Glos Autumn Half Term 2015

Also Whizz Pop Bang!

Winter attractions

in Gloucestershire Issue 139 21 October-18 December 2015

Make a song and dance of it!

Cheltenham’s Everyman Theatre brings panto glitz and fun galore with its new show, Cinderella. Page 4.

Download the Primary Times app, free! Page 3

Theatre • Arty Barty • Roundabout • Save money!

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BACK IN BATH AFTER A CRITICALLY-ACCLAIMED TOUR AN EGG CHRISTMAS SHOW FOR ALL THE FAMILY the egg & West Yorkshire Playhouse in association with MAC, Belfast & Theatr Iolo present

LITTLE SURE SHOT ««««« «««« «««« «««« «««« THEATRE BATH

THE STAGE

THE PUBLIC REVIEWS

MUSICAL THEATRE REVIEW

YORKSHIRE POST

There’s a new star heading our way this Christmas, when the inspirational Little Sure Shot blazes into Bath in an action-packed adventure fi filled lled with comedy, romance and country music. Based on the real-life rags-to-riches story of how little Annie befriends the famous showman Buffalo Bill and grows up to be the queen of the Wild West, Little Sure Shot will amuse, delight and inspire audiences of all ages.

Sitting between True Grit and Annie Get Your Gun, Little Sure Shot is performed by an exceptionally versatile and talented company of actor/musicians and returns to the egg following a critically-acclaimed UK tour. This updated production features all the magic, theatrical flair and original music that audiences have come to love in the egg’s Christmas productions.

Little Sure Shot is recommended for children aged 6 and above but has been enjoyed by all members of the family.

Cast: John Biddle, Tom Jude, Verity Kirk, David Leopold & Paxsie Vernon.

Written and composed by Lucy Rivers (GabbleBabble) Conceived and Directed by Amy Leach (Storm on the Lawn) Designed by Hayley Grindle (Heidi - A Goat’s Tale, Ben Hur, Around the World in 80 Days, The Nutcracker)

“THIS IS A TRULY GREAT SHOW FOR ALL THE FAMILY” BATH CHRONICLE

“EXUBERANT AND BURSTING WITH ENERGY” THE STAGE

“THE ACTION SKIPS ALONG AT A SPRIGHTLY PACE” GUARDIAN

“WILL DELIGHT YOUNG AND OLD ALIKE...

A PALPABLE HIT” THE PRESS

Mon

7 14 21 2.00 7.00 28 2.00 7.00 4

Tue

8 2.00 7.00 15 2.00 7.00 22 2.00 7.00 29 2.00 7.00 5 2.00 7.00

Wed

9 2.00 7.00 16 2.00 7.00 23 2.00 7.00 30 2.00 7.00 6 2.00 7.00

Thur

Fri

3 DEC 4 7.00 10 2.00 7.00 17 2.00 7.00 24 11.00 3.00 31 11.00 3.00 7 2.00 7.00

11 2.00 7.00 18 25 1 JAN 8 2.00 7.00

Sat

5 2.00 7.00 12 2.00 7.00 19 2.00 7.00 26 2 2.00 7.00 9 2.00 7.00

Sun

6 1.00 5.00 13 1.00 5.00 20 1.00 5.00 27 1.00 5.00 3 1.00 5.00 10 1.00 5.00

£17 adults / £12 children & students All tickets £12 £17 adults / £12 children & students Schools discounts apply to these performances - £8 each plus one free teacher per 10 tickets booked Preview: all tickets £10

3rd Dec 2015 – 10th Jan 2016

Box Office: 01225 823409 www.theatreroyal.org.uk/the-egg p2.indd 1

02/10/2015 15:38:42

I’m as shocked as anyone that we are already talking about Christmas, but families are planning their festivities earlier than ever. Parents may want to combine family fun with necessity as they entertain the children and get some seasonal shopping done.

So we’ve featured the most exciting visits to Santa’s various grottos in the West, plus reindeer experiences, ice rinks and winter markets (P6).

Before that, though, traditional autumn activities loom and we have our most comprehensive listings yet of Halloween and Bonfire Night events (P16) , plus news of an exciting new science publication (P20). So, toodlepip! Or should that be Whizz Pop Bang? the editor

139 rshire Issue2015 ber in Glouceste er-18 Decem 21 Octob

Also Whizz Pop Bang!

Winter s attraction

Make a song and dance of it!

THEATRE P8 ROUNDABOUT P11 PINBOARD P17 ADVERTISING FEATURES P18 CLASSIFIEDS P21 PUPILS’ PAGE P22 DIAL ‘S’ FOR SANTA P6 Ellen White on the West’s best grottos, ice rinks and winter family attractions.

GEE WHIZZ! P20 Tom Morgan reports on a new offline science magazine which is inspiring children.

PRIMARY TIMES IS NOW AVAILABLE AS A FREE APP https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/primary-times/id674066003?mt=8 an Theatre ’s Everym fun galore with Cheltenham to glitz and e 4. brings pan w, Cinderella. Pag its new sho Theatre • Arty

Download ry the Prima Times app, 3 free! Page

money! dabout • Save Barty • Roun

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

Editor

Commercial director

Advertising

Distribution

Design Production Sub-editor Proof reader Main office

Mike Gartside mike.gartside@localworld.co.uk Abbie Grant abbie.grant@localworld.co.uk 0117 934 3626 Caroline Stretton caroline.stretton@localworld.co.uk 0117 934 3737 Juliet Hobbs 01242 278053 juliet.hobbs@localworld.co.uk Cath Evans, Mike Gartside Emma Gorton, Ruth Wood Eric Blair Tom Morgan 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 Bristol News & Media 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 Bristol News & Media.

Primary Times currently publishes more than two million copies per issue under franchise.

PRIMARY TIMES

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Find these amazing offers this issue!

Bristol Aquarium – Kids go free!

Cattle Country Adventure Park – Book online and save 15% Cotswold Farm Park – One child free with paying adult

Cattle Country Adventure Park

AUTUMN HALF TERM 2015

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06/10/2015 11:15:24

any Gloucestershire Youth Theatre Comp

Making a

e c n a d d n song a

The Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, has a sack full of festive treats for you this season.

F

ollowing the runaway success of ‘Sleeping Beauty’ last year, the Everyman Theatre’s annual pantomime is back again with your all-time favourite show, ‘Cinderella’. Tweedy the Clown bounces back to Cheltenham with even more thrills, spills and laughs and is joined once again by William Elliott, the resident, larger than life Dame.

Dust off those ball gowns and polish your glass slippers...

Cinderella opens on Fri 27 Nov and run until Sun 10 Jan. There is also a relaxed performance on Tue 5 Jan. Running alongside the pantomime, in the Everyman’s Studio Theatre, is ‘The Crocodile’s

The Crocodile’s Gift

4

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Gift’. Produced by Red Dog Theatre Company, it presents a gentle alternative to the main house production: when Damura is sent to the river to do the washing, she loses her stepmother’s best sarong. She is dismayed, but finds surprising help at hand if only she is brave enough to accept it. Exciting adventures follow, and at last it seems Damura will find the happiness she deserves - or will her jealous stepmother‘s tricks ruin everything?

This beautiful Cinderellastyle story from Indonesia is full of delightful twists and turns and is perfect for children under 7. The Crocodile’s Gift runs from Fri 4–Thu 24 December, with a relaxed performance on Sat 5 Dec. As well as shows, the Everyman Theatre offers opportunities for children to learn theatre and performing skills for themselves through sessions run by the Gloucestershire Youth Theatre Company (GYTC). The company employs trained theatre professionals to deliver high quality performance training and groups run throughout the school term.

For further details email them at the address below.

Younger children can sign up to EveryKid – fun-filled work-

shops for 4 to 7 year olds, which focus on having fun with drama, art and music. Participants play drama games and make new friends from across the county.

For more information contact Camille Cowe (see below).

Everyman Theatre W: www.everymantheatre.org.uk EveryKid T: Camille Cowe 01242 512515 x231 E: camille.cowe@everymantheatre.org.uk Gloucestershire Youth Theatre Company (GYTC) E: gytc-youththeatre@hotmail.com.

PRIMARY TIMES

06/10/2015 11:19:11

‘a great underground experience for all the family!’

O C T O B E R H A L F T E R M H O L I D AY

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

www.clearwellcaves.com

THURSDAY 22nd OCTOBER SUNDAY 1st NOVEMBER

l 9 impressive caverns l Caving activities l Giftshop l Café l Ochre & blacksmith workshops l Picnic area l Ample free parking l Educational groups welcome

FOR A SPOOKTACULAR HALF TERM 22ND OCTOBER -1ST NOVEMBER 2015...

Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer...

NEW FOR HALLOWEEN...

scary

TO

Take a tractor & trailer ride to our spooky fairytale maze... ...Find our candy cottage and be greeted by our witch giving out free treats!

www.cattlecountry.co.uk

or for more information please call us on

01453 810 510

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

PRIMARY TIMES

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Please note: Tractor & Trailer rides are an additional cost of £1.00 per person with tickets being purchased on the tractor.

AUTUMN HALF TERM 2015 5

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S Santa Dial

From grottos to ice rinks, to real reindeers, Ellen White discovers the most exciting winter attractions in the West.

Prinknash Bird and Deer Park Clearwell Caves

Y

ou can practically hear the sleigh bells as the days get shorter and the Christmas season draws near. Primary Times selects the pick of local entertainment to get you and your family in a thoroughly festive mood, with everything from ice skating and Christmas markets, to Santa’s grottos and reindeer encounters.

A range of events entertain the kids while offering plenty of Christmas shopping, so all that’s left to do is wrap up warm, enjoy a mince pie and start making those Christmas lists for Santa.

THU 12 NOV CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON The Mall, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol, BS34 5DG, 0117 903 0303, www. mallcribbs.com. 6pm, ticket only event, see website for details.

Suggested donation £2 • This year’s special guests are The Vamps, who make sure everyone is feeling festive with an exclusive performance. This also marks the grand opening of The Mall’s Winter Wonderland (see below).

THU 12 NOV-SUN 10 JAN WINTER WONDERLAND ICE SKATING The Mall, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol, BS34 5DG, 0117 903 0303, www. mallcribbs.com. Prices and time TBA, see website • Situated in the heart of the Winter Wonderland, this claims to be the largest outdoor ice rink in the South West.

Tickets can be pre-booked online.

FRI 13 NOV-SUN 3 JAN FESTIVAL OF LIGHT Longleat Safari Park, Longleat, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7NW, 01985 844400, www.longleat. co.uk. 10.30am-7pm, safari last entry 2pm, £28.95 (adult)/£21.95 (child) • Perhaps Europe’s largest ever display of Chinese lanterns transforms Longleat into a glow6

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Avon Valley Railway

ing winter wonderland with thousands of new lanterns.

This year features beautiful new scenes including a traditional Chinese Dragon Boat and the iconic Terracotta Army alongside luminous flowers, animatronic animal lanterns and much more.

WEEKENDS FROM SUN 22 NOV AND EVERYDAY FROM SAT 19 DEC SANTA’S GROTTO Old Down Country Park, Foxholes Lane, Tockington, Bristol, BS32 4PG, 01454 414081, www.olddownestate.co.uk/country-park. From 12pm every Sat and Sun, everyday from Sat 19 Dec, £12.50 per child • Santa is on his way to Old Park this Christmas taking up residence in his very own festive grotto. Many time slots to choose from to suit what’s best for you. And Santa has set up some activities for the children to do whilst they are waiting.

FROM FRI 27 NOV ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS Westonbirt Arboretum, Westonbirt, Tetbury, Glocestershire, GL8 8QS, 01666 880220, www.forestry.gov.uk/ westonbirt. • A mile long illumi-

for

nated trail through Westonbirt’s vast range of trees and winding paths every Fri, Sat and Sun from 27 Nov. Expect choirs and bands, seasonal shopping, family craft activities and Father Christmas himself. Booking essential for Sat evening visits.

SAT 28 NOV-THU 24 DEC CHRISTMAS FANTASY Clearwell Caves, The Rocks, Coleford, Gloucestershire, GL16 8JR, 01594 832535, www.clearwellcaves.com. 10am-5pm, £10/ under 2s free • Meet Father Christmas underground! Children aged 2-14 will receive a gift. Then walk through displays telling this year’s delightful new children’s story, as well as an underground Christmas Market, underground café and gift shop.

WEEKENDS FROM SAT 28 NOV-SUN 13 DEC AND FRI 18-THU 24 DEC WINTER WONDERLAND Prinknash Bird and Deer Park, Prinknash, Cranham, Gloucester, GL4 8EX, 01452 812727, www. thebirdpark.com. 3-6pm, £10.50 (adult)/£12 (child) • Illuminate

your imagination this Christmas at Prinknash Bird and Deer Park.

Meet the park’s three resident reindeer, Rudolph, Comet and Prancer or see the Nativity in the Wendy House. The park is transformed into a winter wonderland thanks to hundreds of LED lighting and miles of twinkling lights.

Receive a gift from Santa in his grotto and enjoy festive refreshments. There will also be a Nativity scene, Christmas fairy, face painting and a creative activities area to design your own Christmas cards.

SAT 5 DEC SANTA SPECIAL Avon Valley Railway, Bath Rd, Bristol, BS30 6HD, 0117 932 5538, www.avonvalleyrailway.org.

9am-5pm, £10 (adult)/£5 (child) • Avoid the usual shopping centre queues and visit Santa at the Avon Valley Railway. Each child receives a small gift and there are even some mince pies for the adults too. Trains depart at regular intervals. Booking recommended.

SAT 5-SUN 6 DEC CHRISTMAS AT STEAM STEAM Railway Museum, Firefly Avenue, Swindon, SN2 2EY, 01793 466646, www.steam-museum. org.uk. 10am-5pm, festive admission prices apply • Enjoy over 60 Christmas market stalls alongside the permanent exhibits.

FROM SUN 6 DEC CHRISTMAS AT PRIOR PARK Prior Park Landscape Garden, Ralph Allen Drive, Bath BA2 5AH. 01225 833422, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/prior-park, 10am-4pm (open weekends only), standard admission prices apply • Create your own decoration for the Christmas tree, take part in pomander making workshops for children, as well as storytelling sessions where you can create your own creature.

PRIMARY TIMES

06/10/2015 11:20:53

Halloween Fun at Primrose Vale Halloween farm trail 21st Oct - 1st Nov 10 – 4 Daily £5 per participant. Small prize for everyone.

Hundreds of pumpkins to choose from: All shapes and sizes. Shop open until 5pm

To unlock your child’s potential, contact your local Instructor today for a free assessment.

Bishops Cleeve

01242 527526

Carlton Kings

01242 527526

Cirencester

01242 672998

Quedgeley

01242 527526

Warden Hill

01684 294148

Special half term Halloween activities  

 

©LW

1 voucher per adult. Voucher may only be used once and must be presented on admission. No cash alternative. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers.

Across the globe, the Kumon Maths and English Programmes advance students beyond their school level.

Primrose Vale Farm Shop, Shurdington Rd, Bentham, Cheltenham GL51 4UA Tel: 01452 863359 Open 7 days a week, year round! www.primrosevale.com facebook.com/primrosevalefarmshop

kumon.co.uk Fees vary. Please refer to your local study centre.

WEEKENDS OPEN ON 28th & 29th November 5th & 6th & 12th & 13th December 2015 OPEN DAILY FROM 18th - 24th December 2.30pm - 6.00pm close * Ticket price includes visit to meet Santa with gift, Christmas Fairy, illuminations, Face Painting, Craft Marquee, Meet the Reindeer and Entry to the park. * Photographs are not included in the entry price.

Hot food, drinks and gifts are available for purchase Free parking Group bookings available on request Gifts are suitable for children over the age of one and are not gift wrapped. Tickets are nonrefundable or exchangeable. Illuminations are turned on at duck. Photographs are not permitted inside the grotto

The Bird & Deer Park Gloucestershire GL4 8EX T: +44 (0) 1452 812 727 www.thebirdpark.com PRIMARY TIMES

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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 The Pantaloons present: Macbeth Fri 30 Oct, 7.30pm, £14/£12 plus booking fee • Taking their cues from film noir, gangland Britain and even the clowning tradition, critically acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company present Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’ as you’ve never seen it before.

Featuring femmes fatale, highspeed chases, killer lines and three very weird sisters.

Coppelia Thu 19 Nov, 7pm, £18.50 (adult)/£13.50 (child) • Vienna Festival Ballet present the story of an eccentric toy maker and his beloved doll. Back by popular demand, complete with colourful costumes, vibrant characters and beautiful music.

Santa’s Little Helper Wed 9 Dec, 10.30am, £9/£8 (conc)/£32 (family) • Albert Tuttle is seven years old, far too grown up to believe in Father Christmas. But he is in for a surprise on Christmas Eve when a big fat man tumbles down his chimney – it’s Father Christmas himself and he needs Arthur’s help. A blend of puppetry, music and high-energy storytelling with lots of laughs for all ages.

Jack and the Beanstalk Wed 20-Sun 24 Jan, 7pm (WedSat)/2.30pm(Sat & Sun), £10-£14 • Promenade Productions bring laughter and mayhem to The Bacon Theatre with their traditional family pantomime. Just when you thought the Christmas festivities were over, this awardwinning society will make sure your New Year starts with a bang. Expect all the fun-filled ingredients of a feel-good family show, with all ages enjoying the escapades of Jack and his friends.

Will Jack reach the top of the beanstalk? What adventures await him at the top?

CHELTENHAM TOWN HALL Imperial Square, Cheltenham GL50 1QA. 0844 576 2210, www. cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk Gloucestershire’s Star Talent Fri 20 Nov, 7.30pm, £25/£20 • Gloucestershire’s take on Saturday night TV show ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ comes live to Cheltenham Town Hall for one night only.

Ten members of Gloucestershire’s community will take to the stage 8 AUTUMN HALF TERM 2015

15 Glos Theatre listings Autumn Half Term 2015.indd 8

for the first time. Hosted by TV personality Dr Dawn Harper, the show will include a wide variety of acts including singing, dancing, magic and more. In aid of Cheltenham-based charity National Star.

The Snowman & Peter and the Wolf Tue 22 Dec, 1.30pm, £12.50£30 • If panto’s not your scene, then the whole family can enjoy a different Christmas treat this year with a performance of Prokofiev’s chilling tale of ‘Peter and the Wolf’ followed by a screening of ‘The Snowman’ with a live orchestral accompaniment.

EVERYMAN THEATRE Regent Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573, www.everymantheatre.org.uk The Nutcracker Thu 12 Nov, 7.45pm, £30-£38 • The Russian State Ballet and Opera House present Tchaikovsky’s classic: the story of Marie whose magical Nutcracker doll whisks her away on a magical adventure. Featuring an impressive cast and live orchestra of over 30 musicians.

Swan Lake Sat 14 Nov, 2pm/7.45pm, £30-£38 • The story of ‘Swan Lake’ is woven around two girls, Odette and Odile, who resemble each other so closely one can easily be mistaken for the other. A compelling tale of tragic romance with evocative music and beautiful choreography.

Cinderella Fri 27 Nov-Sun 10 Jan, various times (see website for details), £14-£25 • Following the success of last year’s ‘Sleeping Beauty’, Everyman Theatre presents the story of Cinderella, the handsome prince and her wicked stepsisters. Featuring the return of Tweedy the Clown and no doubt lots of laughs. Book early to avoid disappointment.

The Crocodile’s Gift Fri 4-Thu 24 Dec, various times (see website for details), all tickets £8.50 • A specially designed panto for little ones who may be too young for the panto in the main house.

When Damura is sent to the river to do the washing, she loses her stepmother’s best sarong. She is dismayed, but finds help at hand – as long as she is brave enough to accept it. A Cinderella story from Indonesia full of twists and turns and exciting adventures.

Recommended for ages 7 and under.

THE PLAYHOUSE THEATRE 47-53 Bath Road, Cheltenham GL53 7HG. 01242 522852 www. cheltplayhouse.org.uk Peter Pan And The Revenge Of Captain Hook Thu 17-Thu 24

Dec, 2.30pm (from Sat 19) & 7pm, £9-£15 • On a starry night in London, Wendy is dreamily looking out of her window and fondly remembering her adventures in Neverland – now just a distant memory. Will she ever return or see her friends Peter Pan, the Lost Boys and the mischievous fairy Tinkerbell again? Meanwhile, in Neverland, a crocodile is in a cage on board the Jolly Rodger pirate ship. Its hook-handed captain is cross. Really, really cross. A magical adventure for all ages.

ROSES THEATRE The Roses, Sun Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5NX. 01684 295074, www.rosestheatre.org The Amazing Bubble Man Tue 27 Oct, 1.30pm/3.30pm, £10.75£12.75 • Louis Pearl, aka The Amazing Bubble Man, presents a unique show to amaze and delight all the family. Bringing a mix of art, magic and science, it’s a chance to learn about the dynamics of bubbles, see spellbinding bubble tricks and get involved through lots of audience participation.

The Snow Queen Wed 28 Oct, 7.30pm, £13.25-£21.25 • Ballet Theatre UK presents a retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairytale. Expect beautiful costumes, glittering stage sets and a magical score.

The Owl Who Was Afraid Of The Dark Sat 7 Nov, 1pm/3.30pm, all tickets £8.25 • Plop is exactly the same as every barn owl that has ever been – except for one thing.

He’s afraid of the dark. After Mrs Barn Owl suggests he finds out about the dark for himself, Plop falls out of the nest and begins his big adventure. Blunderbus Theatre present this magical family tale using a blend of live music, puppetry and storytelling.

Shakespeare School’s Festival Thu 12 Nov, 7pm, £6.75-£9.75 • The UK’s largest youth drama festival enables 35,000 young people to take to stages across the country. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of local students while enjoying an evening of Shakespeare as you’ve never seen it before. The Roses will be showcasing: ‘Macbeth’ from Severn Vale School; ‘The Comedy of Errors’ from Barnwood Park Arts College; ‘The Merchant Of Venice’ from All Saints’ Academy, Cheltenham.

Cinderella Sat 28 Nov-Sat 2 Jan, various times (see website for details), £11.50-£24.25 • Director Ben Crocker (of 2014’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’) presents this year’s ‘Cinderella’, which promises to be every bit as magical and wondrous as previous panto-

The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark (above), Sat 7 Nov, and The Snow Queen, Wed 28 Oct, both at Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury

mimes. The much-loved rags-toriches tale is told with magic, a fantastic cast, music and dancing throughout and more than a few surprises along the way.

The Nightmare Before Christmas Tue 1 Dec, 7pm, all tickets £6.75 • Goblins and ghouls, werewolves and witches are just some of the residents you’ll discover in Halloween Town. Join students from The Roses Youth Theatre and Youth Dance for their annual showcase as they stumble across the portal to the town and accidentally open the door with wickedly comical consequences.

FURTHER AFIELD BRISTOL HIPPODROME St. Augustine’s Parade, Bristol BS1 4UZ. 0844 871 3012, www.atgtickets.com/bristol Snow White Sat 5 Dec-Sun 3 Jan, various times (see website for details), £10-£39.50 • Join film and TV star Warwick Davis as head of the seven dwarves in this year’s dazzling panto. Will the Wicked Queen banish Snow White once and for all? Expect spectacular costumes, music, and dance.

THE WYVERN THEATRE Theatre Square, Swindon SN1 1QN. 01793 524481, www.swindontheatres.co.uk Mister Maker Sat 7-Sun 8 Nov, 1pm/4pm (Sat) & 10am/1pm (Sun), £14.50(adult)/£11(child) • Arty adventures aplenty with CBeebies arts and crafts hero Mister Maker on his first ever live UK tour.

PRIMARY TIMES

07/10/2015 09:56:14

© National Trust Images. Registered Charity Number 205846.

Chedworth Roman Villa 24 Oct - 1 Nov Discover the Villa's spookier side with children's activities. On Thurs 29 be captivated by a live bat show.

being spooked

01242 890256 nationaltrust.org.uk/chedworth-roman-villa

DURHAM CEM 11 + ExAM GRoUp TUITIoN Reserve your child’s place for now and for September 2016 start.

• Year 5 and Year 4 - small group courses (supported by 1 to 1 tuition) • Our own high quality resources for tuition and homework • Wednesday and Saturday courses • Experienced tutors with proven results • Limited places available Book now to reserve your child’s place, please visit www.11plustutoringacademy.co.uk

DURHAM CEM STYLE TEST pApERS FoR 2016 11+ ExAM Order our new test papers in conjunction with Letts Letts, the expert in revision and 11+ Tutoring Academy, have teamed up to provide pupils with resources for CEM 11+ exams.

• Completely new and up to date content • CEM style in their format and question types • Designed for practice at home Order our new test papers at collins.co.uk/letts ©LW

The Amazing Bubble Man

Discover the breathtaking world of bubbles in this captivating show that has more bubble tricks than you could ever imagine.

Tues 27 Oct 1.30pm

£10.75 - £12.75 (inc. 75p bkg fee)

10% OFF ENTRY WITH THIS VOUCHER

The Owl Who Was Afraid Of The Dark

Enchanting family theatre. Plop, the baby Barn Owl, confronts his fears and discovers an exciting new world to explore.

Sat 7 Nov 1pm & 3.30pm £8.25 (inc. 75p bkg fee)

Sat 28 Nov - Sat 2 Jan

Are you coming to the ball?

Box Office: 01684 295074 • rosestheatre.org The Roses, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX

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01285 885570 WWW.MAGICLAND.CO.UK * WITH THIS VOUCHER ONLY. VALID UNTIL 31ST DECEMBER 2015. PHOTOCOPIES NOT ACCEPTED AND THIS VOUCHER MAY ONLY BE USED ONCE. PRITIMES

AUTUMN HALF TERM 2015 9

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Explore 56 acres of brilliant autumn colour in the Arboretum, browse the selection of pocket money-priced goodies in our gift shop and enjoy a home-baked lunch or a sweet treat in our café. Batsford is a perfect day out for all the family - dog friendly too!

Penguin Feeds 11am & 2.30pm

October Half Term Activities:

• Track over 30 dinosaurs on the Jurassic Journey • Meet amazing creatures at close encounters sessions • Talks & Feeding displays throughout the day Rissington Road, Bourton-on-the-Water, Glos. GL54 2BN T: 01451 820480 E: info@birdland.co.uk

www.birdland.co.uk

Batsford Arboretum & Garden Centre, Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 9AD T: 01386 701441 E: arboretum@batsfordfoundation.co.uk Visit www.batsarb.co.uk for details on our forthcoming events including Santa's Grotto at Christmas! ©LW

Do you need practical and cost effective advice in relation to:•

Getting your child assessed by the Local Authority to secure the appropriate special educational needs provision which they require?

•

Appeals to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal?

•

Help with admissions and exclusions?

Tayntons can provide help to children and young people with a variety of special educational needs including dyslexia, Asperger’s, autism and children with visual and hearing impairments.

Tayntons began life over 150 years ago and is one of Gloucestershire’s most successful and long established law frms.

Please contact our friendly team who are happy to discuss the matter with you to see if we can be of assistance.

For further information please call us for FREE on 0800 158 4147 or email us at info@tayntons.co.uk.

Please also visit us at our website www.tayntons.co.uk. ©LW

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PRIMARY TIMES

02/10/2015 13:37:30

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

Deadlines: List your school’s events in Primary Times for free. We work a half-term in advance so we’re now collecting information for late December, January and February: deadline Mon 2 November. If your event is to raise funds for a school, a charity or your community, and is open to the public, please let us 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!

OCTOBER UNTIL 31 OCT MINI SCRUMPTY TRAIL City Museum & Folk Museum, Gloucester. During museum opening hours, standard admission prices apply • To coincide with the city-wide scrumpty trail that’s been running throughout the summer, have a go at a mini trail in Gloucester’s own museums. Come along and find the mini scrumpties – they’re well hidden so you’ll have to be eagle-eyed! Solve all the clues to win a prize. You can also be entered into a draw to win your very own mini scrumpty and ‘WOW! Rugby’ rucksack.

UNTIL SAT 31 OCT BRISTOL CIRCUS CITY FESTIVAL Various venues incl. Bristol Old Vic, Arnolfini & M Shed. 0117 924 7615, www.bristolcircuscity.com, see website for times, prices & booking information • An eclectic mix of live circus performance, talks, masterclasses and havea-go workshops. Fun for all ages including a special half-term programme of shows for families mixing circus skills with dance, theatre, comedy and puppetry.

UNTIL SUN 1 NOV CATTLE COUNTRY ADVENTURE PARK Berkeley Heath Farm, Berkeley, Gloucester GL13 9EW. 01453 810510, www.cattlecountry.co.uk, 10am-4pm, adult £8.60/child £9.45 • Families can get up close to the resident goats, enjoy a round of mini-golf and test out the giant bouncy pillow. The indoor playbarns mean that even the unpredictable British weather won’t stop the fun.

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one adult and one child • Using mosaic stone and glass tiles, or coloured paper for the little ones, children at this workshop will be recreating Gustav Klimt’s stunning picture ‘The Kiss’.

FOR BONFIRES & HALLOWEEN EVENTS SEE PAGE 16.

Autumn Colour, Batsford Arboretum, until Fri 20 Nov

UNTIL FRI 20 NOV AUTUMN COLOUR Batsford Arboretum, Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 9QB. 01386 701441, www.batsarb.co.uk, 10am-5pm, standard admission prices apply • Make the most of this time of year and see the arboretum ablaze with autumn colour.

Perfect for an afternoon stroll, with a wide variety of trees from maples to cherries and more.

UNTIL MON 30 NOV MUD, TRACK & TARMAC Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection, The Old Mill, Bourton-on-the-Water GL54 2BY. 01451 821255, www.cotswoldmotoringmuseum.co.uk, 10am-6pm, adult £5.25/child £3.75 • With a selection of sports motorcycles and rally cars, this exhibition tells the story of the CSMA Club, which dates back to the early 1920s.

UNTIL MON 30 NOV DREAM A LITTLE DREAM Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection, The Old Mill, Bourtonon-the-Water GL54 2BY. 01451 821255, www.cotswoldmotoringmuseum.co.uk,10am- 6pm, adult £5.25/child £3.75 • Sixties nostalgia is in the air with this exhibition featuring the Zephyr Mk3 and a range of motorcycles. Enjoy original Radio Caroline sounds while exploring the collection.

UNTIL 20 DEC SHEEP SHOWS AT COTSWORLD FARM PARK Cotsworld Farm Park, Guiting Power, nr Cheltenham GL54 5UG. 01451 850307, www. cotsworldfarmpark.co.uk, 10.30am-5pm (10.30am-4pm from 2 Nov), adult £9.25/child £8.40 • Volunteers are needed to star in the Sheep Show. Learn about sheep farming history and the farm’s rare-breed rams.

Children’s activities are also running throughout the holidays so head on down for some farming fun.

UNTIL THU 31 DEC DESTINATION SPACE At-Bristol, Anchor Rd, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5DB. 0117 909 2000, www.at-bristol.org. uk, 10am-6pm, regular shows during weekends & school holidays, included in standard admission prices • At-Bristol’s new family show inspired by British ESA astronaut Tim Peake’s space mission and life on the international space station. Explore what life is like for an astronaut, from training to working in space.

THU 22 OCT-SUN 1 NOV THE SLIMBRIDGE SPOOKTACULAR Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT, www. wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/slimbridge • All the fun of a normal day out at Slimbridge with lots of extra Halloween-themed activities including: pumpkin search, watch the otters eat pumpkin treats, Weirdly Wild Tent and wizard show and tell, with amphibian pets.

THU 22 OCT GLOW IN THE DARK SILHOUETTE PAINTING Nature in Art Gallery & Museum, Wallsworth Hall, Sandhurst, Gloucester GL2 9PA. 01452 731422, www.natureinart.org.uk, 10.30am (3-7 years)/1pm (3+)/3pm (8-18 years), £6 incl. all materials and entrance to the museum for one adult and one child • Expect spooky goings-on at Nature in Art as little ones paint their own Halloween picture and then apply glow-in-the-dark paints to get a truly terrifying two-in-one design.

FRI 23 OCT MOSAICS INSPIRED BY ‘THE KISS’ Nature in Art Gallery & Museum, Wallsworth Hall, Sandhurst, Gloucester GL2 9PA. 01452 731422, www.natureinart.org.uk, 10.30am (3-7 years)/1pm (3+)/3pm (8-18 years), £6 incl. all materials and entrance to the museum for

SAT 24 OCT DISCOVERING BATS DAY John Moore Museum, 41 Church St, Tewkesbury GL20 5SN. 01684 297174, www.johnmooremuseum. org, hour-long sessions starting at 10.30am, 11.45am, 2.30pm or 3.45pm, adult £4/concs £3.50/ child £3 • Have you ever wondered why bats hang upside down or how they find their way in the dark? Join renowned bat expert David Endacott and a selection of live rescued British bats to learn all about these fascinating nocturnal creatures.

SAT 24 OCT APPLE DAY Gloucester Folk Museum, 99-103 Westgate St, Gloucester GL1 2PG. 01452 396868, www.venues. gloucester.gov.uk/freetime/museums, 11am-4pm, free with standard admission prices • The traditional cider mill at the Folk Museum makes its annual appearance as Apple Day returns to create lots of fun for all. Come along and see the horse crush the apples, taste some local cider or have a go at crushing yourself!

MON 26 OCT FAMILY DROP IN: MASK MAKING Corinium Museum, Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX. 01285 655611, www.coriniummuseum. org, 10-11am, £1.50 per child • Create a mask inspired by the fearsome sabre-toothed cats who lived over 10,000 years ago before becoming extinct.

MON 26 OCT STEVE BACKSHALL’S WILD WORLD Colston Hall, Colston St, Bristol BS1 5AR. 0844 8871500, www. colstonhall.org, 7pm, £16-£20 incl. booking fee • Strap on your walking boots and join ‘Deadly 60’ presenter Steve Backshall on a journey through the real-life expeditions that have inspired his novels, ‘The Falcon Chronicles’. From the depths of the rainforest to the bottom of the sea, Steve will share pictures and films from his most exhilarating adventures. Suitable for ages 8+.

MON 26-TUE 27 OCT JUNIOR RUGBY CAMP Tewkesbury RFC, The Moats, Gander Lane, Tewkesbury GL20 5PG. 01684 294364, www.tewkesburyrfc.co.uk, 8.30am-3.30pm, £60 for two-day camp • A chance for mini rugby players to improve AUTUMN HALF TERM 2015

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Looking for an alternatve, excitng, adventurous day for your child this holiday?

We could be just what you are looking for!

Viney Hill has been providing adventurous actvites for over 30 years, building confdence and teaching skills that last a lifetme.

• Holiday actvity days – book your child in, pack them a lunch and they will experience a day of excitng onsite actvites!

• Birthday partes –your child can choose 2 onsite actvites to experience with their friends, and have the use of one of our venues for a party tea!

• Free accommodaton for midweek stays on our camping centre in September.

We also provide a residental or day actvity experience for schools and children’s organisatons ie scouts, cubs, Guides etc So for an alternatve to the usual holiday actvites, contact us on 01594 516162 or by email on info@vineyhilladventure.org and watch your child’s confdence grow! ©LW

©LW

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Lydney - Forest of Dean - Gloucestershire - GL15 6BU 12

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AUTUMN HALF TERM 2015

PRIMARY TIMES

02/10/2015 13:38:43

ROUNDABOUT

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

their skills, meet Gloucester players and coaches and have a lot of fun. Expect to develop core skills including tackling, rucking, mauling,defensive systems, game analysis and team building.

Suitable for boys and girls aged 8-13.

MON 26-THU 29 OCT PICTURE PERFECT Westonbirt Arboretum, Westonbirt, Tetbury GL8 8QS. 01666 880220, www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt, 10.30am-4pm, included in standard admission prices • Take the family on a trail to discover the variety of colours, shapes and textures created by Victorian arboretum founders, the Holford family. Enjoy daily craft activities to create your own perfect autumnal picture.

TUE 27 OCT MUSEUM MAKERS CRAFT WORKSHOP Gloucester City Museum, 103 Westgate St, Gloucester GL1 2PG. 01452 503050, www.gloucestermuseums.co.uk, 10.30am/1pm, £5 per child • Halloween-themed craft workshop making your very own eyeball hacky sack to take home. How gruesome will you make yours? Tickets can be booked online.

TUE 27 OCT FAMILY DROP IN: STRETCHY CAVEMEN Corinium Museum, Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX. 01285 655611, www.coriniummuseum.org, 10-11am, £1.50 per child • Join staff at the museum to make your own stretchy caveman to take home.

TUE 27 OCT GAMES THROUGH TIME Corinium Museum, Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX. 01285 655611, www.coriniummuseum.org, 11am-12.30pm, included in standard admission price • Learn and play ancient games, such as Roman strategy game calculi. Also the opportunity to handle real objects from the museum’s collections.

WED 28 OCT FAMILY DROP IN: WOOLLY MAMMOTHS Corinium Museum, Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX. 01285

NOVEMBER SAT 7 NOV-TUE 5 JAN AT-BRISTOL ICE RINK At-Bristol, Anchor Rd, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5DB. 0117 915 1000, www.at-bristol.org. uk, see website for times, adult £8.50/concs £7.50/child £6.50 • The Harbourside ice rink is back for winter 2015. Fun for all ages including special Disco Bootsthemed evenings and Little Boots morning sessions especially for under-8s. Open every day except 25 and 26 Dec. Junior Rugby Camp, Cheltenham, Wed 28-Thu 29 Oct

655611, www.coriniummuseum. org, 10-11am, £1.50 per child • Take a step back in time to when huge woolly mammoths roamed the earth and make your own mammoth with real wool to take home.

WED 28-THU 29 OCT JUNIOR RUGBY CAMP Prince of Wales Stadium, Cheltenham. 01242 528764, www. gloucesterrugby.co.uk, 8.30am3.30pm, £60 for two-day camp • A chance for mini rugby players to improve their skills, meet Gloucester players and coaches and have a lot of fun. Expect to develop core skills including tackling, rucking, mauling,defensive systems, game analysis and team building. What’s more, all participants will receive a ticket voucher to a Gloucester Rugby fixture of their choice. Suitable for boys and girls aged 8-13.

THU 29 OCT LIVE BAT SHOW Chedworth Roman Villa, Yanworth, nr Cheltenham GL54 3LJ. 01242 890256, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chedworth-romanvilla, 10.30am-1.30pm, included in standard admission prices • All ages will be captivated by Dave Endacott’s fascinating show with real-life bats. Learn more about these Halloween favourites.

THU 29 OCT FAMILY DROP IN: CAVE ART Corinium Museum, Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX. 01285 655611, www.coriniummuseum. org, 10-11am, £1.50 per child • Create a collage to take home inspired by ancient cave art.

THU 29 OCT MINI MOSAICS Corinium Museum, Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX. 01285 655611, www.coriniummuseum. org, 10.30-12 noon, child £7/ season ticket holder £6 • Be inspired by the Roman art of mosaic and create your own mosaic tile to take home. All materials and instruction provided.

Mini Mosaics, Corinium Museum, Thu 29 Oct. PRIMARY TIMES

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FRI 30 OCT FAMILY DROP IN: ICE AGE Corinium Museum, Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX. 01285 655611, www.coriniummuseum. org, 10-11am, £1.50 per child •

Decorate a pop-up Ice Age scene with animals, people, trees and plants from the period.

FRI 30 OCT GIRLS-ONLY RUGBY CAMP Cheltenham Tigers RFC, Southam Lane, Southam, Cheltenham GL52 3PE. 01452 872287, www.gloucesterrugby. co.uk, 9am-3.30pm, all tickets £25 • A fun and enjoyable oneday course specially developed to help all aspiring female players improve their game. Develop core skills including handling, tackling, speed, agility and team-building under the guidance of professional coaches and former Gloucester Rugby and Samoan international player Terry Fanolua. Aimed at girls aged 11-13.

FRI 30 OCT FAMILY FILM: HOME Corinium Museum, Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX. 01285 655611, www.coriniummuseum. org, 11am, adult £5/child £2.50 • When Oh, a loveable misfit from another planet, lands on Earth, he forms an unlikely friendship with adventurous girl Tip. Enjoy their many adventures as they teach each other the true meaning of home.

SAT 31 OCT FUNGUS FORAY Batsford Arboretum, Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 9QB. 01386 701441, www.batsarb. co.uk, 10.30am & 1.30pm, £5 plus standard admission price • Join expert forager Dan Champion and the Cotswold Fungus Group to discover the wonderful world of fungi in the arboretum.

Booking recommended.

SAT 31 OCT MUSEUM DETECTIVES CLUB Gloucester Folk Museum, 99-103 Westgate St, Gloucester GL1 2PG. 01452 396868, www.venues. gloucester.gov.uk/freetime/ museums, 10.30am-12 noon, £5 per child • A special Halloweenthemed detectives club, packed full of crafts, activities, stories and trails. Also the chance to handle objects from the museum’s collection, including dinosaur bones and natural history specimens. Suitable for ages 5-11.

SUN 8 NOV MOSAICS TOUR OF THE VILLA Chedworth Roman Villa, Yanworth, nr Cheltenham GL54 3LJ. 01242 890256, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chedworth-romanvilla, 2-3pm, included in standard admission prices • Join Dr Nick Humphries for a presentation and tour to learn more about the villa’s fascinating mosaics and the people who made them.

TUE 10 & TUE 24 NOV MUSEUM TOTS Gloucester City Museum, 103 Westgate St, Gloucester GL1 2PG. 01452 503050, www. gloucestermuseums.co.uk, 10.30am-12.30pm, free with standard admission prices • Come and browse our galleries where you will find special tot-friendly activities: a chance to stick, create, try out some new toys and listen to a story, as well as meet with other parents and tots.

THU 12 NOV CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON The Mall, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol BS34 5DG. 0117 903 0303, www. mallcribbs.com, 6pm, ticket-only event, please see website for details, suggested donation £2 • The Mall’s annual Christmas lights switch on with this year’s very special guests The Vamps. They will be making sure everyone is feeling festive before giving an exclusive performance.

THU 12 NOV-THU 24 DEC SANTA’S ENCHANTED ICE CASTLE The Mall, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol BS34 5DG. 0117 903 0303, www. mallcribbs.com, prices & time TBA, please see website • See Santa in his magical ice castle right up until Christmas Eve, before he has to leave to deliver presents to boys and girls all round the world.

Tickets can be pre-booked online.

THU 12 NOV-SUN 10 JAN WINTER WONDERLAND ICE SKATING The Mall, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol BS34 5DG. 0117 903 0303, www.mallcribbs.com, prices & time TBA, please see website • Situated in the heart of the Winter Wonderland and claiming to be the largest outdoor ice rink in the South West – so get your skates on for the festive season. There AUTUMN HALF TERM 2015

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© National Trust Images. Registered Charity Number 205846.

HALLoween HALf-Term fun Little London, Longhope, Glos. GL17 0PH

Newark Park

Halloween fun!

Children's Hallowe'en evening Fri 30 Oct 6.30-8.30pm

Daily 10am - 5pm Special holiday events including pet encounters, face painting and lots more!

FOREST OF DEAN - Tourist Attraction of the year!

ONE FREE ADULT valid until 31st December, 2015 not to be used in conjunction with any other offer

Free entry for one adult per paying child

As seen on TV!

Tel: 01452 831000 www.dickwhittington.org

Gory games

Enjoy spooky stories and gory games in our haunted house.

Children to be accompanied by an adult. Refreshment included.

Child £7.50 (adult free).

01453 842644 nationaltrust.org.uk/newarkpark

©LW

Pwllmeyric, Chepstow NP16 6LF, On the A48 just west of Chepstow TEL: 01291 626035 www.chepstowgardencentre.co.uk

TIMES: SAT 10am-1pm & 2pm-4pm SUN 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm

Come and visit our Ice Age themed Grotto, featuring your favourite characters from the films.

£5

PER CHILD

SEE SANTA & RECEIVE A GIFT Opening weekend 21st/22nd, 28th/29th NOV, 5th/6th DEC, 12/13th DEC & 19/20th DEC

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COME AND GREET RUDOLPH & DASHER !

SAT & SUN 28th/29th NOV SAT & SUN 25th/6th DEC TIMES: Saturdays 10-12am and Sundays 11-1pm

PICK UP A BOOKING FORM AT THE GARDEN RESTAURANT AND CAFE BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPOINTMENT!

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

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will also be a smaller rink for little ones or those less steady on their feet.

SAT 14 NOV LEGO FAMILY MOVIE Prema Arts Centre, South St, Uley, nr Dursley GL11 5SS. 01453 860703, www.prema.org.uk, 2-5pm, £25 per family(two adults & two children or equivalent) • Calling all Lego fans! Here’s a chance to create your own mini Lego movie. Animator Matt Pollock leads a workshop in stopmotion animation so you can make your own short film and learn tips and tricks to try again at home. You will need to bring your own tablet (details about free apps on website). Booking essential.

SUN 15 NOV SANTA AND REINDEER PARADE The Mall, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol BS34 5DG. 0117 903 0303, www. mallcribbs.com, 11am, see website for tickets • Come and meet Santa and his faithful festive friends. The reindeer will be next to the Winter Wonderland until 2pm so make sure you take a closer look.

TUE 17 NOV-SAT 12 DEC ST NICHOLAS WISHING TREE Gloucester City Museum, 103 Westgate St, Gloucester GL1 2PG. 01452 503050, www.gloucestermuseums.co.uk, 10am-3pm, £2 per reply,additional 50p for postage • Leave your Christmas wish on the magic tree and receive a handwritten reply from St Nick. Reply letters can be collected in person or posted.

FRI 20 NOV-SAT 5 DEC COTSWOLD CRAFTSMEN CHRISTMAS SHOW Corinium Museum, Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX.01285 655611, www.coriniummuseum. org, 10am-5pm, free • Explore the wonders of local art and craft with the Cotswold Craftsmen. A range of work from designers, artists and craftsmen and a great opportunity to pick up a festive gift or two.

FROM SUN 22 NOV SANTA’S GROTTO Old Down Country Park, Foxholes Lane, Tockington, Bristol BS32 4PG. 01454 414081, www.olddownestate.co.uk/country-park, from 12noon every Sat & Sun, every day from Sat 19 Dec, £12.50 per child • Santa is on his way to Old Park this Christmas! Come and meet him in the special grotto, see website for more details.

THU 26 & SAT 28 NOV CANDLELIT MUSEUM TOURS Gloucester Folk Museum, 99-103 Westgate St, Gloucester GL1 2PG. 01452 396868, www.venues. gloucester.gov.uk/freetime/museums, 6pm/7pm, adult £8/concs £5 • The Folk Museum Tudor timber-framed building is a special place and under the flicker of candlelight it comes to life even more.

Join Folk Museum curator Sarah PRIMARY TIMES

15 Glos Roundabout Autumn Half Terml 2015.indd 17

Orton on a tour of the history of this Grade 1 star-listed building.

FROM FRI 27 NOV ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS Westonbirt Arboretum, Westonbirt, Tetbury GL8 8QS. 01666 880220, www.forestry.gov. uk/westonbirt, see website for tickets, times & prices • An illuminated celebration of Westonbirt’s trees, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Expect choirs and bands, seasonal shopping, family craft activities and, of course, Father Christmas. Booking essential for visits on Sat evening.

FRI 27 NOV BOX OFFICE BABIES Corinium Museum, Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX. 01285 655611, www.coriniummuseum. org, 11am, adult £5/babies free • Baby-friendly cinema screenings especially for parents and guardians with babies or pre-school age children. See website or call for film titles.

SAT 28 NOV MUSEUM DETECTIVES CLUB Gloucester Folk Museum, 99-103 Westgate St, Gloucester GL1 2PG. 01452 396868, www.venues. gloucester.gov.uk/freetime/ museums, 10.30am-12 noon, £5 per child • Monthly club packed full of crafts, activities, stories and trails. Also the chance to handle objects from the museum’s collection, including dinosaur bones and natural history specimens.

Suitable for ages 5-11.

SAT 28 NOV BEAUTIFUL BUGS Prema Arts Centre, South St, Uley, nr Dursley GL11 5SS. 01453 860703, www.prema.org.uk, 10am-2pm, £35 (two adults & two children or equivalent) • Join British wildlife artist Cath Hodsman and enter the creepycrawly world of bugs and mini beasts. View both exotic and indigenous bugs under the highpowered microscope, make a ladybird craft piece and enjoy plenty of drawing.

WEEKENDS FROM SAT 28 NOV-SUN 13 DEC & FRI 18-THU 24 DEC WINTER WONDERLAND Prinknash Bird & Deer Park, Prinknash, Cranham, Gloucester GL4 8EX. 01452 812727, www. thebirdpark.com, 3-6pm, adult £10.50/child £12 • Prinknash’s Winter Wonderland is back, complete with resident reindeer and magical valley of Christmas lights.

Receive a gift from Santa in his grotto and enjoy festive refreshments. There will also be a nativity scene, Christmas fairy, face painting and a creative activities area to create your own Christmas cards.

WEEKENDS FROM SAT 28 NOV-SUN 20 DEC MILLENIUM SQUARE CHRISTMAS MARKET At-Bristol, Anchor Rd,

ROUNDABOUT Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5DB. 0117 915 1000, www.at-bristol.org.uk, opening hours TBA, free • The Harbourside Market is back and bigger than ever. Head on down for over 100 stalls selling a variety of food, gifts and crafts before skating on Millenium Square’s real ice rink or warming up with a mulled cider.

Screen Squint, Prema, Uley, Sun 6 Dec

FRI 4 DEC ALMONDSBURY CE PRIMARY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS FAYRE Almondsbury CE Primary School, Sundays Hill, Almondsbury BS32 4DS. 01454 612517, www.almondsburyprimary.co.uk, 6-8pm, free • A festive evening featuring stalls selling a range of games and crafts, toys, books, a tombola and raffle.

FRI 4-MON 7 DEC CORINIUM CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR Corinium Museum, Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX. 01285 655611, www.coriniummuseum. org, 10am-5pm, free • Come along to the Corinium Museum and explore a world of wonderful crafs for Christmas: ceramics, textiles, mosaics, glass and more from a range of local artists.

SAT 5 DEC IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE Corinium Museum, Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX. 01285 655611, www.coriniummuseum. org, 1.30pm, adult £8/concs £7 • A special screening of this Christmas classic including tea and cakes in the interval.

SAT 5 DEC CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR Dr Jenner’s House & Garden, Church Lane, Berkeley GL13 9BN. 01453 810631, www.jennermuseum.com, 11am-4pm, free • Find the perfect gift from a range of stalls selling unique and handmade crafts. Also a chance to see The Chantry decorated for Christmas.

SAT 5 DEC THE GINGERBREAD HOUSE Prema Arts Centre, South St, Uley, nr Dursley GL11 5SS. 01453 860703, www.prema.org.uk, 2-4pm, £30 per family (two adults & two children or equivalent) • Kick start the festive season with this delicious workshop led by artist Rachel Opher. You will be given all the biscuit pieces you need, as well as icing, sweets and tips and tricks to decorate your very own gingerbread house.

Early booking recommended.

SAT 5 DEC CHIPPING SODBURY VINTAGE FLEA MARKET St John’s Church Centre, Wickwar Rd, Chipping Sodbury, South Glos BS37 6BQ. 01454 313159, 10am-4pm, free • A range of vintage stalls selling retro clothes, vintage tea sets, painted furniture, toys, books and jewellery.

Also refreshments and vintage hair styling – all raising funds for Bristol Cots for Tots.

SUN 6 DEC SCREEN SQUINT Prema Arts Centre, South St, Uley, nr Dursley GL11 5SS. 01453 860703, www.prema.org.uk, 10am-1pm, £30 per family(two adults & two children or equivalent) • Illustrator and printmaker Simon Tozer is back with his miniature print micropress. Create your own greetings cards for the festive season using screenprinting and paper stencils.

TUE 8 DEC MUSEUM TOTS Gloucester City Museum, 103 Westgate St, Gloucester GL1 2PG. 01452 503050, www.gloucestermuseums.co.uk, 10.30am12.30pm, free with standard admission prices • In the galleries you’ll find special tot-friendly activities, giving you a chance to stick, create, try out some new toys, listen to a story and meet other parents and tots.

THU 10 DEC WHITE CHRISTMAS Corinium Museum, Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX. 01285 655611, www.coriniummuseum. org, 7pm, £5.50/£4.50 concs • Screening of the 1954 classic starring Bing Crosby. A romantic tale set in a Vermont lodge – where it is almost always a ‘White Christmas’.

SAT 12 DEC DURSLEY MALE VOICE CHOIR WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Bowditch, Gloucester GL2 7BT. 01453 891900, www.wwt.org. uk/slimbridge, 10.30 & 11.30am, included in standard admission prices • Enjoy a festive performance from one of the leading male voice choirs in the region.

THEATRE AND ROUNDABOUT LISTINGS BY ELLEN WHITE

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Halloween and Bonfire Night

THU 22 OCT-SUN 1 NOV HALLOWEEN TRAIL AND ACTIVITIES Chedworth Roman Villa, Yanworth, near Cheltenham GL54 3LJ. 01242 890256, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/chedworth-roman-villa, 10.30am-3.30pm, included in standard admission prices/trail £2 • Halloween trail and other devilish delights. Some crafts incur a small fee.

THU 22 OCT-SUN 1 NOV SLIMBRIDGE SPOOKTACULAR WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Bowditch, Gloucester GL2 7BT. 01453 891900, www.wwt.org.uk/ slimbridge, 9.30am-5pm, included in standard admission prices • Fiendish fun in store for little explorers this half term. Missing pumpkin trails, magic potions and otters feeding. Face painting and pumpkin carving will also be avail-

The

A

Rd, Cheltenham GL50 4SH. 01242 513014, www.cheltenham. thejockeyclub.co.uk, times & prices TBC • Features an appearance from Bing and Flop from CBeebies, samba drummers and a fun fair SAT 7 NOV TEWKESBURY BONFIRE AND FIREWORKS DISPLAY Vineyards Playing Fields, behind Tewkesbury Abbey, Church St, Tewkesbury GL20 5PG, bonfire lit 6.30pm, fireworks from 7pm, free • Vineyards Playing Fields will play host to a blazing bonfire and fantastic fireworks display, with the glorious Tewkesbury Abbey serving as a photogenic backdrop. Donations to the Tewkesbury Rotary Club welcome.

SUN 8 NOV CACSSA FIREWORK DISPLAY Cheltenham Area Civil Sports Club, Tewkesbury Rd, Uckington, Cheltenham GL51 9SL. 01242 680424, www.cacssa.co.uk, from 6.15pm, £6/child £1 • The Cheltenham Area Civil Service Sports Association hosts a fireworks display, complete with warming refreshments from the onsite burger van and bar.

SAT 14 NOV QUEDGELEY FIREWORKS DISPLAY Fishers Meadow, off School Lane, Quedgeley. www.soglos.com, gates open 5.30pm, fireworks from 7pm, prices TBC • A professional display a the former Dimore II Playing Fields.

sky’s the limit

purpose built high ropes course has arrived at Mojo Active’s Almondsbury location, great news for anyone seeking a new and exhilarating way to experience the great outdoors.

The challenge course complements the low ropes elements already used by the activity centre, and has been open to the public since mid September, from 10am to 5pm weekends and school holidays. Families and individuals can book 1.5 hour sessions online (see below).

“Our high ropes course is packed with exciting challenges for people of all ages,” says Mark Johnson, who co-founded Mojo Active in 2012 alongside business partner Jo McConnell.

“As well as providing an active day out for individuals and families, it will also cater for schools, corporate team building, stag and hen parties, and children’s parties,” The structure combines 15 vertical and horizontal challenges and is accessed by an initial climb up a ‘Burma Bridge’.

From there, visitors cross the 16

able for an extra charge. Dress spookily!

THU 22 OCT-SUN 1 NOV HALLOWEEN AT CLEARWELL CAVES Clearwell Caves, The Rocks, Coleford GL16 8JR. 01594 832535, www.clearwellcaves.com, 10am5pm, standard admission prices apply • The bats are going to the Halloween Ball and have put on their fancy dress costumes.

MON 26 OCT FIVE VALLEYS FIREWORK DISPLAY Marling School, Cainscross Rd, Stroud GL15 4HE. 01453 762251, www.marling.gloucs.sch.uk, gates open 6pm, fireworks from 8pm, £6/ child £3 in advance, £8/£4 on the door • This popular family event for more than 50 years features fun fair, food and drink and arts.

Proceeds to local charities.

FRI 30 OCT SPOOKY WILD WOODCHESTER DAY Woodchester Mansion and Park, Nympsfield, Stonehouse GL10 3TS. 01453 861541, www.woodchestermansion.org.uk, 11am-2pm, £5 per child/accompanying adult free • The park’s rangers lead den building, wild art, hunting for bugs, and more.

SAT 31 OCT ZOMBIE WALK Café Rene, 31 Southgate St, Gloucester GL1 1TP. 01452 309340, www.caferene.co.uk, from 1pm, free

• Halloween fans take to the streets in zombie fancy dress.

THU 5 NOV BATHURST PARK FIREWORKS Bathurst Park, Whitecross Rd, Lydney GL15 5DQ. 01594 842234, gates open 5.30pm, £3/under-16s £2/under-5s free • Magnificent 20-minute display in Batsford Park, with all money raised going towards the Batsford Park and Recreation Trust.

FRI 6 NOV BISHOP’S CLEEVE BONFIRE AND FIREWORKS Bishop’s Cleeve Primary Academy, Tobyfield Rd, Bishop’s Cleeve GL52 8NN. 01242 673814, www.bishopscleeve.gloucs.sch.uk, times & prices TBC • Popular family event.

FRI 6 NOV FIREWORKS EVENING AT HILLSIDE BREWERY Hillside Brewery, Hollybush Farm, Ross Rd, Longhope GL17 0NG. 01452 830222, www.hillsidebrewery.com, from 6pm, tickets £5 per car • Features a bonfire, real ales and locally sourced barbecue food.

SAT 7 NOV MINCHINHAMPTON FIREWORKS NIGHT Minchinhampton School, School Rd, Stroud GL6 9DP. 01453 883273, gates open from 5pm, fireworks from 6pm, adult £5/child £3/family £12 • Minchinhampton school field plays host to a blazing bonfire and firework display for another year.

SAT 7 NOV CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE FIREWORKS Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham

AUTUMN HALF TERM 2015

15 Glos Features Autumn Half Term 2015.indd 6

rickety bridge, climb to the islands in the sky, swing over the organ pipes and enjoy the long ride down the final zip wire, under the careful supervision of fully trained instructors.

Participants wear a climbing harness and are protected by a safety wire at all times.

The course uses the very latest ‘CLiC-iT’ belay system, with at least one of the karabiners con-

nected at all times to ensure optimum safety. Children aged over 7 should have no problems clipping on securely and enjoying the full experience.

This allows groups and individuals to learn about risk taking, test their own perceived limits and understand how to work collaboratively – all while the adrenalin is kicking in and they are having fun.

“North Bristol has been calling out for a high ropes facility, and we have recently invested to meet this demand, while enhancing our range of activities that support our philosophy of outdoor adventure, fitness, safety and fun,” says Jo, “If it’s been a while since you’ve climbed a tree, then it’s time to come and see us!”

Mojo Active is set in 100 acres of land overlooking the Severn Bridge, five minutes from the M4/M5 interchange (J16 M5) or two minutes from J17 on the M5.

High ropes visitors can park at the Tall Trees entrance, where there is a reception and toilets.

Ffi: Mojo Active Over Court Farm, Over Land, Almondsbury, Bristol BS32 4DF. W: www.mojoactive.co.uk.

PRIMARY TIMES

07/10/2015 09:59:34

ADVERTISING FEATURE

d r a o b n Pi Beastly frolics The October half term is a welcome break after the start of the new school year, so make the most of the down time with some special farm fun.

The team at Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park at Guiting Power near Cheltenham are going all out this half term. Join them for a host of spook-tacular Halloween activities to complement the usual farm fun.

Highlights include: • frightening face painting • design and carve your very own pumpkin to take home • spooky crafts.

Meet the farm’s beastly collection in the creepy animal encounters den.

New temporary residents include a Chilean rose tarantula, a 10ft Burmese python, giant hissing cockroaches, and a giant African bullfrog All activities are included in the normal cost of admission (even face painting).

Ffi: Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park W: www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk

All aboard for Santa!

Gloucester Waterways Museum is running its popular Santa Cruises again this year. During an hour-long afternoon canal cruise, youngsters hear Santa land on the roof of the boat before he joins them downstairs in his onboard grotto. Adults enjoy a hot drink and a mince pie while children receive their gift from Santa.

Cruises run on weekends throughout December and from 19-24 Dec inclusive. Tickets are £9.50 for adults and children and booking is essential.

The museum has also been awarded a special grant to create a new exhibition. The building will close at the end of October for the galleries to be remodelled and will reopen in summer 2016. Keep a look out for the pop-up museum in and around Gloucester which will be providing information during this time. For more information on the project and the funders, please visit canalrivertrust.org.uk/Gloucester.

Ffi: Gloucester Waterways Museum T: 01452 318200 W: canalrivertrust. org.uk/gloucester-waterways-museum

PRIMARY TIMES

15 Glos Pinboard Autumn Half Term 2015.indd 23

Parents’ & teachers’

news, education & contacts

Here be dragons Art East

This October the Dean Heritage Centre in Soudley will be overrun by mischievous Welsh dragons as the forest becomes a spooky playground for half term. Each day there will be a ghostly treat to be won for those who complete a forest trail (not forgetting the Halloween feasts being cooked up by the witches in the Heritage Centre’s cafe – there’s also a great non-ghostly menu too!) All of this plus five galleries, ‘The Hungry Caterpillar’ woodland trail, a Victorian house and schoolroom and a gift shop to explore. There really is something for everyone.

Ffi: Dean Heritage Centre T: 01594 822170 W: www.deanheritagecentre.com

Let the Nerf wars commence!

Too young for paintball?

No problem.

Have a Nerf gun party!

Boys’ Toys Parties (BTP), the mobile event operator, is running children’s Nerf gun parties at village halls throughout the region.

Nerf guns, those super cool foam dart shooters, are hugely popular with boys and girls of all ages.

BTP’s Nerf parties can accommodate up to 30 children aged 6+. A battle zone featuring bases, flags and barricades is set up at your chosen venue. Players are issued with safety glasses, vests, ammunition and a range of Nerf blasters. Following a safety and training briefing, children play a variety of themed games such as ‘Save the President’, ‘Capture the Flag’, and ‘Nerf War’!

BTP’s director of fun, Debbie Klinkenberg, says, “The great thing about Nerf parties is that children can experience the excitement of paintball without the pain or mess.

It’s an incredibly thrilling physical experience but totally safe.”

Ffi: Boys’ Toys Parties T: 07412 797900 E: info@boystoysparties.co.uk W: www.boystoysparties.co.uk

Beautiful Asian artefacts are not just for adults. The Museum of East Asian Art in Bath also offers fun and vibrant family events and workshops. This autumn’s family programme is packed with creativity and imagination. Explore the story and techniques behind ancient Chinese puppetry with artist Xiaowei Wang, and create your own play (Sat 24 Oct). Before Christmas, join the festive origami workshop and learn how to use Asian paper art form to make your own decorations (21 Dec).

What better way is there for families to get together, discovering these beautiful Asian artworks and learning a new skill at the same time?

Ffi: Museum of East Asian Art W: www.meaa.org.uk

Ready for take off

Head to Birdland Park & Gardens this October Half Term (Sat 24 Oct–Sun 1 Nov). Go back in time to when dinosaurs roamed the Cotswolds and embark on a fascinating expedition through the new Jurassic Journey trail. Explorers will be armed with tracker kits to find over 30 life-size dinosaurs including the Brachiosaurus and the fearsome Tyrannosaurus-Rex. Enjoy close encounters with Birdland’s feathered residents: become a perch for a parrot or a landing pad for an owl. Climb inside the tortoise pen and get face to face with a snake. Explore the indoor Discovery Zone, which tells the story of the egg, with exciting critters including lizards and baby chicks close enough to spy on.

Finally, watch keepers feed the colony of King Penguins and Humboldts, as well as the crèche of pelicans and flamboyance of flamingos throughout the day. The informative talks offer the opportunity to find out more than ever about the birds.

Ffi: Birdland W: www.birdland.co.uk

AUTUMN HALF TERM 2015 17

06/10/2015 11:30:19

Adver tising Feature

Wild things!

• Fiendish fun is in store for little explorers during October half term at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre.

The Slimbridge Spooktacular (22 Oct-1 Nov) includes all the fun of a normal day out at Slimbridge with lots of extra Halloween-themed activities. Highlights include: • Searching for the missing pumpkins hiding in WWT Slimbridge’s grounds. You can hand-feed the friendly ducks you meet on your adventure.

• Watching the otters Flo, Minnie and Haha eating special treats out of carved pumpkins. They love to play with the pumpkin shells in and out of the water!

• Visiting the Weirdly Wild tent to have a go at dissecting owl pellets: it’s fascinating what you’ll find. Then watch footage of animals filmed on camera traps at Slimbridge at night before going out with a warden to look for signs of them in the light, including footprints and poo!

• Joining the wizard for a show-and-tell session with his amphibian pets. Frogs and salamanders have long being associated with magic and mystery.

• Arriving in fancy dress on the final weekend really to get in the spirit and take a scarecrow selfie with your family • Carving a pumpkin during your visit or having your face painted (small extra charge).

Save 10% off entry by purchasing your ticket online ahead of the visit.

Ffi: WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre W: wwt.org.uk/slimbridge

£5

chi l

Adver tising Feature

de

nt

Halloween Festival 22 nd October – 1 st November Witchy Woodland trail Scarecrow Maze Creepy crafts and games Spooky face painting

Saturday 31 st October*

ry *

Family theatre fun • There’s a real treat in store at the newly reopened Roses Theatre this half term as Louis Pearl (pictured), the world’s leading ‘bubbleologist’, visits Tewkesbury for the first time with his show ‘The Amazing Bubble Man’ (Tue 27 Oct).

You won’t believe your eyes as Louis performs the most amazing bubble tricks you’ve ever seen. See square bubbles, bubbles inside bubbles, fog-filled bubbles, children inside bubbles, solar system bubbles, edible bubbles – you name it, Louis can do it!

If you enjoy traditional family theatre, then the whole family will love Blunderbus’s charming tale ‘The Owl Who Was Afraid Of The Dark’ on Sat 7 Nov. With an irresistible blend of puppetry, live music and storytelling, this beautiful new show follows Plop the baby barn owl’s adventures as he confronts his biggest fear and discovers a whole new world. Based on the classic children’s book by Jill Tomlinson, this is family theatre at its very best.

The autumn also heralds the arrival of the festive season, and this year The Roses is pleased to present its traditional family pantomime ‘Cinderella’ (Sat 28 Nov-Sat 2 Jan), one of the best-loved stories of all time. With a super-talented cast who sing and dance throughout, incredible scenery and effects and a brilliantly written script, nobody will leave without a smile on their face and a spring in their step. A visit to the panto is an essential Christmas highlight – so book now to ensure you don’t miss out on the fun.

Ffi: Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury W: www.rosestheatre.org.uk

*Terms and conditions apply. See website for details.

18 AUTUMN HALF TERM 2015

15 Glos advertising features Autumn Half Term 2015.indd 26

PRIMARY TIMES

06/10/2015 11:31:57

Adver tising Feature

Winter wonderland

• In 2014, Prinknash Bird Park was named as one of the top 10 Christmas attractions in rural England by the Sunday Telegraph and the Huffington Post – and with good reason. The park has its own unique way of celebrating Christmas.

The park’s new Visitor Centre overlooks a valley, which is beautifully illuminated, with floodlit trees, lakes and woodland. And don’t forget that Prinknash also has its own resident reindeer – Rudolph, Prancer and Comet.

With Tom Hill’s outstanding reindeer sculpture setting the scene, Santa is to be found in his own handcrafted ash sleigh inside this very different grotto. Photographers are there to catch the family on this special day, while Santa hands out his gifts.

Face painters are on hand to ensure that faces are painted, and if your child would like to create a Christmas card to present to Santa or to Mum and Dad, then the craft tent is the place to go.

Christmas would not be complete without the Christmas Fairy.

She can be visited in the Gypsy caravan and has a tendency to rather spoil her young visitors.

This year Prinknash is offering a large range of foods inside the park and, of course, the new Visitor Centre has a lovely shop with refreshments available.

Tickets include all of the above and entry to the park. Please visit the website for prices and all other details of the event.

Santa Cruises

December 12, 13 and 19 through till 24

12.00pm, 1.30pm, 3.00pm £9.50 per person Booking essential call: 01452 318200/1 New galleries 2016. The museum will close on Sunday 1 November and reopen Summer 2016. Look out for a pop-up museum in and around Gloucester during this time.

canalrivertrust.org.uk/Gloucester GloucesterWaterwaysMuseum @gloswaterways

Ffi: Prinknash Bird Park W: www.thebirdpark.com

Adver tising Feature

A sense of adventure • Situated in the Royal Forest of Dean with access to all that the area has to offer, the Viney Hill Christian Adventure Centre offers not only a memorable residential experience, but also adventurous activities to entertain your child outside term time.

Accommodation is either in the old Vicarage or under canvas in the Cross meadow, while the centre has links to many subjects in the national curriculum, offering your child’s school a day or a residential experience which supports learning in the classroom.

The centre passionately believes in learning through adventure, developing and using practical skills in an outdoor environment. It is also committed to the development of social and interpersonal skills through a residential or adventurous experience.

From competitive, all-inclusive rates during the winter period, to bespoke programmes designed especially with your children in mind during peak season, Viney Hill provides a memorable and beneficial experience for both your teachers and pupils.

During holidays, parents are able to book a day of onsite activities for their children: if parents provide the lunch, the centre provides a fantastic day’s adventure in the great outdoors from as little as £20 per child.

It also offers birthday parties from £125 per group of 10 including a venue for your party tea and onsite activities for your child and their friends to enjoy.

Slimbridge Spooktacular Thu 22 Oct - Sun 1 Nov

A full day of fiendish fun is in store at half term! Find the missing pumpkins, make a magic potion, go to the wizard’s den and meet his amphibian pets, enjoy some creepy crafts and take a scarecrow selfie.

Book tickets online to save 10% off entry wwt.org.uk/slimbridgespooktacular

Come in n eo costum ct & O Sat 31 Nov Sun 1

Ffi: Viney Hill Christian Adventure Centre T: 01594 516162 W: www.vineyhilladventure.org E: haley@vineyhilladventure.org

PRIMARY TIMES

15 Glos advertising features Autumn Half Term 2015.indd 27

AUTUMN HALF TERM 2015 19

06/10/2015 11:32:28

Gee Jenny Inglis

T

he letterbox rattles. Your children race to the front door to pick up a packet addressed specifically to them. It’s the latest edition of a new science magazine designed especially for primary school pupils to get them excited about the subject. Packed full of zany drawings, extraordinary facts and, perhaps most importantly, safe, fun experiments to do at home, it offers essential information for novice space travellers, budding

20

AUTUMN HALF TERM 2015

15 Glos Features Autumn Half Term 2015.indd 8

!

Tom Morgan discovers a new magazine which proves that getting children excited about maths, physics and chemistry isn’t rocket science after all. meteorologists or aspiring neurosurgeons.

‘Whizz Pop Bang!’ is the brainchild of Cotswolds-based physics graduate, educationalist and broadcaster Jenny Inglis, and has already attracted over 1,000 subscribers since launching this summer. She says she’s received many letters of thanks from grateful parents, and even had reports of children hosting their own afterschool science clubs since they started reading the magazine.

Inglis, the resident science expert on BBC television’s ‘Blue Peter’, passionately believes science should be a critical part of any young child’s education, and worries that it is not given enough attention in primary schools.

“There’s a heavy focus on literacy and numeracy in schools and it’s difficult for teachers to dedicate sufficient time to teaching science,” she says. “It takes a specialist level of knowledge to be really passionate about the subject.”

‘Whizz Pop Bang!’, she believes, could really combat that difficulty and help inspire the next generation of scientists.

“When you’re a child, the world is still full of wonders”, Jenny points out. “I wanted to inspire more children to get into science by giving them a magazine designed to open their eyes to its beauty and simplicity.”

As well as her ‘Blue Peter’ role, Jenny is the mother of three young children and has the perfect skillset for engaging kids in science, making something that seems complicated both easy to understand and enjoyable to take part in. One of her key objectives is to combat the stereotype that science is “just for boys”. She explains how she’s fed up with seeing predominantly pink magazines targeted towards young girls, while blue-coloured publications are aimed at boys. Instead, she wants to provide a gender neutral alternative which enables

young children to cultivate an interest in something much more worthwhile.

“What has given me most joy is that both boys and girls are getting excited about ‘Whizz Pop Bang!’” she says.

The first three issues have provided a wealth of interactive, carefully designed experiments, easy to follow at home using basic household materials. For example, children will love making a hovercraft from just a balloon and a CD, or learning how to make a bee sanctuary for your garden using just a large bottle and some flower stems. Rather than just being bombarded with information, children can actively get involved in practising science.

Another key feature of the magazine is the fact that it’s published in print and not online, which might seem old-fashioned

“I wanted to inspire more children to get into science by giving them a magazine designed to open their eyes to its beauty and simplicity.”

Jenny Inglis in these internet-led days. But, Jenny stresses, “An awful lot of children get on better with something physical. It’s rare for children to have something landing on the doorstep which is addressed to them. They get really excited about it.”

She makes an effort to ensure ‘Whizz Pop Bang!’ follows the national curriculum, so parents and teachers can be confident the magazine will assist pupils’ schoolwork as well as helping ignite a passion for all things science.

As well as enthusiasm from parents, she’s also received positive feedback from the science community and media colleagues including Jason Bradbury of Channel 5’s ‘The Gadget Show’, who helped early subscriptions when he started tweeting about the magazine, while astronomer Mark Thompson is another supporter.

Inglis is hoping the magazine will reach 5,000 subscriptions soon, and that ever-growing numbers of children will check the letter box for their monthly science challenge. If she’s successful, teachers, parents, and, most importantly, the next generation will be delighted at the joy in science that her magazine has inspired.

Whizz Pop Bang! Fb: facebook. com/whizzpopbangmag Tw: www.twitter.com/whizzpop bangmag W: www.whizzpopbang.com PRIMARY TIMES

06/10/2015 11:23:48

is the world’s first free-thinking robot – and he’s bored. He’s been programmed to learn for himself, like a child. So standing on a plinth in the science museum day after day is no fun! Along comes Tom on a school trip. Despite all that Tom can do, Boffin follows him out. What can Tom do now? Terrified that people will say he stole the priceless robot, he disguises Boffin as a real boy. But how long can Tom fool his parents? And his school? And how far will Tom go to look after Boffin? Is he just an irritating machine, or could he become an amazing friend?

Arts & Crafts Paint -aPot

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For your chance to win one of 3 copies of this fabulous read, just answer the following question:

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b) Want you to code something?

Fancy Dress

c) Want you to take the dog for a walk?

Send your entries to Caroline Stretton, Primary Times, 2nd Floor, Bristol News and Media, 1 Temple Way, Bristol BS2 0BY Or email caroline.stretton@localworld.co.uk

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Please donate

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Party Ideas

for each letter

How will you be teacHing preHistory tHis term?

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with a Letter from Santa

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Make Christmas dreams come true for your child with a magical Letter from Santa straight from the North Pole. There are eight fantastic new designs and lots of new ways to make the letter personal for your child. All we suggest is a £5 donation to help support our work keeping vulnerable children safe.

With enchanting new stories and even a Baby’s First Christmas poem, a Letter from Santa can bring a smile to children everywhere this festive season.

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PRIMARY TIMES

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17/09/2015 14:02

AUTUMN HALF TERM 2015 21

06/10/2015 12:29:32

Hello Kids!

Thank you so much for the fantastic pictures you send me. With winter coming up we’ve teamed up with our friends at Cattle Country Adventure Park, Gloucestershire, who are giving a family ticket to the painters of the three best pictures on the theme of SANTA’S FARMYARD. So get your crayons out and send me your pictures to: Arty Barty, Primary Times, B-N&M, Temple Way, Bristol, BS2 0BY, or email high resolution jpegs to my editor at: mike.gartside@localworld. co.uk

Arty Barty I was so impressed by the entries to our Broomsticks and bonfires art competition that I simply couldn’t choose the best picture, so everyone’s a winner! Well done: you’ll all receive a children’s book from the editor very soon.

WINNER!

WINNER!

Don’t forget to put your name, age, full home postal address (or we can’t send you your prize!) and school on the back. Deadline: Monday 9 November.

Natasha Harris, 9, Tregoze Primary School, Swindon Natasha has drawn a refreshingly bright picture of the d wonderfully-named Wicked Wendy ane her workshop. Th picture bristles with imagination and humour with an explosion in the fire and a spider hanging from the end of Wendy’s nose.

Lois Hancock, 7, Crossways Junior School, Thornbury Lois’s cut out buildings brilliantly portray the Bristol skyline. Cascading fireworks in coloured glitter really capture the atmosphere of a great display.

Have fun! h of , 5, Field Court Churc Harikesh RajanikanthAcademy, Gloucester England Infant pkin by the assortment of pum Help! I’m really scared in the middle (although he’s lanterns and the ghoul sion). This fun picture defires got rather a cheeky expes a treat, not a trick. nitely deserv

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

WINNER!

WINNER!

Lola Moon Higginson Lloyd, 7, St.Michael’s on the Mount Primary, Bristol What an excellent picture of a bonfire with a beautifullydrawn, spooky witch floating beside the fire on the right of the picture.

Time’s a changing Tom Morgan reviews the new releases.

Pug power The Great Northern Race is a dash to the top of the world. Teams flock from all over the north to race through night forests and icy seas, all hoping to arrive first at the Snowfather’s palace, at the top of the world. This year Shen and Sika are desperate to take part, but they have something the other contestants lack: 66 pugs!

Despite the chilly, snowy setting, this is a heart-warming story which will go down perfectly over the winter months with children aged 4 to 9.

The illustrations by Sarah McIntyre stimulate the imagination and Philip Reeve’s lively text moves the story along at almost as frenetic a pace as a sled powered by 66 pugs.

Pugs of the Frozen North Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre, £8.99, Oxford University Press, www.oup.com

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AUTUMN HALF TERM 2015

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Time-travelling hero Joe Hopkins is back in the third installation of the Scar Gatherer series. Previously, Joe has travelled to Roman Britain and the Viking era, while, this time, he remounts his horse after a fall only to find himself in Tudor England.

He becomes engulfed in a gripping story which combines fantasy and history as he becomes reacquainted with Lucy, a girl he has met in previous journeys back in time. Wiltshire author Julia Edwards has a clear writing style and an eye for detail which brings individual scenes alive but occasionally slows down the plot. Nonetheless she paints a lucid picture of a boy’s growing awareness of the adult world, and the range of burgeoning feelings he has for his friend.

In a coming of age tale which reveals how different life was in Tudor times, Joe also discovers the first feelings of love and loss that adulthood could have in store for him.

The Falconer’s Quarry Julia Edwards, £5.99, Laverstock Publishing, www.scargatherer.co.uk

PRIMARY TIMES

06/10/2015 11:34:08

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The Joy of Christmas Shopping

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06/10/2015 12:06:04