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Discover the wonders of Moominland, live in the UK for the first time, at the egg theatre, Bath. Page 4

Issue 126 20 Dec 2013-14 Feb 2014

AlsoHealthy eatingDiscover a hobbyWhat to do with unwanted presents

Fly me to the

Moomins

in Gloucestershire

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For all its commercialism, Christmas is a wonderful chance to refresh family ties and give children a chance to rediscover the extended clan .

As the leftovers are munched and the wrapping is recycled, thoughts rapidly turn to the after-effects of the festivities. So we’ve focused on the New Year, looking at ways parents, schools and children can get back to healthy eating (P6), organisations who’ll welcome those unwanted presents (P18) and activities to keep the family away from the screen (P17). Have a merry Christmas secure in the knowledge that we have a few suggestions to deal with its less welcome consequences.

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 Venue Publishing 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 Primary Times or the relevant contributor. Primary Times currently publishes more than two million copies per issue under franchise.

Primary Times in GloucestershireVenue Publishing at Bristol News and Media, Temple Way, Bristol BS99 7HD. More information at www.primarytimes.net and more places to visit at www.venue.co.uk

Editor Mike Gartside [email protected] director Paul Kimberley [email protected] 0117 934 3780Advertising Caroline Stretton [email protected] 0117 934 3737 Ruth Morris [email protected] 0117 934 3730Distribution Simon Butler 0117 934 3741 [email protected] Design Cath Evans, Dan Srokosz, Mike GartsideProof reading Alex SaundersProduction Emma Gorton/Ruth WoodMain office 0117 942 8491

PRIMARY TIMES CHRISTMAS 2013 3

VIEW THE MAGAZINE ONLINE AT www.venue.co.uk/early-times-primary-times www.primarytimes.net • www.facebook.com - Arty Barty

Theatre • Arty Barty • Roundabout • Save money!

r 4

1 1yrs

pr ma yi1

23

times12

4yrs

Discover the

wonders of

Moominland, live

in the UK for

the rst time, at

the egg theatre,

Bath. Page 4

Issue 126 20 Dec 2013-14 Feb 2014

AlsoHealthy eating

Discover a hobby

What to do with

unwanted presents Fly me to the

Moomins

in Gloucestershire

THEATRE P8ROUNDABOUT P11PINBOARD P16CLASSIFIEDS P19ADVERTISING FEATURES P20PUPILS’ PAGE P22

IT’S CRUNCH TIME P6With childhood obesity still on the rise, Tom Olver looks at healthy eating initiatives.BUSY HANDS P17Discover a new hobby in the new year and learn a skill to keep you active for life. I NEVER ASKED FOR THAT! P18Phin Adams finds a home for those unwanted Christmas presents. the editor

Find these amazing offers this issue!

Glitter & Gloss – Child goes free with voucher.Puddle Ducks – Free taster session with advert. Bluestone Winter Play – 17 hours of free play for under 5s. Dick Whittington Farm Park – free entry for an adult with a paying child.Cotswold Farm Park – One child free with a paying adult. Swimwell – First lesson free. Taurus Crafts – 10% off café, gift shop and pottery with advert. Bluestone

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4 CHRISTMAS 2013 PRIMARY TIMES

Everyone knows that Moomins hibernate during the winter months. Like their ancestors

before them, they sleep from November to spring. But this year the youngster of the family, Moomintroll, has woken up early. While the rest of his household slumber, he decides to visit his favourite summer haunts only to find that winter has changed everything. Determined to discover the truth about this most mysterious of seasons, Moomintroll is forced to make some very grown-up decisions when he ventures where no Moomin has gone before.

To celebrate the centenary year of their creator, Swedish-Finn illus-trator and writer Tove Jansson, the Moomins appear on stage in the UK for the first time at Bath’s egg theatre in a new adaptation of Moominland Midwinter by drama-tist Hattie Naylor.

Jansson wrote and illustrated the classic stories starting with ‘The Moomins and the Great Flood’ as early as 1945. In 1966

she received the Hans Christian Andersen Medal for her contribu-tion as a children’s writer, arguably the highest recognition available to a creator of children’s books.

And the reason is clear: the Moomin stories cross barriers of language, age and culture and are loved all over the world. They have been translated into 43 different languages and animated or adapted for film and television. The enor-

mous popularity of The Moomins has been attributed to Jansson’s ability to combine both children’s and adults’ world views, charming both audiences equally.

And there are few more qualified people to adapt them for stage than Hattie Naylor, among whose 40 plays are the Olivier Award-nominated ‘Ivan and the Dogs’ (translated into seven languages since its debut at London’s Soho Theatre) and an adaptation of ‘Ben Hur’ for the epic Main House stage production at the Theatre Royal in 2010.

Promising to be heart-warming, humorous and spellbinding, this Christmas fantasy is co-directed by Lee Lyford and Alison Duddle and will feature beautiful puppets cre-ated by Horse + Bamboo Theatre plus a specially written soundtrack by Laurence Kaye.

The role of Moomintroll is played by Seamas H Carey, who returns to the egg after last year’s Christmas show, ‘Heidi - A Goat’s Tale’. Actor and multi-instrumentalist, Carey has also worked with Kneehigh Theatre Company and the Eden Project. Morag Cross whose credits include ‘Room on the Broom’, ‘The BFG’ and ‘The Gruffalo’s Child’, appears as the character Too-Ticky,

while Adam Fuller plays the role of Squirrel. As an actor and puppe-teer, his many stage credits include performing with Pickled Image, A Load of Stuff and Nonsense, Full Beam, Idiot Child and Aardman Animations.

Director Lee Lyford’s previous work includes ‘Heidi - A Goat’s Tale’, ’The French Detective and the Blue Dog’ and ‘Alice through the Looking Glass’, while he also directed Naylor’s ‘Ben Hur’ whose company of 180 featured on BBC1’s ‘Imagine’ documentary. He’s also joint artistic director of Gallivant, the company he recently founded with Naylor, whose first production, ‘Bluebeard’, premiered at Bristol Old Vic in June.

Co-director Alison Duddle is joint artistic director of award-winning Horse + Bamboo Theatre, joining the company in 1997 direct from Minneapolis’s world-renowned In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre. Music and story-telling are central to the visual theatre created by this company, with masks, movement, puppetry, lighting and film featuring strongly in their productions. Horse + Bamboo’s previous visits to the egg include ‘The Nightingale’, ‘Storm in a Teacup’ and ‘Red Riding Hood’.

With a team of this calibre on board, Moominland Midwinter is sure to be a heartwarming experi-ence appealing equally to children and adults. One thing you won’t want to do is hibernate.

Moominland Midwinter Fri 6 Dec 2013 - Sun 12 Jan 2014. Matinees and evening performances (times vary). No performances on 9, 16, 19, 25 & 26 Dec, 1 & 6 Jan. £15 (adults) £10 (children & stu-dents). Ages 6+. Schools group discount available. Produced by special arrangement with Agency North Ltd. T: 01225 823 409 or 01225 448844 W: www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Moominland Midwinter

the egg, Theatre Royal, Bath

Until Sun 12 January

www.theatreroyal.org.uk

T: 01225 823409 or 01225 448844

All im

ages ©

Mo

om

in C

haracters ™

Fly me to the

MoominsThe globally-adored Moomins series by Tove Jansson appears on stage in the UK for the first time this Christmas at the egg, Bath.

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PRIMARY TIMES6 CHRISTMAS 2013

It’s 8am. You haven’t finished the lunchbox and the kids have got to be at school in half an hour. The cheese and tomato

sarnies are done but the carrots have gone rubbery and you’re out of fruit. Drat! Shove in that packet of crisps and the choccy biscuit you’d promised yourself for later . . . you can always start them back on the five-a-day tomorrow.

While most parents are well aware of the importance of healthy eating, they may also be familiar with the morning routine described here, which could partly explain statistics showing that obesity in Year 6 children is increasing in both boys and girls. According to a study published by The National Child Measurement Programme, data on children’s weight shows a pat-tern of increasing obesity over the last six years. Statistics from the 2011-2012 report show that a third of all Year 6 children are overweight or obese, and it’s likely that Gloucestershire echoes this national trend.

Perhaps hope is in sight with a new initiative launched by Gloucestershire County Council and NHS Gloucestershire last year. Gloucestershire Healthy Living and Learning aims to ensure the county’s children and young people maintain health and happi-ness throughout their education. One of its main goals is to give Gloucestershire’s children the best possible nutritional knowledge, enabling them to make informed choices about what they eat. By creating a school environment where healthy living is celebrated, the hope is that children will con-tinue to live by this ethos outside school, too.

The organisation has developed a Whole School Food plan which clearly sets out the key food skills to be built on during the primary education years. These range from trying a variety of differ-ent fruits and learning about the importance of farming in lower school to understanding portion sizes and issues surrounding GM and organic crops in the later years.

One particular scheme with the potential to make a big dif-

ference across the county is the Jumpstart pro-gramme. Run in association with Gloucester Rugby Club, who ini-tially approached what was then Gloucestershire Healthy Schools, Jumpstart was designed to get children thinking about the funda-mental principles of good diet and exercise. A pilot of the programme was trialled about three years ago at Gloucestershire’s Harewood Primary School, reportedly with great success, but was unable to find the funding it needed to continue. According to Gloucester Rugby Club’s community man-ager Gary Little, the scheme educated pupils about nutrition and exercise while also focusing on the emotional aspect of eating. “We wanted the kids to realise that health isn’t necessarily just related to your body shape and size,” says Gary. He points out that, in an environment where children are becoming hyper-aware of body image, debunking the myths of the perfect appear-ance also forms an important basis for the programme: in fact a whole session is dedicated to tack-ling the problem of body image

anxiety, encouraging children not to feel pressured by images of “perfection” often perpetrated by the media or their peers.

“My hope is that we’ve done our job and that they’ll take these messages on into later life. The costs for running the scheme are nominal and it’s something we’d really love to get going again, so if any local schools are interested in the Jumpstart programme I’d encourage them to get in touch.”

If children encounter the bal-anced and encouraging perspec-tive provided by initiatives like the Jumpstart, perhaps this will result in improving their future relation-ship with food and activity . . . and make preparing that lunch box a little bit easier.

Gloucestershire Healthy Living & Learning T: 01452 427354 W: www.ghll.org.uk Gloucester Rugby Club (Jumpstart) T: 0871 871 8781 W: www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk

It’s crunch timeWith childhood obesity on the rise, Rose Bonsier and Tom Olver look at Gloucestershire initiatives encouraging healthy eating.



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GLOUCESTER-SHIRETHE BACON THEATREDean Close School, Shelbourne Road, Cheltenham GL51 6HE. 01242 258002, www.baconthea-tre.co.ukTinkerbell And The Secret Of The Wings Wed 18 Dec, 5pm, £6.50 (ticket price includes a treat from Santa) • Get along early to meet Father Christmas and settle down to a glittering cinema experience at 5pm. Join Tinkerbell and friends as they discover a magical secret which could change her world forever.Johnny Copin: All on a Winter’s Night Thu 19 Dec. 7.30pm. £9 (child)/£16 (adult) • A mix of traditional carols, new songs, humorous readings and folklore presented by this singer-songwriter. Robin Hood Wed 22 Jan–Sun 26 Jan. 7pm (Wed–Sat), 2.30pm (Sat–Sun), £8-£14 • A traditional family pantomime performed by Promenade Productions following the exploits of Robin Hood and his band of merry men as they steal from the rich and redistribute to the poor. Order tickets direct from Showcase on 01242 224144.

BAYSHILL UNITARIAN CHURCH HALLRoyal Well Lane, Cheltenham, GL50 3ET. 01242 263283.Puppet & Toy Theatre Festival Tue 18-Sat 22 Feb, 10.30am & 2pm (Sat 11am & 3pm), £3.50/£2.50 (Sat: £4/£3) • Join the award-winning Treasure Trove Puppet Company for exciting daily puppet shows as they tell ‘The Story of the Willow Pattern Plate’ as well as performing classics ‘Cinderella’ and ‘Pinocchio’. There’s also the opportunity to take part in a puppet making workshop on Thursday.

EVERYMAN THEATRERegent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573, www.everymantheatre.org.ukThe Emperor’s New Clothes Until Tue 24 Dec. 10am & 11.30am. £7.50 • Perfect for children aged 3-7 years, this adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale will have the whole family laughing when the Emperor’s idiocy is truly undressed. Aladdin Until Sun 12 Jan, times include 10am, 2pm, 4pm & 7pm, £12-£68 • Tweedy the Clown,

from Giffords Circus takes cen-tre stage in this comic adapta-tion of the lamp legend. Join the hero as he journeys from rags to riches, defeating the evil Abanazer and winning the heart of a beautiful princess.Beatle Mania Fri 17 Jan. 7.45pm. £22.50 • This nostalgic show recreates the legendary live performances of Britain’s greatest musical export from their ‘mop-top’ roots to the psychedelic times of Sgt. Pepper.Alice in Wonderland Sat 1 Feb. 2pm. £10.50 • Lewis Carroll’s breath-taking Wonderland bursts onto the stage in a whirl-wind of unusual contraptions, handmade puppets and extraor-dinary characters.

THE PLAYHOUSE THEATRE47-53 Bath Road, Cheltenham, GL53 7HG. 01242 522852, www.playhousecheltenham.orgThe Snow Spider Tue 17 Dec–Sat 4 Jan, £7-£14 • On Gwyn Griffiths’s ninth birthday, everything changes when five strange gifts unlock the door to a series of discoveries. A time-less Christmas show based on Jenny Nimmo’s award-winning book. Ages 7+.

ROSES THEATREThe Roses, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire GL20 5NX. 01684 295074, www.rosestheatre.orgJack and the Beanstalk Until Sat 4 Jan, 5pm, £10-£22 • The wicked Giant Blunderbore is terrorising the land and poor

Jack and his Mum have hit hard times. The only way to make ends meet is to sell their beloved cow Daisy, but by the time Jack gets home from market, the golden coins he received have turned to worth-less beans. But this is where the magic starts. The Roses giant pantomime promises laughter and spectacle by the lorryload.

FURTHER AFIELDTHE BRISTOL HIPPODROMESt. Augustine’s Parade, BS1 4UZ. 0844 871 3012, www.atgtickets.com/bristolCinderella Fri 6 Dec-Sun 5 Jan, 7pm. £10-£35 • Find out if Cinderella will ever get her fair-ytale ending in this pantomime that features real Shetland ponies as well as a sparkling set and live orchestra. This year’s big name is professional televi-sion twinkle-toes, Louie Spence, with support from Bristol’s ever-hilarious Andy Ford.Happy Days the Musical Mon 3-Sat 8 Mar, 7.30pm. Matinees on Wed and Sat 2.30pm. £15-£39.50 • Relive the 1950s American televi-sion series with this fun musical. With original Fonz Henry Winkler as creative consultant, and star-ring Sugababes’ member Heidi Range, this musical includes 21 songs as well as the much-loved Happy Days theme song from the TV series.

THE BRISTOL OLD VICKing Street, Bristol BS1 4ED. 0117 987 7877, www.bristololdvic.org.ukAntarctica Until Sat 4 Jan. Times vary. £13/£7 (under 2s free) • The BOV studio is transformed into a wintry wonderland that will set imaginations alight as the Little Bulb Theatre take young audi-ences on a chilly journey armed with songs, instruments, puppets and plenty of snowy surprises. The Little Mermaid Until Sat 18 Jan. 2pm & 7pm (& 4pm on Boxing Day & New Year’s Day). £5-£30 • The BOV’s in-house team turns its hand to Hans Christian Andersen’s much-loved tale. If it’s half as excit-ing as last year’s Peter Pan it will be highly impressive. The story follows a young mermaid who is willing to give up her marine life in return for a soul and the love of a young prince. Expect BOV to tease out some intriguing themes.

THE EGGTheatre Royal, Sawclose, Bath BA1 1ET. 01225 448844, www.theatre-royal.org.ukMoominland Midwinter Until Sun 12 Jan, 2pm & 7pm (Mon-Sat), 1pm & 5pm (Sun), 11.30am & 3pm (New Year’s Eve). £10-£15 • The Moomins appear on stage for the first time in this family Christmas fantasy. Waking early from his winter hibernation, Moomintroll sets off to explore a snowy Moominland, but the places which he knows so well in summer have all changed.Hansel and Gretel Mon 17 Feb. 11.30am & 3pm. £7.50 (adult)/£6.50 (child) • A continua-tion of the famous fairy-tale, tell-ing the story of what happened next to the fabled duo after they escaped from the terrible witch and her candy cane cottage. Ages 5+Grandpa’s Railway Wed 19-Sat 22 Feb. 11.30am-3pm. £7.50 (adult)/£6.50 (child) • Featuring live music, a working model rail-way and a coachload of surprises, playful characters embark on an evocative train journey that delves into the past, illuminates the present and lays new tracks for the future.

THEATRE ROYALSawclose, Bath, BA1 1ET. 01225 448844, www.theatreroyal.org.uk Peter Pan Until Sun 12 Jan. Various performances. £17-£105. Discounts apply on ‘purple’ performances only (Children under 14 - £3 off) • An unmissable Christmas treat with everything from flying and special effects to all the traditional ingredients that make this pantomime spectacular.


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

Michaela Strachan’s Really Wild Adventures, Cheltenham Town Hall, Fri 5 Apr

The Emperor’s New Clothes, Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, until Tue 24 Dec

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Cotswold Education specialises in individual one-to-one tuition to support you and your child through their school years and beyond. Our next public event is:

Grammar School Information MorningSaturday February 8th, 2014 in Cheltenham

Tel 01242 572392www.CotswoldEducation.co.uk email: [email protected]

We welcome enquiries from experienced tutors.

PassionateaboutLearning

Our very popular Grammar School Information Morning gives you the opportunity to learn more about how to apply for grammar school, the tests used for selection and a practice session for year 4 and 5 children to try out a test under supervised, timed conditions. The test is likely to change this year and we will be providing the most up to date and helpful

information on the new format. Places are limited so please contact us for further information and to book a place.

Specialised in helping children with learning difficulties and school ‘phobia’. Background in Rudolf Steiner Education and Speech Therapy.

Does your Child lack Confidence & Self Esteem?Do they find it difficult to cope with the Pressure

& Demands of School?Do they need a little extra help with Arithmetic,

Writing & Reading (up to GCSE higher tier)?

p10.indd 1 12/3/2013 11:17:28 AM

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 February, March and April 2014: deadline Mon 6 Jan. If your event is to raise funds for a school or charity, and is open to the public, please let us know. E: [email protected].

PLEASE CHECK BEFORE YOU TRAVELWhile 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!

DECEMBERONGOINGOTTER TALKSlimbridge Wetland Centre, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slim-bridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT. 01453 891223, www.wwt.org.uk, 11.30am & 3pm, included in admis-sion • Meet Slimbridge’s friendly family of Otters: Flo, Minnie and Ha Ha and hear a talk as they tuck into a tasty fish supper.

ONGOINGSEA HEAR STORYTELLINGBrunel’s ss Great Britain, Great Western Dockyard, Bristol, BS1 6TY. 0117 926 0680, www.ssgreatbritain.org, daily, free with general admission • Taking place on the first Tuesday of every month, storyteller Sarah Mooney is an expert at captivating young minds with her immersive yarns. Her free sessions mix original tales with new twists on classic legends and children can join in with stories of whales and angel fish, pirate treasure and stormy seas.

ONGOINGOTTER TALKSlimbridge Wetland Centre, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT. 01453 891223, www.wwt.org.uk, 11.30am & 3pm, included in admission • Meet Slimbridge’s friendly family of Otters: Flo, Minnie and Ha Ha and hear a talk as they tuck into a tasty fish supper.

UNTIL SAT 21 DECCHELTENHAM CHRISTMAS MARKETThe Promenade, Cheltenham, GL50 1NB. 01242 522878, www.cheltenhamchristmasmarket.co.uk, 10am (Mon-Sat)/11am (Sun), free • Back for its 11th year, the 2013 Cheltenham Christmas Mar-

ket hosts German-style wooden chalets offering a range of festive wares. For younger shoppers there are stalls selling traditional wooden toys, puppets and a wide selection of children’s books. Also, German beers and freshly-made crepes.

UNTIL SUN 22 DECSANTA’S GROTTOSlimbridge Wetland Centre, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT. 01453 891223, www.wwt.org.uk, 12pm-4pm, £5 • Open every weekend throughout December, Gloucestershire children can tell Santa their Christmas wishes – and get an early present – when the main man opens up his cosy grotto in the wetland reserve.

UNTIL SUN 22 DECENCHANTED CHRISTMAS AT WESTONBIRTWestonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury, Glos, GL8 8QS. 01666 880220, www.forestry.gogv.uk/westonbirt, 5pm-8.30pm (last entry 7.15pm), £10 (adult)/£8 (concs)/£5 (child) • Westonbirt takes on a different hue this Christmas as a thousand festive lights light up its towering trees on the one-mile illuminated trail. An explosion of colour will have all eyes transfixed, until they get the chance to meet a real reindeer and ‘Saint Nick’ himself. Refreshments, carol singing and traditional merry-go-round rides also on offer.

UNTIL TUE 24 DECSANTA CRUISESLlanthony Warehouse, Gloucester Docks, Gloucester, GL1 2EH. 01452

318200, gloucesterwaterwaysmu-seum.org.uk, 12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm daily, £8.50 including entry to Gloucester Waterways Museum • The ever-popular Santa Cruises return for another year to give families the chance to take a boat trip on the canal with Santa before following him to his workshop to be told a tale. All children get a present.

UNTIL TUE 24 DEC CATCH THE SANTA SPECIALDean Forest Railway, Forest Road, Lydney, Gloucestershire GL15 4ET. 01594 845840, www.deanforestrailway.co.uk, 11.30am, 1pm & 2.30pm, £11 (adult)/£5 (child) • Experience the sound of a steam train pulling through the mysterious forest as Santa moves through the carriages to meet each child. Every child gets a gift, with mince pies for parents.

UNTIL TUE 24 DECSANTA’S GROTTORegent Arcade, High Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1JZ. 01242 521345, www.regentarcade.co.uk, 10am (Sat), 11am (Sun to Fri), £3.50 including gift • Bringing a full sack of Christmas cheer to Cheltenham, Santa returns to the shopping centre to check the names on his list. Each child can whisper their wishes in Santa’s grotto before getting a gift to take home.

UNTIL TUE 24 DECCHRISTMAS AT PRINKNASHThe Bird and Deer Park, Prinknash, Cranham, Gloucester, GL4 8EX. 01452 812727, www.thebirdpark.com, 3.30pm-6pm, £9 • Prinknash has its own resident reindeer and

Rudolf, Prancer and Comet are more popular than ever during the Christmas period. Visitors can enjoy the valley views, where trees, lakes and even the birds are flooded with coloured lighting, creating spec-tacular effects to be enjoyed as you walk throughout the park. A host of festive activities include Santa in a hand crafted sleigh.

UNTIL SAT 4 JANCHRISTMAS AT LONGLEATLongleat, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7NW. 01985 844400, www.longleat.co.uk, 10am-8pm, online discount £13.50 (adult)/£9.90 (child) plus additional charges for Santa Train and Ice Skating • Alongside the much-loved park attractions, Longleat welcomes the Santa Special Train and a winter wonderland ice rink this


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

ROUNDABOUTROUNDABOUT

Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum until Sun 22 Dec. Pic: Paul Groom.

»

Catch the Santa Special, Dean Forest Railway, until Tue 24 Dec.

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WINTER OPENING 10 TILL 5PLAY BARN

ONLY

p12.indd 1 12/3/2013 11:23:41 AM

Christmas, set against the spec-tacular backdrop of the house and its snow-covered woods.

UNTIL SUN 5 JANCOTSWOLD CRAFTSMENCorinnium Museum, Park Street, Cirencester, GL7 2BX. 01285 655611. www.coriniummuseum.org • The Cotswold Craftsmen are a well-established group whose membership includes a rich cross section of craftsmen, designers and artists. This is an exhibition of traditional skills combined with contemporary techniques and ideas.

UNTIL SUN 5 JANTHE PERFECT CHRISTMAS TREEClearwell Caves Ancient Iron Mines, Near Coleford, Royal Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, GL16 8JR. 01594 832535, www.clear-wellcaves.com, 10am-5pm (30 Nov-23 Dec)/10am-4pm (24 Dec and 27 Dec-5 Jan), £8.50 per per-son, under 2s free • The Tuppence family have found their perfect Christmas tree in the forest, they struggle to bring it home until Tilly Tuppence has a brilliant idea...See Father Christmas and receive a present before following this magical tale as you walk through the glittering caves.

UNTIL SUN 5 JANTHE XMAS FACTOR TRAILGloucester Cathedral, College Green, GL1 2LR. 01452 528095, www.gloucestercathedral.org.uk, 10.45am-3.15pm (Mon-Sat)/12pm-2.30pm (Sun), free • Get along to the Xmas factor trail, through the cathedral’s stone corridors, to meet the stars of the first Christmas story and discover what gave them the original ‘X-Factor’.

UNTIL SUN 5 JANSKATE UNDER THE STARSAt-Bristol, Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5DB. 0845 345 1235, www.at-bristol.org.uk, £7.50 (adult)/£5.50 (child)/group rates also apply • New this winter is the Harbourside’s first ice rink, as Millennium Square is transformed into a winter playground where you can skate with friends and family next to the giant bauble of the At-Bristol Planetarium.

UNTIL SUN 5 JANCHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVALLacock Abbey, Fox Talbot Museum and Village, Lacock, near Chippenham, SN15 2LG. 01249 730459, www.nationaltrust.org/lacock, 11am-3.30pm, free event but normal admission charges apply • Experience the magic of twinkly Christmas trees displayed in the beautiful medieval cloisters. Local community groups have been hard at work decorating the 25 trees that star in this glittering show.

UNTIL SUN 5 JANFESTIVE ICE SKATINGThe Royal Pavilion, Royal Avenue, Bath BA1 2NR. 07583 258688, www.bathonice.com, off-peak £8.50 (adult)/£7 (child), peak £9.50 (adult)/£8.50 (child) • Enjoy skating on a real ice rink in spectacular Royal Victoria Park beneath the famous Royal Crescent in the centre of Bath. This year sees a new Christmas avenue lit up at night with a larger cafe serving a delicious range of treats from mulled wine and mince pies to roasted chestnuts and siz-zling hot dogs.

UNTIL MON 6 JANSANTA’S LACOCK HELPERLacock Abbey, Fox Talbot Museum and Village, Lacock, near Chippenham, SN15 2LG. 01249 730459, www.nationaltrust.org/lacock, 11am-3pm, free event but normal admission charges

apply • Collect a list of gifts and help Father Christmas deliver his stack of presents to the staff and animals at Lacock Abbey. Wear outdoor clothes and shoes.

UNTIL SUN 12 JANROMAN EMPIRE: POWER AND PEOPLEBristol Museum & Art Gallery, Queens Road, Bristol BS8 1RL. 0117 922 3571. 10am-6pm, £3-£5 • Explore the conquest of the Roman Empire, and see how its impact stretched from Britain to the Eastern world. The exhibition displays over 70 Roman objects collected from around the world.

UNTIL FRI 31 JANSTICK MAN TRAILWestonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury, Glos GL8 8QS. 01666 880220, www.forestry.gogv.uk/westonbirt, 10am-4pm, general admission charges apply • Meeting by the Great Oak Hall, discover the best bits about sticks with this activity based on Julia Donaldson’s book, ‘Stick Man’. Suitable for Ages 3+.

UNTIL SAT 22 FEBDECOY DEMONSTRATIONSSlimbridge Wetland Centre, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT. 01453 891223, www.wwt.org.uk, 2pm, normal admission charges apply • How do you catch a duck with a dog? Find out as you watch Slimbridge Wetland Centre’s very own four-legged friend assist with conservation work catching birds to ring in decoy nets.

SAT 14 DECA VERY VICTORIAN CHRISTMASGloucester Folk Museum, 103 Westgate, St. Gloucester GL1 2PG. 01452 503050, www.gloucestermuseums.co.uk, 6-9PM, £8 (adult)/£5 (child) • Find out how the Victorian’s celebrated Christmas with themed quizzes, trails, activities and re-enactors.

SAT 14 DECCHRISTMAS PARTYThe Chantry Centre, Lister Hall, 36 Long Street, Dursley, Gloucestershire, GL11 4BD. 07878

865297, www.worldjungle.org.uk, 8pm, £5 (advance)/£7 (on the door) • Celebrating its first anni-versary, The Coco Club – based at the centre - throws a winter boogie that will have all ages rocking around the Christmas tree. Kicking off with the Just Jive team of Jimmy & Lisa, who teach the party some swinging dance moves, local DJs provide the soundtrack for the rest of the night.

SAT 14-SUN 15 DECCHRISTMAS MARKETS AT TAURUS CRAFTSTaurus Crafts, The Old Park, Lydney, Forest of Dean, GL15 6BU. 01594 844841, www.tauruscrafts.co.uk, 10am-5.30pm • Browse festive stalls for stocking fillers, freshly cut trees and winter-warm-ing food and drink at Lydney’s larg-est Christmas market.

TUE 17 DECA CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION WITH THE TANHOUSE SINGERSNature in Art, A38, Twigworth, Gloucester, GL2 9PA. 01452 731422, www.nature-in-art.org.uk, times TBC, £8 • Back by popular demand this well-known Gloucestershire based choir per-forms carols, festive music and readings. Mince pies and mulled wine included in a finger buffet.

THU 19 DECCHRISTMASES PAST – COLIN CHAPMAN TALKSoldiers of Gloucestershire Museum, Gloucester Docks, Gloucester, GL1 2HE. 01452 522682, www.glosters.org.uk, time tbc, £6-£5 • Learn all about festive customs and traditions of the past, with historian Colin Chapman.

THU 19 DECSTOCKING FILLER MARKETGloucester City Centre, Gloucester, GL1 1PD. 5pm-8.30pm, free • Lots of stalls and pre-Christmas enter-tainment. An opportunity to buy those last minute gifts from this final Gate Street market of the year.

FRI 20 DECBRISTOL VOICES: CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHTBristol Cathedral, College Green, Bristol, BS1 5TS, www.bristolvoices.co.uk, 7.30pm, Tickets are avail-able from Opus 13 Music, 14 St Michael’s Hill. 0117 923 0164, £12 for reserved seats and £6 for unre-served seats • Bristol Voices Junior Choir sing in one of the traditional highlights of the city’s Christmas festivities - Carols by Candlelight at Bristol Cathedral. The evening also features Bristol Cathedral Choir, Dave Harvey (BBC Points West) and Chris Torpy.

FRI 20 DECFESTIVE FRIDAY AND ILLUMINATED CHRISTMAS TRAILSBatsford Arboretum, Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, GL56 9AB. 01386 701441, www.batsarb.co.uk, 5pm-7pm, £5 per child • Follow the

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Christmas at Clearwell Caves, The Perfect Christmas Tree, until Sun 5 Jan.

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

Carols at Gloucester Cathedral, which hosts the Xmas Factor Trail until Sun 5 Jan.





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

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illuminated Christmas trail in the arboretum to visit Santa in his unusual grotto. Enjoy festive food on the Garden Terrace Café before stocking up on mistletoe and a host of gift ideas in the Arboretum Gift shop.

FRI 20 DECFLOODLIT SWAN SUPPERSlimbridge Wetland Centre, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT. 01453 891223, www.wwt.org.uk, 6.15pm for 6.30pm start, £26 excluding admission • Relax in the comfort of Slimbridge’s heated observatory, with a glass of mulled wine, as the centre’s beautiful Bewick’s swans are fed by an expert warden. Learn their incred-ible stories and watch them feed among thousands of other birds. A three course meal is included in the ticket price.

FRI 20 DEC-SAT 4 JANCRANEBERRY FESTSlimbridge Wetland Centre,

Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT. 01453 891223, www.wwt.org.uk, 11.30am-3.30pm, included in admission • Find out what cranes, the elegant wetland bird, and cranberries have in common by following the craneberry trail and making cranberry Christmas decorations.

SAT 21 DECCHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS CRAFTSNature in Art, A38, Twigworth, Gloucester, GL2 9PA. 01452 731422, www.nature-in-art.org.uk, 9.30am-4pm, £6 advance book-ing • A chance to get the younger kids creative this Christmas with a day of fun-packed activities for all ages.

SAT 21 DECFANTASTIC FESTIVITIESBridge Street, Bath, BA2 4AT. 01225 477233, www.victoriagal.org.uk, 2pm-3.30pm, £4 per child, for 5 to 11 years • Make wise men and Rudoph the red-nose rein-deer in this arts and craft activity afternoon with the big day less than a week away.

SAT 21 DECTWILIGHT AND ILLUMINATIONS TOURCity Sight-Seeing Bristol, Stop 1 on Broad Quay, City Centre, BS1 4DA. 07425 788123, www.citysightseeingbristol.co.uk, 4.30pm, £12 (adult)/£2 (child) • See Bristol illuminated by the Christmas lights on one of these open-top bus rides. Wrapped up in one of the warm red blankets and the promise of a hot drink at the end, sit back and enjoy Bristol in its Christmas glory aboard the tour bus. Even life-long residents of the city may find something new.

SAT 21 DECSANTA’S CHARITY GROTTOThe Brewery, Henrietta St, Cheltenham GL50 4FA. 01242 574378, www.thebrewerychel-tenham.co.uk, 12pm-4pm, charity donations welcome to MacMillan Cancer Support • Meet Santa in his grotto, take him your Christmas lists and have your photo taken. Santa gives a small chocolate gift to every child he meets. The grotto interior is lavishly decorated by the Everyman Theatre and staffed by the Stonehouse Rotary club with Christmas star decorations from Cheltenham school children.

SAT 21 DECSAINT CECILIA SINGERS CHRISTMAS CONCERTGloucester Cathedral, College Green, GL1 2LR. 01452 229813, www.gloucestercathedral.org.uk, 7.30pm, £14/£7 (under18s) • The Saint Cecilia Singers cham-ber choir has strong links to Gloucester Cathedral and per-forms a Christmas concert featur-ing traditional choral songs and audience participation.

SAT 21-SUN 22 DECFESTIVE TRAIL AT HIDCOTEHidcote, Hidcote Bartrim, near Chipping Campden, GL55 6LR. 01386 438333, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hidcote, 11am-3pm, £5 (child: includes trail, gift and photo with Santa) • No booking needed, take part in the garden’s festive trail which winds through the pic-turesque site before leading into Santa’s friendly grotto.

SUN 22 DECLA NATIVITE DU SEIGNEUR ORGAN RECITALGloucester Cathedral, College Green, GL1 2LR. 01452 528095, www.gloucestercathedral.org.uk, 6pm, free • Olivier Messiaen’s

great Christmas work, La Nativité du Seigneur, will be performed at Gloucester Cathedral by Jeremy Cole.

MON 23 DECLE ENSEMBLE CHRISTMAS CONCERTSt Laurence Church, The Shambles, Stroud, GL5 1AP. 01453 760900, 7.30pm-9.30pm, £13 (adult)/free (under 18s) • A diverse evening of music from Le Page Ensemble, also featuring folk duo Jack McNeill and Charlie Heys, and local actor Trevor T Smith. Music by Bach, Mozart and Jeff Buckley, as well as folk carols and more.

THU 26 DECBIBURY DUCK RACERiver Coln, Bibury, Gloucestershire. www.bibury-cricketclub.co.uk, 11am, free for spectators • Quintessentially eccentric, the annual Bibury Duck Race is one of Gloucestershire’s most unusual - and popular attractions - pulling in the crowds every year. Enjoy a family day out watching the yel-low bobbing birds float through the pretty village.

THU 26 DECBOXING DAY AT BATSFORDBatsford Arboretum, Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, GL56 9AB. 01386 701441, www.batsarb.co.uk, 10am-3pm, £7 (adult)/£3 (child) • Take a magical Christmas stroll in Batsford’s arboretum. Includes a free mug of mulled wine for each customer.

THU 26-TUE 31 DECEXHIBITION AND WHISPERING GALLERYGloucester Cathedral, College Green, GL1 2LR. 01452 528095, www.gloucestercathedral.org.uk, from 11.15am-3.45pm, closed Sun 29 Dec, £2 but free for accom-panying children • A chance to learn about the cathedral’s Great East Window that houses a rich tapestry of stained glass; finding out how and why it was made, and also experience the mysterious Whispering Gallery. SAT 28 DECBIRDS OF PREY DAYJohn Moore Museum, 41 Church Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5SN. 01684 297174, www.johnmoore-museum.org, drop in between 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm, £3 (adult)/£2 (child)/free (under 5s) • J.R.C.S. Falconry are welcomed back to answer questions about birds of prey and the ancient dis-cipline of falconry. Meet a Steppe Eagle, a Barn Owl, an Eagle Owl, an American Kestrel, a Peregrine Falcon and an American Red Tailed Buzzard.

SAT 28, SUN 29 DEC & WED 1 JANNEW YEAR MINCE PIE SPECIALSDean Forest Railway, Forest Road, Lydney, Gloucestershire GL15 4ET. 01594 845840, www.

Wrap up warm for the Twighlight and Illuminations Tour, Bristol, Sat 21 Dec.

Festive Friday and Illuminated Christmas Trails at Batsford Arboretum, Fri 20 Dec, plus Boxing Day at Batsford.



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

» deanforestrailway.co.uk, 10.30am, £11 (adult)/£5 (child)/£30 fam-ily (2 adults & 2 children) • Relax after Christmas with a steam trip through the winter forest and have a mince pie..

JANUARYMON 6 JANHOME EDUCATOR DAY: EXPLORING PHYSICSAt-Bristol, Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5DB. 0845 345 3344, www.at-bristol.org.uk, 10.30am-2.30pm, £11 per child, pre-booking required • A day filled with activities and experiments, exclu-sively for home educating families. Suitable for 5 to 15-year-olds.

TUE 7 JAN-SUN 2 MARSUPER STAR TRAILLacock Abbey, Fox Talbot Museum and Village, Lacock, near Chippenham, SN15 2LG. 01249 730459, www.nationaltrust.org/lacock, daily 11am-4pm, free event but normal admission charges apply • Become a space super star on this family trail around the illustrious Lacock grounds. Learn about the vastness of space and hunt for stars hidden around the Fox Talbot Museum.

SAT 11 JANUSE NATURE TO HELP HUMANSBath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution, 16-18 Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2HN. 01225 312084, www.brlsi.org, 1pm-4pm, termly membership £12 (3 workshops) £6 per child, [email protected], pay on line at www.brlsi.org/shop/youthactivities • An afternoon of science workshops for children aged 8+. Professor Julian Vincent explains how we can learn and copy the tricks used by plants to improve our own lives. The afternoon also includes a chance to find out more about molecules and their structure by making models.

SAT 11 JANGET INSPIREDColston Hall, Colston Street, Bristol, BS1 5AR. 0844 887 1500 or 0117 204 7126, www.colstonhall.

org, 10.30am-11.30am for 4 to 6 year olds, 10.30am-12pm for 7 to 10 year olds, £7 per session, [email protected] • Children can unlock their cre-ativity through fusing music, sto-rytelling, arts and crafts. Sessions include exploring characters, sound effects, singing, song writ-ing and costume and prop making. There are opportunities for group and individual creative work and workshops culminate in a sharing or performance activity.

SUN 12 JANPOLES ALOUDColston Hall, Colston Street, Bristol, BS1 5AR. 0844 887 1500, www.colstonhall.org, 3pm, free • Returning for the third annual Poles Aloud event, Polish bands and artists perform over two floors giving Bristol a real taste of Polish culture. Suitable for families.

FRI 17 JANWASSAIL AT LACOCK ABBEYLacock Abbey, Fox Talbot Museum and Village, Lacock, near Chippenham, SN15 2LG. 01249 730459, www.nationaltrust.org/lacock, 6.45pm-8.30pm, £8 (adult)/£4 (child) • Take a pot, pan or wooden spoon to help members of staff scare the evil spirits out of apple trees and hope for a fruit-ful year in the grounds of Lacock. Expect live music, warming soup and punch, plus a unique chance

to experience the abbey orchard and grounds after dark.

SAT 25 JAN-31 DEC 2014GEORGIANS: 18TH CENTURY DRESS FOR POLITE SOCIETY Bath Fashion Museum, Bath Assembly Rooms, Bennett Street, Bath, BA1 2QH, 01225 477789, www.fashionmuseum.co.uk, £7.75/£5.75 • The museum’s spe-cial exhibition for 2014 includes over 30 original 18th century costumes from the museum’s world-class collection and special Georgian inspired outfits from top fashion designers.

FRI 31 JANUNDER THE STARS – ASTRONOMY EVENINGSlimbridge Wetland Centre, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT. 01453 891223, www.wwt.org.uk, 7pm, £10 • Unlock the secrets of the night sky and have a go at star-gazing with this ‘Tour of the Universe’ event. Learn about the stars at a talk in the cinema before joining the experts from Astronomia outside. On a clear night you should get to see Jupiter around 9pm, the Andromeda Galaxy will be well placed as will the Pleiades star cluster..

FEBRUARYSAT 1-SUN 2 FEBSLIMBRIDGE FESTIVAL OF BIRDS 2014Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT. 01453 891223, www.wwt.org.uk, 9.30am-5pm, included in gen-eral admission • Celebrate bird watching at this special event which should see the reserve reach peak numbers of wildfowl and the friendly ‘guides in the hides’ ensure that visitors see the best wildlife on offer.

SAT 8 FEBWILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY FOR BEGINNERSSlimbridge Wetland Centre, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2

7BT. 01453 891223, www.wwt.org.uk, 10am-4pm, £60 • Starting with an illustrated introductory session looking at composition, technique and equipment, students head outside for a practical session of nature photography. Small course numbers ensure that there’s time for one to one tuition.

TUE 11 & WED 19 FEBEARLY SPRING WALK WITH LACOCK’S HEAD GARDENERLacock Abbey, Fox Talbot Museum and Village, Lacock, near Chippenham, SN15 2LG. 01249 730459, www.nationaltrust.org/lacock, 2.30pm-3.30pm, free event but normal admis-sion charges apply • As spring slowly approaches, discover the beauty of early flowers on this walk among snowdrops, winter aconites and, possibly, a carpet of purple crocuses in the Victorian woodland grounds.

FRI 14 FEBADVANCED BIRDERSlimbridge Wetland Centre, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT. 01453 891223, www.wwt.org.uk, 8am, £27 • For those looking to take their bird watching to the next level, this in depth lesson helps enthusiasts to assess fine details such as plumage, weather conditions and habitats.

SAT 15-SUN 23 FEBHALF TERM ACTIVITIESChedworth Roman Villa, Yanworth, near Cheltenham, GL54 3LJ. 01242 890256, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chedworth-roman-villa, 10.30am-4pm, free event but normal admission charges apply • Be the first to visit the villa in 2014, as the historic site opens for the 150th Anniversary Year of Victorian Discovery. Half-term art and craft activities for children with a small charge for materials.

SAT 22-SUN 23 FEBNEW TESTAMENT GREEKGloucester Cathedral, College Green, GL1 2LR. [email protected], www.ancient-greekinbristol.com • A weekend course for complete beginners interested in learning more about this ancient language with tutor Paul Pritchard MA, BA, PhD.

FRI 28 FEB-SUN 9 MARBATH LITERATURE FESTIVALVarious venues throughout Bath. 01225 462231, www.bathfestivals.org.uk, prices and events tbc • With early tickets already on sale, next year’s festival promises to expand upon the success of 2013’s event which saw the literary world descend upon the streets of Bath for 10 days. The 2014 event is under the watchful guidance of artistic director and writer, Viv Groskop.

Use Nature to Help Humans, BRLSI, Bath, Sat 11 Jan.

Half term activities at Chedworth Roman Villa, Sat 15 - Sun 23 Feb.

LISTINGS BY ALEX SAUNDERS



Fun at the AquariumThere’s a fun-packed programme

of festive themed events and activi-ties taking place at Bristol Aquarium over the Christmas Holidays (Sat 21 Dec to Sun 5 Jan). The Harbourside wildlife attraction is staging 10 different daily talks, feeds and workshops through-out the festive period.

Visitors can enjoy a huge variety of events ranging from behind-the-scenes tours and craft workshops to fish feeding demonstrations. You can even see how a traditional ‘Fishmas Dinner’ is prepared. Be warned, though, squid is on the menu!

For younger visitors there’s the chance to join the aquarium’s giant cuddly costume character Charlie the Clownfish for story time with a selec-tion of fishy-theme tales.

The aquarium showcases native and tropical marine and freshwater creatures from around the world in naturally themed habitats designed to inspire deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural world.

Ffi: Bristol Aquarium Anchor Road, Harbourside, BS1 5TT. T: 0117 929 8929 W: www.bristolaquarium.co.uk

Splashtastic!

Swim Academy is a range of classes offered by Puddle Ducks for primary school-aged children who want to learn to swim in a fun and structured atmosphere. Its aim is for swimmers to foster a love for all things aquatic while gaining water confidence, developing smooth and efficient swimming strokes, and learn-ing important life-saving skills.

Beginners’ sessions are both fun and nurturing. The focus of these classes is to help your child with their water confidence and introduce basic skills to enable them to move inde-pendently and confidently through the water.

With excellent child/teacher ratios, children also spend much more of their lesson time actually learning how to swim and developing their techniques. Puddle Ducks Swim Academy teachers constantly analyse strokes to teach an efficient and effective style. Sign up for one of its ‘splashtastic’ classes in Cheltenham and Gloucester today.

Ffi: Puddle Ducks T: 01452 473073 W: www.puddleducks.com

Rocket RobinAt the Bacon Theatre, Wed 22 to Sun 26 Jan 2014, 7pm and Sat & Sun matinees, 2.30pm

For 2014 Promenade Productions, Cheltenham’s most popular ‘panto provider’ have chosen a pantomime which comes with more than its fair share of mayhem and merriment.

Follow the legendary Robin Hood, as he battles the evil Sheriff of Nottingham to free the land from tyranny. Robin is aided by his merry men including Little John, Friar Tuck and Alan-a-Dale, while the evil Sheriff is hindered by his idiotic henchmen. Both Robin and the Sheriff are distracted by the beauty of Maid Marian.

So if you want to be thoroughly entertained, Robin Hood the Panto has lots of laughs, stunning sets, fabulous costumes and great dance routines. See you in Sherwood Forest!

Ffi and to book: Robin Hood, the Panto £8-£14 (£30 family of four on Wed and Thur). T: Showcase on 01242 224144.

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Parents’ & teachers’

news, education & contactsPinboard

The Perfect Christmas Tree

Clearwell Caves – Christmas Fantasy

Looking for a spectacular Christmas event for the family? Discover Santa in his real underground Christmas Grotto with fantastic colourful displays.

Forget Lapland, this event is really popular with children and adults alike because of its wonderful seasonal scenes. This year the event tells the story of ‘The Perfect Christmas Tree’: the Tuppence family search for their perfect tree but things do not go to plan, until daughter Tilly has a bright idea…

See Father Christmas, experi-ence the amazing displays such as a huge pop-up book, an underground Christmas Market and an underground café. Ample free car and coach park-ing.

The Christmas Fantasy runs until Tue 24 Dec 2013 and, after Christmas, displays re-open Wed 27 Dec to Thu 5 Jan. 10am to 4 pm daily. Entry is £8.50 for adults or children, including a quality gift for children between 2 and 14 years old plus magical tale every Friday until 8pm.

Ffi: www.clearwellcaves.com

Finding the right direction

Performing arts classes - helping every child, in performance and in life!

If you thought drama classes were full of kids who wanted to be the next Harry Potter, think again. Many parents and young people have realised that the real benefit is the increased confidence and improved communication skills that such sessions offer.

Performing arts education such as that offered by the Pauline Quirke Academy, has a wonderful effect on young people and the success stories are impressive. Children who were once incredibly shy have not only put their hands up in class for the first time, but have then gone on to achieve previously unthinkable feats, such as singing in front of an audience or pre-senting to a room of their peers. And, while young children learn essential life skills like listening and responding effectively, canny teenagers with an eye on their future know that the abil-ity to engage any audience, especially at a university or job interview, can give you the edge in a very competitive world. To book a free taster session, visit the website

Ffi: Pauline Quirke Academy W: www.pqacademy.com T: 0845 673 2022.Creative

Christmas at Taurus

Celebrate a crea-tive Christmas by doing your seasonal shopping at Taurus Crafts, where you can choose from an inspi-

rational selection of crafts and gifts and even make your own.

At the working pottery find beautiful hand-made ceramics or throw and paint your own pot. The Gift Shop promises the region’s best selection of design-led gifts and crafts, plus fair trade products. Onsite Craft Units include picture fram-ing, jewellery, textiles and knitting, while the Garden Retreat offers therapies and treatments.

For gifts for “foodies” visit Cowshill farm shop, then take a break in the Whole-food Café.

For stylish Christmas trimmings, look no further than the Taurus Christmas Shop while Christmas trees are supplied by foresters from nearby Lydney Park Estate.

Ffi: Taurus Crafts The Old Park, outside Lydney on the A48, Gloucestershire. Open 10am to 5.30pm daily T: 01594 844841 W: www.tauruscrafts.co.uk

Pauline Quirke

13 Glos Pinboard Xmas 2013.indd 2 12/4/2013 11:37:07 AM

The start of a new year can be an anti-climax after Christmas. For many it’s difficult to find a focus

and even those who make New Year’s Resolutions find it hard to stick to them. Perhaps a positive approach is the key to success. Finding a new hobby or interest is the perfect way to fill the gap left behind by chocolate, wine, or whatever else you’ve given up. Here are a few ideas to help you bring the family together and spend time pursuing a new pas-time in the New Year.

The great outdoorsKids love nothing more than get-ting out of the house and going out into the world to explore, and taking them on walks or visits means they’re bound to see something new along the way. Gloucestershire is lucky to have some beautiful landscapes with terrain gentle enough to explore with children. Plus, it’s

home to some of the loveliest hills in the Cotswolds. The National Trust takes care of some pretty places for a quiet stroll, such as Woodchester Park and Crickley Hill. Or, if you’re after a wilder experience, the Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens is just across the Oxfordshire border and home to animals from all over the world. Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens T: 01993 823006 W: www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.ukThe National Trust Gloucestershire T: 01985 843600W: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Pottering aboutWhether you’re thinking of sell-ing your creations or keeping them for yourself, pottery will test your skill and originality in a fun, experimental way. For skilled guidance, the Potthouse in Cheltenham offers a profes-sional workshop environment and an eight-week pottery mak-ing course for beginners. It also hosts sessions for children and families so you can give it a go together. Gloucestershire has a selection of pottery studios where you can turn up and paint, including the Paint It Yourself Pottery Co. in Cheltenham, who even have a mobile studio.Paint It Yourself Pottery Co. T: 01242 575700 W: www.piyp.co.uk

The Potthouse T: 07794 850448 W: www.thepotthouse.co.uk

Digging for victory If you dread dragging the kids round the shops to get the ingre-dients for dinner then growing your own could be a good alterna-tive. Investing time in a vegetable patch means you know exactly what you’re eating. Showing children how to plant, care for and cook fruit and veg will let them experience first-hand the journey food makes from seed, to soil, to spoon. If you don’t have a garden with a suitable space for a vegetable patch consider rent-ing an allotment. Gloucestershire City Council provides information about allotment sites and vacan-cies on its websites and are more than happy to help find the best one for you. Gloucestershire City Council T: 01452 396396 W: www.

gloucester.gov.uk/resident/leisure-parks-and-events

Flour power!After the success of The Great British Bake Off people across the country have been inspired to turn their hand to baking. Are you one of them? Baking cakes, biscuits, puddings and other delights from scratch is always popular with kids and a really good way to start teach-ing them skills in the kitchen. Joining a course is a good option if you don’t know where to start and are looking for some professional guid-ance. Harts Barn cookery school near Mitcheldean has an extensive range of courses for adults and chil-dren covering all types of cookery. Classes include catering for special-ist dietary requirements, round the world cuisine, and pasta making from scratch. Harts Barn Cookery School T: 01452 831719W: www.hartsbarncookeryschool.co.uk

It’s all child’s playFitness and exercise are important no matter what age you are, and it’s easier to keep fit as a family than you might think. As well as popular family activities such as swimming and cycling there are a whole vari-ety of other sports to try. Playing Frisbee is a good alternative to foot-ball. For older children, water-based activities such as kayaking or raft-ing provide the opportunity to get out into the fresh air. With the river Wye right on the doorstep there’s really no excuse not to. In North Gloucestershire ,Paddle Adventure host a range of introductory day courses and kayaking tours across the South West. Paddle Adventure T: 01242 224086 W: www.paddleadventure.co.uk

New year, new hobby? Rose Bonsier and Tom Olver report on ways for the whole family to keep away from those consoles.

Busy hands

CHRISTMAS 2013 17PRIMARY TIMES

13 Glos Features Xmas 2013.indd 7 12/4/2013 3:21:08 PM


There’s always one. Perhaps Great Uncle Fred hasn’t realised that Tiffany is now a preco-

cious eight year old and the toddler’s onesie he gave her for Christmas is not fit for purpose. Or there’s Cousin Madge, who’s given you the same salmon pink sweater, four and a half sizes too big, for the third Christmas in a row. Most of us are too polite to point out the errors, but will we allow these unwanted visitors to hang around the house for another five years?

Classifieds website gum-tree.com calculates that, as a nation, we gave and received presents we didn’t want to the value of £2.4 billion last year, while over the festive period, Gloucestershire alone gener-ated 29,000 tonnes of waste. But somehow it just doesn’t feel right to simply throw away the gift. There are a number of local initiatives that would be grate-ful for the chance to give your presents a new lease of life.

Children’s Scrapstore has seen great success and has grown beyond its Bristol ori-gins, with organisations now operating in North Somerset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire. The Gloucestershire Resource Centre (GRC), for example, oper-ates the county’s main scrap-store and serves as a valuable link for local institutions (such as schools) that need materials for creative activities. Although they mainly receive donated resources from local businesses, the GRC works hard to promote the re-use of clean waste materi-als and is always in need of items that some of us might throw straight in the bin. Contact the centre directly to check the suit-ability of any unwanted materials you may have.

Elsewhere, there are now 11 toy libraries across Gloucestershire loaning toys free of charge to registered child-minders, home child carers and foster carers across the county. These centres gladly accept donations and

provide a great opportunity for carers to borrow resources that support and encourage children’s play. Further information and the location of these libraries can be found on the Gloucestershire County Council website.

For those looking further afield, Operation Christmas Child is an international programme that encourages participants to design a shoe box and fill it with gifts for children in countries as far away as Zambia, Uganda and Haiti. It’s run by the charity Samaritan’s Purse, which organises the dis-tribution of the shoeboxes to the people who need them most. Anyone wishing to take part in the scheme, either as an individual or part of a group, can design and fill their shoebox and drop it off at one of a network of depots throughout the West Country: there are six in Wiltshire, six in Gloucestershire and six in the Bristol area, and collection has been running since November. You could even start work on next year’s shoe box right now.

It’s clear, then, that whether you want to support a health organisation, an environmental scheme or international relief work, there are a plethora of out-lets for your unwanted presents, not forgetting the local charity shop on the high street. Whatever you do, don’t throw them away!

Gloucestershire Resource Centre City Works, Alfred Street, Gloucester, GL1 4DF. T: 01452 504442 W: www.grclted.org Gloucestershire County Council Toy Libraries Contact Child-minding Support & Toy Library Administrator Carol Holt for more information T: 07917 601685 E: [email protected] W: www.gloucestershire.gov.ukOperation Christmas Child Local depot: Centre Christian Bookshop, 5 London Road, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL5 2AG T: 01453 764713 W: www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk

That’s not what I asked for!Get something you didn’t want for Christmas? Phin Adams says plenty of organisations will help you put those gifts to good use.

Pic

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Children in Liberia receiving gifts through Operation Christmas Child.

Gloucestershire Resource Centre


CHRISTMAS 2013 19PRIMARY TIMES

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Advertis ing Feature


Mathematics at Marling is thriving

Marling School is a selective, non-fee paying 11 to 18 gram-mar school for boys located in Stroud. It has a long history of academic success and recently celebrated another year of outstanding results with 48% A*-A grades (95% A*-C) at GCSE and 32% A*-A (83% A*-C) at A-level. Students enjoy excellent facilities and

the school has recently opened a new computing suite, new sci-ence laboratories and is currently underway with a £3.7m project to build new classrooms and a dining hall.

The school offers a huge range of opportunities for students across all subjects. For instance, Year 7 students recently took part in The Enigma Project run by the Millennium Mathematics Project at the University of Cambridge. Students were taught about the history of codes from the Spartans through to World War II and were truly inspired to see an original World War II Enigma Machine bringing the mathematics of code breaking to life. One Year 7 student said, “I really enjoyed how we all got to join in by solving our own codes… it’s made me think about a career in code breaking. There are so many fun opportunities to explore maths at Marling.”

Preparations are also well underway for the prestigious national individual and team competitions run by the UK Mathematics Trust. Dr James Cranch from Sheffield University recently gave Marling School Sixth form students training to help them mentor younger students and the school has extended an invitation to some local primary school students to develop their own mathematical talents.

Marling School was inspected by Ofsted in November 2013 and the full report can be seen on its website.

• Ffi Marling School W: www.marling.gloucs.sch.uk.

The ‘Triple A’ approach

Stroud High School is a selective 11 to 18 girls’ school serving both the local area and welcoming stu-dents coming from much further afield.

While it has a long history of excellent academic achievement, it celebrates the ‘personal best’ for each and every student, an approach that is central to its val-ues statement:

“Stroud High School: a learning community valuing respect, per-sonal best … and a spirit of fun.”

Stroud High School is a happy and successful school with a special atmosphere and sense of community which is often com-mented upon by visitors. Relationships between staff and students are warm and respectful and partnership and cooperation are cen-tral to its ethos.

In 2013, an Ofsted English Inspection graded the English Department ‘Outstanding’, and commented, “Attainment in English by the end of Year 11 has been high for the past three years and students make outstanding progress across the school.” It added, “Attainment in A level courses is above average. Students make good and often outstanding progress.”

The school’s last Section 5 Ofsted inspection graded the school as ‘Outstanding’ and noted that, “Girls thrive at this excellent school. Outstanding academic achievement is matched by excep-tional personal development. Stroud High School students are con-fident, articulate and exceptionally well behaved.”

The school’s unique ‘Triple A Award’ lays down a challenge for every student to make the most of their seven years in Stroud High school. ‘Triple A’ stands for aspiration, achievement and altruism, encapsulating the importance it places on a holistic approach to student development.

• Ffi Stroud High School W: www.stroudhigh.gloucs.sch.uk

13 Glos advertising features Xmas 2013.indd 26 12/4/2013 11:23:06 AM




Making your daughter feel special

A party can do so much for a child’s self esteem and Glitter and Gloss offers a fun way for girls to explore their more glamorous side. As the company has discov-ered in its years of offering party packages to girls of all ages, here are five tips to make your daugh-ter feel special:Give honest praise for hard work and accomplishments isn’t about offering empty flat-tery – she knows insincerity when she hears it. Teach her that effort reaps rewards, while diligence and hard work always pay off in time. Encourage her to do and give her best so there are no regrets and encourage her to accept compli-ments with grace.Validation is critical as we grow up to realise we have something to offer the world. Recognising she has a voice is vital. Ask her opinion on things and for advice: show her that her ideas matter and that what she has to say is important.Girls who engage regularly in sports or other fitness activities feel more self-confident and are more resilient to negative peer pres-sure. Explore a wide variety of activities together to see what she likes best and where she can excel. In other words, give her an opportunity to find her gifts and talents.Take time to compliment her on her inner beauty. In a world where they are sometimes judged by appearance, they don’t always “fit in” at every stage of their lives. Talk about being a loyal friend, hav-ing a good sense of humour and being honest: things that will stand her in good stead for life.

• Ffi Glitter & Gloss W: www.glitterandgloss.co.uk

From Craneberry Fest to Father ChristmasIt’s well known that birds and cranberries go hand in hand but The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) at Slimbridge is not talking turkey and its birds aren’t for Christmas dinner!

Throughout December and January (until 26 Jan), WWT Slimbridge, with the farmer-owned Ocean Spray cranberry coopera-tive, hosts the first ever Craneberry Fest, a celebration of the cran-berry and the iconic wetland bird, the crane.

Visit in the run up to the festivities to make beautiful cranberry decorations for the tree and visit after Christmas, and into the New Year to make cranberry bird feeders. Look out, too, for the special Craneberry Fest Trail.

Father Christmas also takes up residence at WWT Slimbridge on weekend afternoons in December as a building normally used for duck ringing makes a dramatic transformation into a beautiful rustic grotto, decorated with holly, ivy and twinkling lights.

Sally Munro, WWT Slimbridge marketing manager says, “The fes-tive season has to be the best time of year to visit a WWT Wetland Centre. Many are teeming with beautiful birds that have migrated here from colder countries. Thanks to Ocean Spray, our cranberry-themed activities offer even more excitement for our visitors, so grab your coats and spend the day outdoors with family, friends and loved ones. With both WWT and Ocean Spray committed to sustaining wet-land communities, it’s a perfect partnership brought to life.’’

• Ffi The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust Slimbridge W: www.wwt.org.uk/slimbridge

Sat 23rd - Sun 24th March, Wed 27th - March

WWT Slimbridge has the festivities all wrapped up.

13 Glos advertising features Xmas 2013.indd 27 12/4/2013 11:23:23 AM

Rose Bonsier and Mike Gartside review the new releases.


Surprise in storeA delightful poetry anthology for younger children, Wish, Wonder, Surprise makes a great bedtime read. Amanda Gazidis’s desire to bring a bit of magic to children and adults alike is apparent not only in her writing but also in the beautifully crafted drawings. Every poem is accompanied by a sketch and corner illustrations which are bright, fun and playful.

Her poems deal with love, imagination and the natural world amongst other topics, handling them in an emphatic but delicate way. Gazidis’s characters are memo-rable thanks to their magical abilities and quirky appeal. (Rose Bonsier)

Wish, Wonder, Surprise Amanda Gazidis, Love Tree Books, £6.99, www.amandagazidis.com

Swat’s up?This “fly’s guide to staying alive” outlines the many hazards facing a young fly. Author Mike Barfield, a long-standing contributor to satirical magazine Private Eye and creator of its popular cartoon strip ‘Apparently’ dis-plays his signature style at its very best. Clearly there’s a dark streak running through this, as older primary-aged children are invited to see life through the eyes of our great biological adversary.But the book succeeds thanks to its glorious cartoons and upside down view of the world. (Rose Bonsier)

Swat Mike Barfield, Brambleby Books, £6.99, www.bramblebybooks.co.uk

Last issue, I asked you to send in your pictures of ‘Ice skating at At-Bristol’. Well done to the three winners who receive a family ticket to the fabulous interactive science centre.

ArtyBarty

Hello Kids!Thank you so much for

the wonderful pictures you send me . The standard is always high so please try again if your entry didn’t get published.

For the new year I have teamed up with our friends at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, who have very kindly offered a family ticket to give away to each of the three lucky winners of our art competition. Let them know which creatures you like best by drawing my favourite zoo animal.

Please send your pictures to: Arty Barty, Venue Publishing, BN&Media, Temple Way, Bristol, BS99 7HD, or email high resolution jpegs to my editor, [email protected]. Don’t forget to put your name, age, full home postal address and school on the back: deadline Monday 6 January.

Have fun!

Arty

WINNER!

Scott Granger, 7, Preshute Primary School, WiltshireGreat use of both paint and crayon to create a colourful star-spotted sky. I also like the bold depiction of At-Bristol’s iconic Planetarium which takes centre stage and clearly identifies the location.

Maisie Dover, 5, Coalway Community

Infant School, Gloucestershire

I love the techniques used in this drawing Maisie! A clever use of stamps, pencil work and vibrant felt-tips.

Verity Greenald,

7, Deerhurst and

Apperley C of E

Primary School,

Gloucestershire

The sheer volume

of ice skaters in this

lively scene captures

an exciting day out at

the ice rink. I like the

smiling faces peeping

over the barrier in

the background and

the clear blue ‘icy’

paper you’ve chosen

to draw on. A really

good effort, well done.

WINNER!

WINNER!

Imogen Granger, 5, Preshute Primary School, Wiltshire

The multi-coloured attire of the pirouetting skater beneath golden stars and a kaleidoscopic sky is wonderfully eye-catching.

Wild in the country

Jack Everett is a curious young boy at an urban pri-mary school. Although intelligent, he is not doing well there: his instinct to explore is not encouraged and the rigid learning routines stifle him.

But Jack discovers a new school, the St. Cuthbert’s Wild School for Boys, which allows pupils to explore their adventurous side, with activities like map making and den building. He loves it. But how will the school fare when the authorities inspect it?

Bristol author Ingrid Skeels’s self-published book explores issues at the heart of modern education, raising issues about targets, creativ-ity and the curriculum. It’s partly a Boys’ Own fantasy, appealing to 7- to 11-year-olds, and

partly a critique of our school system. This is a difficult balancing act and ‘St. Cuthbert’s . . .’ runs the risk of disheartening younger read-ers at exactly that type of city school she describes, but it’s exciting to see a local author attempting such thought-provoking subject matter in an entertaining, brightly-written way. (Mike Gartside)

St. Cuthbert’s Wild School for Boys Ingrid Skeels, £5.90, www.wildschoolstory.co.uk

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