Summer 2015
FREE The essential magazine for Cheltenham, Tewkesbury and Churchdown families
WIN Trip on GWR’s Teddy special
WI N Open air theatre family ticket
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■ Next issue
AUTUMN ■ Free website listing for advertisers
WIN! and label it for school EASY2NAME will solve all your labelling problems. With waterproof stickers for labelling shoes, lunchboxes and equipment and a choice of clothing labels, including Stick-Easy clothing labels – the no sew, no iron option – lost property will be a thing of the past. Their Off to School set is great value and iincludes stickers, iron-on labels, a shoe bag and bag tag. You can choose from red, blue or lilac sets. Easy2name give 10 per cent discount to Kids Direct readers – simply enter the code KD2015 at the checkout. For a chance to win an Off to School set answer this question: What would you store in a shoe bag? a. DVDs b. Shoes c. Toys Email your answer with your name, address, daytime phone number and choice of colour to joyce.m@ blueyonder.co.uk. Closing date: July 31.
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Coady on the move Coady Dance Studios have moved to Cleeve Sports and Arts Centre at Bishop’s Cleeve, with a variety of dance classes on offer on a Saturday morning and every night after school. Ballet and Break-Dance – Saturday: between 10am-1pm. Chilled – Contemporary – Tuesday: between 5pm-8pm. Street Dance – Urban every night between 4pm-9pm. Boyz ONLY Street Dance – Wednesday: between 5pm-7pm. Adult Beginner Street Dance – Tuesday: 6.30pm-7.15pm Adult Intermediate/Advanced Street Dance – Tuesday: 8pm-8.45pm. LBT (legs, bums & tums) – Tuesday: 7.15pm-8pm. Competitive Classes – Monday, 5.30pm7.30pm and Saturday, 11am-1pm.
These classes are for kids who want to compete at national and international level. Coady is definitely the place to come if you want to be pushed to your max. Classes have also opened in Charlton Kings, Prestbury and Warden Hill Members of the CoadyCrew Squad Rhythm Nation represent England and we are raising money for them to attend the World Streetdance Championships. If anybody would like to donate or organise an event for them to raise money, please get in touch. Coady Dance Studios Annual B2P 2015 Show is being held at the Bacon Theatre, Dean Close School on Saturday and Sunday, September 26 and 27. For the new timetable and more information, visit our website: coadydancestudios.com Nikki Coady – Principal
To advertise call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk 3
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A summer of fun at 4-2-11 AT Camp 4-2-11, we have fantastic activities planned for your little cherubs this summer at St Edward’s Junior School, Cheltenham, from July 20 to August 14. Daily arts and crafts, forest school, Zumba, circus skills, archery, swimming, treasure hunts, drama and singing, bouncy castle, glitter tattoos and face painting are all on offer. We also have the option of sports including tennis, five-a-side football and rounders.
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We are OFSTED registered and have highly qualified staff who are all DBS checked. We also accept childcare vouchers. We promise to give your children a safe, fun-filled day in our beautiful grounds. Check out the website for more information and a booking form. You can receive a 20 per cent discount by quoting Kids Direct when you call 07825 630751. Visit us at facebook.com/camp4211
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To advertise call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk 5
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Bentham Holiday Playscheme BENTHAM Country Club Children’s Playscheme is an established and experienced childcare setting that has been operating every school holiday for more than 20 years. The Playscheme is open for children who are in school year 1 until they reach their 15th birthday and the themed “Play Days” provide activity-based fun that focuses on sport and physical play opportunities. It is registered with Ofsted and parents can be assured that the setting meets the statutory requirements for providing childcare. The qualified and DBS-checked Playwork team has a rich blend of experience and skills in order to facilitate children’s play. Playworkers understand the positive impact that play has on children‘s development and wellbeing while securing their physical and emotional welfare. “My children love taking part in the sport and games that your scheme offers. I am happy that they always feel included and my youngest was particularly excited to have seen her friends she made last holiday.” (Parent feedback – Easter 2015) The venue has extensive facilities; two sports domes, a grassed area for outdoor activities, function room for music and games, reception rooms for arts and crafts, and a lounge in which to rest and relax. Children’s packed lunches can be safely refrigerated or a two-course cooked lunch can be provided. Open Monday, July 20, to Friday, August 28, activities run from 9.30am to 4.15pm – and great for working parents is the free early drop off (from 8.30am) and late collection (up to 5.45pm). Costs are £21.50 for a full day with weekly and sibling discounts available. Half day sessions can be booked and all major childcare voucher schemes are accepted. The Playwork team build positive relationships with the children in their care and encourage children to contribute actively to the running of the scheme. Children participating in the “golden rules”, helping with the afternoon tuck shop or being a “buddy” for a new member, all help towards the children taking ownership of the Playscheme. “Children enjoy their time at the club and have fun in the company of the staff and children of different ages… The outcomes for children are positive. This is a very sociable holiday club where children feel welcome and relaxed.” (Ofsted) Full details of the summer holiday Playscheme including activities, information for parents, policies and procedures, and registration/booking forms can be found by visiting the Children’s Playscheme page of Bentham Country Club’s website – benthamcc.com or by calling 01452 864157 where a member of staff will happily answer any questions. As well as the holiday Playscheme, Bentham Country Club also hosts children’s sports parties – a great way to celebrate a birthday with friends. For fifth birthdays upwards, a supervised hour of chosen sport(s) costs £60 for up to 16 children and a two-course meal follows at £3.50 per child. Sports available are football, uni-hockey, tag rugby, netball and, perfect for younger children, Fun Fitness – a couple of sports with races and optional parachute games.
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KD summer Bentham Cou ntry Club Su mmer Playsc Parent Inform heme. ation – Wha t I Need To Know Welco ming, frie ndly, socia ble and inclusive
Q ualifie d
and DBS-cl eare d Playworker s w ith a ri ch blend o skills and f experience
Theme d fu n “Play-Da ys” focusin sport and g on p hysical pl ay activitie indo ors an s d o ut
Ofs te d reg is tere d/reg ulate d ensu quality chil res dcare. App ro ve d for childcare working ta x cre d its Working pa rent friend ly. Free ea drop-off (8 rly .30am) an d late pick (5.45pm) -up
Activities run 9.30am to 4.15pm .
£21.50 per full day w ith sibling week ly d is and co unts. Ha lf- day sess and co oke ions d lunches available Open July 20th to Au gust 28th and ever y scho o l ho li day th ro u g ho ut the year
Full details – benthamcc.com
01452 864157
To advertise call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk 7
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WIN a family ticket worth £32 (two adults and two children) to see Blunderbus Theatre Company’s performance of My Pet Monster and Me on Sunday, July 26 in The Tuckwell Amphitheatre at Dean Close School, Cheltenham. Blunderbus makes a welcome return to the Open-Air Theatre Festival with this big-hearted tale of true friendship told with magical songs, enchanting music and exquisite puppetry. Sophie Bucket lives on a farm with her dad. She daydreams about having a little friend to share her adventures with and one day finds an egg. She keeps it warm and out pops a cuddly, toothy, burpy, baby monster. This is when the fun begins… Join them down on the farm for
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adventures with Sophie and George – the most lovable monster in the land. “Children’s theatre at its best” The Stage This happy, funny, open-air performance is especially for little monsters aged three to seven and their grown-ups. The performance is at 5pm with gates opening an hour-and-a-half beforehand for picnics. To be in with a chance of winning, all you have to do is answer this question: If George was dancing, he would be doing the Monster… a. Bash b. Crash c. Mash Send your answer with your name and phone number to My Pet Monster Competition, The Bacon Theatre, Dean Close School, Shelburne Road, Cheltenham, GL51 6HE, by Wednesday, July 15. The winner will be picked at random. Tickets are £10 for adults (£8 for concessions) and are available to book on 01242 258002 or visit bacontheatre.co.uk. Please bring low-backed seating and come prepared for all weathers. Free parking available. Hot and cold beverages, wine, beer and cider, plus ice-cream and confectionary will be available from the Festival Café in the cricket pavilion. Performances always go ahead. In the event of unsafe weather the event will be transferred to the Bacon Theatre. In this instance tickets are transferable but not refundable. Any decision to move the event will be made on the day of the event itself and updated information will be available from the website.
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CHELTENHAM TUITION NEW LOCATION @ THE PAVILION HATHERLEY GL51 6PN GCSE Mathematics, English and Sciences English and Mathematics 6-16 Grammar School Preparation (25 years experience)
GRAMMAR SCHOOL MOCK EXAMINATIONS AS NEAR TO THE REAL THING AS POSSIBLE Sundays August 30 and September 6 Completely unique to Gloucestershire
01452 613335/07436 584436 Email: rogerh-cptc@live.co.uk To advertise call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk 9
KD summer July 17-August 31 Box office: 01242 258002/bacontheatre.co.uk Tuckwell Amphitheatre, Shelburne Road, Cheltenham PULL up a deckchair, uncork the bubbly and settle in for another fortnight of al fresco entertainment in The Tuckwell Amphitheatre Dean Close School’s idyllic outdoor theatre venue. Whether for live music, drama, film or family fun, the Tuckwell is now firmly established as the place to be on balmy summer evenings. Highlights include Jane Austen’s Emma by the widely-acclaimed Heartbreak Productions while Eleventh Hour, present a hilarious take on the modern classic Abigail’s Party. Shakespeare fans can enjoy a triple bill including Much Ado About Nothing by the anarchic Pantaloons and Folksy Theatre’s Hamlet – as you’ve never seen him before. Little monsters and their grown-ups will be delighted by My Pet Monster and Me by Blunderbus Theatre Company. Film audiences can also expect two helpings of the Cinema Under the Stars starting with the Oscar-winning The Grand Budapest Hotel (15) in all its quirky glory and classic 1980s comedy romance, When Harry Met Sally (15). Theatre manager Jess Waterman said: “The 2015 Open-Air Theatre Festival is just around the corner with one of our fullest outdoor theatre and film line-ups to date.” The festival line-up includes a winning mix of old friends and new faces. This year includes a double bill of desert island drama – Stranded devised by Cheltenham Youth Theatre and Robert Scott’s one-act Play All by Myself by Nonumbum Theatre Company.
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Today’s the day the Teddy Bears have their picnic – win a free ticket
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IN a family ticket for a day out at the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway, including a ride on the Teddy Bear Diesel railcar special in August. Every Tuesday in August, the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway is giving everyone the chance to ride the Teddy Bear Special and this year for one lucky family, the day out and train trip will be free. The railway ran this special for the first time last year and they were surprised and delighted by the large number of children who came along bringing with them their very own teddy bears. This year, if a child brings a teddy, they will receive a free activity book and crayons. And of course everyone of all ages is invited to join in the teddy bears’ picnic at Winchcombe. While you are on the special, make sure you count the number of teddy bears on the train! What’s more, normal train prices apply which means for children under five years of age, the visit is completely free. Rover tickets for the day, which cost £16 adults, £15 seniors and £7 children aged five to 15, enable everyone to travel on all three different trains running that day – a steam train, a diesel hauled train and the Teddy Bear diesel railcar. It’s a full day out, so make sure you arrive early because you will want to ride the full length of the line – a round trip of more than 24 miles. Car parking is free and there is plenty of parking
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available at Cheltenham Racecourse and Toddington stations. This year, Kids Direct and the GWR have teamed up to offer a family ticket for two adults and three children (value £42) as a competition prize. Entry is simple – all you have to do is answer the following question: Which well known bear is named after a large London railway station? To enter, email your answer to Kids Direct at joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk Remember to include your name, address and telephone number. The closing date for entries is July 20. All correct entries will be entered into a draw and the first out of the hat wins the prize. The winner will be notified by email and tickets will be sent by post. If you are not lucky this time, tickets can be bought on the day from Toddington, Cheltenham or Winchcombe Stations. ■ For more details about GWR, visit gwsr.com To advertise call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk 11
KD summer calendar June 28. Janet Marshall Dance Studio Extravaganza 2015. Bacon Theatre, Cheltenham. 7pm. Call the dance studio box office on 01242 519357 or 01242 221296 for tickets and information. janetmarshalldance.com Until September 14. Giffords Circus. Various venues including Frampton-on-Severn, Minchinhampton and Cirencester. Info: everymantheatre.org.uk or visit giffordscircus.com. July-August. Roses Theatre Tewkesbury. Activities at various venues. Phone 01684 295074 or visit rosestheatre.org for details. July 17-31. Open-Air Theatre Festival. Tuckwell Amphitheatre, Dean Close School, Cheltenham. Music, drama, film and family fun. Info: 01242 258002 or bacontheatre.co.uk July 19. Treasure Island. Tuckwell Amphitheatre, Dean Close School, Cheltenham. Pantaloons Theatre Company. Info: 01242 258002 or bacontheatre.co.uk July 26. My Pet Monster and Me. Tuckwell Amphitheatre, Dean Close School, Cheltenham. Puppets and songs. Info: 01242 258002 or bacontheatre.co.uk July 27-28. Aliens Love Underpants. The Everyman, Cheltenham. Family production based on the best-selling book. Times vary. Info: everymantheatre.org July 8-11. Chess. Bacon Theatre, Cheltenham. Promenade Productions. 7.30pm. Tickets £12-£16, from bacontheatre.ticketsolve.com or call 01242 258002. August 23. A Rip-Roaring Summer Adventure. Rococo Gardens, Painswick. Summer is here, and it’s time for adventure. Danger beckons but who can be called upon to save the day? Matinee, 2.30pm, evening, 6.30pm. Tickets available online, but can also be booked through the Everyman box office on 01242 572573. Info: rococogarden.org.uk August 29. A Rip-Roaring Summer Adventure. Sandford Parks Lido. See above for details. Info: sandfordparks lido.org.uk
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June 20, 21. Day Out With Thomas. Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway, Toddington. Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends, plus the Fat Controller, of course. Info: gwsr.com July 4. Midsummer Fiesta. Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham. With a multitude of activities from charity stalls to music and dance from 12pm. Free admission July 4, 5. The Cotswold Show. Cirencester Park, Cirencester. A host of action-packed activities for the family and fascinating country pursuits, the very best in handmade crafts, plus food and drink heaven in the Food Village. Info: cotswoldshow.co.uk July 5. Summer Fayre. Woodchester Mansion, Woodchester Park, Nympsfield. Guided tours, music, stalls, Morris dancers. August 28-30. Info: woodchester mansion.org.uk July 9-11. 2000 Trees Festival. Family-friendly festival with music, Circuso–to children’s activities. Info: Giffords Ph twothousandtrees festival.co.uk July 11. Pied Piper Junior Aquathlon. Sandford Parks Lido, Cheltenham. Fun sporting challege for ages 8-16. Info: sandfordparkslido.org.uk July 11-12. Tewkesbury Medieval Festival. The world famous 1471 Battle of Tewkesbury is recreated with the help of hundreds of re-enactors. On Sunday there will be a medieval parade at 11am from the High Street to the festival. Info: tewkesburymedievalfestival.org July 17-19. Royal International Air Tattoo. RAF Fairford. Non-stop aerial displays and
plenty of action on the ground too with arena events galore. Tickets must be bought in advance. Info: airtattoo.com July 21-August 28. Activity Days for Children. Nature in Art, Twigworth. Info: discoveryzone.org.uk July 21-August 31. Explore Westonbirt. There’s something every day for families – from play trails to school holiday activities. Kids go free. Plus Treefest from August 2931. Info: forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt July 22. Family Photography Safari. Greystones Farm Nature Reserve, Bourton-onthe-Water. Learn to take great nature photos with professional wildlife photographer Iain Green. Suitable for children aged eight and above. Must be accompanied by an adult. 10am-1pm. Info: gloucestershire wildlifetrust.co.uk July 22-August 27. Summer Fun. The Wilson, Cheltenham Activities every Wednesday and Thursday. Info: 01242 237431 or visit cheltenhammuseum r .org.uk e b m e t p e July 23, 29, August re until S cus – : hAendrew Rees 13, 19, 27. Summer to o h P Fun Days. Robinswood Hill Country Park, main car park. Nature-themed activities and crafts. Just turn up. 11am2pm. Info: gloucestershire wildlifetrust.co.uk August 7-9. Festival of British Eventing. Gatcombe Park, Stroud. As well as a weekend of top-class eventing there will be a shopping village, arena attractions and entertainment for all the family. Info: gatcombe-horse.co.uk August 12-16. The NAF Five Star International Hartpury Horse Trials. The Gloucestershire-based horse trials (previously known as the Hartpury Three Day Event) has
developed into one of the highlights of the equestrian calendar. Info: hartpury.ac.uk August 15. Pollen-eating Pollinators. Pittville Park, Cheltenham. Meet at the Boat House for a pollinator hunt and to find out why they are so important. 10am-noon. Minimum age: eight. Info: gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk August 21-23. Day Out With Thomas. Dean Forest Railway, Norchard, near Lydney. Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends. Info: 01594 845840 or visit deanforestrailway.co.uk August 23. Tewkesbury Classic Vehicle Festival. Tewkesbury School Sports Field, Ashchurch Road, Tewkesbury. A great day out for all the family. Opens 11am. Info: tewkesburycvf.org or call 01684 850940. August 28-30. The Big Feastival. Three-day spectacular put on by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver and farmer/Blur bass guitarist Alex James at Alex’s farm at Kingham. Under-12s go free. Info: jamieoliver.com/thebigfeastival August 31. Winchcombe Country Show. Something for everyone with a traditional flower show, entertainment, Punch and Judy, crafts, stalls, bouncy castle, magician and more. Winchcombe Senior School Field. Procession from 11.30am. Info: winchcombeshow.org.uk August 31. Bourton Football in the River. Take your places on the banks of the Windrush in Bourton-on-the-Water as the Bank Holiday footie kicks off once again. Fete from 11am, with the football match kicking-off at 4pm. September 5. Moreton-in-Marsh Agricultural and Horse Show. Family day of farming, food, fashion and fun. Traditional one-day show with cattle, horse, ponies, sheep, dog shows, flowers, vegetables etc. Info: moretonshow.co.uk September 12. Newent Onion Fayre. Eyewatering entertainment as the world-famous onion-eating competition celebrates its 20th birthday. Starts 10am. Info: newentonionfayre.org September 19, 20. Day Out With Thomas. Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway, Toddington. Return of Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends. Info: gwsr.com
To advertise call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk 13
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Farm Park fun guaranteed
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UN on the farm is guaranteed at the Dick Whittington Farm Park. As well as the massive indoor Play Barn, electric go-karting course, farm animals, reptiles and small pets, a Whittington wall has been constructed within the barn. This presents a challenge both for adults and children to climb safely along the wall using foot and hand holds. There will be daily pets encounter sessions during the holidays plus face painting and glitter tattooing. Food is available for feeding the animals and a metal-detecting session takes place in the afternoons. Tractor and trailer rides are available on
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a daily basis, weather permitting. Try the restaurant menu of snacks, hot meals, tasty desserts and scrumptious ice creams. Alternatively, visitors can bring their own picnics. For enquiries call Dick Whittington Farm Park on 01452 831000 or visit dickwhittington.org Dick Whittington Farm Park is at Little London, Longhope.
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The stage is set for you to perform IT’S show time for 4-16-year-olds at the Mander Hall Academy. With a wealth of knowledge going back more than 40 years, Kate Hall and Sheila Mander have brought together their skills and experience and have set up a performing arts academy in Cheltenham. Every Saturday during term-time they host a three-hour session of singing, dancing and acting at Balcarras School in Charlton Kings, Cheltenham. At the Mander Hall Academy of Performing Arts the aim is to develop
skills in drama, singing and dance and we take children from 4 to 16 years old. We are excited to be performing our summer show SEUSSICAL JN at The Playhouse Theatre on July 15 and 16. This is a magical show where the children have been encouraged to stretch their imaginations to the limit. Come along and see our show, it’s fun for all the family. Call the box office on 01242 522852. We are enrolling children NOW to join us in September. Contact Kate on 07825 630751. Visit manderhallacademy.co.uk
To advertise call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk 15
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Opposites attract 11+ exam success
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ITH the increasing birth rate in Gloucestershire, competition is constantly increasing in the Grammar School 11+ exam. Vocabulary experts have now created a new set of flash cards to help give children an edge. Market leaders Farquhar’s Vocabulary Flash Cards have unveiled an additional set of Opposites, specifically written for the verbal reasoning element of the new-style Durham University Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring (CEM) 11+ test. The new cards are designed to complement the current sets, which encourage children to build up a solid bank of advanced vocabulary, synonyms, antonyms and compound words. Each card shows a target word with a child-friendly definition and a list of synonyms. The other side of the card shows its opposite. This challenging vocabulary is crucial to meet the rigorous demands of the highly-competitive test which was introduced last year. “It has become increasingly apparent that there is a need to focus more energy on mastering opposites. This applies particularly to the Durham
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University CEM 11+ test which is now set in Gloucestershire,” says creator Mary Farquhar. “This new set of opposite flash cards answers the demand from tutors, teachers and parents.” “Used in conjunction with the existing sets, including the established Opposites set which has proved very successful, this is the way forward to provide children with the extra challenge they need to help them tackle this tricky test with confidence and boost results.” For more information visit vocabularyflashcards.co.uk
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THE programme, which focuses on non-competitive gymnastics, is designed to build confidence and, above all else, be fun. It is based around the British Gymnastics Award and Reward Scheme. Children quickly develop better coordination, flexibility with strength and power. What’s more, it is proven that early training results in increased kinaesthetic awareness. Without even realising it, children will also rapidly gain self-esteem and confidence and it will boost their social interaction with peers. Classes are based around small age
ranges, with a high ratio of staff to children, especially in the younger years, so they will learn to listen and follow instructions as well as learning and developing the fundamentals of movement. “Gymnastics is one of the only sports that works total body strength/flexibility and aerobic development,” said Happy Days Gym founder Lisa Privett. “On top of that, gymnastics and movement are the foundation for any other sport in which your child participates.” For more details, contact 0794 705 4277 or visit happydaysgym.co.uk
FREE website listing… When you advertise in Kids Direct. Visit kidsdirect.org ■ Next issue: AUTUMN TERM. Call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk To advertise call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk
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Swim with StarFish SWIMMING LESSONS
DO you want your child to learn to swim in a friendly and fun environment? Then join the StarFish Swim Club at National Star! Get in touch with us to find out our availability for both learner and higher ability classes. These take place on Wednesday evenings and Saturday or Sunday mornings. A course for adults wanting to learn to swim or improve their stroke is available on Wednesday evenings. All attendees will benefit from a warm pool and warm welcome, with teachers well prepared for those who may be nervous about swimming. To book your place or find out more, get in touch with us by calling 01242 527631 ext 3381 or emailing starfish@natstar.ac.uk
‘Warm water and a very warm welcome’ Small classes Qualified teachers ● Experienced lifeguards ● Learn to Swim ●
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Improve your stroke Family swim sessions for those with children with a disability
Children aged 4 and over: Wednesday evening / Saturday and Sunday mornings Adults (learners and improvers): Wednesday evening Starfish Administrator, National Star Ullenwood Cheltenham GL53 9QU Tel: 01242 527631 ext 3381 starfish@natstar.ac.uk Registered charity number 220239
Have fun while you improve your skills ENCOURAGING young children to communicate confidently in another language? Or looking for extra help for your child during the summer? Language Solutions’ team of native speaker tutors can help you. Available in July/August ■ Adult classes and private tuition ■ French parent and toddler group ■ Infant and junior holiday sessions ■ Revision sessions for KS3 and up After-school clubs will be back in September. Enrolments are open from now. Call Sylvie on 01242 513072 for any further information.
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®
FUN FRENCH ®
FUN SPANISH To discover and to improve other languages. We welcome children aged 2+ Parent & Toddler Sessions Primary Clubs (Key stage 1 and 2) Family Groups Mini-groups or 1-1 tuition (ISEB up to A level exams) Special groups for bilingual children
Enrolments throughout the year
01242 513072
fun-languages.co.uk info@fun-languages.co.uk
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Monkey’s first steps in music INTRODUCE your little ones to the wonderful world of music Did you know the ear is the first organ to develop fully in the womb – meaning babies can start to take comfort from the sound of their mother’s voice from just 11 weeks? Early exposure to singing, listening to and playing music can sharpen up a whole range of skills. In babies and infants, greater exposure to music increases cell changes in the area of the brain concerned with speech. And since music uses both sides of the brain, it boosts other areas too, such as movement, creativity, spatial reasoning, memory and emotional intelligence. Monkey Music is the UK’s leading preschool music group with classes across Cheltenham and Gloucester for babies from three months to children of four years. The aim is simple; to educate and entertain through song, dance and play. Classes run in: Monday: Up Hatherley and Highbury Church, Cheltenham Tuesday: Bourton-on-the-Water and Bishop’s Cleeve Wednesday: Churchdown and Charlton Kings Thursday: Leckhampton Friday: Playfarm, Cheltenham Saturday: Whole Foods Market in Cheltenham Teacher Sian Ferris, a local mum-ofthree, brought Monkey Music to the area in 2002. She said: “Music and rhythm can
engage children at an incredibly early age and there’s a great deal of research to show how important music can be in the development of young minds. “We introduce music to very young children in a way they can easily understand and enjoy. Catchy songs are mixed with a multitude of instruments and visual props, something for all musical maestros to get to grips with. And it’s great fun for the grown-ups too.” To book your FREE TRIAL CLASS – call Sian on 07768 457403 or head to monkeymusic.co.uk for more.
To advertise call 01452 855384 or email joyce.m@blueyonder.co.uk 19
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Dance-Tec puts the world at your feet STREET dance, street poms, lyrical hip hop, fitness classes, dance parties, exams and so much more – they’re all available at Dance-Tec, the fun, friendly dance school. We have danced in Paris, London and taken part in competitions and shows. All this is available to all dancers but not compulsory. Classes are in Cheltenham and Tewkesbury for ages four to 50. For more details, contact Rachel on 07778 599670 or email dance-tec@hotmail.co.uk. Visit our website at dance-tec.co.uk
Dance-Tec Kids & Adults Funky Street Dance for more info contact Rachel 07778 599670 dance-tec.co.uk
BIG WAVES SWIM SCHOOL Dean Close School Pool, Cheltenham
Make 2015 go with a SPLASH and join MAKE your child safe in the water our ASA Swim School – learn to swim at Enrolling now for at Dean Close School pool SUMMER HOLIDAY CRASH COURSE in Cheltenham. AUGUST 3-AUGUST 10 Big Waves and Aquasplash are ALSO NOW ENROLLING FOR SEPTEMBER family swim schools run by Marian Children’s classes Sundays 8.30-1pm Venn and her daughter Karen. Mon/Thurs 7-8pm. Parent/Toddler, Beginner, Summer holiday crash courses run Improver groups, ASA Badge Scheme. ASAfrom August 3-10 from 9amqualified friendly teachers, small groups. 11am. Enrol too for weekly classes Adult learn-to-swim and improvers Thurs 8pm in the September term for all ages Tel: Marian/Karen 07887 422232/ and abilities. 07810 296130 There are swim lessons for all the email bigwaveswim@yahoo.co.uk family, with parent and toddler, bigwaveswimschool.co.uk learn to swim, Improvers ASA Award scheme and Rookie Lifesaving. There are swim lessons for adults too, or you can just swim to keep fit. So don’t delay, enrol today. Call Marian on 07887 422232, Karen on 07810 296130, email bigwaveswim@yahoo.co.uk or visit bigwaveswimschool.co.uk
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ELCOMING an overseas student into your home can be a rewarding experience and there are a number of ways you can become a host family. Every year, thousands of overseas students are educated at independent schools across the UK. When their school closes for half-term holidays and exeat weekends throughout the year, they need a great host family who will provide a home away from home. Pippa’s Guardians have been providing high quality guardianship services to international students for more than 17 years. A family-run company, they understand the value of a good home and how a host family can positively impact on a student’s wellbeing. Pippa’s Guardians know their students well and match them with wellsuited families. Thousands more overseas students come to the UK on educational visits. They usually spend between one and three weeks here and follow a programme which combines English lessons with day trips and social activities. The students live with a host family during the whole of their stay. Being part of a family and experiencing day-to-day family life enhances their study programme and undoubtedly plays a part in improving their English language skills. As well as receiving a generous payment, there are many other advantages in being a host family. It is a great opportunity to introduce your family to other cultures and languages. Sharing your traditions
and family life with an overseas student and knowing that you are helping them during their time in the UK is very gratifying. Long-term friendships often develop and many host families keep in touch with the students and their families once they are back home.
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KD summer
You can be a squash wizard WIZARDS Squash is held at Old Pats Club and Sacred Hearts Club in Cheltenham. The emphasis at Wizards Squash is having lots of fun while learning how to play squash, with group and individual sessions for all ages from five through to 18 years. Group sessions are held most weekdays and Saturdays with extra morning sessions during the school holidays. Wizards Squash is now in its 17th year. It offers a structured programme of sessions (by ability not age), with each player’s performance recorded for their continuing assessment. Through this method each player has personal feedback on their progress for all the main skills (with our Wizards Squash Skills tests). To play squash you need to be very fit. To achieve this we use outdoor facilities – a large playing field and Leckhampton Hill. We include outdoor running of various distances such as a 684m lap of the field, Cooper’s test, hill sprints, tree shuttles and stair sprints, to mention but a few. Other fun ways of attaining the skills and fitness required to play squash include tag, Mission Impossible, tag relay, hit ball high, hit ball far, mini-court (a smaller court inside the full size one) and lots more. Prize points are awarded for personal
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Free coaching offer during school holidays Want to get started but don’t know how? Well, Gary is offering free 30 minute taster sessions during the holidays. All you have to do is phone Gary to book a convenient time for you and your child (usual fee £10). Call Gary on 01242 525665.
WizardsSquash@hotmail.com
01242 525665 bests at a skill or fitness test and usually for winning group session competitions. Prize Points equal pence – a few years ago a junior player saved up enough Prize Points to buy a racket! Free taster sessions are held during school holidays or can be booked at other times with a fee of £10. Please come along and give us a try. Give Gary Powell a call on 01242 525665 or email wizardssquash@ hotmail.com
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KD summer centres provide maths and English tuition to five to 14year-olds of all abilities, and also run special courses in 11+ exam preparation. The centres are open seven days a week, and are Ofsted registered, meaning families can use childcare vouchers to pay for membership. Also, because children attend up to twice a week on a drop-in basis, Explore tuition can fit easily into busy family life. Children work with tutors who are great educational role models, enthusiastic about learning and fantastic motivators. Each child has an individualised learning programme tailored to meet his or her needs, and all Explore courses map to the National Curriculum. Find out how your child can benefit from Explore Learning membership today. Call your local centre to book a free trial session or complete a form at explorelearning.co.uk
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Unique and magical 18th Century Garden set in the magnificent Cotswold Countryside ● Anniversary Maze ● Georgian Follies ● Children’s Nature Trail ● Tea Room ● Gift Shop ● Plant Sales Open until October 31 Daily 11am-5pm Painswick, Glos GL6 6TH Tel 01452 813204 Fax 01452 814888 rococogarden.co.uk A Registered Charity
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