hall High School, Stroud Rd, Gloucester GL1 5LE, www.stagecoach. co.uk/gloucester#classes Due to popular demand, Stagecoach opens new classes across all age groups. Visit the website for a full list of classes and availability. Two week trials available for new students. Childcare vouchers and taxfree payments accepted.

SUN 1 MAY CANAMBLE Meet at Wallbridge, Stroud cotswoldcanals.org/support-us/goldentrow22/ canamble-2022/ A welcome revival of this traditional fundraising walk for the Cotswold Canals Trust which this year celebrates 50 years of volunteers’ efforts to keep the Stroudwater

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and Thames & Severn canals navigable.

Gather at 10-11am before heading off along the towpath towards Sapperton. £20 to register, which also buys you a T-shirt.

JAZZ BABIES WITH HOLLY THOMAS (CJF) Discovery Space, Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham Gl50 1UW, www.cheltenhamfestivals.com A chance for young children to listen, dance and learn about different musical instruments as singer Holly Thomas entertains. 10.30-11.30am, £6.

MON 2 MAY YOLANDA’S BAND JAM (CJF) Jazz Arena, Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham Gl50 1UW, www.cheltenhamfestivals.com Discover the wonders of music-making and get inspired at Yolanda’s Band Jam that’s featured on Cbeebies and been called “Jools Holland for kids”. 11-11.45am, £10.

TUE 3-SAT 7 MAY CHIPPING CAMPDEN LITERATURE FESTIVAL Various venues, Chipping Campden, www.campdenlitfest.co.uk

Readings, workshops, literary lunches, book signings with authors whose work is mostly tilted toward adult readers - but check the full programme when the festival launches its new website soon.

WED 4 MAY PASSPORT TO THE PAST Online, www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/ archives Monthly online afterschool club hosted by Gloucestershire Archives: to explore history, take part in history-related activities and a different theme each month. Resources can also be downloaded for free.

THU 5 MAY NATURE TOTS Crickley Hill, Birdlip, Gloucester GL4 8JY, www.gloucestershirewildlifetrust. co.uk/events Discover the great outdoors with these nature activities for pre-schoolers. 1011.30am.

THU 5-SUN 8 MAY RHS MALVERN SPRING FESTIVAL Three Counties Showground, Malvern WR13 6NW, www.rhsmalvern.co.uk

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Celebrate the coming of spring with some of the UK’s best-known gardening personalities, show gardens, school gardens, floral displays, food, drink and more.

9am-6pm daily. £38.85 (adult)/£32.85 (member)/free (under-16s, but ticket req’d).

THU 2-SAT 4 JUN FIRE AND WOOD FESTIVAL Dean Heritage Centre, Camp Mill, Soudley, Forest of Dean GL14 2UB, www. deanheritagecentre.com Special May Bank Holiday charcoal burn - one of the few opportunities to see this traditional craft being practised. Plus familyfriendly activities to celebrate local crafts and the Forest of Dean’s heritage.

Wychwood Festival, Cheltenham Racecourse, Fri 3-Sun 5 Jun, hosts a brilliant childrens’ area, plus music from Deacon Blue, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Boney M and many others

SAT 7-SUN 8 MAY ORCHARD STREET CRAFT MARKET Gloucester Quays, Gloucester GL1 5SH Find lots of locally produced foods and crafts to browse and buy at the popular monthly market. 10am-5pm.

SUN 8 MAY MIDNIGHT SWIM Sandford Parks Lido, Keynsham Rd, Cheltenham GL53 7PU, www.sandfordparkslido.org.uk Moonlit swim with additional atmospheric lighting. Minimum age 16. See website for details. 11pm-1am.

SAT 14 MAY FISH AND CHIP SPECIAL Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway, Toddington Station GL54 5DT, www.gwsr.com Climb aboard the Cheltenham Fryer special at Toddington Station and enjoy a slap-up fish’n’chip supper while you travel along the line. Must be booked in advance. 7pm, £24.

OPEN MORNING The King’s School, Gloucester GL1 2BG, www.thekingsschool.co.uk King’s is an independent day school for girls and boys aged 3 to 18 situated in the heart of Gloucester, adjacent to the Cathedral. Visit on Open Morning and follow a Discovery Trail to find out what makes King’s an award-winning, forward-thinking, inspirational school.

SUN 15 MAY WALK FOR LONGFIELD Longfield, Longfield Community Hospice, Burleigh Lane, Minchinhampton GL5 2PQ, www.longfield.org.uk Join this walk for Longfield Hospice in Minchinhampton. Choose a scenic 5K or 10K route, and enjoy a cuppa and cake on your return. A chance for the family to remember loved ones. 10:30-2.30pm.

MON 16-FRI 20 MAY WALK TO SCHOOL WEEK Nationwide, www.livingstreets.org. uk/wtsw Join thousands of children nationwide as they walk, wheel, cycle, scoot or ‘park and stride’ to school every morning - both as a means of reducing traffic and getting 14 EASTER 2022

healthy. Look out for daily #PowerUp challenges to learn about the social, physical, mental and environmental benefits of walking to school. Walk to School Week school resources are now available via the website.

TUE 17 MAY FOREST OF DEAN NATURE TOTS Angus Buchanan Fields, Coleford GL16 8DS, www.gloucestershirewildlifetrust. co.uk/events Discover the great outdoors with these nature activities for pre-schoolers. 1011.30am.

SAT 21 MAY-SUN 17 JUL BACK TO THE CAVES Clearwell Caves, nr Coleford GL16 8JR, clearwell.caves.com A “major” exhibition of modern and contemporary sculpture, promising a unique cultural experience underground.

WED 25 MAY NATURE TOTS Robinswood Hill Country Park, Reservoir Rd, Gloucester GL4 6SX, www. gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk Nature activities for pre-schoolers. 1011.30am.

FRI 27-SUN 29 MAY LECHLADE MUSIC FESTIVAL Riverside Park, Lechlade-on-Thames Family-friendly music festival with lots of free music, dance, arts and crafts workshops plus a packed three-day line-up of live music including The Boomtown Rats and Alexandra Burke. 11am-11pm daily, £25-£69.95.

SAT 28 MAY PIED PIPER JUNIOR TRIATHLON + AQUATHLON Sandford Parks Lido, Keynsham Rd, Cheltenham GL53 7PU, www.sandfordparkslido.org.uk

FRI 3 JUN COTSWOLD OLIMPICKS Dover’s Hill, West Subedge, Chipping Camden GL55 6UW, www.olimpickgames.co.uk Claiming to be the forerunner of the modern Olympic Games, the Cotswold Olimpicks include traditional sports including running races and tug of war, as well as the infamous shin-kicking world championship.

A fun and friendly sporting event for children aged 8-16. Fundraising for the Pied Piper Appeal and Sandford Lido Ltd. and supported by Harrison Clark Rickerby’s.

Timings and details tbc. 7.30-11am.

SAT 28-SUN 29 MAY THE RAGGED VICTORIANS Dean Heritage Centre, Camp Mill, Soudley, Forest of Dean GL14 2UB, www. deanheritagecentre.com Historical re-enactment group The Ragged Victorians - The Great Unwashed recreate what life was like for the lower classes in England around the middle of the 19th century.

FRI 3-SUN 5 JUN GLOUCESTER TALL SHIPS Gloucester Docks, Gloucester GL1 2EL, www.gloucestertallships.co.uk The celebration of seafaring returns with a packed schedule of family activities and entertainment, plus tall ships, reenactments and a vintage fairground.

WYCHWOOD FESTIVAL Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Rd, Cheltenham GL50 4SH, www.wychwoodfestival.com Cheltenham’s family-friendly Wychwood Festival is back after a virtual event last year. Expect live music from Deacon Blue, Peter Hook & the Light and many more, plus workshops for all ages, comedy and camping in the beautiful Prestbury Hills.

Weekend tickets from £129.50 (adult, no camping)/£139 (with camping)/£64.50 (child aged 10-15)/£19.50 (child aged 5-9)/ under-5s free.

SAT 28 MAY-SUN 5 JUN THE WILDLIFE ART SOCIETY INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL EXHIBITION Nature in Art Museum, Wallsworth Hall, Gloucester GL2 9PA, www.natureinart. org.uk Paintings, sculptures and photographs of wildlife from all over the world in a selling exhibition of more than 350 works by society members. Plus the chance to see artists at work.

PENGUIN WEEK Birdland Park and Gardens, Rissington Rd, Bourton-on-the-Water GL54 2BN, www.birdland.co.uk A chance to meet the UK’s oldest penguin and some avian film stars, during this week focused on the park’s resident penguins, one of the highlights of this attraction.

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MON 30-TUE 31 MAY DINOSAUR ADVENTURE LIVE Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Sq, Cheltenham GL50 1QA, www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk Take a journey through the Jurassic era when dinosaurs ruled the earth and discover some of the most amazing creatures to have lived on earth, in this interactive show.

Shows at 2pm & 4pm. Tickets £12.

Email: GLOS@ PRIMARYTIMES. CO.UK

BY MONDAY 25 APRIL

primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire

Gloucestershire Advertising features

CORKBOARD Magical spring memories at Slimbridge This Easter, have a quacking time on the Easter Duck Trail at Slimbridge Wetland Centre, the perfect opportunity to get outdoors with the whole family. Pick up a trail card and crack the clues to find the bright yellow ducks hiding around the wetlands. Explore the Hawaiian landscape of Mission Possible and meet the world’s rarest goose, the nene (pictured) or become an explorer at the Arctic Adventure.

Look for adorable chicks, ducklings and goslings, meet the friendly otter and be wowed by watery wonders in Toad Hall. Experience Slimbridge like never before this spring with the family friendly app, Wetland Heroes, created by Aardman.

WWT Slimbridge W: www.wwt.org.uk/ wetland-centres/slimbridge

Everyman for all!

Camp 4-2-11 in Stroud this summer!

Discounts for Primary Times readers with code PT10 The award-winning Camp 4-2-11 aims to provide working parents with “guilt free” childcare every holiday. Ofsted inspectors rated it outstanding, describing, “An exceptionally well-organised, happy environment.” Mum of six, Kate Hall, who’s run the camps for 12 years says, “Our camp team makes it such a fun experience.”

Camp 4-2-11 now has settings at St Edward’s Senior School, Cheltenham, Dinglewell, Gloucester, The Cotswold School, Bourton-onthe-Water and, new this summer, Archway School in Stroud.

It caters for children aged 3 to 14 in groups aged 3 to 6 and 7 to 14.

Activities include drama, rounders, circus skills, treasure hunts, climbing wall, archery, science & magic and more. It accepts childcare vouchers.

Easter: Mon 11-Thu 21 April Summer: Mon 25 Jul-Fri 19 Aug New Stroud Camp: Mon 1 to Thu 18 Aug Camp 4-2-11 W: camp4211.co.uk

A Taurus Easter

A bumper season of shows and opportunities is coming up at Cheltenham’s Everyman Theatre over the spring period. The Easter Play in a Week is a jam-packed four days for 8 to 12 year olds, working with theatre professionals towards a performance in the Studio Theatre. The Everyman Youth Theatre also provides the opportunity for young people of all ages to find and express their creative voices.

‘Dinosaur World Live’ brings dinosaurs like the terrifying T-Rex to life in an interactive show. Look out, too, for other incredible shows for families: from ‘The Gruffalo’ to ‘Private Peaceful’ there’s something to capture the imagination of all ages. See Box Office (P6) for current events plus: Dinosaur World Live Mon 30 May to Wed 1 Jun The Gruffalo (pictured) Fri 3 to Sun 5 Jun Private Peaceful Tue 5 to Sat 9 Jul Dick Whittington Fri 25 Nov -Sun 8 Jan

This half term, why not take part in some of Taurus Crafts’ great family activities? They have events and things to do all day from Sat 9 to Sun 24 April, so you can easily organise time together with your loved ones.

To complete your visit, why not have a delicious family meal, or a slice of freshly baked cake and locally sourced coffee? It’s all available from the café onsite.

The centre is part of the Camphill Village Trust, which supports people with special needs, so you’ll not only have a great day out, but help an excellent cause at the same time.

Find out what else Taurus Crafts offers by visiting its website or following it on social media.

Everyman Theatre W: www.everyman.org.uk

Taurus Crafts W: www.tauruscrafts.co.uk

primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire

Parents’ and teachers’ news, resources and contacts Don’t lose your vote!

Registering to vote takes five minutes and can be done online at the website below. You will be asked for your National Insurance number, but you can still register to vote if you do not have one.

The next scheduled elections in Cheltenham are Borough Council and Parish Council elections which take place on Thursday 5 May 2022.

The deadline to apply to register to vote in upcoming elections is 14 April 2022.

Citizens from British Overseas Territories, Commonwealth countries, and EU countries are all eligible to register to vote.

Cheltenham Borough Council’s Electoral Services Team T: 01242 264132 E: elections@cheltenham.gov.uk Register to vote at W: www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

Confidence through karate Making friends and bringing communities together through 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.

Founded in June 2001 by Brian Jarvis, SMA has taught thousands of students of all ages at clubs throughout the county. The club provides age-appropriate classes to children, teens and adults. Through long term practice it sees shy pupils grow in self-confidence as their technical ability improves. Free trial classes are available at all SMA venues.

Samurai Martial Arts T: 07971 584901 W: www.samurai-martialarts.co.uk EASTER 2022 15

Gloucestershire Marlborough College Summer School 10 July to 6 August 2022 summerschool.co.uk Facebook /MarlboroughCollegeSummerSchool Instagram marlboroughsummerschool

Discover your Summer!

Are you wondering how to please all the family this summer holiday? In need of childcare when term ends? Simply looking for ways to make the most of your summer in 2022? Help is at hand at Marlborough College Summer School from 10 July to 6 August.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE From the creative arts to science, history and culture to life skills and wellbeing, this much-loved West Country event truly offers something for everyone. Choose from an incredible 594 courses suitable for all ages and interests during the day and then indulge in the eclectic evening entertainment. All courses run from Monday to Friday and last for either five full or five half days, giving you the opportunity to enjoy up to two different courses each week.

As well as staying at the College with their families, young people are welcome to attend Summer School each day.

Eligible working parents can use Childcare Vouchers or the taxfree scheme, Childcare Choices, to help pay for courses.

EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCES Junior Troopers (ages 3-6) and Children’s Activities (ages 6-9) adopt the multi-activity approach with a packed programme of arts and crafts, music, sports and outdoor games.

Like the Adults, Young Adventurers (ages 9-12) and Teenagers (ages 13-17) can choose a morning and afternoon course, which they continue all week.

16 EASTER 2022

The 2022 line-up features traditional favourites such as Outdoor Adventures, Tennis, Football, Horse Riding and Stay Alive Survival. Meanwhile, new activities set to be popular choices for youngsters this year include Robotics and Coding, Henna Art, Watersports, Baking, Songwriting, a Gruesome Grub and Gory Stories course inspired by ‘Horrible Histories’, and even a course for budding Crime Scene Detectives!

As the children are being entertained and well cared for, grown-ups can enjoy some time to themselves to indulge in a favourite pastime or learn a new skill. Adult courses for

from Astronomy to Calligraphy, Tutankhamun to Fantastic Female Philosophers and Picture Framing to Gospel Singing. Improve your wellbeing with Yoga, Mindfulness and Meditation, Ballet for Fitness or Swim and Gym, or even enhance your eco credentials with An Introduction to Bee Keeping, Sustainability in Daily Life or The Big Upcycling Challenge.

2022 encompass everything

showcase Gala events take place every Tuesday and Friday evening. This year’s line-up includes, an evening with Janet Street-Porter and music from Andy Abraham, Only Men Aloud and the ELO Experience. Certain

Summer School accepts childcare vouchers

to be a big hit with families is Illyria’s outdoor production of ‘Peter Pan’. Not only does it feature real flying but under-18s go free, so book your tickets quick!

Non-resident young people from age 6 and upwards who wish to stay on for the evening activities between 4.30pm and 6.30pm can do so from just £5 extra per evening. After an action-packed day, the fun continues with activities such as the legendary foam slide, Nerf Wars and an end of week BBQ and Disco. This guarantees your youngsters will return home happy, with new friends and memories that will last a lifetime, and best of all – ready for bed!

UNMISSABLE ENTERTAINMENT Another highlight of the Summer School experience is the entertainment on offer to both Summer School students and the public. In addition to recitals, film nights and 5.15pm lectures,

Junior Troopers costs from £185 and Children’s Activities from £365 per child per week.

Courses for Young Adventurers, Teenagers and Adults all start from £225 per person per week.

BOOK A SUMMER TO REMEMBER For more information and to request a brochure showing the full range of courses on offer call the Summer School team on 01672 892388 or visit summerschool.co.uk

primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire

Gloucestershire Advertising features

CORKBOARD Great egg-citement at Over Farm

When was the last time you visited Over Farm, Gloucester? Whenever it was, you’re guaranteed to find some egg-citing changes on your next visit.

During a three-month seasonal closure of their Farm Trail, the team has worked extremely hard building a brand-new mini golf course, complete with twists and turns to put your putting skills to the test.

The attraction has also commissioned a fantastic new Barnyard Adventure play area, set to be a big hit with young families. Both these new areas are unveiled at the start of the Easter holidays to coincide with the Over Farm countryside adventure ‘Easter Eggstravaganza’.

The event features a special prize trail as well as a chance to see the Easter Bunny! Catch some air on the giant jumping pillows, meet the farm’s friendly animals, speed down the high slide and ride on the quad train - there’s so much to do!

Keep your eyes peeled for their advert in this edition of Primary Times to bag yourself £5 off a family ticket (Hint, it’s on Page 2)!

Over Farm W: www.overfarm.co.uk

Picture this

Children who love taking photos will enjoy The Royal Photographic Society’s International Photography Exhibition at the Museum of Gloucester, which runs until Sun 5 Jun. With work by more than 40 world-class photographers it explores themes like spirituality, landscape and the environment.

RPS International Photography Exhibition W: www. museumofgloucester.co.uk

Parents’ and teachers’ news, resources and contacts

The place for family fun For Easter family fun, visit Dick Whittington Park. Rain or shine it is the place for family fun, exercise and relaxation. Set in a beautiful location the Park offers a large indoor heated Play Barn with slides, climbing fames trampolines, climbing frames, trampolines, a climbing wall and wavey mirrors.

Enjoy the Hidden Valley nature trails around the park: wander around the lakes and pathways, and up the zigzag path to the hilltop viewing point and into the ancient wood. Experience the Gloucestershire apple orchard and cottage gardens. Look out for the baby ducks.

The Who’s Who Gallery gives an insight into famous Gloucestershire characters including J.K. Rowling and Eddie the Eagle. Food and drink is available in the restaurant with picnic areas around the Park and Sensory Garden.

Dogs welcome outdoors.

Dick Whittington Park T: 01452 831000 Fb: Dick Whittington Park W: www.dickwhittingtonpark.co.uk

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Advertising feature

Go Roman this spring at Woodland the Roman Baths wonderland This Easter, visit Westonbirt and discover spring’s best kept secret – there’s so much to do!

T

S

et out on an amazing adventure to ancient Britain at the Roman Baths in Bath. Meet the costumed characters based on real-life Romans who lived and worked 2,000 years ago. These colourful characters will happily answer your questions, fill you in on what life was like and even pose for a portrait.

Pick up the free activity trail

or listen to the children’s audioguide narrated by the fabulous Michael Rosen. Or visit the app store and download the Roman Baths Kids app, with games and amazing facts. And don’t forget to visit the website for more fun things to do.

Roman Baths, Baths W: visitbath.co.uk

primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire

ake part in some amazing Easter holiday activities; find the treasures of Westonbirt and create your own view-finder full of all the treasures you discover on your walk around the arboretum. Or marvel at the colours of spring, by collecting your “colour palette and colour scavenger hunt” from the Welcome Building when you arrive and see how many spring colours you can see on your walk.

Why not join the experienced and knowledgeable volunteers as they guide you through the Old Arboretum on a guided walk? No two walks are the same!

How about experiencing the arboretum in a new different way?

Let the team’s visually impaired guides lead you through an immersive and interactive sensory

experience for you to enjoy the arboretum at a slower pace and explore the trees of Westonbirt through your nonvisual senses.

Don’t forget you can discover the small but mighty creatures at the arboretum with the amazing ‘Superworm’ trail! The new self-led trail is packed with features from this much-loved Julia Donaldson story, and you can learn about the everyday heroic feats of minibeasts in the forest.

Whether you go up on the Tree Top Walkway, or try to spot the Gruffalo, Westonbirt provides an amazing outdoors setting for a family day out!

Westonbirt Arboretum W: www. forestryengland.uk/westonbirt or T: 0300 068 0400 if you require assistance when booking.

EASTER 2022 17

Gloucestershire Advertising feature

taurus crafts half term activities 9th until 24th April 2022

Children’s creative activities throughout school holidays Taurus Crafts, Lydney, GL15 6BU - enquire@tauruscrafts.co.uk 01594 844841 - www.tauruscrafts.co.uk

T

Spring into Cotswold Farm Park!

his Easter holidays, there are lambs and goat kids galore to meet, along with an egg hunt around the park, regular lambing talks and free face painting, all included in the cost of admission.

There’s also a range of additional paid-for craft activities you can sign up to, where you can decorate your own Easter egg, create an Easter wreath, make your very own pom-pom bunny or design a pretty springtime headband. All the crafts are delivered by the wonderful and talented ladies at Larkswold Creative Workshops, Emma and Melinda. These sessions have limited capacity, so advance booking is recommended.

Following on from Easter, there’s lots more to look forward to! Bottle feeding is due to start on Friday 29 April and continues all the way through to July.

Shearing is next up, timed to start just as the May half term holidays begin.

The Farm Park team (and animals!) are all excited to be sharing a full farming year with the public again and the park is looking better than ever. There are even more outdoor play options to enjoy and new breakfast and lunch menus to drool over, so it really is the perfect time for a visit.

Cotswold Farm Park W: cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk

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The 11+ Test without a tutor?

I The CVI Feasibility Study – new link with Dept of Education (DfE)

The CVI Feasibility study involved 7 schools across Gloucestershire, North Somerset and Hampshire. The study children were in Years 3-5 during 2019-2020.

If your child was in the study, you will know that the pandemic severely limited the information we could collect during the school closures. We have now been given permission to use “de-identified” routine data from the DfE, for the study children.

Although the DfE does not have all the information we would have collected, it does contain some useful data which will add value to the study.

If your child was in the study and you want to withdraw them from our linkage to routine DfE data, please see our website (www.thecviproject.co.uk) for details of how to do this.You must let us know by 11 April 2022 - we will not be able to identify individual children after this date. If you have already withdrawn your child from the study, they will not be included in the linkage project.

A big thank you to all children, teachers and parents who have taken part!

We will send our final results paper to the schools when ready.

18 EASTER 2022

f you’re considering grammar school as an option for your child, the prospect of preparing your child for the 11+ test can be daunting. Many parents worry that they have no chance without a tutor or are concerned that they have left things too late to give their child an opportunity to do well in the test. Don’t panic!

There’s still time and a tutor is not essential.

Having said that, it’s sensible to do some preparation so that your child knows what to expect in the test and has some idea of the questions likely to be asked.

As well as getting some relevant study books, an on-location mock test is useful for finding out how your child is doing compared to other children as it’s all about the best ranking students getting a place. A mock is also great for building your child’s confidence and reducing anxiety on the day

of the real test.

Cotswold Education is a long-established local business, run by highly experienced and qualified educators, offering a range of books, events and courses. Their popular free online parents’ meetings are a great way to get up to speed on the process of applying and preparing for grammar school and choosing the right programme for your child.

Cotswold Education T: 07976 218062 E: cotswoldeducationuk@gmail. com W: www.cotswoldeducation.co.uk

primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire

Gloucestershire Advertising feature

A history of forward thinking

A

visit to The King’s School in Gloucester is a must for parents seeking a forwardthinking pupil-centred education for their child The school’s open morning on Saturday 14 May is a great opportunity to visit on a typical school day and see its teaching and learning in action.

King’s is an award-winning, independent day school with just over 680 pupils, girls and boys, aged 3 to 18. It is adjacent to Gloucester Cathedral, which gives it a special sense of identity.

King’s provides a genuine love of learning with stimulating lessons in small classes and encourages children to pursue their personal interests; the range of co-curricular activities in sport, music, performing and creative arts is truly enriching.

The school celebrates individual talent and pupils of all

ages have a strong sense of community, soon becoming supportive team members. This blend of personal achievement and team spirit is one of the defining qualities of King’s.

Pastoral care is a high priority.

Working in close partnership with parents, the school creates a secure environment where children of all abilities can thrive and be happy. There’s nothing better than seeing the school in action. Experience this unique environment for yourself by

EJS

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

Full time or part time places to support home schooling

visiting King’s next Open Morning.

The King’s School Open Morning, Sat 14 May. Please pre-register via the school website W: www.thekingsschool.co.uk T: 01452 337337 E: admissions@ thekingsschool.co.uk

Edward Jenner School

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

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Easter Adventures in Wonderland at Longleat

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his Easter, discover a wonderland of exciting new experiences at Longleat. Meet the first ever koala to have been born in England. The adorable baby spent the first six months of its life inside mum’s pouch but is now venturing outside – much to the delight of visitors.

Step inside the magical world of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland from Friday 8 to Sunday 24 April.

Get crafty with the Mad Hatter and help the clumsy playing cards. Plus, hunt down the giant Easter eggs hidden around the park and crack the code for a little treat.

Longleat House is also reopening to visitors following a two-year break. Join guided tours

of the Great Hall, spectacular 19th century interiors, the magnificent State Rooms, ornate bedrooms and ‘backstairs’ areas.

No day at Longleat would be complete without coming face to face with some of the largest, fiercest, cutest and strangest animals from around the world in the Safari Park. Plus, hop aboard the Jungle Cruise to meet gorillas and sea lions, wander through meerkats in Animal Kingdom, explore the Adventure Castle and lose yourself in the giant hedge maze.

Longleat W: www.longleat.co.uk

primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire

10 July to 6 August 2022

Request a brochure today and discover over 500 courses waiting for you.

01672 892388 summerschool.co.uk

EASTER 2022 19

INSPIRE THEIR ILLUSTRATIONS WITH

QUENTIN BLAKE Primary Times talks with Sir Quentin Blake about his inspiration for illustration and the variety of his work for children During his 70-year-long career Quentin Blake has illustrated more than 500 books. He is the artist behind many beloved children’s book characters, working alongside famous authors such as Roald Dahl and David Walliams. He is also the author and illustrator of popular children’s books such as Zagazoo and Mrs Armitage. Quentin has had amazing success through his much-loved drawings. “I am extremely grateful that I’ve had the opportunity to take my drawing into many different situations,” Quentin told us. “I was born in 1932 where things were very boring. Nobody did any art in my home but me. Almost everything I got for my drawings came from my school.”

While at school, Quentin never studied art directly.

Instead, he enjoyed reading and studying English Literature while still holding a keen passion for drawing.

“I never went to an art school but I don’t regret that because learning to read books has a lot to do with

what I’ve done ever since. The fundamental collaboration in illustration is the collaboration with the story and I like to think that books take people away, not just to different places but also to different experiences of how other people feel and live and react. However, I did take art classes outside of school. In the classes you would draw from a model, then turn around so you could draw only what you can remember. Then you go home and you draw it again. If you draw something that is in front of you, the amount of visual information is sometimes too much to deal with. But I think that if you go away, then you discover different feelings that you can get down on the paper. It isn’t only the technical information, it’s the feeling.”

The feeling of the artwork has been incredibly important to Quentin throughout his career. His drawings have not only had a positive impact on children during their happiest times but also during their scariest times. “You might not know this but I’ve done a lot of drawings in hospitals,” Quentin told us as he explained his inspiration behind one of his murals for a children and young people’s centre in Harrow, commissioned by The Nightingale Project. “’Welcome To Planet Zog’ went in a waiting room for children. I felt that a hospital is quite an

alien environment and so Planet Zog is another strange environment but friendly. There are aliens that correspond to the doctors and consultants and aliens having their leg bandaged up as well.

Really it’s quite a simple message: yes, it’s an alien environment but the aliens can be quite nice.”

Quentin’s very first illustrations were featured in the children’s book A Drink of Water by John Yeoman and were published in 1960. Since then, Quentin has had lots of experience with children’s genres and shares his tips for illustrating them.

“Sometimes people say that I seem to understand children very well but of course I don’t. I’ve never been married, I’ve never had any children. It’s not that I know about children, but that I have been one. What is fascinating about children’s books is that there’s so many opportunities in them. I find it a lot like acting. You don’t have models to look at, you have to imagine that you are that person. You have to imagine things happening and I actually kind of mime out the actions when I’m drawing them so I know exactly how to draw them best.”

To discover more about Sir Quentin Blake, visit quentinblake.com or watch Quentin Blake: The Drawing of my Life available on BBC IPlayer.

Illustrations by Quentin Blake

20 EASTER 2022

primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire

9 th–24 th April

Easter on the Farm Live Lambing Talks Every day

primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire

Join the

Easter egg hunt

free

Face Painting

EASTER 2022 21

Gloucestershire

FOR THE KIDS THEBUZZWORD 22 The affairs of the world, broadcast every day on TV and social media (4) 23 Gives (7)

1

8

ACROSS 1 Beautiful flowers, known for their colour, which bloom in spring (9) 5. Taught in maths, this Ancient

TOO HARD? Why not ask a grown-up for ideas? Children under 7 will find the yellow clues easier.

Greek symbol is now a number used to calculate the area of a circle (2) 8 More aged. (5) 9 A spooky spectre or a ghoulish ghoul (5) 10 Lots of money or flavour (4) 12 These carry light from the sun. (4) 14 Someone who doesn’t give up (5) 15 A hole in the ground to take away water (5) 16 To mix liquids together (4) 17 To make someone very happy (7) 20 Shirts possibly worn by Roman soldiers (6)

Review

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19 Farmyard animal known for being stubborn and eating almost anything(4) 20 The largest number you can count to on your fingers (3) 21 Appears twice in this saying “... soon ... possible” (2)

Answers on our Facebook page, PrimaryTimesGloucestershire after publication.

WINNER!

Petey’s last competition was about “getting messy outdoors” and he was super-impressed by this collage by Safia Pinnock, aged 10, from St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Nympsfield, which she created by using real pressed flowers. It’s a night-time scene with a lovely moon and an owl looking very alert in his tree (Petey says he’d like a nice comfy tree like that to perch in). The colours are warm, the flowers are beautiful and the owl is very realistic. Well done, Safia, you win a £10 Amazon voucher

Enter Petey’s next art competition about...

Going on an Easter trail and you could win an Amazon voucher!

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 Monday 25 April.

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.

A fantastic voyage

outh West author Nicola Skinner has set her latest novel around one of the area’s many celebrated tourist attractions, the SS Great Britain in Bristol. The heroine of ‘Starboard’, Kirsten Bramble, is the child star of a successful internet and television show, pressured by the media circus around her, who has become obsessed with appearances and lost her best friend, Olive, along the way.

On a school trip to the steam ship, she gets splinters in her

22 EASTER 2022

DOWN 1 Male siblings (8) 2 Beneath (5) 3 Brightly coloured fruit often used for jam (5) 4 To make brighter or less heavy (7) 6. To speak across someone’s conversation or activity - grown-ups often tell children not to do it (9) 7 The organisation which fights crime (6) 11 Bits of land surrounded by water (7) 13 Human-like robots (8) 18 Often called the king of the jungle (4)

Petey’s Arty Party

YS Y SA PETE e youro v s “I lontings ing pai p send e!” kee m to m the

hands and literally finds the vessel has got under her skin.

It speaks to her through maps, the mannequins of its Victorian personnel, and sometimes through a top-hatted gentleman smoking a cigar, none other than its creator Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

There follows a surreal and hilarious allegory in which the ship mystically breaks free from its dry dock, Kirsten and Olive aboard, and embarks on a transAtlantic voyage, first to New York and then to the Falkland Islands

(its final resting place in real life before being rescued by naval architect Ewan Corlett, who also figures in the story).

This is a strange combination of ‘Wizard of Oz’ meets ‘Treasure Island’ meets ‘Moby Dick’, with the ship acting a mentor role.

Adventures are peppered with historical facts about the vessel, and illustrated with whacky typography and occasional illustrations by Flavia Sorrentino, sure to appeal to its target readership of pre- and early teens.

The ultimate journey, which Skinner carries off with aplomb, is Kirsten’s own understanding of who she really is and the things that really matter to her. (Mike Gartside) Starboard by Nicola Skinner, Harper Collins, £6.99, www. harpercollins.co.uk

primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire

Gloucestershire

Win!

A Year’s Family Membership to Painswick Rococo Garden!

P

ainswick Rococo Garden is one of Gloucestershire’s most iconic beauty spots, with lots to do for every family member.

Young children will love the woodland play area, the maze and the opportunities for hide and seek in this fairytale setting, while grown-ups will adore relaxing among the beautiful follies, the kitchen gardens and the well-stocked café. The owners have very kindly offered one year’s family membership to Painswick Rococo Gardens, to one lucky Primary Times reader who correctly answers the following question (Psst -

1

don’t tell anyone but you’ll find a clue at www.rococogarden.org. uk/our-story)

Is rococo... a) A comforting hot drink beloved by Queen Victoria? b) A flamboyant art style of the 1700s? c) An exotic tree imported from Brazil? d) The name of Dick Whittington’s cat?

Send your answer to gloscompetitions@primarytimes.co.uk

by Sunday 1 May, including your name, the village/town/ city where you live and your mobile phone number so we can contact you if you win.

3 4

2 3

Number crunching How to play this mini-sudoko: fill the empty boxes with a number from 1 to 4. Each box, each row and each column contains all four numbers but the same number cannot appear twice in the same box, row or column. primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire

2 Most Eggcellent Easter Family Trails 9-24 April 2022

Book tickets bristolzoo.org.uk and wildplace.org.uk Registered charity no. 1104986

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TUITION LONGLEVENS TUITION Online lessons for Primary Children with

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Mrs Manley, NNEB, BSc (Hons), PGCE.

Gloucester (01452) 387228

To advertise here call Mike on 01452 937123 EASTER 2022 23

VS

WALES KINGSHOLM STADIUM, GLOUCESTER 09.04.2022 16:45 KO

ADULTS £15 JUNIORS £5 VISIT:

ENGLANDRUGBY.COM/TICKETS

For a complete list of events and to book ckets visit EVERYMANTHEATRE.ORG.UK or call the box office on 01242 572573

24 EASTER 2022

7 - 8 MAY

17 - 22 MAY

30 MAY - 1 JUNE

3 - 5 JUNE primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire