SPRING 2013
FREE The essential magazine for Cheltenham, Tewkesbury and Churchdown families
● Packed with local
information
● Great competitions ● Easter activities
● What’s On guide
HAPPY EASTER TO ALL OUR READERS Visit us at www.kidsdirect.org
KIDS DIRECT… EASTER FUN AND ACTIVITIES
SPRING
2013
Welcome to Kids Direct Easter is just around the corner with the chance to enjoy some well-earned family time. So treat the kids – win tickets to see The Muppets at the Bacon Theatre, have a good laugh at our Easter jokes and see if you can crack our Easter Wordsearch. And as always there is plenty of information about local activities. Enjoy the magazine . . .
All about us To contact Kids Direct, call: 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blue yonder.co.uk We circulate 10,000 copies of each edition three times a year to families with children under 12.
Inside
Wordsearch........................................10
Win tickets to see The Muppets .....................................11
Easter What’s On..........................12-13
Jokes page.........................................18
Let’s Party...........................................19
Easter gift guide............................20-21
Cover picure: set of two traditional Easter egg boxes, £4.50, from The Contemporary Home at www.tch.net
Let Kids Direct help you
■ Advertise in Kids Direct and boost your business ■ 10,000 copies circulated each term in Cheltenham, Tewkesbury and Churchdown ■ Next issue
SUMMER
To find out more, call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk 2
KIDS DIRECT‌ EASTER FUN AND ACTIVITIES
CoadyCrew
SPRING
2013
4 Kids, Teens & Adults
Cheltenham
BREAK DANCE
Taster sessions available each week for all classes. Ring the studio to book a session
COMPETITION CLASSES CHILLED CONTEMPORARY
P HIP HO
COADYTOTS
SINGING & DRAMA STREET DANCE
BOYZ ONLY CLASSES LEGS -BUMS & TUMS FLEXIBILITY COADY DANCE WORKOUT
Please ring for more information.
01242 577706 Principal: Nikki Dawn Coady Teaching adults & children for over 24 years 436 High Street, Cheltenham GL50 3JA Email: coadydancestudios@hotmail.co.uk
CoadyCrew
CoadyCrew offers 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. Coady Fitness is back, for all you ladies out there, offering Legs, Bums and Tums and Coady Dance Workout (guaranteed fat burner) on a Saturday afternoon. Also new to the timetable are
Flexibility Classes and Boyz Only Street Class. Later on in the year, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Flips and Tricks will also be added to the timetable. Look out for some awesome workshops in the summer holidays. 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.
To advertise call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk
3
KIDS DIRECT… EASTER FUN AND ACTIVITIES
Dance-Tec
Kids & Adults Funky Street Dance for more info contact Rachel 07778 599670
SPRING
2013
Street dance classes are friendly and fun DANCE-TEC offers street dance, lyrical, shows, competitions and exams plus much more It caters for ages four and upwards with classes in Cheltenham, Tewkesbury and Gloucester. We now do birthday parties for kids and adults and hen parties too! 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
100 per cent pass this year . . . Grammar Crammer ISrate your child going to be in year 5? Would you like them to try for a grammar school 11+ Tuition place? Do you want small group tuition? Flexible Programme Tailored Tuition Fun-based Learning Improved Vocabulary Regular Feedback Cheltenham/Gloucester tutoring ✓ Competitive Rates ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Maximising your child’s potential
01452 699552/07906 314463 Andy Osmond LLB (Hons) Solicitor (Non-practising), Dip Min (Oxford)
grammarcrammer@gmail.com
4
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.
To advertise call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk
KIDS DIRECT… EASTER FUN AND ACTIVITIES
To advertise call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk
SPRING
2013
5
KIDS DIRECT… EASTER FUN AND ACTIVITIES
SPRING
2013
Vocabulary improved in a flash IS your child in year 4 or 5? Are you preparing or thinking about entering your child for the 11+ Entrance Examination? Gloucestershire has some of the highest achieving grammar schools in the country. The Admission Test involves two verbal reasoning papers and a key area tests your child’s vocabulary. To succeed in a verbal reasoning paper, a well-developed vocabulary is essential. Welcome to Farquhar’s Vocabulary Flash Cards – cards specifically created to improve your child’s verbal reasoning skills and ultimately succeed in the 11+ Entrance Examination. My vocabulary flash cards are available as a pack of three structured sets. Each set contains 100 double-sided cards, showing a key word with a child-friendly definition and a list of synonyms. For more information visit: www.vocabularyflashcards.co.uk ®
Have fun while you improve your skills ENCOURAGING young children to communicate confidently in another language? Language Solutions’ team of native speaker tutors can help you. The lessons are fun but structured with flash cards, songs, activity sheet and games. ■ NEW PARENT & TODDLER MORNING SESSIONS for children aged 2+ ■ AFTER SCHOOL CLUB WELCOMING: ● Infant (Reception to Y3) ● Junior Club (Y4 to Y5) ● Accelerated (from Y5) Call Sylvie on 01242 513072 for a noobligation chat about the best options to suit you.
6
®
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
To advertise call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk
KIDS DIRECT… EASTER FUN AND ACTIVITIES
SPRING
2013
Cheltenham Tuition THE CHELTENHAM GRAMMAR SCHOOL CENTRE PLUS ● English ● Maths ● Spelling (ages 5-16)
PLUS GCSE ● Maths ● English ● 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.
rogerh-cptc@live.co.uk To advertise call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk
7
KIDS DIRECT… EASTER FUN AND ACTIVITIES
2013
GRAHAM FEAKINS HND Now there’s clothes
Tree Surgeon ✓ Tree felling ✓ Reshaping ✓ Stump grinding ✓ Hedge trimming ✓ Fruit tree pruning ✓ Garden clearance
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFIED FULLY INSURED RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL FREE ADVICE
OVER 20 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE
FREE QUOTATIONS GIVEN
01242 680362
GREEN ORCHARD, DEERHURST WALTON, CHELTENHAM
8
SPRING
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… EASTER FUN AND ACTIVITIES
SPRING
2013
Sing along with Jo Jingles JO Jingles is the leading music and movement experience in the UK. Local classes are run by me, Virginia Martin, and Rosie Blackwood, in Bishop’s Cleeve, Cheltenham and Gloucester. I started running Jo Jingles classes 10 years ago and Rosie has worked alongside me for the past three years. Together we have introduced hundreds of young children to music, singing and movement. Our fun classes have an educational slant. We aim to teach children to play percussion instruments expressively, to sing songs, to hold a tune and to find the rhythm to move and dance to. We run classes for children aged between three months and five years and the 2-3 years and 3-5 years classes are structured around pre-school themes. Through action songs, songs with props, singing, instrument playing, nursery rhymes and story books we help the children learn about numbers, colours, zooming to the moon, visiting a zoo, transport or cooking etc. For example if we are “Going to The Farm” we sing, dance and play our instruments to songs about tractors, scarecrows and farm animals – it’s great fun and everyone is encouraged to join in. Jo Jingles runs weekly classes during the term time and I would like to invite you and your child to join us for a free trial session so you can see at first hand what our classes are like. Please e-mail me, Virginia at jojingles22@aol.com or phone me on 01453 839464 to find out more and to book your free trial class. Virginia Martin
Jo Jingles runs fun classes with an educational slant
To advertise call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk
9
KIDS DIRECT… EASTER FUN AND ACTIVITIES
10
SPRING
2013
To advertise call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk
KIDS DIRECT… EASTER FUN AND ACTIVITIES
SPRING
2013
Easter fun with The Muppets WIN a family ticket worth £26 (two adults and two children) to see the Easter family film The Muppets (U) on Tuesday, March 26 at the Bacon Theatre, Dean Close School, Cheltenham. Timeless fun and action-packed onscreen antics are promised in this latest offering from Disney’s The Muppets, starring Amy Adams and Jason Segel. All the favourite characters must be reunited from around the world to help raise millions of dollars to rescue the beloved Muppet Theatre. Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie, Gonzo and Animal all come together for The Greatest Muppet Telethon Ever, resulting in brilliant songs, laughter and adventure. With Easter activities, free face-painting and a chance to meet real-life bunnies from 1pm – followed by a screening of the colourful and hilarious film at 2pm – this promises to be the perfect treat for all ages. To be in with a chance of winning, all you have to do is answer this question:
Which character from The Muppets is famed for playing the drums? a. Kermit b. Animal c. Gonzo Send your answer with your name and phone number to The Muppets Competition, The Bacon Theatre, Dean Close School, Shelburne Road, Cheltenham, GL51 6HE, by March 18. The winner will be picked at random. Tickets cost just £6.50 and include an Easter treat. For further information call the Bacon Theatre on 01242 258002 or visit www.bacontheatre.co.uk
Let Kids Direct help you . . .
Do you run a small business? We distribute 10,000 copies to families each school term in Cheltenham, Tewkesbury and Churchdown.
NEXT ISSUE: SUMMER TERM Call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk
To advertise call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk
11
KIDS DIRECT… EASTER WHAT’S ON
Theatre and Music March 10. Dance Showcase. The Roses, Tewkesbury. More than 150 students from Tewkesbury School present a two-part dance production. 5pm and 7pm. Info: 01684 295074 or visit www.rosestheatre.org March 18-23. The Sound of Music. Gloucester Guildhall. Gloucester Operatic Dramatic Society (GODS) have solved a problem like Maria. 7pm (March 23: 2pm and 7pm). Box office: 01452 503050, email guildhall.boxoffice@gloucester.gov.uk or visit www.gloucester.gov.uk /Freetime/Guildhall/home.aspx March 25-28. The Enormous Turnip. Studio Theatre, The Everyman, Cheltenham. Enter the world of Farmer Ted. Meet his family and friends and marvel at the array of vegetables that he grows. Info: 01242 572573 or visit www.everymantheatre.org.uk March 26. The Muppets (U). Bacon Theatre, Cheltenham. Come along in fancy dress from 1pm for Easter activities, free face painting and a chance to meet real bunnies from pets At Home. Film starts at 2pm. March 27. The Elephant Bridesmaid. The Roses, Tewkesbury. The Elephant Bridesmaid is a magical musical about weddings and wombats and the loveliest elephant the world has ever known. 2.30pm. Info: 01684 295074 or visit www.rosestheatre.org March 27 and April 3. Out of The Hat, Tewkesbury Heritage Centre. Hop around the Easter Trail to find bunnies and eggs. Make a stained glass egg or create your own bunny. 10.30am12pm, 1.30pm-3pm. Booking essential. Info: 01684 855040 or email outofthehat@tewkesbury.gov.uk March 31. Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe. Find the Easter Bunny in the gardens to get a chocolate treat. Face-painting, learn about owls and meet meerkats, hedgehogs and lizards.
12
SPRING
2013
11am-4pm. Info: 01242 602308 or visit www.sudeleycastle.co.uk April 7. Best Friends Forever. The Everyman, Cheltenham. The must-see event for every kid in town! 2.30pm. Info: 01242 572573 or visit www.everymantheatre.org.uk. May 1-6. Cheltenham Jazz Festival. Various locations. Look out for family events. May 31-June 2. Wychwood Music Festival. Cheltenham Racecourse. Widely regarded as the UK’s most family and green-friendly festival. Children’s literature festival, workshops, entertainment, camping. June onwards. Giffords Circus, various venues. Info: www.giffordscircus.com
Lucky Dip March-April. Squash taster sessions. Patesians Sports and Social Club. Turn up on the day to have a go – all equipment supplied, just bring a pair of clean trainers. Boys and girls aged 5-12 years. £3 per session. March 25, 3-4pm; March 27, 1-2pm; March 29, 10-11am. April 1, 10-11am, April 3, 3-4pm, April 5, 1-2pm. For more details, call Gary on 01242 525665. March, April, May. Slimbridge Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust. Daily guided walk, Otter Talk and Toad Hall Talk plus, from May 27, Downy Duckling Days. Info: 01453 891900 or email info.slimbridge@wwt.org.uk Clearwell Caves near Coleford. Open
To advertise call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk
KIDS DIRECT… EASTER WHAT’S ON every day. Special Easter programme. Info: 01594 832535, email info@clearwellcaves.com or visit www.clearwellcaves.com March 10. Mothering Sunday Cream Tea Specials. Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway, Toddington. Book on 01242 621405 or www.gwsr.com. March 16. Gloucester Folk Museum. Terrific trail – spring quiz. Learn more about the plants and animals that are springing into life with the warmer weather. Collect your trail sheet from the reception desk. 11am4pm. March 23. Craft Club. Bentham Country Club, Bentham. Cutting, pasting, T-shirt painting, mosaics, beads etc. Ages four and over. All materials included plus drink and a snack. £10 per session. 10.30am12.30pm. Bookings in advance. Info: www.benthamcc.com or call 01452 864157. March 23-April 13. Easter Crafty Corner. Gloucester City Museum. There will be lots to do over the Easter holidays at the City Museum, from special crafts to things to discover in the galleries, so come along and join in the fun. Make Easter cards, design your own Easter basket, make a wall hanging and more. March 25-28, April 2-5. Easter Crash Courses. Big Waves Swim School. Dean Close School Pool, Cheltenham. Info: www.bigwaveswimschool.co.uk or call 07887 422232/07810 296130. March 26-29. Westonbirt Arboretum.
SPRING
2013
Easter Challenge. Can you answer the Easter riddle and discover a spring surprise? All correct entries receive a spring treat. 10.30am-4pm. Info: 01666 880220 or visit www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt March 29-April 1. Easter Extravaganza. Berkeley Castle. March 30, 31 and April 1. Gloucester Quays Garden Party. 80 market stalls selling vintage clothing, jewellery and accessories; garden specialists with bespoke furniture, garden ornaments, equipment as well as seeds, plants and flowers. Also food and drink, with local producers and farmers showcasing their specialities. April 1 (Easter Monday). Easter Eggspress. Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway, Toddington. Easter activities and competitions. Book on 01242 621405 or www.gwsr.com. April 21, May 19, June 23 July 21, August 25. Tudor Fun Days. Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe. Family fun with Tudor characters, falconry, circus workshops, have-a-go archery and more. 10.30am-4.30pm.Info: 01242 602308. email: enquiries@sudeley.org.uk or visit www.sudeleycastle.co.uk April 27-28. Wartime in the Cotswolds. Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway, Toddington. Keep the whole family entertained and enjoy wartime songs and the atmosphere of the time. Book on 01242 621405 or www.gwsr.com. May 4-6. Day Out With Thomas. Dean Forest Railway, Norchard. Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends. Info: 01594 845840 or visit www.dfr.co.uk May 24-27. The Gloucester Tall Ships Festival. Gloucester Docks. Array of sights and experiences to enjoy at the docks, Gloucester Quays and the city centre. The festival is free to attend and visitors will be able to see and go on board the ships.
To advertise call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk
13
KIDS DIRECT… EASTER FUN AND ACTIVITIES
SPRING
2013
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
Let Kids Direct help you . . . 14
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: SUMMER 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… EASTER FUN AND ACTIVITIES
SPRING
2013
Make a song and dance LITTLE monkeys are being sought to make a song and dance as the area’s premier baby and toddler music group opens up TWO NEW VENUES in Cheltenham. The new classes have been brought to town by Monkey Music, the UK’s award-winning pre-school music group. They are open to babies from three months right up to children of four years and are designed to educate and entertain through song, dance and play. The new sessions opened at the start of the year – on Fridays at The Play Farm and on Saturdays at Whole Foods Market. They follow in the footsteps of classes already run across Cheltenham and Gloucester for more than a decade under the leadership of teacher Sian Ferris. 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. It’s great fun for the grown-ups too. “We’ve been running drop-in classes at The Play Farm for the past two years and it’s the success of these that has led to our first structured term starting. And we’re so excited to have started Saturday classes at the fabulous new Whole Foods Market too – where you can combine a weekend class with a weekend shopping trip.” Classes also run at Highbury Church in Cheltenham, in Up Hatherley, Bishop’s Cleeve, Bourton-on-the-Water, Churchdown, Charlton Kings and Leckhampton. For your FREE TRIAL CLASS call Sian on 07768 457403 or email cheltenham.gloucester @monkeymusic.co.uk. ■ Visit www.monkeymusic.co.uk
To advertise call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk
15
KIDS DIRECT… EASTER FUN AND ACTIVITIES
Calling all bookworms GET reading . . . April 2 is International Children's Book Day and the perfect excuse to treat the children to a new book. Since 1967, International Children's Book Day has been celebrated around the world on or around Hans Christian Andersen's birthday. It aims to inspire a love of reading and to highlight children’s books. The celebratory day is co-ordinated by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), a non-profit organisation dedicated to bringing children and books together. Activities include writing competitions, announcements of book awards and events with authors. For more details, visit www.ibby.org
SPRING
2013
Best-sellers Look out for these best-selling books: ■ Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney ■ Queenie by Jacqueline Wilson ■ Diary of a Wimpy Kid – Cabin Fever by Jeff Kinney ■ Wonder by RJ Palacio ■ Mr Stink by David Walliams ■ Billionaire Boy by David Walliams ■ Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson ■ Diary of a Wimpy Kid – The Ugly Truth by Jeff Kinney ■ Ratburger by David Walliams ■ The Highway Rat by Julia Donaldson
Splash out and enrol for Easter START 2013 with a splash. Make your child safe in the water – learn to swim at Big Waves Swim School at Dean Close School pool in Cheltenham. Big Waves and Aquasplash are family swim schools run by Marian Venn and her daughter Karen. Easter Holiday Crash Courses are BIG WAVES SWIM SCHOOL running from March 25-28 and from Dean Close School Pool, Cheltenham April 2-April 5. Make 2013 go with a SPLASH and join our Weekly classes run for all ages and ASA Swim school abilities. There are swim lessons for all EASTER HOLIDAY CRASH COURSES the family, with parent and toddler, learn to swim, Improvers ASA Award scheme AND SUMMER TERM WEEKLY LESSONS and Rookie Lifesaving. Children’s classes Sundays 8.30-1pm There are swim lessons for adults too, or Mon/Thurs 7-8pm. Parent/Toddler, Beginner, you can just swim to keep fit. Improver groups, ASA Badge Scheme. ASA-qualified friendly teachers, small groups. The school is fun and friendly, with Adult Swim-a-long and classes Thurs 8pm qualified ASA teachers and small classes. Tel: Marian/Karen 07887 422232/ 07810 296130 Marian, ASA senior tutor and director of email bigwaveswim@yahoo.co.uk Big Waves Swim School, has been www.bigwaveswimschool.co.uk 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
16
To advertise call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk
KIDS DIRECT… EASTER FUN AND ACTIVITIES
Get in the swim 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”.
SPRING
2013
SWIMMING LESSONS “Warm water and a very warm welcome”
Small classes Qualified teachers ● Experienced lifeguards ● Learn to Swim ●
●
●
●
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
Let Kids Direct help you . . .
Do you run a small business? ■ Do you want to reach local readers? ■
You’ll find a ready audience through Kids Direct and all at competitive prices. We distribute 10,000 copies to families each school term in Cheltenham, Tewkesbury and Churchdown.
NEXT ISSUE: SUMMER TERM Call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk
To advertise call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk
17
KIDS DIRECT… EASTER JOKES
SPRING
2013
Why did the magician have to cancel his show? He’d just washed his hare and couldn’t do a thing with it
Why shoudn’t you tell an Easter egg a joke? It might crack up!
What kind of jewellery do rabbits wear? 14 carrot gold What do you call a rabbit that tells jokes? A funny bunny
How does the Easter bunny stay in shape? Lots of eggs-ercise!
Why do we paint Easter eggs? Because it's easier than trying to wallpaper them
What do you call a rabbit with fleas? Bugs Bunny
How do you know carrots are good for your eyes? Have you ever seen a rabbit wearing glasses? 18
To advertise call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk
KIDS DIRECT… LET’S PARTY
SPRING
2013
Bouncy Castles go for quality
Let’s Party 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
BENTHAM COUNTRY CLUB Sporty parties: football, tag, rugby, uni-hoc, cricket, parachute games etc. For full details, visit www.benthamcc.com or call 01452 864157.
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 20th 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. with
Sophie Lane
your local FitClub
coach
Parties with a difference C
Phone 01242 576981 or 07812 558601
Find out more –
Fun and Fitness for Children 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.
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
19
KIDS DIRECT… EASTER GIFTS
SPRING
2013
Egg and spoon race set, £6.50, from Debenhams
Hand-painted bunny egg cup, £8.50, from www.lauraleedesigns.co.uk
Keep the kids entertained Nitro scooter, £32, from www.very.co.uk
Decorate your own Easter card, £4.50 for a pack of five at Marks & Spencer
20
Six minichicks from Marks & Spencer
2-in-1 skipping rope, £17, from www.littlewoods.com
To advertise call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk
KIDS DIRECT… EASTER GIFTS
SPRING
2013
Make Your Own Felt Easter Puppets, £1, from Poundland
These pretty patchwork hanging egg decoarations are great for creating a springlike Easter feel to your home. £2.99 each from The Contemporary Home at www.tch.net
Tesco Family Easter Egg Hunt Basket, £5
One for mum – luxury Fairtrade dark egg chocolate egg from Marks & Spencer
Chicken Egg Cup, £5, from Marks & Spencer
V-Tech Kidizoom twist digital camera, £50, from www.isme.com
To advertise call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk
21
KIDS DIRECT… EASTER FUN AND ACTIVITIES
SPRING
2013
Thomas is back in the Forest THOMAS the Tank Engine will be back with Dean Forest Railway again from Saturday, May 4 to Monday, May 6. His friends Daisy the Diesel Railcar, Salty and Duck should be on their best behaviour to welcome and help him. However, we’re not sure how helpful Devious Diesel is going to be – he is looking forward to winning the races with Thomas and pinching his trucks. We shall see. Expect another three full days of simple entertainment in a remarkable environment and good value for money. Youngsters can travel free over Easter if they bring their Teddy Bears. See the fresh forest flora on Wednesdays in May on the Bluebell Railcar Specials. The railway’s gift shop at Norchard has one of the largest ranges of Thomas the Tank Engine themed gifts in the south west and Wales. There is an extensive range of interesting and diverse railway DVDs and books, calendars, cards, jigsaws, games and other items suitable for all the family. There’s a mail order service too. Please call the shop on 01594 845840 or see www.dfr.co.uk
01242 525665 WizardsSquash@hotmail.com
22
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 Easter holidays – see What’s On, page 12. Please give Gary Powell a call on 01242 525665 or email wizardssquash@hotmail.com
To advertise call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk
KIDS DIRECT… EASTER FUN AND ACTIVITIES
SPRING
Let Kids Direct help you . . .
Do you run a small business? ■ Do you want to reach local readers? ■
You’ll find a ready audience through Kids Direct and all at competitive prices. We distribute 10,000 copies to families each school term in Cheltenham, Tewkesbury and Churchdown.
NEXT ISSUE: SUMMER TERM Call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk
2013
Unique and magical 18th Century Garden set in the magnificent Cotswold Countryside ● Anniversary Maze ● Georgian Follies ● Children’s Nature Trail ● Tea Room ● Gift Shop ● Plant Sales Open until 31st October Daily 11am-5pm
Painswick, Glos GL6 6TH Tel 01452 813204 Fax 01452 814888 www.rococogarden.co.uk A Registered Charity
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.
To advertise call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk
23