Primary Times Gloucester Summer 2016

in Gloucestershire Issue 144 22 July-31 August 2016

Also Family festivals Ready to go back?

Summer schools

It’s a

Beach party!

Download the Primary Times app, free! Page 3

Taurus Crafts brings the fun of the seaside to the heart of the Forest of Dean this summer. Page 4.

Theatre • Arty Barty • Roundabout • Save money!

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It may seem strange, as most families are packing for the summer holidays, to think about going back to school but the new academic year will be upon us soon enough.

With retailers already encouraging parents to stock up for the new term, we thought we’d look at early bargains out there, in our Thinking Ahead feature (P. 6). Don’t forget to allow for your kids’ growth, of course, when you buy!

But before that there’s tons of fun to be had at summer schools (P.27) and festivals (P.18). All we need now is for the weather to come good. the editor

144 rshire Issue ug st 2016 in Glouceste A Augu 31 Aug ully 31 J July July2 22 2

THEATRE P8 ROUNDABOUT P11 PINBOARD P23 ADVERTISING FEATURES P24 CLASSIFIEDS P29 PUPILS’ PAGE P30 THINKING AHEAD P6 Buy your gear for the next school year in good time, says Ellen White.

WE ARE FAMILY P18 Festivals can make great family getaways.

Here are some of the best.

Also als Family festiv back?

Ready to go ols Summer scho

It’s a

Beach party!

ts Taurus Craffun brings the to ide of the seas of the the heart n this Dea Forest of . Page 4. summer

Download ry the Prima Times app, 3 free! Page

Theatre • Arty

PRIMARY TIMES IS NOW AVAILABLE AS A FREE APP https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/primary-times/id674066003?mt=8

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 Tracie Simms tracie.simms@localworld.co.uk 0117 934 3165 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 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

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Find these amazing offers this issue!

All Things Wild - £1 off with voucher Birdland - save 10% with online bookings Bristol Aquarium - kids go free!

Cattle Country - book online for savings Cotswold Farm Park child goes free Magicland - 10% off Pin Breaks - on line offers Severn Valley Railway summer saver offers SUMMER HOLIDAY 2016

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Ta Old Pa urus Crafts Estate rk, Lydney , Ly Par T: 015 dney GL15 6 k W: www 94 8448 BU 4 .taurus crafts. 1 co.uk

It’s a

Beach party!

Taurus Crafts offers families all the fun of the “seaside” when it turns its garden into a gigantic beach this summer.

F

amilies with young children will be heading to a Gloucestershire beach this summer to relax, build sandcastles and play games. But this is a beach with a difference, located in the heart of the Forest of Dean, and what it lacks in sea views it more than makes up for with the range of activities offered by Taurus Crafts, the host of this popular attraction.

The beach transforms the centre’s garden with 140 square metres of sand, a life sized sea-scape mural, buckets and spades, parasols, deck chairs and an endless supply of ice cream. It’s open every day during the school summer holidays and supplemented by the fun-filled daily programme of hands-on activities.

Taurus Crafts, based near Lydney, is a thriving centre of creativity and home to 15 diverse artisan businesses, a gift shop full of original and local craft products, and a café that serves delicious food and hosts regular art exhibitions.

The centre’s eclectic mix of independent artisans provides a welcome choice of individuality when compared to many modern day high streets. It includes holistic beauty treatments, jewellery makers, a picture framer, a deli and farm shop, a leatherworker, knitting, a stone carver, antiques and collectables, glasswork, a chocolate shop, pottery activity, a florist and ethical and fairtrade clothes.

Of particular interest to parents

are the fun activity sessions that run throughout school holidays.

Activities regularly include pottery, painting, jewellery making, stone carving, chocolate making, knitting and puppet making. The sessions are mostly drop-in in nature but it’s always worth checking the website and Facebook for details or even joining the regular newsletter mailout list.

Children’s parties are an option too, with centre staff only too happy to discuss requirements and put together activity sessions, room hire and catering…all you need for a perfect party.

Throughout the year Taurus

Crafts holds a range of family friendly events, like Ukulele Day, The Summer Beach, Antiques and Vintage Fayres, Kite Day and Christmas Markets: there is always something to do and discover when you visit.

Taurus Crafts is one of nine Camphill Village Trust (CVT) communities run by a national charity that provides opportunities for individuals with varying support needs and disabilities.

The Can Do Creative shop, Taurus Crafts’ latest venture, is going from strength to strength. Evolving from monthly markets selling a range of creative products created in CVT communities, this soon became Can Do Creative, a pop up shop selling CVT products as well as products created by other organisations supporting individuals with a disability.

The shop generated employment and empowerment for Susie Hicks, a graduate from The National Star

College with a qualification in customer service, and this is her first paid job. Can Do Creative has now moved to a permanent location in the Taurus gift shop.

Cathy Stafford began working in the pottery in 1995 and is one of the many people Taurus supports. She has seen the centre evolve over the past 21 years and she now facilitates the family friendly Paint Your Own Pottery activity where you can decorate a range of blank bisque items.

“This activity is at the heart of what we do,” says Tom Haverly, Taurus Crafts’ marketing coordinator. “It’s creative, fun, and is a real attraction for the visitors. Cathy is a star, she runs the activity sessions and has perfected the technique for giving children confidence to express themselves and have a good time.”

Finding Taurus Crafts couldn’t be easier: it’s located West of Lydney on the A48 with a large, accessible free car park and entry is free, open daily from 10am.

Ffi: Taurus Crafts W: www.tauruscrafts.co.uk or on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

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hosts a Cathy Stafford (in red) workshop Paint Your Own Pottery 4

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Lydney,GL15 GL156BU 6BU- -01594 01594844841 844841- -tauruscrafts.co.uk tauruscrafts.co.uk Lydney, Partofofthe theCamphill CamphillVillage VillageTrust Trust Part PRIMARY TIMES

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It seems ages away, yet, but the new school year will be upon us in no time, says Ellen White, who is already getting ready.

Thinking N

o sooner have you got the last of the sand out of your holiday shoes than it’s time to start thinking about back-to-school supplies, be that uniforms, stationery, PE kit and the rest. The chances are your child has grown an inch or so over the summer, not to mention the additional shoe sizes.

New school uniforms are parents’ biggest back to school investment in terms of both time and money, but sourcing them needn’t be a stressful militarystyle operation.

Check with your child’s school how strict their uniform policy is as you may be able to keep school branded items (eg. jumpers or blazers) to an absolute minimum, using generic school wear to bulk out the wardrobe. Many supermarkets offer competitive prices for uniform staples such as trousers, polo shirts and dresses in popular school colours. Asda remains one of the most affordable options with grey school trousers from only £3, gingham dresses from £4 and polo shirts from £2.50, although competitors such as Sainburys and Tesco offer very similar deals. Some schools may even hold second hand sales for uniforms where you can find some real bargains, and hand-me-downs from siblings can be a life-saver if they go to the same school.

It pays to shop for uniforms sooner rather than later according to Nailsea-based School Togs, who advise buying, “Any time before the end of August which is when we tend to get very busy and a lot of stock has already sold out.” For many stores, the end of August signals the time to clear uniforms from the centre of the shop floor to make way for autumn/winter clothes and early Christmas stock. It may be worth buying some items in varying sizes while there’s a decent supply, to allow for growth throughout the school year. It’s really worth adding name tags, especially for bigger or more expensive items like blazers and 6

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ahead

A new school year can be both a daunting and exciting time, whether your child is entering their final year or making the leap from nursery to reception. See the list of stockists below for supplies in your area, and enjoy a stressfree start to the school year.

coats. Sew-on tags have the best staying power, but iron-on tags or writing names on labels with something durable like a CD marker can work well.

If you’re prepared to travel, try SoleLution in Bristol or Portishead. You can pop in for regular checks with one of the trained fitters while your child’s feet are rapidly growing. They stock a range of sturdy and comfortable school shoes including Hush Puppies and Camper. Meanwhile, Clarks shoes are present on most high streets and remain a popular choice for back to school footwear, with stores including trained fitters and measuring gauges to make sure your child’s footwear fits perfectly.

The new school year is often a good time to invest in a new look bag or stationery, encouraging your children to look forward to school. Wilkinsons offers affordable lunch boxes and water bottles, with lunch bags from £3 featuring everything from robots to ‘Frozen’ and ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’. For stationery The Works is a good bet, with bargains like a pack of 30 gel pens for £4, notebooks from 99p and packs of colouring pencils for just £1.

They also stock a good range of Key Stage 2 study guides covering

maths, English and science for around £3-4. For branded pencil cases try WH Smith, who have something for every taste, from Peppa Pig to One Direction.

Anna Cheunut, a mother of four children aged 2 to 10 says, “I always encourage the children to read over the holidays to keep their brains active. I also like to go over their times tables and other basic maths to refresh their memory. You can save time in the mornings by practicing little things like how your children do their hair, which can take time on an early morning schedule.”

Clarks 191 High St, Cheltenham, GL50 1DE T: 01242 516050 W: www.clarks.co.uk School Togs 252 High St, Cheltenham, GL50 3HF T: 01242 523632 W: www.schooltogs.com The Schoolwear Company T: 01242 285999 W: www.theschoolwearcompany.co.uk Trutex Merrywalks Shopping Centre, 20 Merrywalks, Stroud, GL5 1RR T: 01453 751133 W: www.trutex.com The Works Stores in Gloucester and Cheltenham W: www.theworks.co.uk

PRIMARY TIMES

05/07/2016 09:43:45

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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 Robin Hood Fri 22 Jul, 7.30pm, £14/£12 • Jenny Wren’s Robin Hood and her Merry Men take on the Sheriff of Nottingham in this new adaptation. Robin and his crew promise to entertain all with their blend of action, adventure and appalling tights. Outdoor performance in the Tuckwell Amphitheatre.

Gulliver’s Travels Fri 29 Jul, 7.30pm, £14/£12 • Pantaloons Theatre Company embark on a fantastical and hilarious voyage into the unknown. Meet the tiny people of Lilliput and the giants of Brobdingnag as Gulliver travels

Review

Giffords Circus

Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe, Gloucestershire

I

t’s Calamity Jane meets the Great Blondin as our band of settlers take to their wagon trains and head west to seek their fortune in 19th century “You Ess of Ay”.

Tweedy, the West’s favourite clown (both in Gloucestershire and in our fictional stateside setting), opens the proceedings with a marvellous performing chicken trick, whose very lack of spectacle makes it hilarious. There is plenty else to amaze and inspire, here. Giffords Circus specialises in telling a story rather than simply stringing together spectacular acts so every scene has its purpose.

We experience some wonderful waltzing horses, and, most inspiring of all, the acrobatic skills of the Konjowoch Troupe from Addis Ababa. The girls perform extraordinary feats, spinning patchwork quilts on their hands and feet simultaneously. The boys swoop up and down parallel poles in jaw-dropping displays of synchronised derring-do.

It all climaxes unhappily ever after in a saloon bar brawl that would do any Hollywood Western proud, yet somehow all violence is of the cartoon variety and the show remains firmly in the family entertainment camp, with plenty for adults to giggle at. (Mike Gartside)

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through various strange worlds.

Dotty the Dragon Sun 31 Jul, 5pm, £11/£9/£36 (family) • See Roses Theatre listing.

Romeo and Juliet Wed 3 Aug, 7.30pm, £14/conc £12 • The critically-acclaimed Pantloons give Shakespeare’s tale of ill-fated love a fresh twist featuring live music, audience interaction and the classic balcony scene. Please note this is an outdoor performance in the Tuckwell Amphitheatre.

Cheltenham School of Drama Summer School Show Thu 4 Aug, 6.30pm, £8/£6 • Following four days of intensive drama training in the Bacon Theatre, young performers aged 6-18 present a stage production in the Tuckwell Amphitheatre to show off their talents. Audiences are invited to come along up to an hour and a half before the production starts to enjoy a picnic in the outdoor amphitheatre surroundings.

Peter Gill’sCheltenham Rock School Mon 15-Fri 19 Aug, 10.30am4pm, £150 per child per course • A week of workshops, seminars and practical sessions covering all aspects of practical musicianship for anyone aged 11-19. The Rock School takes place in the 1914 Centenary Hall, Dean Close Prepatory School, Lansdown Rd, Cheltenham.

EVERYMAN THEATRE Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573, www.everymantheatre.org.uk The Sound of Music Until Sat 23 Jul, 7.30pm, 2.30pm (see website for matinee performances), £23-£40 • Based on Baroness Maria von Trapp’s 1949 autobiography, this new production of the tale popularised by Hollywood in the 1960s tells the story of the worldfamous singing family. From their romantic beginnings as they search for happiness, they make a thrilling escape as their homeland, Austria, is taken over by Hitler’s Third Reich in the 1930s. Songs including ‘Favourite Things’ and ‘Do-Re-Me’.

Robin Hood Thu 27 Jul, 7pm, £11/£8 • Jenny Wren’s Robin Hood and her Merry Men take on the Sheriff of Nottingham in this new adaptation.

As he strives to win the golden arrow and the hand of Maid Marion, Robin and his crew promise to entertain all with their blend of action, adventure and appalling tights.

The Tailor of Gloucester Wed 3-Sat 6 Aug, various times please see website, all tickets £10 • Beatrix Potter’s charming tale is brought to life on stage by the Everyman Theatre Company and local community actors and singers. A poor tailor hurries to finish a coat for the mayor when he falls ill. But, not to worry, someone, or something, has finished the coat for him.

CHELTENHAM LIDO Keynsham Rd, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL53 7PU, 01242 524430, www.sandfordparkslido. org.uk.

Once Upon a Time there were Four Little Rabbits Sat 6 Aug, 8pm, £12 (adult)/£6.50 (child) • Meet Beatrix Potter as she tells the tale of mischevious and curious Peter Rabbit, who enters Mr McGregor’s garden against his mother’s warnings. When Peter’s cousin Benjamin returns to recover Peter’s clothes, Mr.McGregor’s cat is on the prowl.

Will Benjamin’s father rescue him in time?

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Sat 13 Aug, 8.15pm, £13.50 (adult)/£11.50 (conc)/£6 (child) • Join the lovers, Hermia, Helena, Lysander and Demetrius this summer as Rain or Shine follow them into the intoxicating dream world of fairy queen and king, Titania and Oberon. With well-loved characters such as Bottom and Puck in tow, join a rip-roaring, fast-paced jaunt through Shakespeare’s best loved comedy this outdoor season. Filled with magic and mischief, inspired by warm nights, young love and the Elizabethan carnival.

FRAMPTON ON SEVERN VILLAGE GREEN Frampton on Severn GL2 7EP. 0845 4597469, www.giffordscircus.com Gifford’s Circus Thu 4-Mon 8 Aug, see website for times, £10-£29 • See review MINCHINHAMPTON COMMON Gloucestershire, 0845 4597469, www.giffordscircus.com.

Gifford’s Circus Thu 11-Mon 22 Aug, please see website for times, £10-£29 • See review.

MARLBOROUGH COMMON Marlborough, Wiltshire, SN8 1DL, www.giffordscircus.com.

Gifford’s Circus Thu 25 Aug-Mon 5 Sep, please see website for times, £10-£29 • See review.

ROSES THEATRE The Roses, Sun Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5NX. 01684 295074, www. rosestheatre.org Bad Guys Wed 27 Jul, 2.30pm, £8 • Derek, Ernie and Dick are really bored with being good. It’s just got to be more fun being a baddie.

But being an evil scientist, pirate or cowboy is trickier than they thought. Can the bumbling brothers learn how to stay out of jail and be real bad guys? Join Comedy Club 4 Kids & CBeebies ‘Spot Bots’ stars, the Three Half Pints, as they trip and stumble their way through a brand new comic misadventure, packed with songs, slapstick and silliness.

Gulliver’s Travels, Fri 29 Jul, Bacon Theatre, Cheltenham

Mad Hatter’s Tea Party Thu 28 Jul, 5pm, £5 • An immersive tea party experience – enjoy tea and cake with some popular characters from Alice in Wonderland. A fundraising event for the Roses Youth Theatre.

Pandora’s Magical Box Wed 3 Aug, 2.30pm, £8 • Indigo Moon Theatre use shadow theatre, puppetry and live acting to bring the myth of Pandora’s box to life. Pandora’s curiosity gets the better of her when she opens a forbidden box, unleashing chaos on the world. But all is not lost as she opens the box a second time and learns to follow her heart.

Dotty the Dragon Wed 10 Aug, 2.30pm, £8 • Dotty is a baby fire dragon who lives in a dusty old castle. She loves to watch the children playing in the village below, but wishes she could join them. One day she has a brilliant idea and flies to the village and say hello.Will Dotty make new friends, or will the fearful village folk chase her back home to her castle? Brought to life by acclaimed Blunderbus Theatre, this big-hearted adventure is told with magical songs, enchanting music and puppetry.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Wed 31 Aug, 2.30pm, £7 • Deep in the forest, faeries wait. Award-winning company Box Tale Soup adapts Shakespeare’s enchanting story for a family audience using handmade puppets, physical theatre and original music.

THE WILSON Clarence St, Cheltenham, GL50 3JT, 01242 237431, www.cheltenhammuseum.org.uk.

A Play in Two Days Mon 25-Tue 26 Jul, 10.30am-3.30pm, £30 per course • Performance artist Kerrie Reading helps children aged 8-12 devise a play in two days inspired by the Wild Worlds exhibition at Cheltenham Museum. Play games, listen to and create your own stories, develop characters and devise and rehearse your own play to perform on Tuesday afternoon.

PRIMARY TIMES

05/07/2016 09:49:37

Be A Cool Cat This Summer...

Choose The Roses to catch the most popular summer blockbusters; experience familyfriendly live drama and take part in fun and lively workshops and courses.

Visit rosestheatre.org to see what’s on Or call Box Office on 01684 295074 The Roses, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX Registered Charity No. 1051708

TUESDAY 12 - SATURDAY 23 JULY Starring: Lucy O’Byrne

everymantheatre.org.uk Box Office: 01242 572573 PRIMARY TIMES

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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 September and October: deadline Mon 8 Aug. 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!

JULY UNTIL SAT 27 AUG ROBOT EXHIBITION The Museum of Gloucester, Brunswick Rd, Gloucester GL1 1HP. 01452 396131, www.thecityofgloucester.co.uk, 10am-4pm, standard admission prices apply • Robots take over the museum this summer with a display of cyborgs, androids and more. Sci-fi fans can come face-to-face with life-size replicas of Iron Man, Terminator Two, Kryten from ‘Red Dwarf’ and R2D2 and C3PO from ‘Star Wars’.

For little ones expect robot dogs, clockwork toys, contemporary toys and characters from popular children’s television shows and films.

UNTIL WED 31 AUG SUMMER FAMILY TRAIL Westonbirt Arboretum, Westonbirt, Tetbury GL8 8QS.

Gloucester Carnival, Sat 23 Jul

port’ as part of Nature Explorers 2016 (see listing above).

UNTIL SUN 25 SEP THE STORY OF CHILDREN’S TELEVISION: 1946-TODAY M Shed, Princes Wharf, Wapping Rd, Bristol BS1 4RN. 0117 352 6600, www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/mshed, 10am-5pm, adult £5/under-16 free • Exhibition tracing the history of children’s TV from Muffin the Mule to the multi-channel world of today. Seven decades of iconic objects, memorabilia, merchandise, clips and images plus interactive games and activities, a theme tune challenge, puppet play and TV character dress-up. Look out for the Clangers hidden around the museum!

0300 0674890, www.forestry. gov.uk/westonbirt, 9am-8pm, included in standard admission prices • Trail exploring trees from around the world and the intrepid plant hunters who discovered them. You can follow the trail in the Old Arboretum (dog-free) or Silk Wood (dog-friendly). The trail follows the route of the seasonal trail stops.

UNTIL THU 1 SEP SUMMER SAFARI Gloucester Cathedral, 12 College Green, Gloucester GL1 2LX. www. gloucestercathedral.org.uk, 10.30am-3pm/12-2pm (Sun), free • Free family trail offering plenty of hunting fun in the search for animals listed on a clue sheet.

UNTIL SAT 3 SEP SODBURY SUMMER SEARCH Chipping Sodbury, Bristol BS17. www.chippingsodburytic.co.uk, free • Pick up a trail map from one of the local libraries, the tourist information centre or under the clock tower and identify the names of 30 animals hiding in

Preview

Fun galore!

R

ain or shine, the Dick Whittington Farm Park at Longhope has lots of summer events and activities for the kids to enjoy. In addition to the massive indoor Play Barn with all its slides, new kids Go-Karts have been introduced on the karting course. The climbing wall is proving popular and there’s a Roll-a-Ball daily challenge. Face-painting and glitter tattooing also take place daily.

The new Riding Academy is popular. Try your first horse ride for just £2.

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Face painting at Dick Whittington

Farm Park

A new Ice Cream Parlour offers no fewer than 40 different varieties. You can sample three for free!

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

shop windows around the town.

Children who hand in completed maps will be entered into a draw to win one of the animals.

UNTIL MON 5 SEP SUMMER STARGAZING 3D At-Bristol, Anchor Rd, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5DB. 0117 9151000, www.at-bristol. org.uk, term-time Mon-Fri 2.45 & 4.15pm/weekends, holidays & bank holidays 12.30, 2.45, 4.15 & 5pm, £3 plus standard admission prices • Discover the astronomy we can see from our back gardens this summer in 3D. Expect close-up views of the night sky, fly past Saturn’s rings and witness a meteor shower. Suitable for ages 6+.

UNTIL SAT 10 SEP NATURE EXPLORERS Slimbridge Wetland Centre GL2 7BT. 01453 891900, www.wwt.org. uk/wetland-centres/slimbridge, 9.30am-5.30pm, normal admission prices apply • Summer sees Slimbridge staging activities on a different theme each week which let you discover the wetlands and investigate British wildlife and habitats. Children get a ‘passport’ which they can have stamped when they take part in different activities – and if they collect enough stamps, they’ll get a certificate.

UNTIL SAT 10 SEP CELEBRITY DUSTY DUCK TRAIL Slimbridge Wetland Centre GL2 7BT. 01453 891900, www.wwt.org. uk/wetland-centres/slimbridge, 9.30am-5.30pm, normal admission prices apply • Meet Dusty Duck, made with the help of Aardman Studios to help celebrate Slimbridge’s 70th anniversary.

Dusty will be joined by 14 specially designed models from celebrities including Joanna Lumley and CBBC’s Sam and Mark. Follow the trail and add a stamp to your ‘pass-

FRI 22 JUL WILDPLACE PROJECT’S AFRICAN THIRD BIRTHDAY Wildplace Project, Blackhorse Hill, Bristol BS10 7TP. 0117 980 7175, www.wildplace.org.uk, 5.30-9pm, £5 • The Wildplace Project holds a special late opening with animal talks, onsite activities, live entertainment and tasty treats in the cafe as the sun goes down.

FRI 22-SUN 24 JUL FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL Gloucester Quays, St Ann Way, Gloucester GL1 5SH. 01452 338933, www.gloucesterquays.co.uk, times TBA, free • A treat for everyone with a taste for fine food and drink: expect celebrity chef cooking demos, live music, kids cookery sessions and 120 stalls selling a range of delicious local produce.

FRI 22-SUN 24 JUL CIRCUS GINNETT Taurus Crafts, Old Park, Lydney Park Estate, Lydney GL15 6BU. 01594 844841, www.tauruscrafts.co.uk, see the Circus Ginnett Facebook page for show times, adult £10/child £8/family £32 • Traditional circus fun including jugglers, clowns, trapeze artists, Vader the wonder dog, hula hoops, acrobats, straps and much more.

FROM SAT 23 JUL THE TINKERING SPACE At-Bristol, Anchor Rd, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5DB. 0117 9151000, www. at-bristol.org.uk, drop-in sessions throughout the day, included in standard admission prices • A new array of interactive exhibits and activities offers the inventors of tomorrow the chance to get inspired by new technology, including bionic hands, 3D printers and all manner of other gadgets and gizmos.

SAT 23 JUL THE SECRETS OF A MEDIEVAL BUILDER John Moore Museum, 41-42 SUMMER HOLIDAY 2016

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“We loved every minute and can’t wait to come back again. Fear of heights conquered!”

HIGH

© National Trust Images. Registered Charity Number 205846.

ROPES A tree-top adventure with 15 exciting challenges!

■ Open weekends and throughout school holidays ■ Sessions last 1.5 hours

■ Minimum height 1.3m ■ Can also be booked as part of a birthday party or holiday club

For more information visit

www.mojoactive.co.uk or call 01454 660075 Holiday clubs | Parties | High Ropes Schools | Stag & Hen Parties | Fitness Corporate Teambuilding

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Chedworth Roman Villa

Festival of archaeology Sat 16 - Fri 29 July Roman re-enactment week Sat 30 July - Fri 5 Aug Traditional crafts market Sat 13 - Sun 14 August Archaeological excavations Mon 15 - Thurs 25 August Members and under 5s go free.

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

PRIMARY TIMES

01/07/2016 14:28:33

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

Church St, Tewkesbury GL20 5SN. 01684 297174, www.johnmooremuseum.org, 10am-1pm & 2-5pm, adult £3/conc £2/child £1 • Visit the John Moore Museum’s latest addition, The Old Baptist Chapel off Church Street in Tewkesbury, and discover how a timber-framed building was constructed. Meet a costumed Medieval builder who will let you into the secrets of his craft, from mortice and tenon joints to making wattle and daub panels SAT 23 JUL GLOUCESTER CARNIVAL Gloucester Park, City Centre GL1 1PD. 01452 207020, www.thecityofgloucester.co.uk, 2-10pm, procession leaves Westgate Car Park at 3.30pm, free • The city centre will be filled with a parade of floats and carnival entertainers to celebrate Gloucester and all that is great about the city. In its 80th year, the carnival will wind its way along Westgate Street, through the Cross, down Eastgate Street and round to Gloucester Park where you can expect live music, funfair and plenty of refreshments.

SAT 23-SUN 31 JUL GLOUCESTER RHYTHM & BLUES FESTIVAL Various city centre venues, Gloucester GL1 1TP. 01452 207020, www.gloucesterblues.co.uk, various prices & times, please see website • Local, national and international artists gather for a nine-day celebration of rhythm & blues. Last year featured over 70 performances across the city’s pubs and live music venues.

SUN 24 JUL FAMILY COME & SING St Mary de Lode Church, Southgate St, Gloucester GL1 1TP. 01452 422829, 2pm, adult £6/child free • Nia Llewelyn Jones leads an hour-long session exploring fun and easy songs that families can learn and sing together at home.

Recommended for ages 5-8.

MON 25 JUL CENTURION MASKS Corinium Museum, Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX. 01285 655611, www.coriniummuseum.org, 10-11am, £2 per child • Activity session where you’ll make a centurion’s mask to take home.

MON 25, TUE 26 & THU 28 JUL ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS The Roses, Sun Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5NX. 01684 295074, www. rosestheatre.org, see website for times, adult £7/child £5 • Tim Burton’s sequel film to ‘Alice in Wonderland’ in which Alice travels back in time to save the Mad Hatter.

Each screening will be preceded by a short theatrical recap of the story so far performed by The Roses Youth Theatre.

MON 25-THU 28 JUL KIDS CREATE WEEK New Brewery Arts Centre, Cirencester, GL7 1JL. 01285 657181, www.newbreweryarts.org. uk, 10am-3pm, £130 per course PRIMARY TIMES

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Circus Ginnett, Taurus Crafts, Fri 22-Sun 24 Jul

Special free fun days with activities and crafts plus the chance to explore the great outdoors.

EVERY WED FROM WED 27 JULWED 31 AUG CHILDREN’S WEDNESDAYS AT SUDELEY Sudeley Castle & Gardens, Winchcombe, Cheltenham GL54 5JD. 01242 602308, www.sudeleycastle.co.uk, 10am-4pm, normal admission charges apply • Children can enjoy an adventure playground, Punch & Judy, giant games, bouncy castle, storytelling and more every Wednesday throughout the summer.

• Expect to cover a whole range of arts and crafts skills over four days of workshops with artist Hannah Ellis. Suitable for ages 5-11.

MON 25-FRI 29 JUL STIR CRAZY COLLECTOR Westonbirt Arboretum, Westonbirt, Tetbury GL8 8QS. 0300 0674890, www.forestry. gov.uk/westonbirt, 11am-4pm, included in standard admission prices • Crafts and activities based around the work of plant hunter David Douglas.

TUE 26 JUL STREET OF BUGLES/FOUR SONGS FOR THE END OF WARS Gloucester Cathedral, 12 College Green, Gloucester GL1 2LX. www. gloucestercathedral.org.uk, 11am & 12.30pm, Street of Bugles £5-£21, outdoor concert (Four Songs) free • Gloucestershire Youth Choir and Orchestra present ‘Street of Bugles’, followed by a free outdoor performance of ‘Four Songs for the End of Wars’ by Gloucester children’s choir.

TUE 26 JUL MINI MOSAICS Corinium Museum, Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX. 01285 655611, www.coriniummuseum. org, 10.30am-12noon, £7.50 per child • Learn the Roman art of mosaic making by creating your own mosaic tile to take home. All materials and instruction provided.

TUE 26 JUL BECOME AN ARCHAEOLOGIST Corinium Museum, Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX. 01285 655611, www.coriniummuseum. org, 11am-12.30pm, included in standard admission prices • Have a go at handling real Roman artefacts from the museum’s collections before drawing and identifying them.

EVERY TUE FROM TUE 26 JULTUE 23 AUG TEA & TALES St Mary de Crypt Church, Southgate St, Gloucester GL1 1TP. 01452 385070, from 3pm, free (small donation for refreshments) • Fun-filled tales with Chloe from the Midnight Storytellers.

Recommended for ages 7+.

EVERY TUE FROM TUE 26 JULTUE 30 AUG MUSEUM MAKERS Gloucester City Museum, 103 Westgate, St. Gloucester GL1 2PG. 01452 503050, www.gloucestermuseums.co.uk, 10.30am-12pm or 1-2.30pm, £5 per session per child • Weekly craft workshops for all ages (children under eight must be accompanied by an adult).

Sessions include felt fish, mini beast puppets and felt robots, see website for dates.

EVERY TUE FROM TUE 26 JUL HOLIDAY FAMILY FUN M Shed, Princes Wharf, Wapping Rd, Bristol BS1 4RN. 0117 352 6600, www.bristolmuseums.org. uk/m-shed, 11am-3pm, pay what you think • Learn more about the M Shed’s collections through creative and hands-on activities.

Suitable for ages 3-10.

WED 27 JUL ROMAN STANDARDS Corinium Museum, Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX. 01285 655611, www.coriniummuseum. org, 10-11am, £2 per child • Make a Roman standard which you can carry on your journey through Cirencester like a real Roman soldier.

WED 27 JUL, TUE 9 & THU 25 AUG SUMMER FUN DAYS Robinswood Country Hill Park, Reservoir Rd, Gloucester GL4 6SX. 01452 383333, 11am-2pm, free, small charge for some activities •

THU 28 JUL WITCHES, FAIRIES, SOLDIERS & GHOULS The Roses, Sun Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5NX. 01684 295074, www. rosestheatre.org, 10am, £11 per child • Fun and lively workshop using some of Shakespeare’s most colourful characters to create new plays and build performance skills. What would happen if the Fairies from ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ met the Witches from ‘Macbeth’?

THU 28 JUL ROMAN SHIELDS Corinium Museum, Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX. 01285 655611, www.coriniummuseum.org, 10-11am, £2 per child • Decorate a Roman shield complete with thunderbolts and eagle wings to take home.

FRI 29 JUL FAMILY FUN DAY Museum in the Park, Stroud GL5 4AF. 01453 763394, www.museuminthepark.org.uk, 11am-4pm, free • Gloucestershire youngsters can unleash their inner Indiana Jones through a host of activities such as identifying foreign objects and taking part in mini excavations.

FRI 29 JUL FAMILY FILM FRIDAY Corinium Museum, Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX. 01285 655611, www.coriniummuseum. org, 11am, adult £5.20/child £2.50 • A specially selected film for families to enjoy. Please call the museum to find out which one is being shown.

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The Wildplace Project, Bristol, celebrates an African Third Birthday, Fri 22 Jul. Pic Mike Gartside

SUMMER HOLIDAY 2016

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

FRI 29 JUL SUMMER CRAFT DAY New Brewery Arts Centre, Cirencester GL7 1JL. 01285 657181, www.newbreweryarts.org. uk, 10am-3pm, £32.50 per child • Hannah Ellis leads a whole day of arts and crafts suitable for ages 5-11.

Westerleigh BS37 8QZ. 01454 222959, www.southglosshow. co.uk, 10.30am-8pm, adult £10/ child £6/family £25 • Traditional country show including main arena entertainment, music festival, car show, BMX stunt arena, beer festival and more than 300 exhibitors.

SAT 30 JUL CARDUCCI QUARTET FAMILY CONCERT St Mary de Lode Church, Southgate St, Gloucester, GL1 1TP. 01452 422829, 11am, adult £6/child free • An approachable, enjoyable introduction to classical chamber music with games and lots of memorable tunes.

Supported by Cavatina Chamber Music Trust.

SAT 6-SUN 7 AUG SUMMER JAM The Brewery Quarter, Cheltenham GL50 4FA. 01242 574378, www. thebreweryquarter.com, 12noon9pm/6pm (Sun), free • Street food, DJs and live music plus a wide range of beer from local breweries for the grown-ups.

SAT 30 JUL-FRI 5 AUG FALCONRY WEEK Cotswold Farm Park, Bemborough Farm, Kineton, Cheltenham GL50 5UG. 01451 850307, www. cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk, 10.30am5pm, included in standard admission prices • The farm park welcomes an impressive collection of owls, falcons, kestrels and hawks.

Learn some fascinating facts from the falconer before the birds stretch their wings – and then maybe get the chance to try flying one of the birds yourself.

SAT 30 JUL-FRI 5 AUG THE ROMANS ARE COMING Chedworth Roman Villa, nr Cheltenham, Yanworth GL54 3LJ. 01242 890256, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chedworth-romanvilla, 10am-4.30pm, included in standard admission prices • Exciting military displays and the chance to meet Roman soldiers over the weekend, followed by demonstrations of Roman civilian life in the week. Also children’s craft activities (some crafts may have a small extra charge).

AUGUST MON 1 AUG MEDIEVAL KNIGHTS Corinium Museum, Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX. 01285 655611, www.coriniummuseum. org, 10-11am, £2 per child • Return to an age of dragons and chivalry

South Gloucestershire Show Sat 6-Sun 7 Aug

and decorate a medieval knight to take home.

MON 1-THU 4, MON 8-THU 11, MON 15-THU 18 & MON 22-THU 25 AUG KIDS CREATE WEEKS New Brewery Arts Centre, Cirencester GL7 1JL. 01285 657181, www.newbreweryarts.org.uk, 10am3pm, £130 per course • Expect to cover a whole range of arts and crafts skills over four days of workshops with artist Hannah Ellis.

Suitable for ages 5-11.

MON 1-WED 31 AUG SUMMER ACTIVITIES Chedworth Roman Villa, nr Cheltenham, Yanworth GL54 3LJ. 01242 890256, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/chedworth-roman-villa, 10.30am-4.30pm, included in standard admission prices • Children’s trail plus daily craft activities – make a mosaic or badge, then raid the dressing-up box and fashion yourself a Roman outfit.

MON 1-WED 31 AUG BIG BATSFORD BUG HUNT Batsford Arboretum, Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 9QB. 01386 701441, www.batsarb.co.uk, 10am-5pm, standard admission fee plus £2.50 per bug hunt • Find the creepy crawlies hidden around the arboretum and mark their locations on the map provided to win a prize.

TUE 2 & WED 17 AUG MINI MOSAICS Corinium Museum, Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX. 01285

655611, www.coriniummuseum. org, 10.30am-12noon, £7.50 per child • Learn the art of Roman mosaic making and create your own tile to take home. Suitable for ages 8+.

WED 3 AUG BARNEY THE BARN OWL & SPIKEY THE HEDGEHOG The Beaufort Hunt, 72 Broad St, Yate, Bristol BS37 8AG. www.sodburychamber.co.uk,11am-12noon, free • Organised by Sodbury Chamber of Commerce, this is a chance to meet a real-life barn owl and hedgehog in either the Beaufort garden or function room (weather dependent).

WED 3 & WED 24 AUG SUMMER ART ADVENTURE Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, Queens Rd, Bristol BS8 1RL. 0117 922 3571, www.bristolmuseums. org.uk/Bristol-museum-and-artgallery, 10.30am-4pm, £35 per child/accompanying adults free • Go on a summer art adventure and complete the Discover Arts Award in a single day at both Bristol Museum & Art Gallery and the RWA. Parents/carers are welcome to attend but this is not mandatory. Children should be provided with a packed lunch and snacks.

SAT 6 AUG SUMMER FIREWORKS Gloucester Park, Trier Way, Gloucester GL1 1LG. 01452 396572, www.thecityofgloucester. co.uk, 7-10pm, prices TBA • Enjoy music and food from 7pm before a spectacular firework display (scheduled to start at 9.40pm).

SAT 6 AUG ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE The Roses, Sun Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5NX. 01684 295074, www. rosestheatre.org, 11am & 2pm, adult £7/child £5 • Film adaptation of the popular mobile phone game. When an island populated by happy, flightless birds is visited by mysterious green pigs, it’s up to three unlikely outcasts – Red, Chuck and Bomb – to figure out what the pigs are up to.

Join the Big Batsford Bug Hunt, Batsford Arboretum, Mon 1-Wed 31 Aug.

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SAT 6-SUN 7 AUG SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE SHOW Windmill Fisheries Showground,

SUN 7 AUG JAMAICA INDEPENDENCE DAY Gloucester Park, Park Rd, Gloucester GL1 1LH. 01452 207020, www.thecityofgloucester. co.uk, 12noon-9pm, free • A lively celebration of Jamaican music and culture including a fun fair, open mic sessions, tug-of-war, egg & spoon race, traditional Caribbean food and entertainment from GFM Radio DJs. MON 8 & WED 10 AUG RANGER WORKSHOPS: BUG HUNT Chedworth Roman Villa, nr Cheltenham, Yanworth GL54 3LJ. 01242 890256, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chedworth-romanvilla, 10.30-11.30am, included in standard admission prices • Join James the ranger for a fun-filled bug hunt. Search for creepy crawlies and play a game.

TUE 9 AUG STRETCHY SCRIBES Corinium Museum, Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX. 01285 655611, www.coriniummuseum. org, 10-11am, £2 per child • Learn about illuminated letters and the monks who created them – and then create your own “stretchy scribe” with a quill to take home.

TUE 9 & THU 25 AUG SUMMER FUN DAYS Robinswood Country Hill Park, Reservoir Rd, Gloucester GL4 6SX. 01452 383333, 11am-2pm, free, small charge for some activities • Special free fun days with activities and crafts plus the chance to explore the great outdoors.

WED 10 AUG COCKERELS ON STICKS Corinium Museum, Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX. 01285 655611, www.coriniummuseum. org, 10-11am, £2 per child • Using the museum’s bronze cockerel for inspiration, make your own cockerel on a stick.

FRI 12 AUG SUMMER SUNDOWN Wildplace Project, Blackhorse Hill, Bristol BS10 7TP. 0117 980 7175, www.wildplace.org.uk, 5.30-9pm, £5/under-2 free • Enjoy reduced entry fees and an evening of fun with wild games throughout the park. The Leap of Faith high

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SA V 1 OK 0% E O

BO

Dick Whittington Park

NL

IN

SUMMERTIME FUN!

E

Disc over

• Massive Play Barn • Animals and Pets • Kids' Go-Karts • New Equine Centre

AN AMAZING WORLD OF BIRDS & THEIR JURASSIC ANCESTORS

THIS SUMMER!

NEW Forest Ice Cream Parlour featuring over 40 varieties 'Free sampling'

UIN PENG ING D FEE AM & AT 110PM 2:3

Little London, Longhope, Glos. GL17 0PH

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

FOREST OF DEAN - Tourist Attraction of the year! valid until 1st September, 2016 not to be used in conjunction with any other offer

Free entry for one adult per paying child

OPEN DAILY FROM 10AM

As seen on TV!

Tel: 01452 831000 www.dickwhittington.org

©LW

ONE FREE ADULT

Birdland, Rissington Road, Bourton-on-the-Water, Glos, GL54 2BN Tel: 01451 820480

www.birdland.co.uk

Guiting Power, Cheltenham GL54 5UG www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk |

Replicated vouchers will not be accepted. 1 voucher per adult. May only be used once, must be presented on admission. No cash alternative. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other

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adventure course will also be open, including climbing activities and 3G power swing.

SAT 13-SUN 14 AUG TRADITIONAL CRAFTS MARKET Chedworth Roman Villa, nr Cheltenham, Yanworth GL54 3LJ. 01242 890256, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chedworth-romanvilla, 10am-4.30pm, included in standard admission prices • Browse a range of stalls selling traditional crafts such as pottery, basketry and jewellery and watch craftsmen demonstrate their skills.

SUN 14 AUG BIG BOURTON PICNIC Greystones Farm, Greystones Lane, Bourton-on-the-Water GL54 2EN. 01452 383333, www. gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk/ reserves/greystones-farm, 11am5pm, free • Jam-packed day of family fun including folk music, wildlife walks, children’s activities, traditional stories, food stalls and more.

MON 15-TUE 16 AUG RUGBY CAMP Cheltenham College, Bath Rd, Cheltenham GL53 7LD. 07725 142065, www.r360.co.uk, 8.30am4.30pm, £120 per child • Sporty children can join ex-Gloucester and England rugby player Olly Morgan for a R360 rugby camp at Cheltenham College: the chance to experience expert coaching and develop skills. Suitable for ages 10-13.

MON 15-SAT 20 AUG SUMMER PUPPET FESTIVAL Bayshill Unitarian Hall, Royal Well Lane, Cheltenham GL50 3ET. Call 01242 263283 for tickets or purchase in person from Tourist Information at the Wilson Museum & Art Gallery, adult £3.50/child £2.50/family £10 • A varied pro-

gramme of events celebrating puppetry in all its forms including ‘Tales from Beatrix Potter’, ‘Utter Nonsense’ from Edward Lear and Marionette Cabaret.

MON 15-THU 25 AUG THE BIG DIG Chedworth Roman Villa, nr Cheltenham, Yanworth GL54 3LJ. 01242 890256, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/chedworth-roman-villa, 11am-4.30pm, included in standard admission prices • Watch as the archaeologists excavate more of the North Range and clean the finds. Chat to the experts and be the first to see what discoveries are made this year.

TUE 16 AUG WOOLLY MAMMOTHS Corinium Museum, Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX. 01285 655611, www.coriniummuseum. org, 10-11am, £2 per child • Be inspired by the Ice Age and Stone Age when massive beasts roamed the Cotswolds and create your own woolly mammoth to take home.

TUE 16-SAT 20 AUG HOO-HA! Colston Hall, Colston St, Bristol BS1 5AR. 0844 8871500, www. colstonhall.org, various times & prices, visit the website or see the theatre listings for a pick of the shows • Colston Hall’s Hoo-Ha festival returns with more fun, frolics and festivities for all ages. Expect plenty of action on all floors, with interactive shows galore and plenty of free activities too.

Highlights include Junior Jungle Rave, family roller disco, Blow-Up Planetarium and Lilliput family concerts.

TUE 16 & TUE 23 AUG PRINT MAKING Corinium Museum, Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX. 01285 655611, www.coriniummuseum. org, 10.30am-12noon, £7.50 per child • Using the collections for inspiration, create your own series of prints using a variety of techniques.

TUE 16, 23 & 30 AUG CLAY PLAY New Brewery Arts Centre, Cirencester, GL7 1JL. 01285 657181, www.newbreweryarts.org. uk, 2-4pm, £20 per session per child • Create something amazing during a variety of clay-based activities. Suitable for ages 7-11.

Hoo-Ha Festival, Colston Hall, Tue 16-Sat 20 Aug

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FRI 19-SAT 20 AUG BUMP FAMILY ROLLER DISCO Colston Hall, Colston St, Bristol BS1 5AR. 0844 8871500, www. colstonhall.org, 10.30am & 1.30pm, £8.06-£12.90 incl booking fee • Hurtle into an explosion of 80s funk, glitterballs, flashing lights and skating magic as Colston Hall’s auditorium is transformed into a retro roller rink complete with old-school skates for hire and classic disco tunes. Skate hire is included in the ticket price but you’re welcome to bring your own.

Suitable for ages 3+.

PLEASE CHECK BEFORE YOU TRAVEL . . . AND TELL THEM YOU SAW THE EVENT IN PRIMARY TIMES! SAT 20 AUG BIRDS OF PREY DAY John Moore Museum, 41 Church St, Tewkesbury GL20 5SN. 01684 297174, www.johnmooremuseum. org, 10am-1pm & 2-5pm, normal admission charges apply • JRCS Falconry present a selection of magnificent birds of prey including a barn owl, tawny owl, buzzard and Peregrine falcon. A falconer will be on hand to answer all your questions about the birds and the ancient art of falconry.

SAT 20-SUN 21 AUG SPORTBEAT FESTIVAL Oxstalls Sports Park, Plock Court, Tewkesbury Road, Gloucester, GL2 9DW, www.sportbeatfest.com.

Adult weekend ticket £52.50, youth (age 11-15) £25, child (6-10) £20, family £115 • Two days of live music and sports including volleyball and netball tournaments, local beers, food and more. Acts performing include The Charlatans, Happy Mondays and Echo and the Bunnymen.

SUN 21 AUG DISNEY CHARACTER PARTY Best Western The Gables Hotel, Bristol Rd, Wotton-under-Edge GL12 8DL. 01454 260502, www. bestwestern.co.uk, 2.30-5pm, child £8/one adult free with each paying child/additional adult £5 • Appearances from popular characters including Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Cinderella, plus face painting, a disco, popcorn and BBQ from 3pm (extra charge).

FRI 26 AUG MUSEUM AFTER HOURS Gloucester City Museum, 103 Westgate, St. Gloucester GL1 2PG. 01452 503050, www. venues.gloucester.gov.uk/ freetime/museums, 5-8pm, standard admission prices apply • Experience the magic of the museum after dark and see things in a wholly different light.

Don’t miss the last chance to see the museum’s robot exhibition too.

SAT 27 AUG GLOUCESTER GOES RETRO Gate Streets, city centre, Gloucester, GL1 2DH. 01452 396576, www.gloucester.gov. uk/retro-festival, 10am-5pm, free • Gloucester’s pedestrian Gate Streets will be going back in time with each street themed to a different era as part of the city’s Retro Festival: Westgate Street from the 1900s to 1949; Northgate Street in the 1950s; Eastgate Street in the 1960s; and Southgate Street from 19701980s. Music, food and fashion will all play their part, plus displays of historic vehicles, cars, motorbikes and scooters.

MON 29 AUG TRADITIONAL VILLAGE FETE Lower Slaughter GL54 2HP. 07736 068882, 11am-4pm, free, parking £3 • Promising a packed programme of music, dog shows, children’s activities, stalls and much more.

Birds of Prey Day, John Moore Museum, Tewkesbury, Sat 20 Aug

MON 29 AUG HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT Westonbirt Arboretum, Westonbirt, Tetbury GL8 8QS. Book direct with Ballooning Network on 0117 947 1050, see www.ballooning-network.co.uk for prices & times • Enjoy a balloon flight over the arboretum in all its summer glory.

TUE 30 AUG FAMILY WOODLAND ADVENTURE EVENING Leigh Woods, North Rd, Bristol BS8 3PL. 0844 2491895, www. nationaltrust.org.uk/leigh-woods, 5.30-9.30pm, adult £14/child £12 • Learn the art of building a woodland home and refuel the campfire as darkness falls. Enjoy some woodland games before heading off on a night walk and see if you can spot any bats. Booking essential.

SEPTEMBER SUN 4 SEP THE GREAT AARTY PARTY M Shed, Princes Wharf, Wapping Rd, Bristol BS1 4RN. 0117 352 6600, www.bristolmuseums.org. uk/m-shed, 11am-3pm, pay what you think • Celebration of Bristol’s Aardman studios on their 40th birthday. Make your own Morph plus many more activities for all ages.

SUN 4, TUE 6 & THU 8 SEP THE BFG The Roses, Sun Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5NX. 01684 295074, www.rosestheatre.org, various times, adult £7/child £5 • Big-budget film adaptation to celebrate Roald Dahl’s centenary.

A girl named Sophie encounters the Big Friendly Giant who, despite his intimidating appearance, turns out to be a kind-hearted soul who is considered an outcast by the other giants because he refuses to eat boys and girls.

ROUNDABOUT AND THEATRE LISTINGS BY ELLEN WHITE PRIMARY TIMES

04/07/2016 14:31:48

SUMMER DAY CAMPS

Westonbirt School near Tetbury

From 18th July to 19th August 2016 Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm

Age Groups: 6 to 10 and 11 to 14

Only £38 per day or £160 per week Ofsted Registered.

Childcare Vouchers accepted.

Lunch included

Book Online at xploreactivitycamps.com /XploreLanguageActivityCamps @XploreTheWorld

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We are

Mr Tumble performs at Camp Bestival

family

Ellen White rounds up the best of the child-friendly festivals this summer.

T

from popular children’s entertainers Dick and Dom, Mr Tumble and LazyTown plus music from Fatboy Slim, Tears for Fears, Jess Glynne and more, there’s something for all ages.

Lulworth Castle, East Lulworth, Dorset. 0203 327 4810, www. campbestival.net. Adult weekend ticket £197.50, teens £118, ages 10-12 £93, ages 5-9 £45, under 4s £15.

here are some who don’t believe summer’s truly arrived until festival season is in full swing, but the thought of taking the kids to a muddy field full of revellers may fill many families with horror.

Luckily, festivals have made leaps and bounds to cater to families of all ages and tastes, with many sites now offering family specific camp sites and a range of facilities to make your stay as comfortable as possible, from pre-pitched tents to separate shower and baby changing facilities. Here are some of the best family oriented festivals in southern England and Wales so now all you need to do is get planning!

PORT ELIOT FESTIVAL Thu 28-Sun 31 Jul Set in a lavish estate including the country house, estuary and beautiful Cornish surroundings, Port Eliot claims to provide a festival experience like no other.

The Hullaballoo children’s area in the estate’s garden returns with Rogue Theatre’s award-winning Wild Woodland Summer Ball, not to mention magicians, dance troupes, jugglers, clowns, and some big names in children’s literature providing bedtime stories.

For those who can’t get enough of the great outdoors, expect kayaking, archery, surfing, foraging walks and wild swimming to name just a few.

Port Eliot, St. Germans, Rame Peninsula, South East Cornwall,

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The Big Cwtch

PL12 5BQ, www.porteliotfestival. com. Adult weekend tickets from £145, child weekend (age 8-13) from £70, family weekend from £430, under 7s free.

with the British Film Institute.

Charlton Park, near Malmesbury, SN16 9LL. www.womad.co.uk.

Adult weekend ticket £175, teenage weekend ticket £85, under 13s free.

WOMAD Thu 28-Sun 31 Jul One of WOMAD’s major attractions for families is that all children under 13 go absolutely free, making it one festival that shouldn’t cost a fortune. With a melting pot of music from all over the world plus a Brazilian Carnival themed kids’ corner there’s plenty to enjoy. Children can get moving with music and dance workshops, plus face painting, puppet making, circus tent, musical playground and animation and film making

CAMP BESTIVAL Thu 28-Sun 31 Jul Sister of the Isle of Wight’s Bestival and four times winner of Best Family Festival, Camp Bestival aims to combine an allencompassing family festival experience with an action packed camping holiday. A large section of the festival site is dedicated to little ones, with an Upper Kids’ Garden offering circus skills, bouncy castle, separate Toddler’s Area and Mother and Baby Chill Out space. With entertainment

LIVESTOCK FESTIVAL Fri 29-Sun 31 Jul Livestock aims to be the perfect weekend for all the family and has put in a lot of effort to make that happen. This year’s line-up promises even more entertainment Watchet Live

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with kids comedy, kids club cinema, pony rides, animal encounters, circus skills, tractor rides and even quiet camping areas plus the option to book a pre-erected tent.

Music includes performances from The Fratellis, Reverend and the Makers and 80s stalwart Chesney Hawkes.

Manor Farm, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, GL20 6AT. www. livestocklongdon.co.uk. Adult weekend ticket £110, 11-17 years £45, child ticket £1, family weekend ticket (2 adults and 2 11-17 year olds) £260.

for even the tiniest explorers as well as being conveniently located right next to the family campsite.

So much to explore including wildlife walks and nature fun in Einstein’s Garden, film screenings including Pixar’s ‘Inside Out’, kids and family yoga, plenty of interactive workshops and performances for children, and music from Laura Marling, Belle & Sebastian and James Blake.

Brecon Beacons, Wales, NP8 1LP, www.greenman.net. Adult tickets £175 plus booking fee, children under 12 £20, under 4s free.

WILDERNESS Thu 4-Sun 7 Aug With a dedicated family campsite close to the Kid’s Corner plus baby changing facilities and family welfare, Wilderness festival prides itself on making a family stay as comfortable as possible. It promotes a “meet the world” philosophy, featuring wild swimming, boating, award-winning theatre, puppet making, magicians, crafts and, of course, music. There’s even an on-site nanny service if parents fancy an afternoon to themselves.

Cornbury Estate, Oxfordshire, 0333 3219999, www.wildernessfestival.com. Gates open midday Thu-8pm Sun, adult tickets from £177 plus booking fee, child tickets £5, Family Plus pitch (for four people) £150.

WATCHET LIVE Fri 26-Sun 28 Aug Weekend camping tickets have already sold out for Somerset based Watchet. However, with under 12s going free and adult day tickets from only £25 there’s still plenty of fun to be had. The festival provides a children’s area from 12-6pm Saturday and Sunday with free creative activities and storytelling. With a capacity of only 5,000, it prides itself on a safe and intimate atmosphere. What’s more, any profit funds community events or is donated to local groups or charities in need, so you can relax and have fun knowing it’s all for a good cause.

The Down, Brendon Rd, Watchet, TA23 0HS, 01984 639616, www. watchetfestival.co.uk. Family weekend ticket (no camping) £155, family day ticket £75, under 12s free.

SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE SHOW Sat 6-Sun 7 Aug With over 24,000 visitors last year, this event offers a great family weekend without the hassle of camping. There’s a medieval jousting tournament, stuntman Flyin’ Ryan, sheep dog demos, food festival and, new for this year, the South Gloucestershire Beer Festival and Brewery Competition.

There is also entertainment from the Banana Brain Fun Show and a giant 20 tonne sand sculpture in the Kids’ Zone, plus live performances from local musicians, BMX stunts and plenty of arts and crafts.

Windmill Fisheries Showground, Westerleigh Rd, BS37 8QZ, 01454 222959, www.southglosshow. co.uk. Adults £10 (adults)/ £5 (15 & under)/free (u5s). Gates open 10.30am.

GREEN MAN Thu 18-Sun 21 Aug The theme for this year’s Little Folk area is the jungle, promising adventures

END OF THE ROAD Thu 1-Sun 4 Sep End of the Road’s family camping area is closest to the car park and wristband exchange to save little legs, so expect quieter evenings but earlier mornings! There will be plenty of workshops for children in the Wonderlands garden area with past activities including song writing sessions, yoga and origami.

There’s plenty for grownups, too, with stand-up comedians including Stewart Lee and Josie Long, music from Joanna Newsom, Bat for Lashes and The Shins and a dedicated Relaxation Room to help you unwind.

Larmer Tree Gardens, near Blandford, Dorset, www.endoftheroadfestival.com. Adult weekend ticket £195, teenagers £150, child (6-12) £75, child (3-5) £45, under 2s free.

WOMAD

Welsh, giving a good idea of this festival’s friendly, all-inclusive vibe. Camping takes place in the beautiful lakeside Cothi Valley, a “natural playground” with a dedicated children’s area, The Walled Garden. This year’s activities include circus skills, aerial hoops, high wire, live graffiti, drumming workshops, dress up plus many more, and even better, all kid’s activities are free. Fill up on chocolatey treats from the Roald Dahl-

inspired Ministry of Mischief; enjoy music from over 30 emerging Welsh artistes and relax in this year’s new specially allocated family campsite.

Glanrannel Park House, Crugybar, Carmarthenshire, SA19 8SA, www. thebigcwtch.com. Adult ticket £40, family ticket £80, ages 5-12 £12.50, under 5s free. Saturday night camping £15/£20, two night camping £30/£50.

A family enjoying Livestock

THE BIG CWTCH Fri 9-Sun 11 Sep The name means “big cuddle” in

Port Eliot

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

Beat boredom this summer!

At Wilko, we love family time and with the summer holidays just around the corner, it’s a great time to start thinking about activities to keep the kids (and adults) busy.

Wow £12!

Thinking of things to do to keep the 6 weeks action-packed can seem a bit daunting, and not to mention costly, but we’ve got some great ideas that’ll help keep the kids entertained, making memories that’ll last a lifetime and all without breaking the bank!

As well as a host of super suggestions, we’re also giving your little scribblers a chance to win a Back to School Bumper Pack, which contains all the essentials, worth £50. You can find out more by visiting www.wilko.com/page/colourcomp – so what are you waiting for? Dig out the colouring pencils and get them to give it a go!

Start with a holiday planner Making a plan for each week is a great starting point. It’ll help keep you organised, space out activities and give everyone in the family things to look forward to. It’s also handy when you’re working to a budget and making arrangements for any childcare that’s needed – or roping in the grandparents!

When planning, try and schedule in craft days, mini sports days or themed activity days throughout the holidays, leaving little to no room for the word ‘bored’ to make an appearance!

Be prepared – whatever the weather!

We all know that the British weather’s unpredictable, raining cats and dogs one minute with glorious sunshine the next! So make sure you’ve got a few things up your sleeve – at your local Wilko you’ll find plenty of activities that can be enjoyed come rain or shine.

Crafts – Crafting indoors and outdoors can be great fun, and craft kits are perfect for keeping kids busy. Visit wilko.com where we’ve got heaps to choose from, all at fantastic prices.

Our favourite summer holiday heroes include the bumper craft kit which contains a whopping 700 pieces for just £5 – why not use it to create colourful creatures, cool cards and

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fantastic photo frames? Our scrapbooks are also great for keeping little ones entertained all summer long. Encourage them to stick in bits and bobs from their summer adventures – think family pics, tickets from days out and dried flowers from the garden.

Painting – Kids love getting messy and painting is a great activity for encouraging kids to get creative. Use our colourful child-friendly paints to make hand prints, foot prints, beautiful portraits and more! You could even roll out a length of lining paper and get the whole family to run along it with painted feet... you may not make a masterpiece, but it’ll be a priceless family keepsake and a whole load of fun!

Be a good sport It’s set to be a summer of sport with Euro 2016 in France and the Olympic Games in Rio, which may inspire your little ones to kick a ball about, run around the garden or throw a javelin... ok, maybe not the last one!

Little ones love an assault course, and they’re super easy to set up. You’ll just need a bit of equipment like a hoop to climb through, a ball to kick or throw into a goal and somewhere to run. It’s a great way to get the kids to use their imagination and burn off a bit of energy.

Check out your local store or visit us online at wilko.com where you’ll find a huge range of outdoor equipment – everything from trampolines to tennis sets, pools to playhouses!

Little hands, green fingers...

There are bound to be some warm, dry days, so why not get the kids to help out in the garden? Gardening’s a great activity for all ages – if you can spare the space, dedicate a small patch that’s just for the kids, and get them started with our great range of compost, seeds and tools.

Pass the summer holiday test with flying colours!

Research shows that even a bit of learning during the summer can help kids get ahead, no matter what their age. And to give you a helping hand, we’ve got a great range of exercise and activity books, covering everything from basic phonics to Key Stage 2 English, Science and Maths.

After all that learning, why not relax with a bit of colouring? It’s a fantastically calming activity that also encourages creativity, which is crucial to your little one’s development – and it’s also great for helping adults to de-stress! So, pop into your local store where you’ll find a fantastic range of colouring books, activity books and stationery. For more ideas to keep the kids busy this summer check out our blog – life. wilko.com. And when it’s time to go back to school, visit your local Wilko store or wilko.com for all your stationery essentials.

Check out the Wilko Small Sketchers Colouring Competition for your child’s chance to win a Back to School Bumper Pack, worth £50. Visit www.wilko.com/ page/colourcomp for more information.

SUMMER HOLIDAY 2016

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Farm fun and adventure this summer at

ottle Goat Bing Feed

To The Beach!

Sat 23 July - Sun 4 Sept

Lots of animals to meet and handle!

MONDAY 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 AUGUST

OPEN Lots of animals to meet 2 huge indoor playbarns

Donkey

SHIPWRECKED STORIES WEDNESDAY 10, 17, 24, 31 AUGUST

Grooming

2 jumping pillows On site catering Tractor & trailer rides

www.cattlecountry.co.uk 01453 810 510

or for more information please call us on

One child free per coupon when accompanied by one full paying adult. Not in conjunction with any other offer, family tickets or e-tickets. Photocopies are not accepted. This voucher has no cash value. Displays, talks & feeding demonstrations are subject to change.

Valid until 04/09/2016

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

Open daily. Children under 3 years go FREE

Cotswold Leisure Bourton

01451 824024 Cotswold Leisure Chipping Campden

01386 841595

KICKSTART YOUR FAMILY ACTIVITY Swimming lessons are offered 6 days a week Junior gym (for 11-15yr olds) available 7 days a week Sports camps in the holidays, rollerskating and much, much more UNLIMITED use of fantastic gyms with all the latest machines, plus group exercise classes and swimming pools UP TO 25% OFF membership when children are enrolled on swim lessons EARN REWARD POINTS for being active, that you can then convert into high street vouchers and much more!

NEW Nutrition Complete (additional cost) UNLIMITED use of our online platform including: activity planning and tracking, training plans, video classes and workouts

everyoneactive.com 7045_Primary Times Gloucester_Cotswold_23.06.indd 1 22 SUMMER HOLIDAY 2016

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everyoneactive

Cotswold Leisure Cirencester

01285 654057

JOIN ONLINE

Everyone Active manages these facilities in partnership with Cotswold District Council.

OR IN-CENTRE

@everyoneactive 17/06/2016 12:01 PRIMARY TIMES

01/07/2016 14:42:56

ADVERTISING FEATURE

d r a o b n Pi Go underground!

This holiday, go underground to see the impressive caves at Clearwell! You can explore nine atmospheric caverns, each connected by winding passageways, going down 100ft underground. Displays of tools and equipment tell the story of the iron miners from over 4,500 years ago to 1945, when deep mining finished (although ochre is still mined here to make artists’ pigment). The caves are a great backdrop for filming, with television productions ‘Dr Who’, ‘Merlin’, ‘Atlantis’ and ‘DaVinci Demons’ all recently filmed there. There is a gift shop, café and children’s play area.

If you are looking for excitement, their Try Caving activities allow people to join a group to go well beyond the public pathways, and see incredible workings exactly as the miners left them. Try Caving trips involve some crawling, simple scrambling and getting dirty, they are an exhilarating experience. No experience is necessary and they will spice up the school holidays!

Ffi: Clearwell Caves W: www.clearwellcaves.com/events.

Music for all There are several family-friendly events at this year’s Three Choirs Festival, which takes place in and around Gloucester Cathedral from 23-30 July. On Sunday 24 July at St Mary de Lode Church, Nia Llewelyn Jones (pictured) leads an hour-long ‘Family Come and Sing’ session, exploring fun and easy songs that families can learn and sing together at home (2pm, adults £6, children free, ages 5-8). Then, on Tuesday 26 July, Gloucestershire Youth Choir and Orchestra perform ‘Street of Bugles’ at Gloucester Cathedral (11am, £5-£21), which is followed by ‘Four Songs for the End of Wars’, a free outdoor performance by the children’s choir and the cathedral chimes (12.30pm).

On Saturday 30 July, meanwhile, The Carducci Quartet promise an approachable and enjoyable introduction to classical chamber music with games and lots of memorable tunes in a family concert supported by the Cavatina Chamber Music Trust (11am, adults £6, children free, ages 5-12).

Ffi: Three Choirs Festival, Gloucester, 23-30 July W: www.3choirs.org

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Parents’ & teachers’

news, education & contacts

Pick of the bunch All change at Prinknash

Picking your own fruit and veg is a great, healthy and good value way to get out with the kids this summer – and there’s always something to pick at Primrose Vale from May to October. There’s no entry fee: you just pay for what you pick. Strawberries are always firm favourites for pick your own, and with Primrose Vale’s raised table-top growing system, there’s no breaking your back picking them!

Raspberries have many fans and have a long picking season too.

Blackberries, currants and gooseberries are all available in season, as are various vegetable crops, including broad and runner beans. If time is short, all crops are available readypicked from the farm shop, which stocks loads more besides. The Potting Shed Café is now open too, selling delicious ice-creams and sundaes, light lunches and refreshments.

The Bird and Deer Park at Prinknash has undergone a lot of changes, with a stunning new oak Visitor Centre with balconies overlooking the reindeer enclosure where you can enjoy refreshments and find gifts in the new shop. Toffee and Treacle, the miniature donkeys, have returned from holiday and all the fallow deer feed from your hand, as do the amusing pygmy goats.

You can watch the peafowl display while the waterfowl are always friendly and really tame. So why not take a picnic to enjoy next to the famous wendy house or let the children find the castle folly or perhaps book the gypsy caravan for a special event? There are other ongoing events at the park: visit the website for details.

Ffi: Primrose Vale W: primrosevale.com

Ffi: Prinknash Bird and Deer Park T: 01452 812727 W: www.thebirdpark.com

Fun of the fare Families are invited to a weekend of fun, food and fabulous entertainment at Gloucester Quays Food Festival from 22-24 July. Celebrity chefs Tom Kerridge, Nadiya Hussain and Levi Roots will entertain and share their cookery secrets on stage, while young foodie fans will be able to try their hand in the Kids’ Cookery Zone where they will get hands-on guided cooking sessions at the award-winning Kids’ Cookery School.

More than 120 stalls will offer everything from mouth-watering artisan pies, succulent farm sausages and lovingly brewed real ales to crafts and jewellery. Throughout the festival visitors will be able to unwind on the lawn next to the live music stage and enjoy delicious food-to-go, cocktails, real ale and cider whilst listening to some great summertime sounds.

For full details or to book tickets for the celebrity chef demonstrations, visit website.

Be bowled over!

Pin Breaks UK is a Welsh company offering fun, action packed skittle weekends from just £181 per person. Its weekends are open to all and have something for everyone, whether you’re “professional” skittle players, a group of friends, or work colleagues looking for a weekend break with a difference.

The company has chosen great venues on the beautiful Welsh coastline.

You’ll get incredible value for money including two nights half board accommodation, three guaranteed games of skittles, great entertainment, the chance to win prizes, return coach transfers and a delicious Sunday lunch before you head home.

Visit Pin Breaks UK’s website below for information about its venues, competitions and discounts. Just pick a venue, get 10 or more friends together (ladies, men’s or mixed teams welcome), pack a case and let them do the rest. Book now quoting PRIMARY TIMES to take advantage of a £50 discount off the cost of your team’s weekend.

Ffi: Pin Breaks UK W: www.pinbreaks.co.uk

Ffi: Gloucester Quays Food Festival, 22-24 July W: www.gloucesterquays.co.uk

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Pick Your Own this summer at Primrose Vale

Adver tising Feature

Countryside fun

Lots of different crops to pick: Strawberries, Raspberries, Blackberries & more...* Potting Shed Café now open serving light refreshments and icecreams!

Primrose Vale Farm Shop Shurdington Rd, Bentham, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL51 4UA Open 7days

Tel: 01452 863359, facebook.com/primrosevalepyo Email: info@primrosevale.com Web: www.primrosevale.com

Nature in Art

©LW

* Availability changes daily - please call or check online to avoid disappointment.

The world’s first Museum and art gallery dedicated to art inspired by nature Open: Tues-Sun & Bank Holidays, 10am-5pm

Choose from over 60 organised activity sessions View the brochure at www.nature-art.org.uk

• Established in 1971, Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park has been a firm family favourite for generations. There are lots of activities to suit the typical British summertime, with plenty to do inside and outdoors. From bottle-feeding lambs and stroking rabbits to watching chicks appear from their cosy little eggs, there are plenty of cute and furry creatures to meet in the Touch Barn.

Outside offers the chance to meet more than 50 flocks and herds of rarebreed farm animals and to burn off any extra energy on the bouncy pillows and play equipment.

The farm also offers the opportunity to sample the best of the great British countryside on a six-mile wildlife walk on its beautiful Cotswold estate.

This summer the farm park is running a packed events schedule alongside all of the usual farm fun. With everything from a circus skills week (the perfect opportunity to embarrass the kids with your terrible juggling skills) and a falconry week to a storytelling week and Little Grey Fergie weekend, there’s sure to be something to pique your interest.

All the special activities are included in the normal cost of admission: check the website for more information and look out for your free child voucher in this edition of Primary Times.

Ffi: Cotswold Farm Park W: www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk

Runner up in 2015 Telegraph Family Friendly Museum

Adver tising Feature

Summer Roses

10% OFF ENTRY WITH THIS VOUCHER

01285 885570 WWW.MAGICLAND.CO.UK * WITH THIS VOUCHER ONLY. VALID UNTIL 30TH SEPTEMBER 2016. PHOTOCOPIES NOT ACCEPTED AND THIS VOUCHER MAY ONLY BE USED ONCE. PRITIMES

24 SUMMER HOLIDAY 2016

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• It’s all happening at The Roses this summer. Whether you like live entertainment, family film or activities to take part in, there’s something for you.

Enjoy lively family theatre with CBeebies’ ‘Spot Bots’ stars the Three Half Pints in ‘Bad Guys’ (27 July); a classical myth brought to life in ‘Pandora’s Magical Box’ (3 Aug); Blunderbus Theatre’s fantastic puppet show ‘Dotty The Dragon’ (10 Aug) and a family adaptation of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ (31 Aug - pictured). All of these shows are designed especially for families to enjoy together and are a perfect opportunity to introduce theatre to a younger audience.

There are also plenty of films to choose from during the summer holidays, including animated treats like ‘Top Cat Begins’ (30 July-2 Aug), ‘Robinson Crusoe’ (4 & 8 Aug), ‘The Angry Birds Movie’ (6 & 9 Aug), ‘The Secret Life Of Pets’ ( 11 & 12 Aug) and ‘Ice Age: Collision Course’ (19 & 22 Aug), as well as childhood classics like ‘Alice Through The Looking Glass’ (25-28 July), ‘The Legend Of Tarzan’ (28 & 30 Aug) and ‘The BFG’ (4-8 Sept).

Finally, don’t miss the ‘Witches, Fairies, Soldiers And Ghosts’ workshop (28 July), which is a fun drama session that introduces Shakespeare to 5-11 year olds, or ‘Blockbuster 2’ (1-5 Aug) – a week-long arts programme where every day has a different theme. It’s a week full of creative activities and participants will work with professional dance, theatre, art and film practitioners.

Ffi: The Roses, Tewkesbury W: www.rosestheatre.org

PRIMARY TIMES

05/07/2016 12:35:26

Adver tising Feature

Seaside in the city

Adver tising Feature

Celebrities go quackers over Dusty • The summer highlight at Slimbridge this year is the launch of the Wetlands Centre’s Celebrity Dusty Duck Trail on Saturday 9 July. The new trail is part of Slimbridge’s 70th anniversary celebrations and features 14 giant models designed by celebrities as well as the original Dusty himself. An exciting adventure awaits, with lots of opportunities to explore and try new things – and of course to make new friends along the way.

The six-foot-tall Dusties were made with the help of Aardman Studios while just some of the celebrity-designed ducks include Explorer Dusty by Steve Backshall, Tiger Dusty by Smarked (aka CBBC’s Sam and Mark) and Absolutely Fabulous Patsy Dusty by Joanna Lumley. Together they form part of the specially created trail which will run from its launch on 9 July until Saturday 10 September. The new activity will take you right across the stunning grounds at Slimbridge and forms part of the centre’s summer 2016 Nature Explorers programme. In fact, there will be a whole host of Nature Explorer activities throughout the summer holidays and children will receive stickers in a free passport for each one they complete, whether that’s finding out about the fascinating flamingos or outdoor nest building. Everyone who fills in a passport wins a certificate to show that they’ve learned more about wildlife.

The Celebrity Dusty Duck Trail is included in normal admission prices and is free to Slimbridge members.

Ffi: Slimbridge Wetlands Centre W: www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/slimbridge

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unu

www.clearwellcaves.com

su see al an our d e web xcit site ing for act mor ivit e de ies tail s

Ffi: Bristol Aquarium. Anchor Rd, Harbourside, Bristol T: 0117 929 8929 W: www.bristolaquarium.co.uk

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

DO G N ETHI T! SOM IFFEREN D

• Bristol Aquarium is inviting visitors to enjoy a trip to the seaside in the heart of the city this summer with their To The Beach! events (23 July-4 Sept).

The Harbourside attraction is set to unveil a host of coastal activities and events including hands-on rockpool workshops, mermaid meet-and-greets, shipwrecked storytelling, marine crafts and learning the rules of the beach. Visitors will also be able to take part in fish-feeding sessions, learn about life in the Atlantic, take behind-the-scenes guided tours, enjoy quiz trails, colouring sheets and even build sandcastles on an indoor beach.

On Mermaid Mondays (1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 Aug), Tamara Treasure of the Sea will be entertaining visitors of all ages with magical tales of life beneath the waves. (Please note the mermaid is taking a holiday from the sea to share her stories – so there won’t actually be swimming in the displays!)

On 10, 17, 24 & 31 August, meanwhile, Shipwreck Sid will be in his shipwreck shack telling silly stories and tall tales of maritime adventure – so be prepared to get involved, laugh, sing, whistle, shout out answers and make silly stories together.

There’ll also be a chance to step inside a sunken shipwreck and visit a bustling harbourside, Mediterranean rockpools, rainforests and spectacular tropical coral reefs. Don’t miss, too, the giant viewing windows, open-top displays, coral reef walkways, underwater tunnel and the multi-level botanical house filled with exotic plants and flowers.

Bristol Aquarium is open daily from 10am and children under three go free.

Fun filled activities

for children

t offers various An indoor soft play centre tha for children activities and unique parties

Little Monkeys Workshop Tues 10am-12pm Activity Jungle Tues 4pm-6pm Children’s Fitness Classes Mon, Wed & Thurs 4pm-4.45pm Eco Animal Encounters 1st Tues of the month

For more information call

01453 769 120 or visit www.gobananas.org.uk

Go Bananas Leisure Ltd. Ebley Wharf Mill, Ebley, Stroud, Glos GL5 4SR

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Get your school involved!

GREEN

&

GIVING BACK

Launched in Green Week (May 30th–June 3rd) we’re providing Forget Me Not and Poppy seed packets for the children in your class or school to grow either in the school garden (if you have one) or in recycled containers (for example; a milk carton).

When the flowers are ready next year you can take pictures, press them or create a piece of art to photograph and we will print notecards with the design/image on.

These can then be sold by the children to families & friends to raise money, both for your school and Help for Heroes prior to Remembrance Day and Armistice Day 2017.

If this is something you’d like to be involved with we’d be delighted to hear from you.

Please email us on: west.enquiries@stagecoachbus.com or call: 01452 418630 for futher information on how to get involved.

Gi rls Bo ys &

& ys o B

rls Gi

2016 SUMMER TENNIS CAMPS HOCKEY £100

£100

With Matt Yemm, Director of Tennis at Dean Close School

Tuesday2ndAugustto Friday5thAugust 9.00 am-12.00pm ~ 10-13 Year Olds 1.00 pm-4.00pm ~ 14 Year Olds +

26

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SUMMER HOLIDAY 2016

To Book visit: www.deanclose.org.uk/Courses For further information contact: enquiries@deanclosevenues.co.uk Telephone Dave Winter: 0788 466 7308

Everyone Welcome

With Gary Tredgett, Director of Hockey Dean Close & Liam Brignull, Dean Close Hockey Coach, GB U21

Monday22ndAugustto Thursday25thAugust 9.00 am-12.00pm ~ 7-11 Year Olds 1.00 pm-4.00pm ~ 12 Year Olds +

PRIMARY TIMES

01/07/2016 14:44:10

Climbing with PGL

School’s F or children, the summer holiday is a welcome break from the routine of school, but it’s also a chance to discover or develop skills that they wouldn’t have time to explore during term time. The trend to send children to summer schools has grown in recent years, perhaps borrowed from the United States.

But British parents are wising up to the advantages offering their children an intense week or two of sporting or creative activities during the holidays.

Hadrian Stiff, who runs Bristolbased Elite Squash, explains the appeal of the summer camp experience. “Children get a buzz out of it,” he says. “As well as getting intense immersion in the sport, they have longer to settle into the activity, while the social element plays an important part.

“They learn a lot more during a day in a camp, where they will do four hours of squash: they really have the chance to develop something that they might just touch upon in a weekly one-hour session.

“We in Britain are learning from the US, where the intense learning period pushes children in whatever subject they’re doing.”

Summer schools range from residential to day courses, from sporting to academic experiences, allowing children to immerse themselves in an activity. Whether your children are into adventure sports, art, camping, water sports, football or science, there’s bound to be a course out there to stimulate them this summer.

Raft Building at Viney Hill

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With a record 600 courses to choose from this year, Marlborough College offers something for everyone. These residential courses are divided into four age brackets from the Junior Troopers (ages 3 to 6) up to Teenagers (13 to 17). The college offers courses that may not be easily accessible to children as part of their extra-curricular activities. With everything from fly fishing to fencing, cooking, photography and circus skills, and excellent facilities available for all Summer School attendees, it’s almost impossible to be bored.

What’s more, the courses offer activities and entertainment for the whole family, with highlights this year from broadcaster Michael Palin, Illyria’s production of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ and ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ winners Collabro. Week-long stays are available from Sunday 24 to Saturday 30 July and Sunday 31 July to Saturday 6 August, with accommodation from £229 per person per week including full board and all entertainment.

Junior Troopers cost from £155 per child per week, Children’s Activities £315 per child per week, Young Adventurer’s Courses (9-12 years) and Teenagers (13-17 years) from £185 per child per week.

The well-established children’s summer activities company PGL has a new facility at Liddington, Wiltshire, which boasts 150 acres of landscaped lakes for water activities, a floodlit all-weather sports pitch and no fewer than 11 full size football pitches. With over 50 years’ experience, PGL offers a range of programmes from a multi-activity seven night stay, a one or two night introductory adventure and even ‘first-timer’ programmes giving children added reassurance that everyone in their group is visiting for the first time. There’s a full programme of activities including zip wire, mountain biking and canoeing in the day, followed by quizzes, films, campfires and more in the evening. Prices apply to all age ranges; choose from 7 to 10, 10

From squash and science to team building, Ellen White discovers how summer schools enhance children’s life experiences.

for summer

to 13 or 13 to 16 for a specially tailored age-appropriate experience.

Three night multi-activity stay from £269, four nights from £385, seven nights from £599.

Viney Hill Adventure Centre in Gloucestershire splits its activities into “water”, “rock” and “forest”, including everything from canoeing to raft building, caving, archery, bushcraft and rocket science. There’s the option for one-off activity days or a residential stay for you and your family with wild camping only £4.50 per person per night and indoor accommodation at the Old Vicarage for £17.40 per person per night. On-site activities are £125 per group (max. 10) per three hour session, off site activities £145 per group per session.

Bristol’s Mojo Active offers a huge range of activities, promising multiple or consecutive days, packed with fun. The clue’s in the name, with activities designed to get kids moving in fun and unusual ways whether it’s zorb football, archery tag or something more familiar like swimming. If you still want more, see their website for a series of one-off away days including high ropes and hiking in the Brecon Beacons. £30 per child per day (9am-4pm), away day activities from £35 per child.

Elite Sqash runs a four day nonresidential Summer Camp for children aged 7 and over which can be booked for individual days at £35 per person or four days at £140, running from Mon 25-Thu 29 July.

Of course not all children are interested in non-stop sport, so why not try Gloucester’s Nature in Art Museum for creative and affordable art sessions that won’t break the bank? Activities run from Tuesdays to Fridays throughout the summer holidays for only £6 per child (with free adult entry to the museum). Classes are available in every media from print making to wire sculpture, mosaic, weaving and oil pastels.

Or, for any budding Einsteins, Mad Science offers a programme of summer holiday camps across Bristol and the South West with

sites in Henleaze, Southville, Brentry and Keynsham. Each camp runs from 9.30am-3.30pm and costs £35 per day or £150 for a full week’s course. There’s a new topic and theme to explore daily, providing an eclectic mix of science based activities, experiments and investigations as well as physical play and games, promising an educational programme that’s so much fun children will forget they’re learning.

Summing up, Hadrian mentions another crucial reason why summer camps are popular with both children and parents: “It’s an opportunity for some downtime for the parents but also an opportunity for children to make more of the holiday and do something constructive instead of kicking their heels.”

Elite Squash W: www.elitesquash.co.uk Mad Science T: 01792 348205 W: www.southwales.madscience.org Marlborough College Summer School T: 01672 892388 W: www.summerschool.co.uk Mojo Active T: 01454 660075 W: www.mojoactive.co.uk Nature in Art Museum T: 01452 731422 W: www.natureinart.org.uk PGL Adventure Holidays T: 0333 3212144 W: www.pgl.co.uk Viney Hill T: 01594 516162 W: www.vineyhilladventure.org

Football at Marlborough College

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Friendly animals  Natural play space  Café Party venue  Family events  Toddler group OPEN MON-SAT FREE ENTRY Kelston View, BA2 1NW

www.bathcityfarm.org.uk Awesome Birthday Parties!

Indoor Segway ©LW

15

1

lf y Go nis z a Kr le Ten Tab Hockey Air

Garden Ga Golf mes Shop & pool Caf e

Open 7 days a week throughout school holidays.

Call 01594 840 082 for more info!

Or visit www.krazygolflydney.co.uk

hool

ard Sc o b w o nd Sn

Ski a

August 1st - 6th, August 22nd - 26th & October 24th - 28th £85 per person HOLIDAY SKI SCHOOL (ages 6-9) Monday - Wednesday 10 am - 1 pm.

HOLIDAY SKI ACADEMY (Ages 10-16) Thursday - Friday 10 am - 4 pm.

HOLIDAY SNOWBOARD CAMP (Ages 8 +) Monday- Wednesday 10 am -12.30 or 1 pm - 3.30 pm.

Normal Day Pass entrance applies to all visitors.

Tubing parties from £13.50 per person Tubing sessions £8.50 juniors £11.00 adults To find out more or make a booking please call 01452501438, email enquiries@gloucesterski.com, or visit our website www.gloucesterski.com ©LW

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©LW

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Start their future today At Kumon maths and English study centres, your little one can benefit from tailored developmental activities involving numbers and letters to encourage a long-lasting enthusiasm for learning.

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Newark Park Discover Newark with the whole family this summer. Uncover Newark's history with the house trail, play games in the gardens and explore the estate with stunning views.

fun days out

We're open Wednesday to Sunday; find us just off the A4135 Dursley-Tetbury road.

Members and under 5s go free.

01453 842644 nationaltrust.org.uk/newark-park

Fees vary. Please refer to your local study centre.

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Hello Kids!

With the opening of At Bristol Science Centre’s new exhibition The Tinkering Space this July, I thought I’d ask children to send me their paintings of a robot doing an important job.

Three talented winners will receive a free family ticket to the centre to enjoy the exhibition.

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:

Arty Barty

mike.gartside@localworld. co.uk Don’t forget to give me your name, age, full home postal address and name of your school. Deadline: Monday 8 August.

Have fun!

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

You sent some brilliant entries to my photography competition and I’m very impressed by your pictures of my favourite animal or plant. Well done to the winner who receives a children’s book.

WINNER!

6, Thomas French, ary, Ashton Gate Prim Bristol a Thomas has taken kin picture of his pump will s pe ho plants, which he kins in grow into big pump. They time for Halloweent just in look lush – and noaning of the Bristolian me the word!

Kate Murray, 8, Horfield CEVC Primary School, Bristol Even our most entertaining furry friends need a rest sometimes.

Kate has tapped into the popularity of Meerkats, which she likes, she says, because they’re funny when they stand up and look round. Here she has pictured them in a less usual pose, cuddled up and having a snooze, but with one member of the group still on the lookout.

ary Nicholas Nikiforou, 9, Locking Prim School, Weston-super-Mare caught a Our regular contributor Nicholas haslion-tailed great expression on the face of this graphy macaque at Bristol Zoo. Great photolas! skills, as well as painting, Nicho

Here be lions Ellen White reviews the new releases.

Professor Robert Winston builds on the success of his previous award-winning DK books for children with ‘Home Lab’, a colourful hardback jam-packed with 28 simple science experiments to try at home. Helpfully split into four chapters, ‘Food for Thought’, ‘Around the Home’, ‘Water World’ and ‘The Great Outdoors’, experiments cover everything from edible treats to home-grown stalactites, bath bombs and even an erupting volcano. The usual high quality expected of DK publications is here, with clear stepby-step instructions and accompanying colour photography for every experiment.

The time required and degree of difficulty are also clearly stated so children can pick the best project for their ability. It’s clear a lot of thought has been put into making science fun and accessible, with a ‘how it works’ section to increase children’s scientific knowledge and explain exactly how and why their experiment functions. It’s recommended for ages 9+ but younger children could certainly join in with a little help.

Freddie Mole can’t believe his luck when he hears about a job going at the circus. Who wouldn’t want to hear the roar of the crowds in the big top or fly through the air on a trapeze? However, there’s a different roar in store when he’s asked to tame four fierce, growly lions – and it’s time for Freddie to be very brave indeed.

Freddie and his family are sweet and likeable protagonists, and you root for him as he strives to help his dad earn more money. At just over 130 pages and with short chapters broken up by illustrations, the price of ‘Freddie Mole: Lion Tamer’ is a slight downside for such a slim book.

However, for children starting to read independently it’s a nice, simple story and the circus illustrations are charming.

Home Lab: Exciting Experiments for Budding Scientists Robert Winston, £12.99, Dorling Kindersley, www.dk.com

Freddie Mole: Lion Tamer Alexander McCall Smith, illustrated by Kate Hindley, £9.99, Bloomsbury, www.bloomsbury.com

Big science

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SUMMER

of FUN 2016 AT THE MALL AT CRIBBS CAUSEWAY Weekdays 25 July - 2 September Come and experience an exciting line up of fun activities, weekdays during the summer holidays

•

•

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Climbing wall Crazy Golf Face painting Kids pedal cars Circus skills workshops Cheerleading Basketball demos and workshops Giant garden games and much more!

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Visit mallcribbs.com for further information and a timetable of activities All details correct at time of going to print. Activities are subject to availability and the weather.

The Joy of Shopping

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