families gloucestershire may/june 2016 issue 32

Really useful information for parents of 0-12 year olds in Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire

www.familiesgloucestershire.co.uk

EducationFestival Fun Parties

What’s On

Clubs & Classes

Issue No 32May/June 2016

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www.mystageschool.co.uk www.facebook.com/mystageschool @mystageschool0208 642 3506 [email protected]

Brand New Saturday School Opening in SeptemberAt St James’ Primary School

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2 Families Gloucestershire To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] May - June 2016

In this issue02 News & Views

05 Ed’s Reading Room

06 School Open Days

08 Festivals

10 Clubs and Classes

13 Children’s Parties

14 What’s On

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Circulation: 19,000 copies of Families Gloucestershire are available through nurseries, pre-schools, schools, libraries, soft play centres, selected shops and other distribution points throughout the county. If you would like free copies for your organisation or if you would like to subscribe so you don’t miss an issue please contact us. Families Gloucestershire is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Temple House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Gloucestershire are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.’ Print: The Manson Group, Reynolds House, 8 Porters Wood, Valley Road Industrial Estate, St Albans. AL3 6PZ. Tel: 01727 848 440.

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Dear readers

Editor’s Letter

Spring! What a fabulous season. And so much happening.

This is the time of year when we see lots of events being organised, when many local schools have their open days and when clubs and classes become more popular. Take a look at our What’s On and Clubs & Classes pages to see listings of local events and activities.

It is also the time of year when the weather gets warmer and the days grow longer allowing the little ones to spend more time outside...Joy! Sport is a great way for them to enjoy the outdoors and, in this issue, we take a look at the benefits that children can get from playing various sports. It is also important to exercise our children’s brains, especially during the long Summer holiday, and we include a feature in this issue that advises parents on how to do this.

So enjoy the season. I know I will!

Diane Clifford. Editor, Families Gloucestershire Tel:: 01684 770566 Email: [email protected]

The Queen’s Celebration Families are encouraged to organise their own street party in honour of the Queen’s 90th birthday on 11 June. Running alongside the ‘World’s Biggest Street Party’ on London’s Mall, Oakman Inns and Dr Rob Schafer have launched a website www.ourstreetparty.org, to help people organise their own events to meet their neighbours and allow children to play outside, free from traffic fears. If you are interested in organising your own Street Party or getting involved with one, visit www.ourstreetparty.org where you can sign up to receive a free information pack, join a meeting or call 01442 332 603.

Get Strolling To SchoolWalk to school as part of the annual Walk To School week, running from 16 to 22 May. Organised by Living Streets and part of National Walking Month in May, it challenges schools and their pupils to walk to school more during the week. This year’s theme is ‘Strider’s Walk in the Wild’ with the walking habits and natural environments of different animal species being explored. For details: www.livingstreets.org.uk/nwm

Is your child excellent with words? Do they like telling stories? Or do you want to encourage their creativity? Well it is time for them to put pen to paper because the National Young Writers’ Awards have returned for the eighth year! Judged by best-selling author of the Charlie & Lola, Clarice Bean and Ruby Redfort books, Lauren Child and organised by tuition provider Explore Learning, this year’s theme is ‘The Mash-Up’ where children are asked to write a 500 word story of a ‘mash-up’ of two genres. Whether it is an alien landing his spaceship in Victorian England or a Disney princess as a zombie slayer, there is huge scope to let their imaginations run wild!

The competition is free to enter and your child could win a fabulous family trip to Disneyland and £500 worth of books for their school. Open to children aged 14 and under, the closing date is June 7th. Enter at www.explorelearning.co.uk/youngwriters

Calling All Aspiring Youngs Writers

Next issue: July/August, editorial and

booking deadline: Monday 6 June

3May - June 2016 To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected]

News & Views

This year, every Year Seven child in the UK will get their own BBC Micro:bit. This tiny computer helps children begin to learn code and get used to technology from an early age. There are lots of different applications for this little gadget, from creating a digital watch and using it as a fitness aid to count your steps, to making games or controlling a music player. Around one million children will receive the Micro:bit from the BBC, which is passionate about helping children to both access technology and develop skills that will benefit them in their later lives.

Kids To Get Mini Computers

Now in its eighth year, the Museums At Night Festival held on 11 to 14 May offers families the chance to engage with history and culture in a unique and exciting way. During the festival, hundreds of museums, galleries and historic spaces all over the UK will open their doors to put on a diverse array of special night-time events.

As part of the Festival, you can explore the Museum in the Park, Stroud as twilight falls... who knows what will catch your eye? All welcome but children must be supervised by a parent or carer. 8pm - 11.00pm. www.museuminthepark.org.uk

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Staff and pupils at Cheltenham College and Cheltenham College Preparatory School are celebrating the findings of their recent Independent Schools Inspection, which awarded both schools the top ‘Excellent' rating in every single category. The report was full of praise for the excellent quality of pupils' high academic achievements and learning, while the curriculum and extra-curricular programme were praised for having both balance and real breadth throughout the whole school.

Foster Care Fortnight, The Fostering Network’s annual campaign to raise the profile of fostering, will take place from 16 - 29 May. The theme will be Time To Foster, Time To Care. A Foster Care Fortnight 2016 guide and other resources for fostering services are available from www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk

Foster Fortnight

4

Education

Families Gloucestershire To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] May - June 2016

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Gain Confidence To Succeed 11 Plus Tutoring Academy will be running its successful programme of CEM style mock exams, near Cheltenham during the summer.

Kathryn McMahon of 11 Plus Tutoring Academy explains: “Experience the CEM 11 Plus exam environment. The programme of mock exams will build your child's confidence to deal with the exam environment. All exams have different content to each other”.

Early mock exams (May and July) are beneficial in understanding your child's weaker areas, with time to improve. Later mock exams (August) allow your child to perfect their exam technique and build confidence. The academy also explains exam strategies and gives detailed reports at every exam.

One previous customer is quoted as saying: “The whole environment with 11 Plus Tutoring Academy was nurturing, supportive, calm and reassuring. My son said that everything was explained every step of the way and the strategies for coping with an exam were sensible and helpful”.

A mock exam session includes your child’s rank and scores per section in each exam and detailed breakdown of scores for all topic areas eg: problem

solving, numeracy, cloze, shuffled sentences, comprehension, synonyms, antonyms, and non - verbal reasoning by question type) Bookings are currently being taken for this popular course. Please see the website for details. (Limited places are available). www.11plustutoringacademy.co.uk

5

EducationEd’s Reading Room

Ed’s Reading Room is part of www.edontheweb.com, a DTI award-winning website. It was created by Maggie Humphreys, a teacher of more than 25 years, and Les Snowdon, who together are authors of several books on fitness walking and healthy eating. You can contact Maggie on 01753 730019 or by email at [email protected].

See Maggie’s latest ebooks at www.WalkWalk.co.uk.

Hi kids, parents, grandparents, teachers – and book lovers everywhere! I’m Ed and

here is my early summer selection. Ed’s Reading Room is an exciting free book review website www.EdontheWeb.com.

FOR AGES 7 YEARS PLUS

Fridays With The Wizards by Jessica Day George (Bloomsbury £5.99)

ED SAYS: ‘Celie and friends are safely back home in Castle Glower and they have plenty to do looking after the griffins. When they discover the evil and frightening wizard Arkwright has gone missing they immediately know the importance of finding him. He might well be

within the castle walls but it is no easy task tracking him down. With danger lurking in the secret passageways, wall panels, trapdoors and tapestries, will they win in this race against time?’

How To Capture An Invisible Cat by Paul Tobin (Bloomsbury £5.99) ED SAYS: ‘Nate Bannister is the school genius, always creating amazing inventions or solving apparently impossible equations. He is the least likely person for Delphine to befriend but she is fascinated by him – and his talking dog. Nate’s latest initiative is to super-size Proton the cat before making him invisible. With Proton on the loose, everyone in town is in danger. This is a very funny story – the first in a new series.’

The Party Club by Anne Fine (Walker Books £5.99)

ED SAYS: ‘Rosie loves birthday parties – hers and those of her friends. She loves the cakes and candles, the presents and sparkly paper and all the other fun things at party time. But her friends seem to be having birthday treats instead of parties so Rosie decides to

start a party club to encourage a new party trend. Will she be able to tempt everyone to change their minds?’

Polly And The Puffin: The Stormy Day by Jenny Colgan (Little, Brown Books £5.99)

ED SAYS: ‘It is a very special day for Polly as her father is coming home on his fishing boat. She tries to pass the time with her puffin friend Neil but she soon discovers how difficult waiting is. When black clouds begin to gather and a storm brews Polly starts to worry but her mother reassures her by telling her about the importance of lighthouses to show sailors and fishermen the safe way home.’

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May - June 2016 To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected]

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How exciting – the summer holidays are about to start and you are planning for a busy and wonderful break. But how do you ensure that your children not only keep active but also keep their brain in gear over the long holiday?

By Dr Carolyn Shelley

There are, of course, many holiday clubs which offer a variety of activities in addition to sports and swimming – but what about those other days? As a parent of three children myself, I know that it is worth planning and having activities up your sleeves – especially if our British weather isn’t quite up to scratch. I am always amazed at children’s innate curiosity and capacity to learn and so engaging children and giving them exciting experiences will really reap rewards. And, it doesn’t have to cost the earth. Here are my top tips to ensure you all have a wonderful holiday.

1. What is your child interested in and fascinated by? The summer is a brilliant time to enable them to explore their passions and embark on a project – it could be related to Science, Nature or History, for example looking for mini-beasts and finding out about habitats and life-cycles. A project can involve going to the library to find information books, looking for information on the internet, painting, writing facts – or even creating a PowerPoint (something that children are very adept at). This is a fantastic (and impressive) piece of work to take into school at the beginning of September and wow staff and their classmates alike.

2. You could help your child compile a holiday diary, the important thing to remember here is to ensure it remains a ‘fun’ activity. You don’t need to record every single day; choose the days when something different has happened, or

How To Keep Your Child’s Brain Active Over The Summer Holidays

Get outside: Explore the many free activities available

Bredon School, Cheltenham Board and day co-ed ages 3 – 18 Tuesday 24 May, 10.00am-12noon Contact 01684 293156 www.bredonschool.org

Cheltenham College Prep School Board and day co-ed ages 3 – 13 years Thursday 12 May, 9.30am (Prep) Saturday 21 May, 10.30am (Whole School) Contact 01242 522 697 www.cheltenhamcollege.org

Dean Close School, Chelteham Board and day co-ed ages 2 years 9 months to 18 years Saturday 14 May, 9am-11.00am Contact 01242 258079 www.deanclose.org.uk

St Edward’s Preparatory School, Cheltenham. Co-ed 2 – 11 years Saturday 21 May, 9.30am-12.30pm Friday 17 June (Early years) 9.30am-11.30am Contact 01242 538900 www.stedwards.co.uk

Open Days

Education

Key Dates for 2016 admission Friday 1 July 2016 (Midday) - Closing date and time for receipt of all applications Saturday 10 September 2016 – Date of entrance test Monday 10 October 2016 – Results

Grammar School websites: For boys: The Crypt School Gloucester: www.cryptschool.org Marling School Stroud: www.marling.gloucs.sch.uk Sir Thomas Rich’s Gloucester: www.strschool.co.uk

For girls: High School for Girls Gloucester: www.hsfg.org Ribston Hall High School Gloucester: www.ribstonhall.gloucs.sch.uk Stroud High School Stroud: www.stroudhigh.gloucs.sch.uk

Mixed: Pate’s Grammar School Cheltenham: www.patesgs.org

Grammar Schools


Education

when they have been excited (for example taken a bus, bought a new toy, visited a member of the family, gone to a friend’s house or even visited a special place, perhaps a castle or museum). Collect mementos such as tickets, leaflets and photos to stick in, it makes the diary an exciting activity to complete.

3. Get outside! Hopefully we will have a glorious summer which will be perfect for exploring our wonderful natural world and spending more time outside. In my experience, children love being able to go for a walk in a new area, fly a kite, look for different types of flowers, go rock-pooling, build a den in a forest (or your garden), even a walk to a local park. To make the experience a little different make a picnic together, arrange to meet up with friends, or create a ‘natural’ treasure hunt (finding a certain type of flower, sticks, leaves and feathers).

4. Pose challenges. Children love new challenges, this can be anything to fit in with your child or your plans, for example, can you ride your bike without stabilisers? Read 10 books and write/draw a review of each one? Learn your times tables, learn to bake a cake or make a meal. They will feel a huge sense of achievement, it can even be a set of challenges for the whole holiday with a particular prize at the end.

How To Keep Your Child’s Brain Active Over The Summer Holidays

5. Visits – if you are able to, plan some visits to exciting places or attractions over the holidays. There are many amazing free activities available (for example libraries often have exciting free book related activities over the summer) in addition to the many wonderful museums and landmarks that we have. These often stimulate lots of further interest and research and could be the basis for a project…and can be a high point for the holiday experience.

6. Play maths games – these can be fun counting games in the car as you go on a journey, or games such as snakes and ladders. You can also buy fun shopping and counting games which will keep your little ones practising their numbers and maths skills without even realising – or you could set up a shop at home using tins from the cupboard.

7. Have craft days – especially good when the weather is not kind. This could be linked to a theme e.g. dinosaurs or castles, or could be linked to events – for example making a birthday card or present. You do not need to have lots of expensive craft kits, making junk models can keep children busy for ages before even getting to the painting stage.

8. Keep up the reading! This is so important, especially for younger children who are just getting going! Keep it fun, interactive and again look for books you can share together.

Finally have fun and a wonderful summer together! Dr Carolyn Shelley is headmistress of Dean Close Pre-Preparatory School, Cheltenham.

The year is flying by and the summer is fast approaching. Can you believe that in just 4 months time, your child will be sitting their 11plus exam?

If you haven’t started already, the team of tutors at KSOL have devised a list of action points to help you prepare your child for their entrance exam.

1. Make revision a habit. Get your child into a regular routine and keep the sessions short but intense.

Anita Dhunna, Director of Education says: “Our online intensive revision courses are perfect for the run up to the real exam. These personalised, daily online tests cover the entire 11+ syllabus and highlight any areas of weakness, providing immediate focus.”

2. Make it fun! Choose a method that reflects your child’s learning methods and personality.

3. Practice. KSOL mock exams in Gloucestershire are designed to help prepare children for the academic rigour of the exam paper as well as the stressful nature associated with the whole experience. All mock exams are CD administered.

With over 10 years of CEM experience, KSOL are pioneers in preparing children for the 11+ entrance exams in Gloucester. Call now on 0121 733 6558 or visit www.ksol.co.uk to find out more about KSOL’s “2 Steps to Success” offer for 3 month intensive revision course + a KSOL mock exam: Only £239 + reg fee, saving you £20! KSOL mock exam dates are set for the 8 May and the 17 July at Hartpury College.

The Steps To 11 Plus Success


Festivals

Rock The Summer Away At A Festival

Easy steps to make your kids’ first festival a breeze

By Sally J. Hall

Introducing your children to all kinds of music can be a great way to give them a lifelong love of everything from folk to classical. Many of the UK’s festivals have plenty to do for the whole family and with some careful planning and by packing a few essentials, you’ll all have a great time.

Where to stay If you have (and know how to put up) a tent, this can be the most cost-effective way of attending a festival, as ticket prices can be high. Check the tent before you go, to ensure it has all its poles and pins. A good ground sheet is a must, as are camp beds or self-inflating air beds. A playpen is great for babies and small children to sleep in at night and play in the day.

Alternatively, other options, from pre-erected tents to Yurts and teepees may be provided. Take a look at the festival’s website to see what’s suitable.

If you can’t face roughing it, book a local hotel or bed & breakfast. You’ll have a bolthole should the weather turn nasty and somewhere to wash properly!

Site Map Take time to orient yourself around the site, find where your favourite bands will be and most importantly, check out where the loos and showers are. These can get very busy and there are often long queues.

For small kids, take a travel potty, as kids often need to ‘go’ quite suddenly. Most festivals have a craft and activities area for kids too.

Packing List

• Waterproofs and wellies

• Toiletries in small packs, a hang-up sponge bag for the shower. Toothbrush and paste

• Lots of changes of clothing Warm jumpers and socks

• Sun screen and hats

• A baby carrier

• Torch and batteries

• Phone and charger

• Ear defenders

• Toilet rolls, tissues and wipes

• Insect repellent

• First aid kit

• Comfy clothes Flasks, camping cutlery and crockery

• Small backpacks for all, with a change of clothes, loo paper, wipes. Plus drinks and snacks

• Camera

Kids love festivals: Take them away for a weekend of music and merriment!


Festivals

9

Charity No 251765. Illustration by Michelle Thompson

7-12 June 2016Box Office 01242 850270cheltenhamfestivals.com#cheltscifest

Hands-on science for all ages. Visit cheltenhamfestivals.com/science

Rock The Summer Away At A FestivalPushchairs can be tricky to use if the ground is muddy. Carriers are more portable and take up less space...

With small kids, try to camp in the family or quiet areas so that you won’t all be kept awake by people coming back to their tents (in all conditions) through the small hours.

Setting up Car parks can be quite a way from camps, so try to ensure that all gear can be put into a couple of backpacks for you and your partner to carry – and still have a hand free for the kids. Some festivals rent a wagon to transport your stuff, which you can then use to pull the kids around in.

What to eat There are usually lots of food stalls but bear in mind they can be pricey.

If you want to do your own cooking, invest in a camp stove. Easy, one pot meals are best, like soups, stews, rice or pasta, Freeze some home made meals, then just before you leave, put them in a cool box together with drinks and milk.

Take lots of snacks too, in case cooking or queuing for meals takes longer than you think!

Safety Kids should have your name (not theirs) and number on them in case they get separated. Write it on their arm, or buy luggage tags and attach them to their clothes and bags. Talk to them about how to behave should they get lost. Make sure your phone is charged, so if your kids do get separated, you are able to be contacted.

Dress your kids in bright clothes so you can spot them and take a photo of them each morning, so if they go wandering, you can remember how they were dressed and show others.

Don’t take valuables and keep things you can’t leave behind, such as phone, keys, your purse and credit cards, with you in a day pack all day. Never leave them in your tent.

Fancy dress Many festivals now have a fancy dress parade as part of the fun, so take costumes. Some things can be made on-site at a craft stall. Face paints are great to pack, as are glow sticks and bubbles.

Which festival? There are plenty of festivals suitable for families all over the UK. Many, however, are right on our door step!

Sally J. Hall is a writer and editor who has written for all the main parenting titles as well as The Independent and The Mail. She is author of Eco Baby and contributing author to Watch My Baby Grow (Dorling Kindersley).

Local FestivalsBromyard Folk Festival. 9 - 11 September www.bromyardfolkfestival.co.uk

Cheltenham Music Festival. 1 - 17 July www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/music/

Sunshine Music Festival. 26 - 28 August www.uptonfestival.co.uk

Lakefest 2016. 11 - 14 August www.lakefest.co.uk

Livestock Festival. 28 - 31 July www.livestocklongdon.co.uk

Lunar Festival. 3 - 5 June www.lunarfestival.co.uk

Nozstock. 22 - 24 July www.nozstock.com

Wychwood Music Festival. 3 - 5 June www.wychwoodfestival.com

Cheltenham Music Festival (1-17 July) is the perfect opportunity for families to enjoy live music together. War Horse author Michael Morpurgo joins musicians for his story of friendship and family, truth and secrets in The Mozart Question (music by Vivaldi, Bach and Mozart), while author and illustrator James Mayhew (Katie stories, Ella Bella Ballerina) tells some Shakespeare stories and paints live to Shakespearean music by Mendelssohn and Prokofiev. There’s also puppetry and physical theatre from Box Tale Soup as they tumble into A Midsummer Night’s Dream with music by Purcell, as well as free music in the gardens. (Various venues). Box Office:cheltenhamfestivals.com/music / 01242 850270

Live Music The Whole Family Will Enjoy


Clubs and ClassesPERFORMING ARTS TUITION

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A Kick Start To Outdoor Sports

How to get your little ones involved in sports clubs and which outdoor activities to choose from.

By Adrian Warner

Most parents agree that getting young children involved in sport from a young age will help them to keep fit and get into the habit of enjoying regular exercise. Sport can also help kids learn important life lessons such as how to deal with winning and losing. It also encourages them to make friends and learn how to be part of a team. Outdoor sports are a great way for children to get some fresh air and have fun with their friends. But how do you choose which sport is right for your child? It is important for children to get a flavour of a range of sports

Join RugbyTots To See The Benefits Of SportRugby is the perfect game for little ones, according to Michael Stevens of RugbyTots Worcester. It is a lively, exciting and competitive game that anyone can enjoy.

It is a great team sport that encourages children – both boys and girls - to socialise, work in groups and learn the importance of co-operation to achieve common aims. With its combination of running, passing and catching, rugby helps children to develop their physical co-ordination and motor skills, especially balance and hand-eye co-ordination.

But there is no need for anxious parents to worry. The junior game is far less physical than the adult variety and at younger ages there are no physical tackles. Nevertheless there is still plenty of opportunity for children to enjoy themselves. Significantly, rugby builds character. It is a game that encourages discipline and respect – it teaches children to follow rules, to take care so as not to hurt each other and to respect everyone. But most of all, rugby is just so much fun! For class details email: [email protected]

Outdoor sport: A great way to be part of a team


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A Kick Start To Outdoor Sports

available and decide for themselves which one they prefer. Sport should always be fun, especially for small kids.

1. Football - There are a number of clubs around the country that offer coaching during the school holidays for boys and girls aged from five to 11. There is usually a morning or afternoon class where young children are introduced to the basic skills of the sport.

2. Rugby – Firstly, don’t panic: the first years of rugby are not about scrums, mauls and tackling and you don’t need to worry about the complicated rules of the game either. Boys and girls alike are encouraged to play a simple, non-contact game together involving tags, in which tackles are replaced by touching a player or removing a tag from their clothing. The focus here is on developing passing and running skills.

3. Tennis – Children from three years old can learn the basic rules and skills of tennis using smaller courts and nets and with child-sized rackets. Some clubs will also have squash and badminton courts, so your child can try out a range of games with friendly coaches.

4. Hockey – For children, the game will be much gentler than that for adults and sticks and pitches are smaller. Some clubs have a game called “Quicksticks” which is suitable from seven years, which is a four-a-side game that can be played anywhere and uses a bigger ball for safety.

5. Multi-Sports – If you are not sure which sport to choose, look out for multi-sports sessions run by companies or local authorities where kids can try out a variety of sports such as athletics, rugby, football, netball, tennis and cricket. These are often available in the summer holidays and are a great way for kids to find out what they really like. Adrian Warner has been a sports journalist for 30 years. He also lectures in Sports Journalism at the University of Bedfordshire.


Children’s Parties

Parties can go with a swing if you choose a theme that your little ones can have fun with.

By Sally J. Hall

1. Pirates Invitations: Create a treasure map with “X marks the party spot” and a pirate poem with plenty of “aaaaaahhhhhhhs!” Wear: Dress as a pirate and wear eye patches. Play: Fill a chest with torn up newspaper and pop in some lucky dip gifts. Eat: Give them chicken, vegetable or fish fingers and let them eat with their hands and make jelly with pomegranate seeds in it to look like sunken treasure.

2. Disney Invitations: Use stickers of Disney characters and glitter. Wear: Offer accessories such as paper crowns and a sash made from coloured paper. Old net curtains make good veils. Play: Create a Disney piñata by covering a balloon with papier maché and turn it into a Mickey Mouse head. Eat: Serve drinks in plastic goblets for a castle theme and make cucumber sandwiches for Princes and Princeses.

3. Superhero Invitations: On Superhero coloured invitations, write: “Dear SuperZac, please come to my Superhero party.” Wear: Make simple masks for each child and a badge with

their superpower name on it. You can also make capes from plastic tablecloths. Play: Create a super hero obstacle course from ropes, pop-up tunnels, boxes and cushions. Have a quiz about superheros. Eat: Add cake toppers with “Boom!” “Pow!” and “Zap!”.

4. Jungle Invitations: Make animal themed invitations; these can be as simple or artistic as you like. Wear: Come as your favourite animal or get your guests to bring an animal toy. Play: Have a Safari game in the garden where you hide pictures of animals which the kids have to spot, then play Sleeping Lions. Eat: Create a Bush Tucker Trial with Jungle themed plates.

5. Circus Invitations: Create a big, red Clown’s shoe or circus ticket. Wear: Dress as circus folk; ballet costumes double as acrobats, riders can wear jodhpurs and boots and all the kids can be clowns with some face paint. Play: Buy modelling balloons and play some tumbling games. Eat: Make popcorn, have hotdogs and burgers, and don’t forget the ketchup and mild mustard.

Sally J. Hall is a writer and editor who has written for all the main parenting titles as well as The Independent and The Mail.

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Don’t forget to say you saw the party details in Families

Gloucestershire magazine.

To advertise please call

01684 770566

Craft and Makeover PartiesPaint it Yourself Pottery, Cheltenham www.piyp.co.uk

Pick-a-Pot Cirencester www.pickapot.co.uk

Paint-a-Pot Nailsworth www.paint-a-pot.co.uk

The Creation Station [email protected]

Squiggle & Jiggle www.kidspartieschelt.co.uk

Teddy Bear & Doll Making parties www.teddybearmakingparty.co.uk

Bohemian Kids Jewellery parties www.bohemiankids.co.uk

Crafty Miss www.craftymiss.co.uk

Glitter & Gloss www.glitterandgloss.co.uk

Crystal Orchard Jewellery & Craft Workshop www.crystalorchard.co.uk

Face PaintingCheltenham Facepainting www.cheltenhamfacepainting.co.uk

Magic Masks www.magicmasks.co.uk

Mobile ZooRoaming Reptiles www.facebook.com/roamingreptilesuk

CookeryCookery Doodle Doo We love a good children’s party at Cookery Doodle Doo. A party with us is not just about delicious food but also the fun and excitement creating it with your friends. For parents it should also mean as stress-free as possible! Book us for your child’s special day and we’ll bring our brand of fun, creative cookery to your chosen venue, keep the kids entertained and clear up the mess after too! Choose either the Cookie Art Party or the Cooking Party and you’re sure to make it a day to remember! For more information call Fiona on 07475 883019 or email [email protected]

Bisley Bouncy Castles www.bisleybouncycastles.co.uk

All about Fun www.allaboutfunuk.com

Music For Little OnesMusic with Mummy www.musicwithannemarie.co.uk

Monkey Music www.monkeymusic.co.uk

Musical Mini's www.musicalminis.co.uk

Jazzy Jamborees www.jazzyjamboree.co.uk

Jojingles www.jojingles.com/centralgloucestershire

EntertainersAbacus Magic www.abacusmagic.co.uk

Ace of Diamonds www.aceofdiamonds.co.uk

B. Bunny www.bbunny.co.uk

Sarah the Fairy & Company www.sarahthefairy.com

Party ServicesLet's Party www.letspartycheltenham.co.uk

Cotswold Party Services www.cotswoldpartyservices.co.uk

Active PartiesA Star Sports www.a-starsports.co.uk

Tatty Bumpkin After a magical yoga adventure, which includes party games, the children are relaxed and their energy is contained. Tatty’s bespoke parties can be adapted for babies & children 1 – 7 years old. Invites included, with further options to include party bags, themed cake & craft activities. For more information contact Andrea on 07530 925090 or visit www.tattybumpkin.com/cheltenham/parties

Magicland Have a magical party without all the hard work! The team at MagicLand know how special your child’s birthday is, so like to make it even more special! Party packages include party bags, downloadable invites, hot or cold buffet, full use of play equipment and much more. www.magicland.co.uk or call 01285 885570

Happy Days Gym www.happydaysgym.co.uk

Playfarm www.playfarm.co.uk

Go Bananas www.gobananas.org.uk

Jungle Chums Mibury Heath www.junglechums.co.uk

The Climbing Warehouse www.the-warehouse.co.uk

Head for Heights www.head4heights.net

JDR Indoor Karting www.jdrkarting.co.uk

Cheltenham Cub Karting www.cheltenhamcubkarting.com

Go Kart Party www.go-kartpartygloucestershire.co.uk

Andy Tucker Soccer www.atsoccercamps.co.uk

VenuesGL1 Gloucester www.gl1.org.uk

Bentham Country Club www.benthamcc.com

Leisure@Cheltenham www.leisureatcheltenham.com

Oxstalls Sports Park www.oxstalls.org.uk

Everyone Active Leisure www.everyoneactive.com/centre

Cascades Leisure Centre Tewkesbury www.tewkesbury.gov.uk/cascades

Gloucestershire Health and Racquet Club www.virginactive.co.uk

Tractor & Pony Rides, Hands on Pet Time, Indoor & Outdoor Play & Picnic Areas, Trampolines,

Giant Sandpits, Zip Wire

Little Marcle, Nr Ledbury, HR8 2QG 01531 670780www.NewbridgeFarmPark.com

FREE bag of animal food with this voucher!

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Mon-Sat (holiday time)10am - 5pm

Wed-Sat (term time)10am - 4pm (Sat 5pm)

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Kids’ Cooking Classes and Parties!

Call Fiona: 07475883019 or visit www.cookerydoodledoo.com

Children love to cook! Join us with your pre-schooler for fun baking

classes and crafts on Mondays or Fridays. Suitable for ages 3 - 5.

NEW


What’s On Please check with the venue in case details have changed and also please note that with some venues, it is cheaper to pay in advance on-line.

The summer holidays are a time for children to have fun whilst keeping active. Super Camps give children the opportunity to do just that. Camps run from 8am – 6pm for ages 4-14. Call 01235 467300 or visit www.supercamps.co.uk. What’s On at St Edward’s Preparatory School with Super Camps 25 July to 26 August - Multi-Activity course 25 July to 29 July - RAW Adventure 8 August to 12 August - A Passion For Super Science 8 August to 12 August - The Great British Takeaway 15 August to 19 August & 15 August to 19 August - The Great Super Camps Bake Off 22 August to 26 August - Super Camps A Passion For Arts & Crafts What’s On at The Crypt School with Super Camps 8 August to 12 August - Super Camps A Passion For Arts & Crafts 15 August to 19 August - The Great British Takeaway 22 August to 26 August & 15 August to 19 August - The Great Super Camps Bake Off 1 August to 5 August - A Passion For Super Science

SUPER CAMPS HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

FESTIVALS

WYCHWOOD FESTIVAL AT CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE www.wychwoodfestival.com 3 - 5 June. Over 100 bands on 4 stages, over 100 workshops for all ages, plus a kids Literature Festival, comedy, Real Ale Festival, great food, camping beneath the Prestbury Hills.

CHELTENHAM SCIENCE FESTIVAL www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/science/ science-in-the-square Science in the Square. 7 – 12 June Visit more free and amazing interactive zones than ever before! Huge dinosaurs, hands-on experiments, flight simulators, robots on Mars… there’s so much to explore.

DAYS OUT

AT-BRISTOL Anchor Road, Bristol, BS1 5DB

0845 345 1235 www.at-bristol.org.uk 8 March – 25 May. New! Spring Stargazing 3D. Discover the amazing astronomy we can see from our back gardens this spring in glorious 3D! 13 May. Toddler Takeover - Come Rain Come Shine. Bring your littlest ones along for a fun-filled day devoted exclusively to the under 5s! 5, 12 & 19 May. Planetarium Nights Discover the universe from the comfort of your seat – use the latest technology to get close-up views like never before... Plus you’ll also have a chance to explore the revamped Space Gallery and grab a drink.

CHEDWORTH ROMAN VILLA Yanworth, Cheltenham, GL54 3LJ 01242 890256 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ chedworth-roman-villa 28 May - 5 June. May Half Term activities. Enjoy seasonal craft activities. Make a mosaic, badge or paper-craft. Raid the dressing up baskets and fashion yourself as a Roman. Some craft activities at an additional charge to cover the cost of materials. 2 June. Children’s mosaic workshops. Enjoy a fun day and make your very own mosaic admissions charges apply. 10.30am – 12.30pm. 18 – 19 June. Father’s Day Gladiator Arena. Has your Dad got what it takes to be a gladiator? Demonstrations, stalls, chats and great family fun.

DEAN HERITAGE CENTRE Soudley, Cinderford, Gloucestershire GL14 2UB 01594 822 170 www.deanheritagecentre.com 28 - 30 May. Fire and Wood Festival. Enjoy a wide range of activities, demonstrations and displays including our

traditional charcoal burn, chainsaw carving, axe throwing, woodturning, cross cutting, pyrography and much more across the weekend. 11 – 12 June. Teddy Bear’s Picnic. Summertime launch off new woodland trail.

DYRHAM PARK Dyrham, near Bath, SN14 8ER (Sat Nav: SN14 8HY) 0117 937 2501 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dyrham-park 12 & 14 May. Museums At Night: Garden tours. The long, warm May evenings bathe Dyrham Park’s garden in beautiful light. This is the perfect time of year to explore the garden after the property has closed. 1 June: 50 things day. Fun-filled day of activities for all the family. Based on the National Trust’s ‘50 things to do before you’re 11 3/4’ 9 & 23 June. Toddler Forest School. Learn some bushcraft, identify plants, build dens, cook over an open fire and create some crafty art work outdoors with Dyrham Park’s brand new Forest school in the woodlands. Suitable for 2-4 year olds.

PRINKNASH BIRD AND DEER PARK Prinknash Road, Matson, Gloucester GL4 8EU 01452 812 727 www.thebirdpark.com

May. Half Term: See a baby reindeer, hand feed tame deer, watch the geese and wildfowl and feed the golden carp.

PUZZLEWOOD Perrygrove Road, Coleford, GL16 8QB 01594 833187 www.puzzlewood.net 19 June. Fathers Day. Free archery taster session for Dads with their children aged up to 18. Encourage Dad to test his skills as an archer and see if he can shoot straight for Gold! 27 June - 3 July. A Midsummer Night’s Drream. Back by popular demand! Butterfly is delighted to return to Puzzlewood with its wonderful interactive performance. Tickets: Adults: £15.00 / Children (under 16’s with accompanying adult): £12.00.

SLIMBRIDGE WETLAND CENTRE Bowditch, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT 01453 890 333 www.wwt.org.uk/visit/slimbridge

28 May – 5 June. Half Term: Downy Duckling Days. Visit the newly hatched ducklings inside the duckery and in the outdoor enclosures.

WESTONBIRT ARBORETUM Tetbury, Glos, GL8 8QS 01666 880220 www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt

1 – 31 May. New Beginnings and New Plantings - family trail. A trail exploring new beginnings and new plantings in the arboretum, as the trees wake up for spring.

THEATRE AND DRAMA

BATSFORD ARBORETUM Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 9QB 01386 701441 www.batsarb.co.uk

7 July. Much Ado About Nothing. Outdoor theatre in a beautiful setting when The Lord Chamberlains Men return to Batsford for an outdoor production of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing

THE EVERYMAN THEATRE 7 - 10 Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ 01242 512 515 www.everymantheatre.org.uk 13 – 16 May. Giffords Circus 2016. A whip-crackin’ horse-wranglin’ Hell-raisin’ Giffords Circus show. Featuring the Giffords Circus gang.

MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES

MUSEUM IN THE PARK Stratford Park, Stratford Road, Stroud GL5 4AF 01453 763394 www.museuminthepark.org.uk 15 June. Bird Walk: Nesting Birds. Join Mike McCrea for a walk around the park in search of nesting sites. All welcome, wear your wellies or walking boots and meet outside the Museum. 10.00 am. Free.

NEW BREWERY ARTS Brewery Court, Cirencester GL7 1JL 01285 657181 www.newbreweryarts.org.uk

15

What’s OnPlease mention you saw the event in Families Gloucestershire magazine

May - June 2016 To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected]

31 May - 3 June. Half term craft club (5-11 years). Spend a fun filled half term experimenting with a variety of arty projects. Try out some nifty techniques in printmaking, sculpture, painting and more. You will be delighted with your results! 10am - 3.00pm.

THE WILSON Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum, Clarence Street, Cheltenham GL50 3JT 01242 237431 www.thewilson.org.uk Last Sunday of every month. Arty Sundays. Families are invited to take part in fun and interactive art activities. FREE family drop-in. 11am – 2pm.

BABIES AND TODDLERS

LILLIPUT CONCERTS St Andrew’s Church, Montpellier Street, Cheltenham GL50 1SP 16 May. 10:30am. Professional music in a relaxed, baby-friendy setting, followed by coffee and cake and a chance to try out mini instruments. With acclaimed string trio, the Ardeton Ensemble. www.facebook.com/LilliputConcerts

THE WILSON Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum, Clarence Street, Cheltenham GL50 3JT 01242 237431 www.thewilson.org.uk First Wednesday of every month. Tots and Tales. Join in this fun session of storytelling and arty activities for parents and carers with pre-school children.10.30am - 12.30pm.

CORINIUM MUSEUM

Park Street, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 2BX Phone: 01285 655611 www.coriniummuseum.cotswold.gov.uk 20 May. Box Office Babies. Baby friendly screening of the latest films exclusively for parents and guardians with new babies to pre-school children. 11am. £5.20

GLOUCESTERSHIRE SLINGMEETS GLOUCESTER AND CHELTENHAM SLING MEETS For times and venues please check www.facebook.com/cheltenhamandgloucesterslinglibrary STROUD SLING MEETS Parliament Street Children’s Centre, Old Bisley Rd, Stroud

GBSN Support Groups All groups are free drop-in sessions. Dads, grandparents and supportive friends are welcome too. Groups are informal and friendly. You don’t need to have a breastfeeding problem to attend but if you need support, one of our trained peer supporters or the Breastfeeding Counsellor present at each group will be happy to speak to you. Monday 10.00 – noon: MOBS in Dursley, Parish Room, St James the Great Church, Dursley GL11 4JE Tuesday 10.00am – noon: BAPS, Hesters Way Children’s Centre, Dill Avenue,Cheltenham GL51 0ES Wednesday 10.30 – noon: BABES, Noah’s Ark Children’s Centre, York Road, Priors Park, Tewkesbury, GL20 5HU Thursday 9.30 – 11.30am: CRIBS, Church Hall, St John’s Church,

Churchdown GL3 2DB 10.00 – 11.30am: BEST, Springboard Children’s Centre, Trinity Road, Cirencester, GL7 1JU 10.00 – noon: MOBS in Stroud, Parliament Street Children’s Centre, Bisley Old Road, Stroud GL5 1NL 12.30 – 2.00pm: GLOBES, Gardners Lane Children’s Centre, Cheltenham GL51 9JW. Full information on our groups is available at www.gbsn.org.uk

CHELTENHAM CHILDREN’S CENTRE BABY GROUPS Every Monday at St. Margaret’s Hall, GL51 3NU 10.00-11.30 (0-18 months) Every Tuesday at Rowanfield Children Centre, GL51 8HY 1-2.30 (mums to be and pre-walking babies) Every Wednesday at Gardners Lane Children Centre, GL51 9JW 10-11.30 (0-12 months) Every Thursday at Hester’s Way Children Centre, GL51 0ES 1.15-2.45 Every Friday at Oakwood Children Centre, GL52 5QH 10.00-11.30 All groups are open to babies 0-12 months and their parents/carers.

NCT Courses CHELTENHAM & NORTH COTSWOLD BRANCH First Aid Spaces are limited so please email Louisa on [email protected]

STROUD BRANCH NCT Signature antenatal course For more details see www.nct.org.uk/courses or contact your local course organiser on 0208 752 2494 or [email protected] NCT Early Days/Postnatal course For more details see www.nct.org.uk/courses or contact your local course organiser on 0208 752 2494 or [email protected].

TETBURY BRANCH NCT Signature antenatal course For more details see www.nct.org.uk/courses or contact [email protected] uk

NCT Drop Ins CIRENCESTER BRANCH Bumps, Babes & Toddlers: Every Wednesday 10.00am - 11.30am at Cirencester Baptist Church, Coxwell Street, Cirencester. Contact: [email protected] BEST - Breastfeeding Support: Every Thursday, 10.00 – 11.30am at Springboard Children’s Centre, Trinity Road, Cirencester, GL7 1JU. Contact: [email protected]

GLOUCESTER BRANCH Gloucester Breakfast Club: On the first Wednesday of every month. 10:00am – 11:30am. Toby Carvery, Shurdington Rd,

Brockworth, GL3 4PH. Contact coordinator. [email protected] Relax, Stretch & Breathe Classes: Every Monday in term time. For more information visit www.nct.org.uk.uk/gloucester/courses

TETBURY BRANCH Tetbury Bumps and Babes: Every Wednesday 10.30am – 12 midday at The Snooty Fox, Market Place, Tetbury GL8 8DD

Nearly New Sales CHELTENHAM AND NORTH COTSWOLD NEARLY NEW SALE All Saints Academy, Blaisdon Way Cheltenham GL51 0WH. Saturday 11 June 10:30am – 12 midda.y Toys and games. (10.15am entry for members with cards) For more information www.nct.org.uk/branches/cheltenham/nearly-new-sales

CIRENCESTER & DISTRICT NEARLY NEW SALE Bingham Hall, 28 King Street, Cirencester GL7 1JT. Saturday 11 June. Open to all, members and non-members. For more information contact [email protected]

GLOUCESTER NEARLY NEW SALE. Where. Longlevens Holy Trinity Church Hall, Church Road, Gloucester GL2 0AJ. Saturday 7 May 10am-12pm. Open to all, members and non-members. For more information visit www.nct.org.uk/branches/gloucester/nearly-new-sale


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families gloucestershire may/june 2016 issue 32

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