Page 22 - link magazine

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SWIndol Wide
Help name a moon bear for Swindon

Swindon's Animals Asia Foundation support group is ecstatic that the charity has been allocated a rescued Asiatic moon bear and they
are looking to readers to help them come up with a name.
"I was literally over the moon inVietnam, and milked The Swindon will receive a framed photograph
when themessagecamefromJill forbilethroughacath- branch would like to of the rescued bear.
Robinson the founder that we can eter permanentlyfixed receive suggestions "Animals Asia does incredible
name a bear,"said Sarah Chilvers to his body. of names for 'Swin- work saving moon bears and we
who set up the branch in 2007. "It's a male bear don moon bear.' want as many people as possible
"Even though it was by e-mail, who had been kept in All entries will be to get behind them," said Sarah.
I'm sure she heard my squeal of terrible conditions for put into a draw for a "Please mail us your entries by
delight in China." 14 years," said Sarah. framed print of moon 15 July via www.animalsasia-
However Sarah's joy is tem- "But now that he's in bear Prince by Rachel swindon.co.uk"
pered by the knowledge that Vietnam's new moon Stribling, left. The • Walk or run for moon bears - see
'Swindon moon bear' had been bear sanctuary, we're told he has person whose name is selected page 33
kept locked in a cage no bigger a lovely friendly temperament and I
than its body in a domestic kitchen is enjoying his den."
Lots to do this summer
Trips to distant theme parks don't have to be on the agenda in the holidays.
Along with enjoying traditional pastimes such as Pooh sticks and pond
dipping there's plenty to keep the kids entertained locally.
The National Trust year is aerial work,
offers activities such including trapeze. All
as gladiator battles, levels of ability wel-
knights and princess come.
quests, craft time and www.lowershawfarm.
treasure trails across co.uk
many venues region- At Roves Farm, the
ally and throughout Very Hungry Cater-
the country. Pay in- pillar, from July 24 to
dividually or take out August 6, will explore
annual membership the lifecycle of a but-
to get the most value. terfly in afun way - on
www.nationaltrust. a tractor ride.
org. uk Robin Hood and
At Studley Grange his Merry Men will be
Craft Village & roaming between 7
Studley Grange Butterfly World by and 13 August. Follow
atrail of clues through
garden & leisure park Junction 16 there and around the woods
are many activities
,
ana Graft Vttlage

to thrill youngsters, 'Simples! I'm still waiting while enjoying one
from sand workshops, for my studio call from of the tractor-trailer
jewellery making ses- Studley Grange' rides. Hobby horses
` . u Enjoy a truly magical experience as you
j
C ^V sions, painting, cake and Robin Hood hats
0 walk amongst hundreds of the world's most can be made in craft sessions.
y
haaufiS it h ,tfedlipc flvinn treel around a trnnirai decorating, a children's play area.
Butterfly World has 30 species of Between 14 and 20 August goon
butterflies and over 200 varieties of a bear hunt on the tractor, helping
tropical plants, as well as an animal the intrepid explorer find the bear,
paddock. New residents include four while from 21 August to 5 Septem-
otters and two meerkats. Manager ber test your sunflower knowledge
Phil Noon said, "we're moving into on the tractor-trailer ride and watch
more exotic animals and eventually the sunflower grow. Make your own
hope to breed the meerkats. We in the arts and craft sessions.
think the kids will love them." www.rovesfarm.co.uk
www.studleygrange.co.uk At Farmer Gow's Activity Farm,
At Lower Shaw Farm there are just off the A420, there are baby
many events, starting on 4 August lambs and kids to feed, cute little
with an Activity Day. Meet the ani- piglets to see, trailer rides and excit-
mals, enjoy arts and crafts in the ing play areas. See the free entry
big barn and cook over a real fire. voucher left.
Book in advance. At Westmill Farm, in Watchfield,
Or try a residential week of fami- near Shrivenham, on 20 and 21
ly creativity and relaxation from 15 July, take part in Prehistoric Tribal
to 22 August. Art, crafts, games, Day. Practice prehistoric cookery,
outings, yoga classes, juggling, decorate the walls of the round
baking, and jam-making, with eve- house, visit the sacred spring, then
nings around the campfire. make ancient music.
Or how about Juggling and Cir- An organic lunch is provided with
cus Skills from 27 to 30 August? an opportunity to cook a cauldron
A long residential weekend learn- of soup on an open fire. Stay for a
ing juggling, pole spinning, human day, or camp overnight.
pyramids, diabolo, devil stick, plate Contact chris@acorn education.
spinning, clowning and new this com for details and to book.