Gloucestershire Easter 2016

Page 1

in Gloucestershire Issue 142 24 March-26 May 2016

Also Create the perfect Easter Egg trail World Autism Day Spring food

Your summer of

family festivals

Cheltenham comes alive this season with May’s Jazz Festival swiftly followed by celebrations of Music, Science and Literature. Page 4.

Theatre • Arty Barty • Roundabout • Save money! 16 Glos Cover Easter 2016.indd 3

08/03/2016 11:12:36


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08/03/2016 11:03:19


Autism has long been a source of both sadness and wonder. Children with the condition find it hard to empathise with others yet some possess remarkable abilities, inspiring books and films. Our feature (P6) looks at ways of helping kids on the autistic spectrum engage with the world. Elsewhere, as Easter looms, there are few things more pressing on a child’s mind than . . . chocolate. We plant our feet firmly either side of the fence by looking at the perfect Easter egg hunt on one hand (P19), while trying to steer families towards the range of healthy seasonal food now available (Spring Greens, P16) on the other. Whichever you opt for, there’s sure to be a nearby foodie event for you this year. the editor

142 rshire Issue2016 May 6M in Glouceste 26 2 h-26 arch March 4M 2 24

THEATRE P8 ROUNDABOUT P11 PINBOARD P17 PUPILS’ PAGE P18 ADVERTISING FEATURES P20 CLASSIFIEDS P21 UNDERSTANDING AUTISM P6 Alice Freeman looks at new ways parents can engage with their autistic children.

SPRING GREENS P16 The West’s seasonal food and foodie events

GETTING WARMER P19 How to plan the perfect Easter Egg hunt.

Also perfect Create the trail Easter Egg sm Day World Auti Spring food

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family festivals

May’s Jazz season withof Music, ns alive this am comes wed by celebratio Cheltenh tly follo 4. Festival swif Literature. Page Science and

Theatre • Arty

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Primary Times in Gloucestershire Bristol News and Media, Temple Way, Bristol BS2 OBY. More information at www.primarytimes.net

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Mike Gartside mike.gartside@localworld.co.uk Tracie Simms tracie.simms@localworld.co.uk 0117 934 3165 Caroline Stretton caroline.stretton@localworld.co.uk 0117 934 3737 Meloney Rodney-Nguéma meloney.rodney@localworld.co.uk 0117 934 3076 Juliet Hobbs 01242 278053 juliet.hobbs@localworld.co.uk Cath Evans, Mike Gartside Emma Gorton, Ruth Wood Ellen White 0117 934 3000

Primary Times is independently published and distributed free in Primary, Junior, Infant and Middle Schools throughout the former Avon area, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire. It is also available by subscription at £10 per year. Its aims are to inform families and children of current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses and attractions, and to give teachers, pupils and parents the opportunity to participate in the magazine by adding to its contents or joining in the competitions which we run. It is NOT our intention to publish any racist, sexist or politically biased 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. While we make every effort to ensure information published is accurate, readers are encouraged to check details of all events in advance and neither Trinity Mirror Ltd nor its contributors are liable for the consequences of any errors. Primary Times would like to thank all the schools in the county for their assistance in distributing the magazine and 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 Trinity Mirror Ltd. Primary Times currently publishes more than two million copies per issue under franchise. PRIMARY TIMES

16 Glos contents Easter 2016.indd 3

Find these amazing offers this issue!

Magicland - 10% off entry Primrose Vale Farm Adults go free Battlesports - 10% discount Bristol Aquarium – Kids go free Cotswold Farm Park – Free child with paying adult Dick Whittington – Free adult with paying child London Camera Exchange – Free SD card with camera purchase Cotswold Wildlife Park colouring competition to win a lemur adoption EASTER 2016

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08/03/2016 11:10:21


Chelte nham J azz We

d www.ch 27 Apr-Mon Festival eltenha 2 May mfestiv als.com /jazz

Your summer of

Images by McPhersonStevens Photo graphy

family festivals Kick start your family’s summer of fun and discovery at this year’s Cheltenham Jazz Festival

W

hether you and your kids love a bit of bop, swing or free jazz, or whether you’re discovering jazz bands and performers for the first time, Cheltenham Jazz Festival is the perfect chance for families to immerse themselves in music. Children of all ages will adore the chance to play with instruments, listen to storytelling or have a go at Lindy Hop and Jive Dancing. And when it’s all over, there’s always the Cheltenham Music Festival and the Cheltenham Science Festival to look forward to, not to mention Autumn’s Literature Festival. Here are the family highlights of the jazz festival, taking place in Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham, this spring.

Andersen, ‘Swan Lake’ and more. 10.30-11.30am £6 (ages 4+). Jazz Babies Early years specialist and jazz vocalist Holly Thomas helps children learn about different instruments, sing nursery rhymes and dance. 12.15-1.15pm £6 (ages 4 and under). Jazz Kids Back by popular demand, trumpeter Matt Gough helps children discover more about jazz, blues, rhythm and composition through singing, dancing and plenty of clapping! 2-3pm £6 (ages 5-10). Learn To Swing Dance! Lindyhop down to the Take Five Family Tent and have a go at the Jive and Charleston with beginner swing dance lessons for families. 4pm, 4.45pm and 5.30pm, free.

SAT 30 APR Wild Words: The Ugly Swanling Take part in song and dance with storyteller Michael Loader who brings alive a swan story inspired by Hans Christian

SUN 1 MAY Musical Collages What colours do you think of when you listen to jazz? Create a collage to music. 10am-12noon, free (all ages). Bostin’ Brass Discover the marching band music of New Orleans with the amazing Bostin’ Brass. Take your dancing shoes for their lively brassy fun, inspired by jazz, ska and reggae. 1-2pm £6 plus (all ages). Sara Colman’s Family Sing Uplifting music for the whole family. Bring along your voices to learn new songs, join in with jazz and popular tunes, and hear Sara’s brilliant original songs. 2.45-3.45pm £6 (all ages).

ANK MAY B L L A C MUSI END IN FREE WEEK DENS, Y A D I R HOL ER GA PELLI T M N A O H M EN CHELT

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Chris Mapp and Friends Explore music and sound through improvisation, experiments and electronics. Help shape an exciting musical adventure by making weird and wonderful noises with Chris on bass, his robot and the band! 4.305.30pm £6 (ages 7 and under). MON 2 MAY Discover Percussion With Bethan Jones All you need is your hands and voices for a morning of noisy music-making. 10.3011.30am £6 (ages 6-12). Laura The Explorer! An exciting session of singing, dancing and musical games. 12.15-1.15pm £6 (ages 7 and under). Randolph Matthews Vocal voyager Randolph Matthews mixes jazz, soul and ethnic beatbox for a musical explosion of percussive melodies, and songs made up of audience members’ names. 2-3pm £6 plus (ages 3+). Homemade Instruments Create and decorate a musical instrument of your very own. 4-6pm, free drop-in session (all ages). COMING SOON: SCINTILLATING SCIENCE: Tue 7-Sun 12 Jun Cheltenham Science Festival is a six day celebration of everything science, with loads of free, hands on activities for children, including the festival’s famous Discover Zone and a brand new meteoric Space Dome, all in a tented village in

Imperial Gardens. There’s a packed family programme including events with Robert Winston and Marty Jopson, as well as mind-bending events on space, nanotechnology, polymers, hacking workshops and amazing things to do with tech. www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/ science MARVELLOUS MUSIC: Wed 6-Sun 17 Jul The perfect opportunity for families to enjoy live music together in various venues around the town. ‘War Horse’ author Michael Morpurgo joins musicians to tell his story of friendship and family, truth and secrets in ‘The Mozart Question’, while author and illustrator James Mayhew retells Shakespeare while painting to music by Mendelssohn and Prokofiev. There’s also puppetry and physical theatre from Box Tale Soup as they tumble into ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/ music SAVE THE DATE: Cheltenham Literature Festival Fri 7-Sun 16 Oct Expect all your favourite authors, giant characters, fun poetry events and free activities in the gardens. VISIT W: www.cheltenhamfestivals.com T: 01242 850 270

PRIMARY TIMES

08/03/2016 11:16:26


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04/03/2016 11:24:34


autism Understanding

Bluebells by Iris Grace

World Autism Awareness Day this April highlights the ways parents can develop social skills of children with the condition. Alice Freeman reports.

A

utism spectrum disorder (ASD) isn’t rare. In fact the National Autistic Society (NAS) reports that at least 700,000 people in the UK have the lifelong condition which affects how you communicate, interact and relate to other people. The chances are that most of us will encounter children with ASD at home, in the playground and on the street on a regular basis. But, as the term “spectrum” suggests, no two cases of autism are the same, so how do we understand what it’s like for children living with the condition, and help them make sense of the world? World Autism Awareness Day on Saturday 2 April aims to provide some answers to that question. Research suggests that the causes of autism are genetic. Although there is currently no ‘cure’, funding and research means we now have a better understanding of how the disorder works, including how the activities of ASD children can be used to improve their social awareness. The special interests that

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16 Glos Features Easter 2016.indd 4

Iris Grace at work

ASD children develop are often something to be encouraged. One much vaunted attribute some people with autism have is the ability to remember facts and data, a central feature of the Hollywood movie ‘The Rain Man’. But not all ASD children have the card-counting ability to win you the casino jackpot. When they say there are different strokes for different folks, for some it’s brush strokes. Take 6-year-old Iris Grace who was diagnosed with Autism in 2011. She is now a Monet-inthe-making since her mother, Arabella Carter-Johnson, nurtured Iris’s interest in painting, resulting in a considerable improvement in her social skills. “Iris’s painting was a key into her world,” says Arabella, who has published a book about her experiences. “Painting was a wonderful way for her to release her emotions, for her to practise certain social skills with me and to build her confidence. She loved showing us details of her paintings and she changed quite dramatically.” She points out that other children may have a fascination with buttons or watering cans. “They may seem trivial and

meaningless to us but these passions can be incredibly valuable as we try to connect with our children on the spectrum,” she says. The NAS recommends many activities to aid learning and development of autistic children, which can take place at school or in free time. The society is optimistic that this year’s World Autism Awareness Day will boost its fundraising for such projects, following last year, when it raised over £235,000 to help autistic people and their families across the UK. To help people get involved, the NAS provides general information and fundraising ideas with downloadable packs via its website. It also has local support branches with advice for diagnosis and support services in Avon. In spite of all the good work so far, NAS research has found that “Eighty-seven per cent of autistic people and their families say they still don’t think the public understand autism in a meaningful way.” This is something they are hoping to change with the launch of their latest campaign. If you want to get involved with World Autism Awareness Day and

World Autism Awareness Week (Sat 2–Fri 8 Apr), there are plenty of autism-friendly activities and places to visit around Gloucestershire. So have fun and get those creative juices flowing! The Spring Centre in Quedgeley has a dedicated messy room for those worried about getting paint, pots and paintbrushes all over the kitchen. It started life in 1985 as a support group for children and families with disabilities and now boasts a sensory room and a soft play room. Art Shape is a registered charity which focusses on helping children and adults with participation issues by offering a range of inclusive workshops and programmes. Whether a painter or performers you can be any kind of artist you want to be. Classes run regularly at the start of each month. The Bournstream Trust is the perfect place to go this spring. The park and picnic space was established in 1987, promising a beautiful oasis full of nature to discover and safe places to play. Don’t forget to take a packed lunch! Charlotte’s Tandems is a free tandem hire service based in Gloucestershire and further afield. Bike through the scenic countryside two by two! Art Shape W: www.artshape.co.uk The Bournstream Trust W: www.bournstream.org.uk Charlotte’s Tandems W: www.charlottestandems.co.uk National Autistic Society (NAS) W: www.autism.org.uk NAS Gloucestershire Branch W: www.nas-gloucestershire.com The Spring Centre W: www.springcentre.org Iris Grace by Arabella CarterJohnson, is published by Penguin, priced £16.99, W: www.penguin.co.uk PRIMARY TIMES

08/03/2016 11:19:33


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04/03/2016 11:26:36


FAMILY & CHILDREN’S SHOWS ★ GLOUCESTER, CHELTENHAM, STROUD & BEYOND

GLOUCESTERSHIRE BACON THEATRE Dean Close School, Shelbourne Road, Cheltenham GL51 6HE. 01242 258002, www.bacontheatre.co.uk Gloucester Gang Show Tue 29 Mar-Sat 2 Apr, 7.15pm & 3.15pm (Sat only), £9/£7 • Scouts and Guides of Gloucestershire present a variety show promising to have you laughing, singing along and tapping those toes. The Wizard of Oz Tue 5-Fri 8 Apr, 7pm, adult £12/child £9 • The Sally Prout School of Dancing introduce ballet, tap and jazz into their adaptation of ‘The Wizard of Oz’. The Owl Who Was Afraid Of The Dark Mon 25 Apr, 10.30am, adult £10/child £8/family £32 • Blunderbus Theatre presents the charming tale of Plop, the baby barn owl who is afraid of the dark. Mrs Barn Owl suggests he finds out about the dark for himself, so one day he peeps over his nest, wobbles and falls out – and so starts Plop’s big adventure … Based on the children’s book by Jill Tomlinson, this is a funny, gentle and reassuring tale for ages 3-7 or anyone who still sleeps with the light on. CHELTENHAM TOWN HALL Imperial Square, Cheltenham GL50 1QA. 0844 576 2210, www. cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk Tweedy’s House of Fun Mon 28 Mar, 2.30pm, all tickets £12.50 • Popular clown Tweedy has just moved into a new house, but if he’s going to be allowed to stay he needs to impress the grumpy landlord. Fortunately for Tweedy, living next door is the ever helpful, friendly and mischievous Theo the The Giant’s Loo Roll, Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Tue 31 May.

8 EASTER 2016

16 Glos Theatre listings Easter 2016.indd 8

Hetty Feather, Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, Wed 6-Sun 10 Apr.

Mouse and Wendy. Packed full of fun and laughter, this new show from some of Gloucestershire’s top family entertainers is a perfect Easter matinee for families of all ages. The Amazing Bubble Man Mon 4 Apr, 2pm, all tickets £14 • Following sold-out shows at Edinburgh Fringe, “Bubble man” Louis Pearl returns to explore the breathtaking dynamics of bubbles, combining comedy and artistry with audience participation and enough spellbinding bubble tricks to keep everyone mesmerized. DAYLESFORD FARM Daylesford, near Kingham GL56 0YG. 0845 4597469, www.giffordscircus.com Giffords Circus Fri 3-Mon 6 Jun, times TBA, £10-£29 • Come on down to the whip-crackin’ high-tumblin’ bottle-jugglin’ horse-wranglin’ wagon-trundlin’ tent-raisin’ stake-drivin’ bootstompin’ spur-janglin’ rain dancin’ gold-rushin’ bounty-huntin’ bugletootin’ banjo-pluckin’ Hell-raisin’ Thanks-givin’ Giffords Circus show. A Wild West extravaganza of eye-catching acrobatics and aeri-

alists from far and distant lands, dancing horses, bounty hunting and gold panning – all to the beat of the Dodge City Giffords Circus saloon band.

THE PLAYHOUSE THEATRE 47-53 Bath Road, Cheltenham GL53 7HG. 01242 522852, www. cheltplayhouse.org.uk Reel Rhythm Thu 7-Sat 9 Apr, 7.45pm, adult £10/conc £9 • The Cheltenham-based Irish dance school returns with a new show, featuring more than 50 dancers and vocalists and promising to take audiences on a journey from Ireland’s ancestral heritage through to the exciting modern age. With a mixture of solo and group routines set to an uplifting and atmospheric soundtrack, ‘Reel Rhythm’ pushes the boundaries of Irish dancing while keeping the magic and exuberance associated with this style of dance.

EVERYMAN THEATRE Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573, www.everymantheatre.org.uk Bedtime Wed 6-Fri 8 Apr, 10.30am and 2pm, all tickets £8.50 • Celebrating the routines and loving nonsense of this special time of day, Oxford Playhouse presents a new show for children aged 2-6. With songs, storytelling, humour, lots of silliness and maybe even a pillow fight: put on your PJs and come and join in just before it’s time to switch off the light and say goodnight. Hetty Feather Wed 6-Sun 10 Apr, various times, £18-£24 • Follow Hetty’s adventures through Victorian London in the Olivier-nominated stage show adapted from Jacqueline Wilson’s bestseller. With beautiful storytelling, original songs and live music, spectacular circus and a huge heart, this is a terrific adventure story and the perfect treat for the whole family. The Railway Children Mon 23-Sat 28 May, 7pm & 2pm (Thu & Sat only), £13-£26 • Don’t miss your chance to join Bobbie, Peter and Phyllis on the adventure of a lifetime as they tell the story of how they became ‘The Railway Children’ in this wonderful new musical adaptation by Stephen Kingsbury and Ben Sleep. Based on the classic tale by E. Nesbit.

ROSES THEATRE The Roses, Sun Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5NX. 01684 295074, www.rosestheatre.org Pop Factor Mon 4 Apr, 2.30pm, £13.75-£15.75 • A high-energy celebration of some of the biggest current pop stars and chart hits. Featuring songs by everybody from Taylor Swift to Justin Bieber, ‘Pop Factor’ is an all-singing, alldancing show that challenges you to sit still. War Horse: Only Remembered Fri 22 Apr, 7.30pm, £10.75-£20.75 • Author Michael Morpurgo tells the powerful and moving story of young Albert and his beloved horse Joey. Leaving behind life on a farm in peaceful Devon, Joey witnesses the pity of war on both sides of the trenches when he is sent to the devastation of the Western Front in the First World War. Accompanied by John Tam’s specially composed songs as featured in the National Theatre’s award-winning production. The Giant’s Loo Roll Tue 31 May, 2.30pm, £10.75-£12.75 • Look out for the biggest loo roll ever in this giant children’s musical. The villagers living below the Giant’s house had better watch out: that loo roll has gone bouncing down the hill and is heading straight towards them. Luckily, the townsfolk find lots of uses for runaway loo paper – but what about the Giant himself? Doesn’t he need any? Expect witty humour and fantastic music in this adaptation of Nicholas Allan’s much-loved book.

FENNELLS FARM Lypiatt, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL6 7NE. 0845 4597469, www. giffordscircus.com Giffords Circus Fri 13-Mon 16 May, times TBA, £10-£29 • See Daylesford Farm listing above.

SUDELEY CASTLE Winchcombe, Cheltenham, GL54 5JD, 0845 4597469, www.giffordscircus.com Giffords Circus Thu 19-Tue 31 May, times TBA, £10-£29 • See Daylesford Farm listing above.

PRIMARY TIMES

08/03/2016 11:28:46


Family Fun This Easter At The Roses Pop Factor

A celebration of the biggest pop stars and current chart hits, from Taylor Swift to Little Mix, Justin Bieber to Fleur East. This is an alllive pop concert that will entertain the whole family and leave you wanting more.

Monday 4 April 2.30pm

come and see, feed and stroke our beautiful fallow deer, our wonderful collections of peacocks, waterfowl, pheasants and the amusing pygmy goats... all very tame and will feed from your hand!

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Will Pickvance’s Anatomy Of The Piano

An absolutely charming live show that will not only astonish, but also inspire anyone who sees it to learn to play a musical instrument.

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Thursday 7 April 2.30pm Tickets: ÂŁ6.75 - ÂŁ7.75

Box Office: 01684 295074 • rosestheatre.org The Roses, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX All ticket prices include a 75p booking fee

thebirdpark.com for information please call T: 01452 812727

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PRIMARY TIMES

04/03/2016 11:29:03


ROUNDABOUT Your ultimate family diary of what’s on, where & when

Deadlines: List your school or community events in Primary Times for free. We work a half-term in advance so we’re now collecting information for late May, June and July: deadline for inclusion Monday 18 April. If your event is to raise funds for a school, a charity or your community, and is open to the public, please let the editor know at the address below. Please send all listings information and news/feature ideas to him at: mike.gartside@localworld.co.uk PLEASE CHECK BEFORE YOU TRAVEL While we make every effort to ensure these listings are accurate and up to date, event information can sometimes change after we’ve gone to press. Please check with the venue or organiser before you set off to an event to make sure it’s going ahead as planned . . . and tell them you saw it in Primary Times!

MARCH UNTIL SUN 10 APR LAMBING & KIDDING Cotswold Farm Park, Bemborough Farm, Kineton, Cheltenham GL54 5UG. 01451 850307, www. cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk. 10.30am5pm, standard admission applies • Live lambing and kidding in the demonstration barn and the chance to hear about the whole process of birthing and looking after lambs and goat kids. UNTIL TUE 31 MAY NEW BEGINNINGS AND NEW PLANTINGS FAMILY TRAIL Westonbirt Arboretum, Westonbirt, Tetbury GL8 8QS. 0300 0674890, www.forestry.gov. uk/westonbirt, 9am-5pm, standard admission prices apply • A trail exploring the new beginnings in Westonbirt as the plants begin to wake up for spring. Follow the trail through the Old Arboretum (no dogs) or Silk Wood (dog friendly). FROM FRI 25 MAR CANOE SAFARI Slimbridge Wetland Centre GL2 7BT. 01453 891900, www. wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/

Mega Roller Disco, Cheltenham Town Hall, Sat 26 Mar

PRIMARY TIMES

Giant Duck Hunt, Slimbridge, Fri 25 Mar-Sun 10 Apr

slimbridge, 11am-5pm (last hire 4pm), canoes are £5 per adult, all under-18s must be accompanied by at least one adult • Grab a paddle and sail the watery passages of Slimbridge’s canoe safari trail. See birds from around the world as well as wildlife native to these shores and unique to the Gloucestershire area. And look out for wildlife such as water voles, dragonflies, warblers and ducks along the way. Canoes hold up to three people. FRI 25-MON 28 MAR SPRING FEST Gloucester Quays, St Ann Way, Gloucester GL1 5SH. 01452 338933, www.gloucesterquays.co.uk, times TBA, free • Enjoy 100 stalls and producers selling everything from plants and garden furniture to jewellery, chocolate, cakes, crafts and more. There will also be appearances and storytelling from Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit, the Live Lawn music stage and adventure zone including a 7m climbing wall. FRI 25-MON 28 MAR CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNT Chedworth Roman Villa, near Cheltenham, Yarnworth GL54 3LJ. 01242 890256, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/chedworth-roman-villa, 10am-4.30pm, standard admission prices plus £2 per hunt • Whatever your age, join those at Chedworth Roman Villa for a Cadbury Easter egg hunt. Follow the trail to discover more about the villa and win a chocolate prize. Also daily children’s activities. FRI 25-MON 28 MAR (CLOSED SUN 27) EASTER FUN AT THE MALL Cribbs Causeway, Merlin Rd, Bristol BS34 5DG. 0117 903 0303, www. mallcribbs.com, 10am-6pm/9am8pm (Sat only), free, some activities £2 • Discover lots of “eggsciting” activities at The Mall with plenty to keep little ones occupied. Fish for chicks in the fountain for the chance to win Easter treats, ride the indoor Easter train and enjoy other games.

FRI 25-WED 30 MAR GEORGIAN EASTER CRAFTS Dr Jenner’s House, Museum & Garden, Church Lane, Berkeley GL13 9BN. 01453 810631, www.jennermuseum.com, 12-4pm, included in standard admission prices • Create your own Georgian-style Easter egg decoration with cardboard, ribbons and fabrics and find out more about the country doctor whose work changed the world. FRI 25 MAR-SUN 3 APR HENRY’S EASTER ADVENTURE Over Farm Market, Over, Gloucester GL2 8DB. 01452 521014, www.overfarm.co.uk, 10am-4pm, free (small charges for some activities) • Join Henry the Tractor and celebrate Easter with a range of activities. Expect arts and crafts, rubber duck racing, tractor rides, face painting, fairground rides, farm animals and much more. FRI 25 MAR-SUN 10 APR GIANT DUCK HUNT Slimbridge Wetland Centre GL2 7BT. 01453 891900, www.wwt.org. uk/wetland-centres/slimbridge, 9.30am-5pm, included in standard admission prices • A group of giant ducks have landed at Slimbridge this Easter, can you spot them all? Pick up an activity sheet on arrival, then follow the trail to win a tasty treat. There will also be Easter arts and crafts so you can make something to take home. FRI 25 MAR-SUN 10 APR THE BIG BATSFORD EASTER CHICKEN HUNT Batsford Arboretum, Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 9AB. 01386 701441, www.batsarb. co.uk, 10am-5pm, chicken hunt £2.50 plus standard admission prices • You’ve heard of an Easter egg hunt – now find the chickens who laid them. They’re all hiding around the arboretum: simply mark their locations on the map to win a prize.

FRI 25 MAR-SUN 10 APR EGGCITING EASTER Birdland Park & Gardens, Rissington Rd, Bourton-on-theWater, Cheltenham GL54 2BN. 01451 820480, www.birdland. co.uk, 10am-6pm, standard admission prices apply • This holiday Birdland marks Easter with real eggs under watch, seasonal activities, an Easter egg hunt, family quiz and more. SAT 26 MAR MEGA ROLLER DISCO Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, Cheltenham GL50 1QA. 0844 576 2210, www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk, 7pm, £8.50 • Dust off your skates, grab some legwarmers and enjoy a 70s- and 80s-themed roller disco for all ages. Price includes skate hire but feel free to bring your own. SAT 26 & MON 28 MAR MAD HATTER’S TEA PARTY The Bird & Deer Park, Prinknash, Cranham, Gloucester GL4 8EX. 01452 812727, www.thebirdpark. com, 11.30am-2.30pm, children £10 including entry to the park, standard adult admission prices apply • Go hopping mad this Easter at the Bird & Deer Park’s Mad Hatter’s tea party. Enter the magical ‘Alice in Wonderland’themed marquee and enjoy face painting, crafts and, of course, the tea party itself. Fancy dress highly encouraged. Booking essential. SAT 26 MAR-SUN 24 APR INCREDIBLE INSECTS Corinium Museum, Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX. 01285 655611, www.corniummuseum. org, 10am-4pm, free • Art exhibition celebrating the fascinating anatomy, colour, form, shape and importance of insects by natural history artist Cath Hodsman. There will be a chance to meet the artists on Sat 26 Mar between 11am-2pm. SUN 27 MAR MAD HATTER’S EASTER FUN DAY Sudeley Castle & Gardens, Winchcombe, Cheltenham GL54 5JD. 01242 602308, www. sudeleycastle.co.uk, from 10am, standard admission prices apply • Chase the White Rabbit to Sudeley Castle and enjoy an “eggciting” tea party with the Mad Hatter and friends. Children under-15 can bring their best Easter bonnet for the Hatter’s competition, plus a chocolate trail and spring flower crafts. SUN 27 MAR PODSMEAD EASTER EVENT Podsmead Community Association, Milton Avenue, Podsmead, Gloucester GL2 5AS. EASTER 2016

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EastEr fun at Primrose Vale    

Ultimate Easter Challenge Spring Hunt Toddler Trail

OPEn DaILY 24th March -10th april 10am - 4pm Children £5 Accompanying adults go free

Primrose Vale farm shop Shurdington Rd, Bentham, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL51 4UA Tel: 01452 863359 For more information go to www.primrosevale.com or give us a call

     

                         

  

       

Grammar School Mock Test May 14th, June 4th and July 9th near Cheltenham Two full CEM style Mock Papers under Gloucestershire timed test conditions. Detailed report within 10 days of the test highlighting strengths and areas for improvement. Our friendly experienced DBS checked staff provide an authentic and relaxed environment to help build your child’s confidence. Full details and booking information on our website.

Tel 01242 572392

www.CotswoldEducation.co.uk email: info@cotswoldeducation.co.uk We welcome enquiries from experienced tutors.

Passionate about Learning ©LW

   

©LW

HE T OT P OPEN S

!

10.00am-5.00pm Clearwell,Nr Coleford Telephone: 01594 832535

www.clearwellcaves.com 12

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EASTER 2016

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EGGSCITING CITING ADVENTURES THIS EASTER AT

Lots of animals to meet 2 huge indoor playbarns 2 jumping pillows On site catering Tractor & trailer rides

www.cattlecountry.co.uk 01453 810 510

or for more information please call us on

Berkeley Heath Farm, Berkeley, Glos. GL13 9EW Anyone under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult

PRIMARY TIMES

04/03/2016 11:31:20


PLEASE CHECK BEFORE YOU TRAVEL . . . AND TELL THEM YOU SAW THE EVENT IN PRIMARY TIMES! »

Email thebeacon247@gmail. com to book a stall, 2-6pm, free • Community Easter afternoon for the whole family. Lots to do, including an Easter bonnet competition, Easter egg hunt, raffle, craft tables, games, music and more. All proceeds raised go towards The Beacon Charity, helping those in the community with depression. SUN 27-MON 28 MAR EASTER AT BLENHEIM PALACE Pleasure Gardens, Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire OX20 1PP. 01993 810530, www. blenheimpalace.com, 10.30am5.30pm, included in standard admission prices, small additional charges for some activities • A chance to meet favourite characters The Gruffalo and Tree Fu Tom in the picturesque Pleasure Gardens. Lots more to see and do, including stilt walkers, giant Easter egg hunt, vintage funfair, face painting, Punch and Judy shows plus the adventure playground and butterfly house. MON 28 MAR THE RAILWAY CHILDREN Various venues across Avon & Glos including Odeon Bath, Cineworld Bristol, Cineworld Cheltenham & The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury. www.therailwaychildrenfilm.com, various times & prices, please check with individual cinemas • Nationwide stage-to-screen showing of York Theatre Royal’s Olivier award-winning production of E. Nesbit’s novel ‘The Railway Children’. Follow Bobbie, Peter and Phyllis as they are uprooted from London to the countryside following their father’s false imprisonment. Dealing with themes of justice, family and the kindness of strangers, this is a classic for all ages. TUE 29 MAR STRETCHY KNIGHTS Corinium Museum, Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX. 01285 655611, www.corniummuseum. org, 10-11am, £1.50 per child • Explore the world of chivalry and create your own medieval knight to take home. TUE 29 MAR-FRI 1 APR NEW BEGINNINGS Westonbirt Arboretum, Westonbirt, Tetbury GL8 8QS. 0300 0674890, www.forestry. gov.uk/westonbirt, 11am-4pm, included in standard admission prices • Discover how the trees are waking up for spring and try your hand at some spring crafts. TUE 29 MAR-SUN 10 APR EASTER ACTIVITIES Chedworth Roman Villa, near Cheltenham, Yarnworth GL54 3LJ. 01242 890256, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chedworth-romanvilla, 10am-4.30pm, included in standard admission prices • Join the Romans this Easter and discover how they celebrated spring. Also children’s trail and craft activities. Trail free, some craft PRIMARY TIMES

activities may incur a small extra cost for materials. WED 30 MAR GARGOYLE MASKS Corinium Museum, Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX. 01285 655611, www.corniummuseum. org, 10-11am, £1.50 per child • Beastly gargoyles can often be seen carved in stone on churches and other high buildings. This is a chance to learn more about them and make your own fearsome mask to take home. WED 30 MAR INDIAN CULTURE WORKSHOPS Yate Heritage Centre, Church Rd, Yate BS37 5BG. 01454 862200, www.yateheritage.co.uk, 10.30am & 1.30pm, free but booking essential • Try your hand at traditional Indian games, yoga, sari dressing and make your own chapati. Suitable for ages 5-12. WED 30 MAR MINI MOSAICS Corinium Museum, Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX. 01285 655611, www.corniummuseum. org, 10.30am-12noon, £7 per child • Be inspired by the art of Roman mosaic making and create your own tile to take home. All materials and instruction provided. THU 31 MAR CLAY WORKSHOPS Yate Heritage Centre, Church Rd, Yate BS37 5BG. 01454 862200, www.yateheritage.co.uk, 10.30am & 1.30pm, free but booking essential • Create your own clay objects in this classic holiday workshop. Suitable for ages 5-12. THU 31 MAR COUNTRYTASTIC Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcestershire WR13 6NW. 01684 584900, www.threecounties.co.uk, 10am-5pm, £6/ under-3 free • Action-packed day of food and farming at this year’s crop-themed country fair. Plenty of themed displays as well as free activities, entertainment and the chance to get up close and personal with a variety of animals. THU 31 MAR JOLLY JESTERS Corinium Museum, Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX. 01285 655611, www.corniummuseum. org, 10-11am, £1.50 per child • Explore the medieval court where feasting and entertainment took place. Create a jolly jester character to keep your family entertained.

APRIL SAT 2 APR MUSEUM AFTER HOURS Gloucester Folk Museum, 99-103 Westgate St, Gloucester GL1 2PG. 01452 396868, www.venues. gloucester.gov.uk/freetime/museums, 6-9pm, adult £5/child £3 • The chance for visitors to explore

ROUNDABOUT the museum after dark on a special out-of-hours visit. You never know what you might find! MON 4 APR FAMILY FILM SCREENING: BIG HERO 6 Bacon Theatre, Dean Close School, Shelburne Rd, Cheltenham GL51 6HE. 01242 258002, www.bacontheatre.co.uk, 1pm, £7 • Special family film screening of Disney’s ‘Big Hero 6’ followed by arts and crafts and science activities. TUE 5 APR ORPHEUS MOBILES Corinium Museum, Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX. 01285 655611, www.corniummuseum. org, 10-11am, £1.50 per child • Learn about Orpheus and his power to enchant animals as displayed in the museum’s mosaic, then make your own mobile to take home. TUE 5 APR WILD PLANTS Westonbirt Arboretum, Westonbirt, Tetbury GL8 8QS. 0300 0674890, www.forestry.gov. uk/westonbirt, 10.30am-12.30pm, included in standard admission prices • Walk hosted by Carol Taylor of Westonbirt’s volunteerled flora group, exploring wildflowers and other plants found in the arboretum. Walk covers approx. two miles. Suitable for ages 10+. WED 6 APR TOMATO JACK ARTS: MOSAIC ART FOR CHILDREN The Bird & Deer Park, Prinknash, Cranham, Gloucester GL4 8EX. 01452 812727, www.thebirdpark. com, 10.30am-3.30pm, £9.40 per child in advance or standard entry fee plus £3 on the day • Drop in and learn how to make your very own mosaic coaster to take home. All tuition and materials included. WED 6 APR ILLUMINATED BIRDS Corinium Museum, Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX. 01285 655611, www.corniummuseum. org, 10-11am, £1.50 per child • Be inspired by the beautiful animal and bird imagery from ‘The Book of Kells’ and create an illuminated bird on a stick to take home. THU 7 APR SAXON BROOCHES Corinium Museum, Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX. 01285 655611, www.corniummuseum. org, 10-11am, £1.50 per child • The Anglo-Saxons wore brooches to decorate their clothing and keep cloaks in place: create your own to take home. THU 7 APR INCREDIBLE INSECTS WORKSHOP Corinium Museum, Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX. 01285 655611, www.corniummuseum. org, 10am-1pm, £12 per child • Wonderful opportunity for young insect fans to get up close and personal with some incredible mini beasts. Using high-powered

Spring Lambing, Roves Farm, Sat 9-Tue 26 Apr

Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, Prinknash, Sat 26 & Mon 28 Mar

microscopes, you will see and draw insects – from the wing of a butterfly to the eye of a ladybird – like never before. FRI 8 APR PARENT & CHILD INTRODUCTION TO WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY Slimbridge Wetland Centre GL2 7BT. 01453 891900, www.wwt.org. uk/wetland-centres/slimbridge, 10am-1pm, £25 per adult & child • Practical and enjoyable day for any budding wildlife photographers aged 8+ and their parents. Learn how to get great shots no matter what skill level or camera type and find out about composition, technique, fieldcraft and equipment before heading outside for a practical session. FRI 8 APR FAMILY FILM FRIDAY Corinium Museum, Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX. 01285 655611, www.corniummuseum. org, 11am, adult £5/child £2.50 • Special family-friendly film screening. For film titles please call the museum or see website. TUE 12 APR LECTURE SERIES: MEDIEVAL PETS Yate & District Heritage Centre, Church Rd, Yate BS37 5BG. 01454 862200, www.yateheritage.co.uk, 7.30-9pm, £2 • John Putley discusses the nature of medieval pets, what they meant to the medieval mind and what this can tell us of ourselves today. TUE 12 & TUE 26 APR SLIMBRIDGE CYGNETS Slimbridge Wetland Centre GL2 7BT. 01453 891900, www.wwt. org.uk/wetland-centres/slimbridge, 10.30am with 11am start, £1.50 per child • Special toddler mornings at Slimbridge. Tue 12 focuses on fabulous flamingos: what can you do that a flamingo can? Find out with a discovery session and crafts. Tue 26 calls for helpers on a bear hunt. See if you can find the grizzly bear and anything else along the way. » EASTER 2016

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PLEASE CHECK BEFORE YOU TRAVEL . . . AND TELL THEM YOU SAW THE EVENT IN PRIMARY TIMES!

THU 21-SUN 24 APR CHIPPING NORTON LITERARY FESTIVAL Various venues, Chipping Norton. 01608 642350, www.chiplitfest. com, times and prices vary, please see website • With an emphasis on getting youngsters involved with the literary festival, 2016 sees two children’s authors, Jo Cotterill and John Dougherty, organising a special programme of events, with storytelling sessions, poetry competitions and entertaining talks all part of the line-up. SAT 23 APR ST GEORGE’S DAY CELEBRATIONS Yate & District Heritage Centre, Church Rd, Yate BS37 5BG. 01454 862200, www.yateheritage.co.uk, 10.30am-4.30pm, free • Englishinspired folk and morris dancing performances, plus entertainment from local youth groups. An array of stalls and activities with a history and community theme will also be there with support from St Mary’s Church. SAT 23-SUN 24 APR WARTIME IN THE COTSWOLDS Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway, Toddington Railway Station, Toddington GL54 5DT. 01242 621405, www.gwsr.com, 9.30am5.30pm, adult £20/child aged 5-15 £10/family £55 • Journey into the past with a nostalgic weekend at the railway and experience a 1940s lifestyle with wartime music, singers and entertainers plus a host of themed attractions. WED 27 APR-MON 2 MAY CHELTENHAM JAZZ FESTIVAL Various venues, Cheltenham. 01242 850270, www.cheltenhamfestivals. com/jazz, times & prices vary, please see website • The renowned Cheltenham Jazz Festival returns, bringing a whole host of internationally acclaimed names and up-and-coming stars. Highlights for families include Jazz Kids (30 Apr, 2-3pm), Learn to Swing Dance (30 Apr , 4,4.45 & 5.30pm), Sara Colman’s Family Sing (Sun 1 May, 2.45pm), Discover Percussion (Mon 2 May, 10.30am) and Homemade Instruments (Mon 2 May, drop-in 4-6pm). See feature P. 4. SAT 30 APR-MON 2 MAY MAY BANK HOLIDAY Chedworth Roman Villa, near

Tetbury GL8 8QS. 0300 0674890, www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt, 10am-4pm, free but must be booked in advance • Club for 14-18-year-olds focusing on survival and bushcraft techniques. Learn den building, fire lighting, stargazing, wildlife watching and much more. SAT 21 MAY GRAND VILLAGE FETE Brimscombe & Thrupp Playing Fields, London Rd (A419), Thrupp GL5 2SH. 01453 887980, www. grandvillagefete.co.uk, 10.30am5pm, free • Expect a variety of stalls from local sellers, entertainment from the Frampton Silver Band, vintage vehicles, funfair, bar, hot food and much more.

Victorian May Day at Sudeley Castle, Mon 2 May

Cheltenham, Yarnworth GL54 3LJ. 01242 890256, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/chedworth-roman-villa, 10.30am-4.30pm, included in standard admission prices • Make a mosaic, badge or paper craft with seasonal craft activities, then raid the dressing-up baskets and fashion yourself a Roman costume.

MAY MON 2 MAY VICTORIAN MAY DAY Sudeley Castle & Gardens, Winchcombe, Cheltenham GL54 5JD. 01242 602308, www.sudeleycastle.co.uk, 10am-5pm, standard admission prices apply • Step back in time this May Day with Victorianthemed activities. Expect morris dancing, fancy dress characters, music, shows, refreshments and maypole dancing. MON 2 MAY HAWKWOOD COLLEGE OPEN DAY Hawkwood College, Painswick Old Rd, Stroud GL6 7QW. 01453 759034, www.hawkwoodcollege.co.uk, 10.30am-4.30pm, free • Enjoy free taster workshops from the college’s 2016 programme, plus a number of exhibits and stalls in the main house, including vintage clothing, homeopathy, live music, children’s activities, maypole dancing and more. TUE 3-SUN 15 MAY CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL OF PERFORMING ARTS Cheltenham Town Hall & venues

across the city. www.cheltfestperfarts.webeden.co.uk, times & prices vary, please see website • Celebrate Cheltenham’s 90th Festival of Performing Arts with more than 300 events to choose from. Classes in dance, drama and music for all ages plus a vast range of professional performances. THU 5-SUN 8 MAY RHS MALVERN SPRING FESTIVAL Three Counties Showground, Malvern WR13 6NW. 01684 584924, www.rhs.org.uk, from 9am, adult from £17 adv/under-16 free • Showcase promising stunning gardens, award-winning nurseries and appearances from experts, including celebrity guests Alan Titchmarsh and Mary Berry. SUN 8 MAY GLOUCESTER DOCKS DRAGON BOAT REGATTA The Docks, Gloucester GL1 2ER. 01452 724144, 10am-6pm, free for spectators • Adrenaline-fuelled annual event where 30 teams battle it out in decorative 40-foot dragon boats. Plus stalls, a funfair and live entertainment. SUN 8 MAY DAWN CHORUS WALK Chedworth Roman Villa, near Cheltenham, Yarnworth GL54 3LJ. 01242 890256, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/chedworth-roman-villa, 5-7am, £8 • Perfect for early risers. Join National Trust rangers James and Laura for a rejuvenating morning walk and listen to the dawn chorus in a beautiful country setting. Wear warm clothing and sensible footwear. Booking essential; call 0844 2491895. TUE 10 & TUE 24 MAY SLIMBRIDGE CYGNETS Slimbridge Wetland Centre GL2 7BT. 01453 891900, www.wwt.org. uk/wetland-centres/slimbridge, 10.30am for 11am, £1.50 per child • Special toddler-friendly mornings. Tue 10 sees a pond dipping session especially for little ones – what will you find? Discover ducklings on Tue 24: take a short walk to see the fluffy young birds followed by a craft activity.

New Beginnings at Westonbirt, Tue 29 Mar-Fri 1 Apr

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16 Glos Roundabout Easter 2016.indd 16

SAT 21 MAY WILD WESTONBIRT Westonbirt Arboretum, Westonbirt,

SAT 21-TUE 31 MAY DOWNY DUCKLINGS Slimbridge Wetland Centre GL2 7BT. 01453 891900, www.wwt.org. uk/wetland-centres/slimbridge, 9.30am-5.30pm, included in standard admission prices, book your tour on the day • Go behind the scenes at Slimbridge’s busy duckery and find out how they rear hundreds of ducklings, goslings and cygnets each year. Plus baby bird hatching.

ONGOING EVENTS CHILDREN’S TRAILS Chedworth Roman Villa, near Cheltenham, Yanworth GL54 3LJ. 01242 890256, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/chedworth-roman-villa, 10am-4pm, included in standard admission prices • Pick up one of the trails at reception and discover what life would have been like in a Roman villa or search for signs of local wildlife. Raid the dressing-up basket at weekends and fashion yourself as a Roman while you explore. FARM SAFARI Cotswold Farm Park, Bemborough Farm, Kineton, Cheltenham GL54 5UG. 01451 850307, www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk, half-hour slots from 12-4pm, included in admission prices • Take a tractor and trailer ride around the whole of the Farm Park to see all of the goings-on and to take in the wonderful views of the surrounding land. Sit back and relax while a member of the team talks you through the journey. THE CHOCOLATE BAR: CHOCOLATE MAKING & PAINTING WORKSHOPS Taurus Crafts, The Old Park, Lydney, nr Chepstow, Forest of Dean GL15 6BU. 07855 229334, www.tauruscrafts.co.uk, contact for prices & times • For all chocoholics. Learn how to make your own box of chocolates and pick up a few professional skills along the way.

ROUNDABOUT AND THEATRE LISTINGS BY ELLEN WHITE PRIMARY TIMES

08/03/2016 11:27:51


Want a fun party? Why not consider our bouncy castle for your party Or a sports party on the Sports England sized Games Arena! Lots of fabulous fun to be had!! Give us a call to find out more on 01242 512680

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or email: spearson@ theridgeacademy.org GO OUT AND DO AMAZING THINGS... Clyde Crescent, Cheltenham Gloucestershire, GL52 5QH Tel:01242 512680 www.theridgeacademy.org

Now Registered for Children 5-16 years Dyslexia Screening and Support www.edwardjennerschool.org.uk Tutoring for 7-16 Years in English, Maths, Science and 11+ Please ask us about our 2015 results 01452 380808 info.ejs@gmail.com

©LW

©LW

PRIMARY TIMES

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The green shoots of March bring with them a whole new crop of vegetables and produce. Ellen White explores how children can be given a spring in their step about seasonal food.

Spring

Greens I

t’s hard to watch a celebrity chef on television these days without listening to their heartfelt homily on the merits of eating fresh, locally sourced food. And, while you may get the feeling that they are all fighting for a place on an over-crowded farmyard band waggon, they are not wrong. As the dark nights of winter recede, this is the ideal time of year to get children interested in cooking. Spring brings with it an abundance of new-born animals, cheerful daffodils and fantastic, fresh food as plenty of fruit and vegetables come into season. As those chefs testify, eating seasonally brings a massive flavour boost to your cooking and can also be easier on the wallet. Vegetables at their peak over the next few months include asparagus, fennel, spinach, peas, artichokes and green beans, while fruit such as pears, rhubarb and apricots are delicious at this time of year. The focus on nutrition and environmentally sustainable food has gathered momentum in recent years and healthy eating can benefit the whole family. Involving young children in the grocery shopping can be an effective way to teach them more about food preparation and help them make healthy choices. Supermarket magazines and websites are full of great spring recipes: try letting your child pick one or two meals they’d like and then go shopping for ingredients together. You could also explain what it means when something is ‘in season’ and where different foods come from. Often children’s refusal to try 16

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from 9am-3pm. The range of local products on sale at this market includes seasonal vegetables, a huge variety of soft fruit in the summer, meat and poultry, free range eggs, olives, preserves and international street food from Thai to Caribbean and much more. All four Gate Streets, Gloucester, GL1 2RD. T: 01453 758060 W: www.fresh-n-local.co.uk.

ket Gloucester Farmers’ Mar

new foods is down to aesthetic appeal: every parent has battled with a child’s insistence that they don’t like something before they’ve even tried it. A focus on colour or new shapes can make a world of difference. So, challenge them to be the first to ‘eat a rainbow’ of different coloured foods or use biscuit cutters to make stars, hearts or other appealing shapes. Even tiny ones can help out with the cooking: start off small by letting them stir sauces or weigh out ingredients. Under supervision, older children can be a great help in the kitchen, teach them how to use electric mixers or carefully chop vegetables. Carrot and cucumber sticks could be garden bunny snacks, while sandwiches cut into chick or rabbit shapes gets them excited about the ingredients inside. That way, cooking becomes a fun craft activity as children build up a repertoire of their favourite meals and

Cheese at Cheltenham Food Festival

ingredients, perhaps even keeping a scrapbook of recipes and shopping lists. With Easter fast approaching, putting the emphasis on cooking fresh food can shift the focus away from chocolate eggs. For other ideas on food and cooking, there are a host of foodrelated events coming up in the region, from farmers’ markets and foodie festivals to cooking demonstrations. If you want to learn more or sample delicious local, seasonal produce, head on down to one of the events below. You’re sure to pick up some ideas to feed the whole family. THE FRESH-N-LOCAL FARMER’S MARKET Held in Gloucester every Friday

CHELTENHAM’S FOOD FESTIVAL Returning for the weekend Fri 10-Sun 12 Jun with plenty of children’s entertainment including Punch and Judy, Juggling Jim and The Music Man. Plus food talks covering everything from real ale to gluten free, live cookery demonstrations, wine tasting, and of course food and drink stalls. Adult tickets are £4 for Friday or £7 Sat and Sun, under 16s free. Montpelier Gardens, Cheltenham, GL50 1SD. W: www.cheltenham-foodfestival.garden-events.com. GLOUCESTER QUAYS SPRING FEST A celebration of all spring has to offer from Fri 25-Sun 28 March. Explore the magical woodland and enjoy storytelling with Peter Rabbit, play Crazy Golf in the Vegetable Patch and relax to music from the Live Lawn Stage. Plus of course, food, with over 100 stalls at the artisan market selling fresh, local produce. St Ann Way, Gloucester, GL1 5SH. T: 01452 338933 W: www.gloucesterquays.co.uk. PRIMARY TIMES

08/03/2016 11:20:50


ADVERTISING FEATURE

d r a o b n Pi Doing battle BattleSports offers outdoor laser combat for all ages from seven upwards. It’s a safe and painless alternative to paintball in which players undertake a variety of missions based on age and ability, including favourites such as ‘capture the flag’ and ‘team death match’. BattleSports’ realistic weapons use infrared laser technology so are completely pain-free. Kids love the accurate red dot scopes and the realistic military experience is enhanced by camouflage overalls and camo face paint. Birthday parties are a speciality and include soft drinks, certificates and party food for an all-inclusive price and with no minimum number of guests. BattleSports has an on-site cafe and micro-brewery for parents to enjoy while they wait. Ffi: BattleSports T: 01452 830620 W: www.battlesportsglos.com

Easter “eggcitement”! It is an “eggciting” time this Easter at Bourton-onthe-Water’s Birdland. With real eggs under watch and cracking Easter activities planned, there’s plenty for all the family to enjoy over the holidays from Friday 25 March to Sunday 10 April. Visit Birdland’s hatchery to see real Easter eggs hatching and new chicks taking their first steps. Join in the Easter challenge quiz, where children must hunt to find 10 eggs and answer ornithological questions. All the family can learn even more “eggcellent” bird facts at the daily feeding talks and get to meet the keepers who look after the birds in the park. At the indoor discovery zone, meet animals that lay eggs, from fish to amphibians, reptiles to mammals, and even get up close in the close encounter zone. This year visitors will also be able to hunt for dinosaur eggs on the Jurassic Journey trail and explore prehistoric fossils in the dino dig. Ffi: Birdland Park & Gardens W: www.birdland.co.uk

Ffi: Dick Whittington Farm Park T: 01452 831000 W: www.dickwhittington.org

PRIMARY TIMES

16 Glos Pinboard Easter 2016.indd 23

news, education & contacts

Quays to the city Favourite children’s story character Peter Rabbit is appearing at Gloucester Quays over Easter for the shopping outlet’s annual Spring Fest from 25-28 March. A huge hit with families, Spring Fest offers a great day full of free entertainment, market stalls, treats and live music. Plus to help celebrate the 150th anniversary of Beatrix Potter’s birth, children can see Peter Rabbit during story time sessions, led by a narrator, at intervals throughout the day. With up to 70 percent off high-street prices and plenty of dining options in the outlet’s popular leisure quarter, including Carluccio’s and Bella Italia, Gloucester Quays offers families the perfect day out. Ffi: Gloucester Quays W: www.gloucesterquays.co.uk

Teeming with life

Say baa! There’s a lively Easter programme lined up at the Dick Whittington Farm Park at Longhope. With the arrival of spring, many new babies are born at the park so it’s a great chance for families to see new arrivals such as lambs and chicks. Children can also enjoy Easter egg hunts, Easter cake and egg decorating, face painting and glitter tattooing. The farm park’s electric go-kart course will be open while the aviaries show off a colourful range of additional birds. Coming soon too are new activities like bushcraft courses, crazy golf and a newly-established horse riding academy for youngsters. Ask for details when you visit. With flowers bursting into bloom around the park, Easter is also a great time to venture along the nature trails. The restaurant will be offering special treats, such as its ice-cream ‘heaven’ cabinet, or you can bring your own picnic.

Parents’ & teachers’

Adventures in wonderland Prinknash Bird and Deer Park’s Mad Hatter’s Tea Party on 26 and 28 March will make this Easter unforgettable. A charming themed marquee, face painters, a craft tent and, of course, the quirky tea party will all go to make for a really memorable day out, especially as spring is in the air, the ducks and geese are preparing to nest and the fallow deer are shedding their winter woollies. The deer can’t wait to meet the children and are quite used to seeing Mad March Hares and other ‘Alice in Wonderland’ characters at Easter. Tickets include the event in full and entry to the park and booking is advised as places are limited. Visit the website for details of other events and promotions being held during Easter. Ffi: Prinknash Bird and Deer Park T: 01452 812727 W: www.thebirdpark.com

Summer term is a fantastic time for teachers to visit WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre with their classes. The ponds are teeming with life. Learners will get hands on, catching and identifying creatures, watching them up close and exploring how different species have adapted to breathe, eat and move around in the water. Around the Wetland Centre wildflowers are in bloom, brightly coloured dragonflies are flying and fluffy ducklings are hatching. In the guided learning session ‘What do birds eat and how?’ pupils will get close to all sorts of birds, from waders with long beaks probing mud for worms to grass-nibbling geese. WWT’s guided and self-guided learning opportunities are suitable for all ages and abilities and are designed to support learning in school. Summer term is filling up fast so book early to avoid disappointment. And if your school has 20% or more pupils eligible for free school meals, you may qualify for a free visit. Ffi: WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre T: 01453 891117 E: education.slimbridge@wwt.org.uk W: www.wwt.org.uk/learn

EASTER 2016 17

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Hello Kids!

Thank you, as always, for the fantastic pictures you send me. This issue we’re all feeling a bit peckish here at Primary Times and we’ve teamed up with Foodies Festival which takes place on Bristol’s Downs this 13-15 May. The three young artists who send me the best picture about a delicious meal I will always remember will win a VIP family ticket to the event. So get your crayons out and send me your pictures to: Arty Barty, Primary Times, 1 Temple Way, Bristol, BS2 0BY, or email high resolution jpegs to my editor at: mike.gartside@localworld. co.uk Don’t forget to put your name, age, full home postal address (so we can send you the prize!) and school on the back. Deadline: Monday 18 April.

Arty Barty It’s wonderful to see your enthusiasm for art - whole classes sent me pictures of my favourite sport - and it was so hard to choose the best. Well done to the winners who each get a book from the editor.

Tamika Rai, 10, s Saint Netheravon All hool, CofE Primary Sc Wiltshire likes Tamika obviously has she lots of sport and efully car drawn four here, e the and cleverly. I lov ast’s gy glitter on the mn outfit.

WINNER!

Have fun!

Arty

Harikesh Rajanikanth, 5, Field Court C of E Infant Academy, Gloucestershire You can almost taste the sense of occasion in Harikesh’s picture of last year’s Rugby World Cup. I expect he thoroughly enjoyed the recent Six Nations tournament as well.

Maike Ye, 10, St John’s C of E Primary School, Bristol Maike is a football fanatic to the core, drawing this brilliant footballer in impeccable detail. The accoutrements like the trophy and medals show great attention to detail.

NB. Please see T&Cs at primarytimes.net/ avon/home-intro/tcs

Primary Times reviews the new releases.

Primary School, Regi Horvathova, 6, St.Andrew`s Bath , especially when the Gymnastics is such an exciting sportdo this year. Regi has Olympics come round, which they etition, portraying the really caught the excitement of comp equipment brilliantly. movements of the gymnasts on their

Totally roar-some!

It’s a family affair as teachers Tim and Kerry Meek launch themselves into the evening hours after school and work, with their daughters Amy and Ella, discovering hundreds of fun outdoor activities that don’t involve screens. This compendium of traditional, modern and undeniably healthy activities explores everything from foraging to star-gazing, performing to planting vegetables and appeals to the desire in all of us to creatively explore our natural habitat. What Tim and Kerry don’t tell us is how, if you don’t have limitless supplies of energy, you’re supposed to fit this in with homework, chores, cooking and the general exhaustion that usually descends on families around tea time. But let’s not allow reality to get in the way of a great idea. These suggestions offer lots of excellent ways to give ourselves and our children a healthier, more fulfilling life. Even if you only manage to plan and carry out one of these activities in the next few months, it’ll be worth it. (Mike Gartside)

Calling all budding palaeontologists! If you want to learn more about dinosaurs, then you need to get your claws on a new series of books, ‘What’s So Special About…?’ Aimed at 6 to 10 year olds, the series takes an in-depth look at a variety of these magnificent creatures and combines beautiful anatomical illustrations alongside fun facts about each dinosaur, such as the period they lived in, what they ate and which dinosaurs shared the land with them. Children will love finding out a whole heap of fun facts, such as what each dinosaur’s weapons are, rated out of ten, and which modern animal they’re most similar to, while parents can appreciate that all the information is backed by palaeontological research, so reading one is a great learning experience. The four books in the series at the moment cover tyrannosaurus rex, stegosaurus, coelophysis and ankylosaurus, and since the latter are two of the lesser-known dinosaurs, adults can learn a lot from reading these, too. If your kids (or you!) want to find out more, there’s also a dedicated website for the series at www.specialdinosaurs. com. (Helen Dorritt)

50 Evening Adventures Tim, Kerry, Amy and Ella Meek, £12.99, Frances Lincoln Ltd, www.quartoknows.com

What’s So Special About...? Nicky Dee, £5.99, Dragonfly Group Ltd, www.dragonflypubs.com

Getting out more

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PRIMARY TIMES


Ellen White goes in search of the ultimate Easter Egg Hunt

warmer Getting

T

hey may not inspire quite the same frenzied excitement as Christmas, but the Easter holidays offer plenty of fun, from spring crafts to bottle feeding lambs, and of course, lots of chocolate! Among the enduring attractions is the ever popular Easter Egg Hunt. Quick and easy to put together, they can be adapted to suit children of all ages and a variety of venues. While the most important aim is to have fun, it can be helpful to set some ground rules before you begin, minimise any dreaded “it’s not fair” meltdowns. If you have a larger group with varying ages it’s a good idea to pair up the younger ones with someone older to give them a fairer chance of finding the prizes, or if they’d prefer to work alone try staggering the groups depending on age so that little ones have longer to search. You could set up a base for children to return to after collecting a certain amount of eggs (say five), and only set out again once every child has reached it to ensure everyone gets a fair amount. Alternatively, for smaller groups, wrap the same amount of eggs or treats in different coloured tissue paper and assign each child a colour. Only collecting prizes in their colour keeps it fair and should eliminate arguments. It’s up to you how many eggs you hide, however it’s a good idea to set limits for chocolate consumption to avoid being overrun by hyperactive children. Perhaps a few eggs once everyone has finished and then the rest can be saved for over the Easter holidays. You could also use mini plastic eggs for collection during the hunt and then give out sweet prizes, to ensure noone sneaks a surreptitious nibble of the prizes! Egg hunts work well both indoors and outdoors. If you don’t have access to a garden then a trail in PRIMARY TIMES

16 Glos Features Easter 2016.indd 9

the Easter holiday from Fri 25 Mar10 Apr, so plenty of time for some family fun. 10am-6pm, standard admission prices apply. Rissington Rd, Bourton-on-the-Water, Cheltenham, GL54 2BN. T: 01451 820480 W: www.birdland.co.uk.

a local wood or park can be very effective: just make sure you set firm area boundaries before you start. Nicole Daw, a “50 Things” Engagement Ranger for the National Trust, suggests combining the hunt with learning. “Try including clues or questions about the plants and animals you might find, or the history of the place,” she says. “We aim to pick a route that works for all abilities and make it fun, although you can throw in some trickier questions for a bit of a challenge.” Hidden clues work just as well around your home, plus it’s wise to have a back up plan when dealing with the unreliable British weather. You could theme the hunt depending on your child’s interests, perhaps a pirate treasure map or an adventure story where each part contains a riddle to the next hiding place. Again, if you’re worried about too much sugar you could hide fancy dress items instead, for example ears, teeth, a tail and a bow tie to make an Easter Bunny outfit, then hand out eggs once everyone is dressed. Finally, don’t forget to gather enough baskets, buckets or con-

tainers for each child to collect their eggs in. If you’re planning a whole morning or afternoon of Easter fun you could set up a craft station for children to decorate their own paper bags beforehand. If you don’t have the time or space to organise a hunt yourself, don’t worry. There are plenty of local Easter egg trails available - here’s a selection of local events: Whatever your age, join Chedworth Roman Villa for a fun Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt. Follow the trail to discover more about the villa and win a chocolate prize. Fri 25-Mon 28 Mar, 10am-4.30pm, standard admission prices plus £2 per hunt. Near Cheltenham, Yarnworth, GL54 3LJ. T: 01242 890256 W: www.nationaltrust. org.uk/chedworth-roman-villa.

Chase the White Rabbit to Sudeley Castle this Easter Sunday and enjoy an eggciting themed tea party with the Mad Hatter and friends. Children under 15 can bring their best Easter bonnet for the Hatter’s competition, plus a chocolate trail and spring flower crafts. From 10am, standard admission prices apply. Winchcombe, Cheltenham, GL54 5JD. T: 01242 602308 W: www.sudeleycastle.co.uk. Meet recently hatched baby sharks in the Sunken Shipwreck area and follow an “egg-cellent” trail quiz to discover what sea creature lays hundreds of thousands of eggs at Bristol Aquarium this Easter. Plus meet Bolt the resident electric eel, baby sea horses, clownfish, turtles and more. From Fri 25 Mar-Sun 10 Apr. Anchor Rd, Bristol, BS1 5LL T: 0117 9298929 W: www.bristolaquarium.co.uk

Heaps of Easter fun at Birdland this holiday with real eggs under watch, cracking Easter activities, Easter egg hunt, family quiz and much more. Running throughout EASTER 2016

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Adver tising Feature

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• Set in a beautiful Gloucestershire valley, Clearwell Caves is a former iron ore mine and natural cave system, closed in 1945 but now reopened to the public. Although large scale mining ended after the war, ochre pigment is still mined on a small scale for artists’ paints. The caves are a great experience for families and visitors of all ages. With its winding passageways opening into impressive caverns, the mysterious atmosphere has been noticed by the Easter fun at Clearwell BBC which has filmed episodes of ‘Dr Who’, ‘Merlin’, ‘DaVinci Demons’ and ‘Atlantis’ there. A small visitor centre welcomes you and there are mining displays throughout the nine caverns. This Easter, the piglets look for their Easter Eggs: can you count how many there are throughout the caves? Correct entries are placed in a draw to win a super Easter prize. Entry sheets are free and included on entry. Some fun percussion instruments, made using old mining equipment and positioned where visitors can play them, will sound amazing during your visit. Children (or adults) can experience the underground reverberations. If you’re feeling really adventurous you might try a caving activity advertised on the caves’ website during the Easter holidays. Exciting for adults and children aged 7 and over, the trips involve simple climbing and crawling far beyond the public pathways. An exhilarating experience for the family or as a great idea for a birthday treat. There is an excellent gift shop selling unusual souvenirs, including minerals mined from the caves: a large picnic area, walks and newly refurbished café that has mining artefacts hanging from the ceiling. Car parking is free. A great adventure for all the family. Ffi: Clearwell Caves W: www.clearwellcaves.com

Adver tising Feature

Follow the flock!

School er v stops o r, Easte learnin’gt doesn have to Kumon’s maths and English study programmes work throughout the year to ensure your child is constantly learning and developing their ability. Contact your local Instructor for a free assessment. Cheltenham, Bishop’s Cleeve Cheltenham, Carlton Kings Longlevens Quedgeley Tewkesbury Cheltenham, Warden Hill

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Fees vary. Please refer to your local study centre.

20 EASTER 2016

16 Glos advertising features Easter 2016.indd 26

• Cattle Country in Berkeley in Gloucestershire is a great day out, come rain or shine, for children and adults too. Best known for its indoor and outdoor play equipment, Cattle Country has a whole range of things to do and many animals to see. Two huge barns house giant slides and loads of soft play equipment. Outdoor activities include two jumping pillows (one is reserved especially for under-fours), the UK’s tallest climbing net, a huge adventure castle, beach barn, Little Calves water play area, trampolines, ride-on mini tractors, a willow maze, mini golf and a boating lake, to name just a few. In the animal experience centre you can get up close to the animals through seasonal shows and an events programme, as well as experience favourites like guinea pig handling and bottle feeding. The farm trail takes you on a relaxing walk around the site, passing by herds of rare-breed British cattle. You can also see the cattle up close on an educational tractor and trailer ride. During the Easter holidays, find the egg-shaped clues dotted around the park for the chance to win free entrance tickets and then experience some breathtaking flying during falconry displays. A restaurant provides full on-site catering and the gift shop offers a wide range of souvenirs for all ages and pockets. Ffi: Cattle Country T: 01453 810510 W: www.cattlecountry.co.uk

PRIMARY TIMES

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Adver tising Feature

Have you herd? • From bottlefeeding lambs and stroking rabbits to watching chicks appear from their cosy little eggs, there are plenty of activities to keep the family entertained every day this Easter at Cotswold Farm Park. Lambing and kidding will still be taking place live in the demonstration barn until 10 April. Snuggled up on the stacked bales, you can hear more about the whole process from choosing the rams, scanning the ewes and pregnancy to birth and all about how the ewes, nanny goats and newborns are looked after. If you’re lucky, your visit could be timed just right to witness the first tentative steps of a little lamb or goat kid. With an adventure playground, farm safari, maze, tractor school, sand pits and jumping pillows, there’s lots of entertainment for children of all ages. The soft play pen is new for 2016 and has been an especially big hit with pre-school visitors. Guests of all ages can interact closely with the animals with twicedaily bottle-feeding of lambs and goat kids as well as feeding older stock on the rare breeds walkway, whilst also learning about farming past and present. There are also some special activities planned over the Easter school holidays, all included in the cost of admission – check the website for more information and look out for your 10% off voucher elsewhere in this edition of Primary Times. Ffi: Cotswold Farm Park T: 01451 850307 W: www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk

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Aquarium’s eggstravagant Easter! • Spring has sprung undersea – This cute creature eventually so you can see baby seahorses turns into an adult shark and baby sharks this Easter. Bristol Aquarium is home to thousands of sea creatures, from tropical sharks, stingrays, turtles and clownfish to seahorses, piranhas and much more. This Easter holiday you can meet the aquarium’s latest arrivals in The Nursery, home to teeny-tiny baby seahorses, glass catfish and bamboo shrimp. Meet recently hatched baby sharks in the Sunken Shipwreck area and follow an “egg-cellent” trail quiz to discover what sea creature lays hundreds of thousands of eggs. With 40+ naturally themed displays in eight themed zones, giant open-top ocean displays, including a wooden footbridge over the coral seas and an underwater walk-through tunnel, the aquarium gives you the chance to come face-to-face with Bolt the electric eel, Percy the giant Amazonian river fish, Ravioli the ray and much more – you’ll even find Nemo and Dory! Don’t forget to climb inside the seahorse lighthouse bubble to experience the pot-bellied seahorses up close. As tickets are valid all day you can pop back in as many times as you like on the day of your visit – perfect to catch all the talks, feeds and school holiday activities. Bristol’s Aquarium is also the only aquarium in the UK to feature a giant botanical house full of exotic plant and tree species from around the world and a walkthrough waterfall surrounded by orchids – for great photo opportunities! The aquarium’s open daily and children under three go free.

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PRIMARY TIMES

16 Glos advertising features Easter 2016.indd 27

EASTER 2016 21

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Adver tising Feature

Eggcellent ideas to keep the kids busy With the Easter break just around the corner, many parents are starting to think about how to entertain the kids, particularly if the weather forecast isn’t looking too good. With a few fun activities, some creative thinking and a bit of forward planning, it’s easy to keep little ones busy and active – and without breaking the bank!

Get creative with Easter crafts

Craft projects are brilliant for engaging children. Not only do they provide them with hours of entertainment, but they’re also ideal for building skills and cognitive development. Colouring in and painting are both great fun whatever the weather – kids love to get the crayons and paints out to create their own magical world of colour! Ready-made kits for creating jigsaws, piggy banks and picture frames will help to add excitement, and also make lovely personalised gifts if there’s a birthday coming up! Of course a colouring book with a bunch of crayons is also a great way to have some quality quiet time together. At Easter time there are loads of craft kits available, such as sets to make bonnets, egg baskets and masks. They include all the bits and pieces needed to set the kids loose on their own Easter project! A make your own Easter sign set will also help you decorate the home, ready for the big day.

Mixing it up in the kitchen

Kids love to get involved and the kitchen is a great place to spark creativity and get stuck in, especially on those rainy days. For kids that love sweet treats (and that’s all of them!), there’s no beating a bit of good old fashioned baking... just be prepared to see more mix on the floor than in the bowl! Whether it’s jam tarts, fairy cakes or gingerbread men, baking is a great opportunity for kids to learn new skills and bake their own creations. For added enthusiasm, a few fun-shaped colourful cutters will do the trick. Teaching children how to make meals or snacks from scratch can be a great way of increasing their understanding of the importance of healthy eating, and get them thinking about where food comes from. To get them interested, it can be fun to make dishes that the kids have never tried before – it could be as simple as a fruit salad filled with unusual fruits from around the world. For those lucky enough to be jetting off somewhere exotic this year, a whole menu could be created made up of dishes from that country... a sure bet to get everyone excited!

Outdoor activities

With rumours that warm weather’s on its way, as unlikely as it seems now, there may be plenty of fun to be had in the garden. Setting up a garden Olympics will help keep little ones both busy and active... think sandpit for the long jump and two lengths of the garden for the 100 metres race. They’ll tire themselves out whilst having a load of fun... all without you having to spend a penny! Euro 2016 is only a couple of months away now, so setting up the goal posts and net for a penalty shoot out may help them take an interest – just keep competitive dads well away! If football isn’t their thing, a tennis, rounders or badminton set will be just as fun. For not-so-sporty kids, gardening is a great activity no matter what age they are. Pick a simple activity to start with like planting seeds – and watch them get hooked as their plants start to grow. Even children who find it difficult to concentrate will love to track the development of their plants as they get taller and taller thanks to their care and attention. Some parents like to add a competitive element to see who can grow the tallest, largest or tastiest plant! Now is the perfect time to start thinking about growing super-easy sunflowers, and a pack of seeds costs less than a quid – great value for weeks of fastgrowing fun!

For more ideas to keep the kids busy this Easter visit wilko.com or visit our blog - life.wilko.com

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Keeping the kids happy is child’s play at 3

1

£

£ .50*

12pk

60p each

Have an egg-cellent Easter

1

£ .25* each

95p

Find your local store at www.wilko.com/page/storelocator *Items available in store only. All products are subject to availability. Some items available in larger stores only, please check with your store in advance to avoid disappointment. Also online at wilko.com. 0426901 Wilko Make Your Own Easter Egg Basket Bunny/Chick. 0351501 Cupcake Cases 12pk. 0284023 Wilko Seeds Sunflower Giant Single. 0270788 Wilko Seeds Cress Fine Curled. 0231614 Crayola Crayons 24pk. 0349453 Wilko Animal Colouring Book.

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