Come along and join in the fun at Woodchester Mansion on our popular Woodchester Wednesdays
What's happened so far?
4 August: CREEPY CRAWLY DAY
An intrepid group of bug hunters made some interesting discoveries at the first 
Woodchester Wednesday Activity Day. Nooks and crannies of the mansion were searched with torches and outside the undergrowth was combed for interesting finds. A spectacular orange and black-banded burying beetle was found and we were interested to discover from the Observer Book of Insects how it digs away the ground under dead birds and animals to bury them as a food store for its larvae. Two, four and twelve spot brown and cream ladybirds turned up. A large number of hawk moth wings were found in the mansion, left over after the bats had munched the bodies for their supper. We made some great Bugs-on-a-Stick- shimmery dragonflies and colourful ladybirds and later a number of interesting new creatures emerged from a large pile of scrap materials. Well done everyone - an enjoyable day for all involved. see more pictures
11 August: GARGOYLES
A brand new gargoyle was created this week at the second Woody Wednesday Activity day, by a large group of willing apprentices!
We searched the Mansion to find obvious and less obvious gargoyles and came up with a surprising total number - 33 - including some that one or two volunteers had never seen before. We were all amazed by the number of different creatures depicted by the masons and also puzzled by one or two which seemed to be a curious mixture.
Some great clay creations were made and then we set to work on the life size model. Bubble wrap, paper,glue and lots of messy paint were put to good use surrounding a drainpipe core to create Gary the Gargoyle. When we tried it out with water we were glad to find it worked just as well as the real ones.
We were pleased to welcome visitors from far away this week including some from W Sussex and South Carolina. Heath and Cooper from the US were fascinated by the Mansion and had lots of questions for us to answer. see more pictures
18 August: PICTURES OF THE MANSION
After exploring the mansion both inside and out, we created some lovely pictures and models today.
As usual there was lots of interest in the gargoyles and the bats and they were both chosen as subjects for our art work.
Mums and Dads worked hard with their children on the mansion models as they were quite tricky but all came out well and looked (nearly) like the real thing. The girls made some colourful pastel pictures and William and Henry learnt how to draw bats with the correct wing structure.
As usual everyone had fun and took something home that they had made! see more pictures
And still to come -
25 August: our very special Victorian Day
Be a Victorian child, dress like a Victorian, play Victorian games and come to our very strict Victorian School !
The morning session is from 11.00am to 1.00pm and the afternoon session is from 1.30pm-3.30pm
Park in the National Trust car park - our minibus will run from the foot of the National Trust steps at 10.30 and 1.00 or enjoy the walk (about 20 minutes) down through the woods
Morning session 11.00-1.00 - Afternoon session 1.30-3.30
Whole day £5.00 per child 4-11yrs
Morning or afternoon £2.50 per child 4-11yrs
The Shop and Tearoom will be open at lunchtime but bring a picnic lunch.
All welcome but children must be accompanied by an adult
No need to book, just turn up on the day, rain or shine
gallery poster