Autumn 2013 www.beebomagazine.co.uk
Complimentary
The Southwest’s must have family magazine
**EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW** AT HOME WITH JACKIE LLEWELYN-BOWEN
Back to School
Calming senior school jitters Coping with school phobia
Adoption
3 readers share their story
What’s On : Carnival time, Halloween & Bonfire night
WIN WIN WIN
- A Yummy Mummy Baby Bag - Zuma the Dog Goodies - Silver Cross Car Seat and more.....
Plus :-
It’s Halloween get creative!!
pregnancy advice, books for autumn, seasonal health, autumn fashion and lots lots more....
the pick of the best shops in Somerset
Over 50 stores under one roof… Open 7 days a week 9am - 5.30pm (Sun 10.30am - 4.30pm) facebook.com/Orchardtaunton
twitter.com/orchardtaunton
www.orchardtaunton.co.uk
Tone FM - Six Months On........ Wow, six months on air and what a six months it has been for all of us here at Tone FM. It has been an incredible journey so far, from the building of the studio to our first broadcast and now our half-year birthday. From the very beginning we were determined that this station was going to be part of the community, getting involved with local charities and business, raising awareness on local issues from serious news stories to charity fun days and outright silliness. As a not-for-profit organisation, we are exclusively run by a fantastic team of volunteers who give up their time and expertise to help us make the station as successful as possible. Going across the spectrum from the seasoned professional DJs like Drew Haddon (Drive Time 3pm – 6pm every weekday) and Darren Daley (Breakfast Show 7am – 9am every weekday) to students getting their first exposure; to live radio like Nathan Stone (Community Noticeboard) and Sarah Kan’aa (News Desk and Events). We all live and work in and around Taunton and love being part of something that is giving back to our community. In the short time we’ve been on air we have had some incredible highlights and guests including: • • • •
Jeremy Browne, our local MP Howard Jones, Eighties legend Jane Hofmeister of the Think Amy Campaign Arul Suppiah, World Record Holder and ex SCCC Cricketer
The list is endless and the support we have had has been overwhelming. A big thank you to everyone that has helped us along the way; to the people who continue to help us; to our amazing team who are all incredible and to the people of Taunton that have welcomed us with open arms - who tune in and listen to us doing what we love. Here’s to the next six months and hopefully years to come!
Contents
Autumn Edition
Features 08 Jackie Llewelyn-Bowen Our Exclusive interview at home in Cirencester
15 Active Birth Trusting our bodies and the real advantages
16 Bump to Baby Following one reader’s experience - the third trimester
8
EXCLUSIVE Interview
18 Yummy Mummy Baby Bags Our top picks for Autumn plus giveaway!
20 Transition Time Help calm senior school jitters
21 School Phobia
Bump to Baby
When back to school spells problems
22 The Big Draw
16
Get the family drawing
23 Adoption 3 readers share their experience
What’s On....
58
24 Whizz Kids Choose the right scooter for your child and Beebo reviews
26 Autumn Fashion Beautifully bold for Autumn and wonderful wellies
30 Happy Halloween How to carve the perfect pumpkin
34 Beebo Health Flu season and back to school Nits!
36 Family Escapes Beebo Reviews Center Parcs, Longleat
38 Dad’s Corner Choosing the right Sat Nav and Skin care
40 Autumn Gardening And it’s Harvest time...
42 Autumn Feasts Halloween & Bonfire Treats and our favourite Annabel Karmel
48 Zuma the Dog Our Autumn colouring competition
50 Books Books Books Autumn reviews and great reads
52 Schools & Education Open days and news news news
58 What’s on this Autumn Carnivals, Halloween, Fireworks and more...
66 Beebo Classifieds Cleaners to beauty therapists
The Southwest’s must have family magazine
5
Get a warm glow this Autumn with a sponsored Firewalk! Local charity, Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) is offering the perfect way to keep warm as the nights start to draw in and temperatures drop this autumn. CHSW, who provides the only hospice care for life-limited children across the South West, is holding a series of sponsored Firewalk events across the region. The barefoot walks across red hot embers, with temperatures up to 800°C, provide the opportunity to achieve what doesn’t seem possible, increase your confidence, overcome your fears and raise vital funds for CHSW at the same time. The oldest recorded fire walk was over 4,000 years ago in India. Two Brahmin priests were competing to see who could walk farther over red hot coals. The victor’s triumph was recorded in writing surviving to this day. Fire walking is not about being in touch with one’s inner being or even mind over matter magic. The process of fire walking can be explained by simple physics. The magic part is when you make that life changing decision to walk on fire. One brave participant who took on the hot coal challenge for CHSW last year was Neil Thompson from Bristol whose granddaughter Freya (aged three) visits the charity’s Charlton Farm hospice. Neil, aged 49, talks more about how the charity has supported his family: “Freya was born with Mitochondrial Disease, a rare disorder which affects the brain and nervous system. Along with the rest of her family Freya has been visiting CHSW’s Charlton Farm hospice for respite care for the last two years. These breaks make an enormous difference to the whole family. Freya’s sister, Paige really looks forward to her visits and enjoys lots of adventures with Charlton Farm’s sibling team. Having the support of the
care team means Freya’s parents can enjoy having fun with Freya whilst also having some rare time off. Neil goes on to talk more about his Firewalk experience: “CHSW has done so much for my family that I wanted to do something to support them. My work chose to support the charity last year but I also wanted to take on a personal challenge for them. It was either a firewalk or jumping out of a plane – I definitely made the right decision! There was an amazing atmosphere on the night, with everyone encouraging and supporting each other. If anyone else out there fancies setting themselves a challenge, I would urge them to sign up today – they could help a family like mine make the most of their precious time together.” Karen Edgington, CHSW Head of Fundraising at Charlton Farm, explains why events like the Firewalks are so important to the charity: “The money we receive from the Government is not guaranteed each year, therefore we rely on fundraising events like the Firewalks to safeguard our service into the future. Family life changes forever when a child is diagnosed with a life-limiting or lifethreatening illness. Parents, who often give up work to care for their sick child, face challenges that can threaten
6 The Southwest’s must have family magazine
their relationship, whilst brothers and sisters can feel confused, left out and alone. Children’s Hospice South West gives families like Neil’s the chance to take a break from their daily routine of care, giving them the opportunity to spend quality time together as a family and to rest before returning home. Our hospices offer a special place with tailor-made, family-friendly facilities. Soft play rooms give every child a safe place to laugh and play, sensory rooms provide a calming or stimulating environment for children with very special needs. The family room is a special place for everyone to relax together whilst children’s bedrooms feel like home. Special teenage weekends give older children the time and space to be themselves. The specially trained staff at each of our hospices do everything possible to make the most of every moment a very sick child has with us and with their family. That includes giving them oneto-one specialist care, having fun times through play, music, outings and crafts -simple pleasures that many of us take for granted. By taking part in one of our Firewalks this Autumn not only will you feel a huge sense of achievement at having faced your fears you can also be proud that you’ve helped a family like Neil’s.”
Children’s Hospice South West will be lighting up the South West this autumn with four Firewalks being held across the region: • • • •
Wednesday 16th October: Marazion, Cornwall Wednesday 30th October: Newquay, Cornwall Thursday, 31st October - Clarks Village, Street, Somerset Friday 8th November: Little Bridge House, Barnstaple, Devon
Are you up for the challenge? To register to take part in the Firewalk visit: www.chsw.org.uk/fire or call 01275 866600 Entry is just £20.
Autu mn Edition Hello and Welcome!
I hope everyone had a well rested Summer. It was certainly an exciting one with some super hot temperatures, the arrival of a future King and Beebo unleashed our first Summer edition! It’s almost unthinkable that we have already reached September. The year is flying past and Autumn is certainly a time for change. The nights start to draw in, leaves change colour and many will be facing new challenges through nursery, pre-school, primary school and on to secondary school. September can be quite a daunting time for some of our little people embarking on lives adventures, and we have taken the time this Autumn to look at a couple of issues faced by many (see page 20 & 21). One of my favourite times during Autumn is Halloween. Last year we made an effort to embrace the celebrations and held a party at home for family and friends. Everyone
10,000+ copies of Beebo 10,000+ copies of Beebo has been distributed for free across Somerset landing in schools, nurseries, maternity units, cafes, doctors surgeries, shops, homes to those subscribing via our website, NCT events and more. We publish 4 seasonal editions per year.
dressed-up, we had typical Autumn cuisine: chilli, jacket potatoes and hotdogs and we played some fabulous games with the children. It saved trawling the streets ‘trick or treating’. We have taken a look at the tradition that is Halloween and have some crafty affairs for you to get your teeth stuck into! (see page 30). Aside from our seasonal treats and the start of the new academic year our Autumn edition is full to the brim, as always, with lots of useful information. We would like to welcome Patricia Whitworth on board from Birthwise and Jess Clements, who have both contributed with some super information on what are very topical and serious life issues. We look forward to more from them in future editions. I was also lucky enough to meet with Jackie Llewelyn-Bowen over the Summer, which was a great experience, and we are delighted with the exclusive article we are featuring
(full details from page 8). Be sure not to miss our ‘Yummy Mummy’ baby bags feature (on page 18) which also makes the list of some of our giveaway/competitions this quarter, along with Zuma the Dog, Silver Cross, Shining Lights Pre-School, Annabel Karmel and Reading Eggs aren’t we lucky! The feedback from readers and businesses has been fantastic - we appreciate the support and hope you enjoy the Autumn read just as much!
ps. remember to like us on facebook! Zoe Farnham, Editorial Director zoe@beebomagazine.co.uk
What’s being talked about this Autumn.....
Contact us : Editorial Director : Zoe Farnham Creative Director : Alex Farnham Printed by : Warners Midlands PLC Website : www.beebomagazine.co.uk Editorials : editorials@beebomagazine.co.uk Sales : sales@beebomagazine.co.uk Telephone : 07923 201517 Copyright © 2012 - 2013, Beebo Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Please note all content within Beebo magazine is subject to copy right laws therefore permission is required for any duplication and use. All editorial features and articles are purely the opinion of the author and should at no time be taken and used as fact. The Southwest’s must have family magazine
7
Exclusive Interview with
Jackie Llewelyn-Bowen
8 The Southwest’s must have family magazine
had a much better experience with the second, although she was still 10lb!! I remember we had just had a chilli for lunch and I came downstairs and said, “mum I think we’re having a baby!” I had a natural home birth in 5 hours at my parents family home with mum and dad playing with Cecile in the garden.
Beebo went to meet Jackie at their beautiful family home in Cirencester to talk family, work and play! I received a lovely warm welcome at the Llewelyn-Bowen residence in the stunning Cirencester countryside. As one would expect, their home is tastefully decorated and I am instantly grabbed by the beautifully bold wallpaper in the dining room whilst I wait for Jackie to join me. Cuppa in hand we settle in the cosy lounge and conversation starts flowing like it would with one of my girlfriends. Jackie is unbelievably open and friendly and looks fantastic for a woman turning 50 next year!! Jackie is the business arm behind the successful Llewelyn-Bowen empire. She is responsible for the daily running of the business, from business agreements, financial accounts to business structure and working closely with licensees and Laurence’s agent. A remarkably intelligent woman with a sparkling personality and a great passion for charity. Jackie has always been a hardworking mum and it was in fact her agent back in the 90’s, whilst she was working as Debrett’s Wedding guide specialist and doing lots of TV chat shows and interviews, that called about screen testing a pilot show which was Changing Rooms. Both Jackie and Laurence give a vast amount of time to charitable causes and annually open up their home for events. They have 2 beautiful daughters, Cecile 17, who arrives home during our chat following a successful driving lesson, and Hermione 15. They also have 4 dogs, 3 cats, ducks, staff and in addition to a very busy day job, Jackie has a big house to run. Sounds exhausting! It is evident through talking that Jackie absolutely adores her husband and children and her she gives us an open and honest account about parenting, their family life and business as usual!
When did you first meet Laurence? We met on January 7th 1987, which we remember well as it is Laurence’s
Was motherhood what you expected it to be?
brothers birthday! Laurence was an art student and I was studying at Manchester University.
Did you instantly think Laurence was the one and that you would have children together? Yes - It was love at first sight. We married young in 1989 and at 24 there was no immediate rush to have children. I started-up my wedding business a year after marriage and it wasn’t until I hit 30 we thought now would be a good time to start a family.
Did starting a family also time well in terms of where you were with your career? No, not particularly. We very quickly became pregnant and I was working really long hours at the time and being the main breadwinner meant maternity leave was not an option. I worked right up until giving birth! Laurence was working at the time as a specialist painter; so we were both self-employed but mine was the more stable income. We were living in a 2-bed flat with no garden in Streatham. We had no money so we didn’t have an amazing lifestyle at all, but if you wait for everything to be right it will never be right!
How would you describe your experiences of giving birth? With Cecile I had a very traumatic time - she was almost 11lbs! I was induced at 10 days late, had a 33 hour labour and a post birth haemorrhage so lost lots of blood. My body was in a very weakened state going into motherhood. As a result I didn’t make any milk for a few days and with Cecile being such a big baby I had to formula feed as well as breastfeed, which I felt guilty about. We purposely planned for a 3 year age gap between Cecile and Hermione. I
Being a new mum or a mum of very young children can be an isolating experience. I suffered very bad Post Natal Depression after Cecile was born but didn’t realise I had it. Everything represented a mortal danger to my child and I was beset with constant worry. I recall pushing the pram along Streatham High road and thinking what if I tripped and the pram veered into the path of a lorry. I lived for 18 months with the terror of something happening to Cecile. I couldn’t even have the windows open in the flat. It wasn’t until we moved to a little house in Blackheath with a garden that the depression lifted and retrospectively I realised that I had been suffering from PND. Planting and growing things in the garden became such wonderful therapy.
How did Laurence adapt to fatherhood? He was useless when Cecile was born. With Hermione he had to help - I couldn’t be breastfeeding in the night and then looking after both in the day. Laurence would generally be working away 4-5 nights per week in the early years of parenting. We have never been in a position for Laurence to refuse work. It was about a year after Cecile was born that Changing Rooms happened - we couldn’t have predicted how this would eventually change our lives.
What effect did this have on your relationship? I think you always go through years when you dislike each other and resent each other’s freedom. The fact Laurence could walk out of the house for 3-4 days at a time and I couldn’t even go out to get a pint of milk grated. You start comparing your experiences to your husbands. I was knee deep in dirty nappies and screaming babies whilst Laurence was being treated like a rockstar!
The Southwest’s must have family magazine
9
“You can be very famous in this world and still very poor” Was childcare an option? Absolutely not. We had no money. I had to go back to work straight away and just had to work around the children somehow. People think because they read about you that you don’t endure the same stresses and strains as everybody else. Just because Laurence was on TV didn’t mean I had fleets of nannies and was living the life of Riley. I was stuck at home with two children, desperately waiting for him to come back, thinking god I need some sleep!
don’t have children can worry about the most ridiculous things. When you have children and busy lives you’re more realistic. You anticipate that everything will be chaotic.
process is.
It’s the hardest job being a working mum. Everything is very widespread with very little depth.
Would you do anything differently?
Did you ever want more children? Yes, we would have loved more children, but we started so late and before I knew it I was 40. I also had a miscarriage 6-months after Hermione was born and I found this emotionally tough. I had a blighted ovum which is when a fertilised egg implants in the uterus but doesn’t develop into an embryo.
We had children at a very stressful time in our lives. Finances weren’t great and after 10 years of working for ourselves we had a lot of debt. You can be very famous in this world and still very poor.
Also, after being a blissful baby Hermione then turned into a difficult toddler. She didn’t sleep until she was 7 years old - far far too intelligent! She was easily bored and very controlling! I lived on fish during pregnancy!
Did your parents help with babysitting?
Do you ever think I wish I could have just been a mum?
My parents were dreadful. My mother has never babysat for the children. They were very much into travelling and doing their own thing. My mother made it very clear from the start that she was not available for childcare. She has always been very independent and even now, with MS, she is still very independent.
“It’s the hardest job being a working mum. Everything is very widespread with very little depth” Do you think being a working mum had an impact on your parenting? I think the women who struggle with motherhood the most are those that are used to controlling their environment. You never eat, your hair looks dreadful and your figure is never the same. It’s very difficult to feel at the level you want to be. The good news is it all gets better! Friends that didn’t work pre-children adapted much better and people that
I would have loved to have just looked after the kids and not have worked in the early years. I found it very draining and always worried about money. I still worry now - we have a vast amount of school / university fees - nothing changes! On the other hand friends that didn’t work and now have grown-up children have nothing to do. They find themselves very disenfranchised from the lives of their husbands. I do look back and wonder how I coped with everything. In some ways it has turned me into a wise old bird!
Do you have any regrets? I sometimes wish I had spent more time playing with Hermione. I used to send her to some 2 year old playgroup because she needed interaction with other children and occupying. I was just too knackered and working at the time to put the energy in myself. I think you will always reflect back and have regrets. Then one day you wake up and they are 15 & 17 and about to go and do their own thing. It makes you realise how fleeting the whole
10 The Southwest’s must have family magazine
“I can’t wait to be a doting grandmother”
If I was to become a mother now I would approach it with much more wisdom and patience. I would know that eventually I would be allowed to sleep! I think that is why people enjoy the grandparent role much much more than the parenting role. You get to look at it from a different perspective. I can’t wait to be a doting grandmother!
How does Laurence fair living in a household outnumbered 3:1? He is completely hen pecked to perfection! Even all the people we employ, bar one, are also women.
How is Laurence’s relationship with the girls now that they are teenagers? He has become an amazing dad. From just giving them his time, to offering sensible advice and just the general closeness of their relationships. I love him so much more now than when I married him because I respect the father that he has become. It’s in the hammering of the ship that you get the good stuff at the end of it.
Does being a family in the public eye have any affect? Not really. Our lives are so privileged because ultimately neither of us has been diagnosed with some ghastly illness and both of our children are healthy. I think all of the charity work we do, and the charities that we are patron for, reinforce this. Every day you can wake up and say, ‘nevermind anything else, we’re all fine’, and that’s remarkable - that’s luck and something to be celebrated. We do cherish our family unit hugely because it could so be a different way.
“It’s in the hammering of the ship that you get the good stuff at the end of it”
e h
Do you enjoy being a parent?
How do you relax?
Children are so rewarding - they give back so much. Babies / toddlers are lovely but they become so much more interesting as they get older.
I usually cook or garden, but more likely we would chill out in the girls flat upstairs or watch the news in bed. Gardening is very therapeutic - it’s my version of the Priory! We also take a family holiday to Mauritius every year.
Every day is a working day regardless of where we are.
We should perhaps expect less of
ourselves in early motherhood. But equally the Government should be looking at some kind of tax benefit to get mums back to work earlier - we need more affordable childcare.
Doniford Farm Shop (near Watchet, Being a successful woman in life (and Somerset TA23 0TQ. not just in business) is about not trying to be a man. It’s about embracing all Tel. 01984 634825) stocks a wide range You spend the first 10 years of their the great things about being a woman life trying to keep them alive: are they Do you have a retirement and what we represent. Women in ofarelocal produce deli, fruit & eating, they sleeping, are they – meat, plan? their 50’s can be hugely powerful - we learning! You then spend the next all become the wise old earth mother! 10 years trying to show them how veg, bread, cakes, beers ciders, We willand never retire! I don’t know what to live. It all becomes about giving we would do if we weren’t thinking What next for Llewelynthem advice, being a role model and about new things. It’s very exciting free-range eggs, biscuits, preserves and other goodies. We have Bowen Limited? encouraging opportunities in them. working out new global market sales strategies, spacious withproduct seadeveloping views, serving delicious We have just filmed a pilot for ITV The a girls are like my bestcafé/restaurant friends! and finding partners in other global on weddings 2o years after it was territories. The girls will perhaps work home-produced food using ingredients from our Farm Shop.it will go into first drafted! Hopefully for the family business at some point. “Gardening is very production this summer, ‘24 hours to my wedding’. Commissioners are therapeutic it’s my Customers- can also enjoy viewing exhibitions save of bygones and “Women in their 50’s looking at it now - very excited! version of the Priory!” can and be hugely powerful getting close to meerkats macaws, and other animals, with www.llb.co.uk - we all become the wise How do you switch off from entry to all of this being free of charge. business/work? old earth mother” www.donifordfarm.co.uk; enquiries: info@donifordfarm.co.uk. You don’t switch off from business. So can women really have it You always have to accept that you will all?! Or follow usandon Facebook. be bothered on holiday at anytime.
ORGANIC VEGETABLES STRAIGHT FROM THE FARM • Free home delivery • Choose exactly what you want from our on-line list of • Home grown seasonal vegetables Farm Shop: Open Thursday, Friday And Saturday 10 Til 6 Visit Plowrightorganic.Co.Uk Or Telephone Richard On 01278 734580
The Southwest’s must have family magazine
11
Simplicity
Safety made simple Simplicity is the Group 0+ car seat that’s simpler to fit safely. It harnesses the latest technologies to be one of the worlds most advanced infant carries available. Installing Simplicity with a car seatbelt or the Simplifix isofix base is so easy, it’s difficult to get wrong. So now it’s simpler to keep your newborn safe and sound.
silvercrossbaby.com
followed by strawberries, increases your iron uptake. Avoid tea and coffee, not only for their caffeine content, but because they actually inhibit the uptake of iron. Omega-6 & 3 fats are essential for your baby. Use sunflower or safflower oil in cooking, but never at too high temperatures. Flax seeds are an excellent source of omega-3. They need to be soaked first and then drunk with fruit juice or added to cereals. They also help to prevent constipation. Vitamin D, found in eggs and oily fish, is also naturally obtained from safe sun exposure, without burning or the use
Pregnant?
Naturopath Sue Blain hands out dietary advice Mums-to-be know they need to eat for baby’s optimum health. This means a variety of foods containing essential fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals, especially iron, folic acid, calcium, vitamins C & D and the Essential Fatty Acids, Omega-6 & 3. Folic acid and vitamin C help iron absorption, so a small drink of orange juice with lemon slices and a side salad with a meal,
of chemical-laden sunscreens. Seek professional advice about a supplement if needed. If you receive Income Support you’re entitled to free vitamins from maternity clinics. Choose lots of foods from the list below. •
cottage cheese
•
live yogurt
•
green vegetables
•
peppers
•
lemons
•
flaxseeds
•
eggs
•
blackstrap molasses
•
beans
•
lentils
•
chickpeas
•
almonds
•
walnuts
•
sun-dried apricots
•
organic lean meat
•
millet, quinoa
Not only will you be eating but also drinking for two! Increase your usual amount and variety of fluids, using filtered or still mineral water that contains bicarbonates, vegetable juices and herb teas such as camomile or redbush. Check the small print when buying personal and household cleaning products to reduce your chemical load. Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a parasite found in meat, cat faeces and soil that can be harmful to unborn babies. Always wear gloves when gardening or changing cat litter, and wash your hands afterwards.
Silver Cross Simplicity Car Seat Features Include : Group 0+ rated infant carrier
WIN a Brand New Silver Cross Simplicity Car Seat
•
Suitable from birth to 13kg (approx 9-12 months old)
•
High grade construction for maximum protection
•
Superior side impact protection
•
Stylish streamlined design
•
Comfort wedge for newborns
•
Head support, deep internal padding plus harness padding for baby comfort
• •
Generous internal space allows for baby growth One hand adjustable harness and head support height to adapt as baby grows
•
5 point safety harness
•
5 position handle: carry, rest, rocker, stable, installation
•
Hood and apron included
•
Removable fabrics for cleaning (without the need to remove the harness)
•
Can be fixed using either lap and diagonal seat belt or Simplifix base
To be in with a chance of winning this fabulous prize visit our website: www.beebomagazine. co.uk - competitions and tell us what you like about Beebo. Closing date for entries is November 5th 2013.
•
Easy follow blue guides indicate seat belt position
•
Colourways: Black, chilli, lime and sand
•
Weight 4kg
•
For use with: Surf, Surf All Terrain, Wayfarer £130.00 RRP (www.silvercrossbaby.com)
The Southwest’s must have family magazine
13
Take same time out and relax this Autumn! Summer is always a hectic time for us Mummies, planning how to fill six weeks of school holidays is no mean feat but now the kids are back why not treat yourself to some me time. Still got the kids? Bring them along and we will entertain them so you can put your feet up and enjoy a well earned rest! Take 20% off our most popular treatments with this voucher! Visit our website: www.yummymummyhairandbeauty.co.uk Call the salon: 01823 618186
Yummy Mummy Pedicure - now £26.00 Relaxing Aromatherapy Massage - now £34.00 Cut and Finish with our Rescue & Repair Treatment - now £35.12 Deluxe Organic Suki Facial - now £38.80
Valid 1st Sep -30th Nov 2013. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
HPD, DHP, BSc.
Concentrating on where you want to be in life to free you from past problems. Depression Anxiety Hypno-birthing Insomnia
Confidence issues Fears and phobias Unwanted habits Weight issues
and much more........ Hypnotherapy is a fast, effective and
Specialist Baby & Toddler Swimming Classes Aqua-Natal Yoga Classes Tel: 07825 239408 Email: joandnic@turtletots.com www.turtletots.com Classes in Bradford-on-Avon, Trowbridge, Caine and Corsham
powerful tool for lasting change
Please contact me for FREE Initial Consultation 07795 561905
WWW.edvhypnotherapy.co.uk
ACTIVE BIRTH
By Patricia Whitworth
centres, which aim to provide a homelike setting, are now very popular. With my second pregnancy, I knew instinctively that I wanted a home birth. My midwife was very supportive and encouraged me to attend local Active Birth classes, led by Kassandra Clemens. I’d never heard of ‘Active Birth’ but with an open-mind I went along for the duration of my pregnancy. My abiding memory of my first birth twenty-five years ago is a feeling of total powerlessness. In 1988 the vast majority of births were in hospital, in an environment not designed to support natural birth. My own birth in 1961 was radically different. My mother gave birth to me in the comfort of her own home with a midwife in attendance; my father was sent to the pub, told he would have a baby when he returned, and four hours later I entered the world. In stark contrast, twenty-eight years later, I gave birth to my daughter in a brightly lit, white-painted, clinical environment. I distinctly remember the clock on the wall, as I lay on my back in labour, having my waters broken to speed labour, and actively encouraged to have drugs. I felt out of control, as if my birth was something that was done to me rather than something I had done. Of course I had my beautiful baby girl, so that was supposed to make it all right. Perhaps the reason I didn’t feel the need to do much preparation was due to the innate confidence I had in my body’s ability to give birth, but I hadn’t recognised the need to prepare for entering a clinical environment. By moving birth into hospital, we took women away from their own normal environment and moved them into a sterile, clinical one, where women were expected to lie on their backs, unable to tune into their instincts. Labour thus became more challenging, and caesarean rates and assisteddelivery rates began to rise. It is now recognised that birth happens more smoothly in an environment that feels safe, which is why midwife-led birth
The classes were a mixture of yoga postures, Active Birth principles and information about birth. Over the months of my pregnancy I learnt that ‘Active Birth’ was about the freedom to adopt positions in labour instinctively, but as important, about being actively involved in my birth choices, rather than being passively managed, as in my first labour. Kassandra was a font of knowledge on birth matters, and I eagerly soaked up her wisdom. On May 24th 1999 I went into labour, confident and excited at the prospect of seeing my baby. Labour was slow getting started, so my partner and I went for a walk to encourage things to move along. At some point I instinctively felt the need to go home, and within a few hours we called our midwife out. I had written a birth-plan, which she happily adhered to. Whilst she sat in the corner of our room quietly observing, I moved as my body directed me, spending a lot of time on all fours, breathing through every contraction and totally in tune with my birthing instincts. It was hard work, but manageable. My environment was perfect, enhancing the production of essential hormones: dimly lit and undisturbed.
Patricia holds weekly Active Birth classes in Exeter and Taunton, and works as a Doula, contact: t: 01392 438586 e: birthwiseyoga@hotmail.co.uk w: www.birthwise.net
Numerous studies in the last 50 years indicate that when birth is active the advantages are: •
The natural rhythm and continuity of birth are not disrupted
•
Uterine contractions are stronger and more effective
•
More complete relaxation is possible between contractions
•
First and second stages of labour are shorter – some studies show over 40 percent shorter in upright positions
•
There is greater comfort, less strain and pain, so decreased need for analgesia
•
The condition of the newborn is generally optimal
•
Women feel that they are fully participating, in control and more often than not, their experience of giving birth is a wonderful and joyous occasion.
Three hours later, with an irresistible urge, rather than a push, my body birthed my baby. It was the most amazing experience, and left me with a feeling of overwhelming power and satisfaction. I went on to train as an Active Birth teacher, training with Kassandra, and later with Janet Balaskas, the founder of the Active Birth movement and author of ‘New Active Birth’.
birthwise Pregnancy Yoga and Active Birth
The Southwest’s must have family magazine
15
Bump to Baby Following one reader’s experience from bump to baby - the third trimester
Dear diary, Week 27 Christmas is over and its New Year - new trimester! New year was pretty quiet this year- a Church quiz of all things but perfectly suited to a tired pregnant lady. It’s around this time the ‘you’re still in heels’ comments begin and now make me determined to stay in heels to the end of business! Work is not slowing down as I had hoped and begins with a court appointment. We discuss how amusing it would be if my waters broke in the court - ‘not very’ was my opinion and we decided that surely this will be a breeze the minute they notice I am pregnant ..hmm not so.. this pregnancy thing seems to be good for nothing!
Week 28 & 29 Yay two weeks off and its ‘babymoon’ time! A cruise around Egypt and Jordan! My bags are all packed and ready to go, just a pesky midwife appointment before we can head off! Feeling fine in myself it didn’t really cross my mind that anything could even be wrong at this stage so I went along quite happily. The midwife did her usual tests and there were significant proteins in my urine. This really meant nothing to me and I was thinking, ‘ but I haven’t eaten any protein today (carb indulgence has been one huge benefit of pregnancy!)’. I had been telling the midwife that I was off on holiday the next day and she explained that she would like me to go
to the local labour ward so they could just double check everything as I was going away. I spoke to Craig to explain what had happened, he asked if I wanted him to come, but as it was just a check up I said not to worry. I arrived at the ward at 11am and eventually went in around 12pm! They took some blood samples and a urine sample and said they would be about an hour - great! I was then transferred to a bed, ‘no no I’m just having a check up’, and they hooked me up to a heartbeat monitor for the baby! This all seemed incredibly dramatic - for goodness sake I have things to do! My blood pressure was taken probably 5 times in the space of an hour and I was then told I would be hooked up to the monitor for another hour. Craig and my mum telephoned several times offering to come and see me but my response was always, ‘no no I’ll be going home in a minute’. After 3 hours of sitting on a bed with nothing to read, watch, eat or drink, and at one point being mistakenly asked if I was ready to be induced - umm definitely not! - things were getting a bit tedious to say the least! I did impress myself with how many urine samples I was able to provide with only having had a drink at breakfast! I didn’t think there was any point going anywhere to get food or drink as I was certain it would only be another 10 minutes.
16 The Southwest’s must have family magazine
At 3pm the nurse told me I could go home-hallelujah! However on the proviso that I take a canister and do a 24 hour urine sample and return it tomorrow. ‘Oh no, I’m on holiday... Sorry.’ Well that wasn’t good enough apparently and the nurse had to check this with a consultant. Another hour later and the consultant arrived and explained how important it was that I do the tests and if anything were to be wrong at this stage there is a possibility that I could be giving birth much earlier than planned and possibly in Egypt. He advised that while it would probably be fine to go on holiday it would mean that I would not be insured and they would really like to keep monitoring me over the next few days. How annoying! By now it was 5pm and we were due to leave at 7am the following morning. We concluded pretty quickly that there would be no way we could relax on holiday with the niggling thought that something may be wrong and it seemed quite a selfish decision to go on holiday in the grand scheme of things. Egypt will always be there. My week in the sun was now a week in and out of hospital for scans, bloods and urine tests. It turned out that all this fuss was over a water infection! The news was a mixture of huge relief that there were no serious problems and the baby was OK, but also a little annoyance as we could have gone away and been fine all along! Oh well!
Luckily for us, the insurance covered the cost of the trip as we were one day inside the cut off time for travelling when pregnant! Phew!!
pull up on a quiet road and have a nap between my appointments and also have my mum chauffeur me around for one particularly long day.
Week 30
Week 33
Back to work; still pasty and nothing particularly new to report but this weekend we babysat our two favourite people - our niece and nephew - for the day! We had a lovely day playing in the soft play area but I do feel like a whale getting in and out of the ball pool! It baffles me how people manage when they are pregnant and already have children to entertain, this is hard work!
This week I am preparing a list of jobs that need doing around the house, we don’t want the baby thinking it lives in a slum. The garden needs finishing, the nursery needs finishing, windows need painting. You name it I think it needs doing! I spend most opportunities complaining about the fact these things are not done.
We take it in turns with the nappy changes and I seem to be particularly sensitive with the ‘dirty nappies’ and actually throw up when I get one. Oh dear looks like I can’t change that one a small victory for being pregnant I feel!
Week 31 We decide to take an antenatal class but just a day course. We decide on an active birth class and have to rush to buy an exercise ball on the way. We are shown a variety of techniques for moving the baby, including being down on all fours with your partner rubbing a scarf on your belly, massage techniques and coping strategies for labour. We seemed to be the only couple not taking notes throughout. I can’t really see that I’m going to be referring to my notes when I am in labour and personally I think that when the baby is coming I will just want it out. I download one relaxing song on my ipod though just in-case and remember that I must take a bottle of lucozade - yuk I hate lucozade but if that’s what they say I had better do it! After about 3 hours of being shown massage techniques Craig raises his hand and asks when the men get to have a massage...I cant take him anywhere!
Week 32 Things are begging to become hard work now and I am suffering with pelvis pain. Yes yes I’m sure wearing high heels doesn’t help but I actually find the pain much worse when I come home and take my shoes off. Things are starting to become harder work now. Work appointments are becoming more difficult and I am finding that I get tired very quickly. This week I had to
A lot of people seem to think they are helpful pointing out that a baby really wont notice if the decking is not finished but this is not the point!
Week 34 We have our visit to the birthing centre. I really do not fancy the idea of a water birth but have decided I will take my bikini in my hospital bag just in-case. Craig comes along and we discuss aromatherapy methods with the midwife. The midwife also talks to us about perineum massage and provides a demonstration (clothes on!). She explains how we can incorporate this into ‘love making’. I’m chuckling like a child in my head and almost start laughing out loud during the demo but stop as Craig has a very serious face and is nodding along. Am I just some kind of prude that finds this funny?!
Week 35 This week I am meeting the girls for dinner as social activities have slowed down a bit over the last couple of weeks. I don’t think I can even blame this on pregnancy; just pure laziness and people generally expect you to be off the radar a bit this late on. It turns out my dinner with the girls is actually a surprise baby shower!! I manage to walk in and ruin the surprise for one of my friends who is also having a surprise baby shower later that week. I was surprised to see her and had just been talking about baby showers and said, ‘oh I was just talking about your baby shower!’ OOPS - pregnancy brain!? She didn’t seem to cotton on so hopefully she was suffering from pregnancy brain too. I was thoroughly spoilt by all my friends and family. Craig and his mum had managed to get hold of my baby list and distribute it around meaning nearly all the items on the list were received! Perfect!
Week 36 Nesting Nesting Nesting! This weekend I try and do some jobs around the house. Craig is working most of the weekend so I take this opportunity to do lots of jobs he won’t let me do...too pregnant or something apparently! I start by cleaning the car inside and out! My neighbour comes out shaking his head asking what on earth I am doing! I also paint the hallway and pressure wash the patio. I really don’t see what the big deal is and think that I feel much better keeping busy. I’m no use to anyone sprawled out on the sofa. I just wish I could plumb in a toilet and finish decking the garden! This has really been my main gripe over the last few weeks as I am really wanting to get everything ship shape and perfect for when the baby arrives. Some things are just out of my capabilities (apparently!)
Week 37 & 38 Maternity leave! This week marks the start of my maternity leave. A whole two weeks off to nest and prepare for the arrival of baby Burnett! Day 1 - Spent in work just sorting out some final bits and pieces! Day 2 - Also begins in work sorting out some paperwork and arrangements for my maternity cover. This morning I woke up at 4am and had the ‘show’ hmm...something doesn’t quite feel right today?! I decide to get up and get on with getting contracts and paperwork sorted, a job I had planned for the afternoon. I am in the office by 9am and get everything in place. I have a real urge to get everything sorted out this morning so I visit both offices and finalise everything ‘just incase’ I am unable to come back in the afternoon. I have a midwife appointment and I suspect she will tell me not to go back to work. Surely Day 3 will be all about relaxing and getting that all import sleep that everyone keeps telling me I will be getting much less of soon!
Julia and Craig will be back in the Winter to update Beebo on the arrival of baby Burnett! We wish them lots of luck with the birth and their new addition. Very exciting!
The Southwest’s must have family magazine
17
y m m u M y m ! m s g Yu a B y Bab
PacaPod
Sequoia in Mink (£140) One of our more expensive pick of ‘yummy mummy’ baby bags but worth every penny! The beauty is in the name - good sized pods stored within a modern twist on the timeless tote. A must have for fashion conscious mums. Shaped to look and feel like a handbag, you can’t help but get excited when you first take the Sequoia out of the packaging! The 2 inside pods can be taken out and used individually. One is a changing unit complete with space for everything you need, including room for first aid bits! And the other a feeding pod that keeps bottles/food both warm and cold. The food bag also doubles as a toddler rucksack/lunch box that has a slot at the front to personalise with a picture/photograph. There is no doubt that this bag is all about looking good and making life easy. There is room for absolutely everything essential - including mum’s personal possessions. Most of the time I’m carrying the bag from the car to destination or securing it to the pram, but it’s really nice to know that I can take everything we need all in one bag for any special outings; as well as the normal day to day living. And if I need to pop into a baby change room I can simply lift out the changing pod leaving dad to guard the valuables. I find it really annoying when I have to put my bag on the floor of a public baby changing facility. Having a double buggy more often than not means I have to use a disabled toilet come baby change or leave the buggy outside; so it’s great to have a detachable pod. The sequoia also comes in black, which is a more masculine colour for dad to be seen with, however the shape definitely makes this more of a mummy bag. For those of us that can’t live without technology there is also ample room for a laptop and much much more if you remove both of the pods to use separately. This bag is definitely one to see in the flesh: sleek, stylish, perfectly gorgeous and perfectly practical. Ticks all of our boxes; maybe not dad’s! But who gets the final say?! If you want to splash out Pacapod also have a range specifically with dads in mind. (www.pacopod.com)
We also love.................................................................................................. Bramley Tote in Peppermint Bows £69 (www.pinklining.com/uk) The Bramley tote is a fabulous bag. It contains everything inside you need from a nappy bag including a thick padded changing mat, wet zip bag, insulated bottle holders that can be removed, as well as plenty of pockets and pouches for nappies/wipes and more!! Plus there is a pen holder, key fob and interior zip pockets for all mummy’s essentials. Full length shoulder and pram straps just about concludes the excitement for pink lining’s great design! Post nappies, simply remove the bottle holder and inside accessories and you have a great looking everyday handbag! A steal at £69 and the look is perfect for Autumn.
The BabyBag in Chocolate Brown £175 (www.linandleo.com) Our Beebo editor has had a Lin & Leo baby bag for 3 years and she loves it! Soft and durable leather. Lots of room and separate pockets inside and out. A long and adjustable shoulder strap which can be worn across the body if both hands need to be free (usually a must with 2 under 2!). The pram straps gave peace of mind when out and about. An added bonus is that the bag can actually be used with or without the children present because of it’s elegant design. A good one to invest in!
Beebo review,,s and names our top pick of baby bags this Autumn, - plus we have one to giveaway!!!
18 The Southwest’s must have family magazine
Babymule & Pegasus Babymule (£84) Wow - only a mum with 3 children could have thought about and designed this amazing interchangeable bag. ‘Versatile’ does not quite capture the genius of this bag. Designed to switch effortlessly from stylish messenger bag to supportive backpack and complete with hideaway buggy clips the bag gives complete freedom. The unique changeable style and available colours of the Babymule also provides a baby bag for dads or for parents to use in their versatile ways as a collective onestop baby bag. No more swapping between his and hers - we now have a one stop solution that means mum and dad are always stocked and ready to. Wipe clean and water resistant, the Babymule can even go through the washing machine on a delicate wash! No detail or attention to quality has been forgotten, even the zips are able to move 180 degrees to allow for easy opening. Complete with changing pouch that contains a change mat and ample room for nappies and wipes, you have a quick grab and go option when baby needs changing out and about. The bag is insulated and can double up as a cool bag when weaning and/ or snack time comes in to play. Finally there is a separate bottle insulator and dirty bag. We are in total baby bag heaven! Every time we thought we had seen it all we found another pocket/compartment! There is even hidden pockets around the back strap of the rucksack and a very handy and easily accessible zipped compartment complete with key fob and space for small purse and phone. The added beauty is all straps that are not in use tuck away very neatly. With children 3, 1 and another set to arrive in October this is the perfect yummy mummy baby bag. It looks great, is easily cleaned, there is compartments for every need and even dad feels comfortable using it! Pegasus (£64) Following the Babymule was always going to be tough, but here we have another fantastic baby bag. As marketed, the Pegasus is big, bold and beautiful. The bag has an instant look and feel of quality and durability to withstand daily use. A very simple design but for mums that like to get everything in - look no further. There are 2 large compartments, which we found perfect for keeping toddler and baby items separate and at the front there is a zipped compartment and 2 further easy access pouches that are perfect for mum/dad’s items, and/or anything you would need to grab quickly. With adjustable shoulder strap and grab handles the Pegasus can be carried across the body, shoulder, arm or attached to the buggy. The design and available colours of blue and red make this bag unisex and stylish for either mum or dad. And we mustn’t forget the fabulous accessories pack, exactly the same as the Babymule but in matching cotton canvas. Well done Babymule - 2 superb designs that cater for every lifestyle and the ever growing family - we love you!
...................................................................................................................................... Wonderlust Rucksack in Bumblebees and Stardust
£99 (www.pinklining.com/uk) For mummies on the go we have the ‘Wanderlust Rucksack’ - the perfect bag. It has been cleverly thought out with three handy compartments. The front section is insulated to act as a packed lunch box section, the middle section opens out flat, which means you can change baby on the move, and the back section for all Mummy’s essentials and a change of clothes for baby. There are also two exterior side bottle pockets to keep drink bottles within easy access. The bag has adjustable shoulder straps so you can adjust them for comfort. It also has a mesh nappy pocket, pen holder, key fob, mirror, phone pocket, small zip pocket, padded changing mat and wet zip bag. You just can’t take the kitchen sink! Perfect - it’s a hit with Beebo HQ.
Faux Buffalo Carryalls in Charcoal Grey £110 (wwwoioibaby.co.uk ) OiOi’s fab new Charcoal Grey Faux Buffalo Carryall with new OiOi jacquard lining is the perfect ontrend colour for Autumn/Winter. A great stylish look that comes complete with large, super-padded changing mat (great for when baby starts to get bigger!), insulated bottle warmer, wipes case, wet purse, shoulder strap, carry handles and buggy straps. There are 2 main inner compartments with smaller pockets for storage and ease of use. The outside pockets are perfect for mum to use and there are even 2 elasticated end pouches. There are several other rich colours for Autumn but we love the sophistication of the charcoal grey. Soft to the touch, famous for quality and beautifully functional - we already can’t wait to see the new designs/colours for Spring 2014!
WIN
one of our featured baby bags -
simply
enter at www.beebomagazine.co.uk/competitions by Nov 5
The Southwest’s must have family magazine
19
children will be experiencing similar feelings and present the move in a positive light. Remind them that it’s an opportunity to learn new subjects and meet other children with similar interests.
Transition Time Help calm the senior school jitters The jump from primary school to senior school can be scary for children and their parents. Moving from a small school, sometimes with under a hundred students, to a large complex with 1000 or more other children presents some daunting social challenges.
Children may worry about: •
Getting lost on the journey or within the school itself
•
New subjects
•
Having different subject teachers
•
Meeting lots of new children - will they be popular or isolated among their peers
•
Bullying
In general, by the end of the first week, most children settle well and admit that it’s nowhere near as bad as
Reading Eggs and Reading Eggspress are comprehensive, interactive online literacy resources for children developed by a highly experienced team of educational teachers, writers and developers. They focus on a core reading curriculum of phonics and sight words using skills and strategies essential for sustained reading success.
they were expecting. Indeed Professor Bob Burden, from the University of Exeter thinks that children may need to go through the build-up and apprehension. “There is this notion of a rite of passage. It’s almost important that they experience these fears because when they don’t materialise there is this huge sense of relief.” So most children cope well but as parents what can we do to ease the transition from primary to secondary? Consult the Primary school. Are there any links already in place between the feeder schools and the secondary which might be built on? Stay positive. Talk with your child about their expectations, hopes and fears. Reassure them that other
Reading Eggspress is for 7-13 year olds and uses a highly engaging spinning island where children are instantly involved and interested. The range of activities motivates students to return regularly to complete lessons, compete against others, earn more rewards and improve their skills. Within the program there are 200 comprehension and grammar lessons, a library with over 1000 e-books and much more!
20 The Southwest’s must have family magazine
Encourage involvement. Advocate participation in one or two activities they really enjoy. Children tend to engage more academically if they feel a sense of connection with their school through clubs and societies. Have a trial run. Make sure that your child knows how to get to the school if they are travelling independently. Take the bus there with them and time the journey so you can help them work out what time they should get up. Prepare the night before. Avoid stress on the first morning. Lay out clothes the night before; make lunch, organise pens, pencils and notebooks etc. Set the alarm early to allow time for breakfast and a calm, unhurried start to the day. Discuss strategies. If a particular issue is really bothering your child discuss in advance how they might handle it. Try some practice introductions to build their confidence when meeting new students. If bullying is a worry help them decide how they might deal with it. Having strategies in place, even if they are never required, will help your child meet their new school and the academic year with confidence. By Sarah Davey
The Reading Eggs program is for 3-7 year olds and includes 120 literacy lessons, 96 spelling lessons, a creative writing factory, 20 comprehension and grammar lessons and much more! See page 22 to claim your 4 week trial and to enter the Autumn competition to win a full years membership.
School Phobia?
When back to school spells problems When Jenny McCarthy’s ten yearold son James said he didn’t want to go back to school after his summer break she put it down to normal newterm-apprehension. Unfortunately the problem was more serious and James quickly went from having a brilliant attendance record to constant absenteeism and even truancy. Jenny was seriously concerned but felt helpless. “I couldn’t understand it,” she says, “James was a great student. He’s a quiet lad and doesn’t have a wide social circle but he always seemed happy.”
can work with him to help overcome that. I would say to anyone in the same position, talk to the school and your GP. Don’t think you have to deal with it on your own.”
Is it a Phobia? A child with school phobia: •
May have a fear of being away from home
•
Feels unhappy in social groups of more than four or five people
•
Is worried about what other children might say when they do return to school
•
Has low confidence, low selfesteem and hates being the centre of attention
•
Fakes illness (stomach ache, headache etc)
•
Is shy and/or emotionally immature
In desperation she turned to her local GP who mentioned school phobia. “He explained that it was a disabling and persistent fear of attending school and that sufferers were as likely to be able students as struggling ones, and also as likely to be from supportive, happy families as from dysfunctional ones. It’s a condition which crosses all boundaries.” There are certain factors which make school phobia more likely. Sufferers have often had a chronic debilitating illness; are the youngest child in a family or are an only child. “James is our only child and he had glandular fever in the few weeks before the summer holidays which meant he’d been away from school for much longer than usual,” says Jenny. She arranged to see the educational psychologist from James’ school and found her very helpful. The ed psych, as they are known, agreed that James had almost certainly developed a form of school phobia and was able to draw up a programme to help integrate him back into school life. “James was initially very negative about the whole thing,” says Jenny,” “But Louise, the ed psych, explained to us, and to the school that this wasn’t deliberate but a sign of deep anxiety.” After a few months James integrated back into school and has had very few problems since.
What to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming Anxiety by Dawn Hueber
If you think your child may be suffering talk to your GP and the school. Ask for a referral to the educational psychologist. By Mark Townsend
As always there are several websites, help groups and forums available to young people and families suffering with school phobia and anxieties. Useful websites include: www.youngminds.org.uk www.parenting.co.uk www.schoolrefusal.co.uk www.schoolrefuser.org.uk www.myanxiouschild.com www.mind.org.uk
Here at Beebo we have come across this fantastic and interactive book that centers around self-help for 6-12 year olds and their parents / guardians. It focuses on the use of cognitive-behavioral techniques that are most often used in the treatment of generalised anxiety. Engaging, encouraging, and easy to follow, this book educates, motivates, and empowers children to work towards change. It includes a note to parents by psychologist and author Dawn Huebner, PhD. Available from Amazon at £14.50
“He does still get a bit anxious after a break but we know what it is now and The Southwest’s must have family magazine
21
The Big Draw. Have you heard of it? I hadn’t until I started doing the research for this article All kinds of possibilities passed through my mind. Is it a lottery? Some kind of cowboy duel? Maybe a stalemate in some sporting activity? Or what about a huge pull-out storage compartment (although we all know this would be spelt ‘drawer’)? No it’s not any of those things! The Big Draw is the world’s biggest celebration of drawing, organised by the charity Campaign for Drawing. Its aim is to raise the profile of drawing as a tool for thought, creativity, social and cultural engagement, and it plans to continue its work until the words ‘I can’t draw’ are dropped from our vocabulary! The Big Draw is a month-long festival running throughout October in all parts of the UK and twenty other countries internationally. Over a thousand organisations are involved, running events that create opportunities for families, children and adults to draw with a large variety of media; about a wide selection of subjects. Big Draw organisers include educators at national, regional and local museums, galleries, heritage sites, libraries, parks, schools, universities, shopping and community centres, art clubs and village halls, who together run around 1,300 drawing events to engage their communities in creative activities. By encouraging wide-scale public participation, The Big Draw aims to show that drawing can be a positive collaborative activity as well as a private passion. The Big Draw also encourages engagement with museum and gallery collections and increases civic participation by uniting people of
all ages, backgrounds and cultures. The Campaign for Drawing sees drawing as a basic human skill that is useful in all walks of life and that helps people see, think, invent and take action. This year the theme for the Big Draw is ‘Draw Tomorrow’, and participants are encouraged to think about what the future may look like. What can we do to make the world a happier place? If you could invent one thing to create happiness, how would it work? From 18 October to 3 November 2013, The Big Draw is joining the Family Arts Festival, to encourage more events for families of all shapes and sizes. Many Big Draw events take place over half term for families. The Campaign has joined up with the new Family Arts Festival to highlight these activities, and to tell even more families about arts events designed for their enjoyment and appreciation. Family Arts Festival 18 October - 3 November If you plan a half term family programme, you will be part of the biggest family arts festival the UK has ever seen. If you are interested in taking part in the Big Draw and would like to know more about the events planned in your area, go to www.campaignfordrawing.org or www. familyartsfestival.com So many hobbies and pastimes these days are either difficult to pursue or afford, but drawing is neither. Both accessible and economical, it requires nothing more than a pencil and paper. If that isn’t reason enough to give it a try, I don’t know what is!
22 The Southwest’s must have family magazine
Claim your extended free trial and be in with a chance of winning a 1 year subscription to Reading Eggs and Reading Eggspress – Where children become great readers! Reading Eggs and Reading Eggspress are comprehensive, interactive online literacy resources for children developed by a highly experienced team of educational teachers, writers and developers. They focus on a core reading curriculum of phonics and sight words using skills and strategies essential for sustained reading success. We would love to offer the readers of Beebo Family Magazine the chance to win one of five one year subscriptions to Reading Eggs and Reading Eggspress. Each subscription is worth £39.95 and covers access to both programs. To be in with a chance of winning simply submit your details via their website www. beebomagazine/competitions and answer the following question: How many lessons are there in Reading Eggs? For more information on the program and to claim your special 4 WEEK FREE TRIAL simply visit www.readingeggs.co.uk, register an account and use promotional code UKC25BEE (trial ends 1st October 2013) *Closing date is October 14th Terms & Conditions - There will be 5 winners of a one year subscription to the Reading Eggs and Reading Eggspress programs. Winners will be chosen at random from those who answered the question correctly by the given closing date.
Adoption
Our readers share their personal experiences with Jess Clements... Every year in England around 4,000 children are waiting for loving adoptive families. Children who need adoption have a wide variety of needs, come from many different backgrounds and vary in age. Therefore a wide variety of different adopters are needed. People who are considering adoption should be able to provide love, time and commitment to a child. Be able to empathise with a child who may not have experienced the security of feeling safe and loved. Be patient and flexible so they can adapt to any challenge that may come from that child. Also have the energy and health to provide a long term family for a child. People may not realise that a wide variety of people are able to adopt. You can be married, unmarried, single, from any ethnic or religious background, heterosexual, lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, a homeowner or living in rented accommodation, employed or on benefits. You do have to be over 21 but there is now no upper age limit. Recent changes have also been put in place to speed up the adoption process, with an aim for it to only take 6 months from the start to prepare, train and approve prospective adopters.
Anna & Tim - they adopted their first child Bobby when he was 14 months old Anna and Tim recall the process of adoption raising issues that they had not really considered. 'What would we do if the adoptive child came from an abusive background – physically, emotionally, sexually. What worrying behaviour would or could they display? Would there be irreparable damage that might have happened during pregnancy. The what-ifs were endless. We took a deep breath, battled on believing that the power of love is a strong force and can heal most wounds'. Anna said, “I wept tears of joy when I first saw photographs of our son. We vowed instantly to do our best by him. I found it tough becoming a parent so quickly. We seemed to go from 0-60 in a couple of weeks but we just love being parents. We don’t take anything for granted because we feared we would never have a child. I love the way his face lights up when I enter the room and that he calls me mummy. I don’t mind the tantrums and sleepless nights, that’s all part of being a parent. I know the future is uncertain and that there are issues that will need to be addressed but we are prepared for this. The main thing is that our child will have love (buckets of it), stability, financial security, roots and wings. As all parents fear we just hope that is enough for him.” Anna's parting advice to anyone considering adoption would be, “to not hesitate. By taking the next steps towards adoption their lives will become richer than they ever imagined.”
Kerry & Paul - they adopted their 2nd child Isabella at 18 months old – they are now a family of 4 For Kerry and Paul the hardest part so far has been their concerns as to how to make sure Isabella’s adoption is transparent and to ensure that she always remains fully informed of the facts of her life. Kerry says, “because she has an adoptive brother born naturally to us I am sensitive to how she is and will process this. I will find it hard if she struggles with any comparisons in the way we love them, as although it is hard to imagine from outside adoption, we love them both equally. It is rewarding seeing her grow up in the same way as our son; showing all the benefits of coming from a secure and loving home whilst being naughty, stubborn, difficult etc as all children of her age can and should be. Just a normal child. Adoption is often looked at as the last resort. My husband and I were as happy when we adopted as we were to become pregnant and have our natural child.”
Alice & John - recently approved by the adoption panel and are waiting to be matched with their child(ren) Alice and John said, “the process of adoption assessment and training allows you to fully digest the concept of actually having to address the issues raised in providing a home for someone else’s child. We learnt a lot about ourselves and our relationship and it drew us much closer. Most potential adopters who do not make it through the assessment withdraw voluntarily. We are under no illusions about how hard it will be and we fully feel that we have been given the tools with which to provide a good home for a child/children in need. We cannot wait to start the matching process and to put all the training we have received into practice.” Alice says, “the child waiting for us is a figment of our imagination at the moment, but when I hug my friend’s children I feel very emotional and excited that soon a child will be calling me ‘Mummy’.” *All names have been changed for identity purposes. For more information regarding adoption please call First4Adoption on 0300 222 0022 or visit: www.first4adoption.org.uk
The Southwest’s must have family magazine
23
Whizz kids Choose the right scooter for your child Riding a scooter is a great way for children to get around. Whether they are zooming to school or zipping around the park, a scooter is much easier to master than a bicycle for under 3’s and is normally less expensive. For young children, scooters with three or four wheels are best to help them develop balance and co-ordination. Modern models often have two wheels at the front and one at the back. You steer by simply leaning to the side. Younger children’s scooters have soft grips and anti-slip footplates to maximise safety. They are chunkier than scooters for older children and may not fold down. Many are brightly coloured or feature favourite TV characters. When children have mastered the basics, they can move on to a twowheeled push scooter. The height of the handlebars can normally be adjusted so the scooter can ‘grow’ with your child. Many have a brake, operated by pressing a pedal over the back wheel. Some even give off sparks when you do this! They’re convenient too – most are lightweight and fold in
half, which makes them very easy to carry around or pop in the boot of the car. These scooters also come in lots of funky designs and some have flashing lights on the footplate. Two-wheel scooters can get up to a good speed, but they are not all suitable for doing jumps and tricks. For this, you will need a stunt scooter, which is stronger than a normal one. They have a rigid head tube and bars, metal wheels and rubber grips, and they aren’t foldable. If your child likes to travel at speed but isn’t keen to put the effort in, how about an electric scooter? Suitable for children aged eight and older, they are powered by rechargeable batteries that last for around 45 minutes. You accelerate using a twist-grip control and can reach speeds of up to 15mph. The latest innovation in scooting is the ‘tri’ or ‘Y’ scooter. These are threewheeled scooters, but you stand with your legs apart on two separate plates that come together at the front. To travel, you move your body from side to side in a skiing motion. And if you like to visit country parks
with rough tracks, how about an offroad scooter, with larger wheels and pneumatic tyres for a smoother ride, and a raised footplate which won’t catch on any bumps. Whatever type of scooter you choose to buy, always check the size carefully to make sure it is suitable for your child. This is especially important if you are buying online, and manufacturers should give height and weight restrictions for their products. Finally, a word on safety. As with bicycles, children can and will fall off their scooters. Minimise their injuries by getting them kitted out with a helmet, kneepads and elbow pads. By Alex Brown
Mini Micro 3in1 Scooter whilst mastering the technique of pushing with one leg to manoeuvre.
The 2012 award winning Mini Micro Scooter - is it really a winner? Beebo put it to the test.... Our son had the Mini Micro Scooter as a gift in 2012 at the age of 2 and he now loves it, but it did take him a while to gain confidence and to balance
Being the second child our daughter is much more eager and less fearful so of course as soon as she could walk she was desperate to have a ride on her big brothers cool scooter! However, as a mum, my back and sanity could only take so much pulling and pushing; so we were delighted to be given the opportunity to review the Mini Micro 3in1 Scooter which comes complete with Seat and O-Bar Handle. What a revelation! Firstly we found the scooter quick and simple to assemble - this is always an added bonus! The quality is also great
24 The Southwest’s must have family magazine
- very sturdy and instantly gives the impression of durability - A great first impression made! The 3in1 has a fully adjustable seat and 0-bar handle - this is perfect for little people to sit with their feet firmly on the floor whilst getting a firm grip at chest height giving them a natural sense of balance. It is also smooth moving and easy enough to steer. In fact it can pick up speed quite quickly which will be great fun when the seat has been removed! With durable rubber wheels we were also happy for Evellyn (18 months) to begin her quest to ride in doors. She absolutely loves her new found sense
of independence and being able to join in with her older brother. The beauty of the product is that it will now grow with her. As soon as the seat is nolonger required we can simply switch over to the T-Bar handle and she has a fully fledged Mini Micro Scooter. Being able to start using the scooter unaided at a young age will hopefully mean she will start navigating the pavements at speed a little earlier than her brother too, albeit avoiding unnecessary frustrations for all of us! A fabulously, well designed product. Perfect for encouraging coordination, balance and outdoor play/activity from a young age. We would certainly consider it value for money and would wholly recommend it! Hats off to the
technical team at Micro for introducing us to this fabulous concept - happy toddler, happy parents!
The 3in1 Scooter Seat pouch is a great little accessory that all toddlers will love. Great for collecting and storing! Quick and easy to fix and strong enough to sustain toddler manhandling! £9.95 Available from www.micro-scooters.co.uk priced at £74.95
2 in 1 Boomer Balance Bike Calling all parents with toddlers - introducing the must have bike of 2013 My husband and I had been discussing our sons 3rd birthday for a while and had finally decided that it was time to invest in a bike. Our big issue was that he did not have the balance to ride a bike without stabilisers and we were very keen to avoid these. Yet a balance bike would probably not last very long and we would then have to spend more time and money looking for a suitable bike with pedals. We looked at various makes, models and sizes to no avail. Surely someone had already thought about developing a balance bike that had removable pedals?! We did a bit more searching. I even asked a well-known bike manufacturer about the concept at a recent press show and came up with zero! As luck would have it we eventually stumbled across the 2 in 1 Boomer Balance Bike developed by Paul’s Yard! Hallelujah! We had at last found exactly what we had been looking for.
Having arranged for a bike to be delivered, we were super delighted when a parcel arrived within 24-hours. Quick and easy to assemble into balance bike mode. We instantly loved the sturdy feel and look of the bike - it almost has that classic feel of a BMX bike! The seat is quick release making it quick and easy to adjust, as are the handle bars. We also love the fact that the seat has a handle to allow parents to assist when little ones are learning to balance. The pedal crank is quick to add when needed and it sits within a chain case - no ripped or oily trousers - great! I think we were more excited than our son on his birthday! His little face on opening it was a picture of delight. At the age of 3 his feet just perfectly touch
the ground on the lowest seat position and he absolutely loves the fact that he is a ‘big boy’ with a ‘big boys bike’! We are currently at the stage of confidence building so he takes his time to walk along with the bike, but we have no doubt that speed will soon come into play and we will no doubt be trying to slow him down! The beauty of this product is that our son will already be familiar with it making the transition from walking to pedalling much easier. We know that as soon as balance, coordination and speed has been conquered we can simply apply the pedals! Then off we go into the next stage of reaching that exciting, all important milestone of our child riding a bike solo for the first time! We would definitely vote the 2 in 1 Boomer Balance Bike the smartest and most practical bicycle on the market - it’s an added bonus that it looks super cool too! The Boomer Balance Bike comes in red, pink, green and blue - completely unisex. Paul’s Yard we salute you! www.paulsyard.co.uk (£130)
The Southwest’s must have family magazine
25
The pick of 2013 Kids Autumn Fashion Bear hat from £7 Stripe hoody from £10 Hooded gilet from £14 Aqua skinny jeans from £12 Tan hi-tops from £20 All 3 months - 6 years www.next.co.uk
26 The Southwest’s must have family magazine
Beebo
fashion
Boys
2-Pack Baby Leggings with Feet £16 (Ecru Navy Stripe) 0-18 months www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk
Breton Poloshirt Baby Bodysuits £12 (Navy Stripe) 0-3 years www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk
Zip-up All-in-one £18 (London) 0-2 years
Knitted Jacket £24-26 (Blue) 0-3 years
www.boden.co.uk
www.boden.co.uk
Pack-away Waterproof Toddler All-in-Ones £32 1-3 years Fun Patterned Children’s Wellies £16 size 3-11 www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk
Baby Cord Dungarees £20 0-3 years
Baby Star Patch Trousers £20-22 (Denim) 0-3 years
www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk
www.boden.co.uk
Baby Classic Double Breasted Cardigans £20 (Navy Blue) 0-2 years
Boys’ Check Hooded Shirt £18 6 months - 5 years www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk
www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk
Boys’ Reversible Fleece Lined Gilet £21 1-5 years www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk
Leather High Tops £38 (Brown) (24-37 / 7-4) www.boden.co.uk
Stripe gilet from £15 3 months - 6 years
Black High tops from £22 26.5-42 / 9 JNR-8
www.next.co.uk
www.next.co.uk
London Appliqué T-shirt £14-16 0-3 years www.boden.co.uk
Lined Knee Patch Trousers £30-34 (Green) 1.5-12 years www.boden.co.uk
The Southwest’s must have family magazine
27
Beebo
fashion
Girls
Star fleece (unisex) £11 Newborn - 18 months www.next.co.uk
Essential Stripey Jersey Dress £14-16 (Grey Marl/ Grape) 0-3 years
Reversible Hooded Sweatshirts £20 (Fuchsia Pink Stripe) 0-5 years www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk
Printed Blouse Body £16 0-2 years www.boden.co.uk
www.boden.co.uk
Girls’ Cord Mini Skirts £14 6 months - 6 years www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk
Quilted Jersey Jacket £22-24 0-3 years www.boden.co.uk
Reversible Fleecy Gilet £16-18 (Grey) 0-3 years www.boden.co.uk
Spot shorts with braces from £15 3 months - 6 years
Girls’ Stripe Dress £19 6 months - 5 years www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk
www.next.co.uk
Girls’ Elephant Cord Pinafore £20 6 months - 5 years www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk
Button Pinafore Dress £28-32 (Gingerbread House)1.5-12 years
Pretty Pintuck Dress £22-26 (Purple) 1.5-12 years
www.boden.co.uk
www.boden.co.uk
28 The Southwest’s must have family magazine
Cosy Gilet £22-26 (Navy) 1.5-12 years
Pointelle Marl T-shirt £10-12 (Grey Marl) 1.5-12 years
www.boden.co.uk
www.boden.co.uk
Printed Tunic £18-20 (pink) 2-12 years www.boden.co.uk
Green cord skirt from £10 3-16 years www.next.co.uk
wonderful Wellies! Spots, stripes, flowers or leopard print – wellington boots are no longer reserved for farmers! They have become a fashionable footwear essential. People have been wearing boots to keep their feet warm and dry for thousands of years. The earliest snow boots were discovered on an ancient iceman thought to be 5000 years old, and were made from bearskin, tree bark and deer pelts. Of course, the welly as we know it is named after the Duke of Wellington. He asked his shoemakers to adapt the hessian boots worn by men in the mid-18th century so that they were waterproof, and provided more protection in battle. They designed a leather boot that had a low heel and fitted closely to the leg. Meanwhile, the industrial manufacture of rubber was being developed, and an American called Henry Lee Norris founded the North British Rubber Company in Scotland. Now known as Hunter Boot Ltd, the factory made the first rubber wellingtons which became popular with farmers. Production rapidly increased during World War I, when the War Office asked Hunter to make boots that would keep the men’s feet dry in the trenches. Again in World War II, the factory supplied the boots for British forces working in flooded conditions.
make your feet sweat and are not very hardwearing. •
100% rubber boots are more expensive, but will last longer.
•
Boots lined with neoprene will keep your feet really warm.
•
With cotton-lined boots, you can decide whether or not you need to wear socks for extra warmth.
•
If you have wide calves, look for wellingtons with a waterproof gusset so you can adjust the fit.
•
Some wellies have special treads to make them more suitable for walking long distances.
•
Snow boots have a thick rubber sole, a laced upper, and often a fleece collar around the top.
Of course, when you get home from your walk in the wet, you’re faced with the age-old problem of getting your wellies off. Some boots fold down at the top, or have a gusset or zip to loosen them. Failing that, you can buy an inexpensive boot jack – simply wedge your heel in the jaws, tread on the base and pull!
and these..........
www.hunter-boot.com
www.next.co.uk
www.joules.com
We like these..........
After the wars, wellies became popular with workers and the general public, and in the last few years, manufacturers have taken the traditional design and given it an injection of colour and style. Anything goes these days - you can even get white wedding wellingtons! If you need a new pair of boots this winter, here is a quick round-up of what to look for: • Cheaper wellies tend to be made from PVC. These are fine for occasional wear, but they can
www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk
Chipmunk at www.debenhams.com
The Southwest’s must have family magazine
29
Happy Halloween Debbie Singh-Bhatti takes a look at a not-so-American tradition You might be mistaken for thinking that the Americans invented Halloween. They certainly make more of it than we do. Yet Halloween actually started in England over 2,000 years ago with the Celts, who celebrated New Year’s Day on November 1st. Known as Samhain and pronounced ‘sow’-en’, it literally means ‘the end of summer’. This was a time to celebrate the harvest and honour the dead. In addition, the Druids believed that at the end of the year the barrier between the living and the dead faded; so on October 31st spirits could return from the dead and roam freely amongst the living. Unsurprisingly, this was a frightening prospect for most people who worried that these spirits were looking for a living body to inhabit. To discourage and frighten them away, entire villages
would dress in ghoulish costumes and masks in the hope that their unwelcome visitors would not recognize them. Thus began the modern day custom of dressing up as ghosts, witches and werewolves! The practice of trick or treating is thought to have originated with early Christians. There is a centuries old European custom called “souling”, where on or around All Hallows Day, Christians would walk from village to village asking for soul cakes (small square pieces of bread with currants). In exchange for these cakes, the recipient would offer a prayer on behalf of the donor’s dead relatives. It was believed that the dead remained in limbo for a time after death and that a prayer, even from a stranger, could help the soul pass into heaven. Halloween was taken to America by early Irish and Scottish immigrants. The practice of carving pumpkins may have its origins in a delightful folk tale. Jack was a farmer. One day he encountered the Devil, who wanted his soul. Jack tricked the Devil into climbing a tree to pick some fruit. He then placed a cross on the lower bark, preventing the Devil from climbing back
down. Jack eventually removed the cross, after making the Devil promise never to take his soul to Hell. Years later when Jack died, Heaven turned him away for making a pact with the Devil, so Jack had nowhere to go but to Hell. Yet when the Devil answered the gate, he wouldn’t permit Jack to enter, because he wouldn’t break his deal. The Devil did take pity on Jack though and tossed out a burning ember. Jack happened to have a turnip in his pocket and he placed the coal inside the big root to make the first Jack-O-Lantern. On the night when the dead are meant to walk among the living, Jack’s way is lit with lanterns as he wanders the world. Lanterns were originally carved from turnips or even potatoes, but eventually became associated with the beautiful big orange pumpkins that we see today. Happy Halloween!
Tired of trick-or-treating?
Take away the worry this Halloween and try something different
Halloween is on the horizon again and with it comes the trick-or-treating dilemma. For some, it is just a bit of harmless fun. However, many parents are concerned about the safety aspects of knocking on strangers’ doors, while others object to the idea of ‘begging’ for sweets. If you’re not keen, there are still plenty of ways to get into the spirit of Halloween and enjoy yourselves at home: Apple-bobbing is the traditional game for this time of year. Simply place a few fruits in a bowl of water and challenge children to grab one with their teeth – no hands allowed! Getting dressed-up is another great part of Halloween. Invite some friends
round and organise a costume parade. You could give prizes for the best homemade outfit, most scary, or most unusual. To really gross out your guests, organise a touchy-feely challenge. Assemble foods that can double-up as creepy body parts – for example, cold cooked spaghetti, jelly or baked beans make great innards, sausages or gherkins can be witch’s fingers, and imagine that pickled onions are vampire’s eyeballs. Cover each bowl with a cloth and see if your guests are brave enough to put in a hand and guess what they can feel! Many party games can be adapted to suit a spooky celebration. Instead of a donkey, how about Pin the Nose on the Witch? Draw a witch on a large piece of paper, and ask children to cut out
30 The Southwest’s must have family magazine
noses from coloured paper. They are then blindfolded and turned around three times before trying to stick their nose in the correct position. When it’s time for a dance, have yourself a Monster Mash! Play some lively tunes and when the music stops, everyone stands as still as a statue in their most terrifying pose. Finally, wind down with a game of Sleeping Zombies. You simply have to lie on the floor and stay completely still. Anyone who moves is out. It’s harder than it sounds and children love it! By Alex Brown
Be inspired!! Try one of these great pumpkin faces !!
Pumpkin Power How to carve a perfect Halloween lantern Our American cousins know how to celebrate Halloween with style. One of the trademark symbols you’ll see outside almost every house at this time of year is a huge carved pumpkin, or Jack-o-lantern as they’re known across the pond. There’s a knack to carving a great pumpkin lantern. If you want yours to be the envy of all your neighbours this October, follow our step-by-step guide. First choose the right pumpkin. Firm and smooth is best for beginners. Advanced or creative types might like a more gnarled and warty specimen. Make sure there are no soft spots and that the stalk is nice and firm. Most importantly, make sure it sits up without rolling over, or your lantern will be a failure! If you have to buy your pumpkin in advance, store it in a cool dry place, like the garage, to help keep it fresh. The best carved pumpkins require good tools. You can buy children’s pumpkin carving set which work reasonably well for simple designs. However if you are after something showy you’ll need a sharp kitchen knife with a long blade, a smaller paring knife and possibly a craft knife. A bradawl is useful too. These tools are adult-only for obvious reasons. An ice cream scoop or large spoon is great for scooping out the flesh. Don’t forget to lay down lots of newspaper or plastic sheeting because pumpkin
carving is a messy business. Plan your design before you start. Draw a circle roughly the same size as the area you want to carve and get your children to help. If you’re stuck there are some great free templates available on the internet. Tape your design on to the pumpkin then use a cocktail stick to push through the paper to mark out the design. Then cut it out. You can carve other veg, like turnips, though it’s more difficult to hollow them out. You can use cocktail sticks to fasten other small vegetables, like courgettes, carrots and tiny squashes to your lantern for decoration. With a bit of ingenuity you can give your pumpkin face ears or horns. Broccoli and cauliflower florets can make funky hair. The only limit is your imagination. The pumpkins in the photo were carved by a friend’s husband. He hollowed out and carved a little pomegranate for his pumpkin monster to chomp on! Once you’ve created your masterpiece soak it in water for an hour. Then pop it on your doorstep for everyone to admire. If you’re worried about leaving a lit candle inside, try an electric tea light. They flicker like the real thing but are totally safe. Happy Halloween! By Sarah Davey
The Southwest’s must have family magazine
31
Halloween wreath.. . Have a great time making this spooky Halloween wreath to hang on your door, it’s a great way to let everyone know they’re in for a scary time! Step by Step: 1.
Paint four polystyrene balls with black paint and two with avocado green paint and leave to dry.
2.
To make the ghosts, drape the polystyrene eggs (point down) in a sheet of white felt and glue the felt around the bottom. Add wiggly eyes and a funky foam mouth.
3.
For the two black cats, cut ears from black funky foam and stick to black ball. Add eyes and paint on a mouth with white paint. Cut a pink triangle funky foam nose and stick short lengths of chenille stem into the cheeks for cat whiskers.
4.
For Frankenstein’s monsters, draw on hair, a face, scars, and add googly eyes. Bend the black chenille stem to create two ends of a bolt and stick into the sides of the polystyrene ball to look as though it is going right through the neck.
5.
To make the bats, paint a mouth with white paint on a black ball. Wind a piece of black chenille stem in a spiral to create a nose and stick into place. Add googly eyes. Bend small ‘V’ shapes to create ears and poke into the top of the head. Cut two bat wings from black funky foam and stick to each side of the ball.
6.
Cut the haunted house and two coffin shapes from black card following the design in the picture above. Draw on highlights in white pen. Paint ‘Happy Halloween’ in orange acrylic paint on a strip of purple felt. Cut the ends to ragged zig-zags, as shown.
7.
To make the wreath, draw around a large round tray or plate on to strong card. An old cardboard box is ideal. Draw around a smaller plate in the centre and cut out to make a hoop. Get an adult to help you with this part! Paint orange and leave to dry.
8.
Stick the haunted house and coffins into place. Add the ghosts each side of the wreath, with the bats above. Arrange the spooky characters around the wreath, gluing into place.
9.
For the bow, cut two strips of purple felt and cut ‘V’ shapes into the ends. Stick to the bottom of the wreath. Fold another strip in half lengthways and cut slits all the way along the folded edge towards the other long side (but not all the way through). This creates the loops. Roll the end of this to form a loopy bow decoration and stick into place on the felt hangings. Stick the felt ‘Happy Halloween’ banner at the top.
What will i need.. . .
10. Add a loop of felt strip to make a hanging loop at the top of the wreath and fix firmly with glue.
REMEMBER…. If you are going to use a glue gun, make sure that you have adult supervision. Grownups are also handy for cutting out the cardboard wreath. Painting can get messy, so wear an apron when using acrylic paint and protect work surfaces. www.docrafts.com
32 The Southwest’s must have family magazine
All available from: www.docrafts.com
Host the Perfect Bonfire Party For many years my parents hosted an annual bonfire party that attracted friends from far and wide. The planning and organisation were minimal, and in many ways that was its appeal. It afforded us all the opportunity to meet together informally to enjoy the most basic; simple things in life – food, warmth and companionship. For me, the perfect bonfire party is based around the three F’s – flame, food and fireworks. Let’s start with the bonfire. The way you build a fire affects how long it will last and the amount of heat it gives off. It’s best to arrange kindling (e.g. twigs, cardboard and small pieces of wood) in a teepee shape over a base of tinder (e.g. paper, wood shavings or fire lighters) and then add more bulky pieces of wood and logs which ignite more slowly but burn longer. Light the fire about 20-30 minutes before the party is due to start so that it is burning brightly when your guests arrive. Don’t forget to include a Guy
Fawkes. Why not hold a Guy Fawkes competition with prizes for the best or the funniest. No party is complete without food. November weather is traditionally cold and damp, so warm everyone up with a mug of home-made soup. We always encourage our guests to contribute to the food table. This usually results in a large and varied selection of goodies, ranging from delicious hot dogs with fried onions (is there anything on earth that can beat that smell?) to trays of parkin, treacle toffee and toffee apples – wonderful, traditional, British grub! Fireworks are a must of course. As fireworks cost a small fortune don’t be shy about asking your guests to bring along a box. Even with a substantial financial outlay, your display is unlikely to be hugely impressive, but half the fun is the anticipation anyway, and it’s amazing just how much enjoyment can be gleaned from the most humble box of bangers. Sparklers are a must, especially if you have young children attending;
so be sure to have a good supply at hand, matches to light them with and a bucket of water to extinguish them. Always remember the firework code and stay safe at all times. Other tips we have learned from (sometimes bitter) personal experience is to make sure that carpets are protected if people are going to be in and out of the house, especially if the ground outside is wet. And have a supply of torches on hand if your bonfire is located some distance from the back door. For me, the key to hosting a successful bonfire party is to set everything up then stay relaxed and let it run itself. Then you should have a roaring good time! By Sarah Davey
Rocket Man Firework Safety and Etiquette Hosting and planning a party can be stressful, what with checking there’s enough food and drink to go around and organising the entertainment. Fireworks are a brilliant way to entertain guests, but whilst they may look pretty in the night sky, they can also be extremely dangerous. Make sure that in between shopping for party-poppers and paper plates, you also have the right safety equipment needed for your display.
mistake! Make sure that everybody stands well back, and do not approach fireworks that have been lit - even if they haven’t gone off – as there’s a chance they still could.
Gloves and eye protection are a must have, as well as a taper for setting off fireworks at arm’s length - you don’t want to burn off your eyebrows by
Last of all, don’t forget to tell your neighbours in advance that you’re having a party so that they aren’t inconvenienced by the noise, and if
Store your fireworks in a metal box, away from flames, so that your party doesn’t go off with the wrong kind of bang, and always keep a bucket of water nearby to put out sparklers safely.
your party is not on November 5th itself do not set fireworks off after 11pm as it’s against the law and you could be fined! On November 5th you have until 12 midnight. Most importantly, make sure you have fun, enjoy yourself, and stay safe! By Debbie Singh-Bhatti
The Southwest’s must have family magazine
33
Beebo
health
Autumn first aid tips for families A new school year, shorter days and longer, darker nights all present risks for children to injure themselves. Fortunately, St John Ambulance – the nation’s leading first aid charity – is on hand with helpful advice. Here’s how to deal with some of the most common medical challenges and injuries, such as cuts, grazes, broken bones and – if the worst happens on Bonfire Night – burns.
Cuts and grazes • • • • •
If a small cut is dirty, clean it by either rinsing with cold water or using alcohol free wipes and use a gauze swab to pat the wound dry. Then cover it with sterile gauze and elevate the wound if you can With soapy water, clean the area around the injury Try and wipe away from the wound and use a clean swab with each swipe Remove the wound covering and apply a sterile dressing or plaster Seek medical advice if you are worried or if you think that there might be a risk of infection.
Broken bones
A fracture is a complete or partial break or a crack in a bone due to an excessive amount of force. If you think your child might have broken a bone, you should first look for: • • • • • • • • •
Swelling Unnatural range of movement Immobility Grating noise or feeling Deformity Loss of strength Shock Twisting Shortening or bending of a limb.
The next steps are to: • •
Support the injured limb Immobilise the affected part.
Then you should call for help: • •
Dial 999 or 112 for an ambulance Treat your child for shock by helping them to lie down and raising and supporting their legs (if possible), loosening tight clothing and keeping them warm. Do not raise a broken leg.
Burns
With any burn, the most important thing is to cool the injury. For minor burns, hold the affected area under cold water for at least 10 minutes or until the pain subsides. Remove jewellery etc... and cover the burn with clean kitchen film to protect from infection. Non-fluffy, clean material or a clean plastic bag also make good dressings. Seek medical advice if the casualty is a child, no matter how small the burn may look. All deep burns of any size require urgent hospital treatment regardless of the casualty’s age. In the case of severe burns: • • • • • • •
Start cooling the burn immediately under running water for at least 10 minutes Dial 999 for an ambulance Make the casualty as comfortable as possible, lie them down Continue to pour copious amounts of cold water over the burn for at least ten minutes or until the pain is relieved (whichever is longer) Whilst wearing disposable gloves, remove jewellery, watch or clothing from the affected area - unless it is sticking to the skin Once it is cool, cover the burn with clean dressings (as above) Treat the patient for shock (see ‘broken bones’ above for more details).
For all burns: • • •
Do not use lotions, ointments and creams Do not use adhesive dressings Do not break blisters. For more information on first aid, including details of courses in your area, visit www.sja.org.uk For advice on the go, download the free St John Ambulance first aid app to your mobile phone, reader or tablet.
34 The Southwest’s must have family magazine
Flu Jabs Should you get one! Most of us know that certain groups of people should visit the GP for a flu jab: the elderly, diabetics, asthmatics, pregnant women etc.
requires a week or so off work to recover and can trigger other conditions like bronchitis or pneumonia.
What many people don’t realise is that even if you don’t fall into one of the ‘at risk’ categories a flu jab is still a sensible precaution. You’ll have to pay, but it’s inexpensive (generally under £10) and many pharmacists administer the vaccine on their premises so you won’t have to book an appointment with your GP or take time off work.
The average person with flu infects one or two other people through sneezing, coughing and touch. If you work with the general public, in a shop for example, you are more at risk of being exposed to the virus so you might consider a flu jab a worthwhile investment.
Why might an otherwise healthy person request a flu vaccine? Well, seasonal flu is a substantial and unpleasant illness, far worse than the common cold, with which it’s sometimes confused. Flu generally
A business owner may consider the impact a week off sick would have on his business and opt to protect himself or herself for that reason.
Flu jabs are generally safe unless you have an allergy to eggs or have had a previous allergic reaction to a shot. So discuss protecting yourself with your pharmacist today.
Children are much more likely to pick
By Sarah Davey
up and pass on bugs as they are in such close proximity to each other all day. For this reason teachers and parents might think it wise to have a jab.
Oh No Not Nits Again!
Treat them naturally
It’s September and back-to-school time. There are lots of new experiences to look forward to, and a couple best avoided. One of these is the dreaded head lice, which seem to become more of a problem each year. Even the Prime Minister’s children weren’t immune! About the size of a sesame seed, head lice feed on blood from the scalp, often hiding near the nape of the neck and behind the ears. They prefer clean, long hair - much better for clinging to the hair shaft and for easier transmission (they don’t fly or jump!). An adult louse can lay 4 or 5 eggs (nits) a day for up to 10 days. These hatch after 7-10 days, usually on the top of the head where it is warm and humid. A louse attaches eggs to the base of a hair using saliva-based glue. Before feeding it injects an anaesthetic into the scalp. Both this and the glue can cause intense itching. Insecticide-free remedies are preferable for those who suffer from eczema or asthma, young children and pregnant
or lactating mums, due to the possible side-effects of malathion, permathrin and phenothrin. A degree of resistance to these chemicals is also becoming a problem. Wet-combing to remove lice and nits using a specialised comb, such as the Nitty Gritty, with the addition of hair conditioner or olive oil, is also the best treatment if there are any open sores due to scratching. Clean the comb with an old tooth brush or rinse in water between each combing. Olive oil is useful as it suffocates lice, but it can take a few washes before it is completely removed. Adding a few drops of eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary and neem oils to olive oil, and massaging well into wet hair will further help to weaken the lice. Cover with a towel or a shower cap and leave on for at least one hour, then shampoo thoroughly. Remove the eggs with a comb to prevent more lice hatching at a later date, and repeat twice more at 3/5 day intervals. Always carry out a patch test before
using, and always protect the eyes. Following treatment, the above oils can be added to shampoos as a natural preventative. Hot wash bedding, and check clothes and soft toys. Warning others, as the PM did, will also help! There is no shame in having head lice! There are a number of herbal treatment lotions and preventative sprays, such as Delacet, Fairytales, Nice ‘n Clear and Not Nice to Lice, available from chemists or online, but wet-combing is still essential to remove the eggs. Delacet claims to kill both, as does Quit Nits, but these may be tricky to find in the UK. By Sue Blain, Naturopath
The Southwest’s must have family magazine
35
Center Parcs:
Beebo takes the family to Longleat Village on a Summer break Monday 17th June Wow - a very exciting day ahead. I have an interview this morning in Cirencester with Jackie LlewelynBowen so we have decided to take 2 cars and the family will meet me at Longleat Forest this afternoon. So it’s an early start for me and a bit of a traumatic morning for dad - getting the 2 children ready and packing the car! Thanks to the unpredictable British weather we have packed for every eventuality so the car is packed to the brim! We eventually arrive at Center Parcs around 2pm. The drive up to the check-in lodge is magical - we are completely surrounded by huge pine trees. Much to our surprise our lodge is ready for us to check-in which is great. The given check-in time is from 3pm so we assumed we would have to entertain ourselves for an hour but thankfully we can unload and settle in. It’s fantastic to learn that Center Parcs operates a zero traffic policy. After unloading at your lodge all cars must return to the main carpark where they then stay until departure. There is a frequent land train that travels the site for those without bikes and would prefer not to / cannot walk far. Brilliant, we love this!
Having settled in I took the children for a little wonder. Oliver delighted in being able to ride his scooter at full speed and without fear of traffic. Everyone we saw seemed to be full of high spirits and pleasantly chatty. Center Parcs really does seem like a little village. After feeding the little people tea in the comfort of our own lodge it was time for them to be tucked up into bed. I was initially worried they would be disturbed by the TV in the lounge but the excitement of the day had wiped them out! Alex returned from his blissful spa session - very relaxed and pampered. A great start to the week - can’t wait for tomorrows adventures!
Tuesday 18th June We wake to a beautiful day - can we really be lucky enough to have a dry week and sunshine! After breakfast we venture down to the bike park to collect our pre-booked bikes. We were totally surprised at how quick and effortless it was to pick-up 2 bikes - one complete with a double trailer. We even left our pushchair there until we could collect later-on. The staff were great.
Our New Executive Style Lodge is an instant hit. The lounge, kitchen and diner are all open plan which provides a great family space. Both bedrooms are ensuite, equipped with TV and have ample space - there is even another toilet in the entrance hall! Alex is booked for a relaxing spa session, including full body massage at the Aqua Sana which gives me time to sift through the waiting grocery pack. I couldn’t believe how much food the pack contained! 3 varieties of coffee, tea, biscuits, various bread, sausages, eggs, ketchup, brown sauce, squash, orange juice. Surely we would never eat it all, but great!
Let the adventure begin! The children absolutely loved being pulled behind dad in their little trailer. There are bike parks everywhere. We stop at the first adventure playground we come to, which is completely camouflaged into the forest setting and there is something for all ages. Even we (the adults!) have fun chasing the children
36 The Southwest’s must have family magazine
and pretending to help them down the slides! We have a pre-school craft session booked for 9.30am so time to get back on the bikes and head down the boardwalk towards the lake. The craft session is held in what would be the crèche should you choose to use . It was perfectly equipped, staff all seemed lovely and in fact a lot of the parents there were using the craft session to get a feel for the surroundings and integrate the children before leaving them the following day! Great idea! The little people had a good half an hour indoor play, now time to go again. We decided to bring a packed lunch out with us today - the joys of having a home from home setting, which worked perfectly. We settled down on the man-made beach by the lake - the setting looked just like a scene out of an American movie - picture perfect. After watching families feeding the ducks and lots of people taking part in the water sports on offer we got back on the bikes and made our way to the
Jardin des Sports.
concept for a 3 and 1 year old to grasp!
We head straight to the sports shop to buy a couple of balls; armed with coffee and juice we head out on to the green for a kick-around. You can’t quite beat the outdoor lifestyle!
For lunch we head over to the Sports Cafe - they have an indoor soft play area which keeps the children amused whilst we wait for the food to arrive. It’s also entertaining watching everyone actively engaged in badminton, squash, wall climbing - it’s all going on. One of our favourites was watching the high ropes - Oliver was particularly taken by the zip wire!
Lucky me! I have a spa session booked from 4pm so whilst I head off to the Aqua Sana for some well earned ‘me time’! Dad takes the children back to the lodge for dinner, bath and bed. The spa is also set beautifully within the forest landscape and instantly radiates a sense of calm and relaxation as you walk through the doors. Reception handover a robe and towel - I can’t wait to get into the treatment area! My ‘yummy mummy’ treatment is delightful and much needed. The therapist did a great job. I make the most of the relaxation area, which offers huge expanses of glass overlooking a beautifully set garden heaven! I have time for a look around the spa pool and sauna/steam rooms (I can’t believe how many there are!). Sadly expecting baby number 3 I couldn’t really indulge in the therapy rooms but it’s a great excuse for a trip back! I have one more treatment left - the ultimate pedicure - great timing as I’m just about at the point in pregnancy where you can’t quite comfortably reach your toes! I get to sit in a huge leather arm chair and endure an hour of foot pampering to end a perfect day. I decide to walk the bike back!
The afternoon is packed with more cycling, exploring, trips to the outdoor park areas - there are stop-off points everywhere around the Parc. Lunch was spent in the delicious Pancake House. From sweet to savoury there is a wide selection of treats to be had. The evening was all about ‘take away’ which can be delivered from 5pm. What we found really useful was the ability to choose a selection from Pizza, Chinese, Indian and more which meant everyone could take their pick!
More park action on route back to the Plaza for some afternoon swimming. Hopefully Evellyn (1 year) will stay awake! We have a family meal booked at Strada tonight - 5pm to fit with the children. I’m pleasantly surprised on arrival to see a soft play area in the corner - a perfect respite for little people that get bored of sitting! Food complete, time for a look around the shops in the main plaza before we head back. The toy shop is an instant hit and has everything under the sun quite a ‘honey trap’!
Another busy day - 2 very tired children, not to mention mum and dad! I think we will sleep well tonight.
A bit of a later night tonight but what a great day - sad to think it’s homeward bound tomorrow!
Thursday 20th June
Friday 21st June
The rain is still holding off! We have a reasonably early start as we have minigolf booked down by the lake. This will be a first for us as a family and could be interesting!!
We have to vacate the lodge by 10am so we get breakfast sorted before heading off to bring the car on site for loading. We actually manage this in good time and decide to take the bikes back and enjoy the rest of the morning at the Grand Cafe before making our way home.
Wednesday 19th June I overdid the cycling yesterday! Wow padded cycling shorts very much required today! The children are uber excited to get back out on the bikes, ‘faster daddy, faster!!’. First it’s a trip to the Tropical Paradise for a dip. The swimming area is completely free to use throughout your stay and everyone loves it. There is the perfectly thought about small pool area and water slides for the tiny people, indoor waves and lazy river, slides for the big kids (adults), outdoor pool including one heated to 32 degrees and it’s just like a bath! Ice cold plunge pools - we weren’t brave enough for this!! And the ultimate water rapids - only for those able to swim well but amazingly good fun!
We decide to walk today to add some variety, which is really pleasant. We really can’t get enough of the outdoor activities and the feeling of freedom that comes with having zero traffic! Oliver (almost 3 years) has come on leaps and bounds with walking (rather than taking a ride in the pushchair!) since arriving at Center Parcs. Mini-golf was interesting!! I think there was a lot of rule breaking and cheating. I’m not sure picking up and moving the ball is technically allowed but a difficult
A mixture of sunshine, croissants, full English breakfasts, tea, coffee, juice and family time makes for the perfect end to our stay at Center Parcs, Longleat. We will definitely be back! For more information and to book visit: www.centerparcs.co.uk / 08448 267723. Please mention Beebo when booking.
The Southwest’s must have family magazine
37
Beebo
Dads Corner There is a huge range of sat nav solutions available, costing anything from a couple of pounds to several hundred. So how do you choose the right one for you?
Sat Nav Savvy
All sat navs work in the same way. The ‘magic’ comes from the network of global positioning satellites that orbit the Earth. They can lock onto the receiver in your sat nav and locate its position to within 10 metres. This position is then overlaid on to a map to reveal your location.
Choose the right device and drive from A to B with ease.
The first decision is which of the three basic types you want to go for.
What do Brian Blessed, Kim Cattrall and Victor Meldrew all have in common? They are all voices of sat navs!
Integrated sat navs are part of the car’s dashboard and are fitted by the manufacturer. They normally have the best quality screens and sound systems. They are also secure, as they can’t be removed from the car.
Satellite navigation systems – or sat navs – are an invaluable aid to driving in unfamiliar areas. Gone are the days of struggling to see a tiny road in an enormous atlas as you realise you’re in the wrong lane; going the wrong way. Now you can simply type in the postcode of where you want to go and concentrate on driving, while your chosen voice gives you directions and a map of your route is shown on the screen.
Dedicated sat navs are fitted to the car using either a suction pad on the windscreen or a stand on the dashboard. A lead into the car’s cigarette lighter provides the power. Their big advantage is that you can use them in any car. However, they are very popular with thieves, so you must always remove your sat nav from the car when you leave and wipe away any
marks left on the windscreen. The cheapest option is an app for a smart phone. Bear in mind, though, that the quality may not be as good as other options. You will also have to buy a holder so you can see your phone as you drive, and you may need an in-car charger. It’s then a case of investigating the additional services that sat navs can offer, and trying out a few. Many will calculate how long your journey is likely to take and let you know of any traffic problems up ahead. You can also use them to locate nearby facilities such as petrol stations and restaurants. Finally, check the cost of software and map updates, and maps of other countries that you may need to download from the manufacturer’s website. And remember, sat-navs are not infallible and should not be a replacement for common sense. If the road suggested looks too narrow, dangerous or apparently cuts through someone’s front garden, choose another route! By Alex Brown
Skin Care For Men Traditionally men spend less time caring for their skin than women, but also spend more time damaging it through outdoor activities and hazardous work conditions. As the body’s largest organ, the skin works hard to provide protection against the elements and to regulate body temperature - and it needs looking after. Achieving better skin can be quick and easy if you follow these three simple steps. 1. Cleanse your face daily, not with soap, but with a proper gel cleanser. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, but it should be strong enough to break through the grease that comes from open pores and active sebaceous glands, whilst gentle enough to be used every day. 2. Exfoliate 2-3 times a week. This dislodges debris from clogged pores 38 The Southwest’s must have family magazine
below the skin’s surface. Choose a scrub with granules in it to make your skin look smoother and brighter, and it will also soften the hair follicles to give you a closer, less irritating shave. 3. Moisturise daily. Showering and shaving open up pores which allow water to escape, making the skin dry and taut. Moisturising regularly replaces lost moisture and also helps prevent razor burn. Use one with SPF to protect you against the sun’s rays. Follow these simple routines and your skin will soon look and feel much better! By Debbie Singh-Bhatti
Beebo
just loves Chillipeeps Mummies at Beebo magazine are loving this Multi-award winning convenient Chillipeeps Teat in a pod that attaches directly to readymade formula milk cartons & many mineral water bottles, perfectly ready for feeding and rehydrating out and about with a baby. Great to keep handy incase you forget baby’s bottle! www.chillipeeps.com (Chillipeeps Teat £5.99 Sterilised Chillipeeps Teat £6.99)
Embroidered Gifts for Mum & Baby by Ribbons and Rosebuds Stunning bespoke towels, flannels, blankets and even tooth fairy pillows. So beautiful we insist you look at the website!! (gifts start from £1.50) www.ribbonsandrosebuds.co.uk
Grey Long Sleeve Boys T-shirt with appliqué truck Cewe Photobook Creating a photobook has now got even easier and is doable on the move! The app is available for free download from googleplay for android you can even include video capture. We love the fact you can add to it wherever you are! www.cewe-photobook.co.uk/(from £5.99)
Available in ages 1-6 years we love the fact this t-shirt (100% cotton) is hand-sewn in Somerset! www.elsieandfleur.co.uk (£18.00)
Kattoo
The latest craze to hit the UK - tattoos for kids! Fun to wear but they also have space to include mum and dads contact number in case they get lost. Invented by 2 mums! Loved by us! www.kattoo.co.uk (£5.99)
Explora Aeroplane Spoon Take the stress out of mealtimes and inject some fun with these fabulous and fun aeroplane spoons from tommee tippee® explora® range. What a great idea! www.tommeetippee.co.uk (£3.79)
Secret Journal Available in 3 designs to capture every little mans’ imagination: Robot, Football and Dragon. Boys will take great pride in being able to take notes and being able to hide them behind lock and key! A beautifully made hardback book perfect for a gift or stocking filler! We love them so much we have one of each design! www.purelyboys.co.uk (£7.95)
Beebo Readers will receive a 10% discount Just Enter BEEBO1 on checkout at: www.sngglebundl.co.uk The Southwest’s must have family magazine
39
Beebo
outdoors border with the large shrubs, and work towards the front with herbaceous perennials and annuals. You can then layer bulbs in for extra spring and summer colour. Think about colour, the times of year they flower and the eventual size they will grow too. It’s a good idea to arm yourself with a good plant book, or simply search the internet for inspiration.
Garden View
Planning to Plant this September September is a good time to focus on softening the design of your garden with planting. Well-designed gardens are a successful blend of hard and soft landscaping (e.g. paving and plants), but not until recently did it occur to me how you can achieve a great effect with very little in terms of hard landscaping. Whether you are thinking about a new garden, total re-design, or just want to refresh a single border, it is important to draw yourself a planting plan. It’s not as scary as it sounds, and is really just like a large ‘paint by numbers’. A plan will avoid expensive mistakes made by impulse purchases, and will reduce maintenance in the long term. The resulting garden will also look so much fuller, the plants much happier and healthier, and you will feel proud of your creation instead of frustrated with your lack of ability. First of all, begin by enlisting the help of a gardening friend (or passerby) with a tape measure, and get a blueprint of what is there now. Measure the boundaries of the borders - note any trees and hedges, fences and walls, shady spots, and those in full sun too. If you know which way the sun moves around the garden you will have much more success in choosing the right plants. Draw the plan on paper, ideally to scale. 1:50 is a good size for the average garden (where 50cm in reality is 1cm on paper). Then, using a selection of larger and smaller coins to draw around, fill the border with circles, starting at the rear of the
September is a great time to plant, but here are some other jobs you can do at this time of the year: •
Clip hedges for the final time this year
•
Sow lawn seed to thicken or establish a new lawn
•
Sow the last batch of lettuce
•
Plant some potatoes in the greenhouse for Christmas
•
Net ponds to prevent leaves falling into it
•
Plant spring flowering bulbs
Seasonal treats For October The nights may be getting longer, but produce in the garden is still in abundance. Due to the later start of the season most plants, especially vegetables, got off to a really slow start, but when it did finally warm up in late July it meant the crops came in bumper sized! The month of October is a colourful one in the garden and the onset of autumn marks the start of the celebrations and traditions which unite friends and family, and where we can share good times within our community. Take the humble pumpkin for example. Prize winning or not, it’s a fruit which when picked at the beginning of the month and left to ripen in the greenhouse, is perfect for eating, just in time for Halloween. The act of carving out the pumpkin is a family event in our house and not a bit goes to waste. The outer skin is used to create a scary face, topped with a pumpkin hat, the flesh from the centre makes amazing soup (if seasoned well) and the seeds can be toasted and sprinkled in the soup or even better
40 The Southwest’s must have family magazine
onto a loaf of home made bread. A family activity and meal in one … what other fruit offers so much for so little time and effort? Autumn is the time to tidy up the garden, but don’t think of it as outdoor housework. Putting the garden to bed should be an enjoyable task, a time spent alone outside in the brisk fresh air, where you can generate your own warmth through hard work, culminating in a great sense of satisfaction. It’s also an opportunity to be creative and plant out winter/ spring bedding schemes. If traditional bedding is not your cup of tea, and you prefer something a little more ‘Earl Grey’, why not try this. Take a couple of evergreen grasses, a few attractive twigs (from the red Cornus or twisted Hazel) and some dried Allium stalks (with heads) and have a go with a little outdoor flower arranging. Then introduce some autumn flowering plants, such as a lovely rust coloured Chrysanthemum, shocking pink Cyclamen or a more subtle dwarf Aster and you’ll have an impressive display to welcome your guests when they come to share in your seasonal treats. By Lee Bestall
Other jobs to do in October: •
Divide herbaceous perennials and rhubarb crowns by lifting out with a fork and chopping into pieces with a spade. Replant with plenty of well rotted compost or manure
•
Plant out spring cabbages and harvest apples, pears and nuts
•
Clear up fallen autumn leaves regularly
•
Ensure plant pots have good drainage, and consider standing pots on feet
•
Pot up tender plants such as Fuchsias and Pelargoniums and place these in the glasshouse for overwinter protection
Remember this November and Grow Your Own Poppy! For the earliest poppy flowers, sow in autumn, from around September, and some of these will germinate before winter time, flowering in very early summer. The remainder can be planted in spring, for summer flowering. It's preferable to stagger the sowings a little, so that they don't all bloom at the same time.
We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields.
£4.99 from www.poppyshop.org.uk
also believed the ‘spirit of the harvest’ lived in the last of the crop to be reaped. Once this was gone they felt the spirit would die, causing all future crops to fail. To prevent this catastrophe, corn dollies were created by plaiting straw from the last sheaf. Decorated with blue ribbons to represent Mother Earth, these figures were revered as a safe place for the goddess to sleep until spring. Once the harvest was finished, the landowner thanked all the workers by providing a bountiful harvest supper. At this merry banquet the corn dolly was given a place of honour. After the festivities, the figure was displayed in the farmhouse until the following spring. It was then ploughed back into the ground to preserve the cycle of life. Smaller dollies were made by the farm workers for their personal good fortune.
Harvest Time Suki North takes a look at some seasonal traditions
Saxon farmers sacrificed a hare, and also made an offering of the first cut sheaf of wheat to their gods. They believed this would ensure a plentiful harvest for the following year. They
In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.
Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.
The vibrant red remembrance poppy has become the iconic emblem of Remembrance Day which is largely due to the famous wartime poem ‘In Flanders Fields’. These poppies bloomed across some of the worst battlefields of Flanders in World War I, their brilliant red colour a poignant symbol for the blood spilled during the war.
Of all the seasonal celebrations, the harvest festival is the oldest and most globally widespread. A successful harvest is still critical to people across the world. With so much invested in this ‘life or death’ time of year, various beliefs and rituals have become associated with harvest time. Some of these survive to this day.
In Flanders Fields
In medieval times the harvest celebrations started on 1st August, with Lammas Day, which means ‘loaf mass’. Loaves of bread were made from the freshly harvested first crop of wheat, and donated to the church. These precious loaves were blessed, and then used as Communion bread during a thanksgiving service. On
Lammas Day, farmers customarily gave their labourers gifts of new gloves. This was probably as protection against the rough work to be undertaken at harvest time. Modern Britain relies much less on the success of home-grown crops. The contemporary harvest festival has a different focus. It tends to draw attention to people in other countries, whose crops often fail. The church service is also a motivation to help those less fortunate people in the community. Nowadays, people take gifts of food to the church as donations for the needy. Harvest festivals are now more usually held towards the end of the harvest. Traditionally they are arranged for the nearest Sunday to the Harvest Moon. This is the full moon closest to the autumn equinox, around 22nd September. Churches are typically decorated with local produce and sheaves of wheat for the service. With more people than ever growing their own fruit and vegetables, perhaps some of the old rituals will make a comeback? You don’t have to sacrifice a hare though, corn dollies are easy to make, and very attractive! By Debbie Singh-Bhatti
The Southwest’s must have family magazine
41
Halloween or Bonfire Night Treats pieces. Bake in the oven. Check after 20 minutes and remove the garlic at that point and set it aside. Roast the pumpkin until it’s soft and tender. Be careful not to burn it.
Roasted Pumpkin Soup If you’ve ever wondered what else you can do with a pumpkin other than make a Halloween Lantern, try our rich, golden, tasty soup. Note: You’ll need a pumpkin which weighs about 1.5Kg for this recipe.
Method Preheat oven to 190C / Gas mark 5. Chop the pumpkin into even-sized chunks (about 5cm / 2 inches across). Place the pumpkin with the unpeeled garlic cloves in a roasting tin. Drizzle with a little oil and toss to coat the
Heat a teaspoon of oil in a large (at least 2.7 litre capacity) saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, nutmeg, cumin, salt and pepper. Fry gently, stirring, until the onion is just softened slightly. Add the roasted pumpkin and stock and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, until onion is completely soft and the stock has reduced a little. The more the stock reduces, the thicker the soup will be and the more concentrated the flavour. Season to taste. Peel the roasted garlic and add it to the soup. Remove from the heat and allow to cool for about half an hour before pureeing in batches in a blender. Serve the soup hot with cream and/ or grated nutmeg/ chilli flakes if preferred.
42 The Southwest’s must have family magazine
Ingredients 3-5 medium garlic cloves, unpeeled 1kg/2lbs pumpkin, peeled and deseeded Olive oil 1 large onion, finely chopped 1/2tsp ground nutmeg 1tsp ground cumin Salt and pepper, to taste 1 litre (1 3/4 pints) vegetable or chicken stock Cream, for serving (optional) Freshly grated nutmeg, or chilli flakes for serving (optional)
Parkin This is a super tasty Halloween or Bonfire Night treat. Serves: 12 Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
Method Preheat the oven to 180C / Gas mark 4. Grease and line a 30cm x 25cm x 5cm tin with non-stick baking paper. I have a 30cm round tin which, though not traditional, works just as well.
Sift the flour, ground ginger, bicarbonate of soda and salt into a bowl. Stir in the oatmeal and make a well in the centre.
Ingredients
Put the treacle, golden syrup, butter and sugar into a saucepan and heat gently until the butter has melted.
1 level tsp bicarbonate of soda
Remove from the heat and stir in the milk and the beaten egg. Add to the dry ingredients and beat thoroughly.
115g black treacle
Pour into your chosen tin and bake in the centre of the oven for 25-30minutes until firm, and a skewer inserted into the Parkin comes out clean.
115g butter
Method Wash the apples and dry thoroughly with kitchen paper. Remove the stalks and push a stick into the centre of each apple where the stalk has been removed. Line a baking tray with non-stick baking paper.
½ level tsp salt 225g medium oatmeal 115g golden syrup 115g soft light-brown sugar 150ml milk 1 egg, beaten
This really does improve in flavour after a few days maturing so make it in advance and hide it! Cut into squares or slices for serving. *Image courtesy of Caroline Hadilaksono
Bring to the boil and boil rapidly for 5-10 minutes until 130C has been reached on a sugar thermometer (or if you haven’t got a thermometer until a teaspoon of the toffee becomes hard and brittle when poured into a bowl of cold water). Remove the pan from the heat each time before testing.
Toffee apples are a real treat and very easy to make yourself so why not make a few for Halloween or Bonfire night?
2 level tsp ground ginger
Leave to cool in the tin. When cold wrap in greaseproof paper and store in an airtight tin.
heat until the butter has melted and the sugar has completely dissolved.
Toffee Apples
225g plain flour
When the correct temperature has been reached place the pan on a wooden board or trivet.
Ingredients 12 small dessert apples, Cox’s or Spartan are good 12 wooden lollipop sticks or short dowels 450g/1lb Demerara sugar 2tbsp golden syrup 60g/2oz butter 4tsp lemon juice 4tbsp water
One at a time quickly dip six of the apples into the toffee until evenly coated. Lift out and let the excess toffee drip back into the pan. Stand the coated apples on the prepared tray and leave in a cool, dry place to set. This is important as moisture in the air will cause the toffee to become sticky. Use the remaining ingredients to make a second batch of toffee. If you try to make it all in one go the toffee will set before you manage to coat all twelve apples...so take your time!
Put half each of the sugar, syrup, butter, lemon juice and water into a saucepan and stir over a very gentle
The Southwest’s must have family magazine
43
Beautiful Burgers Why visit the take-away when they’re tastier and healthier home made.
Makes 8 good-sized burgers
Method
Ingredients
Place the beef in a large bowl and add the remaining ingredients. Mix it all together by hand until just combined.
1kg minced beef
Divide the mixture into eight and roll each portion into a ball, then flatten to make the burger shape. You want to leave it about 2.5cm/1 inch thick so it stays moist when cooked.
1 egg, lightly beaten
The burgers can now be cooked either on a griddle pan or non-stick frying pan with a drop of oil, or even a barbeque. Pre-heat the frying pan, griddle pan or barbeque to a medium heat, so that the burgers seal and don’t stick. Cook the burgers for about 5 minutes on each side, turning them once. They should be cooked through with no pink bits. Serve in a good quality bun with loads of salad and relish and maybe a slice of cheese (Stilton takes them to a whole new level). * Image by Martin Ugod
44 The Southwest’s must have family magazine
1 small onion, finely chopped 4tbsp fine bread crumbs 1 red chilli, finely chopped (optional) 1tsp salt 1tsp of your favourite mustard or horse radish sauce Black pepper to season 2 garlic cloves, crushed
ms 10% new mu heme sc discount
visit ums et/newm .n d o o f k o co s for detail
Remarkable Food For Your Freezer
Delicious meals and puddings for your freezer that look and taste homemade. Perfect for young families and busy parents. COOK Wells 13 Broad Street Wells, BA5 2DJ 01749 677726 COOK Taunton Corporation Street, Taunton, TA1 4AW 01823 323001
Visit
your nearest shop or go online at www.cookfood.net
COOK Taunton & Wells
taunton_wells_133_186_rev.indd 1
-
deliVery aVailable across
somerset 21/08/2013 09:44
What a culinary delight! Perfect for today’s busy families and a great gift for new parents. A gem to shop on the high street or have delivered direct to your door!
Have you ever tried a frozen meal made by those clever chefs from COOK? Their founding principle in 1997 was to cook using the same ingredients and techniques you would at home, so everything looks and tastes homemade. And today, nothing's changed. Their meals taste as good (or maybe a little better) than you would make at home. Their meals are made by hand, by a team of dedicated chefs (you’ll find the name of the chef who made it on every meal). They are then frozen at -35C, which locks in all the flavour and nutrients. At home, you heat from frozen, using either your oven or microwave. For those of you struggling to get out in the evening, you can pop a meal in the oven, dim the lights and pretend you’ve escaped; for anyone rushed for time to cook for the family, they have a range of nutritious everyday meals that mean you’re not cutting any corners when it comes to quality; for those of you with young children, they have a range of kids meals that have at least one of the “five a day” hidden within; and for those of you with friends or relatives coming round, relax and let their larger meals take care of the entertaining. They really are a godsend for busy families. For any expectant or “new mums” reading this, it is worth checking out their New Mum’s Discount Scheme as you’ll be entitled to a 10% discount for 6 months after the birth of your child (you can register online at www.cookfood.net/newmums ) COOK have two shops in the area, one on Corporation Street in Taunton and one on Broad Street in Wells. Both shops offer a home delivery service making their delicious meals even more convenient. You can order online at www. cookfood.net or call Taunton on 01823 323001 or Wells on 01749 677726 The Southwest’s must have family magazine
45
46 The Southwest’s must have family magazine
The Southwest’s must have family magazine
47
THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT WITH ZUMA THE DOG
Zuma is the Jack Russell terrier, born and raised in Taunton by his loving owner Sam Morgan-Bertish and her young son. From the moment he arrived at the family home back in March 2007, Zuma was into everything and the family could see that Zuma was going to take them on an exciting journey ending up with them running their own business. Indeed the Mum entrepreneur, who had a career in fashion design before her marriage, was so taken by Zuma, she thought his cute, but crazy behaviour would make great stories for her son, who would be born later in that year. “I recall some funny things Zuma would do, which would include putting tools back in the box for my father when he would come to do some DIY at the house”. This was the inspiration for her first book “Zuma likes DIY” and being the creative soul that Sam is, two other books were soon created “Zuma likes to dig” and “Zuma likes to hide”. The books originally intended for Sam’s son, soon became popular with our friends children, who would come to visit their friend Zuma. With this increasing popularity and what was originally intended as a family project for the benefit of Sam’s son turned into a fully fledged business to include a clothing range and toys, dedicated to producing fun, lovely products fully inspired by Zuma, so others can enjoy and share in the love that is their dog Zuma!
Fun fleece hoody perfect for playtime
Sam continues, “After some of my own personal traumas in life, setting up Zuma the Dog has been a positive exercise and has made me realise that I want to establish a brand that could promote confidence and good self esteem in young people. While I want it to be fun, energetic, loud and stand out from the crowd. I also want to give kids confidence to follow their own choices and speak up for what is right, because without this kind of confidence it’s very easy to find yourself in a position of being bullied as an adult.”
and will be accompanied by a book to help children develop their language skills. “With the world becoming such a smaller place the emphasis is on language and giving children the opportunity to learn more than one language early in life is becoming more prevalent,” said Sam “and partnering up with Brian and his Pop-ettes gives us the opportunity to work with some great people while creating a product that can reach children worldwide and developing our brand that is indicative to our brand philosophy.
Zuma the Dog Popagami pop-ette. Download for free at : www.zumathedog.com Looking cool for the summer in a footprint stripe T-shirt
Providing an insight behind the psychology of the brand, Sam further explains, “We choose only bright colours or motifs and move away from the traditional pink for girls and blue for boys, no gender stereotyping for us. Originally designed as a boys wear brand, our unisex colour choices has meant our range extends both to boys and girls and with the high quality of our products, parents can pass items down the sibling ranks regardless of gender. This also means our brand offers better value for money.” Now gaining worldwide sales on the clothing range the future of Zuma the Dog is looking bright and with newly negotiated licensing deals the brand can move into categories outside the clothing range. “We can now announce that a license agreement has been made between Zuma the Dog and the Dragon’s Den contestant Brain Craik author and creator of Popagami(R).” The origami lover wowed the dragons last October with his new take on paper folding and has since approached Sam to develop his lovable pets into a dog styled for Zuma the Dog
48 The Southwest’s must have family magazine
Sam has also negotiated a deal with her licensing company Ship and Duck where a balance bike and helmet is to be manufactured and sold into stores countrywide as well as online via Amazon and Ship and Ducks own website and downloadable iPad app. “This is so exciting and product is well underway in terms of its development and will be available to buy in time for Christmas”. All products are available to buy direct from Zuma the Dog at: www.zumathedog.com The Popagami(R) books are available to buy at www.popagami.com and all good book retailers and visit: www.shipnduck.com for the Zuma the Dog balance bike and other fabulous branded products.
Hanging out as a family at the Beach
TM
THE DOG
ConZuma TM
THE DOG
ZumaZill
SatZuma
Zuma Potter Zuma Potter www.zumathedog.com
www.zumathedog.com
We have a set of Zuma the books from the original series, with a hoody and a Popagami pop-ette activity pack from Brian Craik to giveaway to one young budding artist! Just send your finished picture along with your name, address, age and contact telephone number to the following address: Beebo HQ, The Rectory, Thurloxton, Taunton, Somerset, TA2 8RH. Closing date is Tuesday November 5th 2013.
Jacko
If you have more than one little person in your household you can download and print another entry picture from our website: www.beebomagazine.co.uk /competitions
The Southwest’s must have family magazine
49
Beebo
Book Review
Kids Book Review
How to Train Your Dragon – Cressida Cowell How to Train Your Dragon is the first book in Cressida Cowell’s phenomenally popular Viking saga, and from the first pages it is easy to see how she has attracted legions of fans. Here we meet for the first time Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third – who, as everyone knows (because it’s explained in the introduction), was the greatest Viking hero that ever lived. However, as the book begins he is, quite frankly, hopeless. As he embarks on the Dragon Initiation Programme in order to become a full member of the tribe of the Hairy Hooligans, he knows he is doomed to fail and, when your father is Chief of the tribe, what could be worse?
Well, catching a toothless dragon, for one thing. Finding out that said dragon is also spectacularly disobedient is another. And, just as Hiccup thinks that rock bottom has truly been reached, a Seadragonus Giganticus Maximus rolls up on the beach. If it gets its way, there won’t be a tribe to be initiated into any more, and only Hiccup can deal with this – because he alone of all the tribe can talk to dragons. Hiccup is a character both enduring and endearing, and Toothless the dragon is one of the great non-human characters in recent children’s literature. The book rolls along at a cracking pace, with illustrations and side notes from Cowell which bring the Isle of Berk and its inhabitants to life. The book starts with a map – a surefire sign that the world within is fully realised and developed and if you are a seven year old boy, what more could you want? A sequel? Don’t worry, there are plenty. By Kath Bennett
Books for Kids
Babies Very First Black and White Books: Faces
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly
This is a new title containing beautifully designed high-contrast black-and-white images that are easy for babies to focus on.
Forty years after its first publication this much-loved Child’s Play classic is as popular as ever. Ingenious die-cut holes bring this iconic nursery rhyme to life.
Stella Baggott
Usborne Publishing £4.99
Pam Adams
I’m a New Big Brother Amanda Li
“Pirate Pete: I’m a New Big Brother” is part of Ladybird’s successful “Pirate Pete” and “Princess Polly” toddler range. An introduction to key milestones.
Judith Kerr’s Creatures: A Celebration of the Life and Work of Judith Kerr Judith Kerr
A lavishly illustrated retrospective in celebration of the 90th birthday of Judith Kerr
Starting School Sticker Book Felicity Brooks
A fun way to familiarise young children with all the things they will need to know and be able to do when they start school. Usborne Publlishing £4.99
Ladybird Books £6.99
HarperCollins £25.00
Alexandra the Royal Baby Fairy
Gangsta Granny
Trash
A story of prejudice and acceptance, funny lists and silly words, this new book has all the hallmarks of David’s previous bestsellers. Another hilarious and moving novel from David Walliams.
Raphael is a dumpsite boy. He spends his days wading through mountains of steaming trash, sifting it, sorting it, breathing it, sleeping next to it. Then one unluckylucky day, Raphael’s world turns upside down.
Child’s Play £4.99
Green Eggs and Ham Dr. Seuss
When Sam-I-am persists in pestering a grumpy grouch to eat a plate of green eggs and ham, perseverance wins the day. We cannot know what we like until we have tried it!
Dirty Beasts Roald Dahl
Dirty Beasts is a collection of hilarious animal rhymes from Roald Dahl. Ranging from Gocky-Wock the crocodile to StingA-Ling the scorpion. Illustrated by Quentin Blake. Puffin Books £6.99
HarperCollins £4.99
Daisy Meadows
The whole of Fairyland is very excited - there’s going to be a new royal baby! But when Foster the stork fails to deliver the new bundle of joy on time, the Royal Baby Fairy asks friends of the fairies for their help. Orchard Books £4.99
50 The Southwest’s must have family magazine
David Walliams
HarperCollins £6.99
Andy Mulligan
David Fickling £5.99
Mum & Dad Book Review
The Earth Hums in B Flat – Mari Strachan Gwenni Morgan is twelve, and every night she flies in her sleep – over the town and the countryside around, looking down on familiar and not so familiar scenes. She thinks she remembers flying while awake as a small child, but somehow she has lost the ability to do so, no matter how hard she tries. And she daren’t try too hard, because Mam doesn’t like any reminders that Gwenni might not be the same as everyone else. Set in rural Wales in the 1950s, Strachan’s debut novel follows Gwenni as the disappearance of a local man begins a chain of events, which reveal some of the secrets that lie under the surface of everyday life.
The novel works in a number of ways. On the one hand, it is at times a darkly comic portrayal of small town Wales. On the other, it is a story about families, their secrets and the after effects of war. What holds these strands together is Gwenni herself as narrator, who sees more than she understands, and whose innocence is captured perfectly in Strachan’s often understated prose style. The supporting characters are equally well drawn – from highly strung Mam, to kind, patient Tada, from the mysterious Aunty Lol, to Alwenna, Gwenni’s best friend, old beyond her years and ‘with no shame!’ Although the solution to the main mystery of the story is clear to the reader from the outset, Strachan holds back just enough to keep us guessing at the other strands which she brings together for the conclusion – I guarantee she will keep you reading until the end. By Kath Bennett
Books for Mum & Dad
The Casual Vacancy
The Yellow Birds Kevin Powers
J.K. Rowling
When Barry Fairbrother dies in his early forties, the town of Pagford is left in shock. Pagford is, seemingly, an English idyll, with a cobbled market square and an ancient abbey, but what lies behind the pretty facade is a town at war. A big novel about a small town, The Casual Vacancy is J.K. Rowling’s first novel for adults.
An unforgettable depiction of the psychological impact of war, by a young Iraq veteran and poet, THE YELLOW BIRDS is already being hailed as a modern classic. Everywhere John looks, he sees Murph. Back home after a year in Iraq, memories swarm around him: bodies burning in the crisp morning air. Sceptre £7.99
Sphere £7.99
Revenge Wears Prada: the Devil Returns
Lauren Weisberger The hotly-anticipated sequel to The Devil Wears Prada – the million copy bestseller that took the world by storm. Andy has just turned thirty and is an incredibly successful magazine editor, working closely with her best friend Emily, another Runway survivor. Can she steer clear of her dreadful first boss Miranda! Harper £7.99
Reviews in next Edition : Skellig David Almond (kids)
Daughter of Smoke and Bone Laini Taylor (grown-ups)
Rick Stein’s India Rick Stein
Whenever I hear the word curry, I’m filled with a longing for spicy hot food with the fragrance of cumin, cloves and cinnamon. I see deep red colours from lots of Kashmiri chillis, tinged with a suggestion of yellow from turmeric. I think of the tandoor oven, and slightly scorched naan shining with ghee and garlic. When Indians talk of their food, they talk about their life. To understand this country, you need to understand curry. Rick Journeys through India to discover what makes the perfect curry! BBC Books £25.00
The Cuckoo’s Calling
Robert Galbraith When a troubled model falls to her death from a snowcovered Mayfair balcony, it is assumed that she has committed suicide. However, her brother has his doubts, and calls in private investigator Cormoran Strike to look into the case. Strike is a war veteran - wounded both physically and psychologically - and his life is in disarray. The case gives him a financial lifeline, but it comes at a personal cost: the more he delves into the young model’s complex world, the darker things get - and the closer he gets to terrible danger. Little, Brown £16.99
The Southwest’s must have family magazine
51
Beebo
schools & education Autumn Term The beginning of a new academic year - 2014. Autumn is an exciting, daunting and, for many, an anxious time. Many will embark on new life journeys within the world of academia: whether that might be joining a nursery / pre-school for the first time or moving on to primary or secondary school. Strangely the older we become sometimes the more fear we seem to project and with this can come a testing time for us all as parents. It’s our natural human instinct to want to protect our young which often means constant worry over their happiness: are they enjoying school, is their peer group a good influence and we also have the financial addition of providing school uniform and materials, not to mention school trips throughout the year! It’s a testing time for everyone. Autumn is a great time to meet new teachers, visit new schools (perhaps in view of next year) and to generally prepare yourself and your children for the journey ahead! Good luck - it’s a fun time - we should enjoy it!
SCHOOL NEWS Outstanding Early Years Inspection for Hazlegrove: Hazlegrove Pre-Prep were delighted with the outcome of their recent ISI Intermediate Early Years Inspection. The many positive comments included “the quality and standards of the early years provision are outstanding”, “…children’s enjoyment of learning is evident” and “the children’s excellent personal and emotional development is apparent. Exemplary behaviour is the norm…”. The winning combination of experienced, committed, staff and small class sizes, creates a friendly, stimulating and secure environment in which pupils lay down firm foundations in all areas of the curriculum, on which they can build
in future years. From an early age, Hazlegrove Pre-Prep children also benefit from specialist teaching for games, music, drama, tennis, French and Forest School. Mandarin is an option. Full use is made of the Prep School facilities including the 25m indoor swimming pool, sports hall,
theatre, all-weather pitches and the surrounding woodland areas for outdoor learning. Do arrange to visit – you will be assured of a warm welcome! – to make an appointment please call us on: 01963 442606.
Millfield Prep Introduces Flexi Boarding Millfield Prep in Glastonbury, Somerset, has recently introduced a flexi boarding option to make life easier for families with busy schedules.
be included in boarding life including enjoying breakfast and dinner at school, having supervised prep and playing with friends in the grounds or games rooms.
With early morning or after school clubs, or sporting fixtures, transporting children outside of usual school hours can be difficult for parents to balance around work commitments, and tiring for young children. Millfield Prep’s flexi boarding option helps to ease this challenge and ensure pupils get the best of more than 50 extra-curricular activities on offer.
From two nights per week pupils from ages 7 - 13 are guaranteed their own cosy bed in one of our five superb boarding houses. For the remaining days Millfield’s fleet of minibuses ensure travelling to school is easy, with an extensive number of pick-up points throughout the local area, running from 7.20am – 8am.
Flexi boarding is also a great way to help younger children build up to the full boarding experience, and to
There is also an occasional boarding option, for the times when unexpected work, family or school commitments create logistical challenges, where pupils are welcome to spend the night
52 The Southwest’s must have family magazine
in one of the houses. If you would like to experience Millfield Prep, our next Open Day is Saturday 5 October. To reserve a space please go to our website – millfieldprep.com. Our Senior School Open Day (ages 13 – 18) is on Saturday 12 October. Alternatively you can visit Millfield Prep for an individual tour – please contact Sally Garland-Jones on 01458 832446 to arrange a time.
Hazlegrove
...making the most of childhood
“If Hazlegrove is a child’s first-ever experience of school life, then all we can say is: ‘Lucky child.’”
Tatler Schools Guide 2013
• Co-education from 21/2 years with Ofsted “Outstanding” boarding available from 7 years • Visitors welcome by appointment - next Open Mornings 5, 8 & 12 October at 11am
Hazlegrove, Sparkford, Somerset BA22 7JA
To visit, call Fiona O’Neill on 01963 442606
Experience Millfield Pre-Prep and Prep at our Open Day on Saturday 5 October
Writer Artist Hockey Player millfieldprep.com/everyfield
The Southwest’s must have family magazine
53
THE
Downs School
Providing space to achieve potential.
A leading co-educational Prep and Pre-Prep
At Chilton Cantelo School, in idyllic South Somerset, we help our pupils achieve their potential by giving them space to grow. chiltoncanteloschool.co.uk
Open Days-
20 Sept (Whole School) 21 Nov (Sixth Form) 7 Nov (Sixth Form) 22 Nov (Whole School) 11 Nov (Year 12 Scholarship Day) 26 Nov (Year 9 Scholarship Day)
Call for exact times on : 01935 850 555
Come and meet the Headmaster….
Open Day Friday 4th October 9.30 – 2.30 Set in 70 acres of beautiful countryside just 5 miles from Bristol t: 01275 852008 www.thedownsschool.co.uk 54 The Southwest’s must have family magazine
From South Somerset to the Sunshine State:
Chilton Cantelo School’s Early Years Co-ordinator and Reception class teacher, Alanda Phillips, has recently been invited to share her ideas for improving teaching methods with over 18,000 teachers in Florida as a result of her trip to the US to investigate President Obama’s initiative, Race to the Top. As only one of two people in Britain to have won the prestigious Walter Hines Page Scholarship to complete a research tour of the USA, Alanda went to visit private and state schools in New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio and Florida. Assessing the impact of the President’s new national scheme to reform education by bringing in high-quality systems, Alanda observed in classes in a variety of schools ranging from various elementaries, to a private boys’ school and a high school.
committed to working with parents & carers, as together we share in each child’s learning and development. We love variety and provide diverse and enriching environments through which children discover stimulating learning opportunities. Play is an important part of this and we will continually evaluate each child’s development to ensure continuing progression.
Our Mission: At Shining Lights Christian Preschool we are passionate about providing outstanding child-led learning. Working in partnership with parents and carers, we nurture children, enabling them to be creative and imaginative throughout their development. Our safe and secure learning environment enables children to have fun, be stimulated and prepare them for their future. Our curriculum embraces the Early Years Foundation Stage (2012), underpinned by Christian principles. We welcome families of all faiths and no faith on equal terms. Our Preschool: We are open term time from 9am until 3pm on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays, excluding bank holidays. We are registered with Ofsted to provide care and education for children from the ages of 2 to 5 years. Our first Ofsted inspection took place in January 2013 during which we were rated Good. Each child is unique and special and all of our staff are passionate about each of their development. As a team we embrace the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum, planning a variety of activities linked to the seven areas of learning & development, as well as taking into account the interests of each child. Our Curriculum: At Shining Lights we believe that every child deserves the best start in life, and working in partnership with parents and carers we are committed to supporting children through their learning and development. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) helps us as early years professionals to set a high standard of care and education for all children at our preschool. We aim to provide your child with the support they need to develop as confident individuals. The four guiding principles of the EYFS are at the heart of our curriculum:
A Unique Child Every child is a unique child, who is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable, confident and selfassured. Positive Relationships - Children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships. Enabling Environments Children learn and develop well in enabling environments, in which their experiences respond to their individual needs and there is a strong partnership between practitioners and parents and/or carers. Learning And Development Children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates. The framework covers the education and care of all children in early years settings, including children with special educational needs and disabilities. We aim to adhere to these principles in all that we do and are passionate about each child’s learning. We are
Here’s what our families say about us… “Daisy has been at Shining Lights Christian Preschool since it opened, in this time I have seen Daisy grow into a very confident clever little girl and we are amazed everyday at how much she has learnt and how much she loves learning! We are so pleased with her progress and daisy absolutely loves Pippa and Steffi as do we! My little boy will definitely be going here when it's his time! Thank you to both Pippa and Steffi for all your hard work it's very much appreciated.” Kate Beattie (June 2013) "I have found Shining Lights to be a really caring and nurturing environment. My two children have thrived in their time there and simply can't wait to go to preschool each day. I have no hesitation in recommending Shining Lights to anyone, it is wonderful." (Andrea Barrow, June 2013) Shining Lights Preschool, Taunton e: info@shininglightspreschool.co.uk t: 07901 335450
Shining Lights Christian Preschool Childcare Prize Draw (180-hrs of FREE childcare) Shining Lights Christian Preschool are giving one family the chance to win 180 hours of FREE* childcare at their preschool. Shining Lights is currently open term time Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays from 9am until 3pm (excluding bank holidays). Shining Lights Christian Preschool is passionate about providing outstanding child-led learning; working in partnership with parents and carers, nurturing children, enabling them to be creative and imaginative throughout their development. Their safe and secure learning environment enables children to have fun, be stimulated and prepare them for their future. The preschool’s curriculum embraces the Early Years Foundation Stage (2012), underpinned by Christian principles. We welcome families of all faiths and no faith on equal terms. Providing care and education for children from the ages of 2 to 5 years. The winner of the prize draw will win 180 hours of childcare at the preschool, to be taken during the academic year September 2013 to July 2014. The prize draw is open to all parents and carers of children aged 2 to 5 years and can be entered at www.beebomagazine.co.uk/ competitions Closing date is September 30th 2013. Please see www.shininglightspreschool.co.uk for full terms and conditions. The Southwest’s must have family magazine
55
Beebo
Nursery Directory Millfield Pre-School Millfield Prep School Glastonbury Somerset BA6 8LD
Age: 2-4 years Tadpoles and Frogs classes offer a safe, stimulating and fun environment where our youngest children are gently introduced to a routine for learning through play, encouraging them to grow in independence. Contact: 01458 837750
Fledglings Early Years Centre Cotford St Luke Primary School, Bethell Mead Cotford St Luke, Taunton TA4 1HZ
Age: 2 years 9 months - school age Open term time only and 3 weeks in the summer holidays 8am-6pm Monday - Thursday 8am-5.30pm Friday Contact: 01823 432569
Billy’s Young Stars Nursery Butlins Skyline Ltd Warren Road Minehead, Somerset TA24 5SH
Crèche sessions available for guest children aged 3 months - 8 years. Free fun sessions for the whole family to enjoy – all run by professional fully qualified team. Contact: Angela Clark, Nursery Manager 01643 700543 www.butlins.com
Queen’s College Nursery Queens College Trull Road, Taunton Somerset TA1 4QS
Our friendly nursery provides outstanding care and education with excellent facilities for all our young children 3-4 years. Staff are all highly qualified, experienced and caring. Achieving ‘Outstanding’ in all areas by OFSTED we encourage all our children to happily grow and develop in independence and confidence. Contact 01823 340830
Bouncy Bear Childcare Wellington Children Centre Wellington Somerset TA21 8NE
A nursery with a family feel for children aged from 3 months - 5 years. Bouncy Bear Childcare is committed to offering high quality childcare, with a caring team and great facilities your child to come for and enjoy. play! Contact: 01823 667149
Cheekie Monkeys Nursery Unit 4, Broadoak Canal Way Ilminster, Somerset TA19 9FA
Children’s Day Nursery and Pre-School offering excellent care and education for children 0-5 years. Monday to Friday 8am -6pm. Contact: Alison Jeffery or Lesley Jay 01460 52457
Kings Hall School Nursery Kingston Road Taunton Somerset TA2 8AA
King’s Hall Pelican Nursery is the first step of a child’s learning journey at King’s Hall and is tailored to meet the developmental needs of each individual child following the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum. From 3 years - expanding our provision in Jan 14 to include from 2 years. Contact: 01823 285920
s e t Tre ot
Weekly
Lights Christian are passionate about providing outstanding child-led learning. Monday &Shining Thursday mornWe ings – 12:00noon Preschool l 10:00 Our safe and secure learning environment for children from 2 to 5 Gipsy Lane
years enables them to have fun as well as preparing them for their
Den building Mini beast Eco art Bishops Hull safaris future. Open term time from 9am-3pm, Mondays, Wednesdays & Taunton, Somerset Campfire cooking Storytelling Woodland games Fridays. Contact: 07901 335450 TA1 5LQ songs....and more. Woodcraft Campfire Junior School Join us each week Wellington during the term time for exciting Streetfree play to spark woodland themed South adventures, Wellington imaginations and get closer to nature. Somerset Ages: 5 years and under TA21 8NT
Starting Thursday 12th September, term time toddler group open to all pre-school children every Thursday morning. £3 per child, £1 per additional sibling. Wellington Junior School Hall. Open term time from 9.15am-11.15am. Contact: Maria Kerr for more details - 01823 668700 / office@ wellington-junior.somerset.sch.uk / www.wellington-school.org.uk
£10 per child, £5 per sibling Costs: £3 per child under year 201517 or e-mail sales@beebomagazine.co.uk To advertise in our nursery directory please call1 07923 Accompanying adults and siblings under one free
Special offer
10% discount
if you book a full block
Sessions must be booked and paid in advance, directions will be sent with booking confirmation.
Boo onlinek
...Ok
Call us for more info on 07775 941353
www.woodlandplaycentre.co.uk 56 The Southwest’s must have family magazine
Have Have FunFun Make MakeFriends Friends Play PlayNetball Netball M
y name is Ali White, I am 28 years old and have been playing netball since I was 10. I started at my local club, Taunton Netball Club and have been there ever since. I started as a junior, moving up into the senior teams at the age of 16, I am now playing for our first team and coach the junior section of the club.
Netball is a fantastic way to boost the confidence of your child and we actively encourage them to progress their skills and abilities, whether they are a natural at shooting, attacking or defending the ball. We work with them to improve their ball skills, footwork, spacing, throwing and shooting, as well as a feeling of team work and accomplishment.
Netball is a fantastic way to boost the confidence of your child So many young women are becoming focused on body image, at an ever increasing young age, but netball will encourage these young girls (and women in our senior teams) to see their bodies as a machine and not just aesthetic. We need to encourage the youth of today to get back into competitive sports to increase their confidence and well-being.
Ali White and Susie Marsh back in 1999. Both are still active members of Taunton Netball Club I love the sport but I also love the fitness, the friendships and the fun that comes along with it. Netball continues to grow in popularity, receiving more publicity than ever including regular Sky Sports Coverage of the Superleague Matches. The National team are currently in the top 3 in the world and have defeated the current number 1 Australia this year. Closer to home Team Bath have taken home the National Netball Superleague Title. Team Bath’s England Netballer, Serena Guthrie, has come along to support our very own TNC by coaching one of our training sessions.
Taunton Netball Club has been running for over 50 years and hosts both a senior and junior section. There are 6 senior teams in total and currently 2 junior teams. Our aim as a club is for everyone to have fun becoming the best they can be, while making friends, keeping fit and learning new skills. Taunton Netball Club junior section attracts girls from the age of 9 up to 16. Training takes place on Wednesday evenings at Taunton Vale Sports Club from 6.30–7.30pm during school term times. The girls start with little or no experience of the game and progress, like I did, to the senior sections of the club. Numbers within our junior section have been steadily increasing over the last couple of years. We currently see 25 girls coming to training
regularly each Wednesday. We are keen to increase this further and progress more teams to compete within Somerset competitions. Last season we entered two teams into the Somerset Junior League Tournaments which are held on one Sunday every month. This gives the girls experience in match plays, rules and allows them to put into practice everything they have learnt in training and is also a great day out. If you’re a mother and fancy some ‘time out’, why not come along to our senior netball training sessions? They take place after the junior training at 7:30pm–9.00pm on a Wednesday evening. We have members from all ages, ranging from 16–60, and all abilities. We are a friendly bunch and encourage each other to progress our netball skills and get fit (and there’s cake after matches!). It’s only an hour and an half a week and something you might be interested in as a break away from the youngsters at home.
. . . and there’s cake after matches! We welcome everybody, regardless of age or ability. So why not come along for a free taster session. We start training again towards the end of the summer but please feel free to contact us via any of the links below: Email: tncjuniors@outlook.com Website: www.tauntonnetballclub.com Twitter: @tauntonnetball Ali White: 07841 702989 I look forward to meeting you and hopefully have the opportunity to pass my passion for netball on to you.
Written by Ali White
The Southwest’s must have family magazine
57
What’s on this Autumn 2013 September 2013 Cheeky Monkey Mondays Sep 2 and every Monday during term time until November 4 See website for applicable conditions Lots of toys and games to play with in the Gardens. You even get a FREE hot drink while the children play! Walled Gardens of Cannington www.canningtonwalledgardens.co.uk Contact: 01278 655042 Billy Smarts Circus comes to Exeter Sep 3-8, Tues – Fri 4.45pm & 7.30pm, Sat 2pm, 4.45pm & 7.30pm Sun 12.30pm & 3.30pm (contact for prices) The 2013 UK tour is brimming with a dazzling combination of theatre, music and dance. Our amazing international artistes bring you a sensational mix of acrobatics, comedy, juggling, illusion and aerial feats. Alphington Roundabout Circus Field, Exeter Contact: 0844 415 5228 NCT Early Days cafe Sep 4 and every Wednesday 10am12pm Come along to our drop in cafe to share the ups and downs of life with a new baby. Make some friends, be looked after and access our postnatal library. Whether you are finding
parenthood a breeze or a howling gale, you will find support and understanding at this group. West Monkton Village Hall, Taunton Contact: Anna Hammond 01278 732690 or postnatal@ncttaunton. org.uk Singalong Grease Sep 6, 7.30pm Tickets £13, Concessions £11 T-Birds and Pink Ladies get ready for an electrifying evening of Singalong Grease brought to you by TacchiMorris Arts Centre and Taunton AmateurOperatic Society. With a fully decked out diner foyer, and premovie vocal warm-up, this singalong sensation promises to be nothing short of ELECTRIFYIN! Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre, Taunton Contact: 01823 414141 NCT Bumps, Babes and Beyond Sep 6 and every Friday 11am-1pm A group for everyone (parents to be, parents of tiny ones, through to preschoolers) to come along and share the joys and moans of it all. This group is designed to be a friendly, safe and relaxed environment, where toddlers are entertained with crafts, role play and interactive toys, whilst babies explore and parents can chat and support one another. West Monkton Village Hall, Taunton Contact: bbb@ncttaunton.org.uk
58 The Southwest’s must have family magazine
Illumina Sept 6-8 & 13-15, bookings 8.3010.30pm Tiered ticket sales over the weekend This annual iconic night-time event sees Hestercombe transform after dark with stunning light installations by renown light artist Ulf Pedersen. Hestercombe Gardens, Taunton Contact: 01823 413923 NCT Nearly New Sale Sep 7, 10am-12pm Admission £1 donation per family (in aid of NCT) Items for sale: good quality clothes (age 0-5), toys, games, books, prams, cots and other baby equipment. Bargain prices. Richard Huish College, Taunton Contact: Bethan on 07713 251538 or nns@ncttaunton.org.uk 10 Parishes Festival Sep 7-15, Contact for times FREE Celebrate a feast of arts and crafts within the 10 Parishes. Visit exhibitions, take part yourself! The 10 Parishes Festival runs every second year to offer you the visitor a rich variety of art throughout the 10 Parishes area. Wiveliscombe and its surrounding parishes Contact: 01984 624564 Yeovil Montacute Park Run Sep 7-28 (every Saturday)
FREE, check times and register via website Print your unique barcode reference and bring it with you on the day. Montacute House, Yeovil www.parkrun.com Longrun Meadow Family Fun Day Sep 8, Contact for times FREE, check times and register via website This year’s will be bigger and even better. With events and activities for all the family. For the first time we are including a Fun Dog Show. Longrun Meadow, Taunton Contact: simon@glover123.fsnet. co.uk
Billy Smarts Circus comes to Taunton Sep 10-15, Tues – Fri 4.45pm & 7.30pm Sat 2pm, 4.45pm & 7.30pm Sun 12.30pm & 3.30pm (contact for prices) The 2013 UK tour is brimming with a dazzling combination of theatre, music and dance. Our amazing international artistes bring you a sensational mix of acrobatics, comedy, juggling, illusion and aerial feats. Vivary Park, Taunton Contact: 01823 336344 / 0844 4155 228 Dinosaur Zoo Sep 13-15, Sat 11am & 3pm, Sun 10.30am & 1.30pm (schools matinee Fri 1.30pm) Tickets from £10 Direct from Australia, Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo brings these awesome pre-historic creatures to the stage as you’ve never seen them before, up close and personal! Exeter Northcott Theatre Contact: 01392 493493
Rounders Tournament in Aid of Macmillan Sep 8, 2pm-8pm Entry fee £3 per person Gather up your friends, family or whoever is up for some fun and come along and take part in our rounders tournament on 8th September from 2.00pm. All entry fees go to Summer Fair and Dog Show Macmillan. Sep 14, 11am-3pm King Alfred’s Sport Centre, High £2 for adults (children under 15 bridge Free) Contact: 01278TAUNTON 786868 BATH or 133x91 EXETER BRISTOL_Layout 1 20/08/2013 20:39 Pag Face painting, bouncy castle, crafts, tmckinlay@1610.org.uk
games, refreshments, raffle, wildlife tours and much more. RSPCA West Hatch Animal and Wildlife Centre, Taunton Contact: 0300 123 0747 Somerset Military Tattoo Sept 14, Gates open 10.30am £6 in advance / £8 on the day Full programme of events from arena demonstrations to The Military Wives Choir Taunton Racecourse, Taunton www.somersetmilitarytattoo.com Family Open Day Sep 14, 12pm-4pm FREE Come and enjoy a fun afternoon of live music, performances, taster sessions, tours and yummy food! Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre, Taunton Contact: 01823 414141 Countryside Festival Weekend featuring Tractor Ted! Sept 14-15, from 11am Tickets £20 on the day £18 advance There will be lots of Tractor Ted activities for young families to enjoy such as playing on mini-diggers in the digger den, riding on bouncy farm animals and admiring the big
West Somerset Railway Special Event
21 September 2013 Mike the Knight will be making personal appearances at intervals throughout the day at Minehead station. Travel through the Somerset Countryside to the seaside station of Minehead and meet a very special guest. © 2013 HIT (MTK) Limited
Advance Train Fares Adults £16, Seniors £14.40, Children £8, Family £43
Book train tickets online at
www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk or call 01643 704996
Under 5’s Free
The Southwest’s must have family magazine
59
new tractor. There will be gobbling turkeys and some friendly Shetland ponies to stroke. And of course Tractor Ted will be there for children to play on and have some time out watching the Tractor Ted DVDs. Bath Racecourse Contact: 01225 424609 American Civil War Weekend Sept 14-15, 12pm-5pm 2013 is the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, the most infamous battle of the American Civil War. Join us for an action packed afternoon as the Southern Skirmish Association recreate the sights and (very loud!) sounds of the battle. Claverton Manor, Bath Contact: 01225 460503 The Medieval Combat Society Sept 15, 11am-4pm Admission fee applies, Under 5’s are free Authentic, entertaining and educational, medieval tournaments, archery and dancing. Knights in plate and chain armour face each other in foot combat with a variety of weaponry. Bishop’s Palace, Wells Contact: 01749 988111 (ext 209) (to confirm prices) Happy Landings Dog Show and Fun Day Sep 15, 10am-4pm Adults £1 (Children free) Dog show, dog agility, animal healing, pet portraits, bouncy castle, face painting, stalls, games, food, ex-rescue dog reunion. Next to Pylle Village Hall, Dorset Contact: 01749 860350 Billy Smarts Circus comes to Bath Sep 17-22, Tues – Fri 4.45pm & 7.30pm Sat 2pm, 4.45pm & 7.30pm Sun 12.30pm & 3.30pm (contact for prices) The 2013 UK tour is brimming with a dazzling combination of theatre, music and dance. Our amazing international artistes bring you a sensational mix of acrobatics, comedy, juggling, illusion and aerial feats. Victoria Park, Bath Contact: 0844 4155 228 NCT Tabletop Sale Sep 21, 10am-12pm Sale of nearly new baby and children’s clothes, toys and equipment. Draycott Memorial Hall, Cheddar Contact: mendipnctsales@gmail.com Mike the Knight Sept 21, Contact for times
Fares from £8 in advance, £8.50 on the day Mike the Knight is waiting to meet you on the West Somerset Railway. Bishops Lydeard-Minehead, Taunton Contact: 01643 704996 to confirm prices and book Medieval Falconry Day Sept 22, 11am-4pm Admission fee applies, Under 5’s are free Marvel as the hawks, owls and falcons show off their talents in the flying displays and talk to the experts who look after these magnificent birds. Bishop’s Palace, Wells Contact: 01749 988111 (ext 209) (to confirm prices) Billy Smarts Circus comes to Bristol Sep 24-Oct 13, (Tues 24 Sep Gala performance 7pm) Mon Sep 30 & Oct 7 - 6pm only, Wed 25 Sep – Fri 27 Sep 4.45pm & 7.30pm, Tues - Fri Oct 1-11 4.45pm & 7.30pm, Weekends: Sat 2pm, 4.45pm & 7.30pm Sun 12.30pm & 3.30pm (contact for prices) The 2013 UK tour is brimming with a dazzling combination of theatre, music and dance. Our amazing international artistes bring you a sensational mix of acrobatics, comedy, juggling, illusion and aerial feats. Durdham Downs, Bristol Contact: 0844 415 5228 Worlds Biggest Coffee Morning Sep 27, 9am-5pm Fancy a brew? Drink coffee, eat cake and raise money for charity. Bring along your friends, relatives or workmates to one of our World’s Biggest Coffee Mornings and show your support for Macmillan Cancer Support. Various 1610 leisure centres across Somerset (contact for more details) Contact: Emma Warr 01823 410228 ewarr@1610.org.uk Wellington Carnival Sept 28, 7.30pm
The streets of Wellington will be an exciting blaze of colour as the Wellington Carnival takes place. Wellington, Somerset Contact: 01823 663379
Burnham-on-Sea Food and Drink Festival Sep 28, Contact for times FREE Welcome to the online home of
60 The Southwest’s must have family magazine
Burnham on Sea’s Food & Drink Festival. This is a home-grown effort to celebrate everything that is fresh and good in the South West in great FREE to attend festival. The food and drink available in Somerset is amazing and we aim to bring the best of it together for one day, for you to enjoy. Contact: Beverley or Sarah 07973 378735 / bosfoodfest@gmail.com Overnight Family Camp Sep 28, 2pm - Sep 29, 10am £15 per child (up to age 16) and £25 per adult Struggling to find an activity for the whole family to take part in? Then why not get your family outdoors and active with our Overnight Family Camp. Families will have the choice of some exciting activities (including rafting and paintballing), spooky walks and camping in the woods. A BBQ will be provided in the evening along with breakfast the next morning. All camping equipment can be provided. Hestercombe Gardens, Taunton Contact / book: Emma Massingham 01823 410126 or emassingham@1610.org.uk Hulaballoo Carnival Day Sep 29, 10am-3pm £15 per person Club especially for young people with disabilities and learning difficulties. Come along and take part in our Hulaballoo Carnival Day on Sunday 29 September 2013. You will spend the day creating your own mini carnival.. making costumes, circus workshops concluding with a carnival for the parents! Hestercombe Gardens, Taunton Contact / book: Emma Massingham 01823 410126 or emassingham@1610.org.uk
October 2013 Autumn Steam Gala - Cambrian Railways Theme Oct 3-6, Contact for times Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of two of the Independent Railway Companies in Mid-Wales which eventually merged to become parts of the Cambrian Railways Company. Bishops Lydeard-Minehead, Taunton Contact: 01643 704996 to confirm prices and book Ilminster Carnival Oct 5, 7.15pm The streets of Ilminster will be an exciting blaze of colour as the
Ilminster Carnival takes place. Contact: 01460 57294 Postman Pat Live Oct 5, 2pm Tickets from £10.50 Premier Stage Productions are delighted to present a brand new, fun filled, all action show featuring everyone’s favourite postman. See Pat and his friends live on stage, with an exciting new story based around the forthcoming feature film. Octagon theatre, Yeovil Contact: 01935 422884 Meet The Minstrels Oct 6, 11am-4pm Admission fee applies, Under 5’s are free Blast From The Past return to the Palace demonstrating Tudor instruments and talk about the social context in which the music would have been played. Bishop’s Palace, Wells Contact: 01749 988111 (ext 209) (to confirm prices) Autumn Fling 2013 - Have a Go Sports Day Oct 6, 10.30am-5pm Contact for costs and details In association with the *Somerset
County Sports Association for the Disabled. For ALL Disabilities and ALL Ages. Try your hand at a variety of sports activities - including some new ones you may never have tried before. An opportunity to get together with friends and maybe make some new ones too. Stanchester Sports Centre, Stoke Sub Hamdon Contact: Gill 01747 840412 or peakashes@btinternet.com Chard Children’s Carnival Oct 6, Judging starts at 10.30am, procession at 12pm Entry forms available at Sues Flowers in Boden Street, Chard Judging takes place at Manor Court School. w: chardcarnival.wordpress.com Chard Carnival Oct 12, 7.25pm The processions of illuminated floats are part of an ancient tradition, which stretches back as far as the 1600’s when many parts of Somerset commemorated the Gunpowder plot. Grand firework displays and street entertainment adds to the sense of fiesta and fun. w: chardcarnival.wordpress.com
Mums of Somerset Nearly New Sale Oct 12, 10am-12pm We sell you a sellers pack with labels (£3.50- no up front cost we deduct this from the money you make), you label up all your items and drop them off on the day. We sell everything for you; you come back at midday and collect any unsold items. We send you a cheque within the week for 75% of what you sold, the other 25% goes towards the cost of the hall hire, bags, cardnet machine etc. All profit goes back to our mums group. Staplegrove Village Hall, Taunton Contact: mumsofbridgwater@ hotmail.co.uk NCT Nearly New Sale Oct 13, 2.15pm-4pm Admission £1 donation per family (in aid of NCT) Items for sale: good quality clothes (age 0-5), toys, games, books, prams, cots and other baby equipment. Bargain prices. Abbey Manor Community Centre, Yeovil Contact: yeovilnns@nct.org.uk CATS Oct 15-26, Contact for times Tickets from £17.90
Don’t miss our Winter edition featuring all of our usual features plus - top toys for Christmas, Winter escapes, fabulous giveaways and lots lots more!
CHEEKY MONKEY MONDAYS at the Walled Gardens of Cannington are still on during term-time with lots of toys and games to play with in the Gardens. You even get a FREE hot drink while the children play!* *Conditions apply, see our website. Last date will be 4 Nov. You do not need entry to the Gardens to visit the Tea Room, Plant Sales or Gift Shop. Picnics welcome.
01278 655042
QUALITY ASSURED
VISITOR
ATTRACTION
Church Street, Cannington, Somerset, TA5 2HA www.canningtonwalledgardens.co.uk
The Southwest’s must have family magazine
61
Don’t miss CATS, Andrew LloydWebber’s extraordinary recordbreaking, smash-hit musical! Bristol Hippodrome www.atgtickets.com Taunton Carnival Oct 19, 7pm The Taunton Carnival route is over 1.5 miles long and features stunning illuminated floats and walking entries with lights, glitz and glam. Contact: 01823 336344 Twelfth Night Oct 22-24, 7.30pm Tickets from £4.50 Transplanted to the giddy surroundings of a nightclub, this Heathfield production of Shakespeare’s famous romanticcomedy will fill the theatre with music, love, laughter... and mistaken identity! Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre, Taunton Contact: 01823 414141 The Circus of Horrors Oct 25 & 26 (Fri - 8pm, Sat - 6pm & 9pm) Tickets from £18 (Early Bat offer £13) The show that stormed into the finals of BRITIANS GOT TALENT is back
with an awe-inspiring rock n roller coaster of show that flys like a bat out of hell to celebrate an astounding 18 years of shock ‘n’ roll. Wookey Hole, Wells Contact: 01749 672243 All Hallows Party and Terror Tours Oct 25, 26, 30 & 31, call to confirm times & prices Tickets will include entry into the haunted Hestercombe House, food, games and a space on one of our Terror Tours. Hestercombe goes all out for Halloween. Join us for a night of hauntingly good fun with evening parties full of spooky surprises, ghastly grub, terrifying tours and monstrous mingling. Fancy dress obligatory! Hestercombe Gardens, Taunton Contact: 01823 413923 Monsters Ball Fun Session Oct 26, 4pm-6pm £3 per child A range of different themed activities, including mask making, face painting, Halloween special activities, trick or treat games, inflatable assault course, sports and much, much more. Castle Sports Centre, Taunton
Contact: Ben Ellis 01823 322934 Scooby-Doo! Oct 26, Contact for times Fares from £8 in advance, £8.50 on the day Scooby-Doo is waiting to meet you on the West Somerset Railway. Bishops Lydeard-Minehead, Taunton Contact: 01643 704996 (to confirm prices and book) Rail-Ex Oct 26-27, Sat 10.30am-5.30pm, Sun 10am-4.30pm Fares from £3.50 child, £6.50 adults Rail-Ex Taunton 2013 SRMC’s 23rd Annual Model Railway Show. We feel ‘The Best in the West’. Taunton School, Taunton Contact: 01643 704092 (to confirm prices and book) Halloween Spooky Daytime Trails Oct 26-Nov 3, Normal opening times Garden admission fee applies, FREE to members The Estates Team will be full of mischief and devilment when they dress the landscape garden with ghoulish surprises and haunting scenes. Hestercombe Gardens, Taunton
HALF PR ICE AD ULT !
KIDS UNDER 5 GO FREE! OPEN DAILY
*
AWARD WINNING CLASSES FOR 0-5’s
Gymboree Play & Music Taunton Winner of Netmums.com “Favourite Somerset Preschool-class Silver Award” 2012
Gymboree Taunton offers Baby Play classes for pre-mobile babies, Play & Learn classes (Levels 2-6: mobile to 5 years), Toddler and Pre-School Play classes, and Family Music classes during term time. We also run Gymboree parties.
All classes are teacher-led and last 45 minutes. Join us: Mondays - Oake Village Hall Tuesdays - St James’ Church Hall (Taunton town centre) Wednesdays and Thursdays - Queen’s College Fridays - Trull Memorial Hall.
MT0812
*
ADULT MUST B E ACCOMPANIED B Y A C HILD!
Enjoy 14 acres of gardens, events, trails, dressing up clothes, a café and a shop The Bishop’s Palace, Wells BA5 2PD 01749 988111 www.bishopspalace.org.uk 62 The Southwest’s must have family magazine
Please contact Claudia or check www.gymboree-uk.com for class times. Contact Claudia to book a FREE TRIAL near you.
Tel: 07540 970019 Email: Claudia@gymboree-uk.com Web: www.gymboree-uk.com Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Gymboree_UK
Contact: 01823 413923 Gory Stories Trail Oct 26-31, All Day Admission fee applies, Under 5’s are free Beware: This family children trail comes with a warning! Enjoy spotting ‘murder holes’, beastly bats and stripy slugs! Bishop’s Palace, Wells Contact: 01749 988111 (ext 209) (to confirm prices) Handle a Pet Sessions Oct 26, 11am-4pm FREE Families from Somerset are this autumn (October, 2013) invited to meet animals and learn all about caring for them at a drop-in session. Monkton Elm Garden Centre, Taunton Contact: 01823 412381 Andy and Mike’s Tick Tock Time Machine Oct 26, 2pm Tickets from £9.50 Starring Andy day from Andy’s Wild Adventures (CBeebies) alongside comedy partner Mike James. Join Andy and Mike as they go on a marvellous adventure in a Time Machine which sends them on a quest to collect the things they need from the past to help a very Old Andy in the future. Frome Memorial Theatre Contact: 01373 462795 Spooky Steam Specials Oct 26, 27, 30 & 31 (contact for times and prices) There’s magic in the air on the wizards express, Enjoy a Potter experience on the journey as it hurtles the line. Watch out for the spiders and skeletons, ghosts and cobwebs. Come dressed in scary costumes and join in the extravaganza of our spooky specials. Children come in free for spooky specials if they dress in scary costumes. Cranmore, Shepton Mallet Contact: 01749 880417 Pumpkin Trail Oct 26 - Nov 3, 11am-3.30pm Normal admission fees (free event) Find clues and try to answer them to solve the riddle about the lost pumpkin. Lytes Cary Manor, nr Somerton Contact: 01458 224471 NCT Nearly New Sale Oct 27, 11am-12.30pm Admission £1 donation per family (in
Carnival Dates 2013: Wellington Sat 28 September at 7.30pm
North Petherton Satur 9 November at 7pm
Ilminster Sat 5 October at 7.15pm
Shepton Mallet Wednesday 13 November at 7.30pm
Chard Sat 12 October at 7.15pm Taunton Sat 19 October at 7pm
Midsomer Norton Thursday 14 November at 7.30pm
Bridgwater Sat 2 November at 7pm
Wells Friday 15 November at 7pm
Burnham & Highbridge Mon 4 November at 7.30pm
Glastonbury Saurday 16 November at 6.30pm
Weston-super-Mare Fri 8 November at 7.15pm aid of NCT) Items for sale: good quality clothes (age 0-5), toys, games, books, prams, cots and other baby equipment. Bargain prices. Conygre Hall, Timsbury Contact: 0845 243 6224 or nesomersetnct@hotmail.co.uk Gory Stories Story Telling Oct 27 & 30, 11am, 12pm & 2pm Admission fee applies, Under 5’s are free Shudder in disgust and sigh in disbelief as the resident Jester thrills you with stories of the Palace’s horrible history. Bishop’s Palace, Wells Contact: 01749 988111 (ext 209) (to confirm prices) Family Fun: Day of the Dead Shadow Puppets Oct 29, 1pm-4pm, Contact for prices Day of the Dead is a colourful festival celebrated by Latino communities across North and South America. On this special day families honour deceased loved ones with sugar skulls, dancing skeletons, and piles of marigolds. American Museum in Britain, Bath Contact: 01225 460 503 Cookability Oct 29-31, contact for prices and times Half term cookery classes for children Lots of fun and mess to help them learn good life skills. Come for one day or all three. Places go fast so please book early.
Contact: 01823 432419 www.cookability.com Webber’s Post Big Adventure Oct 30, 10am-4pm FREE Family games and events lasting all day. Make a witches broomstick, explore the woodland sculpture trail, scramble round the woodland orienteering course and much more. Please wear outdoor clothing and suitable footwear. Exmoor National Park Contact: 01398 323841 Halloween Crafts Oct 31, 1.30 Normal admission fees (free event) Join in with Halloween Crafts and make something to take home with you. Montacute House, Nr Yeovil Contact: 01935 823289 Spook Patrol Oct 31, 4.30pm Adult £3, Child £1.50 Guided family walk at dusk around the gardens and immediate parkland checking Montacute is free from spooks and things that go bump in the night. Must book. Montacute House, Nr Yeovil Contact: 01935 823289 Family Fun: Happy Halloween Oct 31, 1pm-4pm, Contact for prices Come along and celebrate this most American of holidays at the Museum! Join us for spooky crafts and face painting. Fancy dress welcome.
The Southwest’s must have family magazine
63
Top quality baby and children’s clothes, toys and equipment at bargain prices.
Saturday 7th Sept 10am – 12noon
Richard Huish College,
South Road, Taunton TA1 3DZ Admission £1.50 donation per family (in aid of NCT) EARLY ENTRY FOR NCT MEMBERS AT 9.45AM. BRING YOUR MEMBERSHIP CARD!!
Bargains Galore on clothes (age 0-5), maternity wear, toys, games, books, prams, cots and other baby equipment For more details contact:
Bethan at nns@ncttaunton.org.uk www.nct.org.uk/nns
American Museum in Britain, Bath Contact: 01225 460503 Pumpkin Day Oct 31, Contact for prices and times Enjoy a fun pumpkin themed day with prizes going to the funniest carved pumpkin competition and see how the animals react with pumpkin made treats! Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, Wraxall Contact: 01275 852 606 Andy and Mike’s Tick Tock Time Machine Oct 31, 1.30pm Tickets from £8.50 Starring Andy day from Andy’s Wild Adventures (CBeebies) alongside comedy partner Mike James. Join Andy and Mike as they go on a marvellous adventure in a Time Machine which sends them on a quest to collect the things they need from the past to help a very Old Andy in the future. Octagon Theatre, Yeovil Contact: 01935 422884
November 2013 Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival Grand Firework Display Nov 1, Contact for times Free, Carparking £3 This firework display is the Curtain Raiser to Bridgwater’s biggest night of the year. St Matthew’s Field, Bridgwater Contact: 01278 428220 Family Fun: Spooky Stories Nov 1, 1pm-3pm, Contact for prices Join our storyteller for tales of ghouls, ghosts, and things that go bump in the night! Sessions at 1.30pm (Under 8 years) and 2.30pm (8 to 12 years) Contact: 01225 460503 The Elephant Bridesmaid Nov 1, 2.30pm Tickets from £8.50 Written especially for parents to enjoy with their children The Elephant Bridesmaid is a magical musical about weddings and wombats and the loveliest elephant the world has ever known. Octagon Theatre, Yeovil Contact: 01935 422884 Gory Stories Trail Nov 1-3, All Day Admission fee applies, Under 5’s are free Beware: This family children trail comes with a warning! Enjoy spotting
‘murder holes’, beastly bats and stripy slugs! Bishop’s Palace, Wells Contact: 01749 988111 (ext 209) (to confirm prices) Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival Nov 2, 7pm Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival. One of the world’s largest illuminated winter carnival processions, and over two hours long. This is the only carnival to be followed by the old tradition of ‘Squibbing’. www.somersetcarnivals.co.uk Firework Extravaganza Nov 2, 7pm Firework Extravaganza including entertainment, music, food. Sherborne Castle, Dorset Contact: 01935 812072 Burnham & Highbridge Carnival Nov 4, 7.30pm www.somersetcarnivals.co.uk
crockery, kitchenalia and lots more. Live music by Miss Cherry Bomb. ‘Oh so Vintage Catwalk’ by AJ Art Ltd, painting demos, All about Eve parlour and lots more. Refreshments served. Charity raffle for MacMillian Woodlands Castle, Ruishton, Taunton Contact: Jo on 01822 610070 or visit: www.missivy.co.uk Shepton Mallet Guy Fawkes Carnival Nov 13, 7.30pm The processions of illuminated floats are part of an ancient tradition, which stretches back as far as the 1600’s when many parts of Somerset commemorated the Gunpowder plot. Grand firework displays and street entertainment adds to the sense of fiesta and fun. www.somersetcarnivals.co.uk Midsomer Norton Carnival Nov 14, 7.30pm (not on the County Circuit) www.somersetcarnivals.co.uk
Weston-super-Mare Guy Fawkes Carnival Nov 8, 7.15pm The Illuminated Carnival is a procession of light and music throughout the town. www.somersetcarnivals.co.uk Mums of Somerset Nearly New Sale Nov 9, 10am-12pm We sell you a sellers pack with labels (£3.50- no up front cost we deduct this from the money you make), you label up all your items and drop them off on the day. We sell everything for you; you come back at midday and collect any unsold items. We send you a cheque within the week for 75% of what you sold, the other 25% goes towards the cost of the hall hire, bags, cardnet machine etc. All profit goes back to our mums group. YMCA, Bridgwater Contact: mumsofbridgwater@ hotmail.co.uk North Petherton Guy Fawkes Carnival Nov 9, 7pm North Petherton Carnival is the fourth stop on the Guy Fawkes Carnival circuit with many large and colourful floats taking part. www.somersetcarnivals.co.uk
Wells Guy Fawkes Carnival Nov 15, 7pm The processions of illuminated floats are part of an ancient tradition, which stretches back as far as the 1600’s when many parts of Somerset commemorated the Gunpowder plot. Grand firework displays and street entertainment adds to the sense of fiesta and fun. www.somersetcarnivals.co.uk Glastonbury Guy Fawkes Carnival Nov 16, 6.30pm The processions of illuminated floats are part of an ancient tradition, which stretches back as far as the 1600’s when many parts of Somerset commemorated the Gunpowder plot. Grand firework displays and street entertainment adds to the sense of fiesta and fun. www.somersetcarnivals.co.uk Pregnancy Yoga and Active Birth Every Monday 6.30pm Cost: £35 for a block of 4 classes or £10 pay as you go The Albemarle Centre, Taunton Contact: Patricia 01392 438586 birthwiseyoga@hotmail.co.uk
All things Vintage & Lovely fair Nov 9, 10:30am-4:30pm £2.00 entry (under 16’s free) Over 55 stalls of Vintage, Retro and Vintage inspired gifts. Fashion, To list your event/club/group here please contact sales@beebomgazine.co.uk The Southwest’s must have family magazine
65
Beebo
Classifieds
ABC
CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING Diagnosing the fabric - using the right solution - on the right stain equals the best possible result ! Friendly reliable service that works around your hours NCCA qualified professional carpet cleaners We recommend a site / house visit to carry out our carpet / upholstery care survey and to prepare a free quotation Prices start from ÂŁ2.50 per square
Competition Winners Summer 2013
Congratulations to all of our winners from our Summer magazine. Half-Pint Chic - Calista Lewis
Carpet / upholstery care
RNAS Yeovilton Air Day - Sharyn Lucas
- Carpet / upholstery construction diagnosis - Stain and spot check analysis - PH test
Paignton Zoo - Kai Stokes Annabel Karmel - Lynette Johnson, Jo Andrews, Tamaris Morgan
First clean 15% off T - 01823 433748 M - 07751 802582 E- may65flower@aol.com
Alphablaocks - Alex Tedford, Angela Biddle, Gillian Luxton, Hannah harris, Jennie Hayhurst, Lucy Hajdaraj, Lynette JOhnson, Rowena Griffiths, Samantha Legg, Tracy McDonald
Cleaning Companies
Contact: 07752 814027
Hair & Beauty
Carols Cleaning Services All domestic duties carried out in Bridgwater / Taunton area Contact: 07880 664116
Home Maintenance
Lilly Nicholls Mobile Hairdressing Wedding, Proms, cuts, colours, sets and blowdrys. Covers Taunton, Bridgwater, Wellington and surrounding areas. Contact: 07563 900712
ABC Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Fully NCCA qualified professional carpet and upholstery cleaners based in Taunton Contact: 01823 433748 / 07751 802582
Electrical Engineers James Mansfield Bridgwater based electrician / BS 7671 compliant Contact: 01278 422750 / 07721 014092
Plumbing & Heating ABC Plumbing Fully qualified plumber. Experienced in bathroom and kitchen installation and all household plumbing. Covers Taunton, Bridgwater, Wellington, Tiverton and surrounding areas.
ABC Maintenance Fully experienced home maintenance professional. Covers Taunton, Bridgwater, Wellington, Tiverton and surrounding areas. Contact: 07752 814027 AML Home Maintenance Fully experienced home maintenance professional. Covers Taunton, Bridgwater, Wellington, Tiverton and surrounding areas. Contact: 07851 468455
Residential Lettings Homefinders Taunton & Cullompton Providing a fully comprehensive lettings and management service. Established in Cullompton fin 1989 and a new office now in Taunton. www.homefindersdevon.co.uk Contact: 01823 277795 / lettings@ homefinderssomerset.com
66 The Southwest’s must have family magazine
Charley Nicholls Beauty Tantruth Spray Tans, Shellac / Minx Nails and All aspects of Beauty Treatments. Covers Taunton, Bridgwater, Wellington and surrounding areas. Contact: 07710 262577 The Beauty Consultancy Located within the busy village of Cannington, Somerset and offering a wide range of beauty treatments. www.thebeautyconsultancy.co.uk Contact: 01278 652922 / 07816 859943 / thebeautyconsultancy@live. co.uk To advertise your trade / local business here please contact 07923 201517 or sales@beebomagazine.co.uk
HomeFinders
TAUNTON IS NOW OPEN HomeFinders provide a comprehensive residential letting and management service to suit your requirements. Established since 1989 we have extensive knowledge of the Devon and Somerset property market. We are offering fantastic introductory offers to all new tenants and landlords
HomeFinders
The complete property letting service
Taunton Cullompton HomeFinders
25 East Reach Taunton TA1 3EP
The complete property letting service
Contact us on 01823 277 795 lettings@homefinderssomerset.com
www.homefinderssomerset.com
ARTWORK TO ADORN YOUR WALLS, SHELVES AND LIVES WITH Stripey Pipey is an online shop featuring original artworks created by London based designers Alice & Ben. From whimsical wall stickers to bespoke mixed media characters, Stripey Pipey brings you an unusual mix of artwork you will fall in love with. Stripey Pipey loves working on commissions. If you are looking for one-off unique pieces of work to treasure for yourself or give to someone special, you need to be talking to Stripey Pipey. Find Stripey Pipey on Facebook or get in touch: T: +44 (0) 7527 244 129 E: ALICE@STRIPEYPIPEY.COM