August Activities for the Kids!

School Holiday Fun at the Castle

Need something to do with the kids this Summer?

Visit Berkeley Castle throughout August and enjoy Castle inspired children’s activities that are included with the Castle admission ticket.

With nothing extra to pay, kids (and adults!) can take part in Archery, Jester Skills or Arts and Crafts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout August. All activities are included within the Global Admission Ticket to the Castle, which also includes a guided tour around the Castle and a visit to the Butterfly House in the Walled Garden. A family ticket for two adults and two children is only £24.00 and includes all this.

There are also prizes to be won with quizzes and a butterfly trail throughout the grounds.

Tuesdays – Jester Skills with “The Fool Monty”

Watch Matt, the Castle Jester, perform his Jester set, teach jester skills and generally have lots of jester-fun throughout the day.

Wednesdays – Come & Try Archery

Meet Ollie, the Castle Marksman and have a go at Archery using a traditional English Longbow. This is something all the family can participate in – including the adults! Come and have a go throughout the day.

Thursdays – Castle Arts & Crafts

Join Bev, the Castle Crafter  who will help visitors throughout the day create Castle inspired masterpieces from the Wood Shed Craft Area in front of the stunning new Castle Mural.

The Castle opens at 11.00am and the last guided tours run at 4.00pm.

Berkeley & the Civil War - Sunday 7th August 2011

ROYALISTS RETURN TO BERKELEY CASTLE!

Sunday 7^th August 2011 – 11.00am – 5.30pm

Charles Gerard’s Regiment of Foot offer the public and a chance to get “up close and personal” with a glimpse into the lives of the soldiers and their followers in the English Civil War this August.

The group, who are part of the Society of the Sealed Knot, will be at Berkeley Castle on Sunday 7th August 2011 and will offer members of the public the chance to see, touch and talk to people about the way a military campaign would have been run during the seventeenth century.

The event will be held within the grounds of Berkeley Castle and is included within the admission price for the Castle – that’s right, there’s nothing additional to pay!

Berkeley Castle itself has its’ own place in the events of the English Civil War. As a Royalist stronghold it was besieged by Parliamentary troops in September of 1645. Sir Charles Lucas, the Royalist commander, said that he would “eat horse flesh ere he would surrender, and man’s flesh when that was done”! However, when the Parliamentarians brought up artillery they were left with no choice but to surrender.

The Royalists will be back in more peaceful times, allowing the public to understand the lives of people over 350 years ago. There will be a soldiers encampment and drill demonstrations. See everyday activities such as cooking and a variety of crafts and games. Watch more military pursuits such as sword play and use of pike and musket.

Knowledgeable costumed re-enactors will guide the audience and to answer any questions. There is even the possibility of the presence of Fire Dragon, Gerard’s own cannon.

Chris Jones, spokesman of the group said:

“We’re very excited to be coming back to Berkeley – it’s been a few years since we were last there. It’s such a beautiful and historic setting and we’ve always had a great welcome from the people who come out to see what we’re doing.”

Visitors can take a guided tour around the Castle and learn more about one of the most influential parts of Britain’s history and seeing it right up close in one of England’s most beautiful and historic settings. Visitors will also get the opportunity to have a go at bombarding the Royalists – but this time with questions and cameras!

E N D

About Charles Gerard’s Regiment of Foot:

Visit www.gerards.org.uk or contact Steve Hall on 01902 762014 or e-mail contact@gerards.org.uk.

About the Society of the Sealed Knot:

Visit www.thesealedknot.org.uk.

Berkeley Primary School piant the Castle!

Local school children paint mural at Berkeley Castle

School children from Berkeley Primary School have created a masterpiece at Berkeley Castle.

The log shed at the Castle has been transformed into a fabulous craft space and wet weather shelter by two combined local projects.

On June 21st 2011, a local team from Magnox South Limited built a plaster-board frame within the brick built log shed, as part of a team building day for 20 staff based at the Berkeley Centre of Magnox South. The boards were then skimmed and painted, and on Wednesday 6th July, teaching assistants from Berkeley Primary School began to prepare the walls for the ‘Berkeley Mural’ designed by the children at the school.

Whilst the Castle is open to visitors, children from Berkeley Primary School painted the mural onto the walls. It took just six days to complete and is already in use by visitors to the Castle.

Head Teacher, Debbie Marklove said:

“The children have been really inspired by the idea of painting a ‘Berkeley Mural’ on the walls at the Castle. It was  a challenge to complete the mural before the end of term, but we loved getting involved at the Castle and are delighted with the finished result!”

 

The mural is a real feature, and creates a fabulous backdrop for the Castle Arts & Crafts sessions taking place in the log shed every Thursday throughout August.

Around the World in 80 Days!

Around the World in 80 Days –

Jenny Wren Productions at Berkeley Castle

“I shall bet twenty thousand pounds... that I will make the tour of the world in eighty days or less.  That is in nineteen hundred and twenty hours, or one hundred and fifteen thousand, two hundred minutes.”

It is 1872 and the punctual and particular Phileas Fogg wagers that he can circle the globe in just 80 days!  With his fortune on the line, Fogg and his faithful manservant Passepartout use rail, steamer and elephant as they race against the clock with the hopeless Detective Fix hot on their heels.  Typhoons, runaway trains and a terrifying Apache tribe are among the trials and tribulations they encounter, as they travel to exotic and far-flung corners of the globe – Suez, Singapore and San Francisco to name but a few. 

This delightful adaptation of Jules Verne’s classic adventure novel by award-winning American playwright Mark Brown, is a good old-fashioned, fun-packed, fast-paced, family-friendly romp.  Five actors use lightning quick costume changes to play all 39 characters in a madcap comedy that’s been described as “Monty Python meets Jules Verne.”

The company, Jenny Wren Productions have been responsible for many previous outdoor hits, including The Three Musketeers and A Child in the Forest and are regulars at the Everyman Studio Theatre, Cheltenham. Said director Jenny Wicks: 

“It’s a really fun, fast show with lots of physical comedy.  The actors have been working really hard, developing all the different characters.  Two of the cast play at least 15 parts each!  There will be lots of quick changes and lots of laughs.”

The performance of Around the World in 80 Days by Jenny Wren Productions takes place on Sunday 24^th July and starts at 7.30pm, with the grounds open from 6.30pm. Bring a picnic, a seat and a jumper. This annual event always proves to be very popular – whatever the weather! Performed on the Lower Lawn adjacent to the Lily Pond, but if the weather is wet, the performance will take place in the Great Hall. All ages welcome!

Sunday 24th July, 2011

Berkeley Castle

Performance: 7.30pm – grounds open from 6.30pm for picnics

Box Office: 01453 512992 or 01453 810332

Tickets: £12 (£8 concs) Family ticket £30 (2 adults, 2 children)

Performance in Great Hall if wet.

For more information and to request interviews and review tickets, call Francesca Goddard and Jackie McKenzie at The Everyman Theatre on 01242 236700 or email francesca.goddard@everymantheatre.org.uk or jackie.mckenzie@everymantheatre.org.uk

Berkeley Primary School piant the Castle!

Local school children to paint mural at Berkeley Castle

School children from Berkeley Primary School are getting the chance to create a masterpiece at Berkeley Castle.

The log shed at the Castle, which dates from the late 19^th century, has been transformed into a fabulous craft space and wet weather shelter by two combined local projects.

On June 21^st 2011, a local team from Magnox South Limited built a plaster-board frame within the brick built log shed, as part of a team building day for 20 staff based at the Berkeley Centre of Magnox South. The boards were then skimmed and painted, and on Wednesday 6^th July, teaching assistants from Berkeley Primary School began to prepare the walls for the ‘Berkeley Mural’ designed by the children at the school.

Whilst the Castle is open to visitors, children from Berkeley Primary School will be on site from Monday 11^th July 2011 to paint the mural onto the walls. It is expected that it may take up to two weeks for the mural to be completed.

Head Teacher, Debbie Marklove said:

The children have been really inspired by the idea of painting a ‘Berkeley Mural’ on the walls at the Castle. It will be a challenge to complete the mural before the end of term, but we are all looking forward to seeing the finished result!”

The mural will be a real feature, and will create a fabulous backdrop for the Castle Arts & Crafts sessions taking place in the log shed every Thursday throughout August.

Griff Rhys Jones breakfasts at Berkeley Castle

Griff Rhys Jones films new TV series at Berkeley Castle

Comedian, actor, presenter and TV personality, Griff Rhys Jones visited Berkeley Castle on Monday 4^th July 2011, to film footage for his latest BBC1 TV series Routes Around Britain.

The series follows Griff as he re-traces the progress tour of Queen Elizabeth I during her reign as monarch. Queen Elizabeth I visited the Castle in 1574, and evidence of her visit can be found within the Castle’s impressive archives, which was filmed for the series.

Griff was filmed having breakfast with the owner of Berkeley Castle, Mr. John Berkeley and his eldest son and Castle Director Charles Berkeley. The film crew also filmed in one of the private state bedrooms, re-creating what it may have looked like during Queen Elizabeth’s visit. Charles Berkeley was also filmed with Griff and a Rolls Royce Phantom that Griff is using to travel in for the series.

Charles said:

“We are delighted that the Castle is being used for this new BBC1 series. Griff was thoroughly charming and very interested in the Castle and its history. We are all looking forward to seeing the series when it is aired at the beginning of next year.”

The Castle has also been filmed recently for a TV series featuring the story of Isabelle, wife of Edward II who infamously arranged for her husband to be imprisoned and subsequently murdered at the Castle.

Stolen Porcelain returns to Castle

Recovery of two pieces of Chamberlain’s Worcester Porcelain stolen from Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire over a decade ago

 

Chamberlain’s Cobalt Glazed Vase Worcester Factory

The rare pieces were stolen in the early hours of Wednesday 5^th May 1999 from the Berkeley family’s treasured collection of porcelain. While the theft was investigated by Gloucestershire Police the Castle’s Custodian immediately registered the stolen objects with the Art Loss Register.  Over the course of the next eleven years the Art Loss Register continued to search the international art market for the much missed pieces.

In September 2010 whilst carrying out a routine catalogue search the stolen Ice Pail and Twin Handled Vase were identified. Working quickly and with the full cooperation of the auction house, the pieces were withdrawn from the impending sale and safely stored.  The consignors were contacted, a local couple who were hoping to auction the contents of their home. 

Upon hearing that the works were stolen from Berkeley Castle (an image of which actually adorns the Twin Handled Vase) the shocked couple agreed to immediately release the works for return to their rightful owner.  

After liaising with law enforcement, the regional auction house and insurer, the porcelain was recently returned to Berkeley Castle.  The two items will be placed back on display in the Castle later this week, after having been absent for nearly twelve years.

The Berkeley Family, who have occupied the estate since the 12^th Century, are said to be overjoyed at the recovery and return of the valuable works to the Castle’s collection.

Berkeley Town Festival returns - longer, bigger & better!

BERKELEY FESTIVAL 2011
BERKELEY. GLOUCESTERSHIRE
Saturday 16th July 2011 – from 1.00pm

 

The Berkeley Festival returns for its second year on Saturday 16th July 2011. This year the festival is longer, bigger and better! Starting at 1.00pm, located in Canonbury Street and the Market Square, the Festival is a great afternoon out for all the family.

The Festival will be formally opened by Charles Berkeley, followed by a programme of live entertainment and music throughout the afternoon.

There will be stalls for crafts and fund-raising, a BBQ, Pimms, real ales, and ice cream! Berkeley History Society will be displaying finds from the University of Bristol archaeological dig in Berkeley and there will be jazz from The Park Row Five in Dr. Jenner’s Garden. Weather permitting there will also be tethered hot air balloon rides, subject to availability.

The fun doesn’t stop there though as there is evening entertainment at the Salutation Inn in Ham from 6.00pm with a hog roast and music and at the Berkeley Arms Hotel there will be a disco from 8.00pm in the function room.

The Festival is free to attend and open to everyone. There will be a fabulous raffle prizes include a balloon flight, boat trip, Marks & Spencer’s vouchers, tickets to the Berkeley Skirmish, Berkeley Show, Frampton Country Fair, Dr. Jenner’s House, Stroud Cinema, Berkeley Castle, Old down Country Park and much, much more. Any profits made are donated to local charities.

The Berkeley Festival is organised by a committee of volunteers, co-ordinated by the Berkeley Community Trust. For further information about the Festival please contact John Stanton on 01453 511081 or Gordon Craig on 01453 811021.