WINTER 2012
FREE The essential magazine for Cheltenham, Tewkesbury and Churchdown families
l Prizes galore l Holiday fun
and activities
l Xmas What’s
On guide
WINTER CELEBRATION AT PRINKNASH
Visit us at www.kidsdirect.org
KIDS DIRECT… WINTER FUN AND ACTIVITIES
WINTER
2012
Let Kids Direct help you n Advertise in Kids Direct to give your business a boost
n 10,000 copies go to families in and around Cheltenham, Tewkesbury and Churchdown n Next issue: SPRING
n Call 01452 855384
SAMARITANS IT doesn’t matter who you are, it doesn’t matter how old you are. If you are in crisis, despairing or suicidal it can make all the difference to talk about how you are feeling. You can speak in total confidence to SAMARITANS. We will not judge you, we will not tell you what to do but we will try to help you think things through. Call 01242 515777.
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To advertise call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk
KIDS DIRECT‌ WINTER FUN AND ACTIVITIES
WINTER
2012
Never a dull moment at Circus CHILDREN are looking forward to lots of exciting celebrations at Circus Day Nursery during November and December, coupled with French lessons, stretch and grow, mini stages and ukulele lessons, to name a few of the activities on offer. Following the new changes to the Early Years foundation stage, all staff look forward to sharing the benefits and discussing further the new implementations, so feel free to contact us, come and have a look around and meet our wonderful team. Established since 1997, we pride
ourselves on our long-term staff and dedication to childcare, the nursery where children really do come first. Follow us on our Facebook page and see all the wonderful things that take place at Circus, plus read up on our educational blogs, places of interest and lots of other useful information to parents. Any parents booking in November and December will save ÂŁ45 on registration fees with our advert on page 2. So come along and visit us and check out www.circusdaynursery.co.uk
CoadyCrew Street Dance / Break Dance / Hip Hop 4 Kids & Teens
Cheltenham Taster sessions available each week for all classes. Ring the studio to book a session
BREAK DANCE
SINGING & DRAMA
COMPETITION CLASSES LYRICAL HIP HOP
COADYTOTS
P HIP HO
STREET DANCE
Please ring for more information.
01242 577706 Principal: Nikki Dawn Coady Teaching adults & children for over 23 years 436 High Street, Cheltenham GL50 3JA Email: coadydancestudios@hotmail.co.uk
To advertise call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk
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KIDS DIRECT… WINTER FUN AND ACTIVITIES
CoadyCrew
WINTER
2012
CoadyCrew offer Street/Hip Hop and Break Dance on Saturday mornings at the Cheltenham Studio along with contemporary dance and their popular singing and drama classes. coadytots, which is for pre-school kids, is still as popular and runs in the afternoons. Taster sessions are now also available. Please call the studio before coming along to any classes because places fill up quickly. For information, call 01242 577706.
100 per cent pass
Grammar Crammer rate this year . . . 3 3 3 3 3 3
11+ Tuition
Flexible Programme Tailored Tuition Fun-based Learning Improved Vocabulary Regular Feedback Cheltenham/Gloucester tutoring 3 Competitive Rates Maximising your child’s potential
01452 699552/07906 314463 Andy Osmond LLB (Hons) Solicitor (Non-practising), Dip Min (Oxford)
grammarcrammer@gmail.com
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IS your child going to be in year 5? Would you like them to try for a grammar school place? Do you want small group tuition? With the majority of our students passing for grammar schools in the past four years (including 100 per cent this year!), Grammar Crammer is confident it has the right ingredients to maximise your child’s potential. Andy Osmond is married with three children. He attended grammar school and, as well as being a tutor, he is a graduate in law and in theology, is a qualified solicitor and also a licensed Anglican church minister. He has been tutoring since 2004 and his students include his own children who have all attended county grammar schools. Tutoring offered from GL51 (Cheltenham) and GL1 (Gloucester). Why not contact Andy to discuss your child’s tuition needs. We can put you in touch with the parents of past students for an impartial view of Grammar Crammer.
Advertise in Kids Direct and boost your business. Next issue: SPRING TERM. Call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk
To advertise call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk
KIDS DIRECT… WINTER FUN AND ACTIVITIES
To advertise call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk
WINTER
2012
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KIDS DIRECT… WINTER FUN AND ACTIVITIES
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2012
GRAHAM FEAKINS HND Now there’s clothes
Tree Surgeon 3 Tree felling 3 Reshaping 3 Stump grinding 3 Hedge trimming 3 Fruit tree pruning 3 Garden clearance
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFIED FULLY INSURED RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL FREE ADVICE
OVER 20 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE
FREE QUOTATIONS GIVEN
01242 680362 GREEN ORCHARD, DEERHURST WALTON, CHELTENHAM
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for Sturdy Kids
IT’S widely acknowledged that adults come in all shapes and sizes and we have a huge choice of clothing to match this. Children are no different but when it comes to clothing their choice is often limited by the expectation that they will fit into the average sizing for their age group. This often means a compromise on the fit or fashion of their clothes. Sturdy Kids, developed by a mum who came across this problem herself, has been created to provide quality, wellfitting school uniform and casual clothing for boys and girls who are of bigger build or taller than their peers. We stock school uniform and PE kit in a range of colours plus jeans and casual tops. To ensure a perfect fit, we can also tailor the majority of our range to the length required for a small extra cost. Find us online at www.sturdykids.co.uk or call 01242 285999.
To advertise call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk
KIDS DIRECT‌ WINTER FUN AND ACTIVITIES
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2012
Cheltenham Tuition THE CHELTENHAM GRAMMAR SCHOOL CENTRE PLUS l English l Maths l Spelling (ages 5-16)
PLUS GCSE l Maths l English l Sciences For more details, contact Roger Harding on the numbers below. Roger was a local primary headteacher for 10 years and has been preparing children for grammar school for more than 20 years.
To advertise call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk
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KIDS DIRECT… WINTER FUN AND ACTIVITIES
Dance-Tec Kids & Adults Funky Street Dance for more info contact Rachel 07778 599670
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WINTER
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Street dance classes are friendly and fun DANCE-TEC offers street dance, lyrical, adult classes, zumba and more. It caters for ages four and upwards with classes at the Dance-Tec Studios in Cheltenham, Perform Health & Fitness in Tewkesbury and Cooper’s Edge School, Gloucester. Dance-Tec holds kids’ street dance classes in Gloucester, Cheltenham and Tewkesbury for ages 4-19 years. Everyone is welcome to this friendly, funky and fun dance school. Prices are reasonable and you’ll enjoy a friendly, fun environment. Contact Rachel for more details on 07778 599670 or email dancetec@hotmail.co.uk.
To advertise call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk
KIDS DIRECT… WINTER FUN AND ACTIVITIES
To advertise call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk
WINTER
2012
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KIDS DIRECT… WINTER FUN AND ACTIVITIES
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2012
Christmas lights parades TEWKESBURY TEWKESBURY'S annual Christmas Lights Festival is on Sunday, November 25. It’s always a popular event, with the High Street transformed into a bustling market for the whole family to enjoy. The highlight of the day is a magical visit from Santa, who will be hoisted into the air over the crowds to turn on the Christmas lights at 4.30pm. n Enjoy the farmers’ market where you can pick up fresh and locally sourced high-quality produce n Browse the Christmas stalls stocked with gifts and handmade crafts n Traditional fairground rides and Punch & Judy Show
GLOUCESTER GLOUCESTER’S big switch-on takes place on November 18 and has a traditional feel. Father Christmas will be making a guest appearance and the procession will begin in Eastgate Street at about 4.15pm and pass through Gloucester city centre as the lights are switched on above your head. The parade ends in the main knave at the cathedral where there will be a traditional Christmas carol concert at about 5pm.
STROUD THE lights go on in Stroud on December 7 with the Stroud Goodwill Evening. The theme is Make Love Not War and it includes a Sixties fancy dress competition, a peace
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n All kinds of on street entertainment from traditional Christmas carols to street dancing It all runs from1.30pm to 6.30pm. For more details, visit: www.tewkesburychristmaslights.co.uk parade with the big switch-on from the Subscription Rooms.
BOURTON-ON-THE-WATER THE Christmas festivities kick off on December 7 with a Victorian-themed evening, with the lights, including the famous tree in the river, being switched on at 6pm. There will be late night shopping until 9pm with festive stalls, street entertainment, Santa’s Grotto, jazz band and carol singing.
MORETON-INMARSH HEAD out to the Cotswolds for the day on November 24 and enjoy the town’s Christmas celebations. There will be a Christmas street market, carol singing, late night shopping and free parking, with the lights being switched on at about 5.30pm.
To advertise call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk
KIDS DIRECT… WINTER FUN AND ACTIVITIES
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2012
CIRENCESTER THE Fabulous Baker Brothers will flick the switch to light up Cirencester on November 30. The culinary duo will carry out their Christmas lights duties at about 5.20pm in the Market Place. And you can see the brothers beforehand in Octavia’s Bookshop in Black Jack Street, where they will be doing a book signing from 4pm-5pm. The switch-on marks the start of the traditional Christmas market, which runs until December 16. Handmade crafts, gifts and toys, together with festive food and drink will be on sale. And don’t miss Cirencester’s ice rink, new for this year. The market will be open daily from 10am to 6pm and the ice rink is open from 12pm to 8pm daily.
CHELTENHAM SEE Father Christmas arrive to switch on Cheltenham’s lights on November 24. Santa will do a tour of the town as part of a big parade, while street entertainers including giant elves and national touring group, Sugar Plump Fairies entertain shoppers. The extravaganza starts at 5.15pm when Father Christmas turns on the lights at Regent Arcade with Sid and Scrat from Ice Age. Santa will then do the honours at Beechwood Arcade and then, travelling on Trigger the Train, will make his way along the High Street to The Brewery for its switch-on at 6.15pm.
Christmas parade organiser Jo Heatley promised a quirky and fun festive spectacle. Cheltenham Town Centre manager Martin Quantock said shoppers would have three festive switch-ons and enjoy a bit of Christmas magic as the lights went on in each centre. “People can enjoy the whole offering and not have to be in one place at one time.” In Regent Arcade, the walk-through Christmas tree will be the focal point and there will be colourful low-level and highlevel decorations. At Beechwood Shopping Centre, decorations in the traditional cranberry red and spruce green will be unveiled.
To advertise call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk
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KIDS DIRECT… COLOURING COMPETITION
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To advertise call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk
KIDS DIRECT… WINTER FUN AND ACTIVITIES
To advertise call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk
WINTER
2012
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KIDS DIRECT… WINTER FUN AND ACTIVITIES
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2012
Karting parties right on track CHELTENHAM Cub Karting (CCK) specialises in birthday parties for children between 3-9 years old on a year-round basis. We can come to you, (area required is at least 50ft by 30ft to house the blow-up track), you can book a venue of your choice – or we can sort that out for you. There are four electrically operated karts and the speeds can be regulated to suit the ages of the children, with a 6mph maximum. The events are fully supervised by trained operators at all times, and the karts are completely safe, with the children fully strapped in with secure seat belting. A full visual safety talk is always given before operation. There are a series of warm-ups, where each child is able to feel his or her way around the kart, which has a “one pedal” operation – ie depressed fully for motion and released for braking. CCK then adds variation by introducing bollards, which allows chicane driving to take place and tests the skill of the young drivers against their peers. We then line the four karts up together, to allow heats and races to take place. The birthday child is made to feel extra special and is always the best driver on the day. We set his/her kart to a superior speed than the others during the final races. The birthday child is also presented with a CCK embroidered cap (blue for boys and pink for girls) and ribboned medal, at the awards ceremony, which takes place at the end of each event. All
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children are presented with Safe Driving Certificates. As well as year-round birthday parties CCK, offers its services to corporate events, and is putting together a programme of road safety training to be taken into primary schools. CRB clearance is held, the karts have an MoT annually by the manufacturer, and full public liability up to £5m is held. For more information on any of the above, contact the proprietor, Colin Leighton on 07737 796947, or 01242 527095, or email bookings@cheltenhamcubkarting.com
Advertise in Kids Direct and boost your business. Next issue: SPRING TERM. Call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk
To advertise call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk
KIDS DIRECT… WINTER FUN AND ACTIVITIES
ENCOURAGING young children to communicate confidently in another language? Language Solutions’ team of native speaker tutors can help you. The teaching programme is carefully designed to cover useful topics which change each term. The lessons are fun but structured with flash cards, songs, activity sheet and games. FRENCH PARENT & TODDLER GROUP INFANT AFTER SCHOOL CLUB for reception to Y2 children. JUNIOR AFTER SCHOOL CLUB for key stage 2 children. Call Sylvie on 01242 513072 for any further information.
For children (aged 2+) and adults Mini-groups or 1-1 tuition Family Groups Parent and Toddler Sessions Primary Clubs) Holiday Workshops MFL Curriculum courses
Enrolments throughout the year
01242 513072 www.fun-languages.co.uk info@fun-languages.co.uk
DO you want your child to learn to swim? Then why not join the StarFish SwimClub at the National Star College. Contact us to find out availability for learn to swim or higher ability classes for children wanting to improve their stroke. Classes take place on Wednesday evenings and Saturday or Sunday mornings. A course for adults wanting to learn to swim or improve their stroke takes place on Wednesday evenings. For those with babies and toddlers we also have sessions on Monday mornings during term time. Contact the club to find out more. The water is lovely and warm and the teachers are prepared for those who may be nervous about learning to swim. Please give the StarFish administrator a call on 01242 527631 ext 3381 to find out more or email starfish@natstar.ac.uk As always at the Star College, there’ll be “warm water and a warm welcome”.
2012
Have fun while you improve your skills
®
Get in the swim
WINTER
SWIMMING LESSONS “Warm water and a very warm welcome” l
Small classes Qualified teachers l Experienced lifeguards l Learn to Swim
l
l
l
Stroke improvement Swim sessions for children with a disability
Classes for: Children aged 4+ – Weds eve/Sat and Sun mornings Adults – Getting Going / Improvers - Weds eve Parent and Toddlers - Monday mornings
To find out more please contact: Starfish Administrator, StarFish SwimClub National Star College Ullenwood Cheltenham GL53 9QU Tel: 01242 527631 ext 3381 starfish@natstar.ac.uk
To advertise call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk
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KIDS DIRECT… WINTER FUN AND ACTIVITIES
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Bouncy Castles go for quality CHELTENHAM Bouncy Castles provide high-quality bouncy castles, slides, ballponds, combination castles and activity runs in many different sizes and for all celebratory occasions. As a well-established full-time company in their 19th year, Cheltenham Bouncy Castles are professional and reliable with an excellent reputation for quality service, comply with the latest HSE legislation, hold public liability insurance and are ENHANCED CRB checked. For more information please visit www.cheltenhambouncycastles.co.uk or call Dale today on 01242 235273.
FITCLUB: FitClub parties are packed full of fun and excitement, suitable for children aged from five to 10 years. All types of games are played with hula hoops, space hoppers and finishing with the multi-coloured parachute. Even the classic party games like pass the parcel can be played for the younger children. You provide the venue and let FitClub take care of the rest. Call Sophie on 01242 576981 or 07812 558601.
Babysign Classes in Cheltenham Help your Baby’s Hands do the Talking Babysign teaches parents to communicate with their child before they’re able to speak 6-week courses £30. Free taster sessions www.babysignchelt.co.uk, call 07905 710386, email laura@babysignchelt.co.uk
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with
Sophie Lane
your local FitClub
C
coach
Parties with a difference Phone 01242 576981 or 07812 558601
Find out more –
Fun and Fitness for Children
BABYSIGN classes, run by Laura Benner, a certified Early Years Professional, are relaxed, fun and educational. Each week you will learn 10 new baby signs – all based on British Sign Language (BSL) and all for useful everyday words that you’ll get to practise in your daily life together. We use the signs throughout the class – singing classic nursery rhymes, action songs and stories as well as introducing you to new ones.
To advertise call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk
KIDS DIRECT… WINTER FUN AND ACTIVITIES
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Arthur’s Christmas rescue romp WIN a family ticket worth £26 (two adults and two children) to see the festive family film Arthur Christmas (U) on Thursday, December 20 at the Bacon Theatre, Dean Close School, Cheltenham. With an enormous Christmas tree, twinkling fairy lights and a visit from Santa from 4pm, followed by a screening of the action-packed animation at 5pm, this promises to be the perfect treat for all ages! Up at the North Pole, it’s Christmas Eve and a calamity has happened. One little girl hasn’t received a present from Santa. Can Santa’s youngest son, bungling Arthur, save the day? Come along and be entranced by this recent Aardman production featuring the home-grown voices of James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie and Jim Broadbent as the film reveals the incredible, never-before seen answer to every child’s question:
Let’s Party
“How does Santa deliver all those presents in one night?” To be in with a chance of winning, all you have to do is answer this question: Which of the following films was not produced by Aardman Animations? a. Chicken Run b. Toy Story 2 c. Wallace and Gromit: Curse of the Were Rabbit Send your answer with your name and phone number to Arthur Christmas Competition, The Bacon Theatre, Dean Close School, Shelburne Road, Cheltenham, GL51 6HE, by December 10. The winner will be picked at random. Tickets cost just £6.50 and include a festive treat. For further information call the Bacon Theatre on 01242 258002 or visit www.bacontheatre.co.uk
BENTHAM COUNTRY CLUB Sporty parties: football, tag rugby, unihoc, cricket, parachute games etc. For full details visit www.benthamcc.com or call 01452 864157. AMAZING MAGIC Contact “Magic Ian” for your complete party entertainment for every occasion. Magic and fun, puppets, balloon modelling. Tel 01242 580957 or 07950 087821. Email ianamazingmagic@yahoo.co.uk or visit www.amazingmagic.co.uk
n Use our Party Pages to highlight your services. Email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk
To advertise call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk
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KIDS DIRECT… WINTER FUN AND ACTIVITIES
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Monkey business bigger than ever
THE UK’s award-winning Monkey Music has never been bigger across Cheltenham and Gloucester – with nine venues now up and running. Monkey Music classes cater for babies from three months right up to children of four years, and the aim is to educate and entertain through song, dance and play. Sessions have now launched in Tewkesbury, adding to those already thriving in Cheltenham, Up Hatherley, Bishop’s Cleeve, Charlton Kings, Leckhampton, Bourton-on-the-Water and Churchdown. Teacher Sian Ferris, a local mum-ofthree, brought Monkey Music to the area in 2002. She said: “Music and rhythm can engage children at an incredibly early age and there’s a great deal of research to show how important music can be in the development of young minds. “The aim of our classes is simple – to introduce music to very young children in a way they can easily understand and enjoy. “Catchy songs are mixed with a multitude of instruments and visual props, something for all musical maestros to get to grips with. And it’s great fun for the grown-ups too.” To book your FREE TRIAL CLASS – call Sian on 07768 457403 or head to www.monkeymusic.co.uk for more.
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To advertise call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk
KIDS DIRECT… WINTER FUN AND ACTIVITIES
WizardsSquash@hotmail.com
01242 525665
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WIZARDS SQUASH: is held at Old Pats Club and Sacred Hearts Club in Cheltenham. The emphasis at Wizards Squash is having lots of fun while learning how to play squash, with group and individual sessions for all ages from five through to 18 years. For details of Taster Days during the Christmas holidays – see What’s On, page 21. Please give Gary Powell a call on 01242 525665 or email wizardssquash@hotmail.com
Splash out and enrol for January START 2013 with a splash. Make your child safe in the water – learn to swim BIG WAVES SWIM SCHOOL at Big Waves Swim School, now in its Dean Close School Pool, Cheltenham 33rd year at Dean Close School pool Start 2013 with a SPLASH and join our in Cheltenham. ASA Swim school Big Waves and Aquasplash are family Enrolling now for swim schools run by Marian Venn and JANUARY 2013 her daughter Karen. Children’s classes Sundays 8.30-1pm There are swim lessons for all the Mon/Thurs 7-8pm. Parent/Toddler, Beginner, family, with parent and toddler, learn Improver groups, ASA Badge Scheme. to swim, Improvers ASA Award ASA-qualified friendly teachers, small groups. scheme and Rookie Lifesaving. Adult Swim-a-long and classes Thurs 8pm There are swim lessons for adults too, Tel: Marian/Karen 07887 422232/07810 296130 or you can just swim to keep fit. email bigwaveswim@yahoo.co.uk The school is fun and friendly, with www.bigwaveswimschool.co.uk qualified ASA teachers and small classes. Marian, ASA senior tutor and director of Big Waves Swim School, has been involved with PE and swimming all her life. She is teaching many children of her 1980s pupils. So don’t delay, enrol today. Call Marian on 07887 422232, Karen on 07810 296130, email bigwaveswim@yahoo.co.uk or visit www.bigwaveswimschool.co.uk
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Advertise in Kids Direct and boost your business. Next issue: SPRING TERM. Call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk
To advertise call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk
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KIDS DIRECT… WHAT’S ON
Theatre and Music November 18. I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing In. Gloucester Cathedral. 5pm. Service to celebrate switching on the Christmas lights. November 30-January 13. Dick Whittington. Panto. The Everyman, Cheltenham. Info: 01242 572573 or visit www.everymantheatre.org.uk December 1-January 5. Aladdin. The Roses, Tewkesbury. Panto fun. Info: 01684 295074 or visit www.rosestheatre.org December 2. Advent Carol Service. Gloucester Cathedral. 6pm. Service by candlelight. December 3-24. The Enormous Turnip. Studio Theatre, The Everyman, Cheltenham. Info: 01242 572573 or visit www.everymantheatre.org.uk December 11. Family Carol Concert. Cheltenham Choral Society. Cheltenham Town Hall. 8pm. Info and tickets 0844 576 2210 or visit www.cheltenham townhall.org.uk December 13-15. Practically Perfekt. Corraine Collins Dance Studios Christmas Show. Bacon Theatre, Dean Close School, Cheltenham. 7pm. (Also 2pm on Saturday). Info: 01242 258002 or www.bacontheatre.co.uk December 15-24. ’Twas The Night Before Christmas. Dreamshed Theatre, The Playhouse, Cheltenham. Info: 01242 522852 or www.playhousecheltenham.org December 16. Christmas Carolcade. Bacon Theatre, Dean Close School, Cheltenham. 3.30pm. Info: 01242 258002 or www.bacontheatre.co.uk December 20. Arthur Christmas. Family film. Bacon Theatre, Dean Close School, Cheltenham. 5pm. Father Christmas will be there from 4pm. Info: 01242 258002 or www.bacontheatre.co.uk December 24. Family Crib Service. Gloucester Cathedral. 3pm. 6pm. January 23-26. Cinderella. Promenade Productions. Bacon Theatre, Dean Close School, Cheltenham. 7pm. Saturday and
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Sunday matinee 2.30pm. Info and tickets: 01242 224144 or www.bacontheatre.co.uk
Lucky Dip November 16-December 2. Christmas Market. The Promenade, Cheltenham. 10am-5pm. Until 8pm ThursdaySaturday. Sundays 11am-5pm. November 22-25. Victorian Christmas Market. Gloucester Quays, The Docks, Gloucester. 10am-7pm. Sunday 10am5pm. November 30-December 23. Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt. Illuminated trail. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5pm. Book: 03000 680 400 or online www.forestry.gov.uk November 29-December 4. Christmas Craft Market. Gardens Gallery, Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham. 10am-4pm. November 30. Lakeside Primary School Christmas Fayre. Hatherley Road, Cheltenham. Enjoy festive fun and games including bouncy castle, lovely Christmas goodies to buy, refreshments, and a visit to Father Christmas in his enchanted grotto. All proceeds go to Lakeside PTA. 6.30pm-8.30pm, entry £1 adults/children free. Info: 01242 524756 or visit www.lakesidechelt.co.uk November 30-December 16. Cirencester Christmas Market. Market Place, Cirencester. 10am-6pm. December 1-2, 8-9 and 15-24. Christmas Wonderland. Prinknash Bird and Deer Park, Cranham. 4pm. Tickets: 01242 812727 or visit www.thebirdpark.co.uk/buytickets December 1-23. Breakfast with Father Christmas. Slimbridge Wildlife Wetland Centre. Saturdays and Sundays only, 9am. Also Santa’s Grotto each day at 12 noon. Info: 01453 891223 or www.wwt.org.uk/slimbridge December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23 and 24. Santa Specials. Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway, Toddington. Book on 01242 621405 or www.gwsr.com
To advertise call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk
KIDS DIRECT… WHAT’S ON December 1-December 24 and December 27-January 6. Christmas Fantasy. Clearwell Caves. The Very Hungry Polar Bear. 10am. Info: 01594 832535 or www.clearwellcaves.com December 7. Victorian Late Night Christmas Shopping at Bourton-on-theWater. Traditional tree in the river. Carol singing, children’s entertainment and rides, pig roast, Father Christmas. From 6pm. December 8-9. Cheltenham Connect Christmas Craft Fair. Bath Road Market, Bath Road, Cheltenham. Includes children’s entertainment December 9, 15, 16, 22, 23 and 24. Santa Specials. Dean Forest Railway, Norchard Station, near Lydney. Book on 01594 845840 or www.dfr.co.uk December 15-23 and 28. Christmas Craft activities for children. Nature in Art, Wallsworth Hall, near Twigworth. Info: 01452 731422.
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Dec 26. Boxing Day Challenge for Winston’s Wish. Cheltenham Racecourse. 10.30am. Mince pie for all finishers. Info: 01242 515157 Dec 26. Bibury Duck Race. Mulled wine, mince pies and traditional fun. 11am. December 26-January 2. Mince Pie Specials. Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway, Toddington. Book on 01242 621405 or www.gwsr.com December 29, 30 and Jan 1. New Year Mince Pie Specials. Dean Forest Railway, Norchard Station, near Lydney. All hauled by steam. Book on 01594 845840 or www.dfr.co.uk Jan 2, 3, 4. Junior Squash Taster Sessions. 10-11am. For ages 5-7 years with Wizards Squash at Old Pats Sports Club, Everest Road, Leckhampton, Cheltenham. Bring a drink and indoor trainers – all other equipment provided. £3 per session. For more details, call Gary on 01242 525665.
Ride Santa Specials A TRIP on one of Dean Forest Railway’s Santa Specials is a great way to get the Christmas pulse racing. Join the regulars who return each year for this unique experience steaming through the forest. You’ll meet Santa and his helpers so don’t forget to bring your camera. There are worthwhile age-related presents from Santa for the children and older folk receive a miniature and a hot mince pie. Santa Specials run on December 9, 15, 16, 22, 23 and 24 and there are three trains each day. Tickets booked online cost £12 each for adults and children aged two and over. All Santa trains depart from Norchard Station, just north of Lydney on the B4234, where there is a large free car park. Our gift shop at Norchard has a large range of Thomas the Tank Enginethemed gifts and many other items. For more details, visit www.dfr.co.uk
To advertise call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk
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Prinknash turns into wonderland PRINKNASH Bird & Deer Park can’t wait to launch Winter Wonderland this Christmas – and there are some wonderful treats in store for those who are still “believers”! As the lights start to appear, the peacocks roost and the owls hoot, setting the scene for yet another magical event. The trees are swathed in colour by massive LED lamps and, with the birds turning pink and the Black Necked Swans gliding under the festooned fairy lights, it’s hard to imagine anything better. When your child finally meets Santa in
The Award-Winning
Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway RNLI Carol Service (December 8)
Santa Specials (pre-booking essential) (December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 24)
probably the most famous twinkling Wendy House in England, set by a glorious lake, to collect your child’s free gift, it really is a delight to look over the park with its three miles of lights twinkling everywhere. And it doesn’t stop there. The face-painters will get your child ready to meet the Christmas fairy in Eider the enchanting Gypsy Caravan, which is swathed in lights, or to find Rudolph and Prancer with their calf Comet who was born in May. Or perhaps you want to get your family photo in the hand-crafted ash sleigh, created in 2008 with the famous Tom Hill sculpture of a reindeer in front. Prinknash has really got an eye for creating magic and has become the place to see, having been voted in the top 10 rural attractions to visit in 2010 by the Sunday Telegraph. Admission is £8.50 per ticket, underones go free. 4pm-6pm. Book online on www.thebirdpark.com or call 01452 812727.
Mince Pie and New Year Specials (December 26 to January 2)
Stunning Scenery ‘Flag & Whistle’ tea-rooms Gift Shop Free car parking Website www.gwsr.com GWR, The Railway Station, Toddington, Glos GL54 5DT or telephone 01242 621405 10 miles east of M5 junction 9 near junction of B4077 and B4632 All events and services subject to availability
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To advertise call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk
KIDS DIRECT… WINTER FUN AND ACTIVITIES
To advertise call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk
WINTER
2012
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