Page 20 - link magazine

20 swindonlink.com • August 2009
Summer fun pure and simple

Before shelling out on theme parks and play schemes, parents could fi nd that the answer to staving off summer holiday boredom is available
at no cost.
With more families spending parents to stop tations; there’s For those wishing to go further
the holidays in Britain, children’s thinking that a generation afi eld, Let’s Go with the Children
author and Storysacks creator, Neil you need to go now that ex- guide books and online guide pro-
Griffi ths, right, wants parents to to indoor play pects constant vide ideas and special offers. This
remember the simple pleasure to be areas or Euro stimulus.” summer, their publishers say, more
found in past times such as playing Disney to stim- Neil sug- parents are combining learning ex-
Pooh sticks, blowing dandelion ulate a child,” gests encour- periences with leisure to ‘edutain’
clocks and pond dipping. He feels he said. “You aging young- their children. It is estimated that
that a generation could be missing can get a mas- sters to explore more than half of us will holiday
out on enriching experiences that sive amount the wonderful at home this year, so museums,
were once part of every child- out of some- parks and open craft centres and galleries are more
hood, as children’s leisure time is thing that costs spaces on offer popular than ever. For Wiltshire
increasingly fi lled with timetabled nothing.” in Swindon, alone, the Let’s Go website lists
activities and clubs. “There’s a make the most 40 free places to visit with plenty
He is working on a book, Takes a sense that you of the library more within easy reach.
Moment, Lasts a Lifetime, full of easy have to pack service and www.letsgowiththechildren.co.uk
activities that will create special the summer with activity. We visit the art gallery and museum swindon.gov.uk/leisuresport/park-
memories. “I want to encourage have to change children’s expec- in Old Town. sandgardens
Join the exciting reading challenge
at a Swindon library
The adventure starts when you pick up a ‘moving image’ membership card and fold-
out adventure poster where Cadmus the gatekeeper challenges you to bring back the
golden book.
There are 3 stages to your quest: Firebird Rising, Mountain Mission and Dragon’s Lair. Read six books, collect 6 stickers and be rewarded with
a medal, certifi cate and fabulous dragon model.
All the family can be part of the fun, as parents can listen to older children and read to pre- schoolers. Those completing the challenge are entered
in a prize draw, with the chance to win some prizes such as tickets to the Cotswold Wildlife Park and Link Centre activities.
There are also two special events at West Swindon Library in August. Take part in a Fantasy Craft afternoon on Tuesday 4th, from 2pm to 4pm
and on Wednesday 19th, 2pm, Neil Griffi ths will be entertaining children with his special brand of storytelling.
Quest Seekers runs until 5 September. Call into a Swindon library for details and see also: www.questseekers.org.uk
Three farms offering
SWINDON TOWN FOOTBALL IN THE COMMUNITY TRUST great outdoor activities
SUMMER FOOTBALL Acorn Education Summer Workshops Westmill Farm, Shrivenham

FUNWEEKS Tuesday 4, Wednesday 5 & Thursday 6 August: Nature Creativity
Days for 5 to 12 year olds.

Games, crafts and adventures inspired by the natural world, explore the
woodland and hedgerows, create pictures, poems and plays.
For boys and girls aged 5 to 15 Tuesday 18, Wednesday 19 & Thursday 20 August: Prehistoric Days.
at the County Ground Become part of a prehistoric tribe! From hunters and gatherers to early
farmers, standing stone and henge builders through to smiths and chari-
4th, 5th & 6th August: 10.00am - 3.00pm oteers. Practice prehistoric cookery, decorate the walls of the round house,
11th, 12th & 13th August: 10.00am - 3.00pm visit the sacred spring, then make ancient music as a bard of old.
A fresh organic lunch will be provided with an opportunity to help cook
25th, 26th & 27th August: 10.00am - 3.00pm a cauldron of soup on an open fi re. Stay for one day, or camp overnight
and join in for two or three.
Cost: 1 course: £45 2 courses: £80 (Family reductions Cost: £20 per day; reduced fees for families. Concessions available.
3 courses: £115 4 courses: £150 To book mail: [email protected] or call 07816 591151
available)
www.acorneducation.com
Swindon Town Football in the Community Trust are an
FA Charter Standard and registered scheme. Lower Shaw Farm: Summer Activity Days for 5 to 12 year olds
All coaches are qualifi ed to UEFA standard and hold a Tuesday 11 & Wednesday 12 August, 10.30am – 3.30pm
Outdoors and around the farm: meet the animals, arts and crafts in
First Aid Certifi cate. the big barn, cooking over a real fi re, perhaps some juggling. Cost £15
Each coach will work with an assistant and the emphasis is on fun. per child per day; advance booking essential by calling 771080 or mail:
There is an opportunity to win prizes through competitions as well [email protected]
as learning new skills and techniques. Roves Farm. Themed weeks to discover how farms are looking after
All you will need is a packed lunch and a full playing kit. the countryside and the wildlife we depend on so much.
Many of our courses become fully subscribed very quickly, Saturday 25 to Friday 31 July: Bug Week. Take the tractor ride to one
so sign on as soon as possible. of the many ‘bugtastic’ habitats on the farm.
Saturday 1 to Friday 14 August: Wind in the Willows. Follow the story
Call now to book a place of Mole, Toad and Ratty along the banks of the River Cole.
Tel: 01793 421303 Saturday 15 to Sunday 23 August: Join Robin Hood and his Merry Men
down in ye olde Roves Forest.
Mobile: 07966 305320 Monday 24 to Monday 31 August: Sunfl ower hunting; take home a
or 07901 570236 unique specimen.
www.stfc-fi tc.co.uk For details call 763939.
www.rovesfarm.co.uk

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