Primary Times Gloucestershire Whitsun 2015

in Gloucestershire Issue 136

22 May-19 July 2015

X

Also Private tuition Performing Arts Childhood obesity

marks the date Sat 23-Mon 25 May

Landlubbers and sea dogs are welcome to the award-winning Gloucester Tall Ships festival this Spring Bank Holiday. Page 4

Download the Primary Times app, free! Page 3

Theatre • Arty Barty • Roundabout • Save money!

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, BREAK FA ST D N A H L UN C DINNER week days m BEFORE 5p ˆ

KIDS EAT FREE THIS

HALF TERM

I'M STUFFED

Participating Table Table Restaurants Hampton Inn Pearce Way Off London Road Salisbury SP1 3YU 01722 339836 TERMS AND CONDITIONS ^ 1. This offer entitles one child to a free kids’ main meal per adult purchasing a main meal from the main restaurant menu at the same time. Breakfast, Light Bites, Bar Snacks, Daytime & Evening Value menu meals and all Set Menus are excluded.

2. Junior Meals are excluded. 3. This offer is valid Mondays to Fridays before 5pm. 4. For full terms and conditions go to tabletable.co.uk/termsandconditions Horrible Histories® is a registered trademark of Scholastic Inc. and is used under authorization. All rights reserved. Based on the bestselling books written by Terry Deary and illustrated by Martin Brown. Illustration © Martin Brown

NEW Opens May 24th 2015 Don’t miss eds Penguin Fe 11am & 2.30pm

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Discover an amazing world of BIRDS and their JURASSIC ancestors. Follow in the footsteps of dinosaur hunters and track down over 20 different Jurassic giants from a baby Stegosaurus to a 6m tall Brachiosaurus.

Rissington Road, Bourton-on-the-Water, Glos. GL54 2BN T: 01451 820480 E: info@birdland.co.uk

www.birdland.co.uk PRIMARY TIMES

01/05/2015 14:50:43

May Half Term is the time we really spring into summer, with holidays on the horizon and the West’s cities declaring themselves “en fête”: Gloucester’s biennial Tall Ships Festival sets sail this May, Cheltenham’s Science and Music Festivals explode upon us in June while the Bristol Harbour Festival comes round again in July. Find details of these events and others in Roundabout (P13).

In our features we explore ways families can turn the tables on childhood obesity (P20), how extra tuition can help children of all abilities (P6) and the thrills and spills, for children and parents, of performing arts schools (P16). Have a great break!

THEATRE P8 ROUNDABOUT P11 PINBOARD P17 ADVERTISING FEATURES P18 CLASSIFIEDS P21 PUPILS’ PAGE P22 HELP WHERE IT’S NEEDED P6 Stuart Simner on private tuition.

A STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT P16 Jack Reader discovers the opportunities offered by performing arts schools.

WEIGHT AND SEE? P20 the editor

136 July 2015 ershire Issue 22 May-19 in Gloucest

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Also n Private tuitio g Arts Performin obesity Childhood

date maSatrk23s-Month25eMay

Approaches to tackling childhood obesity.

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

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

Editor:

Commercial director:

Advertising:

Distribution:

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Mike Gartside mike.gartside@b-nm.co.uk Abbie Grant abbie.grant@b-nm.co.uk 0117 934 3626 Caroline Stretton caroline.stretton@b-nm.co.uk 0117 934 3737 Juliet Hobbs 01242 278053 juliet.hobbs@localworld.co.uk Cath Evans, Mike Gartside Ellen White Emma Gorton, Ruth Wood 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.

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While we make every effort to ensure information published is accurate, readers are encouraged to check details of all events in advance and neither Bristol News & Media nor its contributors are liable for the consequences of any errors. Primary Times would like to thank all the schools in the county for their assistance in distributing the magazine and their contributions to its contents. We would also like to thank all the advertisers who have supported this publication and therefore made it possible. Please support their endeavours when and where you can. The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by our studio remains with Bristol News & Media.

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Find these amazing offers this issue!

Bristol Aquarium - Kids go free voucher Cotswold Farm Park One child goes free with paying adult Cotswold Wildlife Park save with e-tickets KSOL Tuition – Enrol and save £20 Table Table - Kids eat free Taurus Crafts - 10% off Taurus Café and Gift shop voucher WWT Slimbridge - Book online and save 10% MAY HALF TERM 2015

3

05/05/2015 10:52:54

Glou ceste r Sat 2 Ships Tall 3 www .glou -Mon 25 ceste May r co.uk tallship s.

X

marks the date The Gloucester Tall Ships return this May, for a fun-filled festival full of treasure hunts, piratical pranks and maritime madness.

G

Beat the queues at the festival by purchasing wristbands to board the ships in advance. These are available now via the website.

loucester’s flagship festival returns to the city this Spring Bank Holiday (Sat 23 to Mon 25 May) as the impressive Gloucester Tall Ships once again weigh anchor for a weekend of live entertainment and activities.

The last festival in 2013 won a prestigious tourism award (see panel) and this May visitors will enjoy the unique sight of grand sailing ships moored in the UK’s most inland port. It’s a spectacle that clearly impressed the producers of Disney’s ‘Alice Through The Looking Glass’ movie, who filmed there last summer.

THE SHIPS

This year, several vessels make their Gloucester Tall Ships debuts, namely The Dutch brigantine Morganster, the Spanish handmade schooner Atyla, the

History of Gloucester Tall Ships

F

ollowing the devastating floods that hit the county in 2007, the city of Gloucester held the very first Tall Ships festival to raise the spirits of Gloucester folk. Since then it has become a firm favourite with locals and visitors from across the country and abroad, taking place every two years. This is the fifth festival held in Gloucester’s small but perfectly preserved docks.

Attendances continue to grow each event, with 125,000 visitors at the last festival. It has won multiple awards, including, most recently, the silver medal in the Cotswolds Tourism Event of the Year 2014.

4

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Baltic trawler Keewaydin and the Danish top-sail schooner Vilma.

For the first time, visitors can board the ships on the Saturday, Sunday and Monday, so no tall ship enthusiasts are left high and dry.

Buy a wristband (children go free if accompanied by an adult wearing a wristband) and you can see all the tall ships at close quarters while also gaining free entry to the Gloucester Waterways Museum and the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum, both at Gloucester Docks.

THE ENTERTAINMENT On water, visitors will marvel at a host of scurvy seadogs as they take part in thrilling pirate ship battles with the odd cannon going off. You’ll even have an opportunity to speak with the pirates throughout the weekend. There will also be flyboarding displays, while one lucky raffle winner has the opportunity to strap on a water jetpack and hover over the docks.

Land lubbers will be spoilt for choice with entertainment including Captain Jack’s swashbuckling adventures, a live music stage, a gaggle of Victorian characters, top quality food and drink, and craft market stalls.

The Gloucester Stone Carving Festival (23 – 24 May) returns to nearby Llanthony Priory, featuring stonemasons from up and down the country.

And, to reflect Gloucester’s folk and maritime traditions, the first Gloucester Shanty Festival takes place, with performances across the city centre to coincide with Gloucester Tall Ships.

BiG NEWS

Gloucester Tall Ships is part of Gloucester’s BiG Year with the city pushing the boat out for festivals and major events. Organiser Marketing Gloucester also runs the Rugby World Cup Fanzone, the Where’s Scrumpty Sculpture Trail, the Gloucester History Festival and Summer in Gloucester in 2015.

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SAT 23 TO MON 25 MAY Put it your diary now! For further details visit www.gloucestertallships.co.uk and sign up for the electronic newsletter. Or follow @visitgloucester on Twitter or like facebook.com/gloucester

PRIMARY TIMES

05/05/2015 10:59:15

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

We could be just what you are looking for!

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

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

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

We can also provide a residental or day actvity experience for schools and children’s organisatons ie scouts, cubs, guides etc.

So for an alternatve to the usual holiday actvites, contact us on 01594 516162 or by email on info@vineyhilladventure.org and watch your child’s confdence grow! ©LW

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01/05/2015 14:51:45

Help where it’s

needed Private tuition isn’t just about preparing for exams, as Stuart Boydell discovers.

11+ Tutoring Academy

E

xam season can be a time of both tension and excitement for Year 6 children and their parents as secondary school choices loom. Of course families feel anxiety about finding the right school, but there’s also anticipation as the next phase of a child’s life approaches. It’s inevitable that many parents will want to give their children an academic helping hand over this period, and they may choose to do so with private tuition. Indeed, seven out of 10 children who have gained entrance to a grammar school have had private tuition, according to UCL’s Institute of Education, while one in four children aged over 10 have supplemented their education this way.

There are a plethora of reasons why parents might choose extra tuition. Some may be considering one of Gloucestershire’s seven grammar schools, in which case their children will sit the 11+ exam, while others may feel that their 10 or 11-year-old needs a bit of extra help in a specific subject to ease the transition to secondary education.

Whatever the reason, most teachers recognise that nearly all children can benefit from some one-to-one tuition in any of the national curriculum subjects, and there is plenty of help out there.

Last year, Gloucestershire’s grammar schools adopted the 6

MAY HALF TERM 2015

15 Glos Features May Half Term 2015.indd 4

University of Durham’s CEM examination which places a greater emphasis on core maths and language skills as well as verbal and non-verbal reasoning skills. This September sees the second round of exams under the new system and, as Aron Dhunna of online tuition specialist KSOL explains, children need to be prepared for the unknown.

He stresses that CEM content will be different this year compared to last and says KSOL has a long tradition of researching exam trends, leaving it wellplaced to tutor children for all eventualities.

Likewise, Manda Brookes from Edward Jenner School thinks the new exam regime’s extremely high expectations, especially in maths, came as a surprise to some parents. “This is something we anticipated,” says Brookes. “We are proud to know that we have improved children’s life skills.”

Some families face another challenge in moving to a new area for work, so children prepare for exams in one area but sit them in another, where the exam content may be different. Cheltenham Explore Learning offers an entrance exam course with a broad-based content that aims to balance the need for individual focus on a child with a program catering for regional and annual changes in exam content.

Meanwhile, Kathryn McMahon from 11+ Tutoring Academy says, “If you start early, there’s

no reason why the children shouldn’t do well. You need to build good foundations.”

Consequently, the academy will roll out a Year 4 course, aiming to set a gentle, measured pace which helps with the challenges of the Year 5 course.

Private tuition is much more than exam preparation, as the growing number of KS1 children taking private lessons testifies.

Parents are increasingly using private tuition as a means to catch-up on school work following an illness or a family holiday, or for specific requirements, such as learning a particular musical instrument that their school does not offer.

Increasingly, parents are also using private tutors to support areas where children excel, extending their skills and knowledge in subjects where they may one day acquire expertise.

So, whether you are exploring avenues to help prepare your child for that all important school entrance exam, seeking to support or extend your child’s learning in a specific area or simply want to answer your child’s call to learn a new skill, there is sure to be help available.

11+ Tutoring Academy T: 01242 221271 E: 11plustutoringacademy@gmail. com Cotswold Education T: 01242 572411 W: www.cotswoldeducation.co.uk E: info@cotswoldeducation.co.uk

Edward Jenner School T: 01452 380808 W: www.edwardjennerschool.org.uk E: info.ejs@gmail.com Explore Learning T: 01242 279947 W: www.explorelearning.co.uk/cheltenham E: cheltenham@explorelearning.co.uk Farquhars 11+ Verbal Reasoning Vocabulary Flash Cards W: www.vocabularyflashcards.co.uk Fun French T: 01242 513072 W: www.fun-languages.co.uk James Christian Maths Tutor T: 01453 751285 E: james.b.christian@googlemail.com KSOL T: 0121 733 6558 W: www.ksol.co.uk E: lisa.d@ksol.co.uk Kumon T: 0800 854714 W: www.kumon.co.uk Longlevens Tuition T: 01452 387228 Stroud & Stonehouse Verbal Reasoning T: 01453 821397 W: www.sasvrc.co.uk

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05/05/2015 11:03:08

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Places are limited. To book a place contact us on 01242 572392 or info@cotswoldeducation.co.uk. Further details are on our website www.CotswoldEducation.co.uk and facebook page.

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• CEM style, content and format • Essential preparation for CEM exam • Designed to be as close to the real exam experience (timed sections / audio instructions) • Each exam written with different content • Key exam strategies & report provided at every mock exam To reserve your child’s place please visit www.11plustutoringacademy.co.uk

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01/05/2015 14:56:53

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

GLOUCESTERSHIRE

‎ THE BACON THEATRE Dean Close School, Shelbourne Road, Cheltenham, GL51 6HE. 01242 258002, www.bacontheatre.co.uk Treasure Island Sun 19 Jul, 7.30pm, £12-£14 • Join the cast of pirates and potty parrots in this open air performance of treasure and treachery on the high seas.

This exuberant performance should delight everyone.

CIRENCESTER Near the Mitsubishi Garage, Gloucester Road, Stratton, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 2JY. 0845 4597469, www.giffordscircus.com Giffords Circus Fri 4-Mon 14 Sep, 6pm (Fri & Mon-Fri), 11am/1pm/5.30pm (Sat), 11am/2.30pm/5pm (Sun & Sun 13), 11am/2.30pm/7.30pm (Sat), 1pm (Mon), £14-£22 • See Sudeley Castle listing.

EVERYMAN THEATRE Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573, www.everymantheatre.org.uk Aliens Love Underpants Mon 27-Tue 28 Jul, 11am (Tue only), 2pm and 4.30pm, £12.50 • Based on the best-selling books by Claire Freedman and Ben Cort, the aliens are brought to life on stage with madcap action and original music in this fresh, funny production for all ages.

FENNELL’S FARM Fennel’s Farm, Lypiatt, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL6 7NE. 0845 4597469, www.giffordscircus.com Giffords Circus Thu 17-Sun 20 Sep, 6pm (Thu & Fri), 11am/2.30pm/7.30pm (Sat), 11am/2.30pm/5pm (Sun), £14-£22 • See Sudeley Castle listing.

FRAMPTON COURT ESTATE Frampton on Severn, Gloucestershire, GL2 7EP, 01452 740698, www.framptoncourtestate. co.uk Giffords Circus Thu 30 Jul-Mon 3 Aug, 5pm/7.30pm (Thu & Fri), 11am/2.30pm/7.30pm (Sat & Sun), 1pm (Mon), £14-£22 • This quirky touring circus is set in a Victorian “lunar” fairground run by the mysterious and magical Ordoroff.

Despite his best efforts the circus master struggles to maintain control of his troupe of dancing gymnasts, clowns and strange animals.

MINCHINHAMPTON COMMON Near the Crown Pub, High Street, 8 MAY HALF TERM 2015

15 Glos Theatre listings May Half Term 2015.indd 8

Aliens Love Underpants, Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, Mon 27-Tue 28 Jul. Pic: sjsphoto

Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire, GL6 9BN. 0845 4597469, www.giffordscircus.com Giffords Circus Thu 6-Mon 17 Aug, 5pm/7.30pm (Thu-Fri & Mon-Fri), 11am/2.30pm/7.30pm (Sat & Sun), 1pm (Mon 17) £14-£22 • See Sudeley Castle listing.

ROSES THEATRE The Roses, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, GL20 5NX. 01684 295074, www.rosestheatre.org The Basil Brush Show Thu 28 May, 11am/3pm, £11.25-£14.75 • Cheeky Basil is back alongside human friend Mr. Stephen in a brand new live show full of fun and entertainment for all the family.

Michael Morpurgo Thu 28 May, 7.30pm, £25 • Help celebrate the Roses 40th anniversary with an evening with the award-winning children’s author who will talk about his work and its inspiration, also reading an extract from his latest novel, ‘Listen to the Moon’.

Why the Whales Came Sat 30-Sun 31 May, 2pm, £6.75-£8.75 • The Roses Youth Theatre presents Michael Morpurgo’s charming novel about an unusual friendship between two children and a strange old man known as the Birdman. Set on the Isles of Scilly at the beginning of the First World War, this story is designed to capture the hearts and minds of all ages.

Noah – A Musical Adventure Sat 6 Jun, 7pm, £10.75-£14.75 • Featuring original songs and puppetry, this adaptation of the biblical story of Noah captures the drama as he builds his ark and the tension when the rain doesn’t come when expected.

SUDELEY CASTLE Winchcombe, Gloucestershire, GL54 5JD. 01242 602308, www. sudeleycastle.co.uk Giffords Circus Thu 21-Tue 26 May, 6pm (Thu), 5pm/7.30pm (Fri), 11am/2.30pm/7.30pm (Sat), 11am/2.30pm/5pm (Sun & Mon), 1pm (Tue), £14-£22 • This quirky touring circus is set in a Victorian

“lunar” fairground run by the mysterious and magical Ordoroff.

Despite his best efforts the circus master struggles to maintain control of his troupe of dancing gymnasts, clowns and strange animals.

FURTHER AFIELD THE BRISTOL OLD VIC King Street, Bristol BS1 4ED. 0117 987 7877, www.bristololdvic.org.uk Hetty Feather Fri 17-Sun 19 Jul, 5.30pm (Fri), 11am/3pm (Sat/Sun), £10-£27.50 • Based on the novel

by Jacqueline Wilson, this thrilling period-drama plots Hetty’s adventures as she escapes from the Foundling Hospital where she was left as a baby and tries to find her real mother and family.

Medusa Tue 7-Sat 11 Jul, 10.30am/1.30pm (Tue-Fri), 2pm/5pm (Sat), £7.50-£12 • A retelling of Greek myths, this highoctane play pits King Theseus against the evil Medusa in a quest to seek the answers needed to save his son and heir. This play is from the same people as last year’s Minotaur, and is family friendly and perfect for ages 7+.

THE EGG Theatre Royal, Sawclose, Bath BA1 1ET. 01225 448844, www.theatreroyal.org.uk Puss in Boots Mon 25-Fri 29 May, 11.30am & 3pm (Fri 11.30am only), £6.50-£7.50 • CBeebies’ Patrick Lynch is joined by the smartest cat anyone could wish for as he fools the King and puts his master at the top. A host of puppets, a working windmill and tons of fun await.

Glow Sat 30 May, 10.30am, 3.30pm (suitable up to 4s) & 1.30pm (suitable for 3-12 month-olds), £6.50£7.50 • Open the curtain and step into a magical world filled with playful light, interactive performance, live music and dynamic scenery.

No Sweets Sun 31 May-Mon 1 Jun,

2pm (31 May), 10.30am (1 Jun), £6.50-£7.50 • It’s Mikey’s first day at the radio factory, but instead of getting on with his job he wants to tumble around. That is until he bumps into his scary new boss.

Thankfully, Mikey makes a most unlikely friend following a mysterious signal picked up by the radio.

In a performance which combines theatrical clowning with spectacle, this production should delight and entertain both children and parents.

Ages 3+ The Bockety World of Henry & Bucket Fri 5 Jun-Sat 6 Jun, 10am &1pm (5 Jun)/11.30am & 3pm (6 Jun), £6.50-£7.50 • When Henry and Bucket are the best of friends they can whisk themselves out of their dusty, beaten-up world with magical adventures. But, like all good friends, Henry and Bucket have their off days, when they’d prefer to be separate, rather go on an adventure. This play offers a humorous exploration of friendship.

Ages 4+ Home Sun 7 Jun-Tue 9 Jun, 11.30am, 3pm (7 Jun), 10am, 1pm (8-9 Jun), £6.50-£7.50 • Italian company, La Baracca returns with a story of a child and an adult. Their meeting heralds the development of a friendship and a story which includes them building a house and home together. Ages 1-5.

Big Red Bath Sat 13 Jun, 11.30am & 3pm, £6.50-£7.50 • This colourful and humourous adaption of the riotous Julia Jarman and Adrian Reynolds story book follows Ben and Bella on their adventurous bath time escapades as they travel around the world and back home again with their many animal friends. Ages 2+ THEATRE ROYAL Sawclose, Bath, BA1 1ET. 01225 823409, www.theatreroyal.org.uk.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat Until Sun 29 Mar, 7.30pm (Tue-Thu), 2.30pm, (Wed & Thu), 5pm & 8pm (Fri & Sat), 2pm (Sat), 1.30pm & 4.30pm (Sun), £17-£34 • A star-studded performance features X-Factor finalists, who retell the biblical story of Joseph, his 11 brothers and his dazzlingly colourful coat. A Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber production.

THE TOBACCO FACTORY Raleigh Rd, Avon, Bristol, BS3 1TF. 0117 902 0060. www.tobaccofactory.com Around the World in 80 Days Wed 1-Sat 18 Jul, £7-£13 • Phileas Fogg and his faithful servant Passepartout plan an audacious voyage around the globe in just 80 days. One of the best-known literary journeys is undertaken with only a bag full of money, a pocket watch and a wager to win.

PRIMARY TIMES

05/05/2015 11:32:33

Family Fun In Tewkesbury The Basil Brush Show

Come and join the mayhem as Mr Stephen tries to control a naughty Basil in the all new Full On Fox Tour! Boom boom!

Thu 28 May 11am & 2.30pm Adults: ÂŁ14.75, Children: ÂŁ12.75 Family of 3/4: ÂŁ10.75 each

Noah - A Musical Adventure Saltmine Theatre Company present a fun family show based on the story of Noah and the Ark, featuring puppetry and dance.

Sat 6 June 7pm

Adults: ÂŁ14.75, Children: ÂŁ10.75 Family of 3/4: ÂŁ10.75 each

PLUS! Family films Home (U) and Cinderella (U)

01684 295074 • www.rosestheatre.org Sun Street, Tewkesbury, Glos GL20 5NX • Reg Charity No: 1051708 All ticket prices are inclusive of a 75p booking fee

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PRIMARY TIMES

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01/05/2015 14:58:49

What’s on in May Fire and Wood Festival: 23rd-24th Very Hungry Caterpillar Trail Traditional Workshops: willow weaving, leather work Arts and Crafts

Soudley, Cinderford, Gloucestershire GL14 2UB Tel: 01594 822170 • www.deanheritagecentre.co.uk Please check www.deanheritagecentre.com for timetable of events

Help for children of divorcing parents

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• Resolve confct with your partner and avoid court proceedings that can be emotionally damaging to you and your children and can be expensive.

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If you think we can help please phone for a free consultation on 01453 832 107 or email us on info@childrenindivorce.co.uk or visit our website at www.childrenindivorce.co.uk

Free phone consultation telephone

01453 832107 ©LW

Y A D Y R E EV Y A D E V I AN ACT e happy!

Come, have fun and go hom

Birthday parties Schools programmes Holiday clubs Sports clubs Scouting/guiding activities ■ Fitness training

■ ■ ■ ■ ■

For energetic kids from 7+ ■ Military assault course ■ Low ropes course ■ 7.3m climbing wall ■ 100m zip wire ■ Orienteering ■ Tunnel maze

■ Archery ■ Field gun and commando challenges ■ High ropes (open September 2015)

THE BEST DAYS ARE THE HOLIDAYS Clubs run during every school holiday

Weekdays from 9 to 4 (£30) or 8 to 5 (£35) Transport available to and from the Downs Café

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Look out for our exciting away days including: ■ surfing ■ mountain biking ■ canoeing ■ mountaineering ■ raft building

For all the latest details or to book online visit: www.mojoactive.co.uk T 01454 660075 E info@mojoactive.co.uk Mojo Active Over Court Farm Over Lane, Almondsbury Bristol BS32 4DF

www.mojoactive.co.uk PRIMARY TIMES

01/05/2015 15:00:39

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

Deadlines: List your school or community group’s events in Primary Times for free. We work half a term in advance so we’re now collecting information for late July, August and September: deadline Mon 15 June. 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.

lifelike Roman costumes and watch a variety of demonstrations and displays. Some activities charge to cover the cost of materials.

SAT 23-SUN 31 MAY DOWNY DUCKLINGS Slimbridge Wetlands Centre, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT. 01453 891900, www.wwt. org.uk. 9.30am-5.30pm, free with standard admission • Go behind the scenes at the centre’s busy duckery to learn how they rear hundreds of young birds each year and see the many fluffy ducklings, goslings and cygnets.

NEW EMAIL ADDRESS Primary Times editor Mike Gartside now has a new email address. Please send all listings information and news/feature ideas to him at: mike.gartside@b-nm.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!

MAY UNTIL SUN 31 MAY DAVIDIA DELIGHTS Batsford Arboretum and Garden Centre, Batsford, Moreton-in-theMarsh, Gloucestershire, GL56 9QB. 01386 701441, www.batsarb. co.uk, 10am-5pm, standard admission prices apply • Batsford is home to some of the country’s biggest and oldest Davidia trees, which look their very best at this time of year. Marvel at these specimens in the arboretum before picking up your very own from the plant centre to take home.

Various events including Downy Ducklings, 23-31 May and Landrover Safari until 30 Aug at Slimbridge Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust.

Half Term Castle Fancy Dress, Berkeley Castle, Sun 24-Wed 27 May

UNTIL SUN 28 JUN ARTS IN THE MARCHES: SCULPTURE Taurus Crafts, The Old Park, Lydney, Gloucestershire, GL15 6BU. 01594 844 841, www.tauruscrafts.co.uk, all day from 10am, free • An exhibition of sculptures.

Take a look at a wide range of figures of all varieties made of materials from bronze to wood, and from the realistic to the abstract.

UNTIL SUN 30 AUG LAND ROVER SAFARI Slimbridge Wetlands Centre, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT. 01453 891900, www.wwt.org. uk, 2pm, £5 (adult)/£3 (child) • Sit back and watch the landscape of the Severn estuary go by and watch the wild birds and other animals in their natural habitat. Weather dependent – wear sensible clothing.

UNTIL WED 30 SEP CANOE SAFARI Slimbridge Wetlands Centre, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT. 01453 891900, www.wwt.org. uk, 11am-4pm, £5 • Go for a relaxing paddle along the waterways of Gloucestershire and see wildlife including water voles, ducks, dragonflies, and rare birds. Closed during bad weather.

UNTIL SUN 1 NOV CATTLE COUNTRY ADVENTURE PARK Berkeley Heath Farm, Berkeley, Gloucester, GL13 9EW. 01453 810510, www.cattlecountry.co.uk, 10am4pm, £8.60 (adult)/£9.45 (child) • Families can get up close to the resident goats, enjoy a round of minigolf and test out the giant bouncy pillow. The indoor playbarns mean that even the unpredictable British weather won’t stop the fun.

UNTIL MON 30 NOV MUD, TRACK & TARMAC Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection, The Old Mill, Bourton-on-

the-Water, Gloucestershire, GL54 2BY. 01451 821255, www.cotswoldmotoringmuseum.co.uk, 10am-6pm, £5.25 (adult)/£3.75 (child) • With a selection of sports motorcycles and rally cars, this exhibition tells the story of the CSMA Club, which hails back to the early 1920s.

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

SAT 23-SUN 24 MAY ROMAN POTTERY MAKING Chedworth Roman Villa, Yanworth, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 3LJ. 01242 890256, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chedworth-roman-villa, 11am-4pm, standard admission prices apply • Watch a live demonstration and learn how the ancient Roman craftsmen built their pottery.

SAT 23-MON 25 MAY GLOUCESTER TALL SHIPS FESTIVAL The Docks, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL1 2EH. 01452 207020, www.canalrivertrust.org. uk, 10.45am-7pm, free • See oldfashioned tall ships at the docks, take part in land and water-based activities and enjoy music, entertainment and stalls. (See Feature, P4).

SAT 23-SUN 31 MAY MAY HALF TERM ACTIVITIES Chedworth Roman Villa, Yanworth, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 3LJ. 01242 890256, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chedworth-roman-villa, 10.30am-3.30pm, standard admission prices apply • Get involved in a number of activities, meet actors in

SAT 23-SUN 31 MAY 50 THINGS TRAIL Dyrham Park, Dyrham, Gloucestershire, SN14 8ER. 0117 937 2501, www.nationaltrust.org. uk/dyrham-park, 10am-4pm, free with standard admission • Based on National Trust’s ‘50 Things Things To Do Before You Are 11 3/4’ list. Follow the trail and get involved in the great activities.

SUN 24 MAY CHILDREN’S FOOD FESTIVAL BANQUET Dick Whittington Farm Park, Little London, Longhope, Gloucestershire, GL17 0PH. 01452 831000, www. dickwhittington.org. 2pm-4pm, £4 (adult)/£6.50 (children 3 and over)/£5.50 (children under 3)/free (babies & inactive toddlers) • This popular attraction, open every weekend until September, offers a comprehensive package of outdoor and indoor activities. Families can get up-close and interact with friendly animals, enjoy tractor rides, nature trails and take advantage of the large sandpit. A number of different events take place over the summer.

For the foodies in your family, why not take advantage of the seventh annual children’s food sampling banquet?

SUN 24-WED 27 MAY HALF TERM CASTLE FANCY DRESS Berkeley Castle, 1 High St, Berkeley, GL13 9BH. 01453 512999, www. berkeley-castle.com. 11am-5pm, standard admission prices apply/ children in fairy tale or castle history fancy dress go free • Celebrate half term by dressing up as a prince or princess, knight or damsel and spend the day being entertained by jesters and archers in the grounds of your very own historic castle. There will also be trails and quizzes for extra entertainment.

TUE 26 MAY FAMILY DROP IN: STRETCHY ROMAN COOKS Corinium Museum, Park Street, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 2BX. 01285 655611, www.coriniummuseum.org, 10am-11am, £1.50 per MAY HALF TERM 2015

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05/05/2015 11:26:34

Westonbirt Arboretum

Nr TeTbury, glos

saturday 20 June

sunday 21 June

+ special guesT rae Morris + alFie coNNor

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NEW CLIMBING WALL CHALLENGE

Tickets: 03000 680400 Buy online/info: forestry.gov.uk/music

Little London, Longhope, Glos. GL17 0PH

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

Guiting Power, Cheltenham GL54 5UG

1 voucher per adult.

Voucher may only be used once and must be presented on admission.

No cash alternative.

Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers.

FOREST OF DEAN - Tourist Attraction of the year!

ONE FREE ADULT valid until 1st September 2015 not to be used in conjunction with any other offer

Free entry for one adult per paying child

As seen on TV!

Tel: 01452 831000 www.dickwhittington.org

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Cafe, Deli, Gift Shop Arts,Crafts,&Events 10% off with this advert Taurus Cafe & Gift Shop

Not on commission sales. Valid until 17/7/15 (PT)

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

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PRIMARY TIMES

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ROUNDABOUT

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

child/free for season ticket holders • Learn the ways of the ancient Roman kitchen and get involved in making your own model of a chef.

Ages 3+.

Cattle Country Adventure Park, open all summer

TUE 26 MAY FELT ALIENS Gloucester Folk Museum, 99-103 Westgate Street, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL1 2PG. 01452 396868, www.venues.gloucester. gov.uk, 10.30am-12.30pm & 2pm4pm, £7.50 • Let your imagination run wild and make your very own outer-space creature.

TUE 26-THU 28 MAY BURSTING BLOOMS Westonbirt Arboretum, Westonbirt, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8QS. 01666 880220, www.forestry.gov. uk/westonbirt. 10.30am-4pm, free with standard admission • Discover the amazing ways flowers attract their pollinators or disperse their pollen on the wind.

TUE 26 & THU 28 MAY FAMILY NATURE TRAILS Dyrham Park, Dyrham, Gloucestershire, SN14 8ER. 0117 9372501, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ dyrham-park, 11am-12pm, free with standard admission • Spot the local wildlife including deer, explore ponds for bugs and take a walk through the wild lands of the park. Wear suitable clothing.

TUE 26-FRI 29 MAY DROP IN FAMILY FUN: TOYS OF THE PAST Museum in the Park, Stratford Park, Stroud, Gloucestershire, 01453 763394, www.museuminthepark. org.uk. 11am-4pm, £1 per child/ accompanying adults free • Discover the old toys and games displayed in the museum and then make a colourful ‘Jumping Jack’ to take home. Family activities for families with children aged 5+.

WED 27 MAY 50 THINGS DAY Dyrham Park, Dyrham, Gloucestershire, SN14 8ER. 0117 937 1333, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ dyrham-park, 11am-3pm, free with standard admission • Based on the National Trust’s ‘50 Things To Do Before You Are 11 3/4’, take part in a day packed full of activities like rolling down a hill, damming a stream, building a den and skimming a stone.

WED 27 MAY FUNKY FISH Gloucester Folk Museum, 99-103 Westgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 2PG. 01452 396868, www.venues. gloucester.gov.uk, 10.30am-12.30pm & 2pm-4pm, £7.50 • Get stuck into creating different kinds of weird and wonderful fish.

WED 27 MAY DROP IN FAMILY FUN: OUTDOOR GAMES OF THE PAST Museum in the Park, Stratford Park, Stroud, Gloucestershire. 01453 763394, www.museuminthepark. org.uk. 2pm-4pm, free • Children and grownups of all ages are invited to join us for skipping, hopscotch PRIMARY TIMES

15 Glos Roundabout May Half Term 2015.indd 15

Gloucestershire, GL15 6BU. 01594 844841, www.tauruscrafts.co.uk, 3pm-9pm, £10 • Building on the craze for posh hot dogs, Taurus Crafts offer an evening with a delicious platter of Native Breed’s dogs, all the sides and a glass of the award winning Loiterpin fizz.

SAT 6 JUN SPECTACULAR SEA DRAGONS Cheltenham Science Festival, Winton Crucible, Imperial Square, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1QA. 0844 880 8094, www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/science, 10am11am, £6 • Get up close with the fossilised skull of a 200 million year old, real life sea monster. Evolutionary biologist Ben Garrod discusses the gigantic sea creatures of the prehistoric world.

and other old-fashioned outdoor games. All ages welcome.

WED 27 MAY TOYS FROM THE MUSEUM STORES Museum in the Park, Stratford Park, Stroud, Gloucestershire, 01453 763394, www.museuminthepark. org.uk. 2pm-4pm, free • The curator shows visitors a range of toys and games which are usually hidden away in the stores for safekeeping.

All welcome.

THU 28 MAY FAMILY DROP IN: SNAILS ON STICKS Corinium Museum, Park Street, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 2BX. 01285 655611, www.coriniummuseum.org, 10am-11am, £1.50 per child/free for season ticket holders • Cook the traditional Roman dish of snail on a stick. Learn about Roman cuisine and their favourite dishes.

Ages 3+.

FRI 29 MAY FAMILY FILM FRIDAY Corinium Museum, Park Street, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 2BX. 01285 655611, www.coriniummuseum.org, 11am, £5 adults/£2.50 children • Enjoy a family friendly film screened in the museum. Check with museum for film titles.

FRI 29 MAY FAMILY DROP IN: MOSAIC POTS Corinium Museum, Park Street, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 2BX. 01285 655611, www.coriniummuseum.org, 10am-11am, £1.50 per child/free for season ticket holders • Become a Roman craftsman and make your very own mosaic cooking pot to take home. Part of the Food For Thought exhibition. Ages 3+.

FRI 29 MAY WILD WALKS Stourhead, Mere, Wiltshire, BA12 6QF. 01747 841152, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stourhead, 11am-1pm, £3 • Discover woodland wildlife, and flowers including bluebells and daffodils on this guided tour. Wear appropriate clothing. Dogs welcome.

FRI 29-SUN 31 MAY VINTAGE & NOSTALGIA SHOW Stockton Park, Stockton, Wiltshire, BA12 0SQ. 01985 850970, www.

vintagenostalgiashow.co.uk, £28 (adult weekend)/£5 (child weekend) • A three-day festival of yesteryear, where you can camp in style. With vintage fashion, motors, memorabilia and live music, 2015 feels just like the 1950s.

SAT 30 MAY MEDIEVAL HISTORY DAY Trowbridge Museum, The Shires Shopping Centre, Court Street, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 8AT. 01225 751339, www.trowbridgemuseum.co.uk, 10.30am-3.30pm, free • How long was a medieval sword?

How heavy was a knight’s helmet?

What was a liripipe? Discover Britain’s historic past with puzzles, crafts and authentic costumes.

JUNE TUE 2 JUN TODDLER TRAILS Dyrham Park, Dyrham, Gloucestershire, SN14 8ER. 0117 937 2501, www.nationaltrust.org. uk/dyrham-park, 10.45am-11.30am (weekly throughout June), free with standard admission • Learn about the world while exploring it.

Get some fresh air on a garden trail designed especially for toddlers.

TUE 2 JUN PETE LARSON: T. REX APPEAL Cheltenham Science Festival, EDF Energy Arena, Imperial Square, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1QA. 0844 880 8094, www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/science, 6.30pm7.30pm, £10 • Meet Sue, one of the most famous and complete T. Rex skeletons in the world. Excavator Pete Larson discusses his dinosaur hunting experiences.

TUE 2 JUN WILDFLOWER WALKS Westonbirt Arboretum, Westonbirt, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8QS. 01666 880220, www.forestry.gov. uk/westonbirt, 10.30am, standard admission prices apply • Explore the forest and learn about the many different types of wildflowers that grow in the woodlands.

FRI 5 JUN HOT DOGS & FIZZ NIGHT! Taurus Crafts, The Old Park, Lydney,

SAT 6 JUN UGLY ANIMAL PRESERVATION SOCIETY Cheltenham Science Festival, Parabola Arts Centre, Parabola Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 3AA. 0844 880 8094, www. cheltenhamfestivals.com/science, 10.15am-11.15am, £6 • The ugly animals of the world need love too!

You won’t find anything cute here, as Simon Watt explores the wide array of the world’s most hideous creatures.

SAT 6 JUN VIRUSES: SNEEZES AND GORE Cheltenham Science Festival, Parabola Arts Centre, Parabola Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 3AA. 0844 880 8094, www. cheltenhamfestivals.com/science, 12.15am-1.15pm, £6 • Cover your noses and cough into your elbows as the cutting edge science behind illnesses and colds is explained. Be warned that examples will be shown with real life animal parts. Ages 8+.

SAT 6 JUN STEVE BACKSHALL: THE DEADLIEST ANIMALS ON EARTH Cheltenham Science Festival, EDF Energy Arena, Imperial Square, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1QA. 0844 880 8094, www. cheltenhamfestivals.com/science, 2pm-3pm, £8 • TV’s Steve Backshall talks about some of the world’s most deadly critters, including creepy crawlies such as spiders and snakes.

Which should we be frightened of, and why?

SAT 6 JUN FARTOLOGY Cheltenham Science Festival, EDF Energy Arena, Imperial Square, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1QA. 0844 880 8094, www. cheltenhamfestivals.com/science, 10am-11am, £6 • Hold your noses as you delve deep into the bowels of the science of digestion.

SAT 6-SUN 7 JUN ORCHARD STREET FOOD & CRAFT MARKET Gloucester Quays Designer Outlet Shopping Centre, St Ann Way, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL1 5SF. 01452 338933, www.gloucesterquays.co.uk, 10am-6pm (Sat)/11am» MAY HALF TERM 2015

13

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5pm (Sun), free • A bustling atmosphere as well as a range of market stalls offering artisanal arts and crafts, food, drink and other goods.

Family Nature Trails at Dyrham Park, Tue 26 & Thu 28 May

SUN 28 JUN POP IN AND PRINT WORKSHOP: NATURE PRINTING The Museum in the Park, Stratford Park, Stroud, Gloucestershire, 01453 763394, www.stroudnature.co.uk.

11am-4pm, donations • Drop in and have a go at creating colourful monoprints using leaves, weeds, bark and other natural finds. This outdoor activity is for children and adults alike – creative, hands-on fun for all ages!

SUN 7 JUN THE GREAT COSMIC KITCHEN Cheltenham Science Festival, Cheltenham Ladies College Kitchens, Bayshill Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 3EP. 0844 880 8094, www. cheltenhamfestivals.com/science, 10am-11.15am, £8 • Using baking, cooking and microwaves, cosmologist Roberta Trotta examines the world of astrophysics from the planets to the Big Bang in edible form. Inform the box office about any food allergies.

SUN 7 JUN MARTY JOPSON’S BUBBLEOLOGY Cheltenham Science Festival, EDF Energy Arena, Imperial Square, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1QA. 0844 880 8094, www. cheltenhamfestivals.com/science, 10am-11am, £6 • Make washing up fun as you discover the ins and outs of bubbles. TV’s Marty Jopson discusses how a bubble’s colours, shapes and sizes work.

SUN 7 JUN DINOSAUR WARS! Cheltenham Science Festival, EDF Energy Arena, Imperial Square, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1QA. 0844 880 8094, www. cheltenhamfestivals.com/science, 12pm-1pm, £6 • Who would win in a fight, a T. Rex or a Triceratops?

Expert Phil Manning uses the latest facts to compare which dinosaurs were the strongest, the toughest and the smartest. Find out if T. Rex was the boss or if there was another king of the dinosaurs.

SUN 7 JUN THE POWER OF SLOTH Cheltenham Science Festival, Helix Theatre, Imperial Square, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1QA. 0844 880 8094, www. cheltenhamfestivals.com/science, 12pm-1pm, £6 • Are sloths really lazy, or are they a well-adapted evolutionary success story?

Founder of the Sloth Appreciation Society Lucy Cooke uncovers the secret world of the laid back sloth.

SUN 7 JUN WONDERSTUFF Cheltenham Science Festival, Winton Crucible, Imperial Square, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1QA. 0844 880 8094, www. cheltenhamfestivals.com/science, 10.30am-11.30am, £6 • The explosive and exciting world of chemistry is blown open as chemist Andrea Sella and materials engineer Mark Miodownik demonstrate the way the world works.

SUN 7 JUN UP, UP AND AWAY Cheltenham Science Festival, Winton Crucible, Imperial Square, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1QA. 0844 880 8094, www. cheltenhamfestivals.com/science, 12.30pm-1.30pm, £6 • Join Kevin, PRIMARY TIMES

15 Glos Roundabout May Half Term 2015.indd 17

tiful gardens before stopping off for a home-made lunch or afternoon tea at the Garden Terrace Café.

JULY a tiny speck of dust, on a journey around the world where he uncovers the secrets of rainbows, snow, clouds and more.

FRI 12 JUN MOTHING EVENING AT THE ORANGERY Museum in the Park, Stratford Park, Stroud, Gloucestershire, 01453 763394, www.museuminthepark. org.uk. 9pm-late, free • Join lepidopterist Mike McCrea and other natural history enthusiasts for an evening of mothing adventures in the park.

All ages welcome but children must be supervised by a parent or carer.

Take a torch and meet outside the museum.

SAT 13-SUN 14 JUN GNOME HUNT Eastcombe Primary School, Dr Crouches Road, Eastcombe, Gloucestershire, GL6 7EA. 01453 884644, www.eastcombeprimaryschool.co.uk, 2pm-5pm • Track down the hidden gnomes on a trail around the village, then enjoy stalls, games and a cream tea back at the school.

SAT 13-FRI 26 JUN FESTIVAL OF BRITISH ARCHAEOLOGY Chedworth Roman Villa, Yanworth, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 3LJ. 01242 890256, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chedworth-roman-villa, 10.30am-4pm, standard admission prices apply • Talks and tours by archaeologists specialising in Roman archaeology. There are also hands-on activities you can get stuck into. Suitable for the whole family.

SUN 14 JUN STROUD VALLEYS PROJECT CHARITY BIKE RIDE Museum in the Park, Stratford Park, Stroud, Gloucestershire, 01453 763394, www.stroudvalleysproject. org. 10am, free • Keen cyclists are invited to register in the museum courtyard at 10am, then pedal off in support of the environmental charity Stroud Valleys Project. While you’re there don’t forget to visit the museum for family fun, with teas, coffees and ice creams on offer.

SUN 14 JUN INVISIBLE INSECT WORLDS WITH CATH HODSMAN The Museum in the Park, Stratford

Park, Stroud, Gloucestershire, 01453 763394, www.stroudnature. co.uk. 2pm-4pm, £5 per child/ accompanying adults free • Explore the incredible miniature world of insects with British wildlife artist, Cath Hodsman. Enjoy a bug hunt in the park, and then create some amazing insect art. For children aged 7+, parents welcome to join in too. Booking required.

SAT 4 JUL DECOMPOSED! Cheltenham Music Festival, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, 0844 880 8094, www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/music, 11am-12.15pm, £8 adults/£5 children • Slapstick comedy and orchestral music as failing conductor Will reunites with his troublesome twin Igor. Hijinks abound with these dysfunctional brothers.

WED 17 JUN FAIRFORD CIRCUS Fairford C of E Primary School, The Park, Leafield Road, Fairford, Gloucestershire, GL7 4JQ. 01285 712543, www.fairford.gloucs.sch. uk, 6pm • Sit back and enjoy a night of spectacle, magic and excitement as the circus comes to town for one night only. Food and drink is available from 5pm. Tickets are available from the local 7a Coffee Shop or the Enntwine Gift Shop.

SUN 5 JUL MAGIC PIANO & THE CHOPIN SHORTS Cheltenham Music Festival, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, 0844 880 8094, www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/music, 11am-12pm, £8 adults/£5 children • A magical flying piano takes Anna on an adventure in a series of animated shorts, set to a live performance of the music of Chopin. Ages 4+.

SAT 20-SUN 21 JUN FATHER’S DAY GLADIATOR ARENA Chedworth Roman Villa, Yanworth, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 3LJ. 01242 890256, www. nationaltrust.org.uk/chedworthroman-villa, 10.30am-4pm, standard admission prices apply • Under the command of the re-enactment group Legio II Augusta, see your dad be sold into slavery to fight as a gladiator in the arena. Watch demonstrations and see what the stalls have on offer.

SAT 20-SUN 21 JUN SUMMER FAMILY NATURE DAY Dyrham Park, Dyrham, Gloucestershire, SN14 8ER. 0117 937 2501, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ dyrham-park, 11am-3pm (Sat)/10am3pm (Sun), standard admission fees apply • Celebrate wildflower season by going on a number of walks to see bees, butterflies, different flowers and grasses. You can also take part in activities with the park’s resident ornithologists.

SUN 21 JUN FATHER’S DAY Batsford Arboretum and Garden Centre, Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, GL56 9QB. 01386 70144, www.batsarb.co.uk, 10am5pm, £7.95 adults/£3.50 children/ dads go free • Make Father’s Day special with a walk around the beau-

SAT 11 JUL FAMILY DAY Cheltenham Music Festival, Imperial Garden Bar, Imperial Square, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1QA. 0844 880 8094, www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/music, 12pm-6pm, free • Live music, arts and crafts, as well as a BBQ and other food. Choirs, drummers, a brass band and special guests from the festival perform throughout the day.

SAT 11 JUL JAMES MAYHEW PAINTS MUSSORGSKY’S PICTURES Cheltenham Music Festival, Main Hall, Town Hall, Imperial Square, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1QA. 0844 880 8094, www. cheltenhamfestivals.com/music, 11am-12.15pm, £12 (adults)/£6 (children) • Accompanied by the Flowers Band brass ensemble, author and illustrator James Mayhew paints the creatures and landscapes of Mussorgsky’s pictures.

THEATRE AND ROUNDABOUT LISTINGS BY STUART SIMNER AND JACK READER

MAY HALF TERM 2015

15

05/05/2015 11:28:03

A stage of

development

SoundSketch’s Beat Camp, Gloucestershire

The region’s performing arts schools provide wonderful opportunities for children to discover extra-curricular skills such as dance, drama and teamwork, says Jack Reader.

T

he journey from impressionable child to welladjusted, fully fledged adult is a long and potentially difficult path. Children have an entire world to discover and learn: including language, numeracy, critical thinking, manners and social skills, as well as artistic, creative and physical abilities. It’s a big challenge for kids, their families and teachers alike.

A performing arts school is a great way to get kids involved in activities that they might not come across in other areas of their life. Schools are more focused on teaching literacy, numeracy and the sciences, so the performing arts offer a great opportunity to get children involved in drama, singing and dancing.

There are many performing arts schools to choose from in the Gloucestershire area. With over 20 years of experience and more than 300 franchised schools, Stagecoach has a great track record of introducing children to the stage. Heidi Hollis, principal of the Bristol South West school, teaches what she calls “creative engagement, problem solving and strong communication skills, which enhance engagement with any learning opportunity.

“Stagecoach allows children to experiment and develop themselves creatively, by taking account of their individuality, in a low-pressure environment,” she says. Stagecoach teachers can nurture students in ways that just aren’t possible in school classes of 30 kids. “Almost without exception, Stagecoach helps children’s overall development and education.”

Based in Gloucestershire,

16

MAY HALF TERM 2015

15 Glos Features May Half Term 2015.indd 6

Stagecoach

SoundSketch’s Beat Camp puts confidence at the heart of its activities. As an ex-teacher, co-director Stacey McMorran recognises the benefits that performing arts schools provide.

“We add to the curriculum, and deliver workshops and afterschool clubs to complement children’s schooling,” she says.

“With less focus on pure singing, dancing and acting, we offer a wide mix of confidenceboosting activities with a big creative element. We test rhythm, musical skills and motor abilities with a free flow of ideas, expression and personality.” This focus on creativeness helps to provide a different skillset than the kind children develop in schools.

Also in Gloucestershire, The Linda Virgoe Dance Studios seek to provide a “strong foundation in skills including stamina, creativity, expression and musicality.” They offer an Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing-approved syllabus that focuses on training children’s discipline and versatility through

dancing.

The Bristol School of Performing Arts’ (BSPA) director John Redgrave is also keen to highlight the importance of performing arts in supplementing children’s school experience.

“Some say they are just for building confidence and letting children come out of their shell but, if they lead to a career, they’re [as good as a school] subject,” he emphasises.

“Students are taught by performers who have been on stage on the West End. You won’t find that at a normal school,

where drama is only taught an hour a week on the side by English or music teachers.”

Similarly, the Theatre Studio in Cheltenham offers instruction by teacher-trained industry professionals. With 30 years of experience, it also boasts close links to various national performance events, as well as the Cheltenham Festival of the Performing Arts. “We work with real theatre on a weekly basis – few drama schools can say this,” says artistic director Suzanna Segura.

So, if you want to help your child acquire skills and confidence that they might not develop in school, it’s worthwhile thinking about enrolling in one of the area’s many great performing arts schools.

Bristol School of Performing Arts T: 07714 495373 W: www. bspa.biz Linda Virgoe Dance Studios T: 01452 722771 W: www. lindavirgoedancestudio.co.uk SoundSketch T: 0800 852 7328 W: www.soundsketch.co.uk Stagecoach W: www.stagecoach. co.uk Theatre Studio W: www. theatrestudio.co.uk

Linda Virgoe Dance Studios

PRIMARY TIMES

05/05/2015 11:05:10

ADVERTISING FEATURE

d r a o b n Pi Go Jurassic!

Discover the new Jurassic Journey at Birdland, Bourton-on-the-Water, opening 23 May 2015.

There will be over 26 ‘life-size’ dinosaurs to track down on a journey around the Marshmouth Nature Reserve. Follow in the footsteps of fossil hunters and palaeontologists as, armed with special dinosaur tracker kits, you venture into a Jurassic-themed landscape home.

Spot giant dinosaur eggs along with complete dinosaur skeletons and see the link between the park’s bird species and their dinosaur ancestors.

Meet the living birds throughout the trail and see the ratites, dinosaur-like avians, who have just started laying their eggs. Birdland is open daily from 10am. Admission: £9.95 (adult)/£6.95 (child)/ £8.95 (senior/student).

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

KSOL’s two steps to 11+ success Can you believe in just four months’ time, your child will be sitting their 11+ exam? Don’t worry, with over 10 years of experience, KSOL are here to guide you through the final months with a two step plan: 1. Make revision a habit: Keep sessions short but intense. Anita Dhunna, director of education at KSOL says, “Our Intensive Courses are designed to help children in the run up to the real exam. The daily online tests cover the entire 11+ syllabus and highlight any areas of weakness, providing immediate focus.”

2. Practise: KSOL mock exams at Hartpury College in Gloucestershire, will build your child’s confidence and prepare them for the CEM format paper. All exams are CD administered.

Visit website or phone to find out more about KSOL’s “Two Steps to Success” offer. Three month intensive revision course, plus mock exam: only £234 + reg, saving you £20!

Ffi: KSOL T: 0121 733 6558 W: www.ksol.co.uk

PRIMARY TIMES

15 Glos Pinboard May Half Term 2015.indd 23

Vocabulary Opposites for 11+ Farquhar’s Vocabulary Flash Cards have unveiled an additional set of ‘Opposites’, specifically written for the verbal reasoning element of the Durham University Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring (CEM) 11+ test.

These new cards are designed to complement the existing sets, which encourage children to build up a solid bank of advanced vocabulary, synonyms, antonyms and compound words. “It has become increasingly apparent that there is a need to focus more energy on mastering opposites,” says creator Mary Farquhar.

“This new set of opposite flash cards answers the demand from tutors, teachers and parents.

“Used in conjunction with the existing sets, including the established Opposites set which has proven very successful, this is the way forward to provide children with the extra challenge they need to help them tackle this tricky test with confidence, and boost results.”

Ffi: Farquhar’s Vocabulary Flash Cards W: www.vocabularyflashcards.co.uk

Performing arts with a twist If your school is looking for something exciting and completely different to offer the kids, the popular ‘Beat Camp’ five-week after-school clubs in Junk ‘Stomp’ Theatre, Street Dance, Boom-whackers or Show Stoppers are just the ticket. Beat Camp clubs are completely free to schools too! These fun activities can also be used by schools looking for some great workshop days, and they’re all delivered by professional teachers.

At the end of every club or workshop day, the school and parents are entertained with a performance. Beat Camp are known to be, “Unique, original and great fun!”

And if you’re a parent looking for a new kind of fun summer activity for your child, Beat Camp also runs weeklong, multi-music camps at All Saints’ Academy in Cheltenham for 6 to 15 year olds. Early bird discounts for the camps in July and August are available until the end of May. Ffi: Beat Camp T: 01242 234746 W: www.beat-camp.co.uk

Parents’ & teachers’

news, education & contacts

Deep deep down Discover ocean heavyweights and colossal creatures this May half-term at Bristol Aquarium.

The Deep Blue event runs from Sat 23 May and includes hands-on activities and stories of lurking legends.

A morning sandpit search will reveal mini whales hidden as visitors uncover fabulous facts about these incredible creatures, followed by walking a shark line to see just how small you really are compared to the biggest Megalodon shark!

Those with a strong stomach can watch a small squid dissection in the Learning Lab as staff talk about the elusive Giant Squid. Visitors will find something very cool to get their hands on during this activity. Every day finishes with a hands-on challenge to place some of the ocean’s heaviest creatures at the right ocean depth – do you think you know how deep down the Angler Fish lives?

Open daily from 10am. Under 3s free.

Ffi: Bristol Aquarium T: 0117 929 8929 W: www.bristolaquarium.co.uk/events

A Brush with Morpurgo Half term at The Roses in Tewkesbury sees the return of a very distinguished visitor – the one and only Basil Brush.

In a show likely to appeal to adults as much as it is to children, expect plenty of mischief and mayhem as the long-suffering Mr Stephen has to contend with Basil’s naughty streak. Basil has been in entertainment for 50 years, and the loveable fox shows no sign of slowing down as he embarks upon his latest tour. Catch Basil at 11am or 2.30pm on Thursday 28 May. Later that day, at 7.30pm, there’s an exclusive opportunity for families to spend an evening in the company of acclaimed author Michael Morpurgo.

Find out about his life as a writer, and how he continues to be inspired to write new stories. As patron of The Roses’ Development Appeal, Michael is generously donating all proceeds from his performance to The Roses.

Ffi: The Roses Theatre W: www.rosestheatre.org

MAY HALF TERM 2015 17

05/05/2015 11:08:59

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15 Glos advertising features May Half Term 2015.indd 26

DOSOMETHINGDIFFERENT! unusual and exciting activities see our website for more details

Adver tising Feature

May Farm Fun • Fun on the farm is guaranteed at the Dick Whittington Farm Park this summer. In addition to the very popular features which include the massive indoor Play Barn, electric go-karting course, farm animals, reptiles and small pets, some new features are also being introduced.

The ‘Whittington Wall’ has been constructed within the Play Barn.

This presents a challenge for both adults and children to climb along the wall using foot and hand holds. You can choose the degree of difficulty by following the colour markings. It is more difficult than you think but quite safe as you climb sideways as opposed to upwards.

Outdoors there is the Whittington Assault Course challenge for the younger children, with a variety of obstacles and challenges to overcome to complete the circuit. Food is available for feeding the animals and a metal detecting session takes place in the afternoons. Tractor and trailer rides are available on a daily basis (weather permitting).

The menu in the Cat’s Whiskers restaurant has been improved with snacks, hot meals, tasty desserts and scrumptious ice creams.

Alternatively, visitors can bring their own picnics.

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

Adver tising Feature

Lamborghini springs into action • A badger-faced lamb is enjoying his very first steps at the Cattle Country Adventure Park in Gloucestershire thanks to specialist care it is receiving.

The two-week old lamb took his first steps this week and has since been Lamborghini in full flight aptly named Lamborghini, due to the speed he can now travel.

He was born with no muscle ligaments in his front legs and therefore had to have splints and bandages applied to both legs in order to let his muscles heal. The casts have meant he can now walk and park bosses gave him the name after seeing the fast spring in his step. It is hoped the recovery process will be fast and Lamborghini will be able to walk of his own accord within the next few weeks.

Cattle Country’s general manager, Stuart Burnell, says, “He’s a little fighter and is now happily running around Cattle Country with the rest of the flock. We hope the splints will aid his recovery and that he will soon be fully racing around our fields in front of our visitors.”

Ffi: Cattle Country T: 01453 810510 E: info@cattlecountry.co.uk W: www.cattlecountry.co.uk

PRIMARY TIMES

05/05/2015 10:43:55

Adver tising Feature

Memories are made of this • Come rain or shine, the Christian Adventure Centre, Viney Hill, can offer your child an exciting, action packed and adventurous time.

Forget the X-Box and PlayStation.

With exciting activities for ages 7 to 14 the centre provides memories and experiences that last a lifetime.

Viney Hill has provided fully inclusive packages and bespoke residential experiences, as well as day visits for schools, youth and church organisations for over 30 years. It also offers ‘birthday parties with a difference’ for children and young people, with two activities of your choice and your very own party room. A birthday party at Viney Hill offers a unique, exciting way to celebrate.

Centre manager Jon Holden says, “We guarantee an exciting, fun-fuelled day, a chance to make new friends and try out adventurous activities, offering your child experiences and opportunities that will develop their skills and confidence. As a centre, we are committed to providing an amazing experience to all who visit us, whether that is individual bookings for parties and holiday activity days or group bookings for schools and children’s organisations.

Whatever their age, background or ability, the centre believes your child will be talking about their adventures for a long time to come.

So, to develop new skills, embrace new challenges and build wonderful memories that will last a lifetime, call or email the centre.

Ffi: Viney Hill T: 01594 516162 E: info@vineyhilladventure.org

Adver tising Feature

Make Some Noise for Mad Science!

• This year Mad Science is proud to be supporting Global’s Make Some Noise children’s charity, which helps disadvantaged children and young people across the UK. These youngsters may be affected by illness, disability, bereavement or lack of opportunity.

In support of this great cause Mad Science is donating 5% of profits from all its summer holiday camps to the fund. This money will then go towards creating fantastic opportunities for children and young people in the community. Mad Science’s very own Rocket Rachel is also tackling a tremendous challenge to raise awareness of the charity’s work by heading on a massive adventure, and trekking across the Grand Canyon!

So, by taking part in Mad Science’s action-packed programme of summer camps this year you can provide your children with an unforgettable experience, while also making a difference to those less fortunate. The group is also taking additional donations for the charity through its new online booking system. Keep an eye out for the Make Some Noise button on there.

The group wishes Rocket Rachel all the best in her mission and hopes that, with your help, this campaign is a real success!

Follow Rachel’s progress through the social media channels on Facebook and Twitter, where there will be updates on her targets, training and the trek itself.

Ffi: Mad Science W: www.madsciencesouthwales.co.uk fa: facebook.com/MadScienceSouthWales tw: @madsciencewales

PRIMARY TIMES

15 Glos advertising features May Half Term 2015.indd 27

g Ltd

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raphy & Framin

by DPH Photog

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MAY HALF TERM 2015 19

05/05/2015 10:44:18

Weight and see?

Anne Marie Scanlon explores the dangers of childhood obesity, and how its effects can be prevented or reversed.

T

he World Health Organisation (WHO) regards childhood obesity as one of the most serious health problems of the 21st century. In Britain, which has one of the highest rates of childhood obesity in Europe, almost one third of all school children are overweight or obese. The massive increase in numbers since the 1970s has led to the phenomenon being called an “epidemic”. If a child carries excess fat, they risk short and long term health consequences.

These include an increased chance of becoming an obese adult, a higher risk of disability and a shorter life span.

Many of the health problems relating to childhood obesity are those traditionally associ-

ated with overweight adults (see panel). As the number of overweight or obese children has risen, so has the incidence of health issues previously only seen in adults.

Apart from the serious health concerns facing an overweight or obese child there are also the emotional and psychological side effects. We live in an increasingly image-obsessed society and while the link between overweight, obesity and depression is debated, anecdotal evidence suggests that weight issues and low selfesteem are intrinsically linked.

Larger children are more likely to be bullied and discriminated against. Low self-esteem, lack of confidence and the scorn of other children can lead to isola-

Childhood Obesity Possible Consequences Type 2 diabetes: usually affects adults but increasingly British children under 10 are diagnosed with the condition.

Respiratory problems: Studies suggest that overweight children are up to 50% more likely to develop asthma than their standard weight contemporaries.

Cardiovascular disease: Obese children are more at risk of developing heart disease and other heart problems in later life.

Stress on the musculoskeletal system: children carrying excess weight suffer more pain in their joints, knees, feet, ankles and spines than other children.

Others: Skin infections, early puberty, iron & vitamin D deficiency, raised blood pressure, increased cholesterol, fatty liver disease and gallstones.

If children who are overweight or obese are recognised and treated in childhood or their teenage years, some of these health problems may be reversed or even prevented.

Ffi: W: www.nhs.uk/Livewell/eatingdisorders

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MAY HALF TERM 2015

15 Glos Features May Half Term 2015.indd 8

The usual way to treat a child who is overweight or obese is by introducing lifestyle changes. In most cases the whole family are advised to adopt different eating patterns and to exercise more. tion for the overweight child.

Missing school, because of illness or anxiety, can result in falling behind academically which further feeds the downward spiral of feeling inadequate.

So why are our children getting so big? Childhood weight gain is caused by the same things as adult weight gain – eating too much, eating food high in saturated fat and/or sugar (including sugary drinks) and not moving enough. Apart from the obvious culprits (over-eating and lack of exercise), not getting enough sleep is also a risk factor for developing weight problems.

Lack of sleep, or poor sleep, can interfere with hormone balances which stimulate the desire to eat.

If you are concerned about your child’s weight the first thing to do is to see a medical professional. They can weigh the child and assess their Body Mass

Index (BMI), which is calculated differently from that of an adult.

Medical professionals can also test for any underlying problems or conditions which would exacerbate weight gain. If your child does not have an underlying condition, your local medical practice may be able to refer you to a specific scheme to help prevent or manage childhood obesity.

The usual way to treat a child who is overweight or obese is by introducing lifestyle changes.

In most cases the whole family are advised to adopt different eating patterns and to exercise more. Doctors generally do not recommend “diets” for children, as rapid weight loss is counterproductive in children who are still growing. The ideal outcome is that weight remains steady while the child grows into it.

Current recommendations state that all children should do at least one hour of moderate physical activity every day. An hour is not a long time but with homework and other tasks it can be burdensome for parents to manage. The best way to approach this goal is to break it down into shorter periods. Walk or cycle to school if you can.

Take the scenic route home.

Kick a ball around for a quarter of an hour before dinner. If you don’t have a dog to walk, offer to take your neighbour’s out for a quick stroll. You can combine healthy eating with exercise by walking to the shops every day to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables. Change doesn’t have to be huge and overwhelming. You can start with small adjustments and gradually build up to a fitter, healthier, slimmer lifestyle for all of your family.

Ffi: W: www.nhs.uk/ Change4Life.

PRIMARY TIMES

05/05/2015 11:05:38

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PRIMARY TIMES Final_14149b_WW_schools_STD_ad_93x133.indd 1 glos classifieds.indd 3

MAY HALF TERM 2015 21 13/08/2014 09:35 05/05/2015 12:11:11

Hello Kids!

Thank you so much for the lovely pictures you send me. Please keep trying if you weren’t successful. This May Bristol Aquarium, has offered free family membership to three lucky South West winners of next issue’s art competition.

So find out what lives at the bottom of the ocean and send me pictures of “My favourite deep sea creatures”. I’ve heard whales, giant squid, angler fish and even stranger beasts live there. Please send your pictures to: Arty Barty, BN&Media, Temple Way, Bristol, BS2 0BY, or email high resolution jpegs to my editor at his new email address: mike.gartside@b-nm.co.uk Don’t forget to give your name, age, full home postal address (or we can’t send you your prize) and school on the back by Monday 15 June.

Have fun!

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

Arty Barty It was great to get your pictures of endangered animals. Well done to the winner, who receives free family admission to Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm Park, Wraxall, near Bristol.

WINNER!

Laura Wenham, 7, Kingsholm C of E Primary School, Gloucester y I love this slightl scary wolf. In spite of his sharp teeth he seems a little bit wide-eyed and vulnerable.

Amy Newell, 11, Manor C of E Primary School, Coalpit Heath, Bristol There’s a very cosy feel to this image of a girl surrounded by a family of pandas. Each has its own personality, while the benign parent watches on.

Rosie Day, 11, Aylburton C of E Primary School, Lydney, Gloucestershire What amazing geometric shapes Rosie has used to create the tiger, in contrast to the beautiful flowing flower behind it. The whole thing has an art deco feel with the tiger patterned border.

Anna Lloyd, 10, Elmlea Junior School, Bristol Direct and to the point, this simple drawing makes its point brilliantly. Well done, Anna, for realising that a great picture doesn’t have to be complicated.

A likely lass

Nixie the fairy doesn’t mean to be naughty – but when you’ve got a penchant for mischief and a wonky wand to match, following the rules can be a challenge. Nixie is supposed to be helping prepare for the Blossom Ball but she’d much rather be out having her own adventures. Under the watchful eye of fairy teacher Tabitha Quicksilver, Nixie and her friends set out to bring a little magic to everyday life. But will the ball go off without a hitch?

Nixie makes a great plucky heroine and is a refreshing antidote to the usual princess-perfect fairy characters, embodied in this tale by her nemesis, Adorabella. The illustrations have an almost cut-out, collage quality similar to the work of Charlie and Lola author Lauren Childs, and Nixie’s ripped tights and patchwork dress really bring her character to life. (Ellen White)

One boisterous little girl, one bogey and a simple decision: to eat it or wipe it? We all know the dilemma. Little does Mabel Jones know that when she makes the choice it opens the portal to adventures beyond her wildest dreams.

Kidnapped and bundled into a sack, Mabel finds herself aboard the pirate ship, ‘The Feroshus Maggot’ and at the mercy of a band of dastardly pirates captained by the dreaded Idryss Ebeneezer Split, a wolf with a false leg, carved from a human thighbone and the obligatory eye patch. With capers such as milk drinking games, ferocious sea storms and a few added mysterious ship’s logbooks Mabel quickly realises that the quickest way to get home is to beat the pirates at their own game and to help them in their quest.

It’s a great book for helping young readers, as author Will Mabbitt adds expression and drama, with quirky, jaunty and rapidly changing fonts and text directions. Children are drawn into the story as they find themselves reading down the stairs or falling overboard. With the aid of Ross Collins’s excellent black and white illustrations, this new novel will entertain any child between 7 and 11. (Stuart Simner)

Nixie the Bad, Bad Fairy Cas Lester, £5.99, Oxford University Press, www.oup.com

The Unlikely Adventures of Mabel Jones Will Mabbitt, Puffin Books, £6.99, www.greenpenguin.co.uk

Primary Times reviews the new releases.

Wings with attitude

22

MAY HALF TERM 2015

15 Glos Books & Arty Barty May Half Term 2015.indd 34

PRIMARY TIMES

05/05/2015 10:45:39

fun events

Mad inventors’ club

Lacock Abbey, 23 to 31 May, 10.30am to 5.30pm Do you have what it takes to become a brilliant inventor?

Find out on this wacky hands-on, self-led family trail in the Lacock Abbey grounds.

Wild Wednesday

Avebury, 27 May, 11am to 4pm Join the Avebury rangers for fun in the farmyard and tick off at least one of your ‘50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾’.

Normal admission applies to all events.

National Trust members and under 5s go free.

Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/southwest

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01/05/2015 15:07:14

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